Dead Beautiful by Yvonne Woon

"A haunting love story about desire, danger, and destiny.
After Renee Winters discovers her parents lying dead in California’s Redwood Forest in what appears to be a strange double murder, her grandfather sends her off to Gottfried Academy in Maine, a remote and mysterious high school dedicated to philosophy, “crude sciences,” and Latin: the Language of the Dead. It’s here she meets Dante, a dark and elusive student to whom she feels inexplicably drawn. As they get to know each other better, Dante can’t seem to control his attraction either, and their desires gradually deepen into a complex and dangerous romance. Dangerous because Dante is hiding a frightening secret. A secret so terrible, it has him fearing for Renee’s life.

Dante’s not the only one with secrets, though. Turns out Gottfried Academy has a few of its own… Like, how come students keep disappearing? Why are the prefect-like Monitors creeping around campus during the night? And what exactly are the Headmistress and Professors really up to? Renee is determined to find out why."
   .My first and foremost thoughts on Dead Beautiful is, it's morbid.  Second thoughts, predictable.  By the time I had read a fourth of the book, I had the whole plot figured out.  Despite it's predictability and supreme morbidness, Dead Beautiful was a capturing read.  I read it all in only three hours, non stop.  BUT...in this case, the bad out ways the good.  My biggest problem was this.  The two main characters, Dante and Renee, greatly resemble Twilights characters, Edward and Bella.  Both boys are uber-strong, cold (as in skin temperature) and mysterious and both are fearful that they will, 'break' the girl. Both girls are plain in stature, (and yet both boys are head over heals in love and claim that 'she' "makes them feel alive"), both girls have almost no emotion, (I mean, it's like, 'Renee, you just lost your parents, why do you not care about them being dead and why do you only care about how they died and how wonderful Dante is?. Ugh. ) and most of all, both girls have a knack for getting in to trouble.  
    Second biggest problem.  This is what I noticed first thing off in the book.  Every single one of the Professors are close to identical to Harry Potter's professors.  Ready for this? Mrs. Lynch = Argus Filch,  Von Laark= Dumbledore,  Prof: Betty Mumm = Horace Slughorn, and so on and so on. I am like, "Ms. Woon, why can't you create a new batch of characters, maybe some that haven't been used before...Hmmmm" 
    As I said above, the plot is extremely predictable, up to the last few events. The book only really really got interesting towards the end. For me this is a one time read.  Read it once and if I want to read about that sort of story again, I will just read Twilight or HP.  

Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

    "Adopted by the Alpha of a werewolf pack after a rogue wolf brutally killed her parents right before her eyes, fifteen-year-old Bryn knows only pack life, and the rigid social hierarchy that controls it.  That doesn't mean that she's averse to breaking a rule or two. 

But when her curiosity gets the better of her and she discovers Chase, a new teen locked in a cage in her guardian's basement, and witnesses him turn into a wolf before her eyes, the horrific memories of her parents' murders return. Bryn becomes obsessed with getting her questions answered, and Chase is the only one who can provide the information she needs."
But in her drive to find the truth, will Bryn push too far beyond the constraints of the pack, forcing her to leave behind her friends, her family, and the identity that she's shaped?  My big question to all you readers of the paranormal, which do you prefer, werewolves or vampires?  For me, well, I would go with werewolves over vampires any day.  In my own (poor) opinion, I find that vampires are creatures of evil and should be kept that way, I mean drinking humans blood?? That cannot seriously be a healthy relationship. I don't especially like reading vampire books because I always hate the vampire character in it.  Must be the way i was raised.  

     But werewolves? Ever since I was six years old I have been fascinated by the folklore of werewolves. Some of my favorite books of all time are the ones with wolves in it.  The Mercy Falls trilogy, Call of the Wild (which is is not necessarily werewolves...), in the the Mortal Instruments series I loved the werewolf characters, the only people I actually liked in the Twilight series were the werewolves. As you can see, I'm a fan of werewolves, so here is a book called Raised by Wolves and guess what? It's about werewolves!!! So naturally I loved it...Just kidding, I don't just like a book because it's about something I like,  I judge books by their content. 

     And let me just rant about Raised by Wolves. (Rant in a good way, that is) .

