Wednesday, October 31, 2012

R.I.P. Kindle

If you've been reading my blog lately, you would've noticed that I haven't been writing as many reviews as I used to. The reason? My Kindle decided to die! Well not technically die, the screen just got all messed up. D: My very first ereader has been my faithful book companion for a whole year and eight months, R.I.P. You will be dearly missed!

Kindle Bad Screen
My Messed Up Kindle. D:
 
Gahh, I was sooo depressed after it died. Who can live without books!? But after a lot of begging and pleading on my part, I ended up getting a new Kindle as a early Christmas present! Hallelujah! I was torn between ordering the Kindle Paperwhite and the regular Kindle Keyboard, but after reading all of these negative reviews on the Paperwhite screen, I decided to stick with what I know and ended up buying the Kindle Keyboard again. Do any of you guys have the Paperwhite Kindle? Are you guys happy with it? Do you own a Nook instead of a Kindle? Which one do you think is better? Feel free to tell me your feedback below! :D

Was so excited when I saw this in the maill!!!!
 
 
My reaction.....
Photobucket
 
 
My Kindles side by side. :D
 
 

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Waiting On Wednesday (11)

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights books that we can't wait to read!
 
Waiting On Wednesday
 
This week's WoW is........Goddess by Josephine Angelini!
 
Goddess by Josephine Angelini
 
Goodreads Summary:
 
After accidentally unleashing the gods from their captivity on Olympus, Helen must find a way to re-imprison them without starting a devastating war. But the gods are angry, and their thirst for blood already has a body count.

To make matters worse, the Oracle reveals that a diabolical Tyrant is lurking among them, which drives a wedge between the once-solid group of friends. As the gods use the Scions against one another, Lucas’s life hangs in the balance. Still unsure whether she loves him or Orion, Helen is forced to make a terrifying decision, for war is coming to her shores.

In Josephine Angelini’s compelling conclusion to the masterfully woven Starcrossed trilogy, a goddess must rise above it all to change a destiny that’s been written in the stars. With worlds built just as fast as they crumble, love and war collide in an all-out battle that will leave no question unanswered and no heart untouched.
 
 
My Thoughts:
 
IEUGieuhgfaeuhnfoauenhgoaeh! I need this book right now! I had a epic fangirling moment when this cover was released. I loveee the dark lavender and turquoise colors they used, it brought the whole cover together!
 
Extra Information
Release Date: May 28, 2012
Hardcover: 432 pages
Publisher: Harperteen
 
Starcrossed Series
Book One: Starcrossed
Book Two: Dreamless
Book Three: Goddess

 

Teaser Tuesdays (10)

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by MizB over at Should Be Reading.
 
To participate all you have to do is:
  • Grab your current read.
  • Open to a random page.
  • Share "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page.
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure what you share doesn't give to much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!
  •  

The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa
 
The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa
 
"But the Half-Breed knew about her. That could be trouble. As if I needed any more, as if being the delinquint, broody, don't-let-your-daughter-date-this-hooligan wasn't enough, now someone knew about my connection to the world of faery."
Hardcover-Page 32
 
"The faery raised one one long, bony finger and pointed at me. "Do not interfere," it whispered. "Do not become involved in what will soon happen around you. This is not your fight. We seek no trouble with the Iron Court. But if you meddle in our affairs, human, you put those you care about at risk."
Hardcover-Page 75
 

Monday, October 29, 2012

Free Ebooks: Limited Time Only!

We've just hit 5000 Shares on Facebook and as a prize all Iron Fey fans get exclusive content! The Iron King, Iron's Prophecy (Novella 4.5), and a Extended Sneak Peak to The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa are all FREE for a limited time only. You have one week to download all of these awesome books! Don't wait, time's a ticking! xD


The Iron Prophecy by Julie Kagawa Free
The Iron King by Julie Kagawa Free

 
 
 

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Cover Reveals

There have been so many gorgeous cover reveals this week! Which I don't mind at all because it gives me so many more book covers to drool over! We've already had cover reveals for Sweet Peril and Shadow of the Mark, some others are........


