I am officially beyond hyper and more than crazy. But don't worry, it will be over in about two days. Hopefully. Anyways, I'm really excited right now to be writing the last post of the year! So because I'm still doing this on my Kindle, that means no pictures. But that's okay. I'll just use words.
Things I am going to do tomorrow: read, blog, eat, go crazy.
Things you should do tomorrow: read, read, read and read
Seems like I will be doing a lot more than you! And yes, I just took over your mind for the fun of it. Yay!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
The Ghost and the Goth by Stacey Kade
The first thing that I thought when I read the description was that Alona was a pretty awesome name. The second thing was that it seemed like a light read to be forgotten right after finishing that. But actually,I turned out to be quite wrong. This book is never going to be forgotten. I don't care what you remember, but you will remember something! 4 out of 5 stars.
The Ghost and the Goth by Stacey Kade
Published! :)
4 out of 5 stars
Summary from Goodreads: Alona Dare–Senior in high school, co-captain of the cheerleading squad, Homecoming Queen three years in a row, voted most likely to marry a movie star… and newly dead.
I’m the girl you hated in high school. Is it my fault I was born with it all-good looks, silky blond hair, a hot bod, and a keen sense of what everyone else should not be wearing? But my life isn’t perfect, especially since I died. Run over by a bus of band geeks—is there anything more humiliating? As it turns out, yes—watching your boyfriend and friends move on with life, only days after your funeral. And you wouldn’t believe what they’re saying about me now that they think I can’t hear them. To top it off, I’m starting to disappear, flickering in and out of existence. I don’t know where I go when I’m gone, but it’s not good. Where is that freaking white light already?
Will Killian–Senior in high school, outcast, dubbed “Will Kill” by the popular crowd for the unearthly aura around him, voted most likely to rob a bank…and a ghost-talker.
I can see, hear, and touch the dead. Unfortunately, they can also see, hear and touch me. Yeah, because surviving high school isn’t hard enough already. I’ve done my best to hide my “gift.” After all, my dad, who shared my ability, killed himself because of it when I was fifteen. But lately, pretending to be normal has gotten a lot harder. A new ghost—an anonymous, seething cloud of negative energy with the capacity to throw me around—is pursuing me with a vengeance. My mom, who knows nothing about what I can do, is worrying about the increase in odd incidents, my shrink is tossing around terms like “temporary confinement for psychiatric evaluation,” and my principal, who thinks I’m a disruption and a faker, is searching for every way possible to get rid of me. How many weeks until graduation?
I love this plot. The whole idea of a popular girl and a goth together might be cliche,but I still love it anyways! If you don't like that, I guarantee you will love other aspects of the plot, like the paranormal take and the humor of it all. Even the surprises are not your average surprises; they are ghosted up and changed with a bit of humor added in. In other words, this plot is a rollercoaster of a plot. Yes,I actually used rollercoaster in a sentence.
Alona is a really strong character that really strenghens the plot. She has just the right amount of wit and snark to seem like a mean girl without overdoing it. And while she is the mean girl,you can't help but sympathize with the poor spirit. And I did not call her a ghost. It is actually pretty interesting how she can get through the spirit life without going a little insane.
As for Will, let me just say he is not as crazy as you thought. He has reasons for listening to music all day in school,reasons for his odd habits. But of course you probaby already knew that, didn't you? He has his reasons to being an actually pretty awesome guy. Once you get to know him, you learn that he is definitely the most understanding, caring guy ever. Well, only if you're on his good side.
I really liked how Stacey did the perspectives of both Alona and Will. I got to know what they were both thinking. And all I will say is that it was really quite interesting...
She is an amazing writer with a refreshing sense of humor! Love it!And just to make it official, I, Valerie the gothic ballerina, totally recommend this book!
The Ghost and the Goth by Stacey Kade
Published! :)
4 out of 5 stars
Summary from Goodreads: Alona Dare–Senior in high school, co-captain of the cheerleading squad, Homecoming Queen three years in a row, voted most likely to marry a movie star… and newly dead.
I’m the girl you hated in high school. Is it my fault I was born with it all-good looks, silky blond hair, a hot bod, and a keen sense of what everyone else should not be wearing? But my life isn’t perfect, especially since I died. Run over by a bus of band geeks—is there anything more humiliating? As it turns out, yes—watching your boyfriend and friends move on with life, only days after your funeral. And you wouldn’t believe what they’re saying about me now that they think I can’t hear them. To top it off, I’m starting to disappear, flickering in and out of existence. I don’t know where I go when I’m gone, but it’s not good. Where is that freaking white light already?
Will Killian–Senior in high school, outcast, dubbed “Will Kill” by the popular crowd for the unearthly aura around him, voted most likely to rob a bank…and a ghost-talker.
I can see, hear, and touch the dead. Unfortunately, they can also see, hear and touch me. Yeah, because surviving high school isn’t hard enough already. I’ve done my best to hide my “gift.” After all, my dad, who shared my ability, killed himself because of it when I was fifteen. But lately, pretending to be normal has gotten a lot harder. A new ghost—an anonymous, seething cloud of negative energy with the capacity to throw me around—is pursuing me with a vengeance. My mom, who knows nothing about what I can do, is worrying about the increase in odd incidents, my shrink is tossing around terms like “temporary confinement for psychiatric evaluation,” and my principal, who thinks I’m a disruption and a faker, is searching for every way possible to get rid of me. How many weeks until graduation?
I love this plot. The whole idea of a popular girl and a goth together might be cliche,but I still love it anyways! If you don't like that, I guarantee you will love other aspects of the plot, like the paranormal take and the humor of it all. Even the surprises are not your average surprises; they are ghosted up and changed with a bit of humor added in. In other words, this plot is a rollercoaster of a plot. Yes,I actually used rollercoaster in a sentence.
Alona is a really strong character that really strenghens the plot. She has just the right amount of wit and snark to seem like a mean girl without overdoing it. And while she is the mean girl,you can't help but sympathize with the poor spirit. And I did not call her a ghost. It is actually pretty interesting how she can get through the spirit life without going a little insane.
As for Will, let me just say he is not as crazy as you thought. He has reasons for listening to music all day in school,reasons for his odd habits. But of course you probaby already knew that, didn't you? He has his reasons to being an actually pretty awesome guy. Once you get to know him, you learn that he is definitely the most understanding, caring guy ever. Well, only if you're on his good side.
I really liked how Stacey did the perspectives of both Alona and Will. I got to know what they were both thinking. And all I will say is that it was really quite interesting...
She is an amazing writer with a refreshing sense of humor! Love it!And just to make it official, I, Valerie the gothic ballerina, totally recommend this book!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
The Night Circus was published this year, with tons of buzz from the blogging world. So I still don't understand why it took me so long to finally start reading it. You see, that turned out to be a huge mistake that I actually kind of regret. 4 out of 5 stars.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
4 out of 5 stars
Out with 15,000+ ratings
Summary from Goodreads: The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night.
But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway—a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them, this is a game in which only one can be left standing, and the circus is but the stage for a remarkable battle of imagination and will. Despite themselves, however, Celia and Marco tumble headfirst into love—a deep, magical love that makes the lights flicker and the room grow warm whenever they so much as brush hands.
True love or not, the game must play out, and the fates of everyone involved, from the cast of extraordinary circus performers to the patrons, hang in the balance, suspended as precariously as the daring acrobats overhead.
Written in rich, seductive prose, this spell-casting novel is a feast for the senses and the heart.
The one thing that I love about this novel is Erin's ability to weave a magical plot. There are so many perspectives from so many different timesthat end up weaving together. Each person has a story that Erin coaxes out, a secret no longer. Surprises you don't expect, twists not foreseen, turns not known and things of magic are all courtesy of Erin. This plot is pure perfection, absolutely ravishing.
The romance between Marco and Celia is fragile and beautiful,an absolute treasure. I love the intensity of it. It is simply marvelous. They make the perfect couple,with personalities that complement each other. I love reading about them. Major swoons coming up! So sweet!
Not only that, but the characters themselves are created perfectly. Celia is easily tempered and very awesome. Marco tends to think things out more, but of course he's also very awesome. But I was most interested in the contortionist, Tsukiko. She has a story, a secret, a past, that you don't really figure out. And that makes her very mysterious indeed.
The Night Circus is so unique. The reader can't imagine how Erin managed to think up such interesting ideas, from the Ice Garden to the Wishing Tree. Everything is in the Night Circus and the Night Circus only. It is truly the only book where imagionation runs free and is allowed to. It is magically imagined,the perfect circus book for any thinker to encounter.
So to conclude,anyone and every one should read this book. It is a true gem of a novel.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
4 out of 5 stars
Out with 15,000+ ratings
Summary from Goodreads: The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night.
But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway—a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them, this is a game in which only one can be left standing, and the circus is but the stage for a remarkable battle of imagination and will. Despite themselves, however, Celia and Marco tumble headfirst into love—a deep, magical love that makes the lights flicker and the room grow warm whenever they so much as brush hands.
True love or not, the game must play out, and the fates of everyone involved, from the cast of extraordinary circus performers to the patrons, hang in the balance, suspended as precariously as the daring acrobats overhead.
Written in rich, seductive prose, this spell-casting novel is a feast for the senses and the heart.
The one thing that I love about this novel is Erin's ability to weave a magical plot. There are so many perspectives from so many different timesthat end up weaving together. Each person has a story that Erin coaxes out, a secret no longer. Surprises you don't expect, twists not foreseen, turns not known and things of magic are all courtesy of Erin. This plot is pure perfection, absolutely ravishing.
The romance between Marco and Celia is fragile and beautiful,an absolute treasure. I love the intensity of it. It is simply marvelous. They make the perfect couple,with personalities that complement each other. I love reading about them. Major swoons coming up! So sweet!
Not only that, but the characters themselves are created perfectly. Celia is easily tempered and very awesome. Marco tends to think things out more, but of course he's also very awesome. But I was most interested in the contortionist, Tsukiko. She has a story, a secret, a past, that you don't really figure out. And that makes her very mysterious indeed.
The Night Circus is so unique. The reader can't imagine how Erin managed to think up such interesting ideas, from the Ice Garden to the Wishing Tree. Everything is in the Night Circus and the Night Circus only. It is truly the only book where imagionation runs free and is allowed to. It is magically imagined,the perfect circus book for any thinker to encounter.
So to conclude,anyone and every one should read this book. It is a true gem of a novel.
Monday, December 26, 2011
A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray
I was a little reluctant to read this book because of all the bad reviews I've seen on Goodreads. Okay, so i admit to being influenced by haters, but hey there were a lot of bad reviews! But A Great and Terrible Beauty was actually pretty engrossing. 4 out of 5 stars.
A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray
4 out of 5 stars
Out! Celebrate!
Summary from Goodreads: A Victorian boarding school story, a Gothic mansion mystery, a gossipy romp about a clique of girlfriends, and a dark other-worldly fantasy--jumble them all together and you have this complicated and unusual first novel.
Sixteen-year-old Gemma has had an unconventional upbringing in India, until the day she foresees her mother's death in a black, swirling vision that turns out to be true. Sent back to England, she is enrolled at Spence, a girls' academy with a mysterious burned-out East Wing. There Gemma is snubbed by powerful Felicity, beautiful Pippa, and even her own dumpy roommate Ann, until she blackmails herself and Ann into the treacherous clique. Gemma is distressed to find that she has been followed from India by Kartik, a beautiful young man who warns her to fight off the visions. Nevertheless, they continue, and one night she is led by a child-spirit to find a diary that reveals the secrets of a mystical Order. The clique soon finds a way to accompany Gemma to the other-world realms of her visions "for a bit of fun" and to taste the power they will never have as Victorian wives, but they discover that the delights of the realms are overwhelmed by a menace they cannot control. Gemma is left with the knowledge that her role as the link between worlds leaves her with a mission to seek out the "others" and rebuild the Order. A Great and Terrible Beauty is an impressive first book in what should prove to be a fascinating trilogy.
Libba Bray has this rich writing style that is perfect for the time period. Elegant and classic, but still letting the reader feel comfortable and sane. I was caught up in her swirling prose, loving every letter of the book. It was definitely nice writing, at least in my opinion.
But I didn't just love the writing. I loved Gemma as a character. I was actually pretty impressed by her. While A Great and Terrible Beauty might take place in the 1800's, Gemma was anything but weak. You would expect her to be meek, unassuming and quiet. Instead, she was bold, smart and sassy. She'd even be a great character in modern times!
Even the plot was pretty good. At first, I didn't really uderstand why we would need the whole paranormal aspect. But then I realized it gave the story twists. Without the paranormal, A Great and Terrible Beauty is just your average boarding school book, complete with breakfast, eggs and all. Not very exciting. But now the author can add twists and turns to pass the plot off as good, thanks to paranormality. And that's exactly what Libba Bray did. And I loved every second of it!
However, sometimes this plot was a little too intense. It turned out to be confusing at some points. I didn't get a lot of whatever Libba was trying to hint at. Though I think it will probably make more sense in the next novel...
I think one reason why this book is so underrated is because of the title. Instead of A Great and Terrible Beauty, A Great and Terrible Power would make more sense. Other than that, I totally recommend this lush, mysterious novel!
A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray
4 out of 5 stars
Out! Celebrate!