     Firstly the characters. Bryn was my dream girl.  Funny, sarcastic and has a mind of her own.  The interaction with her between all the characters is hilarious, filled with her joking and occasional  ingenious diatribe .  And yet, she is self sacrificing when it comes to saving her friends, family and loved ones. Her amazing love for everyone around her simply blew me away, making me wish I could be that loving.  Bryn was defiantly a character that will go through the ages as astounding and heroic. 

    Chase; handsome, smart, loyal and werewolf!! A wonderful combination! His mental struggles with the feral were painful, even for you to read,  it will have you sitting in your chair encouraging him, urging him to stay on the right side.  His natural protection instincts with Bryn were funny and cute, especially the way she didn't want them and yet he never go the hint. 

    I have to say, all the characters in Raised by Wolves were tip top people, realistic and reliable.  I loved all the interaction with in the book, and the various conversations and fights were completely captivating. 

    The plot for Raised by Wolves was unique, but a little slow moving to get to the point.  The end of the book was sweet but a little unbelievable.   Of course there is a lot more good things to say about the book than bad.  I would have to say, that for a stand alone novel,  Raised by Wolves is epic.  

   It is the type of book that I can read at least once a year.  Even if you are not a werewolf fan, try giving Raised by Wolves a go,  for me it was enchanting and magical, so who knows, maybe you will find it the same way. 

Firelight by Sophie Jordan

 "With her rare ability to breathe fire, Jacinda is special even among the draki—the descendants of dragons who can shift between human and dragon forms. But when Jacinda’s rebelliousness leads her family to flee into the human world, she struggles to adapt, even as her draki spirit fades. The one thing that revives it is Will, whose family hunts her kind. Jacinda can’t resist getting closer to him, even though she knows she’s risking not only her life but the draki’s most closely guarded secret."
    Looks like it might be an interesting plot right? Big understatement.   Hugly interesting plot, one that just keeps on moving, the action, be it physical, mental or romantic, never stops!  I've always loved fantasy, especially dragon fantasy.  And in my own opinion there not enough of it out there.  Often times when it is there, it's lousy useless stuff that has no imagination.  But not Firelight.
    Firelight is so creative, different and magical.  As soon as I began it I knew that this is no normal YA book, it's special.  This is defiantly going up as one of my favorite books of the year.
   If you don't like dragon lore, than this is probably not going to be your dreambook, although, if I were you I would at least give it a try.  
   As with all books there are it's pros and cons.  Pros, just about everything. Cons, well,
I wasn't fond of the lack of development on Will's part.  I loved him. because he is so sweet and caring and HOT, but i didn't feel like you got to know him on a personal level.  Hopefully in the next book we will.  Cassion, was defiantly the villain in my thoughts, for me he came across as ultimate creep and overly possessive man freak. 
    All in all, Firelight was a big favorite of mine, but if your not a fan of paranormal, dragons and fast romance than this is not the book for you.  it is true, everything moves at a bit to fast of a pace but for me that just kept me reading. I can't wait for the next installment and i hope it is just as good, at least, but I am expecting it to be better!!
   

Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Oh what fun! It was awesome to read Beautiful Darkness!! This new installment in the Caster Chronicles was just as good as the first one!
    One of my favorite things about the series is that it is narrarated by a boy, Ethan.  And I just have to say, Ethan is one of the best hero's I have ever read about.  His love for Lena is heartwarming, his bravery amazes me anew every book. He is by far a favorite character and his traits are the ones I like to see most in a boy.
    Lena was defiantly disappointing me until the very last couple of chapters. At first I was like, 'Oh, no! How could one of the Caster Chronicles main 'good' characters turn out like this?!" For the fist half of the book I was in denial of how she was acting, but when I finally admitted that she was the one doing it on her own, it simply broke my heart.  Her actions in the end of the book almost complety redeemed her in my eyes.  The authors were able to grow out her character through this book, showing insight into how she thinks and why she acts the way she does, that really brings her to life.
    For some reason I have always loved Ridley and had a kind of 'feeling' deep inside me that caused me to know what she was going to do. I've always felt kind of connected with her and can't wait to hear what will happen to her in the next book.
   Link was just as funny, wonderful and brave in a cowardly way, (if that makes since), as in Beautiful Creatures, if not more so.  This second book has only added to the depth of the characters
   The book it self was so creative, descriptive and captivating that it left me in a serious writing mode. (which is what I do when I'm deeply affected by something.  I write my own fiction, inspired by what ever mood I'm in).  Everything developed so well I was greatly impressed.  I loved how this book took a turn for the darker, once you begin to read it captures you so that you cannot stop reading until it the last page has been turned. 
Of course once your finished it just leaves you begging for more. 
   O loved Beautiful Darkness and can't wait until the next book comes out in the Caster Chronicles.

