Book Review: Prisoner of Night and Fog by Anne Blankman

AUTHOR: Anne Blankman
PUBLISHER: Egmont

SERIES/STANDALONE: Series
PAGES: 401

SOURCE:  Edeleiss

Outline:

In 1930s Munich, danger lurks behind dark corners, and secrets are buried deep within the city. But Gretchen Müller, who grew up in the National Socialist Party under the wing of her "uncle" Dolf, has been shielded from that side of society ever since her father traded his life for Dolf's, and Gretchen is his favorite, his pet.

Uncle Dolf is none other than Adolf Hitler. And Gretchen follows his every command.

Until she meets a fearless and handsome young Jewish reporter named Daniel Cohen. Gretchen should despise Daniel, yet she can't stop herself from listening to his story: that her father, the adored Nazi martyr, was actually murdered by an unknown comrade. She also can't help the fierce attraction brewing between them, despite everything she's been taught to believe about Jews.

As Gretchen investigates the very people she's always considered friends, she must decide where her loyalties lie. Will she choose the safety of her former life as a Nazi darling, or will she dare to dig up the truth—even if it could get her and Daniel killed?

Quick Thought (or not)

It's interesting that I would request any type of book that's referenced with any history. It's not because I'm against it, but I remember history being boring in school. It's facts that I could care less about. Maybe, that seems a bit harsh, but I'm more of the creative type. I want to make up my own things. I don't care about what's happened. I should because that's how we learn from mistakes. -shrugs- So for me to read Prisoner of Night and Fog and enjoy it shocked me. 

Book Review: The Unfinished Life of Addison Stone by Adele Griffin

AUTHOR: Adele Griffin
PUBLISHER: SoHoTeen

SERIES/STANDALONE: Stand alone
PAGES: 256

SOURCE: Arc from publishers

Outline:
National Book Award-finalist Adele Griffin tells the fully illustrated story of a brilliant young artist, her mysterious death, and the fandom that won't let her go.

From the moment she stepped foot in NYC, Addison Stone’s subversive street art made her someone to watch, and her violent drowning left her fans and critics craving to know more. I conducted interviews with those who knew her best—including close friends, family, teachers, mentors, art dealers, boyfriends, and critics—and retraced the tumultuous path of Addison's life. I hope I can shed new light on what really happened the night of July 28.

Quick Thought (or not)

This review is not in the same format as my others mainly because the book was so different. When I say different it's totally a good thing. I will say at first when the opportunity came in my email for me to read this and be on the blog tour I looked past it because  I honestly thought it was a book about this real girls life. I'm not a fan of reading biographies and what have you, but when I went back and looked at the book, and did a little digging I realized that this was just a novel written as a biography, and then I jumped at the chance because it was something so different then anything I've tried. Sometimes I got so caught up in the story that I forgot it wasn't a  real story about this young artist who died mysteriously.

I Loved the way it was done in interviews with the people that Addison knew best. Then we get to see Addisons art, and pictures of her throughout her life.

I know this is a short review sorry!

Quotes:

So if I don't win, I guess I'll turn out the lights. p79

My brain is like a big echoing train station filled with announcements I can't hear, and I'm trying to decide which trains I should board, but I can't make any decisions because i's too noisy.

Book Review: Dare you to by Katie McGarry

AUTHOR: Katie McGarry

PUBLISHER: HarlequinTeen

PAGES: 456

STAND ALONE/SERIES: Pushing the limit Series (Pushing the limits, Crash into you, Take me On, Red at night, Crossing the line)

SOURCE: Netgalley

OUTLINE:
If anyone knew the truth about Beth Risk's home life, they'd send her mother to jail and seventeen-year-old Beth who knows where. So she protects her mom at all costs. Until the day her uncle swoops in and forces Beth to choose between her mom's freedom and her own happiness. That's how Beth finds herself living with an aunt who doesn't want her and going to a school that doesn't understand her. At all. Except for the one guy who shouldn't get her, but does....

Ryan Stone is the town golden boy, a popular baseball star jock-with secrets he can't tell anyone. Not even the friends he shares everything with, including the constant dares to do crazy things. The craziest? Asking out the Skater girl who couldn't be less interested in him.

But what begins as a dare becomes an intense attraction neither Ryan nor Beth expected. Suddenly, the boy with the flawless image risks his dreams-and his life-for the girl he loves, and the girl who won't let anyone get too close is daring herself to want it all..

MY THOUGHTS

Quick Thought

There are very few authors who have the ability to make me laugh one minute and then tear up the next, but Katie McGarry does an awesome job at it. I mean just read my review for Pushing the Limits or Crossing the line and you'll see. Whether it's a full length novel or a novella Katie McGarry knows how to capture my heart with her words. 

"That must be love: When everything else in the world could implode and you wouldn't care as long as you had that one person standing beside you."-Beth 

"We stayed because we were stray pieces of other puzzles, tired of never fitting." -Beth 

I love seeing the character(s) become so vulnerable when the whole time they try and keep that "don't give a fuck attitude."

PACING

I have no complaints with the pacing of Dare you to. Sometimes books are meant to be told slowly so we can enjoy and savor those moments in the characters lives when something happens that we know will make or break them.

"Finally, in a swift movement, she lays her head on my chest and curls the rest of her body around me."-Ryan

"Beth feels like this storm. Constant and persistent as a whole, but the more I get close and try to clutch the individual drops of rain, the more the water falls out of my hands." -Ryan

I love this push and pull thing Ryan and Beth have going on. Beth trying to push him away all while Ryan is trying to pull her in. Show her that there is something more then the life she had in Louisville. It's a constant struggle for them both, and somewhere down that road they're going to realize that what they both need, is each other.

