Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey

I don't think it's possible for anyone to not read this book. I was kicking myself for not reading this book earlier while I was reading it, and let me just say I'm kind of regretting my decision. Anyways, 4 out of 5 stars.

Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey
4 out of 5 stars
Published in 2011
Summary from Goodreads: A thrilling debut story of death, love, destiny and danger
Lenzi hears voices and has visions - gravestones, floods, a boy with steel gray eyes. Her boyfriend, Zak, can't help, and everything keeps getting louder and more intense. Then Lenzi meets Alden, the boy from her dreams, who reveals that she's a reincarnated Speaker - someone who can talk to and help lost souls - and that he has been her Protector for centuries.
Now Lenzi must choose between her life with Zak and the life she is destined to lead with Alden. But time is running out: a malevolent spirit is out to destroy Lenzi, and he will kill her if she doesn't make a decision soon.

Don't judge a book by its cover. Judge a book by its cover. You know how you can tell if a book is good or not? You look at the cover! If you're basically drooling just from looking at it, you know that you had got to hurry up and read the book! I was HOOKED just by looking at the petals. That color is so pretty! Major swooning by petals!

One thing I loved about Shattered Souls was that the plot was incredibly layered. In the beginning there were a multitude of mini situations that had to be solved. Towards the middle, they started merging into one. And in the end? Well, let's just say they were solved and then came the ending! I loved how it was incredibly smooth as well. The merging was flawless, and I was shocked at how nicely it was done. While some people don't really like that you don't find out who the villian is until you get really far into the book, I enjoyed the fact that the author could keep me reading that far and not get me bored.
Not only that, but it was incredibly unique. Shattered Souls has its own ideas, including some awesome stuff relating to Protectors and Speakers. I loved how it was in its own class. Shattered Souls is the only book you'll ever find like this, and don't worry, there are tons of twists! I was hooked- I could not stop gasping or reading!

Lenzi was definitely interesting; she actually has this huge secret about herself that she doesn't know. If you've read Shattered Souls, you know what I mean, but if you haven't, let's just say she isn't exactly who she thinks she is. Lenzi was a really good person. She was really nice and well-meaning, but she could also pull a few snarky responses. It was really cool how she could hear the lost souls. I loved how she was a Speaker! Lenzi was also pretty relatable considering the circumstances. I could not believe how real she felt. Throughout the book, I felt as if I were Lenzi, not just some reader.

Alden was not exactly expected. I didn't expect him to be so awesome. He was actually a pretty good character. You could tell he really liked Lenzi. He was definitely loyal, funny, charming and cool! Like Lenzi, he was also incredibly well-meaning and nice! I loved how Alden had these gray eyes; I really love gray eyes! It was so cool how he understood Lenzi. He and Lenzi had great chemistry! They were an awesome couple!

As for Zak, I could not believe him. I was drastically disgusted by him. I could not believe Lenzi actually liked him. He had this terrible temper, which caused him to do some pretty dumb stuff. I hated how protective he was of Lenzi; he actually thought he could wrap her around his finger. Plus he was actually pretty arrogant but not in a good way! I really did not like him. Whenever there was a scene involving him, I would literally just growl at the book! Still, the author wanted you to not like him, so I guess it's a good thing that I hate him....

Waiting on Wednesday: Girl of Nightmares

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine that features upcoming releases that we are waiting for.

This week's pre-publication "need-to-read-now" selection is:

Girl of Nightmares
By Kendare Blake
Publishing 8.07.12

Summary from Goodreads:

In this follow-up to Anna Dressed in Blood, Cas begins seeing Anna everywhere: sometimes when he’s asleep, and sometimes in waking nightmares. But something is very wrong. These aren’t just daydreams. Anna seems tortured, torn apart in new and ever more gruesome ways every time she appears.

Cas doesn’t know what happened to Anna when she disappeared into Hell, but he knows she doesn’t deserve whatever is happening to her now. Anna saved Cas more than once, and it’s time for him to return the favor.

I loved Anna Dressed in Blood. Actually, I'm not exactly sure if love is a strong enough word for it. Anna Dressed in Blood is the only book I obsess over to everyone. My friends, my family and everyone else that knows me has heard "Anna Dressed in Blood" said way too many times.

Luckily for them, I'm not saying "Anna Dressed in Blood" anymore. I'm saying "Girl of Nightmares."

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.

Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

Did I mention that I love creepy, crazy, cool books? That give you nightmares when you're awake? Well, I do. I like books that are slightly insane and different and totally awesome. This was no exception. So, without further ado, 5 out of 5 stars!

Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake
Published 8.30.11
5 out of 5 bloody stars
Summary from Goodreads.com: Cas Lowood has inherited an unusual vocation: He kills the dead.

So did his father before him, until he was gruesomely murdered by a ghost he sought to kill. Now, armed with his father's mysterious and deadly athame, Cas travels the country with his kitchen-witch mother and their spirit-sniffing cat. Together they follow legends and local lore, trying to keep up with the murderous dead—keeping pesky things like the future and friends at bay.

When they arrive in a new town in search of a ghost the locals call Anna Dressed in Blood, Cas doesn't expect anything outside of the ordinary: track, hunt, kill. What he finds instead is a girl entangled in curses and rage, a ghost like he's never faced before. She still wears the dress she wore on the day of her brutal murder in 1958: once white, now stained red and dripping with blood. Since her death, Anna has killed any and every person who has dared to step into the deserted Victorian she used to call home.

But she, for whatever reason, spares Cas's life.

To start, I absolutely devoured this cover! It's so pretty, creepy, dark and absolutely influential. Yes, influential. I started drawing Anna on the backs of papers, complete with blood and all. Not to mention I used like 5 pieces of paper...
Yeah, I love this cover.

Then there was this plot. What can I say? I loved it! Part love story, part horror, my favorite type! I loved how it starts with Anna, well kind of, and how she spares him. I love their romance, if you can call it that. It was so cute!!!!! I love how it's kind of a hate-love relationship (aka slow) so it seems realistic. I loved it and devoured it to read it to pieces!!
The horror. The horror part of this plot had me shocked and mumbling unintelligible words under my breath. Literally. The truth of his (insert spoiler but I'm not saying what it is) _________ had me floored! Kendare Blake is really good with twists and turns and curves... just saying. Basically, imagine people with their jaws dropping. Yup, that's this plot for you.

I love Cas Lowood! I love his attitude, his name, his awesomeness, everything. I love how he's actually not dumb, pretty observant, smart, clever and just Cas! He's definitely going on my crush list! I absolutely love him! (and his amazing knife skills...) Then there's this whole I'm-going-to-avenge-my-dad's-death thing that makes him even more irresistable! I. Love. Cas. Get the picture?
Swoon, swoon, swoon, I LOVE YOU CAS!

And then there was Anna. Whoa... I was not expecting her. She's stunning, stunning and stunning. Or a goddess, as Cas says. I really loved her character. She was so amazing! Or as I should say, stunning! Be ready to be shocked by her awesomeness! She's creepy, scary, bloody, and just plain Anna Dressed in Blood! Not to mention that she is probably the best ghost in the history of the world...
history of the universe, I mean.

I loved the uniqueness of this book. You usually don't get ghost-killer at all in a story. Or kitchen-witch. I liked how Kendare didn't shy away from a totally different mind-blowing story. I loved how Cas killed ghosts and all! And how he has this freaky athame to do it...
I wish I wrote this book instead! That's how much I love the uniqueness.

Also, this ending was the ultimate ending. It was perfect. It wasn't satisfying, but no amount of Cas and Anna will satisfy me. I need more! I couldn't believe this ending. It's jaw-dropping, mind-boggling, and out of this world! Literally... (I think Anna goes somewhere else and it's not Heaven...)

CAS CAN'T I BE YOUR GODDESS OF DEATH? Haha...

The Summoning, by Kelley Armstrong

I'm disappointed. I started this book thinking it would be my next favorite book. I thought it would be the bomb. But it really wasn't. At least not for me. It wasn't hard to get through, but it just didn't click. It was just okay, but that's not enough. So 3 out of 5 stars.

The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong
Published 7.1.2008
3 out of 5 stars
Summary from Goodreads: After years of frequent moves following her mother’s death, Chloe Saunders’s life is finally settling down. She is attending art school, pursuing her dreams of becoming a director, making friends, meeting boys. Her biggest concern is that she’s not developing as fast as her friends are. But when puberty does hit, it brings more than hormone surges. Chloe starts seeing ghosts–everywhere, demanding her attention. After she suffers a breakdown, her devoted aunt Lauren gets her into a highly recommended group home.

At first, Lyle House seems a pretty okay place, except for Chloe’s small problem of fearing she might be facing a lifetime of mental illness. But as she gradually gets to know the other kids at the home–charming Simon and his ominous, unsmiling brother Derek, obnoxious Tori, and Rae, who has a “thing” for fire–Chloe begins to realize that there is something that binds them all together, and it isn’t your usual “problem kid” behaviour. And together they discover that Lyle House is not your usual group home either…

Once upon a time, there was a book called The Summoning. And it was disappointing. Anyways, it had a very boring plot. Well boring compared to other YA plots. There weren't many surprises, barely any twists and about zero turns. If there were, they weren't that significant. I wasn't immersed in the plot. If anything, this plot isn't the strongest part of the story. Oh well. It had so much potential, but it was ruined.