Paranormaly by Keirsten White

      " Evie’s always thought of herself as a normal teenager, even though she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she’s falling for a shape-shifter, and she’s the only person who can see through paranormals’ glamours.
      But Evie’s about to realize that she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.
      So much for normal."  Is there such a thing as love at first site? Because I think that I'm in love...This book grabbed me from the cover and kept me loving it until I closed the last page.  Although I found that it's plot was a little simple, it had a way of making you keep reading.  I read Paranormalcy in one sitting and had baited breath until the last page.   The ending, by the way, was epic!
          I am very fond of the supernatural, so, of course, this book, which is full to the brim with the supernatural, would intrigue me.  The cast was so warm and real that I felt as though I was one of the characters.  White has a way with her words,  making every chapter humorous and yet gripping.
          I have heard that some people accuse the cover of being misleading, and I do agree.  The cover leads you to believe that the book is darker and more of a thriller than it really is. Since I'm complaining, (but only a little mind you.  And not about anything major either.),  I have to admit that all the sighs in the read started to grate on my nerves, only a slight bit though. When I was younger I would read science fiction books by an author named Timothy Zahn.  Zahn had this annoying habit of making his characters have a twitch in their faces.  He had their faces twitch at least two times every chapter.  This problem would bother me to no end. It was also very distraction through out the books.
          This is what Paranormalcy's Rafael's sighing problem reminded me of.  After a while I began to feel that if the book said she sighed one more time I would go crazy.
          I loved the book and my head is still buzzing over the fun in it.  I will look forward to reading the next installment in the series, Supernaturally , which will come out in 2011.
         

YAY!!!! New ones coming!!!

Hooray for me!! And those who are reading my blog!!! This coming week I will be getting reviews up for.....*drum roll*....Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick and....*Dramatic music*....Paranormalcy by Kirsten White!!!!.  I'm reading them right now, well not exactally right now, but I will be reading them in a moment :)

I've started Paranormalcy already and it is, so far, an enjoyable read, though not that well written.  I'm really really looking forward to hearing more of Patch's story in Crescendo. See you next week!! (Or when ever I get on next)

The Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

         Magic is dangerous—but love is more dangerous still. When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.  Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What’s more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.  Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by—and torn between—two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length . . . everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world. . . . and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.  

            Cassandra Clare has done it again.  Once again she has created a beautifully written masterpiece, one that I would read over and over.  With all the twist and turns in the plot, the exquisitely planned out characters and elegant writing, I must say that The Clockwork Angel is a book that both boys and girls of all ages will enjoy.  The fun and mysterious characters hooked me from the very first chapter and the amazingly though tout story line kept me going to the end, leaving me begging for more.  I will defiantly be looking for the next installment in the series, The Clockwork Prince, which will come out in September of 2011.   

            Even the best books often have some things to criticize, and The Clockwork Angel has a few too.  First and foremost is that Will Herondale is way too much like Jace Wayland.  Which, since I loved Jace, most people would say, "Why not? He's like Jace, who you like, so why wouldn't you love him too?" Well, that is the problem, I loved Jace not a spin off of Jace.  Will does have his own personality but it is way too similar to Jace's for my likings. 

             Jem's sweet disposition was a new development in Clare's books.  In the Mortal Instruments series none of the characters were made of a very sweet stock but Jem was extremely kind.  He has a good heart and I feel sorry for what happened in his early life.  I loved his character and can't wait to see and hear more of him. Tessa was a very believing heroine, very much like me, in the loves to read sense, that is. The more I read of her the more I liked her.  My favorite scene was the last fight with the Magister.  The way Will ran to the rescue of Tessa was so sweet, even if he wasn't after ward. Her bravery was so refreshing.  

          I have to admit, I am not a fan of Historical fiction or any fiction that doesn't happen in modern times, unless it is fantasy. But Cassandra Clare was able to keep me so in the story that it didn't even matter that it wasn't in modern time.  I love the Shadow World, and look forward to the release of the Clockwork Prince. 

