Top Ten Tuesday (2)

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly MeMe hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, weeks top ten is Top Ten books I had strong emotions over.

1. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
Dumbledore dies, enough said.



2. 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Oh my gosh, I literally almost started sobbing during multiple points in this book. It's the most moving novel I've ever read.

3. Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead
Spirit Bound is part of the Vampire Academy series, all of which gave me strong emotions, but Spirit Bound was the one where I cried the hardest, my god I love these books.

4. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
This book inspired many different feelings in me, sadness, rage, overall unsettledness, in fact I don't think there was an emotion I DIDN'T feel when reading this.

5. Bliss by Lauren Myracle
This book TERRIFIED ME! It is literally one of the scariest books I have ever read.

6. Sold by Patricia McCormick
Usually I don't like verse novels, but this one is truly eye-opening

7. Hate List by Jennifer Brown
This book is about the after-math of a school shooting, it's touching, disturbing, and heart-wrenching.

8. Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott
The most disturbing YA story I have ever read, but not in a bad way.

So this week my Top ten is actually a Top eight. What's your top ten, do we have any of the same?

The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong

Sixteen-year-old Maya is just an ordinary teen in an ordinary town. Sure, she doesn't know much about her background - the only thing she really has to cling to is an odd paw-print birthmark on her hip - but she never really put much thought into who her parents were or how she ended up with her adopted parents in this tiny medical-research community on Vancouver Island.

Until now.

Strange things have been happening in this claustrophobic town - from the mountain lions that have been approaching Maya to her best friend's hidden talent for "feeling" out people and situations, to the sexy new bad boy who makes Maya feel . . . . different. Combine that with a few unexplained deaths and a mystery involving Maya's biological parents and it's easy to suspect that this town might have more than its share of skeletons in its closet. 

So I picked this book up because I'm a fan of Kelley's Darkest Power series, if you've read those you know that they are kind of a supernatural thriller with some romance thrown in, and they're a tad bit dark, by dark I mean scary and not very happy go lucky, less laughs more thrills. So that is what I was kind of expecting from this book.

I really enjoyed Maya as the main character, I loved her interactions with her parents and the confidence she had in herself. I also liked the way she approached Rafe (the sexy bad boy) she wasn't taking his bull, even if she did find him a little bit really sexy. That said I did like Rafe, he seemed nice and I did believe that he cared for Maya, however I would have to say that if Armstrong decided to create a love triangle between Maya, Rafe and Daniel (Maya's best friend) I would have to side with Daniel.  Daniel was nice and loyal, and I loved him!


The plot line of this book seemed predictable at first, but the end had me going "ummm what just happened?" I loved loved loved the shape-shifter thing, it's a paranormal aspect that I've always found intriguing but I feel like is never brought up outside of werewolves. I also liked how this book had serious parts but still had parts that made me laugh, quite hard in fact. As I said before Armstrong's Darkest Powers series was lacking in the laughs so the fact that this book had a lighter aspect was a surprise.


This book left me longing for the next book, and intrigued by the beautiful cover! The earring! The dark hair! The red lips! Give me more Maya, Daniel, and Rafe please!

Love, Inc. by Yvonne Collins and Sandy Rideout

Zahra, Kali, and Syd would never have met if their parents' marriages hadn't fallen apart. But when the three girls collide in group counseling, they discover they have something else in common: they've each been triple-timed by the same nefarious charmer, Eric, aka Rico, aka Rick. Talk about eye-opening therapy.
Cheerful, diplomatic Zahra is devastated. Rico had been her rock and sole confidant. How could she have missed the signs? Folksy, flirtatious Kali feels almost as bad. She and Rick had only been on a few dates, but they'd felt so promising. Hardened vintage-vixen Syd is beyond tears. She and Eric had real history... Or so she'd thought. Now all three girls have one mission: to show that cheater the folly of his ways.
Project Payback is such a success, the girls soon have clients lining up for their consulting services. Is your boyfriend acting shady? Dying to know if your crush is into you? Need match-making expertise? Look no further than Love, Inc.



So I saw this book a few months ago on another blog and thought it sounded great and of course promptly forgot about it, then a few weeks ago I saw it on my to-read list and picked it up from the library, and I'm so happy I did!


Within the first few pages of this book I could tell that I was going to like it mainly because I instantly liked Zahra. Zahra is someone that I could see myself being friends with, she's sweet and funny, and a little bit snarky when it comes to her family. In fact her interactions with her family were some of my favorite parts of the book since it was so unexpected, you think you're going to read a silly break-up story but BAM you get a little struggling-with-my-heritage thrown in. Anyways, back to the characters...... I didn't really like Kali and Syd at first but they grew on me, kind of like they grew on Zahra. I loved them for their unique personalities,and their problems, I actually teared up a few times when we got to see Syd's interactions with her family, and her reaction to the break-up with "Rico".


The storyline of this book was just fantastic, at first I was surprised at the length, since it seemed relatively long for a YA contemporary novel, but I actually thought it was the perfect length! In fact I wanted more! I guess you could say I kind of predicted the end, but I was still pleasantly surprised at the way it turned out, and I definitely laughed out loud at a few of the situations Zahra got herself into.


