Legacy by Cayla Kluver

Legacy by Cayla Kluver

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This book is freaking amazing!

I'm surprised... I need an hour to think about this... Be back to review this one soon!

**The Next Day**

Alright, I slept on it. And I still feel like this book is one of the best I've read in a long time. It's a fantasy book with a slightly different world that's similar to how ours was in the medieval/renaissance days. We have a princess that is close to getting married and taking the throne with her future husband. We have said future husband gunning for his bride and the throne. And then we have the mysterious stranger that comes in and so inadvertently changes the plan. Intrigue, fantasy, love triangle galore. I was hooked.

I have to say that the characters, each and every one of them, really made this book for me. I really loved being in Alera's point of view and I really loved her interactions with not just the two boys, but her bodyguards, her sister, her family, and the royal court. Kluver is amazing at character development. She managed to make even the smallest characters stand out without detracting our attention away from the main story. With that said, let me talk about the boys for a second. Narian was pretty amazing. He's the mysterious stranger that walks in and steals Alera's attention away from her duties and I love that he's quiet in all the right ways. He also can fight like nobody's business and I liked how he kept stealing weapons and his attitude towards authority really made him all that much more desirable. However, my personal favorite is Steldor. Alera loathes her future husband and it's not something I can exactly blame her for. He IS an arrogant bastard and he isn't always the nicest he could be. But I've always been a sucker for arrogant bastards and Steldor is no exception. He really does seem to love Alera though and I hope that in Allegiance their relationship grows into something more. Perhaps like in Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side her disgust for him will turn to lust and love. **QUICK SPOILER** I know she's waiting for Narian to come back and "save" her, but now that she's actually married to Steldor at the end, that's pretty much it for me. Once you say those vows you better stick to them. I know she can argue that she was forced into it and such, but she actually was given a choice and she still chose to marry Steldor. Narian had a choice too and he could have come to the wedding or told Alera how he felt at the very least and he didn't. So the only way I can see Alera and Narian together is if Steldor dies somehow in the war. Which I really hope doesn't happen because I love him! **QUICK SPOILER OVER**

Now that my rant on the romance part of the story is over I can also comment on how well done the plot and action was. The story itself came together nicely and I was unable to predict the outcome. I also appreciated that something was happening in every chapter that moved the story forward. There wasn't a lot of action in the book, but many parts of the story had me on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what happened. Since it's in Alera's POV and she is pretty much never allowed to be in such a fray, we don't actually get to witness any real fighting, except for the tournament scene.

I am excited however for Allegiance!!! I saw that on Goodreads it says it comes out this year and I will be first in line for that one, my friends. It's going to be amazing! Team Steldor!




View all my reviews

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Before I continue crying some more, I promised I'd actually get to a review on time for once.

I'm very late to the game on this one. I kept hearing about it and hearing about it, and hearing so much PRAISE about it, that I should have picked it up a long time ago. But to be honest, I think I was scared to. The title and the cover, and then the jacket as well, all let you know that this story is about a girl that dies. She dies. There's no point in letting you think that once the seven days are up, she can somehow win her life back with a good deed or two. And I knew that it would probably be very amazing. But I didn't tell myself that. No, I tried to keep myself from reading it by saying that it wasn't fantasy, and it was probably about catty popular girls and somehow still depressing because one of them dies. So, I put it off.

Then I read DELIRIUM by Lauren Oliver. I was enraptured and totally caught up with this author's way of describing the world, even in a futuristic fictional one that would probably never be, I totally understood that she was, and could only be, talking about our world. Us. I fell in love with that story. And then I thought, why not? Pick up BEFORE I FALL. It might be depressing, but Lauren Oliver's already opened your eyes once, maybe she'll do it again. And I expected BEFORE I FALL to be good. I expected it to be sad, but oh so powerful. What I didn't expect?

That it would literally grab a hold of my soul and transform me. That it would literally open my eyes up to myself.

That probably sounds pretty dramatic. Probably something that a sap would say and probably not as reliable coming from an unknown source that's trying to recommend a book to you. But it's true...

I can't explain how this book has touched me. It's a personal story. All I want to say about it is that I cried during all of Sam's scenes with Izzy (her little sister) because I once had an older brother, and I wondered what he might've been thinking those couple of years in the hospital when he was spending time with his baby sister. I couldn't stop crying when Sam accepted her fate and during her last moment in her own fictional world. That's how good this story is.