New Reviews Soon

Sorry I haven't written much in a while, it's been really busy at my house and I haven't really had time to read or write.  But sometime in the next week or so I'll be putting up my reviews on The Clockwork Angel and Paranormalcy.  Looking forward to it.

Have you seen it?

      I absolutely ADORE this cover!!! I love that both Sam and Grace are on the cover and that Sam is in human form.  Apparently Chris Stengel, who is the cover designer, made the cover colors based off of the seasons.  So blue would be winter, green would be summer and so on.
     The release date has not been finalized but it will be some time in July of 2011.  Can't wait!!

Thursday or so

So, hopefully on Thursday, I will get the review of Halo by Alexandra Adornetta up. So far it's been really good. Lets just hope the author doesn't wreck it all in the end chapter!

Jekel loves Hyde

I

"Jill Jekel has always obeyed her parents’ rules – especially the one about never opening the mysterious, old box in her father’s office. But when her dad is murdered, and her college savings disappear, she's tempted to peek inside, as the contents might be key to a lucrative chemistry scholarship.

To better her odds, Jill enlists the help of gorgeous, brooding Tristen Hyde, who has his own dark secrets locked away. As the team of Jekel and Hyde, they recreate experiments based on the classic novel, hoping not only to win a prize, but to save Tristen’s sanity. Maybe his life. But Jill’s accidental taste of a formula unleashes her darkest nature and compels her to risk everything – even Tristen’s love – just for the thrill of being… bad."

    To put it bluntly, I didn't enjoy Jekel Loves Hyde that much. It was an OK book, but not something I would read again.  I was actually very disappointed that it went the way it did because I really enjoyed Jessica's Guide to Dating the Dark Side. 
      I am beginning to find the whole, 'love starts in high school chemistry class' phase getting old.  To be completely serious, I am thoroughly sick of it. So many YA novels now days have the main two characters love start in, or because of, chemistry class. Such as,  Perfect Chemistry and Hush, Hush, just to name a few.  I found this http://readingwatchingliving.blogspot.com review to match up just about perfect with my thoughts on Jekel loves Hyde.   All in all, I was disappointed and will not be reading this particular book again.  
  
  

  

Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles

"Carlos Fuentes wants nothing to do with his new life in Colorado with his brother, Alex. So what if he was in a gang in Mexico? He liked living life on the edge; safe and boring is not his style. Of course, being out of Mexico doesn’t mean that trouble won’t find him. When drugs are found in his school locker, he’s faced with two options: jail time or living with Alex’s former professor. Neither choice is particularly welcomed, but living with an all-American family has to be better than jail time, right? But when Carlos starts to fall for Kiara, the professor’s daughter, he begins to learn how complicated life can be. Torn between the growing attraction and remaining at arm’s length, Carlos will have to decide if Kiara is worth putting his heart on the line. She may not be his normal Latino hotty, but she may be exactly what Carlos needs. Will he be able to give up his bad-boy, gang lifestyle for her or will he let his perfect chance at happiness slip away?"


  I read Perfect Chemistry right after it came out and really enjoyed it, so I was extremely happy when, after reading it, I found that Rules of Attraction was just as good.  Although I personally liked Brittany better, Kiara was still a fun character, having just the right amount of humor and attitude to make her a realistic person.  Too many books now days have characters that are not relate able,  they are so unbelievably perfect and have no real feelings that it feels to the reader as though it's talking about a alien. It's not a character that the reader can relate to. Every single one of Rules of Attractions characters were believable, by the end of the book you would think that you were that person. Carlos was by far, the best character in RoA. I loved his relationship with Brandon. I have always lived around big families with lots of siblings and have actually seen the very same scenes, in real life, that Carlos and Brandon played. So, for me, Brandon and Carlos were the most relate able characters in the book.
     I also really loved how, despite the book starring Carlos and Kiara,  Alex and Brittany were still in it. Alex had matured a bit and both him and Brittany did act somewhat, as Carlos puts it, "parent like".
     Just as with Perfect Chemistry, Rules of Attraction was simply written. The writing style was not that good, easy to read and not that descriptive, but the humor in the writing made up for it.  
     If you're looking for a fun loving, Sweet story and quick read, Rules of Attraction would fill that position.  For Perfect Chemistry fans, You will not be disappointed in this book.  

Soon coming to Reading Spot

Finally!! This coming week, I promise, I will get the reviews of Rules of Attraction and Jekel loves Hyde up! Looking forward to writing and reading about them!!!