Vortex by S.J. KincaidVortex by S.J. Kincaid

Release Date: July 2, 2013
Hardcover: 400 Pages

Insignia Series:
Book One: Insignia
Book Two: Vortex

Goodreads Summary:

The impossible was just the beginning. Now in their second year as superhuman government weapons-in-training at the Pentagonal Spire, Tom Raines and his friends are mid-level cadets in the elite combat corps known as the Intrasolar Forces. But as training intensifies and a moment arrives that could make or break his entire career, Tom’s loyalties are again put to the test.

Encouraged to betray his ideals and friendships for the sake of his country, Tom is convinced there must be another way. And the more aware he becomes of the corruption surrounding him, the more determined he becomes to fight it, even if he sabotages his own future in the process.

Drawn into a power struggle more dramatic than he has ever faced before, Tom stays a hyperintelligent step ahead of everyone, like the exceptional gamer he is—or so he believes. But when he learns that he and his friends have unwittingly made the most grievous error imaginable, Tom must find a way to outwit an enemy so nefarious that victory seems hopeless. Will his idealism and bravado cost him everything—and everyone that matters to him?

Filled with action and intelligence, camaraderie and humor, the second book in S.J. Kincaid’s futuristic World War III Insignia trilogy continues to explore fascinating and timely questions about power, politics, technology, loyalty, and friendship.




A Darkness Strange and Lovely by Susan Dennard

A Darkness Strange and Lovely by Susan DennardRelease Date: July 23, 2013
Hardcover: 416 Pages

Something Strange and Deadly Series:
Book One:
Something Strange and Deadly
Book Two:
A Darkness Strange and Lovely

Goodreads Summary:

Following an all-out battle with the walking Dead, the Spirit Hunters have fled Philadelphia, leaving Eleanor alone to cope with the devastating aftermath. But there’s more trouble ahead—the evil necromancer Marcus has returned, and his diabolical advances have Eleanor escaping to Paris to seek the help of Joseph, Jie, and the infuriatingly handsome Daniel once again. When she arrives, however, she finds a whole new darkness lurking in this City of Light. As harrowing events unfold, Eleanor is forced to make a deadly decision that will mean life or death for everyone.



Unbreakable by Elizabeth NorrisUnbreakable by Elizabeth Norris

Release Date: April 23, 2013

Unraveling Series:
Book One: Unraveling
Book Two: Unbreakable

Goodreads Summary:

Four months after Ben disappeared through the portal to his home universe, Janelle believes she’ll never see him again. Her world is still devastated, but life is finally starting to resume some kind of normalcy. Until Interverse Agent Taylor Barclay shows up. Somebody from an alternate universe is running a human trafficking ring, kidnapping people and selling them on different Earths—and Ben
is the prime suspect. Now his family has been imprisoned and will be executed if Ben doesn’t turn himself over within five days.

And when Janelle learns that someone she cares about—someone from her own world—has become one of the missing, she knows that she has to help Barclay, regardless of the danger. Now Janelle has five days to track down the real culprit. Five days to locate the missing people before they’re lost forever. Five days to reunite with the boy who stole her heart. But as the clues begin to add up, Janelle realizes that she’s in way over her head—and that she may not have known Ben as well as she thought. Can she uncover the truth before everyone she cares about is killed?




Goddess by Josephine AngeliniGoddess by Josephine Angelini

Release Date: May 28, 2013
Hardcover: 432 Pages

Starcrossed Series:
Book One: Starcrossed
Book Two: Dreamless
Book Three: Goddess

Goodreads Summary

After accidentally unleashing the gods from their captivity on Olympus, Helen must find a way to re-imprison them without starting a devastating war. But the gods are angry, and their thirst for blood already has a body count.

To make matters worse, the Oracle reveals that a diabolical Tyrant is lurking among them, which drives a wedge between the once-solid group of friends. As the gods use the Scions against one another, Lucas’s life hangs in the balance. Still unsure whether she loves him or Orion, Helen is forced to make a terrifying decision, for war is coming to her shores.

