Review: Deadly Cool

Author: Gemma Halliday

Series: Deadly Cool #1

Source: Gemma Halliday

Rating: 5/5

Summery:

Hartley Grace Featherstone is having a very bad day. First she finds out that her boyfriend is cheating on her with the president of the Herbert Hoover High School Chastity Club. Then he's pegged as the #1 suspect in a murder. And if that weren't enough, now he's depending on Hartley to clear his name. Seriously? Not cool.

But as much as Hartley wouldn't mind seeing him squirm, she knows he's innocent, and she's the only one who can help him. Along with her best friend, Sam, and the school's resident Bad Boy, Chase, Hartley starts investigating on her own. But as the dead bodies begin to pile up, the mystery deepens, the suspects multiply, and Hartley begins to fear that she may be the killer's next victim.

Review:
Wow.  This book is amazing.  I absolutely love it!!  And I usually don't like murder/mystery books, but this is one I'll remember.

The story line is amazing.  The writing is amazing.  I LOVE THIS BOOK!!  I was hooked on page one and just couldn't stop reading.  And laughing.  This book is really funny, it ranks up there with Percy Jackson, which I found hilarious.  The one problem I had with the story line was the reason for the murders.  It's lame.  I mean, who would kill just to save her/his group's reputation.  I really with Gemma Halliday had come up with a better excuse than that.

I love Hartley.  She's smart, strong, and smart-ass (which I love because I'm like that :P)  She had the guts to investigate the murder and I loved the was Gemma Halliday portrayed her.
Although I don't like her as much as Hartley, I also like Sam.  She's funny and just as smart-ass as Hartley.
And, of course, there's always the boy.  I hate him.  Josh is a  slimeball, jerk, idiot, ****************  (I'm censoring like Sam :P).
OK, so here's the other boy.  I love Chase.  He's cute, buff, and has the whole "Bad Boy" thing going for him.

All in all, this book is amazing and I can't wait to read the next one.

Huge thanks to Gemma Halliday for sending me a pdf version of this book.  Thanks you!!  And I might actually end up buying a paperback of this book because I love it so much.

Review: Anna Dressed in Blood

Author: Kendare Blake
Series: Anna #1
Pages: 316
Format: Hardcover
Rating: 3/5


Summery:
Just your average boy-meets-girl, girl-kills-people story. . .

Cas Lowood has inherited an unusual vocation: He kills the dead.

So did his father before him, until his gruesome murder 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: move, 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, but now stained red and dripping 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.

And she, for whatever reason, spares his life.

Review:
I was so excited to read this book.  And although I was a little disappointed, I still liked it.

I usually don't go for these kinds of books: Scary, with a boy as the main character, the whole ghost killer thing going on, but I'm really glad that this book introduced me to this genre because it was actually pretty good.  The story line, while good, wasn't amazing.  I don't really understand the early defeating of Anna (I really thought it would be the ending of the book), but the real ending was very good.  And I've never read a book where the hero falls in love with the dead villain, and I have to admit, I kinda liked it.  And the ending was so sad, I just have to find out what happens to Anna.  This book is brutal, scary, and kind of gory, but I really enjoyed it.

My favorite character is definitely Anna.  She didn't want to die in the first place (she died horribly, btw.  But I won't tell you so you have to read it :P), and she didn't want to become the demon she was as the dead.  I also liked that she was a part of the ghost-hunting group (Thomas, Carmel, and Cas) and that she helped in the end of the book.  And I'm glad she likes Cas.
I don't have much to say about Thomas, just because he didn't do a whole lot, but he's nice.
I like Carmel because she was kind of a strong character, though she didn't do much either.
And, last but not least, I kind of liked Cas.  Although he wasn't as kick-ass as Percy Jackson, he was still a pretty strong character.

All in all, not my favorite book ever, but not bad either.  And one thing I didn't mention earlier was that I did NOT read this book at night. :D

ARC Review: Halflings

Author: Heather Burch

Series: Halflings #1

Pages: 286

Format: ARC paperback

Source: Zondervan
Rating: 3/5

Summery:
After being inexplicably targeted by an evil intent on harming her at any cost, seventeen-year-old Nikki finds herself under the watchful guardianship of three mysterious young men who call themselves halflings. Sworn to defend her, misfits Mace, Raven, and Vine battle to keep Nikki safe while hiding their deepest secret—and the wings that come with.

