Seraphina:Review

Author: Rachel Hartman
Page Number:451
Publisher:Random House Books For Young Readers
Source:Bought

Description:
Four decades of peace have done little to ease the mistrust between humans and dragons in the kingdom of Goredd. Folding themselves into human shape, dragons attend court as ambassadors, and lend their rational, mathematical minds to universities as scholars and teachers. As the treaty's anniversary draws near, however, tensions are high.

Seraphina Dombegh has reason to fear both sides. An unusually gifted musician, she joins the court just as a member of the royal family is murdered—in suspiciously draconian fashion. Seraphina is drawn into the investigation, partnering with the captain of the Queen's Guard, the dangerously perceptive Prince Lucian Kiggs. While they begin to uncover hints of a sinister plot to destroy the peace, Seraphina struggles to protect her own secret, the secret behind her musical gift, one so terrible that its discovery could mean her very life.

In her exquisitely written fantasy debut, Rachel Hartman creates a rich, complex, and utterly original world. Seraphina's tortuous journey to self-acceptance is one readers will remember long after they've turned the final page.

Review:
I was literally, speechless after I finished this book. Everything was amazing. The details, the characters, the world building...EVERYTHING. Now, with a flourish, I will start my review.

The world building in this book, simply, was perfect. The details off this new world was so good. I pictured everything, down to what Seraphina's dreams looked like. It took me completely by surprise. I knew everybody seemed to be recommending this book and raving about it, but I truly, did NOT expect it be so good. I loved how original and different this new world was.

 Another thing about the world building that I really enjoyed, was that everything was introduced at a decent level. Everything wasn't just suddenly pushed at you to wonder what the heck was going on. I have no idea how this author came up with this wondorous book, but I still definitely appreciate it.

The characters in this book, was also...guess what?...AMAZING! By the end of this book, I felt like they were my family, instead of just fictional characters. I love that feeling, even though it is sad when you must leave them. I love that feeling, since that means that is a definite sign that they book was good. But, moving along, the character development. Yep, I know. There is some real character development in a YA book! How exciting is that? That being said, you should buy this book, simply because of the character development.

Seraphina-She was such a real character is what I immensely enjoyed about her. She had flaws, like any human-being. She was honest, opinionated, and stupid at times, but that gave her depth. Not just the surface of her.

The romance. I know most people want to hear about it, so I will talk about it. It was slow, easy-paced, and real. Everything that I enjoy. I hate insta-love, and this book was not in the insta-love list. You could say that there wasn't much romance in this book, and that is the truth. This book just introduces the relationship between Lucian and Seraphina. There was drama, but very little and towards the end. The second book will most likely be filled with Lucian and Seraphina, but this book wasn't about the romance, it was about creating the plot and story of the series.

The plot is probably the next thing that I loved right after the world building. I mean, you could just tell that the author spent alot of time coming up with a good plot. Everything led to something it seemed. It never made me bored, exactly the opposite, really. Come on, I finished this book in a day! And even though I like to think I'm somewhat of a fast reader, I usually never finish a book in a day. That alone should tell you that I'm not joking when I said this book was fantastic. But, back to my main point, the plot was awesome. It was the perfect pace to keep you reading, and everything came together smoothly.

Now, the ending. There isn't really much to say about it. It wasn't a cliffhanger. It wasn't boring. And it didn't leave you hating the author. But, it did leave questions hanging in the air, just waiting to be answered by the sequel. So, I will most likely end up reading the second book, if not for answers, then for the descriptions and world building sure to be waiting for me.

5/5

Young Adult Blog Hop (US)

Hosted by I am a Reader, Not a Writer & BookLove101




Description:
A dark and tender post-apocalyptic love story set in the aftermath of a bloody war.

In a city where humans and Darklings are now separated by a high wall and tensions between the two races still simmer after a terrible war, sixteen-year-olds Ash Fisher, a half-blood Darkling, and Natalie Buchanan, a human and the daughter of the Emissary, meet and do the unthinkable—they fall in love. Bonded by a mysterious connection that causes Ash’s long-dormant heart to beat, Ash and Natalie first deny and then struggle to fight their forbidden feelings for each other, knowing if they’re caught, they’ll be executed—but their feelings are too strong.

When Ash and Natalie then find themselves at the center of a deadly conspiracy that threatens to pull the humans and Darklings back into war, they must make hard choices that could result in both their deaths.