CHARACTERS
I don't remember much about Beth in Pushing the Limits, actually I can't remember anything. It could be that I read it almost 2 years ago and she was just a secondary character. I'm glad we got to read about her though because her story, although sad at times is an inspiration to people who go through their lives on a daily basis like she was. #girlyouraninspiration

I'm glad that Ryan wasn't just another jock. On the outside he seemed perfect, but we soon find out that perfection is just something everyone hopes to be. Perfection is a myth. Ryan struggles throughout the book to find balance in his life. Little did he know that the taco bell girl would be just that. #notjustadumbjock

"I hold the bottle out into the rain and watch as the steady flow slowly fills it. Whene there is enough, enough that Beth can clearly see, I close the bottle and hand it to her. She raises a skeptical eyebrow, but accepts the bottle. It's our rain Beth. Her head barely shakes to show her confusin while I rub the back of my neck and search for my courage. I told you I loved you in this rain and when you doubt my words, I want you to look at this bottle." -Ryan

There were quite a few secondary characters Logan, Chris, Lacey, Gwen and more. The ones that stood out the most were Ryans friends because no matter what Ryan did they were always there to tell him what's what. 

"Drama! Lacey purposely blocks my view of Gwen's ass. She was nothing but drama. Remember? You said, Lacy, there's nothing real about her, and I said, I know, and I happily threw and I told you so in your face. Then you said, Don't let me go back to her, and I said, Can I rip off your balls if you attempt it, and you said...No. I said no because Lacy would actually do it, and I prefer my balls attached." -Ryan and Lacy

ENDING

I loved the ending, and happy with it and Beth deserved it too. I mean there's not much else to say. The gif explains it all. :)

Book Review: Wait for You by J.Lynn

AUTHOR: J. Lynn
PUBLISHER: E-book
PAGES: 332
STAND ALONE/SERIES: Series
SOURCE: bought
OUTLINE:
Some things are worth waiting for…

Traveling thousands of miles from home to enter college is the only way nineteen-year-old Avery Morgansten can escape what happened at the Halloween party five years ago—an event that forever changed her life. All she needs to do is make it to her classes on time, make sure the bracelet on her left wrist stays in place, not draw any attention to herself, and maybe—please God—make a few friends, because surely that would be a nice change of pace. The one thing she didn’t need and never planned on was capturing the attention of the one guy who could shatter the precarious future she’s building for herself.

Some things are worth experiencing…

Cameron Hamilton is six feet and three inches of swoon-worthy hotness, complete with a pair of striking blue eyes and a remarkable ability to make her want things she believed were irrevocably stolen from her. She knows she needs to stay away from him, but Cam is freaking everywhere, with his charm, his witty banter, and that damn dimple that’s just so… so lickable. Getting involved with him is dangerous, but when ignoring the simmering tension that sparks whenever they are around each other becomes impossible, he brings out a side of her she never knew existed.

Some things should never be kept quiet…

But when Avery starts receiving threatening emails and phone calls forcing her to face a past she wants silenced, she’s has no other choice but to acknowledge that someone is refusing to allow her to let go of that night when everything changed. When the devastating truth comes out, will she resurface this time with one less scar? And can Cam be there to help her or will he be dragged down with her?

And some things are worth fighting for…

THOUGHTS
I've read a few of Jennifer Armentrouts books (okay just her covenant series) and I didn't really have a connection with those characters, or the story because of some issues I had with it. (see review for half-blood) So my expectations weren't high for this one either. I know I'm sorry. Keeping reading on though. :) I thought since I'm kind of in this NA mood I would try, and read something a little different from her. Can I just say..........OOOMMMGGG!  I loved Wait for You. From the beginning when Avery ran into Cam before class to the very end. 

The story itself was really like any other girl meets boy, girl and boy become friends, boy and girl have problems they hide from each other. As I continued to read the story I felt connected to Avery. I felt like I knew some of the stuff she was going through. 

He turned, his eyes clear as glass. "There's a lot I don't know about you and I hope we fix that, I'm not going to push you, but you can't shut me out. Okay. You have to trust me."

This is exactly how my husband (but at the time boyfriend) sounded when we got together, and to be honest I think it's still kind of like this. I'm a very guarded person.

I love being able to identify with any of the characters in some way because it makes them feel more real to me. Like someone else knows what I've been through, or am going through. The relationship with Avery and Cam wasn't rushed at all either. You know sometimes when the boy and girl run into each other it's like BAM! makeout  time, or you're the one I've been searching for. None of that happened. Oh, and no meeting inside a classroom. It was outside the door to the classroom. LOL. I had to throw that in. In all seriousness though they had a friendship before having anything else, and that's always nice to see when so many books just rush right into things. It was even nicer to see Avery constantly telling him no it wasn't gonna happen, and even with her rejecting him he still stayed around. what a guy. -swoon- Sometimes the best things in life you have to work for or wait for. Awww see what I did there "Wait for"

So while the storyline was pretty generic it was the love of the characters that really did it for me.

Don't tell Ryan, but Cam I want you to Be with Me. :) (Yes, it was another tie in for the second book)

Some awesome moments:
Cam and Avery texting each other:

"The response was almost immediate. If u were Pinocchio, ur nose would span the state.

 Crossing my legs, I leaned against my headboard. Pinocchio? Sounds like your reading level. 

Ha U wound me. Deeply.

 Thought you didn't have feelings? 

I lied. I have so many feels for u. 

Before I could respond, another text came through. When I lie something else grows on me.."

Avery's friend Brit talking with Avery and Cam:
Oh, You know, mischief and mayhem. He replied.

That so reminds me of Harry Potter. Brit said sighing. I need a reread.

We all turned to her.

Two bright spots appeared in her cheeks as she tossed her blonde hair back. What? I'm not ashamed to admit that random things remind me of Harry Potter.

Book Review: Never Fade by Alexandra Bracken

Author: Alexandra Bracken

PUBLISHER: Disney Hyperion

PAGES: 512

STAND ALONE/SERIES: Series (The Darkest Minds)

SOURCE: Netgalley

OUTLINE:

Ruby never asked for the abilities that almost cost her her life. Now she must call upon them on a daily basis, leading dangerous missions to bring down a corrupt government and breaking into the minds of her enemies. Other kids in the Children’s League call Ruby “Leader”, but she knows what she really is: a monster. 

When Ruby is entrusted with an explosive secret, she must embark on her most dangerous mission yet: leaving the Children’s League behind. Crucial information about the disease that killed most of America’s children—and turned Ruby and the others who lived into feared and hated outcasts—has survived every attempt to destroy it. But the truth is only saved in one place: a flashdrive in the hands of Liam Stewart, the boy Ruby once believed was her future—and who now wouldn’t recognize her. 