In Josephine Angelini’s compelling conclusion to the masterfully woven Starcrossed trilogy, a goddess must rise above it all to change a destiny that’s been written in the stars. With worlds built just as fast as they crumble, love and war collide in an all-out battle that will leave no question unanswered and no heart untouched.



Soulbroken by Heather Brewer (Legacy of Tril)Soulbroken by Heather Brewer

Release Date: August 20, 2013
Hardcover: 304 Pages

Legacy of Tril Series:
Book One: Soulbound
Book Two: Soulbroken

Goodreads Summary:

In this follow up to Legacy of Tril: Soulbound, Kaya has learned that she is Soulbound to Darius, the Barron she secretly trained with at Shadow Academy. But he’s been sent away, leaving Kaya with questions about how he could be Soulbound to her and another Healer. Determined to find answers and prove herself worthy of fighting in the war against King Darrek and the Graplars, Kaya sneaks away, encountering a mysterious Barron named Gage in her travels. But Darius has shocking information about Gage—information that changes everything Kaya thought she knew about what it means to be Bound.

Saturday, October 27, 2012

False Memory by Dan Krokos

False Memory by Dan Krokos ReviewReading Level: Ages 12 and up
Hardcover: 336 pages
Release Date: August 14, 2012
Publisher: Hyperion Book CH
Genre: Science Fiction/Futuristic

Book One: False Memory
Book Two: Untitled (August 2013)

Order on Amazon: Hardcover
                               Kindle
Order on Barnes and Noble.com:
Hardcover and Nook

Author's
( Goodreads ! Website ! Twitter ! Facebook )

Barnes and Noble Summary:

Miranda wakes up alone on a park bench with no memory. In her panic, she releases a mysterious energy that incites pure terror in everyone around her. Except Peter, a boy who isn’t at all surprised by Miranda’s shocking ability.
Left with no choice but to trust this stranger, Miranda discovers she was trained to be a weapon and is part of an elite force of genetically-altered teens who possess flawless combat skills and powers strong enough to destroy a city. But adjusting to her old life isn’t easy—especially with Noah, the boyfriend she can't remember loving.
Then Miranda uncovers a dark truth that sets her team on the run. Suddenly her past doesn’t seem to matter...when there may not be a future.
Dan Krokos' debut is a tour-de-force of non-stop action that will leave readers begging for the next book in this bold and powerful new series.

My Review:

False Memory, like the last novel I read, had a unique and never before seen storyline. I mean how many novels do you see about a girl who can trigger pure terror into everyone around her? When I picked up this book, I had no idea what to expect. One thing I found interesting was that the author was male, while the protagonist was female. Alot of male authors try and fail to understand the female mind and how it reacts to certain situations. In Dan's case, he succeeded!

The protagonist Miranda, who even though was strong, fierce, and stubborn was also vulnerable at the same time. When Miranda wakes up in a mall all by herself with no memories of her past, she starts to panic. I mean how would you feel if you woke up one day with no memories of what happened and how you got there? In her panic, she accidentally lets go of this physic energy that incites pure terror into everyone around her. Things go nuts. People start running around and trampling each other and even jumping off of balconies. Through it all, only one boy remains calm and undisturbed by the disaster happening around them.

Enter Peter. Peter is a black haired blue eyed stranger that Miranda has never seen before. But even though Miranda doesn't know him, Peter knows her. She learns that she is what they call a Rose and that Peter is just like her. Together, they set out on a journey with the rest of her team to find out the truth of who they are and what they were meant to do.

This novel is absolutely packed with action! Most of the time I was on the edge of my seat flipping page after page to see what happens next! The romance in this book, like many YA novels, was a love triangle. The two love interests were complete opposites of each other. One was calm, cool, and collected, while the other was cocky, witty, and arrogant. The romance kind of reminded me of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. She loved him. He loved someone else. She didn't love him back sort of thing.