I just know that Lauren Oliver has this ability to make the most amazing characters. Characters so real that you feel like you've known them your whole life. I can't stand letting Sam go. And even after I turned the last page, trying really hard to ignore the tears running down my cheeks, my fingers kept fumbling for more, not wanting to let go of her. Not wanting her life to end. And I knew how it would end all along, but like she says in the book. We still hope. We're still human...

If there's any book in the world, I could say without a doubt has helped shape me or moved my heart in some form or another, it's BEFORE I FALL. Read it and you'll know. I hope you do.



View all my reviews

Entwined by Heather Dixon

Entwined by Heather Dixon

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


All I will say right now is that this book has entwined itself into my heart forever. Wrapped up in a tie with FINNIKIN OF THE ROCK by Mellina Marchetta, ENTWINED by Heather Dixon has become one of two books that are my ultimate favorites.



I will post a better review at a later date. When I can give it the justice it deserves.



Official Review:



I wish I could describe how wonderful and magical this book is. I absolutely could NOT put it down. I did some research on the artist and discovered that she is a story board artist. Which clicked, considering how she wrote ENTWINED. The description and setting is just so... fairy tale like. I adored it. It's such a classic tale that when you combine these well developed characters in such a defined setting with wonderful, fluid elements like Dixon does, it just comes together like... like Mary Poppins pulled it out of her carpet bag herself.



The cover is just gorgeous to start off with. Who wouldn't at least pick it up and read the summary just for that beautiful cover?



Azalea: the lead character and eldest sister of twelve. I related with her the most. I felt like she was compassionate, strong, and intelligent. She was always constantly looking out for her family and I really loved that she knew how to take charge. It was just perfect getting to see the story through her eyes.



The family: was downright adorable as buttons. Bramble reminded me of one of my cousins; feisty and troublesome, but lovable just the same. Clover, Delphinium, and everyone else right down to their newborn sister Lily had their own matching personality. They complimented each of their siblings perfectly. And the King, their father was so developed and complex I was always caught inbetween sides. Do I side with Azalea and her sisters and acknowledge that the King hasn't been a good father since their mother died, or do I side with the father that has just lost his wife and true love and needs time to adjust? It was so well written that I wanted to vouch for each character.



The suitors: I just can't get over Captain Bradford, the Prime Minister, and Sir Teddie. They were all so perfect for their counterparts and just so scintillating in their own rights.



The Keeper: It's obvious from the first moment you open the front cover and read the summary who the villain is. But I thought that he was just complex enough to work. I appreciated the fact that he was double sided, just like the blade of a knife. At one moment you almost feel bad for him, and at the next you think he rose from the very pit of Hell. Just perfect. And not to mention the several parts that I was truly creeped out by him. His spider-like position on the ceiling, his affinity for dark magic, and his cruelty channeled fully towards revenge made him scary not only to the characters but to the reader as well. Which is just... awesome!



Throw all of these into a victorian setting and Dixon's way of capturing a picturesque fairy tale style of writing, and you get ENTWINED. Five stars. Without a doubt one of the best books I've ever read and will ever read. Just amazing.



View all my reviews

Across the Universe by Beth Revis

Across the Universe by Beth Revis

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Mind blowing... Holy frex...



There are very few books that simply blow me out of the water. Very few. I can count them on one hand.



And to be perfectly honest, I didn't even like this book when I first started it. I thought that it was getting off of the ground way too slow and there wasn't much going on-- add that in with the fact that I already don't have a taste for science fiction so much (especially spaceship voyage kind of science fiction) NOR mysteries, and I thought I had a complete dud on my hands. For my personal tastes anyway. By the 50s to 100s each hook kept pulling me back. It took a while to get to the end, simply because I kept wanting to give up, but the story wouldn't let me forget about it completely.



The thing about mysteries that I hate is that I usually can predict who the killer is... or at least when I can't, everything adds up pretty flawlessly. But ACROSS THE UNIVERSE had a dozen or so surprises even AFTER we find out who's behind this... It's like opening up one door, simply to find another. And it does this in dominoe fashion to the very last page.



I still wouldn't have liked it though, had it not been for the love story. "Brave New World meets Titanic" is correct, back cover. I am sold, Revis. Completely and totally sold. Keep writing your science fiction/mystery/romance trilogy and I will bow down to it's utterly captivating prose!