As Ruby sets out across a desperate, lawless country to find Liam—and answers about the catastrophe that has ripped both her life and America apart—she is torn between old friends and the promise she made to serve the League. Ruby will do anything to protect the people she loves. But what if winning the war means losing herself?

THOUGHTS

OMG!!!! As bloggers/reviewers we've all gone through that second book syndrome. You know where it seems like that book is just a filler until we get to the third book which is usually the epic conclusion. I'm glad to say Never Fade was the total opposite. It stood its ground as pretty epic in itself. This is definitely turning out to be a fave series of mine.

It has the dystopian theme I've come to enjoy, and then the whole powers. POWERS I mean how can a book with this many powers not be totally awesome. 

As always Ruby was a kick ass heroine. Well maybe more of a kick "mind" heroine. :) As much as I loved the characters in The Darkest Minds, but I'm glad we got to meet a bunch of newer ones when Ruby decided to go work for the league.

I'll have to say the end of The Darkest Minds nearly killed me. I wanted an ending that would be satisfying, but in a first book I knew that wouldn't happen. I was glad to see there were some loose ends that were tied up in Never Fade.

I know this review is pretty brief, but I can't say much without giving away things. Let's just say that ghosts aren't always dead.

Quotes:

-Ghost don't haunt people, memories do.

- It was the loved one you saw in the rearview mirror, growing smaller and smaller the more time and distance you put between them until its shape became unrecognizable.

-You can push someones button over and over again to get what you want, but there comes a point when your finger slips and you finally hit the wrong one.

Book Review: The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken

AUTHOR: Alexandra BrackenPUBLISHER: Disney Hyperion
PAGES: 488
STAND ALONE/SERIES: Series
SOURCE: bought
OUTLINE:
When Ruby woke up on her tenth birthday, something about her had changed. Something alarming enough to make her parents lock her in the garage and call the police. Something that gets her sent to Thurmond, a brutal government “rehabilitation camp.” She might have survived the mysterious disease that’s killed most of America’s children, but she and the others have emerged with something far worse: frightening abilities they cannot control.

Now sixteen, Ruby is one of the dangerous ones.

When the truth comes out, Ruby barely escapes Thurmond with her life. Now she’s on the run, desperate to find the one safe haven left for kids like her—East River. She joins a group of kids who escaped their own camp. Liam, their brave leader, is falling hard for Ruby. But no matter how much she aches for him, Ruby can’t risk getting close. Not after what happened to her parents.

When they arrive at East River, nothing is as it seems, least of all its mysterious leader. But there are other forces at work, people who will stop at nothing to use Ruby in their fight against the government. Ruby will be faced with a terrible choice, one that may mean giving up her only chance at a life worth living

MY THOUGHTS:
Have you ever seen the movie PUSH? If not then what I'm saying probably will make no sense to you, but if so then you'll get my drift. When we started learning more about the characters and what they could do I immediately thought of this movie because the main character they're trying to protect from this agency has the ability to control human minds. I say much more then I kind of give away stuff, but let's just say similar.

I am such a POWERS person. By this I mean I love the idea of people having these powers, or unique abilities that defy everything. Mind control, ability to control just about anything. So needless to say when I read the synopsis for this book I was immediately drawn to it. At first it seemed to start off slow, but for the sake of understanding the story I suppose that's ok. I think I really started loving it the moment Ruby and Liam started opening up to each other. I'm such a character reader,and when you can love just about every character in the story that's saying a lot. Liam, Chubs, Zu, Ruby each one of them have that personality that you could grow to love, and I did. Liam for his nurturing and caring ways with the others, Chubs for his love of literature and being that person who all though seems like a complete ass is really just a gooey sweet marshmellow on the inside. Ruby for being that strong, lovable heroine we've come to love from our YA books. Zu for just being that sweet innocent child who believes the world can still be a good place, and that the people in it are seemingly goodhearted.

OMFG!!!! Why? Why Ms. Bracken did you do this to me? Endings like this one bring out so many emotions in me. Sadness, Pissiness (Is that a word?), and more sadness. A few things happened that I really didn't see happening and then some that I figured might, but still I'm not the least be happy about it. Now I'm having to read the second one right now, and usually I'm horrible about reading the second one right after the first, but I wanna see a happy ending for somebody. :(

Quotes:
I had the strangest feeling--like I had lost something without ever really having lost it in the first place---that I wasn't what I once was, and wasn't at all what I was meant to be. -Ruby (pg 203)

We wanted you yesterday, we want you today, and we'll want you tomorrow. There's nothing you can do to change that. -Liam (pg 304)

Ruby, give me one reason why we can't be together, and I'll give you a hundred why we can. -Liam (pg 438)

Book Review: Anna dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

AUTHOR: Kendare Blake
PUBLISHED: August 30,2011
PUBLISHER: Tor Teen
PAGES: 316
SERIES/STAND ALONE: Series
SOURCE: Won from Rachel at PaperCuts
CHALLENGES: 2011 Debut


OUTLINE:
Cas Lowood has inherited an unusual vocation: He kills the dead.
So did his father before him, until he was gruesomely murdered by a ghost he sought to kill. Now, armed with his father's mysterious and deadly athame, Cas travels the country with his kitchen-witch mother and their spirit-sniffing cat. Together they follow legends and local lore, trying to keep up with the murderous dead—keeping pesky things like the future and friends at bay.
When they arrive in a new town in search of a ghost the locals call Anna Dressed in Blood, Cas doesn't expect anything outside of the ordinary: track, hunt, kill. What he finds instead is a girl entangled in curses and rage, a ghost like he's never faced before. She still wears the dress she wore on the day of her brutal murder in 1958: once white, now stained red and dripping with blood. Since her death, Anna has killed any and every person who has dared to step into the deserted Victorian she used to call home.
But she, for whatever reason, spares Cas's life.