Rules:
*You must me at least 13 years old or have parental permission
*If you happen to win, you must respond to my e-mail within 72 hours before I pick a new winner.
*This giveaway is only for US entrants (sorry international peeps!)
*I will pick the winner via random.org and e-mail the winner to get their address. I will NOT share your address with anybody else.

That's all! Enter below

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Nobody But Us Tour: Interview

Description:
Bonnie and Clyde meets IF I STAY in this addictively heart-wrenching story of two desperate teenagers on the run from their pasts.

They’re young. They’re in love. They’re on the run.

Zoe wants to save Will as much as Will wants to save Zoe. When Will turns eighteen, they decide to run away together. But they never expected their escape to be so fraught with danger....

When the whole world is after you, sometimes it seems like you can’t run fast enough.

Nobody But Us, told in alternating perspectives from Will and Zoe, is an unflinching novel, in turns heartbreaking and hopeful, about survival, choices, and love...and how having love doesn’t always mean that you get a happy ending. Described as “beautiful, heartbreaking, and exhilarating” by Kody Keplinger, author of The DUFF, Nobody But Us will prove irresistible to fans of Nina Lacour, Jenny Han, and Sara Zarr.

Interview:

First of all, I'd like to thank Kiki for having me on her blog and for these fun interview questions. It's great to share the answers wtih you!

What are some of your hobbies?( Besides, of course, writing)

I particularly love hobbies that get me outside and that offer a different creative outlet than writing. I garden (my dream is to have an entire yard filled with fruit trees and vines, vegetables and herbs; play sports--softball, volleyball, soccer and skiing are my favorites; and love to travel all over. I also like to scrapbook, bake and read, of course! 

Where is the farthest place you have traveled in the world?

I actually went to an online calculator to make sure I picked the furthest away spot! So far, Budapest, Hungary is the farthest I've been from Seattle at a distance of 5,464 miles. I was in the city for Christmas a few years ago and it was so lovely. Quiet and snowy on Christmas day, which lent a beautiful, timeless quality to the buildings. On another day, I visited the opera for a showing of The Marriage of Figaro and the Szechenyi thermal baths. The water was so warm while the snow fell upon my head. I still have lots of traveling to do, and hopefully even further than 5,464 miles away.

Do you prefer Skittles or M&M's?

For some reason, Skittles always give me a headache, so I prefer M&Ms. Almond ones, please.

Would you say you are a good or bad cook?

I really enjoy cooking and would say I'm a pretty good cook. I'm one of those people that like to feed my friends and family, so whenever someone comes over I'd try to make something yummy. I like hosting dinner parties, too.

Do you have any brothers or sisters?

I do! Six brothers and a step-sister. A big family makes for busy times, but good times.

What is your favorite animal and do you have any pets?

I am rather a fan of otters, red pandas and hedgehogs. I'm more prosaic when it comes to pets: my dog is a 14 year old American Cocker Spaniel. He's the dog equivalent of the old man who yells Get Off My Lawn! But he's also a snuggly lover pup.

What is the hardest part of writing a book?

The first revision is usually the toughest part for me. I have a draft, I have characters and plot, but there are ways of making the book better. Ferreting out and recognizing where and how the book needs to be better can be a challenge, but beta readers and time away from the manuscript are the best tools for being able to look at the story with new eyes.

What is the most enjoyable part of writing a book?

I particularly love writing complex, difficult characters, especially in my realistic. People who don't at all resemble the easy "bad guy, good guy" stereotypes. I also find the initial idea brainstorming to be delightful. I love that first moment that I get a spark of an idea and the moments that come after when I'm adding to it, teasing out subplots, imagining the settings and figuring out the direction the story should take.

Are you an early riser or night owl?

But virtue of activity in the house in the early morning, I'm afraid I have to be an early riser. Mostly, though, I just like sleep.

Do you plan on celebrating on the day of the release of Nobody But Us? If so, how do you plan on celebrating?

I don't have too much planned the day of the release. Perhaps my husband and I will celebrate in some small way. The book launch party the weekend after the release day will be the real celebration.

What are some emotions to describe the feeling of completing a book and getting it published?

Lots of excitement and anticipation! But also trepidation that the story is headed out into the world. I find the closer it gets to release date, the less anxious I feel. No going back now, right? I also feel proud. Publishing is a long, demanding journey and, since I have very little patience in general, it's nice to know I survived it without pulling all my hair out. :)

About the Author:

When I was little, I wanted to be a writer, the President of the USA or the first female NFL quarterback. Despite being able to throw a wicked spiral, I didn't really grow to the size needed for the NFL. Then, as I got older and studied more, I came to realize there were better ways to effect positive change than becoming president. The first one, however, stuck. Even when I was pursuing other dreams, I always took time to write here and there. NOBODY BUT US will be published by HarperChildren's in 2013.