A growing attraction between Nikki and two of her protectors presents a whole other danger. While she risks a broken heart, Mace and Raven could lose everything, including their souls. As the mysteries behind the boys’ powers, as well as her role in a scientist’s dark plan, unfold, Nikki is faced with choices that will affect the future of an entire race of heavenly beings, as well as the precarious equilibrium of the earthly world.

Review:
For some wierd reason, I thought this book was about fairies (both with the cover and the title) but I was wrong.  And I feel like it would have worked out better had it been about fairies.

I was all geared up for story about human/fairy creatures called Halflings but instead I got angels.  Yes, angels.  And for some reason, I wasn't crazy about it.  The plot wasn't that great, it started stuff but didn't finish them (I'll probably understand in the next series).  I usually don't like love triangles AT ALL and this book was no different.  I don't even know why Nikki likes Raven.  And it makes me think less of a girl when she has two guys.

My favorite of the two boys fighting for Nikki was Mace.  He was the nicest one, besides Vine (who I also like) and he really cared about Nikki.
The other boy in the triangle is Raven, and I don't like him at all.  He is not appealing to me AT ALL.
In the beginning I really liked Nikki.  She was strong, self-confident, and completely uniterested in boys.  Even when she met Mace I still liked her because it was just him, not two guys.  But the minute Raven came into the picture my opinion of her started to slip.  I wish she had just stayed with Mace.

All in all, not the best book I've read, but it was still good and I want to read the next book for sure.

Huge thanks to Heather Burch for talking to me and letting her agent know I wanted a book and Zondervan for sending me one.  THANKS SO MUCH!!!

Waiting on Wednesday (#12): Forbidden

This is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlites upcoming new releases that we're highly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Forbidden, by Syrie James & Ryan M. James

Add this to your to-read shelf on Goodreads



She should not exist.

He should not love her.

Claire Brennan has been attending Emerson Academy for two years now (the longest she and her mom have remained anywhere) and she’s desperate to stay put for the rest of high school. So there’s no way she’s going to tell her mom about the psychic visions she’s been having or the creepy warnings that she’s in danger.

Alec MacKenzie is fed up with his duties to watch and, when necessary, eliminate the descendants of his angelic forefathers. He chose Emerson as the ideal hiding place where he could be normal for once. He hadn’t factored Claire into his plans. . . .

Their love is forbidden, going against everything Alec has been taught to believe. But when the reason behind Claire’s unusual powers is revealed and the threat to her life becomes clear, how far will Alec go to protect her?

ARC Review: The Selection

Author: Kiera Cass

Series: The Selection #1

Pages: 327

Format: ARC paperback

Release Date: April 24, 2012
Source: HarperTeen
Rating: 5/5

Summery:
It's time for the Selection, a lottery where girls will be randomly chosen to compete for Prince Maxon's heart.  Seventeen-year-old America Singer has no interest in being a princess or ruling a country plagued by violent rebel attacks.  All she wants is a future with Aspen, the boy she's forbidden to be with.  But when she's Selected, America finds herself unexpectedly torn--and must choose between  the life she thought she left behind and the future she never dared to imagine.

Review:
I don't usually go for books like this one, with the whole princess competition thing going on (actually I've never even started one because they don't look good), but let me tell you, this book is amazing.

I loved it.  That's all I can say.  It went right into the story, and I was hooked from page one.  I just couldn't stop reading.  The plot was AMAZING!!  I loved how Kiera Cass manipulated the characters (Aspen) to make America sign up, and then dropped him, but still kept him around.  Does that make any sense to you?  I probably didn't explain that right, but I did my best. :D
About half-way through the book I stopped and looked at all the pages I had left to read and there were still like twenty girls left and I was like How is someone going to win when there's only fifty pages left?  Well, when I finished, my question was answered: None did.  Kiera Cass decided to put me through the torture of the biggest cliffhanger ever and not tell me who won.  HOW COULD YOU DO THAT TO ME?!?!

From page one America was in an interesting situation, what with getting Selected and having Aspen as a boyfriend.  This book wouldn't have been anywhere near as good as it is if it didn't have the love triangle.  I usually don't like books with it in them, but it totally worked for this one.
I love Maxon.  He is totally misunderstood.  He isn't stiff, aloof, mean.  He's actually really sweet and CUTE.
The other side of the triangle is Aspen.  I don't like him.  The little slime-ball dumped America because she gave him some food then had the gal to come crying back to her. I hope she ends up with Maxon.
And, last but not least, I really liked America.  The whole theme with her in the Selection was that she wanted to be herself, not someone fake, and I really like that.  She's a very strong character and speaks her mind.  Sort of like me. :P

All in all, I BETTER GET THE SECOND BOOK ASAP OR I WILL EXPLODE!!  DO YOU FEEL MY PAIN, KIERA???