Summary from Goodreads: A Victorian boarding school story, a Gothic mansion mystery, a gossipy romp about a clique of girlfriends, and a dark other-worldly fantasy--jumble them all together and you have this complicated and unusual first novel.
Sixteen-year-old Gemma has had an unconventional upbringing in India, until the day she foresees her mother's death in a black, swirling vision that turns out to be true. Sent back to England, she is enrolled at Spence, a girls' academy with a mysterious burned-out East Wing. There Gemma is snubbed by powerful Felicity, beautiful Pippa, and even her own dumpy roommate Ann, until she blackmails herself and Ann into the treacherous clique. Gemma is distressed to find that she has been followed from India by Kartik, a beautiful young man who warns her to fight off the visions. Nevertheless, they continue, and one night she is led by a child-spirit to find a diary that reveals the secrets of a mystical Order. The clique soon finds a way to accompany Gemma to the other-world realms of her visions "for a bit of fun" and to taste the power they will never have as Victorian wives, but they discover that the delights of the realms are overwhelmed by a menace they cannot control. Gemma is left with the knowledge that her role as the link between worlds leaves her with a mission to seek out the "others" and rebuild the Order. A Great and Terrible Beauty is an impressive first book in what should prove to be a fascinating trilogy.
Libba Bray has this rich writing style that is perfect for the time period. Elegant and classic, but still letting the reader feel comfortable and sane. I was caught up in her swirling prose, loving every letter of the book. It was definitely nice writing, at least in my opinion.
But I didn't just love the writing. I loved Gemma as a character. I was actually pretty impressed by her. While A Great and Terrible Beauty might take place in the 1800's, Gemma was anything but weak. You would expect her to be meek, unassuming and quiet. Instead, she was bold, smart and sassy. She'd even be a great character in modern times!
Even the plot was pretty good. At first, I didn't really uderstand why we would need the whole paranormal aspect. But then I realized it gave the story twists. Without the paranormal, A Great and Terrible Beauty is just your average boarding school book, complete with breakfast, eggs and all. Not very exciting. But now the author can add twists and turns to pass the plot off as good, thanks to paranormality. And that's exactly what Libba Bray did. And I loved every second of it!
However, sometimes this plot was a little too intense. It turned out to be confusing at some points. I didn't get a lot of whatever Libba was trying to hint at. Though I think it will probably make more sense in the next novel...
I think one reason why this book is so underrated is because of the title. Instead of A Great and Terrible Beauty, A Great and Terrible Power would make more sense. Other than that, I totally recommend this lush, mysterious novel!
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Legend by Marie Lu
Saying that I love Legend is a huge understatement. Saying that I'm carrying it around with me and saying quotes from it is more like it, even if it does make me seem a little obsessed...
5 MILLION STARS!
Legend by Marie Lu
5 Million Stars
Published 11.29.11
Summary from Goodreads: What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.
From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.
Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.
I LOVE DAY! He is definitely on my crush list! I love how he's kind of like the Robin Hood in the story, a very good-looking one. He's so caring and he puts his family first, even though it gets him in trouble. He's trusting and kind, even though he's a criminal. You'd think having a criminal image would make him soulless, but for Day it made him unforgettable.
But thats only half of it. The other half involves a very awesome prodigy. Her name is June. I love her determination to avenge her brother's death. It shows she really cares. Not only that, but she's smart and hardworking. She's a true heroine! It's so mindblowing how much she does, and all for her brother. We need more protagonists like june.
I loved how flawless Marie's writing was. You would never know it's a debut. It's so wise and new and sharp and soft. The simple truth is that you will never read anything like it, no matter how hard you search. Her writing is a rare treasure that must be shared. A treasure that makes you crazy for more of it...
This plot is epic. What starts off as one twist is actually many, but somehow they weave together by the end of the book. The plot is so unpredictable that I guarantee you will not guess it. It will blow you away. This is not your classic dystopian novel. This is a novel that has a plot with no equal. It will blow you away.
I love the relationship between Day and June. While I can't say much, I will say that it's certainly not your average relationship. It's better. Marie Lu somehow managed to avoid instalove, while still not falling victim to a slow romance. In other words, it's timed perfectly and it's pure perfection. Besides, Day and June are such a cute couple!
Legend is lengendary. There's no better way of putting it. And that's why I'm urging you to buy this book now. Don't put it back. You will regret it.
So... do you have Legend yet?
5 MILLION STARS!
Legend by Marie Lu
5 Million Stars
Published 11.29.11
Summary from Goodreads: What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.
From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.
Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.
I LOVE DAY! He is definitely on my crush list! I love how he's kind of like the Robin Hood in the story, a very good-looking one. He's so caring and he puts his family first, even though it gets him in trouble. He's trusting and kind, even though he's a criminal. You'd think having a criminal image would make him soulless, but for Day it made him unforgettable.
But thats only half of it. The other half involves a very awesome prodigy. Her name is June. I love her determination to avenge her brother's death. It shows she really cares. Not only that, but she's smart and hardworking. She's a true heroine! It's so mindblowing how much she does, and all for her brother. We need more protagonists like june.
I loved how flawless Marie's writing was. You would never know it's a debut. It's so wise and new and sharp and soft. The simple truth is that you will never read anything like it, no matter how hard you search. Her writing is a rare treasure that must be shared. A treasure that makes you crazy for more of it...
This plot is epic. What starts off as one twist is actually many, but somehow they weave together by the end of the book. The plot is so unpredictable that I guarantee you will not guess it. It will blow you away. This is not your classic dystopian novel. This is a novel that has a plot with no equal. It will blow you away.
I love the relationship between Day and June. While I can't say much, I will say that it's certainly not your average relationship. It's better. Marie Lu somehow managed to avoid instalove, while still not falling victim to a slow romance. In other words, it's timed perfectly and it's pure perfection. Besides, Day and June are such a cute couple!
Legend is lengendary. There's no better way of putting it. And that's why I'm urging you to buy this book now. Don't put it back. You will regret it.
So... do you have Legend yet?
Merry Christmas!
It's Christmas. I'm hyper. It's a little after midnight.
Valerie+ Christmas+ hyper = very bad combination
Since I really love Youtube right now, here's a kind of holiday related video to spread the cheer!
Little Drummer Boy
Valerie+ Christmas+ hyper = very bad combination
Since I really love Youtube right now, here's a kind of holiday related video to spread the cheer!
Little Drummer Boy
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close Trailer
It's amazing how a single trailer can change your life forever. It's amazing how that change can lead to another. And it's amazing how amazing this trailer is.
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close Trailer
IT COMES OUT TOMMORROW! (limited release)
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close Trailer
IT COMES OUT TOMMORROW! (limited release)
Thursday, December 22, 2011
High School Debut Volume 1 by Kazune Kawahara
High School Debut has officially put me back into my manga obsession. Now I'm going to go back to Mangahere and keep on reading amazing manga... well right after I finish writing this review. What is it with me and manga and going into happyland? Anyways, 4.5 out of 5 stars.
High School Debut Volume 1 by Kazune Kawahara
Published and Out!
4.5 out of 5 stars!
Summary from Goodreads: When Haruna Nagashima was in junior high her life consisted of playing softball and reading comics. But now that she's going to high school, Haruna decides to put all of her energy towards getting a boyfriend and having the high school romance of a lifetime. To help in her quest, she enlists cute upperclassman Yoh Komiyama to coach her as she eschews her jock tendencies and turns herself into the kind of girl who can catch a guy. Yo agrees, with one catch: Haruna had better not fall for him!
I guess I'll start off with the only thing I didn't like about this book: the cheese! It waskind of really cheesy, from the start to the end. I mean, since when do you ask a guy to help you to be more crush-worthy? And especially if it's a guy you don't know! But even though the amount of cheese was staggering, I was still going through the volume like crazy! So I still love this book even through all its setbacks (the cheese...)
But everything else I loved! For example, I loved the drawings! Kazune Kawahara is absolutely fantastic at drawing manga, and even that's an understatement. She made me fall in love with Yoh just because of his looks. Trust me, that takes skill. I'm normally not a girl who believes in love at first sight. Until now. She has this ability to capture feeling in her drawings, along with your heart. (Well only if you're looking at Yoh...)
Speaking of Yoh, I loved Yoh! He's probably the first crush I've had on a manga character...
He's jaded, good-looking, quiet, clever, and totally crush-worthy! Need I say more? Yes? Well, he's so amazing that even my friends love him! And that's saying a lot!
Enter Haruna. Okay, so she's kind of clueless, but I still like her anyways! It's really funny how her cluelessness puts her in the weirdest, oddest situations ever! Plus, she doesn't give up! And she's always optimistic! She really puts a smile on your face because she's just that sweet. I really love her. Awesomest manga character ever!
Then there was this plot. Now, it's basically just your average cliche manga plot, with some twists! So it wasn't terrible at all! And I actually didn't gag through it! Even though it was a mushy and lovey and all! Now that's kind of hard to believe when you're talking about plots. Still love this plot!
So read this awesome book because I said so! And because Yoh is amazing! :)
High School Debut Volume 1 by Kazune Kawahara
Published and Out!
4.5 out of 5 stars!
Summary from Goodreads: When Haruna Nagashima was in junior high her life consisted of playing softball and reading comics. But now that she's going to high school, Haruna decides to put all of her energy towards getting a boyfriend and having the high school romance of a lifetime. To help in her quest, she enlists cute upperclassman Yoh Komiyama to coach her as she eschews her jock tendencies and turns herself into the kind of girl who can catch a guy. Yo agrees, with one catch: Haruna had better not fall for him!
I guess I'll start off with the only thing I didn't like about this book: the cheese! It was
But everything else I loved! For example, I loved the drawings! Kazune Kawahara is absolutely fantastic at drawing manga, and even that's an understatement. She made me fall in love with Yoh just because of his looks. Trust me, that takes skill. I'm normally not a girl who believes in love at first sight. Until now. She has this ability to capture feeling in her drawings, along with your heart. (Well only if you're looking at Yoh...)
Speaking of Yoh, I loved Yoh! He's probably the first crush I've had on a manga character...
He's jaded, good-looking, quiet, clever, and totally crush-worthy! Need I say more? Yes? Well, he's so amazing that even my friends love him! And that's saying a lot!
Enter Haruna. Okay, so she's kind of clueless, but I still like her anyways! It's really funny how her cluelessness puts her in the weirdest, oddest situations ever! Plus, she doesn't give up! And she's always optimistic! She really puts a smile on your face because she's just that sweet. I really love her. Awesomest manga character ever!
Then there was this plot. Now, it's basically just your average cliche manga plot, with some twists! So it wasn't terrible at all! And I actually didn't gag through it! Even though it was a mushy and lovey and all! Now that's kind of hard to believe when you're talking about plots. Still love this plot!
So read this awesome book because I said so! And because Yoh is amazing! :)
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Waiting on Wednesday: Above
Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It features pre-publication books that we can't wait to be released! This week's marvelous pick is:
Above by Leah Bobet
Publishing 4.01.12
Summary from Goodreads: An extraordinary debut urban fantasy about dangers outside and in.
Matthew has loved Ariel from the moment he found her in the tunnels, her bee's wings falling away. They live in Safe, an underground refuge for those fleeing the city Above--like Whisper, who speaks to ghosts, and Jack Flash, who can shoot lightning from his fingers.
But one terrifying night, an old enemy invades Safe with an army of shadows, and only Matthew, Ariel, and a few friends escape Above. As Matthew unravels the mystery of Safe's history and the shadows' attack, he realizes he must find a way to remake his home--not just for himself, but for Ariel, who needs him more than ever before.
ABOVE is the debut of an amazing new voice.
I love books with amazing covers, books that may or may not be about bees and books that are about girls (and maybe guys) named Ariel. So it's basically guaranteed that I'll love Above more than humanly possible. It's also guaranteed that there will be a WoW post about it too. And it's also guaranteed that I'll be telling people to put it on their to-read list (hint hint...)
So on April 1st, not only am I going to be playing tricks, but I will also be buying a certain book...
Why can't April 1st hurry up and come? How can I wait until then? Just wondering...
Above by Leah Bobet
Publishing 4.01.12
Summary from Goodreads: An extraordinary debut urban fantasy about dangers outside and in.
Matthew has loved Ariel from the moment he found her in the tunnels, her bee's wings falling away. They live in Safe, an underground refuge for those fleeing the city Above--like Whisper, who speaks to ghosts, and Jack Flash, who can shoot lightning from his fingers.
But one terrifying night, an old enemy invades Safe with an army of shadows, and only Matthew, Ariel, and a few friends escape Above. As Matthew unravels the mystery of Safe's history and the shadows' attack, he realizes he must find a way to remake his home--not just for himself, but for Ariel, who needs him more than ever before.
ABOVE is the debut of an amazing new voice.
I love books with amazing covers, books that may or may not be about bees and books that are about girls (and maybe guys) named Ariel. So it's basically guaranteed that I'll love Above more than humanly possible. It's also guaranteed that there will be a WoW post about it too. And it's also guaranteed that I'll be telling people to put it on their to-read list (hint hint...)
So on April 1st, not only am I going to be playing tricks, but I will also be buying a certain book...
Why can't April 1st hurry up and come? How can I wait until then? Just wondering...
What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen
I am a huge fan of all Sarah Dessen books. It started about two years ago, when my friend introduced me to her books. Now I can officially say I love her books! Why? Well, because I just finished her latest book, What Happened to Goodbye! 4 out of 5 stars.