When I'm not writing or reading (which is what I do all day, in all of my work), I'm spending time with pixies, my Mad Scot soulmate, and one grumpy cocker spaniel; traveling across oceans and time; cooking and baking up a storm and watching sunsets and waves crash on the beach. I currently live, love and explore in The Emerald City, though I occasionally make wispy, dream-like plans to move to New York, Paris or a Scottish castle one day (if just temporarily). 

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Cover Reveal: The Eternity Cure

First reactions:
Well, kinda plain, but not horrible.

Here is the description:
Allison Sekemoto has vowed to rescue her creator, Kanin, who is being held hostage and tortured by the psychotic vampire Sarren. The call of blood leads her back to the beginning—New Covington and the Fringe, and a vampire prince who wants her dead yet may become her wary ally.

Even as Allie faces shocking revelations and heartbreak like she’s never known, a new strain of the Red Lung virus that decimated humanity is rising to threaten human and vampire alike.

Random thoughts:
Ok, so. I have to admit that I liked the old cover better, just because it was less...plain. This cover isn't terrible, but it doesn't really have much going on either. Nevertheless, I am flailing in excitement to read this book!

"Waiting On" Wednesday(#14): The Fifth Wave

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a meme created by Jill at Breaking the Spine that features books yet to be released that we're really looking forward to. This week my book is "The Fifth Wave".


Title: The Fifth Wave
Author:Rick Yancey
Released:May 7, 2013
Publisher:Putnam Juvenile

From Goodreads:
After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.

Now, it’s the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth’s last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie’s only hope for rescuing her brother–or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up.

Thoughts:
The description literally tells you why you SHOULD MOST DEFINITELY READ THIS!

What are you waiting on this week?

Top Ten Tuesdy: Settings I'd Like To See More Of

Top Ten Tuesday-It is a meme created by aime at The Broke and the Bookish where you create a list of your top ten favorite of any given category. This week we are creating a list of some of the places we would like to see more of.

1.New York City


2.Another planet


3.Alaska


5.A place where there is a magical school( Like Hex Hall!)


6.A different era


7.A place where there is talking animals(that would be pretty sweet! ;D)

8.A spacecraft

9.Italy


10.Last, a setting in which there would be people with superpowers EVERYWHERE!


There you have it! Leave a comment below if you'd like to leave a link!

What awesome giveaways are going on?

Hello there! Today I'm listing a whole BUNCH of awesome giveaways that you should definitely check out if you have time!

1.New Year's Giveaway: 13 winners will get a 2013 release! http://sparkles-and-lightning.blogspot.com/2013/01/happy-2013.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SparklesAndLightning+%28Sparkles+and+Lightning%29

2. A Very Merry Christmas: Gift Cards Galore! http://sparkles-and-lightning.blogspot.com/2012/12/a-very-merry-christmas-to-you.html

3.Jean Book Nerds Anniversary: Over 100 giveaways!! http://www.jeanbooknerd.com/2012/12/jean-book-nerd-one-year-blogaversary.html

4.Making the Grade Anniversary: 2 giveaways that are both full of awesome! http://mtgreviews.com/bookapalooza-scavenger-hunt/

5.Paperback Princess Anniversary: Swag+4 books=EPIC! http://fireflyreadit.blogspot.com/2012/12/blog-o-versay-excitement-and-giveaway.html

6.Stuck in Books two year Anniversary: Win a Nook! http://www.stuckinbooks.com/2013/01/two-year-blogiversary-giveaway.html

7.The Hollow Cupboards 1000 followers: Win a box of books! http://thehollowcupboards.blogspot.be/2012/11/1000-followers-giveaway.html

Ok, these giveaways are seriously EPIC! I mean, truly EPIC! So go check them out! They are worth your time!

The Forest of Hands and Teeth: Review

Author: Carrie Ryan
Page Number:308
Publisher:Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Source:Bought

Description:
In Mary's world there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But, slowly, Mary’s truths are failing her. She’s learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future—between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?

Review:
This book, definitely was not one of my best reads of 2012, but I didn't hate it either. There was some good points, but the majority of it was...just not for me. I usually am very good about being honest, so I'm doing my best at sticking to that. I don't want to end up being mean, but I want to be truthful too.