Before I sign off I have to give a huge thanks to Kiera Cass (for answering all my messages and passing on my request for an ARC) and to HarperTeen for sending me a copy.  THANKS!!!!!!

Teaser Tuesday: (#10)

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.

Anyone can do it.  You just have to do is:

 (1): Grab your current read.

(2): Open it to a random page.

(3): Share 1 or 2 "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page.  BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!! 

(4): Make sure you also mention the author and title.

The Selection, by Kiera Cass

Add this to you to-read shelf on Goodreads (it's totally worth it)

#1: "I rolled my eyes but obeyed.  I was glad Illea existed considering that this very land had nearly been turned to rubble, but these regulations were starting to make me feel like I was suffocating, like there were invisible chains keeping me down.  Laws about who you could love, forms about your virginity being intact; it was infuriating."

#2: "I was the first one to the airport, and I was beyond terrified.  The giddy excitement of the crowd had faded, and now I was faced with the horrific experience of flying.  I would be traveling with three other Selected girls, and I tried to get control of my nerves.  I really didn't want to have a panic attack in front of them."

What's your teaser this Tuesday?

Review: Destined

Author: Jessie Harrell

Pages: 260
Format: ARC paperback
Source: Mae Day Publishing
Rating: 5/5
Summery:
When Psyche receives a prophecy gone horribly wrong, she learns that even the most beautiful girl in Greece can have a hideous future. Her fate? Fall in love with the one creature even the gods fear.

As she feels herself slipping closer into the arms of the prophecy, Psyche must choose between the terrifyingly tender touch she feels almost powerless to resist and the one constant she's come to expect out of life: you cannot escape what is destined.

Review:
Wow.  That's all I can say.  Wow.  I don't usually go for these kinds of books, but am I ever glad I read this one.

The plot was amazing.  I loved how Jessie Harrell managed to keep my attention throughout the whole book, even though there weren't many exciting events.  I loved that Harrell told the story from two points of view: Psyche and Eros's.  It worked perfectly, and she changed to views at just the right time so she kept the suspense up.  The book was so captivating, I honestly didn't want to stop reading it.  I didn't even want to go to bed at night, I just wanted to read all 24 hours of the day.  Also another thing I really liked was that she kept Pyche and Eros's relationship innocent.  I hate books were they do It every other night and I don't think I would have liked this book half as much as I do if they had done that.  I'm glad Harrell kept it to kissing and hugging. :P

I loved Psyche.  Although she was super-beautiful, she wasn't conceited and vain.  And I loved that she was strong enough to finish the tasks at the end of the book.
I also loved Eros.  In the beginning I thought he was a jerk, but he definitely grew on me, and I ended up really liking him.  He was so sweet to Psyche.

All in all, one of my favorite books.  EVER.  I can't wait to see the next book Jessie Harrell writes.

Huge thanks so Jessie Harrell and Mae Day Publishing for sending me this book to review.  And extra thanks to Jessie Harrell for signing it.

Review: Fire Study

Author: Maria V. Snyder

Series: Study #3

Pages: 441
Format: Paperback
Rating: 5/5

Summery:
Now the apprenticeship is over--
Now the real test has begun.

When word that Yelena is a Soulfinder--able to capture and release souls--spreads like wildfire, people grow uneasy.  Already Yelena's unusual abilities and past have set her apart.  As the Council debates Yelena's fate, she recieves a disturbing message: a plot is rising against her homeland, led by a murderous sorcerer she has defeated before...

Honor sets Yelena on a path that will test the limits of her skills, and the hope of reuniting with her beloved spurs her onward.  Her journey is fraught with allies, enemies, lovers and would-be assassins, each of questionable loyalty.  Yelena will have but one chance to prove herself--and save the land she holds dear.

Review:
Wow.  That's all I can say.  Wow.  I have mixed feelings about this book.  On the one hand, I'm sad.  Sad because this is the final book in this AMAZING series.  And happy, because I was given the privilege of reading this amazing series.

I love, love, love the plot.  Every time, Maria V. Snyder comes up with a new, exciting plot and wows me again and again.  And this time Yelena was in even more trouble than usual.  I loved the twists and turns, the battles, the action, the magic, everything.

I love Yelena.  She's strong, fearless, and she can take care of herself.
I love Valek.  He's so sexy.
I like Cahil and teensy-tiny bit more, but I still hate him.

All in all, this is one really bad review for a really good book.  This review does not do the book justice, so if you decide to read a book based on a review, ignore mine.  Words just can't express how much I love this series.