What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen
Out! Yay!
4 out of 5 stars
Summary from Goodreads: Who is the real McLean?
Since her parents' bitter divorce, McLean and her dad, a restaurant consultant, have been on the move-four towns in two years. Estranged from her mother and her mother's new family, McLean has followed her dad in leaving the unhappy past behind. And each new place gives her a chance to try out a new persona: from cheerleader to drama diva. But now, for the first time, McLean discovers a desire to stay in one place and just be herself, whoever that is. Perhaps Dave, the guy next door, can help her find out.
Combining Sarah Dessen's trademark graceful writing, great characters, and compelling storytelling, What Happened to Goodbye is irresistible reading.
It's amazing how Sarah Dessen can tell the same story about a girl over and over again without it being boring. There's always a girl who changes with the help of quirky friends. And each time, there are some family issues and a guy. But no matter what, her books are still so good! So it's incredibly amazing...
McLean is definitely the most aggressive main character Sarah Dessen created yet. She's open about her anger and opinions from the beginning. She's not afraid to rebel against her mother or do things she wouldn't have done before. She's not afraid. But even more, she's a fighter. She's definitely a character that I love like crazy. She's definitely the awesomest protagonist ever!
Dave... well let's just say I don't have a set opinion about him. Yet. I felt like I didn't see enough of him throughout the story, but I liked what I did see about him. He was cool enough for my taste, but still. I guess I'm kind of glad that the guy in the story wasn't the main focus in the story though. It's pretty nice for a guy not be there as much.
I love how McLean's relationship with her parents change throughout the story. The development is huge, to put in loosely. In the beginning, McLean's bitter and mean towards her mother. In the end, I guess they're better. It's nice in a story when they change. Of course, this is Sarah Dessen, so everything's nice.
But one thing that you might not like is how Sarah Dessen's books always stay the same. You either like them or you don't. While I like how she can tell the same story over and over again, you might not. Some people just don't like getting the same story with a different cover, and that's fine. It just depends on what you like.
But I still recommend it anyways!
What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen
Out! Yay!
4 out of 5 stars
Summary from Goodreads: Who is the real McLean?
Since her parents' bitter divorce, McLean and her dad, a restaurant consultant, have been on the move-four towns in two years. Estranged from her mother and her mother's new family, McLean has followed her dad in leaving the unhappy past behind. And each new place gives her a chance to try out a new persona: from cheerleader to drama diva. But now, for the first time, McLean discovers a desire to stay in one place and just be herself, whoever that is. Perhaps Dave, the guy next door, can help her find out.
Combining Sarah Dessen's trademark graceful writing, great characters, and compelling storytelling, What Happened to Goodbye is irresistible reading.
It's amazing how Sarah Dessen can tell the same story about a girl over and over again without it being boring. There's always a girl who changes with the help of quirky friends. And each time, there are some family issues and a guy. But no matter what, her books are still so good! So it's incredibly amazing...
McLean is definitely the most aggressive main character Sarah Dessen created yet. She's open about her anger and opinions from the beginning. She's not afraid to rebel against her mother or do things she wouldn't have done before. She's not afraid. But even more, she's a fighter. She's definitely a character that I love like crazy. She's definitely the awesomest protagonist ever!
Dave... well let's just say I don't have a set opinion about him. Yet. I felt like I didn't see enough of him throughout the story, but I liked what I did see about him. He was cool enough for my taste, but still. I guess I'm kind of glad that the guy in the story wasn't the main focus in the story though. It's pretty nice for a guy not be there as much.
I love how McLean's relationship with her parents change throughout the story. The development is huge, to put in loosely. In the beginning, McLean's bitter and mean towards her mother. In the end, I guess they're better. It's nice in a story when they change. Of course, this is Sarah Dessen, so everything's nice.
But one thing that you might not like is how Sarah Dessen's books always stay the same. You either like them or you don't. While I like how she can tell the same story over and over again, you might not. Some people just don't like getting the same story with a different cover, and that's fine. It just depends on what you like.
But I still recommend it anyways!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Teaser Tuesday: What Happened to Goodbye
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
"Basketball," Dave said, "is not simply a sport. It's a religion."
~ Kindle pg. 291, What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen
- 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!
"Basketball," Dave said, "is not simply a sport. It's a religion."
~ Kindle pg. 291, What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen
Monday, December 19, 2011
Moonglass by Jessi Kirby
The first thing that caught me about this book was this title. I mean, doesn't Moonglass sound so mysterious? Heartstopping? Interesting? Unique? If you thought yes to any of the above, then you absolutely must read this debut by Jessi Kirby! 4 out of 5 stars!
Moonglass by Jessi Kirby
4 out of 5 stars
Published 5.3.11
Summary from Goodreads: From Jessi Kirby, a debut novel about confronting the past in order to move ahead.
I read once that water is a symbol for emotions. And for a while now, I've thought maybe my mother drowned in both.
Anna's life is upended when her father accepts a job transfer the summer before her junior year. It's bad enough that she has to leave her friends and her life behind, but her dad is moving them to the beach where her parents first met and fell in love- a place awash in memories that Anna would just as soon leave under the surface.
While life on the beach is pretty great, with ocean views and one adorable lifeguard in particular, there are also family secrets that were buried along the shore years ago. And the ebb and flow of the ocean's tide means that nothing- not the sea glass that she collects on the sand and not the truths behind Anna's mother's death- stays buried forever.
This book is about trying to understand, trying to get over things, and trying to start over. It's about trying to find yourself, trying to discover, and trying to well, just try. I guess I would say that this book is about trying. Trying to well, ah, try.
It's also about slightly more normal things, like running, going on the beach, and finding sea glass. So I liked it!
I really liked Anna. She was a pretty good character, with an awesome voice and style. (Talking style I mean...) She was thoughtful, mysterious, fun, and cool. I loved how she wasn't afraid to dream, imagine, and be totally amazing! She definitely is one pretty good character for acceptance and all. And she is your total beach girl- swimmer, diver, surfer. (Well, kind of...)
What I loved about this book is that it was kind of like some of Sarah Dessen's books. Getting over something? Check. A certain boy? Check. Totally good book? Check. Totally recommended by me? Check. So check this out from the library, or buy it from a bookstore, or somehow get your hands on it!
Moonglass is the book that will bring tears to your eyes if you're not careful. It's the book you won't expect to love this passionately. It's the book that will make you think- about the sea, about the world, and about the mysteries in the world. It's a book that will silently haunt you as you dream. But most of all, it will leave you craving for more.
Moonglass by Jessi Kirby
4 out of 5 stars
Published 5.3.11
Summary from Goodreads: From Jessi Kirby, a debut novel about confronting the past in order to move ahead.
I read once that water is a symbol for emotions. And for a while now, I've thought maybe my mother drowned in both.
Anna's life is upended when her father accepts a job transfer the summer before her junior year. It's bad enough that she has to leave her friends and her life behind, but her dad is moving them to the beach where her parents first met and fell in love- a place awash in memories that Anna would just as soon leave under the surface.
While life on the beach is pretty great, with ocean views and one adorable lifeguard in particular, there are also family secrets that were buried along the shore years ago. And the ebb and flow of the ocean's tide means that nothing- not the sea glass that she collects on the sand and not the truths behind Anna's mother's death- stays buried forever.
This book is about trying to understand, trying to get over things, and trying to start over. It's about trying to find yourself, trying to discover, and trying to well, just try. I guess I would say that this book is about trying. Trying to well, ah, try.
It's also about slightly more normal things, like running, going on the beach, and finding sea glass. So I liked it!
I really liked Anna. She was a pretty good character, with an awesome voice and style. (Talking style I mean...) She was thoughtful, mysterious, fun, and cool. I loved how she wasn't afraid to dream, imagine, and be totally amazing! She definitely is one pretty good character for acceptance and all. And she is your total beach girl- swimmer, diver, surfer. (Well, kind of...)
What I loved about this book is that it was kind of like some of Sarah Dessen's books. Getting over something? Check. A certain boy? Check. Totally good book? Check. Totally recommended by me? Check. So check this out from the library, or buy it from a bookstore, or somehow get your hands on it!
Moonglass is the book that will bring tears to your eyes if you're not careful. It's the book you won't expect to love this passionately. It's the book that will make you think- about the sea, about the world, and about the mysteries in the world. It's a book that will silently haunt you as you dream. But most of all, it will leave you craving for more.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Lament: the Faerie Queen's Deception by Maggie Stiefvater
Before Maggie Stiefvater wrote the Shiver series, she wrote Lament: the Faerie Queen's Deception. And that was the problem. Lament isn't as popular, nor is it as highly rated on Goodreads. So I was kind of reluctant to read it. But don't be! It's amazing! 4 out of 5 stars.
Lament: the Faerie Queen's Deception by Maggie Stiefvater
4 out fo 5 stars
Published 10.01.08
Summary from Goodreads: Sixteen-year-old Deirdre Monaghan is a painfully shy but prodigiously gifted musician. She's about to find out she's also a cloverhand—one who can see faeries. Deirdre finds herself infatuated with a mysterious boy who enters her ordinary suburban life, seemingly out of thin air. Trouble is, the enigmatic and gorgeous Luke turns out to be a gallowglass—a soulless faerie assassin. An equally hunky—and equally dangerous—dark faerie soldier named Aodhan is also stalking Deirdre. Sworn enemies, Luke and Aodhan each have a deadly assignment from the Faerie Queen. Namely, kill Deirdre before her music captures the attention of the Fae and threatens the Queen's sovereignty. Caught in the crossfire with Deirdre is James, her wisecracking but loyal best friend. Deirdre had been wishing her life weren't so dull, but getting trapped in the middle of a centuries-old faerie war isn't exactly what she had in mind . . .
I'm going to start off by saying this summary doesn't exactly give you the right perception of the book. I entered this book thinking there was going to be a love square- but no, I was wrong. I guess you could say there's a love triangle, but I thought there was only one true love interest.
His name is Luke, and he is the awesomest assassin yet! I love him. He has a past you can't guess- not until Maggie reveals it. His intentions are kind of unclear, he's not exactly the boy your mother would approve of, and he's unbelievably good-looking. In other words, my type of guy. Not to mention that he has no soul. You kind of have to meet him to understand why he is so crush-worthy.
Then there was this plot. I loved the idea of Celtic faerie lore, not just regular fairies (yes, with an i). Maggie Stiefvater brought in a ton of that and wove it into a story with tons of twists and turns. Let's just say you can't expect anything that happens to happen. And even when it does, you kind of just stare at the page gawking. And yes, that's exactly what happened to me.
I happen to have a huge admiration for Deirdre. She reminds me of all the characters who don't know their inner strength they possess. Just like how they seem weak, she seems shy. Just like how they don't know their strength, she doesn't either. Until she realizes that she has to because it's the only way she can survive. Yup, she inspired me enough to rant about her that long. But most of all, she's not boring! She wasn't a spineless dishrag, as Julie Kagawa would say.
Then there was this ending. It was bittersweet, real and not a perfect fairy tale ending, even though there were faeries. Did Maggie Stiefvater suddenly blank out and force out a sappy, fake happy ending? No! She followed her heart (maybe...) and wrote the most heartbreakingly beautiful ending. I admire her for that.
Just like all stories have an ending, this review must end too. So read this book and swoon because Luke's an awesome assassin!
Lament: the Faerie Queen's Deception by Maggie Stiefvater
4 out fo 5 stars
Published 10.01.08
Summary from Goodreads: Sixteen-year-old Deirdre Monaghan is a painfully shy but prodigiously gifted musician. She's about to find out she's also a cloverhand—one who can see faeries. Deirdre finds herself infatuated with a mysterious boy who enters her ordinary suburban life, seemingly out of thin air. Trouble is, the enigmatic and gorgeous Luke turns out to be a gallowglass—a soulless faerie assassin. An equally hunky—and equally dangerous—dark faerie soldier named Aodhan is also stalking Deirdre. Sworn enemies, Luke and Aodhan each have a deadly assignment from the Faerie Queen. Namely, kill Deirdre before her music captures the attention of the Fae and threatens the Queen's sovereignty. Caught in the crossfire with Deirdre is James, her wisecracking but loyal best friend. Deirdre had been wishing her life weren't so dull, but getting trapped in the middle of a centuries-old faerie war isn't exactly what she had in mind . . .
I'm going to start off by saying this summary doesn't exactly give you the right perception of the book. I entered this book thinking there was going to be a love square- but no, I was wrong. I guess you could say there's a love triangle, but I thought there was only one true love interest.
His name is Luke, and he is the awesomest assassin yet! I love him. He has a past you can't guess- not until Maggie reveals it. His intentions are kind of unclear, he's not exactly the boy your mother would approve of, and he's unbelievably good-looking. In other words, my type of guy. Not to mention that he has no soul. You kind of have to meet him to understand why he is so crush-worthy.
Then there was this plot. I loved the idea of Celtic faerie lore, not just regular fairies (yes, with an i). Maggie Stiefvater brought in a ton of that and wove it into a story with tons of twists and turns. Let's just say you can't expect anything that happens to happen. And even when it does, you kind of just stare at the page gawking. And yes, that's exactly what happened to me.