So if you enjoy love stories, revenge stories, stories about friendship, or stories about a girl struggling with her broken family, then this is definitely a book to consider picking up!

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a weekly MeMe hosted by The Story Siren where bloggers share what they got to read this week.

From the Library:

The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

I actually had this book a couple of months ago but I never got around to reading it. I remember liking the first one and I've been hearing amazing things about this series for awhile so i decided to check it out again.

The Forbidden Sea by Sheila A. Nielson

 I've wanted to read this one for awhile, and I love the cover!

Perchance to Dream by Lisa Mantchey

I read the first book in this series a few weeks ago and I enjoyed it, so I'm excited to dive into the sequel!

Queen of the Dead by Stacey Kade

I loved the first book! So I'm super excited to read this one!!

The Liar Society by Lisa & Laura Roecker

I'm really really excited to read this one, the story sounds so fun! And basically if the story takes place in a boarding school, you know it's gonna be awesome.

What did you get in your mailbox this week?

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Beatrice "Tris" Prior has reached the fateful age of sixteen, the stage at which teenagers in Veronica Roth's dystopian Chicago must select which of five factions to join for life. Each faction represents a virtue: Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, Amity, and Erudite. To the surprise of herself and her selfless Abnegation family, she chooses Dauntless, the path of courage. Her choice exposes her to the demanding, violent initiation rites of this group, but it also threatens to expose a personal secret that could place in mortal danger. Veronica Roth's young adult Divergent trilogy launches with a captivating adventure about love and loyalty playing out under most extreme circumstances.

Oh my fabulous! This book is the new Hunger Games, and yes, I just said that.


I loved every aspect of this book. I literally sat down thinking I would read a few pages before I went about my day (I had things to do) and instead I ended up reading the entire book! I canceled plans to read this book, I could not put it down!

The characters were fabulous! Tris, our main character, was awesome. She was kicking butt and taking names, and I loved every minute of it!  I loved the way she interacted with those around her, I got so attached to all of the characters, especially Four! If you combined Gale from The Hunger Games and Dmitri from Vampire Academy, they would make Four......... can you say awesome?


One of my favorite things about this book was the different factions. I found thiem fascinating, and I wanted to learn more about all of the ones we didn't hear much about, especially Amity and Candor. The world of Divergent was fascinating in general, it was so interesting and I wanted to learn more about it! Another thing I loved were the action sequences, it's really great to read a heart-pounding action scene every once and awhile!


This 2011 Debut lived up to all of the great reviews! Read this one today!!!

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly MeMe hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine where bloggers share the books they're waiting on this week!

This week I'm waiting on Don't Expect Magic by Kathy McCullough

Delaney Collins doesn't believe in fairy tales. And why should she? Her mom is dead, her best friend is across the country, and she's stuck in California with "Dr. Hank," her famous life-coach father—a man she barely knows. Happily ever after? Yeah, right.

Then Dr. Hank tells her an outrageous secret: he's a fairy godmother—an f.g.—and he can prove it. And by the way? The f.g. gene is hereditary. Meaning there's a good chance that New Jersey tough girl Delaney is someone's fairy godmother.

But what happens when a fairy godmother needs a wish of her own?

This book sounds so fun, and I love the cover! I feel like a lot of fairy godmother books have been popping up lately...... but I actually really like this YA trend!

Release Date: November 8th, 2011

What are you waiting on this week? 

Top Ten Tuesday (1)

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly MeMe hosted by The Broke and the Bookish where bloggers make a top ten list according to different questions asked each week. This weeks is "Top Ten Books I Loved, But Never Reviewed." Here goes....

1. The Luxe Series by Anna Godbersen: One of my favorite YA series of all time, love triangles! Fancy dresses! Old time New York!

2. The Percy Jackson Series by Rick Riordan: I love love love these books! They have something for everyone, and how awesome is Annabeth?

3.My Most Excellent Year by Steve Klueger: I did a brief overview of this book for another MeMe a couple of weeks ago, so obviously I love it! One of the best coming of age stories out there!

4. The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini: Simply amazing. The best honest to god fantasy out there today (in my personal opinion).

5. The Harry Potter Series: Do I really need to explain this?

6. The Bra's and Broomsticks series by Sarah Mlynowski: These books are so fun! They always make me laugh and Rachel is one of my favorite Main Characters in YA!

7. The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins: Again, do I really need to explain this one?

8.The Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer: O.K. maybe liking these books makes me lame but come on, they are good! The movies are terrible (Kristen Stewarts acting is laughable) but I honestly did love the books.

9. Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine: Oh man. I've read this book almost every year since fourth grade and it never gets old. I love you Char!

10. Anything by Meg Cabot: No Meg Cabot does not have a book called anything, I mean Meg Cabot's books in general. She is amazing! I know thats kind of cheating..... but hey, it's my blog! :) My personal favorite Cabot series include The Mediator, 1-800- where- r - u, and the Airhead series.

I know that there are many, many more that I cannot list, but these are definitely some of the highlights! What's your Top Ten?

Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

BROOKLYN: Andi Alpers is on the edge. She’s angry at her father for leaving, angry at her mother for not being able to cope, and heartbroken by the loss of her younger brother, Truman. Rage and grief are destroying her. And she’s about to be expelled from Brooklyn Heights’ most prestigious private school when her father intervenes. Now Andi must accompany him to Paris for winter break.

PARIS: Alexandrine Paradis lived over two centuries ago. She dreamed of making her mark on the Paris stage, but a fateful encounter with a doomed prince of France cast her in a tragic role she didn’t want—and couldn’t escape.

Two girls, two centuries apart. One never knowing the other. But when Andi finds Alexandrine’s diary, she recognizes something in her words and is moved to the point of obsession. There’s comfort and distraction for Andi in the journal’s antique pages—until, on a midnight journey through the catacombs of Paris, Alexandrine’s words transcend paper and time, and the past becomes suddenly, terrifyingly present.

Jennifer Donnelly, author of the award-winning novel A Northern Light, artfully weaves two girls’ stories into one unforgettable account of life, loss, and enduring love. Revolution spans centuries and vividly depicts the eternal struggles of the human heart.

This was one of those books that I just happened to see on the shelves and the key on the binding caught my eye, so I didn't really know what to expect. Let's just say I was very pleasantly surprised.

When I first started reading this book I didn't think I was going to like Andi, I mean what is there to like about a self-deprecating druggie, right? Wrong. Her attitude did piss me off at first but once we learned the reason behind it all I felt was pity. She was just so sad! I loved the way she interacted with other people, she was bitchy at times but you could definitely tell she felt bad about some of the things she said and did. But although I did love reading about Andi I would have to say the excerpts from Alexandrine's diary were definitely my favorite part. I loved the historic aspect that we got from the French Revolution and Donnelly combined the past and the present flawlessly! I never questioned what relevance Alexandrine had to the story at all!


This was definitely an emotional read for me, I thought that the author portrayed Andi and Alexandrines emotions beautifully, none of it made me want to roll my eyes or say "really?". This is a great book for anyone who loves historical fiction or books about loss. I can't wait to read more of Donnellys books!

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a weekly MeMe hosted by The Story Siren where bloggers share what they got to read this week.

From the Library:

Entwined by Heather Dixon

I'm so excited to read this one! It sounds like a fantastic twist on The Twelve Dancing Princesses and the cover is breathtaking!

Dead Rules by Randy Russel

The review for this one sounds interesting, although the cover kind of freaks me out.

Divergent by Veronica Roth

So excited to read this one! I've heard nothing but fantastic things, and I love Dystopian novels!

Shift by Jeri Smith-Ready

I geeked out when I saw that this one had finally come in. I LOVED Shade, and after reading this one earlier in the week, I've got to say that this one didn't disappoint! (Although it does have some rather harsh reviews on goodreads. However that can be said about a lot of fantastic books, some people can be really harsh, I only hope that authors don't check their reviews TOO often.)

I basically hit the book Jackpot this week :) What did you all get for reading this week?

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a weekly MeMe hosted by The Story Siren where bloggers share what they have gotten to read this week.

From the Library:

Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

I actually read this one this week, and it was fabulous! The cover is actually what caught my eye when browsing in the library.

City of Masks by Mary Hoffman

If you're a library rat like me you probably have all of the books at your library basically memorized. This is one of those books that I've always wondered about but never actually read, so I decided to read it now!

What did you get in your mailbox this week?

What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

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.

I was super excited for this book, Sarah Dessen is one of my favorite YA authors and her books are some of my favorites, that said this was not my favorite of her books. I did enjoy it but I felt slightly bored on a few occasions, I just wanted something to HAPPEN.


The thing that made me want to keep reading this book was the characters. My favorite character would have to be Deb, she's just so herself, no matter what. She was never what you expected her to be. I also loved Opal, the way she cared so much about the restaurant was endearing and I liked the way she defended the restaurant so much, the struggle to improve the restaurant was probably my favorite plot line in the book (although the plot line with McLean's mom was the one that got me the most emotional).


I think the reason that the plot line of this book bothered me was because it could be a bit slow moving at times. There were emotional issues but I felt like nothing new ever really happened with them, they were just kind of ........... there. Although it might just be that this was my first time reading this one, for some reason I find that Dessen's books grow on me each time I read them.


A good one to pick up if you are a Dessen fan or enjoy emotional story's about finding yourself, but not the book you want to pick up if you have never read Sarah Dessen before (for that I would recommend Just Listen or The Truth About Forever, both personal favorites).

Before the Blog (1)

Before the Blog is a newer MeMe created by Karis at YA Litwit where bloggers share a brief overview of a book that they read before they began blogging but enjoyed enough that they still want to post it on their respective blogs! I love this idea! This week I will be sharing my thoughts on My Most Excellent Year by Steve Kluger.

Dear Anthony:
I appreciate your recent interest, but I’m not accepting applications at this time. Your letter will be kept in our files and someone will get back to you if there is an opening. Thank you for thinking of me.
Respectfully, Alejandra Perez
P.S. It’s not “Allie.” It’s “Ale.”
Meet T.C., who is valiantly attempting to get Alejandra to fall in love with him; Alejandra, who is playing hard to get and is busy trying to sashay out from under the responsibilities of being a diplomat’s daughter; and T.C.’s brother Augie, who is gay and in love and everyone knows it but him.