View all my reviews

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Some books are so good that you can ramble on and on for days about every little thing inside of them. All of it's information has been poured into you and you are overflowing with such intensity to share it with someone. Anyone.



Other books are so powerful that you can't say a word. It's very pages have sunk deep into your heart and mind and will continue to sit there until it is etched into your soul. It whispers to you. There aren't any words good enough to describe what you have just experienced.



DELIRIUM by Lauren Oliver happens to be one of the most powerful books I have ever read.



And the only words I can seem to come up with are...



More than amazing... More than five stars... Beautiful in every way.





It comes out in February of 2011. Read it.



View all my reviews

Jane by April Lindner

Surprised myself by finishing this in a storm of two days. Eh, technically 24 hours. Truly amazing.

Jane by April Lindner

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I've never read Bronte's JANE EYRE. It's a classic. And they're usually awesome for a reason. But I've never had the opportunity. We didn't read it in school.



Now... I wish I had.



JANE by April Lindner is a MARVELOUS retelling of what I know is one of the greatest romances of all time. She completely revamped it for modern standards too. Mr. Rochester turned into a world famous rockstar? Yeah. I believe it now.



The character of Jane Moore was just so relatable and... fresh. It was nice to finally read about an OLDER and more mature young adult, versus the usual onslaught of sixteen year olds who are stuck in the high school rut. Jane's basically an adult. She thinks about adult things like money, jobs, where she's going to live, how she's going to pay for college, why her family treats her the way they do. I mean YES! Someone I can relate to! Not that I don't love a good high school fiction once in a while, but now that I'm 20, it's nice to read about someone my own age. It puts me back in that head of mine and lets me relate to the character and say "yeah, I'm going through that too" versus "yeah I kinda remember that".



And I just loved the relationship that grew between Jane and Nico. It felt real. Sure when they finally revealed their feelings for one another it felt just a smidge rushed, but yet believable. This is a rock star! Why would he be patient? Just awesome. All I can say is that if Lindner continues on like this, she just found herself a very loyal and enthusiastic fan!



How I wish that there could be a sequel for this one...



View all my reviews

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Okay, I'm actually going to try and put into words how awesome this book is.



It's been about a month or so since I read it, sooo forgive me if this review lacks in details.



I would also like to start off by thanking HarperTeen for sending me an ARC so that I may review this amazing book before it hits stores.



UNEARTHLY by Cynthia Hand is undefinable. Debut? Yes. Really freaking awesome debut? Yes. First part of a trilogy? Yes. Can't wait a whole year for book two? Of course I can't! It's a new take on Angels (or Angel-bloods in this case) and if you're a sucker for romance, well here you go. A chance to get weak in the knees and laugh at the same time because of it. The story itself is quite a journey. Clara is our main character. She has a purpose to fulfill. She must save a mysterious boy from a forest fire. This purpose relocates her mother and younger brother to the town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. And thus, we meet Christian. The boy she must save. Of course Clara has a crush on him right away. Who wouldn't when he's a handsome, popular skiier who plays a part in your own destiny? But alas, he is dating Miss Popular Kay. Insert some epic drama there. But it's not just about Christian these days. Clara's mother can't help but hold back a lot of important information from her daughter and there are loads that Clara has to figure out on her own, or with the help of an angel-blood that she meets in her new school. Add in a plot-twisting cowboy with the intention to either irritate Clara to death or finally get her on his side and I am completely and totally signed up.



It surprised me how much I liked this book. Not only did it have the heart-ache and mystery that I love- both subtle and yet complex in their own rights- but it provided a well-rounded debut with a character that any girl can relate to. I really loved the humor that Hand uses and there were plenty of down right embarrassing moments that would make any reader 'face-palm'. I would also like to add that I lived in Boise, Idaho for two years back in elementary school and it's nice to finally find an author who lived around that same place. The scenery up there is just down right gorgeous and I think that Hand really captured it well.



Waiting impatiently for the sequel and totally completely Team Tucker,

Katie.



View all my reviews

Linger by Maggie Stiefvater

I read this back in July, almost immediately after it hit stores. This is one of my favorite books ever.

Linger by Maggie Stiefvater

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Linger has climbed it's way up to the top of my favorite books list. In some cases I liked it even better than Shiver, and it's very unusual for a sequel to out-do the original in my opinion. And the writing, oh my goodness, the writing! If anyone knows how to write directly to your heart, it has to be Maggie Stiefvater! Very few writers can make you feel for a seemingly heart-less character that constantly tries to lose himself and never opens up to anyone about it. But she proved that you could love Cole as you followed him in his transformation from shell of a man to wolf-man realizing he needs to confront his issues.