I happen to have a huge admiration for Deirdre. She reminds me of all the characters who don't know their inner strength they possess. Just like how they seem weak, she seems shy. Just like how they don't know their strength, she doesn't either. Until she realizes that she has to because it's the only way she can survive. Yup, she inspired me enough to rant about her that long. But most of all, she's not boring! She wasn't a spineless dishrag, as Julie Kagawa would say.
Then there was this ending. It was bittersweet, real and not a perfect fairy tale ending, even though there were faeries. Did Maggie Stiefvater suddenly blank out and force out a sappy, fake happy ending? No! She followed her heart (maybe...) and wrote the most heartbreakingly beautiful ending. I admire her for that.
Just like all stories have an ending, this review must end too. So read this book and swoon because Luke's an awesome assassin!
Friday, December 16, 2011
The Music Video I'm Currently Obsessed With
When I get obsessed with something, I seriously get obsessed. I just got over an obsession with Mulan, which lasted a whole year. I'm not kidding. Anyways, this obsession is kind of new. It's an obsession over Adele's song Someone like you. I love all her songs, but especially this one. So without further adieu, here it is:
Adele- Someone like You
Adele- Someone like You
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Angel Burn by L.A. Weatherly
This is another one of those books that is really hard to review because you absolutely loved it. My mind is struggling to create the write phrases to describe this book. It's incredibly hard for me to form complete thoughts. So basically 5 out of 5 stars!
Angel Burn by L.A. Weatherly
5 out of 5 stars
Out, out and out!
Summary from Goodreads: Willow knows she’s different from other girls, and not just because she loves tinkering with cars. Willow has a gift. She can look into the future and know people’s dreams and hopes, their sorrows and regrets, just by touching them. She has no idea where this power comes from. But the assassin, Alex, does. Gorgeous, mysterious Alex knows more about Willow than Willow herself does. He knows that her powers link to dark and dangerous forces and that he’s one of the few humans left who can fight them. When Alex finds himself falling in love with his sworn enemy, he discovers that nothing is as it seems, least of all good and evil. In the first book in an action-packed romantic trilogy, L. A. Weatherly sends readers on a thrill ride of a road trip — and depicts the human race at the brink of a future as catastrophic as it is deceptively beautiful.
I just want to start off by saying this isn't your average angel book. Instead of angels being the good guys here, most of these angels are mind-sucking, aura-taking monsters! They feed off of humans and cause insanity, craziness, and eventually death to the prey, or humans. She wasn't afraid to show how bad the angels were. And that takes skill.
I love the path L.A. Weatherly took with her plot. Every moment was action-packed, with lots of incidents with guns and all. I was never bored with Angel Burn, instead I was yearning for more. Every path she took with her writing led to more and more twists and turns. Throughout the book, I couldn't even predict one event! But let me just say this, once you find out everything, it just clicks! This is one good plot! I absolutely love, love, love it! And I can't wait to get my hands on the sequel!
Then there were the characters. Let's see, there's Willow, who may or may not be an angel. She's a pretty awesome heroine. I really, really like her because she's brave, beautiful and heroic. She is very kind and funny. She is the girl everyone should try to be. Why? Well, because she's the best! And because she has an awesome name!
There's also Alex, who isn't exactly your average bad boy or Prince Charming. But there's one thing he is: crush-worthy! He's really protective, charming and broken. Oh wow, I am in love with Alex! He is amazing! While he does have his flaws, I still love him. He is one crush worthy guy! And did I mention he was an assassin? I didn't? Well, he is one. He just happens to kill angels instead of people...
I loved this ending. It made me speechless, which is a pretty hard thing for a book to do. This ending is so bittersweet and perfect and beautiful. It made me want to tear my hair off, and that's a good thing...
... Well, kind of...
NOte: This book is also called Angel. For some reason, I chose to call it Angel Burn. If you search it up on Goodreads, they show both titles for this book, but it first comes up as Angel.
Angel Burn by L.A. Weatherly
5 out of 5 stars
Out, out and out!
Summary from Goodreads: Willow knows she’s different from other girls, and not just because she loves tinkering with cars. Willow has a gift. She can look into the future and know people’s dreams and hopes, their sorrows and regrets, just by touching them. She has no idea where this power comes from. But the assassin, Alex, does. Gorgeous, mysterious Alex knows more about Willow than Willow herself does. He knows that her powers link to dark and dangerous forces and that he’s one of the few humans left who can fight them. When Alex finds himself falling in love with his sworn enemy, he discovers that nothing is as it seems, least of all good and evil. In the first book in an action-packed romantic trilogy, L. A. Weatherly sends readers on a thrill ride of a road trip — and depicts the human race at the brink of a future as catastrophic as it is deceptively beautiful.
I just want to start off by saying this isn't your average angel book. Instead of angels being the good guys here, most of these angels are mind-sucking, aura-taking monsters! They feed off of humans and cause insanity, craziness, and eventually death to the prey, or humans. She wasn't afraid to show how bad the angels were. And that takes skill.
I love the path L.A. Weatherly took with her plot. Every moment was action-packed, with lots of incidents with guns and all. I was never bored with Angel Burn, instead I was yearning for more. Every path she took with her writing led to more and more twists and turns. Throughout the book, I couldn't even predict one event! But let me just say this, once you find out everything, it just clicks! This is one good plot! I absolutely love, love, love it! And I can't wait to get my hands on the sequel!
Then there were the characters. Let's see, there's Willow, who may or may not be an angel. She's a pretty awesome heroine. I really, really like her because she's brave, beautiful and heroic. She is very kind and funny. She is the girl everyone should try to be. Why? Well, because she's the best! And because she has an awesome name!
There's also Alex, who isn't exactly your average bad boy or Prince Charming. But there's one thing he is: crush-worthy! He's really protective, charming and broken. Oh wow, I am in love with Alex! He is amazing! While he does have his flaws, I still love him. He is one crush worthy guy! And did I mention he was an assassin? I didn't? Well, he is one. He just happens to kill angels instead of people...
I loved this ending. It made me speechless, which is a pretty hard thing for a book to do. This ending is so bittersweet and perfect and beautiful. It made me want to tear my hair off, and that's a good thing...
... Well, kind of...
NOte: This book is also called Angel. For some reason, I chose to call it Angel Burn. If you search it up on Goodreads, they show both titles for this book, but it first comes up as Angel.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Waiting on Wednesday: The Imortal Rules
"Waiting on" Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine the features not-yet-published books we want the whole entire world to preorder. (Or any other way you can get your hands on it...)
This weeks WoW pick is The Imortal Rules by Julie Kagawa!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Imortal Rules by Julie Kagawa
Publishing 04.24.12
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Summary from Goodreads: You will kill. The only question is when.
In the dark days since the insidious Red Lung virus decimated the human population, vampires have risen to rule the crumbling cities and suburbs. Uncontested Princes hold sway over diminished ranks of humans: their "pets." In exchange for their labor, loyalty and of course, their blood, these pets are registered, given food and shelter, permitted to survive.
Unregistered humans cling to fringes, scavenging for survival. Allison Sekemoto and her fellow Unregistereds are hunted, not only by vampires, but by rabids, the unholy result of Red Lung-infected vampires feeding on unwary humans. One night, Allie is attacked by a pack of rabids, saved by an unlikely hero...and turned vampire.
Uncomfortable in her undead skin, Allie falls in with a ragtag crew of humans seeking a cure, or cures: for Rabidism and for Vampirism. She's passing for human...for now. But the hunger is growing and will not be denied. Not for friendship—not even for love.
It's been a long time since I've read a good vampire book. For some reason, the vampire phase seems to be switching into a dystopian phase. Not that I mind, of course, but sometimes a girl really wants to read a vampire book! So I'm really excited for The Immortal Rules! Go vampires! (Yes, even you, Edward. You're still the classic sparkly vampire.)
Not only that, but I absolutely love all of Julie Kagawa's books. The Iron Fey series is epic! I so suggest them! Any book by Julie is automatically good, so I am really hyped for The Immortal Rules! And also, if Julie Kagawa could pull off the fairy thing, then she can definitely pull off the whole vampire thing!
Now I just need to get my fangs on this book! And get some fangs too...
This weeks WoW pick is The Imortal Rules by Julie Kagawa!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Imortal Rules by Julie Kagawa
Publishing 04.24.12
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Summary from Goodreads: You will kill. The only question is when.
In the dark days since the insidious Red Lung virus decimated the human population, vampires have risen to rule the crumbling cities and suburbs. Uncontested Princes hold sway over diminished ranks of humans: their "pets." In exchange for their labor, loyalty and of course, their blood, these pets are registered, given food and shelter, permitted to survive.
Unregistered humans cling to fringes, scavenging for survival. Allison Sekemoto and her fellow Unregistereds are hunted, not only by vampires, but by rabids, the unholy result of Red Lung-infected vampires feeding on unwary humans. One night, Allie is attacked by a pack of rabids, saved by an unlikely hero...and turned vampire.
Uncomfortable in her undead skin, Allie falls in with a ragtag crew of humans seeking a cure, or cures: for Rabidism and for Vampirism. She's passing for human...for now. But the hunger is growing and will not be denied. Not for friendship—not even for love.
It's been a long time since I've read a good vampire book. For some reason, the vampire phase seems to be switching into a dystopian phase. Not that I mind, of course, but sometimes a girl really wants to read a vampire book! So I'm really excited for The Immortal Rules! Go vampires! (Yes, even you, Edward. You're still the classic sparkly vampire.)
Not only that, but I absolutely love all of Julie Kagawa's books. The Iron Fey series is epic! I so suggest them! Any book by Julie is automatically good, so I am really hyped for The Immortal Rules! And also, if Julie Kagawa could pull off the fairy thing, then she can definitely pull off the whole vampire thing!
Now I just need to get my fangs on this book! And get some fangs too...
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Liebster Award... again!
Wow... I just recieved the Liebster Award again! So cool!
Anyways, this time the mindblowing Sara-Sadiya from Random and Booky gave it to me. Her blog is amazing! I love how peppy and energetic she seems on it. It makes me smile! Thank you, Sara-Sadiya! You're an awesome blogger and my sunshine for today! (and possibly eternity, but who knows?)
Here are my 5 additional chosen ones, who btw have bomb blogs too:
Vicky: Books, Biscuits & Tea
Laura Eno: A Shift in Dimensions
Rebecca: Reading Wishes
Kaja: A Splatter of Ink
Patti Roberts: Patti Roberts-Book Blog
Amazing bloggers who may or many not be angels in disquise. Blogs you should visit today because I said so. Oh, and here are the instructions for the winners:
Anyways, this time the mindblowing Sara-Sadiya from Random and Booky gave it to me. Her blog is amazing! I love how peppy and energetic she seems on it. It makes me smile! Thank you, Sara-Sadiya! You're an awesome blogger and my sunshine for today! (and possibly eternity, but who knows?)
Here are my 5 additional chosen ones, who btw have bomb blogs too:
Vicky: Books, Biscuits & Tea
Laura Eno: A Shift in Dimensions
Rebecca: Reading Wishes
Kaja: A Splatter of Ink
Patti Roberts: Patti Roberts-Book Blog
Amazing bloggers who may or many not be angels in disquise. Blogs you should visit today because I said so. Oh, and here are the instructions for the winners:
- Thank the person who gave them the award and link back to that person's blog
- Copy and paste the award to their blog
- Reveal the 5 blogs they have chosen to award, commenting on their blog to break the news!
- Hope those people in turn pay it forward by accepting and awarding "The Liebster Blog Award" to bloggers they would like to honor.
Liebster Blog Award
Whoa. As you can probably tell by the title, this post has something to do with the Liebster Blog Award. That's not a false statement. Apparently I just won the Liebster Award for freakishly awesome blogging! Yay! :)
So thanks to Lacey at:
http://laceyshoelaces.blogspot.com/
for choosing my blog to get this amazing award! Her blog is as amazing as the Liebster Blog Award because of her epic reviews, mindblowing button, amazing background! And by the way, I love her background too. So check out her blog!
And I have to choose 5 people to give the Liebster Award to, so here are the chosen ones (that's sounds epic!):
Jade: http://onceuponawanderer.blogspot.com/
Leah: http://leahjohnsonbookz.blogspot.com/
Cassandra: http://monkeycstars.blogspot.com/
Amy: http://followingthereader.blogspot.com/
Rose: http://thehauntedrose.blogspot.com/
These bloggers are all extremely awesome and amazing! (Well, that's why I chose them.) So check out their blogs for extreme coolness and creativeness!
Here are the rules (copied from Lacey):
In accepting the Liebster Blog Award, the recipient agrees to:
· Thank the person who gave them the award and link back to that person's blog
· Copy and paste the award to their blog
· Reveal the 5 blogs they have chosen to award, commenting on their blog to break the news!
· Hope those people in turn pay it forward by accepting and awarding "The Liebster Blog Award" to bloggers they would like to honor.
Teaser Tuesday: Angel Burn
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
Angel Burn by L.A. Weatherly
Published! :)
Summary from Goodreads: Willow knows she’s different from other girls, and not just because she loves tinkering with cars. Willow has a gift. She can look into the future and know people’s dreams and hopes, their sorrows and regrets, just by touching them. She has no idea where this power comes from. But the assassin, Alex, does. Gorgeous, mysterious Alex knows more about Willow than Willow herself does. He knows that her powers link to dark and dangerous forces and that he’s one of the few humans left who can fight them. When Alex finds himself falling in love with his sworn enemy, he discovers that nothing is as it seems, least of all good and evil. In the first book in an action-packed romantic trilogy, L. A. Weatherly sends readers on a thrill ride of a road trip — and depicts the human race at the brink of a future as catastrophic as it is deceptively beautiful.