Why did you choose this book?: I originally chose this book for an english class during my Sophmore year. Our school was doing a program where we received recently published YA books that we had to read and then briefly review it in order for our library to keep it. Honestly I wasn't sure if I would like it based on the baseball bat on the cover (I'm not really a sports person).


When did you read this book?: I first read this book two years ago but then I read it again about a year ago.


Who would you recommend this book to?: I would recognize this book to any High School student or anyone who enjoys YA literature.


I honestly love this book. It's told from the point of view of three different characters, Augie, T.C., and Ale. All three are amazing characters although I would have to say my favorite was probably Augie, a fabulous, confident gay teen who loves soccer, and musicals, ESPECIALLY musicals. His friendship with T.C. is one of the most endearing I've ever come across in YA lit and T.C.'s relationship with Ale was hilarious. Ale is so sassy, and definitely doesn't want anything to do with T.C., a typical boy, or does she......? T.C. himself is fabulous, he's one of those characters that I wasn't sure if I would like but I ended up falling in love with, plus he's got an adorable butt! With all three of these fantastic characters stuffed into one book there's something for everyone! That's not even a lie, I believe that this book would appeal to people of all different interests.


The storyline of this book is fantastic. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll wish you had more! It's one of my favorite coming of age stories, complete with awesome friendships, an endearing romance, an adorable little boy, and the talent show to end all talent shows! How can you resist?

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly MeMe hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine where bloggers share the books they are waiting on this week! This week I'm waiting on Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs

Grace just moved to San Francisco and is excited to start over at a new school. The change is full of fresh possibilities, but it’s also a tiny bit scary. It gets scarier when a minotaur walks in the door. And even more shocking when a girl who looks just like her shows up to fight the monster.

Gretchen is tired of monsters pulling her out into the wee hours, especially on a school night, but what can she do? Sending the minotaur back to his bleak home is just another notch on her combat belt. She never expected to run into this girl who could be her double, though.

Greer has her life pretty well put together, thank you very much. But that all tilts sideways when two girls who look eerily like her appear on her doorstep and claim they're triplets, supernatural descendants of some hideous creature from Greek myth, destined to spend their lives hunting monsters.

These three teenage descendants of Medusa, the once-beautiful gorgon maligned by myth, must reunite and embrace their fates in this unique paranormal world where monsters lurk in plain sight.

Release Date: September 6th, 2011

I really enjoyed Childs other books, and this one sounds like it has a really fun premise! I've never read anything focusing on Medusa before and this book seems like a fun way to study her mythology! Also I love the cover, it's simple but I find it very intriguing!

What are you waiting on this week? 

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly MeMe hosted by Should Be Reading where bloggers share a few sentences from their current read. This week my teaser is from Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchey.

"He backed her against the heavy, velvet curtains and clapped a rope-scarred hand across her mouth just as she sucked in a loud breath. For a long moment, they looked at each other, and Bertie was acutely aware of the taste of his fingers: salt and sardines (as befitted a pirate) and chocolate icing (which didn't seem as appropriate)."

What's teasing you this week?

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a weekly MeMe hosted by The Story Siren where bloggers share what they got to read this week.

Bought:

Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchey

This book sounds really interesting, I like the fantasy plot line and the cover is enchanting!

If we kiss by Rachel Vail

I love fun romances, and this one sounds like it has a possibly juicy twist!

Revealers by Amanda Marrone

The plot of this sounds really interesting, plus I really enjoy witch story-lines in any form!

Timeless by Alexandra Monir

I've been wanting to read this one for awhile! It's a 2011 Debut with an intriguing plot, perfect!

What did you get in YOUR mailbox this week?

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly MeMe hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine where bloggers share the books they are waiting to read!

This Wednesday I'm waiting on The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan

In The Lost Hero, three demigods named Jason, Piper, and Leo made their first visit to Camp Half-Blood, where they inherited a quest:
Seven half-bloods shall answer the call,
To storm or fire the world must fall.
An oath to keep with a final breath,
And foes bear arms to the Doors of Death.
Who are the other four mentioned in the prophecy? The answer may lie in another camp miles away, where a new camper has shown up and appears to be the son of Neptune, god of the sea...
 
Release Date: October 4th, 2011


 Oh man I can't wait for this book! I loved The Lost Hero and the sequel promises to be even more epic! Rick Riordan is a master of the modern day fantasy story and I never fail to get completely lost in his books!

Fact of Life #31 by Denise Vega

FACT OF LIFE #48: Kat’s mom is No-Last-Name Abra, the best home-birth midwife in Colorado. But with her own daughter, Abra can’t stop teaching and lecturing long enough to be a mom.Fact of Life #21: Kat’s had a crush on Manny Cruz since seventh grade. Now Manny is showing interest , but could he seriously be into Weird Yoga Girl Kat Flynn?
Fact of Life #14: Gorgeous Libby Giles has always intimidated Kat. But lately there’s something different about Libby, and it’s about to bring her crashing into Kat’s Life. . . .
Hilarious and poignant, this is the story of one girl’s sometimes funny, sometimes painful path to self-acceptance and to finding her place in the world.