Grace and Sam. We all loved them in Shiver and there's no love lost there in Linger. Both Grace and Sam have this connection that every girl dreams of one day having with a guy. Both of them face challenges from the previous group, and let me warn you... you're not going to like Grace's parents. I hated them during this book, and let's face it, they weren't so great in Shiver either. Grace's parents are just the small challenge that Grace and Sam have to face though. In Linger, they have to face futures, pasts, and the present possibility of death.



One of the things that I love about this trilogy is that it's so realistic. I mean, if there WERE werewolves in the world, I think Maggie's theory in Shiver/Linger could be the highest probable answer. But the relationships, the dialogue, the thoughts that each character has. They feel like real people. And seeing them as real people makes it easier to fall in love with them :)



I'm warning you, this book made me cry buckets in the last 100 pages or so. But if a book can make me cry like that, I'll recommend it to anyone and everyone, including my cat and two dogs. If you loved Shiver... you're going to adore Linger. Read this book.



Now we must wait FOREVER for Forever to come out.



View all my reviews

The Haunted by Jessica Verday

The Haunted by Jessica Verday

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Ummm... holy carp. That was good. And yes, I do mean carp. It sounds funnier. First off, I loved THE HOLLOW, it was unique and descriptive and haunting. (Why not throw in a pun like that for good measure?) In the end, I wasn't getting my hopes up for THE HAUNTED though. Seeing as this is a debut trilogy from an up-and-coming author I figured it would mostly be full of fluff. And that's when the buzzer sounded, ladies and gents. Telling me in a nasely tone that I was so totally WRONG!



In this stunning sequel, we follow Abbey back from her Aunt Marjorie's farm to the ghost-inhabited Sleepy Hollow. She adjusts. Hopes she's not crazy. Keeps making perfumes. Hangs out with Ben, yada yada, but can't get rid of Caspian. Yep... Folks, he's back! And better than ever! I can't believe how head over heels in love with him I am after I put down this book. His personality really came to life in this one. I mean, first off who wouldn't love a guy who sneaks into your room while you're gone just to stick glow in the dark stars all over your ceiling for you? Adorable, insert 'freaking' a smidgeon before said adorableness. But now I'm gushing, so let's move on.



Their relationship really grows in this one. Abbey knows what's going on around her for the most part now and has to come to terms with it all. It was much easier to read without all of my fingers pointed at the suspicious elements. In THE HOLLOW I kept trying to come up with my own answers before we got to the end and figured out some big plot points, but in THE HAUNTED there was much less pointing. Still an occasional narrowing of the eyes, but less pointing nonetheless. And we finally figure out who "D." is from Kristen's diary. And holy carp, he's creepy. Way, way creepy and suspicious.



I'd say I really loved this one. It has become a favorite, though at times it can come off a little cheesey, a little surprising, and even a little bit mature for Abbey's intended age group, but still! Such a great read. I'm going to have to reread soon. After I diminish my pile of unreads first.



And can I leave saying how big of a cliffhanger that was! Yeesh! Ms. Verday expects me to wait a whole freaking year for the next one?! Is she crazy?! I hope she writes fast... Still happy though!



View all my reviews

Intrinsical by Lani Woodland

Intrinsical by Lani Woodland

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


So, we'll start with some backstory... Prepare yourselves, it's a little lengthy (And that's possibly an understatement).



I first stumbled upon this book by browsing through goodreads in a half-bored, cover-catatonic state. Skimming through lists of 'Beautiful YA Covers for 2010' and 'Most Exciting Upcoming YA Novels for 2010' etc. And who doesn't do that on occasion? Other than those of you who only go on your Goodreads accounts every six months (Come on people! Join us bookworms!). But the point is, at first glance, I immediately made a mental note of this book. I mean, come on... LOOK at that cover and tell me it's not downright gorgeous and all-around intriguing! I was convinced, after finding out that it was a debut novel and all, that I had found a gem. But of course, it was due to come out in August.