Chloe. She was not exactly my favorite protagonist. She was just okay. Not hated by me, but not loved. It's like she wasn't there. Her presence was not noticed, even though she was the main character. It's kind of sad for me. How could I not even have an opinion on the main character?
She's short. That's kind of a trend going on in YA books, and I don't mind reading about short people. Well, that's because I am one. Anyways, that made her more relatable. If I can't say what I think about Chloe as a character, at least I can say she's relatable!

What surprised me was the lack of romance. This book is shelfed with romance 84 times. But I really didn't find any...
This book was hinting at possible relationships, but I really couldn't find any real ones. I really wanted a guy to add to the crush list, but I guess I have to wait for another book. Basically, this book needed more love because love makes the world go round!
Okay...

However, the Lyle House didn't seem normal... it seemed like it was in a different world, a parallel universe far, far away. I didn't feel like the Lyle House could actually exist. It's not believable or probable at all. It was a kind of nice concept gone wrong. No offense intended, of course. This is just how I feel about The Summoning.

I didn't dread this book but I didn't hate it either. So I'm neutral. I'm probably not going to pick up the sequel, but maybe. Once upon a time I thought The Summoning might be good, and in the same world it was. I might not find that world, but I know it's not this one.

Haunting Violet, by Alyxandra Harvey

“Tucking my nose into a book makes me completely oblivious to my surroundings. I would have made a terrible spy in the army--the first person to hand me a novel would have been able to shoot my head clean off without me noticing.” -Haunting Violet
Look at that quote!!! It's about reading! And books! And that means only one thing: it's awesome!!!!! I love books with characters that love books! In other words, 5 out of 5 stars! ...that aren't haunted...
That was cheesy.

Haunting Violet, by Alyxandra Harvey
Published June 21, 2011
5 out of 5 stars!
Summary from Goodreads:Violet Willoughby doesn't believe in ghosts. But they believe in her. After spending years participating in her mother's elaborate ruse as a fraudulent medium, Violet is about as skeptical as they come in all matters supernatural. Now that she is being visited by a very persistent ghost, one who suffered a violent death, Violet can no longer ignore her unique ability. She must figure out what this ghost is trying to communicate, and quickly because the killer is still on the loose.

Afraid of ruining her chance to escape her mother's scheming through an advantageous marriage, Violet must keep her ability secret. The only person who can help her is Colin, a friend she's known since childhood, and whom she has grown to love. He understands the true Violet, but helping her on this path means they might never be together. Can Violet find a way to help this ghost without ruining her own chance at a future free of lies?


Guess what? This book is a murder mystery! And a paranormal book! And a half, but not really, romance! I'm for it all, but really only for the murder! Still, this book has it all! And that's a good thing! Yay! Go a variety of intriging things!
Not only that, but this murder mystery is truly a mystery! The killer is the last person you'd suspect. I suspected a ton of people, but the killer was the one I didn't even think about! Let's just say this murderer is a very good murderer... is he? Or she?
Anyways, besides that, the plot is still astounding! It's actually kind of ironic if you think about it. In other words, Valerie loves this plot!!!!!!!!!! And you should love it too! Absolutely amazing!

Oh, the time! It's in 1872! In England! Victorian era, delicious description, nice narrating, totally an old-fashioned novel! That appeals to modern readers! Anyways... it's a beautiful setting totally worth raving about! I absolutely devoured this setting. And the story. Anyways, where else can you go besides London?

And ghosts... wow... I was not expecting that! Ghosts are usually the forbidden species, ignored by time and rain. But not anymore! In this book, ghosts are... pretty interesting, to say it at the least. And pretty awesome! So unique and captivating! There, I used big words!

And I liked Violet a lot. She was smart and clever and basically okay with me! Well more than okay, but still! She's strong, which I admire, a bookworm, which makes me even more okay with her, and a great friend, which is a must on my list. Basically, a perfect protagonist and a perfect main character to write about. Yay, and her name is Violet because she has violet eyes! I've always wanted violet eyes!

And then there's a guy. Colin, to be exact. He's your average bad boy. Yup, just average. But good-looking. Still, I like him a lot! Lots of good quotes. Lots of swoon-worthy moments. Lots and lots of admiration... from a certain Valerie. Anyways, Colin is pretty awesome for a Victorian dude. That's all you really need to know...

And all you'll ever get from me.