My Impression of this book from the first couple of pages: Wow, this book is going to be REALLY annoying.


My Impression from then on: THIS BOOK ROCKS!!


Kat Flynn is a teenage girl who, while slightly socially awkward, stays true to herself. While she does have the occasional jealous rant against the most popular girl in the school, Libby Giles, the desire to be like Libby doesn't make her give up her true self. I really loved Kat, she wasn't afraid to be snarky, even to the most popular boy in school, and when people made her angry she let them know that she was ANGRY. I wanted to shout YOU GO GIRL a few times while reading this book!


One of the main plot points throughout this book was the relationship between Kat and Manny, which I thought was great. I thought their relationship was really sweet, and I liked how Kat didn't let Manny kick her around (I don't want to say too much about their relationship because I don't want to give away the story!). The development of their relationship was also very well written, it seemed very realistic and not forced at all. I also really enjoyed the relationship between Kat and the various members of her family. Her little sister was totally adorable, and the relationship between Kat and her mother was very emotional. I wanted to cry during some of Kat's monologues on Abra and being a midwife, which I thought was a really unique touch!

Although this book was released in 2008 and therefore may not be on your radar, it's still definitely a book to pick up. It's a really fun read with some more emotional issues brought up on occasion. One of my favorite reads of the summer!

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Magic is dangerous--but love is more dangerous still.

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by--and torn between--two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length...everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world...and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

I am convinced that Cassandra Clare herself is a Nephilim, because who could write this beautifully if they're NOT part angel?

I LOVED that this story was set in London, it was possibly one of my favorite aspects of the novel. I really love London during this particular time period and reading anything set there is really a treat for me. I really liked how it allowed different dynamics for the characters as well, like Tessa's worry about a woman's proper role and Jessamine's hopes for her future.

So now the characters. I really enjoyed Tessa, personally I found her to be a wonderful protagonist! I really enjoyed that she had an obvious literary side, and the way she really started to embrace her power. I also enjoyed the way she didn't take any of Will's crap! Oh Will, what do I say about the magnificent Will? First off, I definitely noticed similarities between him and Jace (for those of you who have read the Mortal Instruments series) they're both cocky in a lovable way. That said I'm not sure if I love Will as much as I love Jace, I still really enjoy him as a character, I'm just not sure if he's my favorite. Plus who could center all of their focus on Will when they have Jem vying for their attention? Jem, sweet Jem, how I enjoyed the wisdom of your character. At this point I just don't think I could choose between Jem and Will for the position of Tessa's love interest (although I'm leaning towards Will just a tad bit!)

So the characters, the setting, whats left? Oh right, that little thing called the plot! I loved it! It was really creepy at times, but totally enjoyable the entire time. I also loved that Tessa was a Downworlder rather than a Nephilim, I felt like it gave us an insight into a different side of that whole world. My only complaint would have to be that, at times, the parallels between The Mortal Instruments and Clockwork Angel were VERY prominent. However, I did definitely see this book as it's own separate entity.


This is definitely a book for any lover of The Mortal Instruments series or even for someone who has never even heard of them! I can't wait for the sequel!

In My Mailbox

First off I'm happy to say that I'm back from a month long hiatus! I was at camp with no access to the internet so posting was pretty much impossible, but I'm SO excited to get back to the book blogging world and share my thoughts on some fabulous books!

My first post in a month is an In My Mailbox hosted by The Story Siren. In My Mailbox is a weekly MeMe where bloggers share what they got to read this week!

Bought:

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Does this book even need an explanation? Cassandra Clare is amazing, I love the mortal instruments series and I have no doubt that I will love The Infernal Devices series as well!

What happened to goodbye by Sarah Dessen

I read this book the day I got it, I just couldn't wait! Sarah Dessen is one of my favorite YA authors and I would recommend her books to anyone!

This week I took my first trip to Barnes and Noble since probably February, and it was pure torture! There were so many fabulous books I wanted, but I limited myself to two! Did you all  have an equally fabulous (or torturous) week?

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

In the beginning they were a group of nine. Nine aliens who left their home planet of Lorien when it fell under attack by the evil Mogadorian. Nine aliens who scattered on Earth. Nine aliens who look like ordinary teenagers living ordinary lives, but who have extraordinary, paranormal skills. Nine aliens who might be sitting next to you now.

The Nine had to separate and go into hiding. The Mogadorian caught Number One in Malaysia, Number Two in England, and Number Three in Kenya. All of them were killed. John Smith, of Paradise, Ohio, is Number Four. He knows that he is next.

I Am Number Four is the thrilling launch of a series about an exceptional group of teens as they struggle to outrun their past, discover their future—and live a normal life on Earth.

I AM NUMBER FOUR.
I AM NEXT.
  
The main reason I read this book was because I wanted to see the movie, and I always prefer to read the book beforehand. That said, I think this book will probably make a better movie.


I really loved the idea of this book. I loved the background we got on the Loriens and the different powers Number Four developed throughout the story, but I wouldn't say that I liked Number Four himself very much. I got very frustrated with him at times, especially during certain interactions that he had with his guardian Henry. I also didn't understand his obsession with Sarah, I really felt like the author just threw Sarah in because he wanted a love story, we didn't really get anything about her except that she was pretty, nice, and liked photography.