Near the end of the book, things get a little hectic. Half of the time I had no idea what was going on but after rereading it again slowly, it finally clicked. False Memory is the kind of story that has a very intricate and complicated storyline, so that if you miss something the rest doesn't make sense. I recommend False Memory to all Sci Fi fans and to anyone with a love of fast paced action and heart racing suspense.

Heroine- 5/5
Romance- 4/5
Action- 5/5
Comedy- 3/5
Overall- 4/5


Friday, October 26, 2012

Cover Reveal: Sweet Peril

Sweet Peril by Wendy Higgins

Sweet Peril by Wendy HigginsAnna Whitt, daughter of a guardian angel and a demon, promised herself she’d never do the work of her father—polluting souls. She’d been naive to make such a claim. She’d been naive about a lot of things.

Haunted by demon whisperers, Anna does whatever she can to survive, even if it means embracing her dark side and earning an unwanted reputation as her school’s party girl. Her life has never looked more bleak. And all the while there’s Kaidan Rowe, son of the Duke of Lust, plaguing her heart and mind.

When an unexpected lost message from the angels surfaces, Anna finds herself traveling the globe with Kopano, son of Wrath, in an attempt to gain support of fellow Nephilim and give them hope for the first time. It soon becomes clear that whatever freedoms Anna and the rest of the Neph are hoping to win will not be gained without a fight. Until then, Anna and Kaidan must put aside the issues between them, overcome the steamiest of temptations yet, and face the ultimate question: is loving someone worth risking their life?



My Thoughts:

Ahhhhhh!!!!!!! I am DYING to read this book! The first novel in this series, Sweet Evil, is the type of book that will have your hands sweating, your heart racing, and have you jumping up and down with glee! Sweet Evil is one of the select few that has made it to my "Able to Reread" pile. Which is a big deal, because I hate rereading! I actually reread this a couple of days ago because I just had this random craving. The cover for Sweet Peril is absolutely GORGEOUS and I think it symbolizes that Anna isn't that sweet innocent girl anymore. She's starting to embrace her dark side, not out of choice but out of necessity. And did you read that summary!? Steamiest of temptations? Yes please!

Some Extra Info:
 
Expected Publication: April 30, 2013
Publisher: Harperteen
Paperback: 464 pages
 
The Sweet Trilogy
 
Book One: Sweet Evil
Book Two: Sweet Peril
Book Three: Sweet Reckoning (Unknown Release Date)
 

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Feature and Follow (10)

Feature and Follow is a weekly meme hosted by Alison Can Read and Parajunkee.
 

Question: What writing device or trick most irritates you when reading a book? For example, if an author employs an omnipotent narrator that is sometimes considered bad form.
 
Answer: Uhhh..Not totally sure if I understand the question, but I'll give it my best shot! xD For me, if there are too many POVs in one novel, I usually get confused on who's speaking, and flipping back and forth is not appealing at all. Style of speech is also very important to me. If a protagonist or any other character has a thick southern or old english accent, it either ruins the story for me or I just stop reading it altogether. I don't mind a subtle accent, like a quirky pairing of words, but if it's thick all the time, I won't read it.
 
 
Don't forget to enter my giveway!
 

Cover Reveal: Shadow of the Mark

Shadow of the Mark by Leigh Fallon
 
Shadow of the Mark by Leigh Fallon
 
Goodreads Summary:
 
Life for Megan Rosenberg just got a lot more complicated.

While she evoked the air element, and her feelings for Adam intensified, a web of lies, deceit, and betrayal was spun around her. With the Order tightening its hold, and the reinstatement of the Mark Knights, Megan has more questions than answers as the Marked Ones grow in strength.

New people arouse suspicion, the DeRises start behaving strangely, and Megan begins to unravel a destiny shrouded in mystery. It’s a destiny the Order has struggled to hide, and a destiny someone from the past… far in the past, has already laid claim to.