MY THOUGHTS:
First off, I have to say complete and total cover love. I absolutely love this cover and it represents the book perfectly. I've always been interested in ghosts, and stories about them. Whether they're real stories or made up.  So it's no surprise that I would come to love Anna Dressed in Blood. When you first read the synopsis you're thinking (or I was thinking) this is going to be a gory, dark, horror/thriller driven book. I mean with Cas going around killing ghosts. You know people who are suppose to be ALREADY dead? How can it not be a horror story, or a thriller? You never know what might pop out at you.

Kendare Blakes writing is to die for. (I know, I know I couldn't help myself) I love how descriptive she was with the ghosts, and Anna (and her dripping blood red dress). I fell in love. I know it's kind of hard to imagine falling in love with a book like this because it definitely did not hold anything back. When someone died a horrible death it described it perfectly. I'm not sure how I would know what a perfect horrible death is, but it read well. When an author can make you look over your shoulders while your reading that is a sign of awesome writing in my opinion. I kid you not I was sitting in my moms apartment building parking lot at like 10:30pm (I was waiting on my brother) and I started reading this, and I maybe got a chapter read and quit because I kept hearing things and looking in my backseat. Can we say chicken? (There's a shed and an old camper sitting  across the way which made it worse.) I loved the way it made a complete 180 or is 360? Anyways, I like how it went from one thing to something else. I was like okay this is not what I was expecting, but it worked for me. I like being completely wrong about things it makes it that much more fun to read.

 I loved pretty much each character: Anna, Carmel, Cas, Thomas, even the cat Tybalt.  I enjoyed how one of the main characters was a teenage boy named Cas. That's not something you see very often in YA. There were parts when I was like just stop being an ass and let people help you, make friends, be a teenager, but then I can see why he acted the way he did. I guess moving and killing ghosts isn't easy on the friend and life department. Anna, oh Anna dressed in blood. I think she was my favorite out of all of them. Despite her ghostly-ness she seemed more real then some of the others. We got to learn more about her and what made her the way she was. She just had this sadness to her. I wanted to be able to help her. Thomas was the geeky boy that quickly attached himself to Cas. You always have to have that sidekick, and he was one that enjoyed reading about.Then there was Carmel, the queen bee, at the high school yet she seemed down to earth. Then of course you have the jocks, but I won't bore you with them. :) Tybalt was Cas' moms cat. This cat reminds me of mine. This one hated pretty much everyone but the mom, and mine is the same way she hates everyone but me. Cats are so picky! it's weird though because this cat could sense when a ghost was around and he's stare off into space or do other weird things, and I'm like my cat does the same creepy stuff. Does that mean I have a ghost?

Quotes:
-I don't like the idea of you using these girls all the time. (Cas' mom)
You make it sound so dirty (Cas)

-Completely, She's bruce lee, the hulk, and Neo from The matrix all rolled into one. (Cas)
Yes, thank you for the entirely incomprehensible pop-culture reference. (Gideon)

-Yes, smashing you'll be just like those four chaps in the movie. You know the one, with the over-sized marshmallow. (Gideon)
-You've got to be kidding me. (Cas)

I can't wait for Girl of Nightmares (Anna #2) and it doesn't come out until next August.

Book Review: Raw Blue by Kirsty Eagar

AUTHOR: Kirsty Eagar

PUBLISHED: June 29th 2009
PUBLISHER: Penguin Books Australia

PAGES: 274

SERIES/STAND ALONE: Stand alone

SOURCE: Lan from The Write Obsession sent me a copy. Thanks
CHALLENGES: None

OUTLINE:

Carly has dropped out of uni to spend her days surfing and her nights working as a cook in a Manly café. Surfing is the one thing she loves doing … and the only thing that helps her stop thinking about what happened two years ago at schoolies week.

And then Carly meets Ryan, a local at the break, fresh out of jail. When Ryan learns the truth, Carly has to decide. Will she let the past bury her? Or can she let go of her anger and shame, and find the courage to be happy?

Book Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth

AUTHOR: Veronica Roth

PUBLISHER: HarperCollins Childrens Books
PAGES: 489
SERIES/STAND ALONE: Series (Divergent Book1)
SOURCE: Bought
CHALLENGES: Debut Author
OUTLINE:
Beatrice "Tris" Prior has reached the fateful age of sixteen, the stage at which teenagers in Veronica Roth's dystopian Chicago must select which of five factions to join for life. Each faction represents a virtue: Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, Amity, and Erudite. To the surprise of herself and her selfless Abnegation family, she chooses Dauntless, the path of courage. Her choice exposes her to the demanding, violent initiation rites of this group, but it also threatens to expose a personal secret that could place in mortal danger. 

MY THOUGHTS:

I'm getting so use to the idea of Dystopians lately. I'm finding that I like them the more I read different ones. I use to be kind of on the fence on whether or not I liked them because so many get compared to The Hunger Games, and I wasn't able to enjoy that one so I kind of decided to not read them, but after reading enclave, and now this. I'm almost over the fence to the side of  loving dsytopians. So hopefully, that stays true when I read Matched, Fast-Tracked, Across the Universe, All these things I've done, Those that Wake, The Limit, Wither (which I don't have right now) I guess it's just something about seeing our world altered to the worse possible scenario. I truly loved this book, and can not for wait for Insurgent to come out. There's not to much to say about the world its self that the synopsis doesn't say. It's divided in to 5 factions: Dauntless (brave), Candor (Honesty), Abnegation (selfless), Amity (peaceful), Erudite (Intelligent), and then you have the factionless (homeless).

I loved Veronica Roth's Writing and world-building and characters. I'm telling you I'm in Dystopian Love right now!

The story never seemed to lag, or got tiresome to me. I was always wanting more of it and I wanted to find out what happened next to Tris and Four because let's face it something is bound to happen no? I'm not huge on books that take forever to get started because of explaining and what not, and Divergent definitely delivered on that part it took no time at all for me to understand. It had it's moments where I wanted to cry. You're with these characters on their journey to becoming something, and then it's just gone. -insert ahhh here- I think maybe one thing that bothered me is we never really know what's beyond those fences...what's beyond this post-what not Chicago. Will we learn in the other books. I guess will see.