The Lost Saint release date

I am now in a serious Dark Divine mood. After re-reading the book, The Dark Divine I feel as though I'm going to pop if I don't hurry up and read the next on. Just my luck though that The Lost Saint doesn't come out until December 28th 2010. I will be watching and waiting impatiently for it's release!

Up Coming

Yay!!! Soon I'll be getting some new books up.  Firstly is The Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare! After reading her Mortal Instruments series and LOVING them, I've been waiting with bated breath for the first release in her newest series The Infernal Devices. And it's finally here!!!!
    Next will be Jekel Loves Hyde by Beth Fantasky.  Her first book Jessica's Guide to Dating the Dark Side was actually one of the first YA novels I ever read, so her works bring back good memories for me.
    After that will be Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles.  I absolutely ADORED her book, Perfect Chemistry and have been greatly looking forward to the next in the series!
   Following RoA will be The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa and Extraordinary by Nancy Welin. I'm especially wanting to read Nancy Werlins novel because her book Impossible was and continues to be one of my favorite YA books of all time.
  I'll probably review these periodically in the next two to four weeks.  Can't Wait!!!!!

Numbers by Rachel Ward

"Since the day her mother died, Jem has known about the numbers. When she looks in someone's eyes, she can see the date they will die.

Life is hard, until she meets a boy called Spider. Suddenly her world seems brighter.

But on a trip to London, Jem foresees a chain of events that will shatter their lives for ever..."

     If you read the front flap of Numbers it gives you the impression that it is Jem and Spider and them during a terrorist bombing in London.  Not so.  The bombing takes up about one chapter of the book and has no great importance the book! Extremely miss leading.  From the very beginning of the book you get a feeling deep inside you of helplessness.  Jem's pain is catchable, letting you feel like you are her.  That is the result of good writing. Simply put, Numbers is a very bleak and blunt book about life, death, and relationships.

      Seriously, my feet were dragging throughout this whole book.  I've read a lot of books and have found that there are about three types of books.  The Awesome books (were it's got you hooked from the very beginning.) The Pick-up books, (this type of book is the one were it's boring, slow and dry at first but within a few chapters it picks up and gets you involved.) and the Doomed books. (were the books never strikes your interest and even though you stick it out, You feel as though it was a waist of your time. These books are doomed from the beginning.) I rate numbers as a Doomed book.  It never piqued my interest.  I was depressed by the end of the book. 

     Character Development wise, I didn't ever connect with Jem or Spider. Jem was a strong pessimist and while Spider was cheerful no matter what the circumstances it got annoying after a while. 

     Numbers seems to be a book that you either love or hate.  I just so happen to have not found many redeeming qualities.  I was very dissapointed in this book and most liklely will not be reading any of Rachel Wards future works. 

my favorite covers of 2009-2010

2010 and 2011 upcoming books

Here is a lists of upcoming books that I'm really really looking forward to reading!
#1: Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore. (Love all her other books!)
#2: Forever by Maggie Striefavter (Mercy Falls series book three!!!)
#3: Passion by Lauren Kate (Fallen trilogy book three.)
#4: Firelight by Sophie Jordan (Never read anything by her, but it looks interesting)
#5: Jekel Loves Hyde by Beth Fantasky (I read her first novel and it was OK.)
#6: Paranormalcy by Keirsten White (Looks good)
#7: What happend to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen (One of my favorite authors. I love almost all of her works)
#8: Halo by Alexandra Adornetto. (I've heard good things about this one)
#9: City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare (Loved the other four books in the series)
#10: The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa (Can't wait to see how she finishes up the series)

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

"Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her "power" to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes that the dead leave behind in the world... and the imprints that attach to their killers. 


Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift; it mostly just led her to find the dead birds her cat had tired of playing with. But now that a serial killer has begun terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he's claimed haunt her daily, she realizes she might be the only person who can stop him. 


Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet on her quest to find the murderer—and Violet is unnerved to find herself hoping that Jay's intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she's falling intensely in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering a killer... and becoming his prey herself."
      I had read an expert of The Body Finder and after finding the writing fun, light and enjoyable decided to read it.  And boy! I"m I glad I did!  The Body Finder had an excellent plot, full of excitement, close to death experiences and the supernatural, (sort of.)! 
     Best of all were the characters. All of the characters were well developed.  By the end of the book, you feel as though you are the believably real Violet, you fall in love with heroic Jay and absolutely abhor the evil villain. Here is a book that people can relate too.  I personally really loved that the parents were understanding and on Violets side.  To many novels nowadays portray parents as evil monster people, who are just on this earth to annoy and get in the way of the 'all knowing' teen.  A realistic out look on them exited me a lot.
     If you've read my reviews before, you probably have go the feeling that I really go after, characters, plot and writing.  I loved the writing style of The Body Finder.  It was refreshing to read a book with such crisp, clean wholesome writing.  Ms. Derting goes out of her way to make sure that the book is chockful of great big describing words that make it so that you always know exactly how or where Violet is or is feeling. 
    On the down side though, I felt that too much of the beginning was Violet moaning and groaning over Jay.  I also thought that the end was much to rushed.  It felt as though the book needed another two or three chapters to make the last fight a bit more exiting instead of cramming it all in there like she did.  It was still alright, I just think that it would have been better if it hadn't been so rushed.
     Even though this is her first book, Kimberly Derting definitely has a gift for writing.  I look forward to reading the next installment in the series, Desires of the Dead which will be released March 15 of 2011. Also, I LOVE THIS COVER!!!!!!

New post soon

Hopefully I'll have a new review up by Tuesday.  I'm looking forward to critiquing this one because it's so good.  So look for The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting tomorrow or the next day. :D

Breathless by Lurlene McDaniel

"Travis Morrison is a champion diver and one of the most popular kids at school. On the first day of summer vacation, while boating on the lake with his friends, Travis attempts a silly stunt dive that goes wrong. He fears he has broken his leg. Instead, his trip to the hospital reveals he has a rare form of cancer, and to save him, the doctors tell his parents they must amputate. In an instant, Travis’s life and the lives of everyone around him are forever changed.

Travis is determined that he and only he should decide the course of his life. He has a plan, but he can’t carry it out alone. Will he convince one of his friends to fulfill his most important request?"

A very thought provoking read, Breathless confronts the very difficult subject of euthanasia.  I was expecting it to be somewhat short due to it's small size but I was not expecting the quickness of the book.  Once Travis discovers he has euthanasia, ever thing moves in fast forward.  It's just decision after decision.  No room for the characters to grow. Unlike books with good character development, I did not feel as though I knew the characters.  For me they were just as foreign as in the beginning. The book moves so fast that if feels as though you dont' have time to catch your breath.  

Breathless does make you think though about life and what it is worth.  Lurlene does not push one side or another leaving room for you to decide for yourself on what is the right thing to do.  That is something that I greatly appreciate. 

I was not overly fond of the book at all.  Even though it was written well, it just didn't have enough redeeming qualities.  

Can't wait!!!

I can't wait till Torment by Lauren Kate comes out!!! OK, I take it back, I can wait, I just don't want to.  The officail release date is....September 28th!! Coming right up.  Look for my review of Torment some time next month. If I can I would like to get it up this month but I'm not sure I can.

Birthmarked by Caragh M. O'Brien

"After climate change, on the north shore of Unlake Superior, a dystopian world is divided between those who live inside the wall, and those, like sixteen-year-old midwife Gaia Stone, who live outside. It’s Gaia’s job to “advance” a quota of infants from poverty into the walled Enclave, until the night one agonized mother objects, and Gaia’s parents are arrested. 

Badly scarred since childhood, Gaia is a strong, resourceful loner who begins to question her society. As Gaia’s efforts to save her parents take her within the wall, she herself is arrested and imprisoned. 

Fraught with difficult moral choices and rich with intricate layers of codes, BIRTHMARKED explores a colorful, cruel, eerily familiar world where one girl can make all the difference, and a real hero makes her own moral code."

Written in a utterly complex and highly detailed manner, Birthmarked an amazing  contribution to the literary world.  At first I was a little wary that I would not enjoy this read and yet now, I have rated it as my favorite read of the year! It was a extremely enjoyable book.  

To be perfectly honest though, I was very tempted to put Birthmarked down at first.  For the first 40 or so pages it was quite boring.  Not the most catchy beginning chapters.  But when Gaia goes through that wall, it's like BAM! Excitement!  The characters evolve well by the end of the book.  I was so impressed with the plot, I've actually not read a plot so thought out and creative for a long time.  In the very beginning O'Brien's writing was rather bland, a bit too dry and stiff for my likings. But as I said above, about the time the plot starts to pick up so does the writing.  Absolutely amazing. 