Review: Magic Study

Author: Maria V. Snyder

Series: Study #2

Pages: 443

Format: Paperback
Rating: 4/5

Summery:
A lesson in loyalty--a master class in intrigue.

So far, I've managed to survive.  You would think after being kidnapped as a child, imprisoned in my teens and  released to become a poison taster, I would have endured enough.  But no.
But no.  The discovery of my magical abilities--powers forbidden in Ixia--has resulted in an execution order.  My only chance is to flee to Sitia, my long-lost birthplace

But Sitia in unfamiliar.  I'm treated like an enemy--even by my own brother.  Plus I can't control  my powers.  I want to learn about my magic, but there isn't time.  A rogue magician has emerged and I'm targeted as his next victim.

Review:
It is really hard to write a good and long review for a good book because you can't go on and on about how this main character was a wimp or that cute guy wasn't cute at all.  So, this is going to be a very short, probably not very good review. :P

I love this story line!!  I just love it.  It is so amazing, and so complex.  I don't know how Snyder gets Yelena out of all these positions she's in.  First she was poisoned, now someone's after her.  I just mean, WOW.
I LOVE VALEK!!  I LOVE VALEK, I LOVE VALEK!!  He is SOOO sexy and cool and nice.  Why can't I have a sweet ninja for a boyfriend? :P

I love Kiki.  She made me laugh.  Everytime she saw Yelena she was just like "Apple?"  So funny.
I hate Ferde.  Hate, hate, hate him.  The little slime ball.
I didn't like Lief in the beginning, but he got a little better as I read.  But I'm still not a huge fan of him.
I love Ari, I love Janco, they're so funny.
And, last but not least, I love Yelena.  I love that she's a powerful magician, that she can take care of herself, has all these concealed weapons and knows how to use them.  She's the perfect main character for this book, and the other books in the series.

I own Fire Study, so instead of wasting time ranting over Valek, I'm going to go grab my copy and finish this amazing series once and for all!  Which I'm a little sad about because I won't have more books to read.  But I own the series, so I guess it's okay. :P

Review: Storm Glass

Author: Maria V. Snyder

Series: Glass #1

Pages: 488

Format: Paperback

Source: Mira

Rating: 2/5

Summery:

As a glassmaker and a magician-in-training, Opal Cowen understands trial by fire. Now it's time to test her mettle. Someone has sabotaged the Stormdancer clan's glass orbs, killing their most powerful magicians. The Stormdancers—particularly the mysterious and mercurial Kade—require Opal's unique talents to prevent it happening again. But when the mission goes awry, Opal must tap in to a new kind of magic as stunningly potent as it is frightening. And the further she delves into the intrigue behind the glass and magic, the more distorted things appear. With lives hanging in the balance—including her own—Opal must control powers she hadn't known she possessed…powers that might lead to disaster beyond anything she's ever known.

Review:
After reading the Study series and absolutely adoring it, I had really high hopes for this series.  I was a little disappointed.

In all the Study books, the story line was amazing.  There was action, twists and turns, fighting, romance, magic.  In this one, not so much.  I felt like there was barely any action at all (although I simply adored the ending.  It was amazing).  The writing wasn't as good, the sentences were choppy and disconnected.  I usually get so caught up in a book I can read it even when there's noise around.  In this one, I had to plug my ears so I could concentrate on the book.  In the Study books, Maria V. Snyder chose a specific story line and the whole book was about it.  In this one, it went from Stormdancers to glass and diamonds, then back to a little Stormdancers.  I was very surprised when Opal figured out the problem to the Stormdancers' troubles so fast.  I thought it would be the whole book.

I was all geared up for another Yelena with a different name, a kick-ass fighter, strong, and smart.  I didn't get it.  In my opinion, Opal was weak, couldn't fight, and she walked knowingly into traps.
In the Study series, I loved the romance.  Valek and Yelena were perfect for each other.  In this book, I feel like the romance was forced.  And I didn't get the love triangle at all.  I liked Kade the best, although he's not my favorite guy ever, and I didn't like Ulrick.

All in all, I'm definitely going to buy the rest of the series, mostly because I want to see what happens and I really want the next books to be good.

Huge thanks to Maria V. Snyder and Mira for sending me this copy for review.  And an extra thanks to Maria V. Snder for signing it.

Waiting on Wednesday (#11): Girl of Nightmares

This is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlites upcoming new releases that we're highly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Girl of Nightmares, by Kendare Blake

Add this to your to-read shelf on 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.