Characters are always one of my favorite parts of any book because we can easily get attached to them like I said above. If written the right way we feel what they feel. We get to see them grow as people. We get to laugh when they laugh, hurt when they hurt, just feel what they feel, and it's just awesome. I loved Tris at first she started off (like most other main characters) a little awkward and not so sure of who she was, but as soon as she jumped that train I knew we would have a kick-ass heroine. Did she doubt who she was, and who she would become? Yes, but that's part of any good heroine in my opinion. She is right next to my hands down fave Female Herione, Rose of Vampire Academy, and trust me when I say that is a high place to be. :) Four, what can I say about him that hasn't already been said 1000 times plus. He was a great guy. He was a complete mystery for sometime until he opened up and showed us his vulnerable side. He wasn't some crazed-jealous type either. Thank you Veronica for writing him that way. It does get a little annoying to have these hot, but crazy jealous guys with these somewhat insecure females. Caleb, who is Tris' brother we learned a little about him, but not much so I'm interested to see what kind of part he'll have in the next books. The kids who befriended Tris when all the others simply called her Stiff, and thought she wouldn't amount to anything. You guys rock. (even with the little jealousy you had).

Oh, I totally get the cover now to the book. It's definitely a big part of it. :)

I learned so much in this story, yet I feel like I could have learned a lot more so I'm eagerly awaiting Insurgent which is do out in 2012.

QUOTES:
-A fraction of an inch of a mistake, half a second of hesitation, and my life is over.-Tris

-It's easy to be brave when they're not my fears.-Tris

FUN STUFF:
Facebook Fan Page (What Faction are you? I was candor.)
The Divergent Trilogy Site

Waiting on Wed: Insurgent (Book 2)

BOOK TRAILER:

Book Review: Enclave

AUTHOR: Ann Agguire

PUBLISHER: Feiwel & Friends
PAGES: 259
STAND ALONE/SERIES: Series
SOURCE: Bought
OUTLINE:
WELCOME TO THE APOCALYPSE

In Deuce’s world, people earn the right to a name only if they survive their first fifteen years. By that point, each unnamed ‘brat’ has trained into one of three groups–Breeders, Builders, or Hunters, identifiable by the number of scars they bear on their arms. Deuce has wanted to be a Huntress for as long as she can remember.

As a Huntress, her purpose is clear—to brave the dangerous tunnels outside the enclave and bring back meat to feed the group while evading ferocious monsters known as Freaks. She’s worked toward this goal her whole life, and nothing’s going to stop her, not even a beautiful, brooding Hunter named Fade. When the mysterious boy becomes her partner, Deuce’s troubles are just beginning.

Down below, deviation from the rules is punished swiftly and harshly, and Fade doesn’t like following orders. At first she thinks he’s crazy, but as death stalks their sanctuary, and it becomes clear the elders don’t always know best, Deuce wonders if Fade might be telling the truth. Her partner confuses her; she’s never known a boy like him before, as prone to touching her gently as using his knives with feral grace.

As Deuce’s perception shifts, so does the balance in the constant battle for survival. The mindless Freaks, once considered a threat only due to their sheer numbers, show signs of cunning and strategy… but the elders refuse to heed any warnings. Despite imminent disaster, the enclave puts their faith in strictures and sacrifice instead. No matter how she tries, Deuce cannot stem the dark tide that carries her far from the only world she’s ever known.

MY THOUGHTS:

Let me take a second to say OMG! I absolutely loved this book! If you read my blog, or know anything about me then you know I'm really not one for the dystopian type novels. Well I think I may have found the exception, and maybe it will change my mind. Whatever the reason this was an awesome book. I finished it in about a day in half.  It's divide into 2 parts the underground: Which is where the compound is and it's where most people live. (Although they live in different compounds) along with the Freaks (zombie like creatures). The second half of the book takes place above ground. Where other people live...like gangs.

The story starts off with "Brat or girl 15" having a ceremony because she has lived past the age of 15, and now has the right to a name which she learns is going to be Deuce. Along with the name she becomes one of 3 things, she chooses to become a huntress because that's what she's wanted her whole life to be able to fight outside. Now a huntress she's given the opportunity to fight against the "freaks" but she gets stuck with a partner who keeps to himself and plays by his own rules. At first she's not happy with it he likes the rules they're what's kept herself all this time. Now though she's beginning to question the authority, and by doing that she loses the only place and people she's ever known.

*SPOILER-Y*

When one thing leads to another Fade and Deuce get kicked to the upside. (They get pushed to the top, and that's not a good thing.) Living above ground means survival of the fittest. (If you're a girl it's even worse. You pretty much get treated like a slutty slave) Together Deuce and Fade must learn to trust and help each other. Fade came from the topside, and knows what it's like to live and what must be done to live. While above they run into problems gangs mainly.  

*END*

I honestly don't think I can put into words how much I loved and enjoyed this book. I think I've been trying to write this darn review for a few weeks now. :) Sometimes I feel like I'm just repeating myself over and over on each review. That's not what I want, but I can't help it. This book definitely has me looking for some other good dystopian novels now. (Note I read the hunger games wasn't a big fan. Trying to read the forest of hands and feet still can't get past 100 pages. Started Delirium I kinda liked it. As for others I don't know) Anyways, I think now whenever I read A dystopian it's going to be measured to this one. I shouldn't do that, but what can I say that's just me. I absolutely loved the world building in it. The idea of people living underground in sewer like systems was intriguing (yet kind of gross). Where else could you possibly go though if the world above lay in ruins. You can't live in the skies. Unless you had a really awesome ship that didn't need fuel of some sort. (Totally off topic I know)   I liked how they found that everyday things were fascinating. Things that maybe they've never seen before. (This is where notes would have come in handy for me)

As for the characters I loved Duece I thought she was a strong character, and held her own. Although she was a little naive at first thinking that her superiors (I forget what they call themselves) had everyones best intentions at hand. (When do they ever?) She soon learned that they didn't know much of anything and they weren't willing to listen to others that did. (Namely Fade). She cared alot for her friends, and for those she didn't know. Which we see more of when things got crazy on the topside. Her one flaw was that she forgave w-a-y to easily (and quick) especially with what almost happened. I do think she has room to grow. It will be interesting to see how. :) 

Fade, there's one of him in (almost) every book. The mysterious, not well known guy who happens to fall into place with the girl. I'm totally not complaining though I adore him maybe as much (if not more) then some of my other literary hotties. He's the one who defies the Elders (I looked it up that's what they're called), who knows what living above is like.He starts off being this guarded person not letting anyone in, but eventually he opens up. We get to see that he does have a good heart. Boy, what I would do for him. :) 

Then we have Tegan who we meet above. I definitely have a soft spot for her, and all the crap that she went through with the gangers, and the daily beatings. 

