Sunday, April 29, 2012

Review: Fated by Alyson Noël

Fated (Soul Seekers, #1)Fated
By: Alyson Noël
Published: May 22nd, 2012
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Source: ARC from publisher

My review:

I haven't read anything else by Alyson Noël, although I do own a few books by her. After reading this book, I'm definitely going to start on those other books. This book was a magical journey with an original and creative plot that was different from any other fantasy books.

The protagonist of this book is Daire Santos, who is a teen girl who travels the world for her mom's work (makeup artist for Hollywood movies.) But Daire starts seeing horrible, disgusting visions and is traumatized by these episodes. Finally it gets to be too much for her mother, who sends Daire to live with her estranged grandmother, Paloma, in New Mexico. There she finally discovers her gift and embraces her fate.

This book was a refreshing read from the cookie-cutter books that all run along with the same plot. There were many creative aspects about this book, and having a strong female protagonist was just icing on the cake. The YA genre needs more female protagonists that we, the readers, can look up to and in my opinion Daire is one. There were suitors involved, as there always will be, but Daire never had to be the damsel in distress. Other aspects that were very creative are things like the Native American culture, her nature songs and the layers of Earth (Lower, Middle and Upper.) You need to read the book to learn more about them!

As for the characters, every single one of them had a purpose and were really interesting. I loved Xotichl, Cade, Dace, and Lita. Even if some of them are antagonists, they still were portrayed with care that kept the reader involved.

As for the plot, the book did move slowly. The action only started in the last 100 pages. The climax wasn't massive, but the care to details in this book make up for it. Although I don't see why one chapter included a few paragraphs about applying mascara--it didn't hurt the book.

I recommend this book to everyone who has an interest in fantasy. The mix of cultures, fantasy worlds, and the symbolism of life and death are great appeals of this book.

4/5 lightbulbs

Saturday, April 28, 2012

In My Mailbox #4

In My Mailbox is a weekly event hosted by the Story Siren. It showcases all the books you have recieved, purchased, or come in any form of contact within this week!

I have a lot of books to show today. I've never gotten this many in one week, so this post is special! Let's just say I have a lot of reading to do!



When I was at the airport, I got these two books.
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Then I ordered these back in March, but they didn't ship until the Thumped was released (which is pretty annoying, not preordering from B&N again.)
Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins
Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter
Thumped by Megan McCafferty 

Getting these was actually the best part of my week! I went to a teen galley group at a local bookstore, and there was only me and one other girl. So I got to pick out as many ARCs as I wanted. Then I read them, review them and recommend them (or not) for the bookstore. Then I received Gilt in the mail from the publisher.
Gilt by Katherine Longshore
Velveteen by Daniel Marks
Ten by Gretchen McNeill
My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
Dead Time by Anne Cassidy
A Touch Morbid by Leah Clifford
A Thunderous Whisper by Christina Diaz Gonzalez

What did you get this week?

Friday, April 27, 2012

Feature & Follow Friday #4


This weekly event is hosted by Parajunkee & Alison Can Read, so click here for all the specifics of this week's event! (:

Q: Have you had a character that disappointed you? One that you fell in love with and then "broke up" with later on in either the series or a stand-alone book? Tell us about him or her.

I just finished reading Crossed by Ally Condie, the second book in the Matched trilogy. And just letting you know, it totally disappointed me. So that character would probably be Ky. I liked him in Matched but not in this installment. He acted with too much indecision. What about you, do you have a character you've felt this way about?

If you're interested in following, it would be lovely if you are able to do it by GFC! (:

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday #3


This is a weekly event hosted by Breaking The Spine.
Have you ever just gone on Goodreads and looked at all the upcoming books? Practically drool over some of them? I have, SO much. That's why this event is one I can really relate to. Here's the book I'm waiting for this week!

The Académie by Susanne Dunlap

The AcadémieEliza Monroe-daughter of the future president of the United States-is devastated when her mother decides to send her to boarding school outside of Paris. But the young American teen is quickly reconciled to the idea when-ooh, la-la!-she discovers who her fellow pupils will be: Hortense de Beauharnais, daughter of Josephine Bonaparte; and Caroline Bonaparte, youngest sister of the famous French general. It doesn't take long for Eliza to figure out that the two French girls are mortal enemies-and that she's about to get caught in the middle of their schemes.

Okay so this book came out in February, but I haven't seen it in any stores. It looks really interesting; and I can't help but be intrigued by any book that takes place in a boarding school. I hope to get this book soon!

What are you waiting on?

Monday, April 23, 2012

Review: I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You (Gallagher Girls, #1)I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter
Edition: Paperback
Pages: 284
Published: March 20th, 2007
Publisher: Hyperion

My review:

I originally read Ally Carter's newer series, which is Heist Society. I'm a huge fan of that, which is about Kat, a girl born into a family of thieves. But enough about that book, this one focuses on Cammie, a girl who goes to a spy school, where her mother is headwoman. This book is pretty much a dream to anyone who fantasizes about being a super-cool spy in another life (...me.)