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR THIS WEDNESDAY?

Teaser Tuesday: (#9)

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.

Anyone can do it.  You just have to do is:

 (1): Grab your current read.

(2): Open it to a random page.

(3): Share 1 or 2 "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page.  BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!! 

(4): Make sure you also mention the author and title.

Storm Glass, by Maria V. Snyder

Add this book to your to-read shelf on Goodreads

#1: "The door opened after the first tap.  Hustled inside, we entered the same room as before.  Elita waited with a man of average height and weight, although I would never forget him.  His pure white hair was buzzed close to his head and was in stark contrast to his midnight skin.  Elita introduced him as Mr. Lune."

2: "With his arm still tight around mine, he showed me the kiln, the glory hole and the other equipment needed to make glass.  Bowls, vases and a few glass balls littered the work space.  My mind registered the information, but couldn't quiet produce any intelligent thoughts beyond my terror."

In My Mailbox (#5)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren, where we spotlight the books that we've received for review, swapped, or purchased that week.

FOR REVIEW:

Storm Glass, by Maria V. Snyder
Destined, by Jessie Harrell
The Selection, by Kiera Cass (ARC)
Halflings, by Heather Burch (ARC)

(Thank you SOOO much Mira, Mae Day Publishing, HarperTeen and Zondervan for these copies!! And thank you Maria V. Snyder and Jessie Harrell for signing them.   I absolutely loved the Study series, and Destined, The Selection, and Halflings look amazing!)

GIFTED (FOR CHRISTMAS) :

Angel Burn, by L. A. Weatherly

Nightlight, by The Harvard Lampoon

New Moan, by Stephordy Mayo

(Huge thanks to my grandparents.  The parodies look so funny and Angel Burn looks amazing.  THANKS SO MUCH)

BORROWED:

Anna Dressed in Blood, by Kendare Blake (spooky!!)

Vanish, by Sophie Jordan

Sweet Venom, by Tera Lynn Childs (I've been dying to read this one.)

Ripple, by Mandy Hubbard

WHAT'S IN YOUR MAILBOX?

Liebster Blog Award!!

Leah over at YA Obsession was kind enough to give me this award.  THANK YOU LEAH!!!

Now I get to pick five people to give the award to.  I'll list their names and their blog links.

Hayley over at YA-Aholic

Mimi over at Mimi Valentine

Penelope over at I HEART BOOKS

Lea over at LC's Adventures in Libraryland

Hayley over at The Fable Faerie

Now here are the rules (copied from Leah)
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

Giveaway: Mimi Valentine's ABF Giveaway #6: Fall Favorites

Hi everyone,
Mimi over at Mimi Valentine is having an awesome giveaway of popular fall 2011 releases.  To enter click here.  Below are the books up for grabs and the rules.  ENJOY!!




    

The Rules:

1. There will be one winner. 
2. Giveaway ends on January 14, 2011 @ 11:59 p.m.
3. Be a GFC follower (which, by default, makes you awesome).
4. Be 13 or older.
5. Live anywhere that The Book Depository ships to (which is basically everywhere!)
6. Fill out the form.

The prize: Here's a list of some of the coolest books that were released this season! The winner can pick any one of their choice. :)

Vanish by Sophie Jordan

As I Wake by Elizabeth Scott

If I Die by Rachel Vincent

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Crossed by Ally Condie

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

Legend by Marie Lu

The Space Between by Brenna Yovanoff

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

Review: The Truth about Forever

Author: Sarah Dessen
Pages: 374
Format: Paperback
Release Date (of my copy): May 11, 2004
Rating: 5/5

Summery:
Sixteen-year-old Macy Queen is looking forward to a long, boring summer. Her boyfriend is going away. She's stuck with a dull-as-dishwater job at the library. And she'll spend all of her free time studying for the SATs or grieving silently with her mother over her father's recent unexpected death. But everything changes when Macy is corralled into helping out at one of her mother's open house events, and she meets the chaotic Wish Catering crew. Before long, Macy joins the Wish team. She loves everything about the work and the people. But the best thing about Wish is Wes—artistic, insightful, and understanding Wes—who gets Macy to look at life in a whole new way, and really start living it.

Review:
All of Sarah Dessen's books that I've read have a girl in a difficult situation meeting a guy and falling in love, all the while learning things about themselves.  Well, I've read like four of her books that are like that, and it never gets old.