Stalker, who is one of the gangers. I wanted to like him, but after I thought about it awhile he treated girls like they were nothing. The gangs did alot worse. I can handle the fights, but the raping part was over the top. There could have been a better way to make him a bad guy.

I'm thinking maybe the only complaint I had was I would have liked a little more of the underground I think to see more of what the life was REALLY like before everything happened with Deuce and Fade. That part of the story went a little quick for me. We didn't get to see much of Deuces Friends. We didn't get to learn to much about the other two groups. (I know it's kind of self explanatory)

Wrapup: Awesome Characters

Storyline super (although I would of liked to learn more about underneath)

I have to stop because I'm bound to give more away then I want. I can't wait to read more of the journey. That is all. 

 If you haven't read this book yet (and you love dystopians) I HIGHLY recommend it. :)

QUOTES:

I'm not sure I have any, but I'll try and see if I wrote any.

MY VIDEO REVIEW:

BOOK VIDEO: If you haven't watched this. WATCH. I think this would make an awesome movie.

Nevermore Review

AUTHOR: Kelly Creagh
PUBLISHER: Atheneum
PAGES: 543
SERIES/STAND ALONE: Series (I believe)

OUTLINE: Cheerleader Isobel Lanley is horrified when she is paired with Varen Nethers for an English project, which is due—so unfair—on the day of the rival game.

Cold and aloof, sardonic and sharp-tongued, Varen makes it clear he’d rather not have anything to do with her either. But when Isobel discovers strange writing in his journal, she can’t help but give this enigmatic boy with the piercing eyes another look.

Soon, Isobel finds herself making excuses to be with Varen. Steadily pulled away from her friends and her possessive boyfriend, Isobel ventures deeper and deeper into the dream world Varen has created through the pages of his notebook, a realm where the terrifying stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life.

As her world begins to unravel around her, Isobel discovers that dreams, like words, hold more power than she ever imagined, and that the most frightening realities are those of the mind.

Now she must find a way to reach Varen before he is consumed by the shadows of his own nightmares.

His life depends on it.

STARTED:
FINISHED: 2-8-11

MY THOUGHTS:
First and foremost, for all you out there that love or hell even like Edgar Allan Poe in any way I recommend reading this book. If you don't know much about him there are references in it.. that help you to understand him better. No need to read a memoir on him because this is more of a fun way. So if you're like me, and don't know a whole lot about him or some of his other works that aren't "The Raven", "The Tell-Tale heart", "Annabell Lee" or a few others then this book helps with that. It goes in to detail about his life. (Not like full on detail, but just enough) This makes me want to go and read some of the books I have about him. I think I have his complete poetry, and another one I bought last year at HPB. Anyways, enough about Poe on to the rest of the review. I told you easily distracted.

I'm not very good at reading almost 600 pages because I'm easily distracted, and want to move on to other things. This is one of those books that was well worth the 543 pages of reading. I honestly didn't want to stop reading it, but after awhile my eyes started hurting so I had to put it down. Just to pick it back up again. :)

Why did I love it you ask besides the above mentioned reasons?

I love how Isobel and Varen's relationship didn't just BAM happen. It took its time, and it developed casually in my opinion. They are complete opposites as well Isobel is the perky cheerleader, with the star football player boyfriend, the popular friends. Even with all that though she seemed different as a character. Like there was more to her. Then you have Varen who is the gothy, mysterious boy who people like to make up rumors/stories about. (Poor guy some of the stuff they say about him. I would have him over Brad anyday. Just saying!) Then you had some of Isobel's popular friends. I'm sorry, but they are not your friends if they treat you that way just because you make a few friends who are different. I ab-so-freakin-lutely hate that. I had that happen to me in middle school I think. I wasn't in the popular crowd, but still same difference. (What does same-difference mean?) Anyway I made friends with certain people, and then a friend I'd been friends with since like 2nd grade stopped talking to me. What the hell is up with that? Granted I occasionally talk to her now. It still was hurtful. I loved Gwen's character as well. She kind of just pops out of nowhere. She's like the odd girl who becomes the one person wo Isbobel could talk to, and who tells you like she sees it. I think there is a little bit of a love triangle in the book with Brad, Varen, and Isobel. Which is fine most books have that. You can already tell whos side I'm on. :) I love me some silent types. I must admit I did get irritated with Reynolds. I'm not sure exactly who he was (maybe I have somewhat of an idea) but he would pop up at the weirdest times, and never fully answer Isobels question she asked. It was always him answering a question with another question, or something that was beyond Isobels understanding. Crazy guy! Yeah so that was my character analysis. :)

Not only did I love the characters, but the storyline itself kept me wanting more. At first it was just about the project, and I think Isobel trying to learn about Varen. Then after awile I think things escalated for her, and weird things start happening to her and around her. Her reality started to become more twisted. Her perception of things became distorted. Was she just dreaming, was it all in her mind, or is it in fact real? One minute she'd be in one place the next she'd be somewhere completely different. Did Varen have something to do with it. What was he hiding in his notebook? I think that's what kept me reading.

I think it wrapped up nicely as well. It's not one of those that leaves you on a complete cliffhanger. Maybe the epilogue at the end did a little. Hum. It would do well in my opinion as one book (although I'm completely looking forward to the second one that's apparently not coming til 2012. Such a long time.)

I've seen somewhere that the bookcover used to be a little different being that Varen had a lip ring. They shouldn't have messed with that. I think it would have made the cover sexier. :)

That is all I think I'm out of words to say for it. It was hard for me to write this. It took what a few days for me to get this out. Hopefully it was worth it, and I helped someone.