First off, we have Mary, the main character. She was the first problem for me. What type of name is Mary anyhow? I know that is random, but I don't like the name MARY. Maybe because it is just too plain and simple for me. But that wasn't what the problem was with her. That was just an additional thought. The problem was that I simple didn't like how she acted...and how she thought...and how she seemed to always complain...and UGH! You get my point! I didn't like her one bit, in other words. She seemed so...whiny. I absolutely HATE whiny girls. I mean, I did pity her; she lived a rough life. But, didn't everyone else in the village also have a rough life? Were they complaining? NO! She just frustrated the hell out of me.

Now the next subject: the romance. THIS romance was just...UGH! This shouldn't even be called a romance I think. I didn't like how the author wrote about it and described it. There didn't seem to be any passion...just kissing and then some. I guess they both seemed to love each other, but I didn't like how they just instantly fell in love with each other. It just isn't realistic. Mainly, I found the romance childish and stupid. I feel incredibly bad about saying that, considering what happens at the end, but I'm just telling you my honest opinion.

The plot of the story wasn't entirely ruined, but there were, definitely, still problems I have to argue over. When I first read this description, I instantly was wary, because it is yet again, a zombie book. Seriously people? Can you not be any more unoriginal? So, that was my first problem. The main storyline is: unoriginal and quite boring. I wasn't drawn in at all to the story either, but I kept telling myself It WILL get better. Boy, I was wrong. But, at least it was fairly short and easy to read.
Another thing is the pacing was quite poor. It was slow and it would skip entire days...and just UGH! once again.

I was still clinging to the fact that it might get better, even by the end. The end was not as I had hoped either.(...."SPOILERS AHEAD"......"AND ALSO SOME SWEARING"......)
Can you guess what happens? TRAVIS FUCKING DIES!? Does this pretty much ruin the book by this point! YES! I felt like strangling the author for doing this cruel thing! Even though the romance wasn't great, I still liked that Mary and Travis are together. AND then she goes and kills him off! I liked Travis...alot...even though I didn't like Mary. Still, at least the author created another emotion rather than blah...and I was very surprised too. AND yes, of course, I cried like a baby, but you must understand...he-he was MY FAVORITE CHARACTER!

This book was not what I had hoped for it to be, but it wasn't ENTIRElY bad. Some people would even argue with me that this book was awesome. But, unfortunately, in my case, it was an unoriginal piece of work and just depressing. I guess that's what I get for buying a $4.00 book. I wouldn't recommend this book unless you were on an island and the only book you had was this one.

1.5/5

Cover Reveal: Mistwalker

First reactions:
WHOA! Could this cover be any better? I don't think so!

Here is the description:
When Willa Dixon’s brother dies on the family lobster boat, her father forbids Willa from stepping foot on the deck again. With her family suffering, she’ll do anything to help out—even visiting the Grey Man.

Everyone in her small Maine town knows of this legendary spirit who haunts the lighthouse, controlling the fog and the fate of any vessel within his reach. But what Willa finds in the lighthouse isn’t a spirit at all, but a young man trapped inside until he collects one thousand souls.

Desperate to escape his cursed existence, Grey tries to seduce Willa to take his place. With her life on land in shambles, will she sacrifice herself?

Random thoughts:
First off, I love how realistic this cover is. Second, I love how the cover ACTUALLY goes along with the story. Third, HOLY COW this book sounds amazing! Too bad that I won't be able to read it for another year..."pouts"...I hate when publishers do that! They do a cover reveal a year before it releases and I become all excited...and then I forget about it because, you know, it has been a WHOLE YEAR!

"Waiting On" Wednesday(#13): Etiqette & Espionage

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a meme created by Jill at Breaking the Spine that features books yet to be released that we're really looking forward to. This week my book is "Etiqette & Espionage".

Title: Etiqutte & Espionage
Author: Gail Carriger
Released: February 5, 2013
Publisher:Little Brown

From Goodreads:
It's one thing to learn to curtsy properly. It's quite another to learn to curtsy and throw a knife at the same time. Welcome to finishing school.

Fourteen-year-old Sophronia is the bane of her mother's existence. Sophronia is more interested in dismantling clocks and climbing trees than proper etiquette at tea--and god forbid anyone see her atrocious curtsy. Mrs. Temminnick is desperate for her daughter to become a proper lady. She enrolls Sophronia in Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality.