Cammie is a sweet and innocent, (as innocent as a spy who can kill someone with her hands 7 different ways can be) her nickname is the Chameleon because she blends in with her surroundings. She's been at the Gallagher school for girls her whole life, and doesn't know a normal life. So when she meets a regular guy, who thinks she's a regular girl, she's at a loss of how to act.

As a protagonist, Cammie is fine. She starts off seeming unapproachable, but as the book progresses you are exposed to a deeper side of her. All the characters were interesting and different. They all carried the fact that they were at a spy school well, it was very believeable. Bex, Cammie's friend and Josh were the only characters that I never found myself rooting for.

As for the plot, it is rather dull for a spy book. I'd rather read action sequences, not Cammie struggling chapter after chapter to figure out what to wear for her most recent date. I'll forgive this fact though, as I've been told that the coming books get more interesting. In the few scenes with action, I did get lost really quickly. Things would happen, even the character moving just slightly, and it would be only two words and I'd have to read it over again to catch it. Some better explaining doesn't hurt.

I recommend this to fans of any action, spy thrillers, girl-power, and forbidden love. I'll be reading the rest of the series ASAP!

5/5 lightbulbs!

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Follow Friday #3



This weekly event is hosted by Parajunkee & Alison Can Read, so click here for all the specifics of this week's event! (:


Q: Fight! Fight! If you could have two fictional characters battle it out (preferably from books), who would they be and who do you think would win?

Hmm that's tough. I've read so many books with BAMF characters, so it will be hard to choose. . . but I'm going to go with some girl power! It would be really interesting to see Katniss (from the Hunger Games) versus Kat (from Heist Society.) They're both regular people without any superpowers, but a ton of survival skills. I think it would be a really close draw, and it would depend on the setting. But probably Katniss would win!

Review: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight
The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith
Pages: 236 (hardcover)
Published: January 2nd, 2012
Publisher: Poppy
My Source: Library

My review:
This is bordering on 4 stars. . . it's a really cute love story between Oliver and Hadley. It also has its deep moments between the two and their history.

This book is really just a simple romance. The pair begin traveling to London and at the start, do not know each other. This book has a span of 24 hours that takes the couple from oblivion to love. They both dread what they're receiving in London, and bond in their mutual feeling.

I guess the main thing I disliked was the ending of this book. It was dry and left me unsatisfied at where the characters stood. I actually cried during the more emotional parts in this book (I'm a sympathetic crier and it applies to when the characters cry too. . .) but the ending did nothing for me. Hadley and Oliver were likable, but I rooted for their relationship more than the characters themselves.

Besides these points, the book was charming and a quick read. I recommend it to fans of a love story.


3/5 lightbulbs

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Cover Reveal: The Time-Traveling Fashionista at the Palace of Marie Antoinette

 The Time-Traveling Fashionista at the Palace of Marie Antoinette
The Time-Traveling Fashionista at the Palace of Marie Antoinette
by
2nd book in the series
Pages: 272
Release: September 18th, 2012
Publisher: Poppy

I am in LOVE with this cover. Books about fashion are a guilty pleasure for me, but books that are about clothes that take you to the past, to lavish periods with petticoats and dazzling fashion? I can't think of anything better!

What if a beautiful dress could take you back in time?

Louise Lambert's best friend's thirteenth birthday party is fast approaching, so of course the most important question on her mind is, "What am I going to wear?!" Slipping on an exquisite robin's egg blue gown during another visit to the mysterious Traveling Fashionista Vintage Sale, Louise finds herself back in time once again, swept up in the glory of palace life, fancy parties, and enormous hair as a member of the court of France's most infamous queen, Marie Antoinette.

But between cute commoner boys and glamorous trips to Paris, life in the palace isn't all cake and couture. Can Louise keep her cool-and her head!-as she races against the clock to get home?



I read the first book in this series, The Time-Traveling Fashionista and loved it. That book was filled with beautiful illustrations of outfits Louise (the protagonist) wore. I'm hoping this one will be the same! 

On My Wishlist #1

This is a new meme I will be doing every week (if I remember, that is) and it's hosted by Cosy Books! The purpose is to showcase what books you really want, they can be ones you just haven't bought, have been checked out of the library FOREVER, or haven't been released yet.
This week my wishlist is for:
In Honor

Hours after her brother’s military funeral, Honor opens the last letter Finn ever sent. In her grief, she interprets his note as a final request and spontaneously decides to go to California to fulfill it.