Alliances will be made, and friends will be lost, as the Order’s dark secrets are revealed by the very thing they sought to destroy.
 
Some Extra Information:
 
Release Date: July 9, 2013
Publisher: Harperteen
Book One: Carrier of the Mark
Book Two: Shadow of the Mark
Book Three: Age of the Fifth (2013)
 
 

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Waiting On Wednesday (10)

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights books that we can't wait to read!
 
 
This week's WoW is.........Black City by Elizabeth Richards!
 
 
Black City Elizabeth Richards
 
Amazon Summary
 
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.
 
 
 
I've never really been into post-apocalyptic stories but after reading glowing reviews on it I can't wait to read it! The cover is also really unique and I love the shattering rose, although I have no idea what that has to do with the story. I guess I'll have to find out!
 
What book are you waiting on this Wednesday?
 

Monday, October 22, 2012

Books into Movies

The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare
 


 
Ahhhh This has got me sooo excited! The Mortal Instruments are one of my fave series and seeing the books being transferred to the big screen is a dream come true! Character wise, I didn't imagine Jamie as Jace. I mean, I don't have anything against him or anything it just surprised me, that's all.
 
Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
 
 
 
 
Haven't read this series but from what I see of the trailers, it sounds like a book I would enjoy. :D
 
 
 

Sunday, October 21, 2012

In My Mailbox (5)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren to showcase new books and ebooks that we have aquired over the past week.
 
 
I've decided to just do one IMM every 2 weeks because I usually don't get enough books in one week to make a decent post. The books I got in the last two weeks were.....
 
 
 
 
The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan ( Amazon I Goodreads I Barnes and Noble )
 
For my Kindle: 
 
Whispers At Moonrise by C.C. Hunter ( Amazon I Goodreads I Barnes and Noble )
Crewel by Gennifer Albin ( Amazon I Goodreads I Barnes and Noble )
Valkyrie Rising by Ingrid Paulson ( Amazon I Goodreads I Barnes and Noble )
Poison Princess by Kresley Cole ( Amazon I Goodreads I Barnes and Noble )
Toxic by Jus Accardo ( Amazon I Goodreads I Barnes and Noble )
Ember by Jessica Sorensen ( Amazon I Goodreads I Barnes and Noble )
Reign by Jenna Bernel ( Amazon I Goodreads )
 
What did you get in your mailbox last week?
 

Friday, October 19, 2012

Guest Post: The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan

Well since I was too busy to write a review on The Son of Neptune, I decided to ask my friend, Marc, to write it for me. I also thought that it would be interesting to see what a guy's point of view on a book would be, since not many boys these days enjoy the awesomeness of reading and as we all know have a totally different thought process then girls do. Enjoy!

The Son of Neptune by Rick RiordanReading Level: Ages 10 and up
Hardcover: 544 pages
Release Date: October 4, 2012
Publisher: Hyperion Book CH
Genre: Mythology

Heroes of Olympus

Book One: The Lost Hero
Book Two: The Son of Neptune
Book Three: The Mark of Athena
Book Four: House of Hades (2013)
Book Five: Unknown (2014)

Order On Amazon: Hardcover
                                Kindle
Order On Barnes and Noble:
Hardcover and Nook

Author's
( Goodreads ! Website ! Twitter ! Facebook )

Goodreads Summary:

Seven half-bloods shall answer the call,
To storm or fire the world must fall.
An oath to keep with a final breath,
And foes bear arms to the Doors of Death.


Percy is confused. When he awoke from his long sleep, he didn't know much more than his name. His brain fuzz is lingering, even after the wolf Lupa told him he is a demigod and trained him to fight with the pen/sword in his pocket. Somehow Percy manages to make it to a camp for half-bloods, despite the fact that he has to keep killing monsters along the way. But the camp doesn't ring any bells with him. The only thing he can recall from his past is another name: Annabeth

Hazel is supposed to be dead. When she lived before, she didn't do a very good job of it. Sure, she was an obedient daughter, even when her mother was possessed by greed. But that was the problem - when the Voice took over her mother and commanded Hazel to use her "gift" for and evil purpose, Hazel couldn't say no. Now because of her mistake, the future of the world is at risk. Hazel wished she could ride away from it all on the stallion that appears in her dreams.