"Yeah, but you're James Bond," I said. "James Bond doesn't have to fix his own car."
-Angel Burn pg. 213 (Kindle Version)
- 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!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Angel Burn by L.A. Weatherly
Published! :)
Summary from Goodreads: Willow knows she’s different from other girls, and not just because she loves tinkering with cars. Willow has a gift. She can look into the future and know people’s dreams and hopes, their sorrows and regrets, just by touching them. She has no idea where this power comes from. But the assassin, Alex, does. Gorgeous, mysterious Alex knows more about Willow than Willow herself does. He knows that her powers link to dark and dangerous forces and that he’s one of the few humans left who can fight them. When Alex finds himself falling in love with his sworn enemy, he discovers that nothing is as it seems, least of all good and evil. In the first book in an action-packed romantic trilogy, L. A. Weatherly sends readers on a thrill ride of a road trip — and depicts the human race at the brink of a future as catastrophic as it is deceptively beautiful.
"Yeah, but you're James Bond," I said. "James Bond doesn't have to fix his own car."
-Angel Burn pg. 213 (Kindle Version)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Monday, December 12, 2011
The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson
I am officially creeped out. I stayed up late reading The Name of the Star under the covers with a flashlight, getting creeped out along the way. But hey, at least I finished it! Even though I kind of got a nightmare later... but it was amazing! And I came to a great conclusion: reading > sleep. 3.5 out of 5 bloody stars.
The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson
3.5 out of 5 stars
Published
Summary from Goodreads: The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago.
Soon "Rippermania" takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him. Even her roommate, who was walking with her at the time, didn't notice the mysterious man. So why can only Rory see him? And more urgently, why has Rory become his next target? In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities.
Best thing about this book? The plot. Oh wow, I am in plot heaven. (Literally...) Maureen Johnson has crafted a splendorific plot including, but not limited to, twists, turns, surprises and just a huge dose of creepy. And not to mention all the ghosts and all. I absolutely love the idea of turning Jack the Ripper into a YA story! And I also loved how I couldn't predict the ending! I was so shocked at the outcome!
I also loved the setting. I mean, who doesn't love London? London is the place to be when you write about ghosts or anything else. London is simply the place to be. Now, even though Rory doesn't get to actually see London as a tourist should, it's still a remarkable setting. She does get to tell you about all the cameras though...
However, I thought the romance was a terrible part of this writing. The guy, Jerome, is a very plain character with no charm or personality. In other words, he was okay. But he's not really in the story much, so I didn't see why Rory would be all over him (seriously, she was all over him...) I thought the romance was not necessary. It would have been better off without it.
The only other problem was that it took a long time to hook me. By the time I was hooked, The Name of the Star was already 79% finished. I had to force myself to turn the pages in the beginning. And I don't like to force myself...
But when you do get hooked, you have to flip the pages! Like crazy! (explanation for reading in bed)
So this book was worth the read. Definitely worth it. Just don't get too creeped out and you'll be fine...
Maybe...
Warning: There was a lot of death and gore and creepiness in this book. It's really overwhelming at times. So don't read this book if you get creeped out easily.
The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson
3.5 out of 5 stars
Published
Summary from Goodreads: The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago.
Soon "Rippermania" takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him. Even her roommate, who was walking with her at the time, didn't notice the mysterious man. So why can only Rory see him? And more urgently, why has Rory become his next target? In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities.
Best thing about this book? The plot. Oh wow, I am in plot heaven. (Literally...) Maureen Johnson has crafted a splendorific plot including, but not limited to, twists, turns, surprises and just a huge dose of creepy. And not to mention all the ghosts and all. I absolutely love the idea of turning Jack the Ripper into a YA story! And I also loved how I couldn't predict the ending! I was so shocked at the outcome!
I also loved the setting. I mean, who doesn't love London? London is the place to be when you write about ghosts or anything else. London is simply the place to be. Now, even though Rory doesn't get to actually see London as a tourist should, it's still a remarkable setting. She does get to tell you about all the cameras though...
However, I thought the romance was a terrible part of this writing. The guy, Jerome, is a very plain character with no charm or personality. In other words, he was okay. But he's not really in the story much, so I didn't see why Rory would be all over him (seriously, she was all over him...) I thought the romance was not necessary. It would have been better off without it.
The only other problem was that it took a long time to hook me. By the time I was hooked, The Name of the Star was already 79% finished. I had to force myself to turn the pages in the beginning. And I don't like to force myself...
But when you do get hooked, you have to flip the pages! Like crazy! (explanation for reading in bed)
So this book was worth the read. Definitely worth it. Just don't get too creeped out and you'll be fine...
Maybe...
Warning: There was a lot of death and gore and creepiness in this book. It's really overwhelming at times. So don't read this book if you get creeped out easily.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Where She Went by Gayle Forman
I've been sitting in front of this computer for ten minutes straight basically trying to write this review getting nothing. Okay, so maybe it was more like five, but that's not the point. The point is that this book is incredibly hard for me to write a review of because it was perfect. So 5 out of 5 stars just because it was that great.
Where She Went by Gayle Forman
5 out of 5 stars!
Yup, it's out.
Summary from Goodreads.com: It's been three years since the devastating accident . . . three years since Mia walked out of Adam's life forever.
Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Juilliard's rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia's home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future - and each other.
Told from Adam's point of view in the spare, lyrical prose that defined If I Stay, Where She Went explores the devastation of grief, the promise of new hope, and the flame of rekindled romance.
There's one thing that stays the same throughout If I Stay and Where She Went: the beautiful writing or the spare, lyrical prose. Either way, it kind of reminds me of Maggie Stiefvater's writing style, with the same trademark beauty and awesomeness you have to devour. Even though Adam's mad and all at Mia, the beauty's still there in the writing. That takes skill, which I'm glad to say that Gayle Forman possesses.
I love the strength of the love between Adam and Mia. Even after three years, Adam can't stop thinking about her. And vice versa for Mia. I can't believe that it's that strong: their connection, their bond, their LOVE. (I'm sorry if this is cheesy, but it's true.) And I also love everything else as well.
I wasn't ready to have Mia in the story after what she did to Adam. So when they met, I was kind of tearing my skull out of my body. Kind of. But when Mia explains why she left and why she did what she did, I felt heartbroken. Speechless. Devoured. And I felt like crying. It was just that touching and loads and loads more.
Then there was the ending. I loved the ending, bittersweet, beautiful and just the way the reader wants it to end. (Think rekindled romance in the summary.) And I couldn't believe how amazing it was. It made me cry happy tears, well at least try to. It made me want to find Gayle Forman and thank her for such a perfect ending.
But most of all, it made me happy.
:) (Hopeful smile for another Gayle Forman book... hopefully.)
Where She Went by Gayle Forman
5 out of 5 stars!
Yup, it's out.
Summary from Goodreads.com: It's been three years since the devastating accident . . . three years since Mia walked out of Adam's life forever.
Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Juilliard's rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia's home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future - and each other.
Told from Adam's point of view in the spare, lyrical prose that defined If I Stay, Where She Went explores the devastation of grief, the promise of new hope, and the flame of rekindled romance.
There's one thing that stays the same throughout If I Stay and Where She Went: the beautiful writing or the spare, lyrical prose. Either way, it kind of reminds me of Maggie Stiefvater's writing style, with the same trademark beauty and awesomeness you have to devour. Even though Adam's mad and all at Mia, the beauty's still there in the writing. That takes skill, which I'm glad to say that Gayle Forman possesses.
I love the strength of the love between Adam and Mia. Even after three years, Adam can't stop thinking about her. And vice versa for Mia. I can't believe that it's that strong: their connection, their bond, their LOVE. (I'm sorry if this is cheesy, but it's true.) And I also love everything else as well.
I wasn't ready to have Mia in the story after what she did to Adam. So when they met, I was kind of tearing my skull out of my body. Kind of. But when Mia explains why she left and why she did what she did, I felt heartbroken. Speechless. Devoured. And I felt like crying. It was just that touching and loads and loads more.
Then there was the ending. I loved the ending, bittersweet, beautiful and just the way the reader wants it to end. (Think rekindled romance in the summary.) And I couldn't believe how amazing it was. It made me cry happy tears, well at least try to. It made me want to find Gayle Forman and thank her for such a perfect ending.
But most of all, it made me happy.
:) (Hopeful smile for another Gayle Forman book... hopefully.)
Friday, December 9, 2011
Featured Friday!
Featured Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Sara-Sadiya at Random and Booky. It was just started, and I'm the first one to be interviewed by her! Yay! Anyways, check out her blog for her really amazing reviews. Also, she's really nice and energetic, so like her because I like her. :)
V: Favorite book/s?
S: My favorite books are the Dairy Queen trilogy by Catherine Gilbert Murdock, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher.
V:Who taught you to read?
S: I think I sorta learned myself and school. My mom just read me a book a lot and I learned to read that. Then we learned in kindergarten and first grade too.
V: Favorite book about vampires?
S: I don't read a lot of vampire stuff. If you mean entirely dedicated to vampires then Vlad Todd Chronicles. If a book has vampires in general then The Mortal Instruments.
V:Favorite trilogy?
S: It's a tie between Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock and The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.
V:Favorite fictional guy ever?
S: I don't have a fictional crush.
V:Fave heroine of a book?
S: Katniss from The Hunger Games and DJ from Dairy Queen.
V:Favorite hobby?
S: Reading, of course.
V:Favorite picture book?
S: I'm gonna go with the Foot Book by Dr. Suess.
V:Favorite movie?
S: Hmmmmmmmmm. I have a bunch. The A-Team, Sherlock Holmes, Fast Five, I'll stop now.
If you want to see Sara-Sadiya's interview with me, check out her bomb blog for it! Yay!
V: Favorite book/s?
S: My favorite books are the Dairy Queen trilogy by Catherine Gilbert Murdock, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher.
V:Who taught you to read?
S: I think I sorta learned myself and school. My mom just read me a book a lot and I learned to read that. Then we learned in kindergarten and first grade too.
V: Favorite book about vampires?
S: I don't read a lot of vampire stuff. If you mean entirely dedicated to vampires then Vlad Todd Chronicles. If a book has vampires in general then The Mortal Instruments.
V:Favorite trilogy?
S: It's a tie between Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock and The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.
V:Favorite fictional guy ever?
S: I don't have a fictional crush.
V:Fave heroine of a book?
S: Katniss from The Hunger Games and DJ from Dairy Queen.
V:Favorite hobby?
S: Reading, of course.
V:Favorite picture book?
S: I'm gonna go with the Foot Book by Dr. Suess.
V:Favorite movie?
S: Hmmmmmmmmm. I have a bunch. The A-Team, Sherlock Holmes, Fast Five, I'll stop now.
And this was Featured Friday!
If you want to see Sara-Sadiya's interview with me, check out her bomb blog for it! Yay!
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen
Flipped is a book you will read over and over again just for the fun of it. Flipped is a book you will carry around with you just to know the lines. Flipped is a book you will give to all your friends so they can laugh along with you. Flipped is going to flip your life- 98% guaranteed! (The other two percent is for the ones who didn't even try reading it.) 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen
4.5 out of 5 stars
Out! Yay! Out!
Summary from Goodreads: Flipped is a romance told in two voices. The first time Juli Baker saw Bryce Loski, she flipped. The first time Bryce saw Juli, he ran. That’s pretty much the pattern for these two neighbors until the eighth grade, when, just as Juli is realizing Bryce isn’t as wonderful as she thought, Bryce is starting to see that Juli is pretty amazing. How these two teens manage to see beyond the surface of things and come together makes for a comic and poignant romance.
I can't believe Wendelin actually pulled this off. I mean, she went between Juli and Bryce flawlessly, mastering Bryce's humor and Juli's awesomeness. She made the book funny and serious. She made Bryce just Bryce without accidently weaving in some of Juli's style. And vice versa for Juli. I still am in shock from the utter perfection of it all!
Then there was the fact that Flipped wasn't cheesy at all! I can almost guarantee that any "puppy love" romance book is going to be cheesy. Of course, there's a reason it's called puppy love! But for some reason, Flipped was realistic, heartwarming, perfect and all without the cheesiness. I absolutely can't believe how accurate Wendelin was with it all!
I really liked the plot. You have Juli, who is madly in love with Bryce, and Bryce, who is so madly not in love with Juli. But as they journey through life, Juli realizes Bryce isn't that great, and Bryce realizes that Juli is truly amazing. I loved how it all came out to be, with chickens, a tree and a certain grandfather. I loved how Wendelin tied in all these odd things and made it work. But most of all, I loved the flip!!!
Character development is a huge thing I am obsessed with. In this case, it was mostly Bryce. Bryce is a coward at heart who basically hates Juli. But throughout the book, Bryce gets a grip and actually loves Juli! I can't believe he actually developed that much! Good job, Bryce! Don't worry, if Juli doesn't want you, I'm still available! JK! JK! Definite JK!
Anyways, I really loved this book. I love it enough to say that I love it: I love Flipped! Now everyone else, go read it and love it too!
Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen
4.5 out of 5 stars
Out! Yay! Out!