I will probably read the next book in the series, since it follows another member of the nine, and since my major downfall with this book was the characters hopefully I'll like the next one better. Overall it was a book that people who like more of the science fiction genre will enjoy.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris—until she meets Étienne St. Claire: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.
As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near-misses end with the French kiss Anna—and readers—have long awaited?

I loved loved loved Anna and the French Kiss! To be honest I love the whole YA romance genre in general, but this book was definitely a stand out.

Let's start off with the characters, they were amazing. Anna was an awesome Main Character, I loved watching her try to deny her attraction to St. Clair, and I loved the little details Perkins threw in to give her depth, like the fact that she wanted to be a famous movie critic. You couldn't help but feel almost tortured at certain points of the book when certain ummmmm, steamy situations arose between her and St. Clair, because, well, St. Clair is the perfect boy. I loved St. Clair from the minute Anna met him, how could you not? English accent, awesome looks, nice, talented, St. Clair is just the perfect boy (even if I did want to hit him for his stupidity at times).

To make the book even more fabulous we had an awesome plot that contained a few twists I certainly was not expecting, and a few that I was.When I first saw this book I wasn't sure if the author would really have a plot that interested me enough to fill up that many pages, but she certainly did!To top it all off Perkins also set the whole thing in France, the most romantic city in the world, and can I just say that her descriptions of the food in France made me extremely hungry!

Even if you classify yourself as a strict no romance reader, pick up Anna and the French Kiss, I promise it will charm you!

Fury of the Phoenix by Cindy Pon

The Gods have abandoned Ai Ling.
Her mysterious power haunts her day and night, and she leaves home—with just the moon as her guide—overwhelmed by her memories and visions and an unbearable sense of dread. For Ai Ling knows that Chen Yong is vulnerable to corrupt enchantments from the under-world. How can she do nothing when she has the skill and power to fight at his side? A dream has told her where he is, the name of the ship he is traveling on, his destination. So she steals off and stows away on board.
The ocean voyage brings with it brutal danger, haunting revelations, and new friendships, but also the premonition of a very real and terrifying threat. Zhong Ye—the powerful sorcerer whom Ai Ling believed she had vanquished in the Palace of Fragrant Dreams—is trapped in Hell, neither alive nor dead. Can he reach from beyond the grave to reunite with Silver Phoenix and destroy Chen Yong? And destroy whatever chance Ai Ling has at happiness, at love?
In this sequel to the acclaimed novel Silver Phoenix, four lives are woven together and four destinies become one, now and forever. 

I really enjoyed this book. It was a great sequel to Silver Phoneix, sometimes sequels let you down but Fury of the Phoenix made the series even better.

One thing that bothered me about Silver Phoenix was the pacing, but Pon hit her literary stride in this novel. No section seemed too long or too short, and the pacing kept us wanting more. I also loved the extended characterization that we got in Fury of the Phoenix. I really enjoyed seeing a different side to the relationship between Chen Yong and Ai Ling, but I think my perception of Zhong Ye was the one that changed the most. After reading this book I actually felt very sympathetic towards him, and I felt like I really understood his motives behind his actions.

I really love the different aspects of the Asian culture that we see in these books, I wouldn't say that I was every particularly interested in it before, so reading about the more fantastical aspects of it was really great.

A great addition to a beautifully written fantasy series. Definitely one to pick up!

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly MeMe hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine where readers share what they're waiting on this week.

Scarlett thought Dan McAndrew's murder was long behind her, but when she and her classmates arrive in Edinburgh for a weeklong field trip, she's startled to be joined by her old St. Tabby's cohorts--and enemies--who are visiting the area on a field trip as well. Even more startling, Callum, Dan's surviving twin, is in the area--and his cold treatment leaves Scarlett wondering what's changed, especially when a series of attacks makes her believe that someone's out to get her for her past mistakes. Would Callum ever hurt her, though? And what's Scarlett to make of her conflicting feelings for Callum, now that Jase isn't around? Even more upsetting, why is her most trusted confidante, Taylor, acting distant and dismissive?
Release Date: May 10th, 2011

I love this series. Scarlett is probably one of my favorite female characters in YA literature, and how can you NOT love a series that's full of hot boys? Also that cover is beautiful! I love the colors.

What are you waiting on this week?

Matched by Ally Condie

Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.
The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

After reading this book I really don't see what all of the fuss is about.  Honestly I've read some pretty scathing reviews of this novel on Goodreads, but I had also heard some gushing praise for it at school. I guess I would fall somewhere inbetween.

I didn't really like Cassia as a character. The only part where I actually enjoyed reading about her was when she was talking with her grandfather. I guess as the novel progressed she became more interesting and less annoying but I still wouldn't say I like her as a person. Actually looking back, I didn't really love any of the characters. My favorite would have to have been Ky but we didn't really hear enough about him to hold up the other characters.