August... the month that every YA book seemed to want to come out on! I had made demands for books like CLOCKWORK ANGEL by Cassandra Clare, NEVERMORE by Kelly Creagh, THE HAUNTED by Jessica Verday, and PARANORMALCY by Kiersten White... I mean, there were some heavy-duty books coming out. Thus, the decision to wait. You see, I haven't quite figured out where to plant my money trees yet, hence the short supply of funds. Dang dogs of mine... always digging...



And then... as if by fate, I received a message in my inbox from none other than Lani Woodland. It was a simple reply about some contest information I had sent out in a mass message through my group GOODWRITERS for GOODREADS. And I was so shocked! I recognized the name because, honestly... how was I going to forget that cover (And interesting piece of information that I found out after talking with her, she took the picture for the cover... Yep! All credit goes to the author for making this book's cover so gorgeous! And may I add that it's underwater? Skills man... Skills)? Mental post-it slammed onto the forefront of my brain and all, I responded like a giddy fan girl, and most unconventionally at that "Hey! You're Lani Woodland! Author of INTRINSICAL" (Yes, you CAN call me by my other nickname Captain Obvious!) She responded, in that simple grace with which all authors seem to have when talking to tactless fangirls they have never met. I like to think it was my careful research from my first sighting of her debut where I stumbled upon her blog and found out that INTRINSICAL started out as a fanfiction for one of her favorite television shows! That alone was enough to get me to want to read it because I knew right then and there that she hadn't wrote INTRINSICAL for any reason other than because it was something fun to do! Perhaps something she HAD to write! I know how that is... But alas, at the time I was unable to get my hands on it because of depleted funds, as mentioned earlier. However, that did not stop me from reading the sneak peek on the book's website where the first two chapters are posted, which was enough to torture me! How I cursed my bank account that day!



The funny thing is, after much reading, and too much waiting, one glorious day, Lani Woodland messaged me again and asked me if I would review her book. And since you're reading this, I presume you know exactly what I said. Therefore any details about the manner in which I accepted, in all brilliant vocabulary I assure you, is unnecessary... But again, I must thank her for sending me a copy. I love books too much to pass up an opportunity like this! And how wonderful it is that INTRINSICAL turned out to be so much more than I had ever guessed!



Backstory over... So, onto the review of INTRINSICAL:



I'm going to break it down into two parts (Story and Characters), because I always admire reviews that can separate the main aspects of a story. It makes it that much easier to find exactly what I'm looking for and what I'm not looking for in a book.



STORY:



There are several things that make this section work. One aspect that truly makes or breaks this is the writing style. INTRINSICAL is told in the first point of view, which has become pretty normal for YA literature these days. At first, I told myself not to look too closely at this subject because it is, after all, a debut, but there wasn't any need to cut Lani any slack. She really proved she can write! At times, I marvelled over some of her comparisons and the way that she described exactly how Yara was feeling. Even the dialogue was entertaining. Yara and Brent's snappy conversations, or I digress, more like snappy arguments and teasing, really had me laughing sometimes! Over all, I was pleasantly surprised by how well INTRINSICAL was written.



Secondly, the plot is another vital part of a story. If things don't add up, or become too painstakingly obvious, a book just isn't worth the read. But again, that wasn't the case with this one! I was thrown for a loop quite a few times in this book and quite happy about it! But let me break down the elements of this story a little more...



MYSTERY: Golden. I sure as fire didn't know how this was going to end and I was constantly guessing at who the murderer was. A+ for Mystery!



SUPERNATURAL FACTOR: Another win, win. Ghosts aren't the mainstream in YA today. Honestly there are only a handful in what is now a sea of vampires, vampires, werewolves, vampires, angels, vampires, and vampires AND werewolves. So a new story about ghosts is original and intriguing. A+ for something fresh!



ACTION: Definitely pulse-quickening. There were only a few times that I felt confused and those were usually in the short skirmishes between what is the mist and our lead characters. I still give this part of the plot a solid A.



ROMANCE: Perfect for Young Adult. It was sweet, longing, and something that developed over the story. It wasn't impossible to believe love at first sight and it wasn't missing anything. I wanted things to work out in this section just as much as Yara and I'm a total sucker for subtle romance in stories sooo A++ because this part totally rocked.



And that pretty much wraps up the story section of this review. It's hard to go wrong after that!