Summary from Goodreads: Flipped is a romance told in two voices. The first time Juli Baker saw Bryce Loski, she flipped. The first time Bryce saw Juli, he ran. That’s pretty much the pattern for these two neighbors until the eighth grade, when, just as Juli is realizing Bryce isn’t as wonderful as she thought, Bryce is starting to see that Juli is pretty amazing. How these two teens manage to see beyond the surface of things and come together makes for a comic and poignant romance.
I can't believe Wendelin actually pulled this off. I mean, she went between Juli and Bryce flawlessly, mastering Bryce's humor and Juli's awesomeness. She made the book funny and serious. She made Bryce just Bryce without accidently weaving in some of Juli's style. And vice versa for Juli. I still am in shock from the utter perfection of it all!
Then there was the fact that Flipped wasn't cheesy at all! I can almost guarantee that any "puppy love" romance book is going to be cheesy. Of course, there's a reason it's called puppy love! But for some reason, Flipped was realistic, heartwarming, perfect and all without the cheesiness. I absolutely can't believe how accurate Wendelin was with it all!
I really liked the plot. You have Juli, who is madly in love with Bryce, and Bryce, who is so madly not in love with Juli. But as they journey through life, Juli realizes Bryce isn't that great, and Bryce realizes that Juli is truly amazing. I loved how it all came out to be, with chickens, a tree and a certain grandfather. I loved how Wendelin tied in all these odd things and made it work. But most of all, I loved the flip!!!
Character development is a huge thing I am obsessed with. In this case, it was mostly Bryce. Bryce is a coward at heart who basically hates Juli. But throughout the book, Bryce gets a grip and actually loves Juli! I can't believe he actually developed that much! Good job, Bryce! Don't worry, if Juli doesn't want you, I'm still available! JK! JK! Definite JK!
Anyways, I really loved this book. I love it enough to say that I love it: I love Flipped! Now everyone else, go read it and love it too!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Waiting on Wednesday: Second Chance Summer
"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It spotlights upcoming releases that we absolutely can not wait for and will do anything just to read it now. Anyways, this week's book to pre-order today is Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson!
Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson
Publishing 5.8.12!
Summary from Goodreads: Taylor's family might not be the closest-knit – everyone is a little too busy and overscheduled – but for the most part, they get along fine. Then Taylor's dad gets devastating news that changes everything. Her parents decide that the family will spend the summer together at their old vacation home in the Pocono Mountains.
Crammed into a place much smaller and more rustic than they are used to, they begin to get to know each other again. And Taylor discovers that the people she thought she had left behind haven’t actually gone anywhere. Her former summer best friend is still around, as is her first boyfriend. . . and he's much cuter at seventeen than he was at twelve.
As the summer progresses, the Edwards become more of a family, and closer than they’ve ever been before. But all of them are very aware that they’re battling a ticking clock. Sometimes, though, there is just enough time to get a second chance – with family, with friends, and with love.
I've been getting into a chick-lit phase lately (yes, it's seriously called chick-lit)... and so that's why I've been rereading my Sarah Dessen books and all the other chick-lit books I own. But it gets kind of boring after a while, and I've really wanted to add some new books to my amazing-chick-lit-books list.
So I found Second Chance Summer. I don't know about you, but I love this idea of becoming more of a family. I like the idea of bonding through time and all. And then there was the guy...
I seriously have not read a chick-lit book without a guy. So I'm happy there's a guy in Second Chance Summer!
Absolutely can not wait. Breathe, Valerie, breathe. BREATHE!
Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson
Publishing 5.8.12!
Summary from Goodreads: Taylor's family might not be the closest-knit – everyone is a little too busy and overscheduled – but for the most part, they get along fine. Then Taylor's dad gets devastating news that changes everything. Her parents decide that the family will spend the summer together at their old vacation home in the Pocono Mountains.
Crammed into a place much smaller and more rustic than they are used to, they begin to get to know each other again. And Taylor discovers that the people she thought she had left behind haven’t actually gone anywhere. Her former summer best friend is still around, as is her first boyfriend. . . and he's much cuter at seventeen than he was at twelve.
As the summer progresses, the Edwards become more of a family, and closer than they’ve ever been before. But all of them are very aware that they’re battling a ticking clock. Sometimes, though, there is just enough time to get a second chance – with family, with friends, and with love.
I've been getting into a chick-lit phase lately (yes, it's seriously called chick-lit)... and so that's why I've been rereading my Sarah Dessen books and all the other chick-lit books I own. But it gets kind of boring after a while, and I've really wanted to add some new books to my amazing-chick-lit-books list.
So I found Second Chance Summer. I don't know about you, but I love this idea of becoming more of a family. I like the idea of bonding through time and all. And then there was the guy...
I seriously have not read a chick-lit book without a guy. So I'm happy there's a guy in Second Chance Summer!
Absolutely can not wait. Breathe, Valerie, breathe. BREATHE!
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Teaser Tuesday: Flipped
Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by MizB over at Should Be Reading!
To participate all you have to do is:
•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 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!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen
Out and so far amazing
Summary from Goodreads: Flipped is a romance told in two voices. The first time Juli Baker saw Bryce Loski, she flipped. The first time Bryce saw Juli, he ran. That’s pretty much the pattern for these two neighbors until the eighth grade, when, just as Juli is realizing Bryce isn’t as wonderful as she thought, Bryce is starting to see that Juli is pretty amazing. How these two teens manage to see beyond the surface of things and come together makes for a comic and poignant romance.
"Some of us get dipped in flat, some in satin, some in gloss...." He turned to me. "But every once in a while you find someone who's iridescent, and when you do, nothing will ever compare." -Flipped
This book is really funny so far, but it still teaches you lessons! And let me tell you, that's a sign of a great book. And a great writer. Let the holidays and reading begin!
To participate all you have to do is:
•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 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!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen
Out and so far amazing
Summary from Goodreads: Flipped is a romance told in two voices. The first time Juli Baker saw Bryce Loski, she flipped. The first time Bryce saw Juli, he ran. That’s pretty much the pattern for these two neighbors until the eighth grade, when, just as Juli is realizing Bryce isn’t as wonderful as she thought, Bryce is starting to see that Juli is pretty amazing. How these two teens manage to see beyond the surface of things and come together makes for a comic and poignant romance.
"Some of us get dipped in flat, some in satin, some in gloss...." He turned to me. "But every once in a while you find someone who's iridescent, and when you do, nothing will ever compare." -Flipped
This book is really funny so far, but it still teaches you lessons! And let me tell you, that's a sign of a great book. And a great writer. Let the holidays and reading begin!
Monday, December 5, 2011
Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler
Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler
5 out of 5 stars
Published 6.1.09
Summary from Goodreads: "Don’t worry, Anna. I’ll tell her, okay? Just let me think about the best way to do it."
"Okay."
"Promise me? Promise you won’t say anything?"
"Don’t worry.” I laughed. “It’s our secret, right?"
According to Anna’s best friend, Frankie, twenty days in Zanzibar Bay is the perfect opportunity to have a summer fling, and if they meet one boy every day, there’s a pretty good chance Anna will find her first summer romance. Anna lightheartedly agrees to the game, but there’s something she hasn’t told Frankie–she’s already had her romance, and it was with Frankie’s older brother, Matt, just before his tragic death one year ago.
TWENTY BOY SUMMER explores what it truly means to love someone, what it means to grieve, and ultimately, how to make the most of every beautiful moment life has to offer.
Wow... let's just say I wasn't expecting this. Anna and Frankie, are on their ABSE (Absolute Best Summer Ever), after Matt's death. Anna kind of falls in love, but she doesn't want to, because that means forgetting Matt. Forgetting Matt means getting over his death. Anna doesn't want to.
Throughout this book, Anna makes choices that she sometimes regrets. And sometimes she makes choices that she believes in. But no matter what, you always feel this connection to Anna. That's how relatable she is. You understand all her decisions and heartbreak and love. You understand why she can't let go- or rather, why she doesn't want to. She reminds me a lot of the main characters in Sarah Dessen's books, and that's a compliment.
Another thing I really loved was Sarah Ockler's writing style. (Whoa, she and Sarah Dessen have the same first name!) It was soft yet intense, beautiful yet harsh, and perfect! I absolutely loved how amazing it was! This book was a definite page-turner that had me staying up way late just to reach the last page. And I'm telling you, that takes skill... and some major writing style.
However: warning there was some innappropriateness going on, but not in the beginning of the book. You definitely probably need to judge whether or not you still want to read this book. You have been warned, and I leave you with three words:
Read this book!
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Beyond Terrific Book Trailers (btbt)
I have this huge love for book trailers. And usually if the trailer is good, I will automatically read the book. That's just the way it is with me. So these are some of the book trailers I love, even if I've already read the book. They're all so amazing! :)
Everneath by Brodi Ashton
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare
Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready
And to end this, I need 5 words: Only 3 days till Clockwork Prince!!! (3 isn't a word; it's a number)
So this is what I need to do: BREATHE! And maybe the time will come...
Everneath by Brodi Ashton
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare
Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready
And to end this, I need 5 words: Only 3 days till Clockwork Prince!!! (3 isn't a word; it's a number)
So this is what I need to do: BREATHE! And maybe the time will come...
Friday, December 2, 2011
Fallen by Lauren Kate
This book was recommended to me at least a million times. Not to mention I've heard about it at least a billion times. Also, do you know how many times Goodreads has recommended it to me? Even more! So I guess I was what you would call a reluctant reader. But hey, at least I ended up reading it... and liked it! 4 out of 5 stars.
Fallen by Lauren Kate
4 out of 5 stars
It's out! Yay!
Summary from Goodreads: There’s something achingly familiar about Daniel Grigori.
Mysterious and aloof, he captures Luce Price’s attention from the moment she sees him on her first day at the Sword & Cross boarding school in sultry Savannah, Georgia. He’s the one bright spot in a place where cell phones are forbidden, the other students are all screw-ups, and security cameras watch every move.
Even though Daniel wants nothing to do with Luce–and goes out of his way to make that very clear–she can’t let it go. Drawn to him like a moth to a flame, she has to find out what Daniel is so desperate to keep secret . . . even if it kills her.
These were my reactions after I finished reading Fallen: Daniel! Cam! Cam! Daniel! Daniel! Cam! ...and so on. So basically I was actually immersed into this whole triangle. Fallen was good enough to make me torn between the two! Yay! Anyways, I liked Daniel because he was the one for Luce. But I also liked Cam because he was actually pretty charming and awesome and a total bad boy. I like my bad boys. Yay for Cam!
I thought the whole idea of what Lauren Kate weaved in about Daniel was pretty cool. (The God of No Spoilers says no spoilers!) Just when the plot was slowing down, Lauren's awesome idea came to the rescue! So this plot was pretty good. It had twists, surprises, turns and all other sorts of amazingness like that. So I was happy with this plot. It was a lot better than some other plots... (not naming names...)
Luce was a pretty nice character. She can be feisty, shy, nice, whatever she wants to be. I liked that she meant well for the most part and was not too selfish. She seemed fairly relatable and amazing! I think she'll be even more interesting and intriguing in the later books. I can't wait! So she will definitely be remembered as one of Valerie's favorite characters.
And I loved the cover! This cover is as epic as Anna Dressed in Blood's cover! And that's saying a lot...
I loved her dress, her hair, her skin, everything! So let me conclude by saying: this cover and this book is epic! Epic, I say, epic! Go epicness!
Fallen by Lauren Kate
4 out of 5 stars
It's out! Yay!
Summary from Goodreads: There’s something achingly familiar about Daniel Grigori.
Mysterious and aloof, he captures Luce Price’s attention from the moment she sees him on her first day at the Sword & Cross boarding school in sultry Savannah, Georgia. He’s the one bright spot in a place where cell phones are forbidden, the other students are all screw-ups, and security cameras watch every move.
Even though Daniel wants nothing to do with Luce–and goes out of his way to make that very clear–she can’t let it go. Drawn to him like a moth to a flame, she has to find out what Daniel is so desperate to keep secret . . . even if it kills her.
These were my reactions after I finished reading Fallen: Daniel! Cam! Cam! Daniel! Daniel! Cam! ...and so on. So basically I was actually immersed into this whole triangle. Fallen was good enough to make me torn between the two! Yay! Anyways, I liked Daniel because he was the one for Luce. But I also liked Cam because he was actually pretty charming and awesome and a total bad boy. I like my bad boys. Yay for Cam!
I thought the whole idea of what Lauren Kate weaved in about Daniel was pretty cool. (The God of No Spoilers says no spoilers!) Just when the plot was slowing down, Lauren's awesome idea came to the rescue! So this plot was pretty good. It had twists, surprises, turns and all other sorts of amazingness like that. So I was happy with this plot. It was a lot better than some other plots... (not naming names...)
Luce was a pretty nice character. She can be feisty, shy, nice, whatever she wants to be. I liked that she meant well for the most part and was not too selfish. She seemed fairly relatable and amazing! I think she'll be even more interesting and intriguing in the later books. I can't wait! So she will definitely be remembered as one of Valerie's favorite characters.
And I loved the cover! This cover is as epic as Anna Dressed in Blood's cover! And that's saying a lot...