But little do Sophronia or her mother know that this is a school where ingenious young girls learn to finish, all right--but it's a different kind of finishing. Mademoiselle Geraldine's certainly trains young ladies in the finer arts of dance, dress, and etiquette, but also in the other kinds of finishing: the fine arts of death, diversion, deceit, espionage, and the modern weaponries. Sophronia and her friends are going to have a rousing first year at school.

Thoughts:
I have. literally. been waiting 6 months to read this book. The wait has been killing me! I am getting desperate here...someone revive me by satisfying my hunger!
After that ordeal...I won't say anymore. You have read enough.
What are you waiting on? Leave me a link!

Top Ten Tuesday: 2013 debuts I'm looking forward to

Top Ten Tuesday-It is a meme created by aime at The Broke and the Bookish where you create a list of your top ten favorite of any given category. This week we are creating a list of some of the debuts this year that we are really excited for!

1.The Madman's Daughter


2.Transparent


3.Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea


4.Ink


5.City of a Thousand Dolls


6.The Ward


7.Mila 2.0


8.These Broken Stars


9.Pivot Point


10.The Nightmare Affair


This is just a mish-mash of highly anticipated debuts of the year. There are MANY more, but I could only pick ten..."sign"...
Leave a comment below so I can check out YOUR most anticipated debuts for 2013!

The Lost Girl: Review

Author: Sangu Mandanna
Page Number:432
Publisher:Balzer + Bray
Source:Bought

Description:
Eva's life is not her own. She is a creation, an abomination--an echo. She was made by the Weavers as a copy of someone else, expected to replace a girl named Amarra, her "other," if she ever died. Eva spends every day studying that girl from far away, learning what Amarra does, what she eats, what it's like to kiss her boyfriend, Ray. So when Amarra is killed in a car crash, Eva should be ready.

But sixteen years of studying never prepared her for this.

Now she must abandon everything and everyone she's ever known--the guardians who raised her, the boy she's forbidden to love--to move to India and convince the world that Amarra is still alive.

What Eva finds is a grief-stricken family; parents unsure how to handle this echo they thought they wanted; and Ray, who knew every detail, every contour of Amarra. And when Eva is unexpectedly dealt a fatal blow that will change her existence forever, she is forced to choose: Stay and live out her years as a copy or leave and risk it all for the freedom to be an original. To be Eva.

Review:
This heart-wrenching story about unfairness, obedience, and love create a whole new meaning to the word Frankenstein.
Eva is a copy: just another twin to a person she doesn't even know. She knows what her life is like. What her friends, family, and school are like. But, Amarra keeps her true self hidden beneath the letters and tapes, along with a deep secret that she has also hidden from her family. The truth eventually comes out, but with a price. Amarra dies in a car accident with her newly unveiled boyfriend, who was driving the car. Ray, her boyfriend, is left unhurt, but not unscarred. Following, Eva is supposed to go be Amarra. That is what she was meant to do all her life. What she had been trained to do. See, she was created by The Weavers. They brag that they can create life and copy people. So, if one of their family members happened to die, they would have another copy lined up to replace them. But, Eva isn't Amarra. Has always been different than her. But, she has to prove to her new family that she can replace Amarra or else she won't be allowed to live anymore, since the Weavers created her only and specifically for that purpose.

This book was so tragic, and yet so hopeful all at the same time. But, what got me from the first page is how amazing Eva is. She had spunk to her. She wanted to be granted a life. A real lfe She would fight for it even. And that is what I admired so much about her. She was so honest and she cared so much about her own family even though she knew she would have to leave them one day.

Ray was caring, but what I didn't like about him was that he liked Eva just because she looked like Amarra. I understand that he missed Amarra, but he should care about Eva too, not like her just because she reminds him of Amarra. Maybe I misunderstood it, and he did actually care about Eva, but he never did seem to really like Eva for who she was. And that just pissed me off to say it simply.

Sean was a totally different story. From the very start, I really liked him. I knew that he really did like Eva for who she was. He was honest, trustworthy, and all the kind words I can think of. He also very smart and yet was very humorous at the same time. I just thought he was the perfect match for Eva.

The plot of the story, I thought, was very well planned out and the pacing was perfect. It would skip between days( the course of the whole book is about 12 months), but I never felt that there was something important that I had missed, so I didn't mind.