Sarah Dessen is a genius.  That's all I can say.  The way she writes, the way she explains things, the way she tells us the story, it's  just mesmerizing.  I especially loved the way she told us readers about Wes and Macy's past, with a game of Truth.  I thought it was genius and imaginative, and it totally worked.  I have never seen any other author use that kind of thing to explain their characters, and you have to tip your hat to Sarah Dessen for even thinking about doing it.  Other than that, the story was great.  I do believe that you should be smart and driven, but what Macy was doing, it was just nuts.  I'm so glad she changed, but still stayed the same.  She's still smart, she's still going to do well.  I really, really like this book.

I love Macy.  She's smart, she's funny, and she could use some self esteem.  Like I said before, I'm glad she changed, but still stayed the same.
Will *swoon* oh Will.  I need a fire extinguisher here!!!  SMOKIN' hot.  And so artistic.
In all books you need the character that opens the main characters eyes and is funny at the same time.  In this book, that was Kristy, and I absolutely loved her.  She was funny, smart, kick-ass, I can't even describe it.  I just loved her.
I hate, hate, hate, hate the mom.  I'm sure some would feel bad for her, but I don't.  I hate what she made Macy go through, it was horrible.

All in all, one of my favorite Dessen reads.  I'm so glad I own it.

Waiting on Wednesday (#10): Rapture

This is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlites upcoming new releases that we're highly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Rapture, by Lauren Kate

Add this book to your to-read shelf on Goodreads

The sky is dark with wings. . . .

In RAPTURE, the highly anticipated fourth and final novel in the FALLEN series, Luce and Daniel are together . . . but for how long? Can history be rewritten? Or are some punishments eternal?


From the Hardcover edition

Dusty Reads: (#5)

Dusty Reads is a weekly meme hosted by Giselle at Xpresso Reads, where you feature a book that has been sitting unread on our bookshelf for a long time.

What do you do when your knight in shining armor lives, literally, in a different world?

Most American teenagers want a vacation in Italy, but the Betarrini sisters have spent every summer of their lives among the romantic hills with their archaelogist parents. Stuck among the rubble of the mediefal castles in rural Tuscany, on yet another hot, dusty archaeological site, Gabi and Lia are bored out of their minds...until Gabi places her hand atop a handprint in an ancient tomb and finds herself in fourteenth-century Italy. And worse yet, in the middle of a fierce battle between knights of two opposing forces.

Suddenly Gabi's summer in Italy is much, much more interesting

Teaser Tuesday: (#8)

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.

Anyone can do it.  You just have to do is:

 (1): Grab your current read.

(2): Open it to a random page.

(3): Share 1 or 2 "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page.  BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!! 

(4): Make sure you also mention the author and title.

The Truth about Forever, by Sarah Dessen

Add this book to your to-read shelf on Goodreads

#1: "Sophie, though, remained expressionless as she turned back, hiking her bag over one shoulder and starting down to the courtyard.  My face was flushed, and I could feel people staring.  I wasn't ready for this, but then I probably never would be, and this year, like so much else, wouldn't wait.  I had no choice but to get out of my car, with everyone watching, and begin in earnest, alone.  So I did."

#2: "The truck revved, then moved forward, and for a second, nothing happened.  But then, suddenly, I was moving.  Rising.  Up and out, bit by bit, until, in my headlights, I could see the hole emerging in front of me, now empty.  And it was huge.  More like a crater, like something you'de see on the moon.  A doozy, inded."

What is your teaser this Tuesday?



Review: Shiver

Author: Maggie Stiefvater

Series: The Wolves of Mercy Falls #1
Pages: 290
Format: Paperback
Release Date: June 1st, 2010
Rating: 5/5

Summery:
the cold.
Grace has spent years watching the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—watches back. He feels deeply familiar to her, but she doesn't know why.

the heat.
Sam has lived two lives. As a wolf, he keeps the silent company of the girl he loves. And then, for a short time each year, he is human, never daring to talk to Grace...until now.

the shiver.
For Grace and Sam, love has always been kept at a distance. But once it's spoken, it cannot be denied. Sam must fight to stay human—and Grace must fight to keep him—even if it means taking on the scars of the past, the fragility of the present, and the impossibility of the future.

Review:
Wow.  What a book.  It is so hard to describe this book, it's unlike any book I've ever read.  This review is probably not going to be very good just because I won't find the right words to describe this book.

The plot is amazing.  I have to say that first and foremost.  The writing is amazing.  The book...gosh, I can't describe it.  Eery, in a good way, sweet, gosh, I don't know.  There was such a tenderness and wildness to it, I just loved it.  I'm usually not a huge fan of werewolf books, but this one was amazing.