The plotline was good, I just wish it had stronger characters to hold it up. I've read a lot of reviews that say The Society is a rip-off of The Giver but I didn't really see that. I think that a few things could have been cleared up, but maybe Condie wanted to leave them shrouded in questions.

Not the best book I've ever read, however I'll probably still read the sequel. What can I say? It's hard for me to abandon a series, off the top of my head I can only remember one (The Immortals by Alyson Noel, I really could not stand those books.)

Rival by Sara Bennett Wealer

Meet Brooke: Popular, powerful and hating every minute of it, she’s the “It” girl at Douglas High in Lake Champion, Minnesota. Her real ambition? Using her operatic mezzo as a ticket back to NYC, where her family lived before her dad ran off with an up and coming male movie star.

Now meet Kathryn: An overachieving soprano with an underachieving savings account, she’s been a leper ever since Brooke punched her at a party junior year. For Kath, music is the key to a much-needed college scholarship.

The stage is set for a high-stakes duet between the two seniors as they prepare for the prestigious Blackmore competition. Brooke and Kathryn work toward the Blackmore with eyes not just on first prize but on one another, each still stinging from a past that started with friendship and ended in betrayal. With competition day nearing, Brooke dreams of escaping the in-crowd for life as a professional singer, but her scheming BFF Chloe has other plans. And when Kathryn gets an unlikely invitation to Homecoming, she suspects Brooke of trying to sabotage her with one last public humiliation.

As pressures mount, Brooke starts to sense that the person she hates most might just be the best friend she ever had. But Kathryn has a decision to make. Can she forgive? Or are some rivalries for life?

Wow. Sara Bennett Wealer definitely gained a fan with her Debut novel Rival, I'm going to be keeping an eye out for other novels from her for sure!


Oh my how I enjoyed this book. I loved the two main characters Brooke and Kathryn and I, shockingly, even liked Brooke a little better. Brooke was the queen-B but she wasn't a mean queen-B, in fact, she was rather uncaring about her status at school. I could definitely relate to Brooke's friendship with Kathryn, the way it went from amazing to terrible, and I LOVED the description that she used "all I could see when I looked at Kathryn was blackness" that's such an awesome way to describe how friendships can go sour. The book was a perfect interpretation of a high-school friendship gone wrong, it captured girls cattiness amazingly. The dynamic between innocent Kathryn with her two parents and lower-middle-class living to Brooke with her absentee dad and tons of money was so fun. The way we got to see how the two envied each-others lives really gives you a peak into the way people always want what they don't have, and take what they do have for granted.


I think what really pushed this book over the top for me was the singing aspect of it. I'm deeply involved with my own high-school choir and reading about two girls who care about singing so much really appealed to me. I couldn't wait to see what would happen at the Blackmoore (and I LOVED how it turned out). The ending wasn't one of those typical "everythings perfect" endings either, it still left you feeling happy but it didn't give you the typical solutions that most YA books do.


An amazing 2011 Debut! A great read full of friendship, music, drama, and fantastic writing!

The Jumbee by Pamela Keyes

When Esti Legard starts theater school on Cariba, she's determined to step out of the shadow of her late father, a famous Shakespearean actor. But on an island rife with superstition, Esti can't escape the darkness. In the black of the theater, an alluring phantom voice known only as Alan becomes her brilliant drama tutor, while in the light of day Esti struggles to resist her magnetic attraction to Rafe, the local bad boy. Toppled sets, frightening rumors of jumbee ghosts, and brewing tropical storms culminate in a tantalizingly spooky finale where romance sizzles and truths are unmasked. Laced with eerie mystery and the lush scenery of the West Indies, this modern Phantom is perfect for readers who like their love stories served with spine-tingling suspense

.I really enjoyed 99% of this book. I really liked Esti, I loved seeing her try so let her actress side out of her fathers death, and her struggle to establish herself away from her home. One thing that I did not like about this book was the relationship between Rafe and Esti, I liked them in theory but I felt like in execution they were a little bland. I also hated how Rafe called her babe, I HATE guys who call girls "babe", but overall Rafe was a good character, I just wish he would have been rounded out more.

The tension in book was great, I couldn't wait for Esti to discover who the "voice" was and where he came from, but I did find Alan a little creepy. It also kind of bothered me that Esti didn't find him more creepy, I mean who would honestly not think a 25 year old hanging around a theater full of teenagers wasn't creepy? I suppose that as we read on and learned more Alan was more tolerable, but I also like him less, it was kind of a love-hate relationship.

Overall I would definitely recommend this book, it's a good high-tension romance that leaves you satisfied, if not a little sad.

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a weekly MeMe hosted by The Story Siren where bloggers share what they've gotten to read this week.

From the Library:

 City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

So freaking excited to read this one!!!! why did I wait so long to start this series???

 Warped by Maurissa Guibord

Unicorn Tapestry! Also it's a 2011 Debut, so I'm excited to read it :)

 XVI by Julia Karr

I'm excited to read this one, sounds like a really cool dystopian novel.

Won:

 

Ten Miles Past Normal by Frances O'Roark Dowell

Sounds like a fun coming of age story, excited to read it.

What did you get in YOUR mailbox this week?