I loved how different this book was compared to any other I have read. How original and creative it is. I just almost can't describe my feelings for it. The words were simple, but they always seemed to have a hidden meaning underneath them. They made you think about things and wonder after you finish reading. In other words, this book will be unforgettable. That's why I highly recommend you people, who are reading this right now, to grab a copy this instant. I promise you won't regret it!

4/5

Venom Readalong: Week 1

Questions:

What do you think of Falco so far? Do you trust him?
Ok, my first thoughts of him was that he seemed...highly self-righteous. It seems that most guys are, so I wasn't extremely surprised. But, at the same time I was kind of weary of him. I knew from the second I was introduced with him that he was keeping secrets. So I was very suspicious and I didn't trust him at all.

Thoughts on Siena?
Well, I thought Siena was a very shy and timid girl. I didn't think much of her because she never really stood out against the book. I trusted her and she seemed nice, but just too...shy, so she never fully stood out to me. She was just another character in the book. I KNOW that sounds very harsh, but that is just my opinion.

 

If you were in Cass's place, would you sneak out and try to solve it or try your best to shake it off?

 Well, since I am very timid girl(like Siena) I probably would have tried to just shake it off. But if I was a more daring girl(like Cass) I would have tried to solve it.
 

Do you have any suspects so far? Answer this ONLY if you haven't read the book!

 My lips are sealed!( I have read the book!)
 

Is it stupid of Cass to trust Falco so much? Would you, in her place?
I thought she was kind of stupid to trust him, matter of factly. I didn't really blame her actually...if I had been there with a hot guy, I probably would be too hypontized by his good looks and charms to NOT trust him. But, when you read the book, you can't help but think she's stupid for trusting him.

 Do you think Cass' Aunt Agnese is smothering her?
Umm...YEAH! But, I think she deserves some credit for caring about her so much too.

 Did anything seem off about the funeral to you?

Not really??? Was anything supposed to?

 Do you think that Cass is too accepting or not accepting enough of her position in society, or do you feel she is just accepting enough?
Well, I thought she wasn't quite accepting enough. She always seemed to go against the grain, but that is just her nature I think. I hope I understand the question well enough! I wasn't quite sure what the question was asking!

 Have you noticed any foreshadowing? If so, what? (You don't have to be right, just say what you think!)
Yes, I mean, what book DOESN'T??? Since, Falco is obviously hiding something, I think he has something to with the murders. But I can't tell anymore or else I might spoil some things!

 What do you think about Cass' childhood so far from what we've heard?
I think it's interesting...and sad. That's pretty much all I have to say about that. It's not that I don't care, but I haven't really thought much about it so much.....
 

"Waiting On" Wednesday(#12): Out of the Easy

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a meme created by Jill at Breaking the Spine that features books yet to be released that we're really looking forward to. This week my book is "Out of the Easy".

Title:Out of the Easy
Author:Ruta Sepetys
Released:February 13, 2013
Publisher:Philomel

From Goodreads:
It’s 1950, and as the French Quarter of New Orleans simmers with secrets, seventeen-year-old Josie Moraine is silently stirring a pot of her own. Known among locals as the daughter of a brothel prostitute, Josie wants more out of life than the Big Easy has to offer. She devises a plan get out, but a mysterious death in the Quarter leaves Josie tangled in an investigation that will challenge her allegiance to her mother, her conscience, and Willie Woodley, the brusque madam on Conti Street.

Josie is caught between the dream of an elite college and a clandestine underworld. New Orleans lures her in her quest for truth, dangling temptation at every turn, and escalating to the ultimate test.

With characters as captivating as those in her internationally bestselling novel Between Shades of Gray, Ruta Sepetys skillfully creates a rich story of secrets, lies, and the haunting reminder that decisions can shape our destiny.

Thoughts:
Historical fiction: what isn't there to love? I always am super excited to read historical fiction simply because of the fact that it transports me to a whole different era and time. This book is definitely no exception. What's even better is that this book even sounds WAY different from the usual historical fiction and I'm thrilled to see how it turns out!

What are you waiting on? Link me up!

Top Ten Tuesday: Bookish Goals for 2013

Top Ten Tuesday-It is a meme created by aime at The Broke and the Bookish where you create a list of your top ten favorite of any given category. This week we are creating a list of some of our bookish goals for 2013.

1.One of my bookish goals is to share 10 books that I have loved in the past! I usually never get to share books with people, so that is why it is one of my main goals for the year! Hoping to host some awesome giveaways!

2.I'm going to ONE day this year....finally start reading the Harry Potter series.