Frank is a klutz. His grandmother says he is descended from heroes and can be anything he wants to be, but he doesn't see it. He doesn't even know who his father is. He keeps hoping Apollo will claim him, because the only thing he is good at is archery - although not good enough to win camp war games. His bulky physique makes him feel like an ox, especially infront of Hazel, his closest friend at camp. He trusts her completely - enough to share the secret he holds close to his heart.

Beginning at the "other" camp for half-bloods and extending as far as the land beyond the gods, this breathtaking second installment of the Heroes of Olympus series introduces new demigods, revives fearsome monsters, and features other remarkable creatures, all destined to play a part in the Prophesy of Seven.


Marc's Review:

Ahhh a new Percy Jackson book. Well as you can tell I’m not the usual reviewer on this blog, but she felt it was time to share the workload and here I am. First off I’m a guy so you can expect a different view than from Daphne.
The reason I heard about the Percy Jackson is because I’ve always loved Greek mythology. Even when I was a little kid I would watch Greek mythology specials on the history channel. I’d love the story of the battles the Greek heroes would face, and the story of their adventures. My favorite story would have to be The Odyssey. I just loved the part with the man eating Cyclops. Well anyway, seeing as I loved Greek mythology I quickly heard about Percy Jackson and began to read the series. And I’ve been reading it ever since. When I heard about the second part of the series that would mix in Greek and Roman mythology, I was really excited.  And it was justified. First off this book has a good amount of story in it. It’s long and almost never gets boring. There are a few parts where I wished that the story would pick up the pace, but these were short and not very often. The story also pushes along the story of the prophecy of the seven very nicely, bringing into light just exactly who the seven are.

Now because I know that Daphne just loves the love sub plot I will briefly mention it in this review. Yes there is a long love story going on between the characters Hazel and Frank. I thought that this is one of those occasions where the author successfully shows a romance without shoving it in your face. I hate it when I’m being drowned in the romance stuff in a book, but this book had a small enough amount that it was good. As for the characters themselves, Percy is back and better than ever. I won’t spoil anything but let’s just say he will be in actual danger throughout the book. Hazel is a pretty cool character although I felt that it too long to tell us her story, not that it isn’t awesome. Lastly there is Frank, a demigod that somehow has a bloodline that runs from china, to Rome, to Greece. He is an awesome character that seems to kind of tie all of the characters together, having a relation to all of them. He also has one awesome ability, that might even rival Percy`s water ability. Now for the actual story. I felt that overall it was fantastic. Lots of action, comedy, and suspense. Yet I did feel like Percy`s problems were resolved really quickly, almost like the author couldn’t think of what to do and just said, Forget it I’m the author and I’ll do what I want, and then threw some crap together about why he was being healed. Aside from that however the book is fantastic.

Story: 4.5 out of 5
Romance: 5 out of 5(as in It didn’t ruin the book for me)
Comedy: 3 out of 5
Adventure: 6 out of 5(YA it’s that good)
Mythology: 5 out of 5
Overall: 5 out of 5 would read. Bonus points for you if you get the hidden joke.
 
-Marc

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Feature and Follow (9)

Feature and Follow is a weekly meme hosted by Alison Can Read and Parajunkee.
 


Question: When you step out of your USUAL genre what do you like to read? Best books in that genre?
 
 
Answer: Well my usual genre is anything that has to do with the Paranormal. Vamps, werewolves, fairies, I read them all! (Except zombies, bleh zombie books always freak me out!) I read less of Dystopians and Mythology based books but I still love them. Stepping out of my genre would be contemporary and sci fi novels. I'm pretty sure that I'll never be a huge fan of contemperary, but once in a while I will crack open a sci fi book and enjoy it!