CHARACTERS:



Yara: At first, I didn't really relate to Yara. When I started reading, I assumed that she was just like any other teenage girl- reading gossip magazines, crushing on cute boys at school, dealing with her school work and hanging out with her best friend Cherie... All of it normal and expected. Of course, this is excluding the Prologue where the whole story starts off with a bang! Or a slow mist trying to murder someone, you know, same difference! And she was admirable- jumping right in, without hesitation, to save the day! But after that, normalcy kicked in and I was still busy trying to peg her character down... Later though, Yara really proves herself and really started becoming relatable. I found myself sympathizing with her and even at times cheering her on. I always hate it when the main character is a whiney, teenage girl that can't see past her own problems or concerns. Yara wasn't one of these. She was brave, selfless, caring, and strong in her own right.



Brent: The confusing one for me. The beginning didn't have me warming up to Brent. I started off unsure about him at every turn, looking for the culprit in this paranormal mystery. Sure, he was the cute boy in the story... The crush! And I knew that Yara would like him, but that didn't mean I was going to be fooled! Props to Lani Woodland for showing me... After that initial plot twist that I was NOT expecting in the least, I couldn't get enough of this guy! That hook in Yara's gut that connects her to him, let's just say I was having similar sympathy pains... And he wasn't just the cute, overbearing, swoon-worthy male lead. He was real. He was relatable. He wasn't one of those guys that could never in a million years exist, save for a piece of fiction. Brent turned out to be believable and lovable!



Villain/Mist: Since I don't want to post any spoilers, I'm going to leave the villain unnamed so you can buy this book and find out for yourself! I won't say much, but I was surprised that I could feel any sympathy for evil, even at the end. What's more, it gave me the creeps! So more props! That's what a supernatural villain is supposed to do!



Supporting Cast: I won't make this list of characters TOO long, but the leads' friends like Cherie and Steve were heart-warming! I always enjoyed a good scene with those two, and was glad to finally read a YA novel where friends weren't stabbing each other in the back and/or hanging around on the sidelines in all their obliviousness. They actually played a part and behaved like living, breathing people!



In the end, I have to say that I'm sorry...



That it's over, that is. I really, really enjoyed INTRINSICAL. It exceeded my expectations and surprised me. I hadn't expected to walk away with new imaginary friends like Yara and Brent and Cherie and Steve. I hadn't expected to close the book and be sad that there was no more to read. But that's exactly what happened. While INTRINSICAL is perfectly capable of remaining a stand-alone novel, I actually do kind of hope that there might be a sequel. I would absolutely love to read more of these characters, and honestly the ending leaves this open as a possibility. If there is no sequel though, I just hope that Lani Woodland simply keeps writing and publishes another book to read! Because she has all the talent in the world to do so!



And now that I've exhausted everyone's mind with such an extensive review, if you think that you'll like a good story with ghosts, mystery, romance, and truly awesome characters, I suggest you buy INTRINSICAL. It is all of this and more!



View all my reviews

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Just finished this one. I kept it nice and short since I'm both tired and can't give a very good explanation considering it was but 15 minutes ago that I closed this book.

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I really, really liked this book. At first, I was worried that it was going to be just like the Mortal Instruments series, but it proved me wrong.



It does have a lot of similarities to Clary, Jace, and Simon's story, but there's so many new and different elements to it that the comparison stops short once you get about a quarter of the way through it.



Tessa- I think she's amazing! I give her two thumbs up, because she didn't annoy me as much as Clary did. She's more relatable in a sense- what with her bookishness and her dilemma of figuring out who she really is.



Will- Just like Jace. I really liked him, but on occasion I was just as upset with him as Tessa was. Since I found out that he's Jace's ancestor, it all makes sense.



Jem- is amazing. There were so many things that I could quote from him! Facing my own issues and questions, and hearing him answer not only Tessa's, but my own... Yeah, I really like Jem.



As for everyone else- hate Nate. Jessamine, Sophie, Charlotte, Henry, etc... They're all cool. Thomas- broke my heart. And the plot is twisted and dark in a completely cool way. Can't wait for book two! Need it now!



View all my reviews

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

I just finished this one, and there's not a lot that I have to say. It was a beautiful, but tragic novel. And now, I must slink away to dry my tears.

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Well... I finally read this one. I was really scared to, after reading a few reviews that contained spoilers and even flipping to the back of the book myself to find that it was going to be bitter sweet anyway.