3.I'm going to TRY my VERY hardest to read 90 or more books this year. Hopefully I can achieve this! Trust me, it's not as easy as it sounds!

4.Try to get rid of my ARCs and then get the hardcovers of them. Yep, I really just said that.

5.Try to fit a bookshelf into my room. Yes, I know, I ACTUALLY don't own a bookshelf...just....piles of books.

6.Try to read a 1000 page book.

7.Try to draw some wicked fan art for Cinder by Marissa Meyer( for those who don't know, I'm a HUGE fan of her books!).

8.I'm hoping that I can get some book posters to hang in my room. My room is slightly blank on the walls, so hopefully I'll be able to get some beautiful posters up.


















9.Buy some nerd fighter shirts. ;D


10.NOW, my last goal is to....limit my buying...."signs"...I have tons of books that I need to read, so I feel like I should control my buying..."gulps"...this will be treacherously hard.

Review: Tiger's Curse

Author: Colleen Houck
Page Number:403
Publisher:Sterling
Source:Bought

Description:
Passion. Fate. Loyalty.

Would you risk it all to change your destiny?

The last thing Kelsey Hayes thought she’d be doing this summer was trying to break a 300-year-old Indian curse. With a mysterious white tiger named Ren. Halfway around the world. But that’s exactly what happened. Face-to-face with dark forces, spellbinding magic, and mystical worlds where nothing is what it seems, Kelsey risks everything to piece together an ancient prophecy that could break the curse forever.

Tiger’s Curse is the exciting first volume in an epic fantasy-romance that will leave you breathless and yearning for more.

Review:
Ok, I admit that I now feel VERY guilty for waiting this long to read this book. I just kept pushing it aside and reading other books on my TBR pile. But, FINALLY on one day...I did it. I finally let myself pick up this book. And, oh my God, it was AMAZING, STUNNING, BEAUTIFUL, and just...my words alone can't express my feelings for this book!

It was quite a thrill ride reading this book. One minute I'd be feeling happy and upbeat and next thing you know...BAM!...something happens that make you scream, "WHAT JUST HAPPENED??". But, that's what reading books are all about. Making you feel exhilarated or stunned or just devastated. That is one reason why I enjoyed this book immensely!

The romance is my next topic. I admit that I was quite curious to how they would fall in love( I figured it out right away by reading the description...and if you didn't....). I was waiting to find out if it would be instantaneous love( which I hate about 98% of the time) or a budding relationship that turns from friendship to romance. Of course, I would pick the latter most of the time, but this author has a way to just make you love that it kinda...was, in fact, instantaneous. Now, I'm NOT saying that they saw each other and they kissed passionately until dawn rose up, but if you think about it, it IS instantaneous. From the moment she saw that HER tiger was a human prince in disguise, she knew she was love-struck. Ok...not exactly like that, but she was AMAZED, which in other words means she was love-struck. And, I mean come on, who wouldn't in their right mind fall head over heels in love with a guy that was caring, passionate, and not to mention, SMOKIN' HOT! So, wrapping it up, although it is KINDA instantaneous love, I somehow ended up liking it VERY much indeed.

The plot to this story was slighty shaky at first. I kept wondering when something entertaining would take place. There didn't seem to be anything completely different about Kelsey besides that her parents died. I know that does sound incredibly harsh, but that's what book reviewing is all about: you have to judge it from several different angles. And when I did that, I realized the beginning was pretty boring. But, then again, that is JUST the beginning. After only about 30-ish pages( I am estimating here), it starts picking up speed and then you're all of a sudden in a whirlwind of unexpected craziness! Really, that is how I felt! On from there I LOVED the pacing and the action and the (somewhat) steamy romance! Like I know I've said before, I love fast-paced books and this book is no exception! Actually...I don't think there will ever be an exception when I come to fast-paced books...it's my weakness!

The ending: it was one of those tormenting cliffhangers once again! WHY DO YOU DO THIS TO US, AUTHORS?! I mean, can't you let me off that hook ONE time, so I don't have an urge to pummel my pillow and immediately buy the second book? Oh wait, that's right THAT'S the reason you do those tormenting cliffhangers! To make us use our money to buy the WHOLE SERIES( erm...I don't feel espcially guilty)..."finishes rant"...So yes, the ending was okay( NO! I MEAN EPIC)...in other words.

Overall, this book was AWESOME! I can't believe it took me THIS long to find this book and read it! Everything I enjoyed(besides the very beginning). I will definitely continue reading the series( how could I not with that ending!?)  If you haven't already read it, what are you waiting for? This book deserves all the attention it can get! I BEG you, GO OFF TO THE LAND OF AMAZON( or b&n's) AND BUY IT!!