 
Don't forget to enter my 100 Follower giveway! (U.S. Only)
 


How about you? What do you read when you step out of your usual genre?


 
 

Crewel by Gennifer Albin

Crewel by Gennifer Albin Review
Reading Level: Ages 12 and up
Hardcover: 368 pages
Release Date: October 16, 2012
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Genre: Dystopian

Order On Amazon: Hardcover
                                Kindle
Order On Barnes and Noble:
Hardcover and Nook

Author's
( Goodreads ! Website ! Twitter ! Facebook)

Amazon Summary:

What a tangled world she weaves...

For generations, Spinsters have been called by Arras’s Manipulation Services to work the looms and determine what people eat, where they live, how many children they have, and even when they die. Gifted with the rare ability to weave time with matter, Adelice is exactly what the Guild is looking for, and in Arras, being chosen as a Spinster is everything a girl could want. It means privilege, eternal beauty, and being something other than a secretary. It also means the power to embroider the very fabric of life. But once you become a Spinster, there is no turning back. Now caught in a web of lies and intrigue, Adelice must decide who to trust: her kind mentor, Enora; the handsome and mysterious valet Jost; or the charismatic Guild ambassador Cormac Patton. They each have secrets, but Adelice is about to unravel the deadliest one of all, a sinister truth that could destroy reality as she knows it.

In a powerful and original debut about a world where the Guild decides everything, one extraordinary girl dares to defy the power of men and the boundaries of love.

My Review:

Crewel had a very original and creative theme, I'll give it that. The idea of every life, every building, and every weather pattern being controlled by strings on a loom was very intriguing and was the main reason I picked up this book in the first place. When I read reviews on Crewel, it seemed to me that you either love it or hate it. Unfortunately, I fell within the boundaries of the latter.

The protagonist, Adelice or Ad for short, annoyed me ceaselessly. At first she was timid and shy, which may not be my favorite type of character, but I still hold no grudges against it. Throughout the novel, there wasn't a gradual growing of character. It was like one second she was cautious and intimidated and the next she was brash and heedlessly ignored advice from people who only wanted to help her. She was impulsive and never planned things out at all. And when her dad dies and her sister is taken away? She doesn't mourn or cry like any other average teenage girl would do. She just accepts it as fact and moves on with her life. I mean, really?

The romance? Don't even get me started on that. As soon as she meets Jost, head valet in the Coventry, she immediately feels sparks and an intense connection with the guy. You don't even know him, and you're falling in love with him? Stupid Insta-love, please shoot me now. To make matters worse, she meets the second love interest, Erik, who is the assistant of a particularly evil spinster, and starts falling for him too. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against love triangles. In fact, I usually crave them but this love triangle was unnecessary and totally ruined the book for me.

From the first 10% of the book, I was bored and had to force myself to keep reading. I kept on repeating to myself, Maybe it'll get better. Maybe it'll get better. I was right for a little while, but then the action just dropped again. The last 20% of the book got a little more interesting but towards the end, all I felt was confusion and the distinct feeling of, What the heck just happened?

I really hate writing bad reviews on books but sometimes you just have too. The concept was really fascinating but the way that the story was told just didn't suit my fancy. I don't doubt that plenty of readers will love the dystopian world that Gennifer creates, I just wasn't one of them.

Originality- 5/5

Heroine- 1.5/5
Romance- 1/5
Action- 2/5
Comedy- 2/5
Overall- 2/5
 


Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Toxic by Jus Accardo

Toxic by Jus Accardo ReviewReading Level: Ages 15 and up
Paperback: 400 pages
Release Date: September 11, 2012
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Genre: Superpowers

Denazen Series

Book One: Touch
Novella: Untouched
Book Two: Toxic
Novella: Faceless (November 2012)
Book Three: Tremble (May 7, 2013)

Order On Amazon: Paperback
                            Kindle
Order On Barnes and Noble:
Paperback and Nook

Author's
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My Review:

So I've been anxiously waiting to read Toxic ever since I finished Touch, because Hello!? Have you ever read this book? If you haven't read this series then I strongly STRONGLY suggest that you PICK THIS UP RIGHT NOW!!!! That's right, bolded, underlined,and four exclamation points. The Touch series was the second series I have ever read that had to do with "Death Touches". The first one being Shatter Me, which was also a pretty good book, but not even semi close to Touch on my awesome meter. So as you can see, the Death touch concept isn't one that's been exhausted yet, but I'm willing to bet that in the future it'll be incorporated into alot more books due to the success in the ones that are out right now. Anyways, when I looked up the release date for Toxic, it said October 16, so I'm like ok I can survive that long (barely). When October 16 rolls around  and I go buy the book, it just so happens that the release date was wrong and it was actually released on September 11! Gahhh I'm so upset! I could've gotten my dose of the hot sexiness known as Kale a whole month ago!

Well that about concludes my rant, onto the actual story. The summary on the back of Toxic, gives away alot of information. To be honest, after I finished the novel, I really wished that I hadn't read the summary. Everyone has different opinions though. Some people enjoy knowing as much about the book as possible before buying, and others enjoy just skipping over reviews and reading books with no expectations. If you agree with the latter, then heed my advice and DO NOT READ THE SUMMARY! If I hadn't read the summary, I probably would've enjoyed it even more than I originally did. Unfortunately, since I did read it, I felt like I knew what and when something was going to happen.

Dez (short for Deznee) has been one of my absolute favorite heroines of 2012! She was fierce, strong, and brave to the point of recklessness, yet she was still compassionate and had a good heart. Dez is the kind of girl who doesn't take bullshit from anybody and often resorts to violence to solve her problems.Through the first novel, she was nothing but secure. When she wanted something, she did everything in her power to get it and usually succeeded where others would've failed. In Toxic, Dez puts up a brave and secure front, but underneath the strong and "Nothing can hurt me" shell she uses to protect herself with, she starts showing a little insecurity. This tiny bit of insecurity makes her more realistic and easier to connect with because every single teen in this world, no matter how confident they seem on the outside, has felt self doubt before. That's just the way we are. Were not infallible. Were not perfect. We all have our flaws and that's what makes us human.

Kale, is one of the most unique, interesting, and of course capital H-O-T guy I have ever read about. In Touch, we learn that all Kale has ever known, is the life he had in Denazen. And when he escaped? He didn't understand anything about the outside world. Even the simplest things, things we take for granted, like rain falling from the sky or touching another human being. All he's ever known is death and destruction. When he meets Dez, everything changes. He learns what is truly right and wrong and how beautiful love can be. Kale has lost his innocence to the corruptness of man a long long time ago. Yet, even though he's anything but naive to death he still has this adorable innocence of the world. He doesn't understand things like expressions (For Example: I'm so hungry I could eat a horse.) Kale would take it literally. Or if someone flat out lied to him, he would maybe question it once but then let it go because he doesn't believe that a friend would ever do that to him. He was just soo unbelievably adorable! All I wanted to do was hug him like a giant stuffed teddy bear! Yet even though he reminds me of a cute puppy, he also has this dangerous and badass vibe about him. He's a freaking ninja when it comes to martial arts and there's also that fact that it only takes one single touch to become ash scattered in the wind. 

The action was well paced, I never wanted to close the book and never got aggravated with it. I read it in two sittings which I would've read in one if I didn't have school the next day. Ahhh school. Oh happy day. Jus also used a style of writing that I enjoyed thoroughly. She has a amazing sense of humor that had me laughing through the whole novel. Kind of even reminded me of the protagonist, Alex I believe, in the Covenant series by Jennifer Armentrout.

That ending!? no. no. no. no. NO. NO. NO!!!!! OMG I need the next book NOW! Why must you make us wait 7 more months!?? I can't live without Kale for 7 whole months!
*Throws Temper Tantrum*



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Heroine- 5/5
Romance- 4/5
Action- 5/5
Comedy- 6/5
Overall- 5/5