There are only a few books that I've read where I want the boys to be real.  Well, this is one of them.  Sam is so cute, so loving and caring, it is so sweet to read about him and Grace.
I also really like Grace.  She's a strong character and she really cares about Sam.
I don't really like Grace's parents, though.  They should pay more attention to her.  But, if they did the book wouldn't have worked out (I have never read a book with this parent/werewolf situation before).

I own this book, and if the rest of the series is this good, Maggie Stiefvater is going to have some extra money because I am totally buying it.

What are your thoughts about this book?

Waiting on Wednesday (#9): Fever

This is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlites upcoming new releases that we're highly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Fever, by Lauren DeStefano

Add it to your to-read shelf on Goodreads

Rhine and Gabriel have escaped the mansion, but danger is never far behind.

Running away brings Rhine and Gabriel right into a trap, in the form of a twisted carnival whose ringmistress keeps watch over a menagerie of girls. Just as Rhine uncovers what plans await her, her fortune turns again. With Gabriel at her side, Rhine travels through an environment as grim as the one she left a year ago - surroundings that mirror her own feelings of fear and hopelessness.

The two are determined to get to Manhattan, to relative safety with Rhine’s twin brother, Rowan. But the road there is long and perilous - and in a world where young women only live to age twenty and young men die at twenty-five, time is precious. Worse still, they can’t seem to elude Rhine’s father-in-law, Vaughn, who is determined to bring Rhine back to the mansion...by any means necessary

Dusty Reads: (#4)

Dusty Reads is a weekly meme hosted by Giselle at Xpresso Reads, where you feature a book that has been sitting unread on our bookshelf for a long time.

So far, I've managed to survive. You would think after being kidnapped as a child, imprisoned in my teens and released to become a poison taster, I would have endured enough. But no. The discovery of my magical abilities—powers forbidden in Ixia—has resulted in an execution order. My only chance is to flee to Sitia, my long-lost birthplace.

But Sitia is unfamiliar. I'm treated like an enemy—even by my own brother. Plus I can't control my powers. I want to learn about my magic, but there isn't time. A rogue magician has emerged and I'm targeted as his next victim.
Will my magical abilities save me…or be my downfall?

The apprenticeship is over—now the real test has begun.

When word that Yelena is a Soulfinder—able to capture and release souls—spreads like wildfire, people grow uneasy. Already Yelena's unusual abilities and past have set her apart. As the Council debates Yelena's fate, she receives a disturbing message: a plot is rising against her homeland, led by a murderous sorcerer she has defeated before....

Honor sets Yelena on a path that will test the limits of her skills, and the hope of reuniting with her beloved spurs her onward. Her journey is fraught with allies, enemies, lovers and would-be assassins, each of questionable loyalty. Yelena will have but one chance to prove herself—and save the land she holds dear

Teaser Tuesday: (#7)

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.

Anyone can do it.  You just have to do is:

 (1): Grab your current read.

(2): Open it to a random page.

(3): Share 1 or 2 "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page.  BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!! 

(4): Make sure you also mention the author and title.

Magic Study, by Maria V. Snyder

Add it to your to-read shelf on Goodreads (Trust me, it's amazing.  I'm totally in love with Valek :P)

#2: "The ghosts attached.  They were tenacious and quick. I swung at them over and over again until my arms felt like lead.  A few of Tula's horrors disappeared, others shrank, but some seemed to grow as they fought."

What is your teaser this Tuesday?

#1: "I spun Kiki around in time to see a man coalesce out of the blue ray of moonlight.  Tall enough to meet my gaze without having to look up, the naked man's skin was indigo and hairless.  His bald head gleamed with sweat and I could see the strength coiled in his powerful muscles.  But his round face held amusement, and I sensed no immediate threat from him.  Pure magical energy emenated from him, so I thought he might be influencing my emotions."

Review: Fire Study

Author: Maria V. Snyder
Series: Study #3
Pages: 441
Format: Paperback
Release Date: March 1st, 2008
Rating: 5/5
Summery:
The apprenticeship is over—now the real test has begun.

When word that Yelena is a Soulfinder—able to capture and release souls—spreads like wildfire, people grow uneasy. Already Yelena's unusual abilities and past have set her apart. As the Council debates Yelena's fate, she receives a disturbing message: a plot is rising against her homeland, led by a murderous sorcerer she has defeated before....

Honor sets Yelena on a path that will test the limits of her skills, and the hope of reuniting with her beloved spurs her onward. Her journey is fraught with allies, enemies, lovers and would-be assassins, each of questionable loyalty. Yelena will have but one chance to prove herself—and save the land she holds dear.