I loved her dress, her hair, her skin, everything! So let me conclude by saying: this cover and this book is epic! Epic, I say, epic! Go epicness!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Everneath by Brodi Ashton
I am currently in shock. This book has made me completely and utterly speechless. I can not believe what just happened and just the amazing book Everneath turned out to be. I can't believe that I can't believe it, if that makes any sense at all. So 5 out of 5 stars!
Everneath by Brodi Ashton
Recieved from Netgalley
Publishing 1.24.12
5 out of 5 stars!
Summary from Goodreads: Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.
She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.
Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.
As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's...
There's something epically awesome about this cover that makes you want to read it. I felt that epically awesome feeling when I first discovered this book, and let me just say one thing: the writing is as amazing as the cover!!! That's saying a lot.
The first thing that captured me was Nikki herself. What I admired about her was that she wasn't afraid to remember or admit that she made a huge mistake. Another thing I liked about her was that she actually thought about others, putting Jack's needs before hers. Well, most of the time. I thought she was really amazing for doing that. She's the true YA heroine for being such an amazing person after she returned to the Surface!
The second thing was actually two certain guys, Jack and Cole. You're first introduced to Cole, so I'll start with him. I'm still a little suspicious of him, but other than that, I'd say he's actually pretty charming. He's just your average bad boy, with a huge twist. And I loved him! Well, other than the whole I-don't-really-know-you-that-well part...
It's true. Even after the first book, you still don't really know his motives.
Then there was Jack. At first I wasn't really a fan of Jack. I didn't see what was the big deal about him. But then, towards the middle of the book, I understood. Jack is amazing! That's an understatement. Jack is totally crush-worthy and my favorite YA guy ever and the awesomest character in Everneath other than Nikki!!!!!!
Now that's more like it. But most of all, I love him for what he did for Nikki at the end of the book. It was so bittersweet and surprising. I was literally crying tears because I was so moved. I love you, Jack. Don't be surprised if I put you on my crush list.
This plot was amazing. It was a new take on the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, and it was absolutely praise-worthy! I loved how it was kind of like the original tale with a ton of twists. And let me just use one word to describe what I felt for it: love! So love, love, loved this lifestopping plot!
And one more reason I loved this book: It wasn't cliche! May this be the one thing you think about for today! :)
Everneath by Brodi Ashton
Recieved from Netgalley
Publishing 1.24.12
5 out of 5 stars!
Summary from Goodreads: Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.
She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.
Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.
As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's...
There's something epically awesome about this cover that makes you want to read it. I felt that epically awesome feeling when I first discovered this book, and let me just say one thing: the writing is as amazing as the cover!!! That's saying a lot.
The first thing that captured me was Nikki herself. What I admired about her was that she wasn't afraid to remember or admit that she made a huge mistake. Another thing I liked about her was that she actually thought about others, putting Jack's needs before hers. Well, most of the time. I thought she was really amazing for doing that. She's the true YA heroine for being such an amazing person after she returned to the Surface!
The second thing was actually two certain guys, Jack and Cole. You're first introduced to Cole, so I'll start with him. I'm still a little suspicious of him, but other than that, I'd say he's actually pretty charming. He's just your average bad boy, with a huge twist. And I loved him! Well, other than the whole I-don't-really-know-you-that-well part...
It's true. Even after the first book, you still don't really know his motives.
Then there was Jack. At first I wasn't really a fan of Jack. I didn't see what was the big deal about him. But then, towards the middle of the book, I understood. Jack is amazing! That's an understatement. Jack is totally crush-worthy and my favorite YA guy ever and the awesomest character in Everneath other than Nikki!!!!!!
Now that's more like it. But most of all, I love him for what he did for Nikki at the end of the book. It was so bittersweet and surprising. I was literally crying tears because I was so moved. I love you, Jack. Don't be surprised if I put you on my crush list.
This plot was amazing. It was a new take on the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, and it was absolutely praise-worthy! I loved how it was kind of like the original tale with a ton of twists. And let me just use one word to describe what I felt for it: love! So love, love, loved this lifestopping plot!
And one more reason I loved this book: It wasn't cliche! May this be the one thing you think about for today! :)
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Waiting on Wednesday: Article 5
"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:
Article 5 by Kristen Simmons!
Article 5 by Kristen Simmons
Publishing 2.14.12
Publisher: Tor Teen
Summary from Goodreads: New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., have been abandoned.
The Bill of Rights has been revoked, and replaced with the Moral Statutes.
There are no more police—instead, there are soldiers. There are no more fines for bad behavior—instead, there are arrests, trials, and maybe worse. People who get arrested usually don't come back.
Seventeen-year-old Ember Miller is old enough to remember that things weren’t always this way. Living with her rebellious single mother, it’s hard for her to forget that people weren’t always arrested for reading the wrong books or staying out after dark. It’s hard to forget that life in the United States used to be different.
Ember has perfected the art of keeping a low profile. She knows how to get the things she needs, like food stamps and hand-me-down clothes, and how to pass the random home inspections by the military. Her life is as close to peaceful as circumstances allow.
That is, until her mother is arrested for noncompliance with Article 5 of the Moral Statutes. And one of the arresting officers is none other than Chase Jennings…the only boy Ember has ever loved.
Did I mention that I love dystopian? I did? Oh well, I say it again. I love dystopian! Especially when it involves romance, a hopefully strong heroine, a rebellious mother, and a guy! And daring to challenge what is fact and daring to be. Yup, just be.
I have this book on pre-order, and I absolutely can not wait! Why can't February come along already?
This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:
Article 5 by Kristen Simmons!
Article 5 by Kristen Simmons
Publishing 2.14.12
Publisher: Tor Teen
Summary from Goodreads: New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., have been abandoned.
The Bill of Rights has been revoked, and replaced with the Moral Statutes.
There are no more police—instead, there are soldiers. There are no more fines for bad behavior—instead, there are arrests, trials, and maybe worse. People who get arrested usually don't come back.
Seventeen-year-old Ember Miller is old enough to remember that things weren’t always this way. Living with her rebellious single mother, it’s hard for her to forget that people weren’t always arrested for reading the wrong books or staying out after dark. It’s hard to forget that life in the United States used to be different.
Ember has perfected the art of keeping a low profile. She knows how to get the things she needs, like food stamps and hand-me-down clothes, and how to pass the random home inspections by the military. Her life is as close to peaceful as circumstances allow.
That is, until her mother is arrested for noncompliance with Article 5 of the Moral Statutes. And one of the arresting officers is none other than Chase Jennings…the only boy Ember has ever loved.
Did I mention that I love dystopian? I did? Oh well, I say it again. I love dystopian! Especially when it involves romance, a hopefully strong heroine, a rebellious mother, and a guy! And daring to challenge what is fact and daring to be. Yup, just be.
I have this book on pre-order, and I absolutely can not wait! Why can't February come along already?
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa
I could review this books in four words if I really wanted to: This. Was. Freaking. Amazing. But then you wouldn't understand why... so I guess I'll have to review it as usual (even though I still haven't reviewed the Iron Fey #3 because it was just that good.) So out of its entire amazingness, 5 out of 5 stars.
The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa
the Iron Fey #4
5 out of 5 stars!
Oh, it's out!
Summary from Goodreads.com: Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing.
Unless he can earn a soul.
To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.
Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.
With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.
To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.
And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.
Forgive if this review is slightly weird or off or crazy or droopy, but the Iron Knight was absolutely amazing. This book has affected me, as seen in the review, but I don't really care! I'm too in love with Ash. So yeah. Anyways, here's my review minus all the shrieking and the demented smiling:
The Iron Knight is an amazing story about Ash's journey throught the River of Dreams, the Wylde, the End of the World and the Testing Grounds. It's a story showing his love for Meghan, his struggles, his amazingness, and his amazingness again. It's definitely my favorite out of the whole entire series, and that's saying a lot.
The plot for this book was definitely unbelievable, in a good way. It's Ash's journey... with just a few twists. I can't reveal who, but let's just say Ms. Kagawa ties all the loose ends from novellas, the past and everything else. All the people/creatures you were wondering about before are brought back in for a final book, and I loved it! (That's part of the twists.) There was also the whole journey part that made me love the plot more. **********SPOILER ALERT******** The river? The Guardian? The trials? I loved it!*******END SPOILER*******
This book was basically for Ash fans, so I got a lot of Ash.:) Yay! I loved how Ash narrated almost the entire book. You struggle with him, cry with him, laugh with him, and smile with him. You fall in love with him a little more, and if you're Team Puck, then you end up falling in love with him. So, basically he's definitely my favorite male protagonist ever. I. Love. You. Ash.
And then there was the total Puck-Ash feud that been going on since who-knows-when. Ms. Kagawa clears that up, well kind of. Anyways, I love how they get along. It's so awesomely realistic and epic that I absolutely love it! Besides, Puck is an awesome friend for Ash. May they stop trying to kill each other...
But mostly, I love the epic beauty of this book. Everything about it was beautiful, well almost. I loved how even the river and the fey all seemed beautiful. Even the writing was beautiful! And also sometimes the End Of The World and everything else...
So, basically I fell in love with this book, and you should too.
The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa
the Iron Fey #4
5 out of 5 stars!
Oh, it's out!
Summary from Goodreads.com: Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing.
Unless he can earn a soul.
To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.
Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.
With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.
To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.
And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.
Forgive if this review is slightly weird or off or crazy or droopy, but the Iron Knight was absolutely amazing. This book has affected me, as seen in the review, but I don't really care! I'm too in love with Ash. So yeah. Anyways, here's my review minus all the shrieking and the demented smiling:
The Iron Knight is an amazing story about Ash's journey throught the River of Dreams, the Wylde, the End of the World and the Testing Grounds. It's a story showing his love for Meghan, his struggles, his amazingness, and his amazingness again. It's definitely my favorite out of the whole entire series, and that's saying a lot.
The plot for this book was definitely unbelievable, in a good way. It's Ash's journey... with just a few twists. I can't reveal who, but let's just say Ms. Kagawa ties all the loose ends from novellas, the past and everything else. All the people/creatures you were wondering about before are brought back in for a final book, and I loved it! (That's part of the twists.) There was also the whole journey part that made me love the plot more. **********SPOILER ALERT******** The river? The Guardian? The trials? I loved it!*******END SPOILER*******
This book was basically for Ash fans, so I got a lot of Ash.:) Yay! I loved how Ash narrated almost the entire book. You struggle with him, cry with him, laugh with him, and smile with him. You fall in love with him a little more, and if you're Team Puck, then you end up falling in love with him. So, basically he's definitely my favorite male protagonist ever. I. Love. You. Ash.
And then there was the total Puck-Ash feud that been going on since who-knows-when. Ms. Kagawa clears that up, well kind of. Anyways, I love how they get along. It's so awesomely realistic and epic that I absolutely love it! Besides, Puck is an awesome friend for Ash. May they stop trying to kill each other...
But mostly, I love the epic beauty of this book. Everything about it was beautiful, well almost. I loved how even the river and the fey all seemed beautiful. Even the writing was beautiful! And also sometimes the End Of The World and everything else...
So, basically I fell in love with this book, and you should too.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Clockwork Prince Trailer!
The Clockwork Prince trailer came out today! If you want to see it, go here or
http://shelf-life.ew.com/2011/11/28/clockwork-prince-by-cassandra-clare-book-trailer-exclusive/ for the full-length video.
And my reaction to it was somewhere between an excited shiver and a shriek of glee. I can't wait for it to come out! And less than two weeks!
Just counting the seconds to its release...
http://shelf-life.ew.com/2011/11/28/clockwork-prince-by-cassandra-clare-book-trailer-exclusive/ for the full-length video.
And my reaction to it was somewhere between an excited shiver and a shriek of glee. I can't wait for it to come out! And less than two weeks!
Just counting the seconds to its release...
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Halo by Alexandra Adornetto
I like angels. They're so awesome and pure and white and... angelic? Not to mention that they're so soulful and cool and amazing and selfless and kind and just praise-worthy. But unfortunately I felt like this book didn't really meet up to the standards. So 3 out of 5 stars.
Halo by Alexandra Adornetto
Out
3 out of 5 stars
Summary from Goodreads: Three angels – Gabriel, the warrior; Ivy, the healer; and Bethany, the youngest and most human – are sent by Heaven to bring good to a world falling under the influence of darkness. They must work hard to conceal their luminous glow, superhuman powers, and, most dangerous of all, their wings, all the while avoiding all human attachments.
Then Bethany meets Xavier Woods, and neither of them is able to resist the attraction between them. Gabriel and Ivy do everything in their power to intervene, but the bond between Xavier and Bethany seems too strong. Then comes the brooding and popular new transfer, Jake Thorn... who just so happens to be in Bethany's class. Something about Jake seems to be hiding something darker, something more powerful than expected. That thing, and Xavier, distracts Bethany to a point that Gabriel and Ivy are concerned.
The angel’s mission is urgent, and dark forces are threatening. Will love ruin Bethany or save her?
There were only two problems I had with this book that ended up in a deduction of two stars.
1. The Cheese
I absolutely hate it when books are incredibly cheesy. And unfortunately, Halo is one of those books. It was so cheesy that I started ranted about the amount of cheese to all my friends and made them all annoyed with me. But that's not the point. The point is that the cheesiness in this book was unbearable, more unbearable than most books.
2. The Pace/Underwhelmingness
In the first 400 pages, basically nothing happened. I'm serious! It was basically just describe all my days at school and that's it. And unfortunately that happened for 400 pages. When this happens, the reader usually gets either mad or really mad. And I was really mad. So in a nutshell, it was slow.