4/5

Reading, Resolutions, and Makeovers

Hello, everyone!! I'm happy to announce that I am finally blogging again.



I never took a VERY long break, but to me it feels like FOREVER! While on my specified break, I've been reading like crazy! Here are some books I've been inhaling!
Seraphina
The Lost Girl
Tiger's Curse
Tiger's Quest
The Forest of Hands and Teeth
Rapunzel Untangled

So in the coming weeks I will be writing up these reviews!





















On to the next subject! In my family, we usually don't celebrate New Year's Eve besides popping open a bottle of wine or something like that at midnight.
This year we pretty much did that over again, BUT I am actually going to make some resolutions for myself!!

1.I'm going to try to update this blog on an average of 5 times a week. I will try to make a schedule for myself so I can be able to stick to my plan.

2.Try to keep getting A's in school! I hope I can keep it up!..."crosses fingers"...

3.Listen to my mother more often. Like so many teenage daughters in the country, I have a problem listening to my mother. This year I'm going to try harder to actually communicate with her!

There is a list of my New Year's Eve resolutions. There isn't many, but they are kinda hard for me to do!

NOW! My last subject to get to...MY BLOG HAS BEEN TOTALLY RE-DESIGNED!






I'm sure this IS quite obvious! BUT I just can't be happy enough! All of the hard work goes to Lizzy from Read-A-HolicZ!!! She did a SPLENDID job!

Doomed Blog Tour: Review

Description:
Beat the game. Save the world.

Pandora’s just your average teen, glued to her cell phone and laptop, surfing Facebook and e-mailing with her friends, until the day her long-lost father sends her a link to a mysterious site featuring twelve photos of her as a child. Unable to contain her curiosity, Pandora enters the site, where she is prompted to play her favorite virtual-reality game, Zero Day. This unleashes a global computer virus that plunges the whole world into panic: suddenly, there is no Internet. No cell phones. No utilities, traffic lights, hospitals, law enforcement. Pandora teams up with handsome stepbrothers Eli and Theo to enter the virtual world of Zero Day. Simultaneously, she continues to follow the photographs from her childhood in an attempt to beat the game and track down her father, her one key to saving the world as we know it. Part The Matrix, part retelling of the Pandora myth, Doomed has something for gaming fans, dystopian fans, and romance fans alike.

Review:
When I first read the description, I was immediately really excited to read this! I love Apocalyptic-type books! This book didn't disappoint too!

I thought this book was surprisingly really easy to get through. Maybe because I was enjoying it so much, I forgot how many pages I was getting through. Everything wove together to make an enjoyable read and really an addictive read at that!

At first, I didn't like Pandora. I just couldn't really connect with her. After awhile though, I started liking her and understanding her actions and thoughts better. I thought she was extremely brave . She's a act-before-thinking type of girl. At times, I was annoyed by that, but nevertheless she was really brave and protective about the people she cared for. That one factor probably made me like her ten times better.

Ahh, the love triangle. I usually hate love triangles, and this one, sadly, was no exception. There is always one(or maybe even two) people who get hurt. That is what makes me hate them so much. Yes, they are entertaining...until someone gets hurt and then it isn't so enjoyable( at least for me). I was really disappointed when I found out that there was a love triangle between Eli, Theo, and Pandora. Luckily the romance wasn't the most important thing about the novel....saving the world was!

The action-packed and fast-paced plot is what me had drawn in from page 1. For me, the pacing was perfect. One thing would happen and I'd think nothing could possibly beat that...I guessed wrong SEVERAL times! There was more action also than I could have possible dreamt for! That is why I loved this book EVEN more than anticipated.

Overall, this was a highly entertaining read and I will definitely look forward to reading more of her books! I would recommend this book to anyone that likes action!

About the author:


Tracy Deebs collects books, English degrees and lipsticks and has been known to forget where—and sometimes who—she is when immersed in a great novel. At six she wrote her first short story—something with a rainbow and a prince—and at seven she forayed into the wonderful world of girls lit with her first Judy Blume novel. By ten she’d read everything in the young adult and classics sections of her local bookstore, so in desperation her mom started her on romance novels. And from the first page of the first book, Tracy knew she’d found her life-long love. Now an English professor at her local community college, she writes romances that run the gamut from contemporary to paranormal to erotic suspense.



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