Review:
Wow.  That's all I can say.  Wow.  I have mixed feelings about this book.  On the one hand, I'm sad.  Sad because this is the final book in this AMAZING series.  And happy, because I was given the privilege of reading this amazing series.

I love, love, love the plot.  Every time, Maria V. Snyder comes up with a new, exciting plot and wows me again and again.  And this time Yelena was in even more trouble than usual.  I loved the twists and turns, the battles, the action, the magic, everything.

I love Yelena.  She's strong, fearless, and she can take care of herself.
I love Valek.  He's so sexy.
I like Cahil and teensy-tiny bit more, but I still hate him.

All in all, this is one really bad review for a really good book.  This review does not do the book justice, so if you decide to read a book based on a review, ignore mine.  Words just can't express how much I love this series.

Cover Reveal: Onyx

Onyx
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Release Date: May 2012
Number of pages: -----
Format: Hardcover

No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies...

Other novels in this series:

Review: Angelfire

Author: Courtney Allison Moulton
Series: Angelfire #1
Pages: 453
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: February 15th, 2011
Rating: 5/5

Summery:
First there are nightmares.
Every night Ellie is haunted by terrifying dreams of monstrous creatures that are hunting her, killing her.

Then come the memories.
When Ellie meets Will, she feels on the verge of remembering something just beyond her grasp. His attention is intense and romantic, and Ellie feels like her soul has known him for centuries. On her seventeenth birthday, on a dark street at midnight, Will awakens Ellie's power, and she knows that she can fight the creatures that stalk her in the grim darkness. Only Will holds the key to Ellie's memories, whole lifetimes of them, and when she looks at him, she can no longer pretend anything was just a dream.

Now she must hunt.
Ellie has power that no one can match, and her role is to hunt and kill the reapers that prey on human souls. But in order to survive the dangerous and ancient battle of the angels and the Fallen, she must also hunt for the secrets of her past lives and truths that may be too frightening to remember.

Review:
I have wanted to read this book so bad and I'm so happy I finally have.  And boy, was it ever worth the wait.

WOW.  That's all I can say.  This is going to be a very bad, very short review because I can't describe it.  It was just amazing.

The story line was amazing.  The plot was awesome.  There were times when I was reading so fast, so caught up in the story, I actually didn't know where I was.
I loved the fighting scenes.  I'm so glad that Moulton described them with such detail.

And OMG.  WILLL!!!!  SO HOT!!  I can't get him out of my head.  He is hot, he's nice, and he's a bad-ass fighter.  Wow.  I think I may be in love.
I loved Ellie.  She was such a strong character.  And I love the role she played.

All in all, MOULTON BETTER RELEASE THE SECOND BOOK ASAP OR I WILL EXPLODE!!!

Review: XVI

Author: Julia Karr

Series: XVI #1

Pages: 325
Format: Paperback
Release Date: January 6th, 2011
Rating: 4/5

Summery:
Every girl gets one.
An XVI tattoo on the wrist--sixteen.

Some girls can't wait to be sixteen, to be legal. Nina is not one of them. Even though she has no choice in the matter, she knows that so long as her life continues as normal, everything will be okay.

Then, with one brutal strike, Nina's normal is shattered; and she discovers that nothing that she believed about her life is true. But there's one boy who can help--and he just may hold the key to her past.

But with the line between attraction and danger as thin as a whisper, one thing is for sure...

For Nina, turning sixteen promises to be anything but sweet.

Review:
Wow.  This book is really, really complex.  The plot is so good.  Zarr did such a good job writing this book to make it look like Nina had no way to make all the problems right, but I was really impressed with how she did it.

When I started reading it I thought, Wow, I'm not going to like this book very much, because Zarr came up with all these new abbreviations for everything, like PAVs and feLS, I had no idea what they were.  But as the story progressed and grew I finally figured them out and started to really enjoy it.  The plot is simply amazing.  There were so many elements and things going on, I don't know how Zarr kept track of it all.

When Zarr first introduced Sal I didn't really like him at all, but towards the end he started to show his sensative, caring side and he grew on me.
I love that Nina's mom was a strong, defiant woman that saw through the facade the goverment had put up.
I hate, hate, hate, hate, hate Ed.  That guy is a slime-ball.
I felt so bad for Sandy at the end (not telling what happens).  Although she was completely swept up in being a sex-teen, I kind of liked her and really hoped Nina would make her come to her senses.

All in all, a really good dystopian novel, and I can't wait to read the second one.

What do you think about this book?