This is officially right up there with my VA series. You know if I say that then I must love it. :) I'm definitely going to have to buy me a copy of it since I got it from the library.

QUOTES:
-Aye, aye, O Captain, My Captain (Isobel)
Right era. Wrong poet. (Varen)

-What was this? Parent-daughter conference night? (Isobel)

-Why the snap-crackle-pop didn't you call me back? (Gwen)

-What the hell is that? (Varen)
Uh....Sloppy Joe. (Isobel)
Hmmm...May he rest in piece. (Varen)

-Yeah, well I tried to explain that my mind powers don't work on Tuesdays. (Varen)

-And now your dating a vampire? You know they bite right? (Danny)

-How can he be a vampire when he knows so much about slayers? (Danny)
Danny. (Isobel Mom)
Just saying (Danny)

-Isobel! (Sam-Dad)
Sam, stop yelling at her. (Mom)
If this were in Japanese, it could so be an anime. (Danny)

-We're doing the project on Poe. (Varen)
Hey wasn't that the guy who married his cousins or somethin? (Gwen) (I totally learned something because I had no idea that he actually did when I went to look stuff up about him)
Don't tell me he didn't cause I know he did. (Gwen)
And wasn't he the one who sliced off his ear, and mailed it to his girlfriend? (Gwen)
Van Gogh (Varen)
Van Gogh...Edgar Allan Poe. Close Enough. (Gwen)

-That's Slipper. (Vare)
Oh my gosh, he's gorgeous. (Isobel)
She. (Varen)
Don't let the elegance act fool you. She farts. (Varen) (Varen talking about his Siamese Cat)

-Could she really stop the play herself? Or would she get flattened into cheerleader pizza? (Isobel thinking)

-Honestly, you'd think I was sending you off as a virgin sacrifice. (Gwen)

-Ah, Var-obel. (Mr Swanson) (This just made me laugh because of all the putting names together they actually do in magazines)

-When there is no way, you must make a way (Reynolds)

-Whoops. Need a hand? (Pinfeathers)
Oh, wait, I already gave you one of those today, didn't I? (Pinfeathers)

-But, you have to understand, Isobel, there is always that fine line. Between doing what we want...and doing what we're told. (Pinfeathers) (Very insightful...and then...)
Open this door, and no matter what, you'll never close it. (Pinfeathers)
Kind of like you and your mouth. (Isobel) (You get this a smart ass remark..love it)


5 OF 5 STARS (my pictures aren't working)

Happy reading and blogging
Ashley

Book Review Party by Cym

Fixing Delilah review

AUTHOR: Sarah Ockler
PUBLISHER: Little Brown Books
PAGES: 320
SERIES/STAND ALONE: Stand alone

OUTLINE: Things in Delilah Hannaford's life have a tendency to fall apart.
She used to be a good student, but she can't seem to keep it together anymore. Her "boyfriend" isn't much of a boyfriend. And her mother refuses to discuss the fight that divided their family eight years ago. Falling apart, it seems, is a Hannaford tradition.
Over a summer of new friendships, unexpected romance, and moments that test the complex bonds between mothers and daughters, Delilah must face her family's painful past. Can even her most shattered relationships be pieced together again?



STARTED: 1-10-11
FINISHED: 1-18-11

CHALLENGES: Contempt and A-Z Challenges

MY THOUGHTS:
Can Delilah spend her whole summer in Red Ferns with a mom, who doesn't want to acknowledge their families past, with a boy who is much more then just some night in a car (like her "non-boyfriend" back home, and in a house where secrets remain just that?
This book is one of those, in my opinion, that really makes you think. It starts out with Delilah and her mom getting a call about Delilah's Grandmother passing away. After that things just sort of escalate from there.

I had a lot of favorite parts in the book. I think Delilah reading her Aunt Stephanie's Diary entries was cool because then you could see what kind of person Stephanie was without her actually being in the book. (It says why but I'll leave that to the imagination) They felt like those moments when you wish you could have met her. Then the moments between Delilah and Patrick loved them. Everytime something happened I was wanting to say "Delilah, he's perfect for you."  I wasn't sure about the relationship between Delilah and her mom at times I wanted to tell both of them to just get over things, but realized that there are somethings in life you can't just get over. (at least not over a course of a summer) I was glad that Delilah was able to make friends over the summer too that seemed to genuinely care for her. I think she managed to grow from who she was in the begining of the story to the end which is alwas a plus.

There was a little annoyance I had with the book though, if you've read my stuff then you know the pace of a story is something that I either like or don't like. Well I wasn't happy with how slow it started. I was eager to know what was going on in Delilah's life that need to be "fixed" and you didn't find that out til closer to the end. I'm not even sure there were hints. Maybe so I just didn't pick up on them. That was really the only problem I had, and then again that's just my personal preference.

To know a little more you can watch my video review. I think I might have added a few other parts I liked in it. :)

QUOTES:

-How easily somethings can be broken for good and for bad, and how somethings, no matter how shattered, can still go back together. (Delilah's toughts on a glass cow that she broke)

-True friendship is never perfect, but it is important.

MY VIDEO REVIEW:

Crescendo Review

AUTHOR: Becca Fitzpatrick
PUBLISHER: Simon and Schuster
PAGES: 462
BOOK SERIES/STAND ALONE: Series book 2 (Hush Hush #1, Tempest #3)

OUTLINE: Nora Grey's life is still far from perfect. Surviving an attempt on her life wasn't pleasant, but atleast she got a guardian angel out of it: a mysterious, magnetic, gorgeous guardian angel. But, despite his role in her life, Patch has been acting anything but angelic. He's more elusive than ever and even worse, he's started spending time with Nora's arch-enemy, Marcie Millar.

Nora would have hardly noticed Scott Parnell, an old family friend who has moved back to town, if Path hadnt been acting so distant. Even with Scott's totally infuriating attitude Nora finds herself drawn to him - despite her lingering feeling that he's hiding something.