Firelight by Sophie Jordan

A hidden truth.
Mortal enemies.
Doomed love.
Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life. Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki—a descendant of dragons whose greatest defense is her secret ability to shift into human form.
Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. The only bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life. Although she is irresistibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will's dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away—if it dies she will be left as a human forever. She'll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.
Mythical powers and breathtaking romance ignite in this story of a girl who defies all expectations and whose love crosses an ancient divide.

I really loved this book! I thought Jacinda was a great Main Character, she was obviously sad about having to leave behind her Draki community but she wasn't overly whiny about it, I was so glad (I hate overly whiny characters). I thought her relationship with Will was great, at times their interactions were overly cheesy but that was okay with me. The only thing I didn't like about their relationship was the back and forth Jacinda went through, I mean either talk to him or don't!

One of my favorite interactions that Jacinda had though was with her sister, their relationship is so love/hate, and it really brought the more human aspect in early on for me. Speaking of  Jacindas family.... I did not like her mom AT ALL! She just seemed so cold-hearted to me, I understand that she thought she was doing what was best for her daughter but come one!

The plot of this novel was great, I loved the "dragons can turn into humans" plotline, although Jacindas descriptions of herself when she was a dragon confused me, why did she still have hair? I also loved that each Draki had a special gift, and that Jacindas gift was so unique, even though it's the power most commonly linked to dragons. I'm hoping the next book gives us more insight into the Draki culture and history.

A great fantasy/love story, I can't wait to see what happens next with Will and Jacinda!

Demonglass by Racehl Hawkins

Sophie Mercer thought she was a witch.

That was the whole reason she was sent to Hex Hall, a reform school for delinquent Prodigium (aka witches, shapeshifters, and fairies). But that was before she discovered the family secret, and that her hot crush, Archer Cross, is an agent for The Eye, a group bent on wiping Prodigium off the face of the earth.

Turns out, Sophie’s a demon, one of only two in the world—the other being her father. What’s worse, she has powers that threaten the lives of everyone she loves. Which is precisely why Sophie decides she must go to London for the Removal, a dangerous procedure that will destroy her powers.

But once Sophie arrives she makes a shocking discovery. Her new friends? They’re demons too. Meaning someone is raising them in secret with creepy plans to use their powers, and probably not for good. Meanwhile, The Eye is set on hunting Sophie down, and they’re using Archer to do it. But it’s not like she has feelings for him anymore. Does she?
I LOVE THIS SERIES SO MUCH!!!!!!! ha ha sorry for the slight freak out but oh my goodness I love it.

I think the main reason I love these books is because I love Sophie. She's so sarcastic, fun, and slightly ditsy at times but not in the way that makes you go "oh my gosh shut up you stupid girl!" I love that Sophie can make the scary situations she gets into funny, but shes also a great thinker. I think i have a fictional girl-crush on Sophie. Archer and Sophie well, I've loved them since Hex Hall and I was glad we got to see more of him in this book (although what he's doing I'm not going to say). A nice surprise in this book though were the characters of Cal and Sophie's dad. They were both talked about in Hex Hall but we really got to know them in Demonglass, I really hope to see more of them in the next book.

I love the rhythm of this series.Hawkins spends exactly the right amount of time describing the things you want to hear about and making the parts the could be boring more interesting. The humor in this book is amazing. I laughed out loud multiple times.

Not sure if I can wait until 2012 for the sequel, ahh please come soon!

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a weekly MeMe hosted by The Story Siren where bloggers share what they've gotten to read this week.

From the Library:

My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent

I've heard lots of good things about this series. I'm excited to read it.

A touch Mortal by Leah Clifford

This one sounds interesting although i've heard mixed reviews. Hoping its not the usual angel plotline.

Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins

I'm so excited to read this one!! I loved Hex Hall and I can't wait to read the next installment!

Deadly Little Secret by Laurie Faria Stolarz

I've been wanting to read this series for awhile, the plot really intrigues me.

Rival by Sara Bennet Wealer

I really like the sound of this book and I love the cover, the colors are gorgeous in person.

This was a great week for me, what did you get in your mailbox?

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.
Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.
As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make—between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?
Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.

I expected not to like this book. I'm not really a fan of the whole "angel" phase the YA world is going through right now, however I was surprised to find that I completely loved this book!

First of all I'm very glad that they started out with Clara already knowing she's an angel, I think I would have been really bored if the first half of the book consisted of the same whiny "I'm Different" speech. The whole "purpose" concept was great, the idea that Clara's whole life revolved around this one task, this one boy, was so intriguing. I also really loved the love story in this book, it was simple but in an awesome way. I know for sure what team I'll be on if a love triangle develops (although I'm a big fan of Clara for not swaying towards the boy she did not previously say she was in love with).

I loved Clara's character, she felt exactly like a normal girl to me, well besides the occasional flying. As I said before I really liked that she knew what she wanted. She never made me think she was a typical stupid teenage girl, even though she did have a teenage girl crush. My two favorite characters in this novel though had to be Tucker and Wendy. Tucker was just such a sweetie and Wendy was such a good friend (although I did love the little bit of sauciness we saw in her, I wanted to shout GO WENDY!).

I'm impatiently waiting on the next book in the series! Definitely make sure to check out this fantastic 2011 Debut!