This book kills. In a good way, in a bad way... in every way. I'm not going to put any spoilers in here. I think there are enough out there in other reviews as it is. I'm just going to say that it hurts to read this book. But that's the whole point. It is up there as probably one of the deepest books I've ever read. If there is any piece of literature that can describe war and the effects that it has on someone who's been through every gorey bit of it, better- I haven't read it yet. There was only one death that REALLY got to me. And that's on page 347. Chapter 24... Which has been one of my unlucky numbers in the past.



Another word to describe this whole series, even though being fictional, is real. This book doesn't sugarcoat anything, it doesn't patch everything up with a nice happy ending, and it doesn't leave you with warm fuzzy feelings. But it is a gift. And despite the tears and all of the pain that it gives out, I love it very much. Even the end.



View all my reviews

One last thing. I just want to say thank you to Suzanne Collins for thinking up something so original and beautiful as this series. For the past two-three years or so, it's been one heck of a ride reading these books.

Nevermore by Kelly Creagh

I just finished this book last night. I literally could not put it down. Every five minutes I walked away from it couldn't even keep my mind from wondering what would happen next. My recommendation is that anyone who sees this book in a store, pick it up and start reading! Pronto!

Nevermore by Kelly Creagh

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Holy crow! Or I guess I should say raven...



This book has been added to my list of favorites! The build-up alone surpassed my expectations. And honestly the whole goth boy meets cheerleader scenario... add in the Edgar Allen Poe twist of horrors... all of that didn't seem like it would fit together without coming off as some cheesy wanna-be-a-slasher-flick-morphed-into-literature type of book. But oh, did Kelly Creagh ever pull it off! I was hooked from the first chapter. I literally devoured this book within the first 24 hours that I had picked it up. And even now I am left wanting to reread it and dreading the fact that I have purchased other untouched books to be read.



The characters alone allowed for intrigue. Varen Nethers makes goth boys around the world seem swoon-worthy... A type that I had overlooked before, but that Creagh brings up close and personal in NEVERMORE. I was constantly texting about his schmexiness to one of my best friends through-out the entire afternoon that I spent reading this book. The most surprising character of all though... was Isobel. Whoever thought that a cheerleader that has everything in her life going right for her- and whom most bookworms would choose to ignore and/or despise, could be one of the most relatable, and admirable female leads ever written? Certainly, not I. But oh, how I admired her and related to her on so many different levels! I was swept away by her courage and her ability to step past stereotypes and social standards. Even in the face of pure, Poe-inspired horror, she stood her ground and proved that she wasn't just some cheerleader- she was a real heroine!



My only complaint about the book is it's ending. Because I need the sequel. Now. Like right now. The last 100 pages or so went by in a whirlwind of action after about a 400 page build up. And that last fourth or fifth of the book (I'm bad with math) was lacking a particular character of interest except for a few brief moments. So, it is DIRE and IMPERATIVE that I get hold of the sequel. Immediately. Oh, please Kelly Creagh! I really, really need the sequel!



View all my reviews

Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready

So, since it's September finally! Annnnd I really want to kick start this new month with a cool, cool book that really rocked my world! I'm going to present you fine people with a review about Shade! I read it a while back, but it's still as good as any to reflect on!

Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I don't know how to explain how amazing this book truly is. Anything I say won't be enough...



True, there are parts that are a bit shady for younger readers. There were quite a few lines in there that made me blush so scarlet I could feel the heat radiating off of my face, but... As shady as the parts that discuss alcohol, sex, drugs, and rock n roll were... the feeling that I was left with when I closed that book and set it aside was pure wonder.



Shade is an emotional roller coaster. From page 48 onward this book will cause you pain, heart-break, and the deadliest feeling of all... hope.



In the end, I was more than happy I read this book, and a little proud that I'd gotten through it all in one piece. I can't even tell you how many times I cried during this story...



Aura is a complex character, but very relatable. Everything she goes through will bring you closer to her and make you not only sympathize with her, but empathize as well.



Logan is the tragic one. The one you'll hold onto with that deadly hope, just like Aura.



And Zachary is the one that will lead you toward the light...



I won't say any more for fear that I'll spoil it, but just know that this book isn't a waste of time. It's one of the best books I've ever picked up.



View all my reviews

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Before I start in on this review, I must let everyone know... I am no longer waiting on Mockingjay! Hip, hip hooray! Just got my copy today!

*clears throat* Now, let us commence with a review on the wonderful debut novel of Andrea Cremer... Nightshade.

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


4.5 Stars. That's what I'll give NIGHTSHADE, for being an amazing read that held my interest and had me thinking about it through-out the week at least once a day.