Honor gets as far as the driveway before running into Rusty, Finn’s best friend since third grade and his polar opposite. She hasn’t seen Rusty in ages, but it’s obvious he is as arrogant and stubborn as ever—not to mention drop-dead gorgeous. Despite Honor’s better judgment, the two set off together on a voyage from Texas to California. Along the way, they find small and sometimes surprising ways to ease their shared loss and honor Finn’s memory—but when shocking truths are revealed at the end of the road, will either of them be able to cope with the consequences?


 
I have been drooling over this book ever since I first saw it on Goodreads a few months ago. It's released on May 8th, so less than a month away. I think I'm going to preorder it just so it can show up on my doorstep that very day!

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Teaser Tuesday #1

I'm starting a new meme this week, which is teaser Tuesday. What you do is share a few sentences from the book you're reading to entice new readers to pick it up for themselves!

The book I'm showcasing today is, The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith. And I'm randomly opening to page 89!

"It is," Oliver insists. "And don't even get me started on the size of our carbon footprint after this trip. Or the difference between crocodiles and alligators. Or the longest recorded flight of a chicken."

Okay I think you should check this book out! I haven't gotten to it yet, but it's next on my list. (:

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Review: Cordially UNInvited by Jennifer Roy

Cordially Uninvited
Cordially UNInvited by Jennifer Roy
(Checked out from library.)
Pages: 256
Published: April 3rd, 2012
Publisher: Simon & Shuester (Young Readers)

My review:

This book was really cute, it was like reading about William & Kate's wedding from the point of Kate's cousin. Don't get confused, this book isn't about Will & Kate, but there are many parallels. And if you really enjoyed the wedding fever last year, you will enjoy reading this book.

Claire is a honest protagonist, and a good role-model too. She only wants the best for Belle, her cousin (who is marrying the Prince of England.) A pesky bridesmaid is getting in the way of the wedding, and Claire is determined to stop her before it's too late.

The only reason that a star is knocked off because of the plot's predictability and how cheesy some scenes were.
I really loved the surprise at the end! The side characters in the book were just as great as the main characters. I especially liked Thalia, Callum, and even Pandora (she was very interesting for an antagonist!)

I recommend this to fans of England, the Princess for Hire books, royalty, weddings, and just fans of a cute and quick read.

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Review: Narrative Loserdom by Ryan Collins

Narrative Loserdom: From Journal One Narrative Loserdom by Ryan Collins
(provided by author)
Pages: 204
Published: December 1st, 2011
Publisher: CreateSpace

My review:

This book was collection of journal entries that were made by a high school-er, named Justin. The readers got a very close look into the mind of this teenage boy, and were rewarded for it.

I really liked this book, it was easy to get into and Justin was a kind protagonist. Every action he did was something the reader could relate to, so the whole thing came off as very realistic. Every journal entry looked exactly as it should, with some grammatical errors and many random memories that had happened to Justin and he wrote down.

While the story lacked a plot, it didn't affect the book overall. You learned about many different characters (sometimes hard to keep them all straight) and got to know all of them. I'd love to learn more about Adam, and what is going on with his family.

The story was very interesting, with plot additions that you don't see in your average YA lit. Like the odd-jobs Adam and Justin did for cash, along with Justin's views on high school life. I recommend this to fans of high school, journal-ing type books and POV of boys (which are fairly scarce in this genre!)


4 out of 5 lightbulbs

Friday, April 6, 2012

A Mother-Daughter Cover Reveal

Spotlight on: Megan Wong
The big cover reveal for the 5th book in the Mother-Daughter Book Club series was made by the author, on her blog.
I love how the whole series' covers have stacks of books, and I especially love the suitcases in this one (there's going to be a road trip!)
The book is still mostly blank on Goodreads, but if you'd like to add it to your books go here! Be sure to read the whole series for some cute friendship! (:

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday #2

This is a weekly event hosted by Breaking The Spine.
Have you ever just gone on Goodreads and looked at all the upcoming books? Practically drool over some of them? I have, SO much. That's why this event is one I can really relate to. Here's the book I'm waiting for this week!



Social Suicide by Gemma Halliday
the 2nd book in the Deadly Cool series

*****
Social Suicide (Deadly Cool, #2)
Twittercide [twit-er-sahyd]: the killing of one human being by another while the victim is in the act of tweeting.

Call me crazy, but I figured writing for the Herbert Hoover High Homepage would be a pretty sweet gig. Pad the resume for college applications, get a first look at the gossip column, spend some time ogling the paper’s brooding bad-boy editor, Chase Erikson. But on my first big story, things went... a little south. What should have been a normal interview with Sydney Sanders turned into me discovering the Homecoming Queen-hopeful dead in her pool. Electrocuted while Tweeting. Now, in addition to developing a reputation as HHH’s resident body finder, I’m stuck trying to prove that Sydney’s death wasn’t suicide.

I’m starting to long for the days when my biggest worry was whether the cafeteria was serving pizza sticks or Tuesday Tacos...