Haunted by images of her murdered father, and questioning whether her nephilim bloodline has anything to do with his death, Nora puts herself increasingly in dangerous situations as she desperatly searches for answers. But maybe some things are better left buried, because the truth could destroy everything - and everyone - she trusts

STARTED: 1-5-11
FINISHED: 1-10-11

MY THOUGHTS:
The second installment of the Hush, Hush series is definitely a rollercoaster of ups, downs, and twists. It had me wondering practically the whole book who the black hand was, and what she/he wanted with Nora. I'm telling you poor Nora always has something going on with her. Someone always wanting to hurt her, telling her what to do.

At the beginning of the book things seemed to be going good considering the incidents in the last book, but as soon as I got comfortable with Nora and Patch's relationship that's when things went downhill again. :( I had a few "I wanna throw this book moments" not that I actually would because I like keeping my books in excellent condition if possible. Though there were the moments.

I loved the new additional characters to the story, Scott, Nora's childhood friend (Oh the love triangles in YA), Rixon (was he in the other book. I can't remember) was Vee's love interest, and then of course the mean girl Marcie. I hated Marcie with a passion she seemed like she cared only about herself, which most girls like her do.

And the ending, wow that was an ending. That's all I'm going to say. :)

I know this is a short review, and probably no help what so ever. I feel like there's only so much you can say about a book that you like with out given away the juicey stuff. This book is full of juciness for sure. I can't wait to see how things end. Muahahahaha!

Want to know more about the other characters. You will have to read my Hush, Hush review.


QUOTES:
-You know what the worst part is? Nora
That I was right, and now you have to suffer through hearing me say "I told you so." Vee
 -Why can't we just text? Nora
Spies don't text. Vee
How do you know? Nora
How do you know they do? Vee
-And here I thought they were called Peeping Toms. Patch
-How about you sell me the 'stang for 30 dollars? I can even pay cash. Nora
Drunk, but not that drunk Grey. Scott
-What is that? Vee
I think it's a car boot. Nora
I can see that. What's it doing on my car? Vee
I guess when they say violators will be towed. They mean it. Nora
Don't get smart with me. Vee
-My sense of adventure stops short of a kamikaze suicide mission. Vee
-We still have two legs, Leftie and rightie. Vee
-I'm not stealing it. We're stranded. It;s called borrowing it. Nora
- I think we should stop at skippy's for hot dogs before we do this. I don't know what it is about hot dogs, but they're like an instant shot of courage. I feel like I can do anything after I've had a hot dog. Vee



So, so have you read the books? If so what did you think? Were you expecting that kind of end to the book? If not, are yoo planning on ireading it? :) Remember I always comment back on here. Don't be afraid to chat with me.

Hush, Hush Review

AUTHOR: Beccas Fitzpatrick
PUBLISHER: Simon and Schuster
PAGES: 391
SERIES/STAND ALONE: Series book 1 (Crescendo #2 2010, Tempest #3 2011)

OUTLINE: For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her...until Patch comes along.
With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment, but after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is far more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.
For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life


STARTED: 12-19-10 (at night)
FINISHED: 12-20-10 (around 1pm)


MY THOUGHTS:
I'm going to start off by saying it took me a day and a half to read this. Yep, that's right I started it and couldn't put it down. At first I was a little reluncant to read it. I mean I bought both the books I just figured it would take me some time to get to them, but after watching a you tube video with the author at a book signing. The way she talked about it, and stuff made me more interested in it. The way she said a lot of publishers (I guess that's who it was) turned the book down because of Vee, one of the characters, and others didn't like her so much either.Then how she talked about Nora and Patch (the scene where they meet in biology) I knew I had to read to see for myself.  I'm glad I did too. I was interested in what happened to Nora and Patch the whole time I was reading. From the moment they became partners in biology lab to the ending I was hooked. Even though I knew what Patch was from the reviews I've read and trailers I've seen I was still wanting to know more. I wanted to see the relationship grow and work, and I admit at times I couldn't understand why Nora kept wanting to go back when she "thought" Patch wasn't good for her. Then I could also see from her point of view he may be dangerous and a little on the weird side, but he was still hot and had his sweet moments. Seriously what girl hasn't dreamed of being with a charming yet dangerous man. I mean really they're in almost every YA book you read right? Then of course you add in a mysterious second guy who shows up in the middle of the book. Perfect..absolutely! Who could forget Nora's BFF, Vee. I honestly loved the character. Yes, at times she was a little rude, and pushed Nora to do things she didn't want but truth be told that's exactly how friends are. (Aubrey if you ever read this. You know I love ya. :)) They push your buttons. They make you do things that sometimes you normally wouldn't do by yourself.

There was one character I wasn't thrilled about, and that was Ms. Greene. She just seemed  like she was there to make things a little more diffcult for Nora, and poor Nora already had enough problems. Then to find out things about Ms Greene. Yeah well  I didn't like her. :(

Then Jules was another character who was kind of just there in the background quietly waiting for a turn in the spotlight, and needless to say when time came it was def a spotlight moment. I did kind of wonder about him though and what his part was I soon found out. I wasn't to suprised to say the least. I kind of had that feeling.
SIDENOTE:
Sorry I've seen where some people compared it to Twilight. (again with comparing books to twilight. Stop it! Only one book I've read came close to the comparison, and truth be told I loved that book too because it had differences) They even went as far as saying it came close to Plagarism. Oh come on people! This is ridiculous. *shakes head* I know that's their opinion, and well this is mine.

OVER ALL:
I would definitely say if you haven't read it then do so.
It's now on to read the 2nd book, Crescendo!

QUOTES:
-Say provoking again your mouth looks provacative when you do. (Patch) This just made me laugh for some reason. :)
-You smell good too. (Patch)
It's called a shower. Soap, Shampoo, Hot water. (Nora)
Naked. I know the drill. (Patch)
-You know I'm going to kill you right. (Nora)
I was doing you a favor. Eillot is wild about you. After you left. I told him you have like ten guys calling you every night. You should have seen his face. Barey contained jealousy. (Vee)
I groaned. (Nora)
It's the law of supply and demand. Who would've have thought that economics would come in useful? (Vee)
-This is starting to drift into the land of This Makes Absolutely NO Sense. (Vee)
-No, but I chalkd it up to internal plumbing issues. (Vee about Jules)

Book trailer


Have you read it if so what'd you think?