Gaia is an stunning character, in both her actions and thoughts. I love the way that once she makes up her mind on what's the right thing to do, she will do it and no one is stopping her.  Very strong.  Not only does this novel entertain you though, it also makes you think on what is right.  The choices that Gaia faces are extraordinarily tough to gauge what is right. At first glance you seem to know  what is right and yet once you see the other side your confidence begins to waver.  

I look forward to what Caragh O'Brien brings us next.

Stargazer by Claudia Grey

Both Bianca and Lucas will stop at nothing to see each other again—even if it means living a life of secrets and lies. But even as Bianca finds herself torn between two worlds, she soon discovers they aren't the only ones keeping secrets. Will powerful forces within Evernight Academy keep her from deciding her own fate, or claim her forever?

I was actually really impressed with Stargazer.  The plot is noticeably better. No weird nonsensical plot turns in this book, thank goodness! I really appreciated it that Claudia Grey put in some major character development on Balthazar's part.  Seriously I like him better than Lucius.  Charity was honestly not that villain like though.  A very lame villain indeed.  Once again Claudia Gray astounds me with her unique writing capabilities.  I will review Hourglass as soon as I can.   Happy Reading!!!!!

Linger by Maggie Steifvater

Grace: "This is the story of a boy who used to be a wolf and a girl who was becoming one. 

Just a few months ago, it was Sam who was the mythical creature. His was the disease we couldn't cure. His was the good-bye that meant the most. He had the body that was a mystery, too strange and wonderful and terrifying to comprehend. 

But now it is spring. With the heat, the remaining wolves will soon be falling out of their wolf pelts and back into their human bodies. Sam stays Sam, and Cole stays Cole, and it's only me who's not firmly in my own skin."

OK! I began reading this wondering how Maggie Stiefvater was going to pull off writing a book that even begins to measure up to the greatness of the first installment in the Wolves of Mercy Falls series. And yet, by the end of the book, I was so impressed.  Not only did the author manage to create a book that is just as good, she also managed to produce a book that is even better!  While Shivers plot was sad with a sense of urgency to it, Linger was a bit more relaxed until the last 30 pages or so when it got pretty  intense.  

I totally loved the way that Ms. Steifvater brought in two new narrators in addition to Sam and Grace.  Cole and Isabel are wonderful characters.  I really look forward to seeing how they play out in the next book,  Forever.  

The characters develop even more in this book making them so realistic and alive. I have heard that some people on the web have problems with Graces parents.  They claim that they just seem to be in the story in order to complicate the romance between Sam and Grace.  I felt none of that.  To me, the only reason that they came into the book and were hitting so hard is simple.  They fond Sam and Grace sleeping together! For goodness sakes, if you had a daughter and found her sleeping with her boyfriend in your house, would you not be at least a little concerned?  They just  don't want Sam breaking Graces heart.  I did think that their way of acting on those beliefs were a bit to much and the way that they would not listen to the kids side of the story was very unfair though.  

I can not wait to see what Maggie Striefvater has to offer next year

I am completely confident that she will again blow readers off their feet.  The Wolves of Mercy Falls are must reads!   

Recommendations

If anyone would like to recommend books to review, can you email them to me at nessa4books@yahoo.com.  I really do welcome recommendations and comments so please feel free to email me.

Reading Linger

I'm reading Linger right now and I just have to , so far it is even better than Shiver! I'm loving it!. Lets just hope it stays that way....If all goes as planned, I should have the review up tomorrow.  Stargazer by Claudia Gray will be next after that.

Illyria by Elizabeth Hand

"Madeleine and Rogan Tierney are first cousins and descendants of the great stage actress Madeleine Armin Tierney. They live with their many relatives at Arden Terrace, a gated community with large, rambling houses in Yonkers, and as the youngest cousins they are the closest--so close that they share a connection no one else could ever comprehend, and ultimately fall in love. Encouraged by their glamorous Aunt Kate to pursue their legacy in theater, the two participate in their school's production of Twelfth Night, which causes all sorts of feelings and emotions to swell, and forces Madeleine and Rogan to face the uncertainty of their future together."

I really thought that this was beautifully written, but honestly I could not see the point that the author was trying to make. Or was there even a point? While the writing is vivid and sensuous and the characters realistic and complex the whole plot was simply to short to really show anything worthy of attention.  I was not very impressed with anything in Illyria. 