I have to say that it was refreshing to hear Calla's voice. She was a strong character, but not without her weaknesses and it was nice to see that in a YA female narrator. I felt empathetic towards her during various scenes and wasn't the least bit annoyed with her at any stage in the story.



The love triangle was also nice. I could see how hard the choice would be for anyone in that position. Be with someone who has always been your destiny and you know you can learn to love over time? Or be with the one that you love and whom brings you freedom? I do have to say that I was Team Ren for the win through-out the entire novel, but right at about 3/4 of the story, I found Shay more and more worthy of Calla.



The world of NIGHTSHADE is very enthralling and mystical. I have to give Andrea Cremer mucho props for building a whole new world around the often-used werewolf niche. She really made it her own and it was believable.



The only two reasons that I didn't give this book a full 5 stars? One- I wasn't so completely enraptured the entire time. For instance, it took me a whole week to read it and I didn't mind putting it down. But I did want to finish it and I DID love the story. Reason Two- the histories of the Keepers and Searchers were a bit muddied. I would've liked some sort of wrapped-up explanation towards the end, but since this book is part of a trilogy I can put that aside and wait patiently for more to be revealed in the sequel.



I recommend NIGHTSHADE to anyone that loves werewolves and suckers for love stories. Also, I might add that if you love some good action sequences, pick this book up when it comes out in October! You won't be disappointed.



View all my reviews

I really, really love werewolves, people. No lie.

Matched by Ally Condie

Since I've been particularly inactive this month. And this is supposed to be a blog about Reviews, and I've been sorely lacking in adding reviews, I decided I would post about another book on the same weekend. Matched is amazing. I am VERY envious of Condie's writing style. If you haven't read it yet, you need to pick it up when it hits stores on November 30th.

Matched by Ally Condie

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I don't know quite where to begin with this book. It was a truly beautiful piece. Ally Condie's writing is so lyrical and fluid, I felt as if the words were flowing from my eyes to my brain and ultimately to my heart like a steady stream of clear, crisp water. The way she writes is so beautiful that it makes me envious, being as I one day hope to be a published author, myself. She has a gift. And I'm sure glad she used it on MATCHED.



The story itself was inspiring. I loved that it wasn't just about love at a young age. It surprised me that I loved a story so much that didn't have any supernatural elements. The world that Cassia lives in is described so clearly that I could see through it as clear as glass.



The characters and the struggles they had to go through really spoke to me. The way Cassia felt and her thoughts were something that I could really relate to. The triangle between Xander, Cassia, and Ky was believable and realistic. I'm probably more torn than Cassia is.



Another thing that I absolutely loved about this book, and that goes hand in hand with Condie's writing style, were all of the metaphors. YA fiction usually doesn't have a whole lot of them and MATCHED had very strong ones. Each metaphor resonated through-out the entire book and connected to the core of the theme like branches growing out of a tree.



5 stars. Without a doubt, I'd read it again and I really hope that there is a sequel. I can't wait for the sequel.



View all my reviews

Finnikin of the Rock

I wasn't sure which book to blog about first. However, why not start with my favorite?

Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Sooo, I read this book a few months ago. I've been meaning to review it for a very long time, but as you can see, I haven't. The best word that can describe this book, in my opinion, and the way it made me feel, is "speechless". It is truly my favorite book so far.



The characters: What can I say? They're real. They're strong. They're all connected to one another and that in itself makes for an exceptional story. I fell in love with these characters. I lived and breathed them. Finnikin, Evangeline, Froy, Captain Trevanion, Sir Topher, Lady Beatriss, and everyone else! All of them have become my literary friends that I wish were real.



The story: It is one of the most moving, inspirational, and greatest stories I've ever read. The search for a lost identity and courage and hope; all of these themes are ones that echo in our daily lives. In this world, really. And the way that Marchetta uses them in FINNIKIN OF THE ROCK really brings them to light in our world. I loved it.



I found it a little funny, actually, because I wasn't so sure about this book when I first saw it. I figured it would either be epic or fall short. It took my about 70 pages to get hooked too, since I had come upon it with such uncertainty. But this book proves that you CAN find a gem among ordinary stones and I'm so glad that I gave it a chance.



I love this book. It is my favorite book so far and I hope that anyone that has a chance to read it will open it up and take the chance. It's a truly remarkable read.



View all my reviews