However, just like there were its weak points, Halo also had its strong points. For example Bethany. Bethany was a fairly good character. She was kind-hearted, sweet, nice and basically an angel. I wish I were as good and nice as her. She was a fairly nice protagonist and definitely worthy of praise. At least in my opinion...
I also liked Alexandra's writing style. It was definitely one of the only exceptions to my no flowers policy! Sure the writing was flowery and all, but I actually enjoyed it for once! She also had the ability to describe every single thing in the story yet still not make me bored. That takes skill, which I fully admire.
And then there was the whole entire moral of the story. Okay, it was a cheesy moral, but who cares? It's a good moral! Be kind and be good make me scoff and agree at the same time. I'm still kind of deciding whether or not I like it...
So this was an okay read with a read-at-your-own-risk stamp on the book, courtesy of me.
Halo by Alexandra Adornetto
Out
3 out of 5 stars
Summary from Goodreads: Three angels – Gabriel, the warrior; Ivy, the healer; and Bethany, the youngest and most human – are sent by Heaven to bring good to a world falling under the influence of darkness. They must work hard to conceal their luminous glow, superhuman powers, and, most dangerous of all, their wings, all the while avoiding all human attachments.
Then Bethany meets Xavier Woods, and neither of them is able to resist the attraction between them. Gabriel and Ivy do everything in their power to intervene, but the bond between Xavier and Bethany seems too strong. Then comes the brooding and popular new transfer, Jake Thorn... who just so happens to be in Bethany's class. Something about Jake seems to be hiding something darker, something more powerful than expected. That thing, and Xavier, distracts Bethany to a point that Gabriel and Ivy are concerned.
The angel’s mission is urgent, and dark forces are threatening. Will love ruin Bethany or save her?
There were only two problems I had with this book that ended up in a deduction of two stars.
1. The Cheese
I absolutely hate it when books are incredibly cheesy. And unfortunately, Halo is one of those books. It was so cheesy that I started ranted about the amount of cheese to all my friends and made them all annoyed with me. But that's not the point. The point is that the cheesiness in this book was unbearable, more unbearable than most books.
2. The Pace/Underwhelmingness
In the first 400 pages, basically nothing happened. I'm serious! It was basically just describe all my days at school and that's it. And unfortunately that happened for 400 pages. When this happens, the reader usually gets either mad or really mad. And I was really mad. So in a nutshell, it was slow.
However, just like there were its weak points, Halo also had its strong points. For example Bethany. Bethany was a fairly good character. She was kind-hearted, sweet, nice and basically an angel. I wish I were as good and nice as her. She was a fairly nice protagonist and definitely worthy of praise. At least in my opinion...
I also liked Alexandra's writing style. It was definitely one of the only exceptions to my no flowers policy! Sure the writing was flowery and all, but I actually enjoyed it for once! She also had the ability to describe every single thing in the story yet still not make me bored. That takes skill, which I fully admire.
And then there was the whole entire moral of the story. Okay, it was a cheesy moral, but who cares? It's a good moral! Be kind and be good make me scoff and agree at the same time. I'm still kind of deciding whether or not I like it...
So this was an okay read with a read-at-your-own-risk stamp on the book, courtesy of me.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Evernight by Claudia Gray
Evernight should have been the cheesiest love story ever. It wasn't. Evernight should have been the most poorly written book ever. It wasn't. In fact, Evernight should have been like all the other cheesy paranormal books. It wasn't. So, because of that and because it's just amazing, 4 out of 5 stars!
Evernight by Claudia Gray
Published!
4 out of 5 stars
Summary from Goodreads: Bianca wants to escape.
She's been uprooted from her small hometown and enrolled at Evernight Academy, an eerie Gothic boarding school where the students are somehow too perfect: smart, sleek, and almost predatory. Bianca knows she doesn't fit in.
Then she meets Lucas. He's not the "Evernight type" either, and he likes it that way. Lucas ignores the rules, stands up to the snobs, and warns Bianca to be careful—even when it comes to caring about him.
"I couldn't stand it if they took it out on you," he tells Bianca, "and eventually they would."
But the connection between Bianca and Lucas can't be denied. Bianca will risk anything to be with Lucas, but dark secrets are fated to tear them apart . . . and to make Bianca question everything she's ever believed.
Okay, to begin, Bianca was definitely your kind of average girl. Notice I said to begin. She's kind of shy, kind of smart, kind of normal, but then in the middle of the book, she's something else. In the middle of the book you get this sudden change concerning who and what she is. That did not change what I thought about her. Throughout the whole entire book, I thought she was just okay. Even with the sudden change.
Then there was Lucas. Unfortunately, I also thought he was just okay. Even though he's kind of good-looking, kind of charming, kind of amazing...
Okay, he's pretty awesome! I have to admit that. But he's still kind of your average Prince Charming, not that I minded. So he's definitely pretty high up on my list of crushable fictional boys. And that's saying a lot.
I almost started comparing Evernight's plot to Twilight's plot. But then I realized Evernight's plot is a lot awesomer! There are a lot more twists and turns. And plot-wise, Evernight's plot is nothing like Twilight's. Sure there are vampires, but that's basically the only similarity. This plot had me gasping for breath and tearing through my Kindle for more! That's how amazing it was!
Another thing I absolutely must praise is Claudia Gray's style of writing. It was definitely a good third person, not too flowery at all. So I was really glad for no extra frills or flowers! And that's pretty rare for third person! Yay for Claudia Gray and her awesome writing style! And the praise continues...
Evernight by Claudia Gray
Published!
4 out of 5 stars
Summary from Goodreads: Bianca wants to escape.
She's been uprooted from her small hometown and enrolled at Evernight Academy, an eerie Gothic boarding school where the students are somehow too perfect: smart, sleek, and almost predatory. Bianca knows she doesn't fit in.
Then she meets Lucas. He's not the "Evernight type" either, and he likes it that way. Lucas ignores the rules, stands up to the snobs, and warns Bianca to be careful—even when it comes to caring about him.
"I couldn't stand it if they took it out on you," he tells Bianca, "and eventually they would."
But the connection between Bianca and Lucas can't be denied. Bianca will risk anything to be with Lucas, but dark secrets are fated to tear them apart . . . and to make Bianca question everything she's ever believed.
Okay, to begin, Bianca was definitely your kind of average girl. Notice I said to begin. She's kind of shy, kind of smart, kind of normal, but then in the middle of the book, she's something else. In the middle of the book you get this sudden change concerning who and what she is. That did not change what I thought about her. Throughout the whole entire book, I thought she was just okay. Even with the sudden change.
Then there was Lucas. Unfortunately, I also thought he was just okay. Even though he's kind of good-looking, kind of charming, kind of amazing...
Okay, he's pretty awesome! I have to admit that. But he's still kind of your average Prince Charming, not that I minded. So he's definitely pretty high up on my list of crushable fictional boys. And that's saying a lot.
I almost started comparing Evernight's plot to Twilight's plot. But then I realized Evernight's plot is a lot awesomer! There are a lot more twists and turns. And plot-wise, Evernight's plot is nothing like Twilight's. Sure there are vampires, but that's basically the only similarity. This plot had me gasping for breath and tearing through my Kindle for more! That's how amazing it was!
Another thing I absolutely must praise is Claudia Gray's style of writing. It was definitely a good third person, not too flowery at all. So I was really glad for no extra frills or flowers! And that's pretty rare for third person! Yay for Claudia Gray and her awesome writing style! And the praise continues...
Friday, November 25, 2011
The Gathering Storm by Robin Bridges
Let me begin my saying that I love reading debut novels. I like to know how good an author is at the beginning of their writing career, the start of their writing journey. This was no exception, as I absolutely loved Robin Bridge's debut! It was fantastic, marvelous and magical, all in one book! Spellcasting and absolutely wonderful! 4 out of 5 stormy stars...
The Gathering Storm by Robin Bridges
4 out of 5 stars
Recieved from Netgalley
Publishing 1.10.11
Summary from Goodreads: St. Petersburg, Russia, 1888. As she attends a whirl of glittering balls, royal debutante Katerina Alexandrovna, Duchess of Oldenburg, tries to hide a dark secret: she can raise the dead. No one knows. Not her family. Not the girls at her finishing school. Not the tsar or anyone in her aristocratic circle. Katerina considers her talent a curse, not a gift. But when she uses her special skill to protect a member of the Imperial Family, she finds herself caught in a web of intrigue.
An evil presence is growing within Europe's royal bloodlines—and those aligned with the darkness threaten to topple the tsar. Suddenly Katerina's strength as a necromancer attracts attention from unwelcome sources . . . including two young men—George Alexandrovich, the tsar's standoffish middle son, who needs Katerina's help to safeguard Russia, even if he's repelled by her secret, and the dashing Prince Danilo, heir to the throne of Montenegro, to whom Katerina feels inexplicably drawn.
The time has come for Katerina to embrace her power, but which side will she choose—and to whom will she give her heart?
I absolutely loved this setting! You don't really get a lot of books set in historic Russia, or even Russia at all. So it was a nice refreshing change to get swept into St. Petersburg. I loved the descriptions! I truly felt as if I was dancing at balls and dining at feasts. Robin Bridges is so great at describing every single thing in a limited amount of words. Besides, Russia is so coldly awesome!
Then there was the whole love triangle thing. I have to say, this love triangle was more like the love triangle in Paranormalcy by Kiersten White...
not that that's a bad thing of course. But there was an obvious awesomer knight in shining armor, verses a dark knight with a growth spurt. (Note: this comparison is not accurate!) It was kind of an alpha and beta triangle, with you rooting for the obvious choice. But I still loved it anyways!
And did I mention I loved George? He was charming, thought-provoking, handsome and definitely my first Russian crush! And I love him! Also, Katerina and George have this hate-love relationship, which makes it even more interesting! I love hate-love relationships! So suspenseful! (He's the alpha here.)
Then there was Danilo. I'm pretty impressed by him. See, the thing is he has this whole you-look-so-good-that-I-automatically-want-to-kiss-you thing going on. And I'm not kidding! He seriously does have that thing going! (Katerina experienced it herself.) So I honestly loved him too! But not exactly as much... cause he's the beta.
Katerina was an interesting character. First, she can raise the dead. That's already pretty interesting. You don't really get a lot of necromancers. Second, she's kind of high up in the social food chain. It was pretty interesting that way. She's one of the few "popular" protagonists that I know of.
The only problem I had with this book was that there were so many characters. It was hard to keep track of them all, but other than that I really loved this book. It was so awesome and elegant and Russian! So read this book when it comes out!
The Gathering Storm by Robin Bridges
4 out of 5 stars
Recieved from Netgalley
Publishing 1.10.11
Summary from Goodreads: St. Petersburg, Russia, 1888. As she attends a whirl of glittering balls, royal debutante Katerina Alexandrovna, Duchess of Oldenburg, tries to hide a dark secret: she can raise the dead. No one knows. Not her family. Not the girls at her finishing school. Not the tsar or anyone in her aristocratic circle. Katerina considers her talent a curse, not a gift. But when she uses her special skill to protect a member of the Imperial Family, she finds herself caught in a web of intrigue.
An evil presence is growing within Europe's royal bloodlines—and those aligned with the darkness threaten to topple the tsar. Suddenly Katerina's strength as a necromancer attracts attention from unwelcome sources . . . including two young men—George Alexandrovich, the tsar's standoffish middle son, who needs Katerina's help to safeguard Russia, even if he's repelled by her secret, and the dashing Prince Danilo, heir to the throne of Montenegro, to whom Katerina feels inexplicably drawn.
The time has come for Katerina to embrace her power, but which side will she choose—and to whom will she give her heart?
I absolutely loved this setting! You don't really get a lot of books set in historic Russia, or even Russia at all. So it was a nice refreshing change to get swept into St. Petersburg. I loved the descriptions! I truly felt as if I was dancing at balls and dining at feasts. Robin Bridges is so great at describing every single thing in a limited amount of words. Besides, Russia is so coldly awesome!
Then there was the whole love triangle thing. I have to say, this love triangle was more like the love triangle in Paranormalcy by Kiersten White...
not that that's a bad thing of course. But there was an obvious awesomer knight in shining armor, verses a dark knight with a growth spurt. (Note: this comparison is not accurate!) It was kind of an alpha and beta triangle, with you rooting for the obvious choice. But I still loved it anyways!
And did I mention I loved George? He was charming, thought-provoking, handsome and definitely my first Russian crush! And I love him! Also, Katerina and George have this hate-love relationship, which makes it even more interesting! I love hate-love relationships! So suspenseful! (He's the alpha here.)
Then there was Danilo. I'm pretty impressed by him. See, the thing is he has this whole you-look-so-good-that-I-automatically-want-to-kiss-you thing going on. And I'm not kidding! He seriously does have that thing going! (Katerina experienced it herself.) So I honestly loved him too! But not exactly as much... cause he's the beta.
Katerina was an interesting character. First, she can raise the dead. That's already pretty interesting. You don't really get a lot of necromancers. Second, she's kind of high up in the social food chain. It was pretty interesting that way. She's one of the few "popular" protagonists that I know of.
The only problem I had with this book was that there were so many characters. It was hard to keep track of them all, but other than that I really loved this book. It was so awesome and elegant and Russian! So read this book when it comes out!
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