Evernight by Claudia Gray

"Bianca wants to escape. 

She's been uprooted from her small hometown and enrolled at Evernight Academy, an eerie Gothic boarding school where the students are somehow too perfect: smart, sleek, and almost predatory. Bianca knows she doesn't fit in. 

Then she meets Lucas. He's not the "Evernight type" either, and he likes it that way. Lucas ignores the rules, stands up to the snobs, and warns Bianca to be careful—even when it comes to caring about him. 

"I couldn't stand it if they took it out on you," he tells Bianca, "and eventually they would." 

But the connection between Bianca and Lucas can't be denied. Bianca will risk anything to be with Lucas, but dark secrets are fated to tear them apart . . . and to make Bianca question everything she's ever believed."

     You should all know early, I am not fond of Vampire books.   To me they just don't quite make sense and so are stupid.  Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy the Twilight series but other than that I have not found very many vampire books that are redeemable in any sense.
      As with all books there is a twist in Evernight that comes swiftly but not unexpectedly.  I knew what Bianca was all a long and I had already guessed what Lucas was but still the twist was not as l expected.  To me the author, Claudia Gray,  just seemed to want to surprise you in to shock.  Which she succeeded in doing.  But in the wrong sense. I was so shocked at the suddenness, fakeness and over all disconcerting way it was thrown on you, that I was tempted to throw the whole book away at that very moment. At first Bianca acts like she doesn't know whats going on, like she's a perfectly normal human being.  Because of this, I figured that she would find out at the same time as us.  But no.  Bianca already knew! Which makes almost no sense!  Why was none of this mentioned before! The word vampire and blood thirst or any of that didn't even surface before. It just kind of hits you in the stomach leaving you breathless! (And angry).  As I said before, I was tempted to stop reading the book.  But I didn't.  Which I am glad I did because the redeeming qualities come now.
      After that first twist things were a little messy, I was still confused and shocked over the twist.  A little over half way through the book there is another plot twist, which left me as breathless as before but this time for different reasons.  This twist in the plot was unexpected, exiting and, best of all, made sense! That first twist was lame but the book really developed after that in both the characters and the plot.  Also,  I really enjoyed the writing style.  Evernight has more redeeming qualities than  any other vampire book I've read so far.
   I will be reviewing the next book in the series, Stargazer, next week.  

Mistwood by Leah Cypress

     "The Shifter is an immortal creature bound by an ancient spell to protect the kings of Samorna. When the realm is peaceful, she retreats to the Mistwod.

But when she is needed she always comes.

Isabel remembers nothing. Nothing before the prince rode into her forest to take her back to the castle. Nothing about who she is supposed to be, or the powers she is supposed to have.

Prince Rokan needs Isabel to be his Shifter. He needs her ability to shift to animal form, to wind, to mist. He needs her lethal speed and superhuman strength. And he needs her loyalty--because without it, she may be his greatest threat.

Isabel knows that her prince is lying to her, but she can't help wanting to protect him from the dangers and intrigues of the court . . . until a deadly truth shatters the bond between them.

Now Isabel faces a choice that threatens her loyalty, her heart . . . and everything she thought she knew."

      Well, just as with everything there was some good and some bad involving this book.   I believe that it's always good to get the bad over with first so here goes.
First of all I thought that the plot was just a tad confusing. OK. Scratch that. Not a tad, a lot.  For close to the whole book i was completely lost. And not in a good way either.  Another thing that bugged me was that there is no character development. In order to really have a good novel you need to have character development.  Mistwoods characters were just as confusing and stranger like as the plot.  I only have one other really major problem with it, the romance was completely unneeded.  The amount of time spent on the romance development was simply nilch!  The ending romance was out of place, unpredictable and unrealistic.
      Enough of my complaining.  I really really really loved the writing style.  While it was complex and detailed it was also easy and enjoyable to read.  A perfect combination in my eyes!  When reading a book, the first thing I always notice is the writing.  If the style is not interesting and well written then that book already loses points.  It must grab you from the start with, not only a thought out plot and comprehensible characters, it must also have good writing!   I found that I did enjoy the read and so perhaps, despite it's problems, you too might enjoy Mistwood.  I look forward to more books by Leah Cypress.
      

Later this week

Sometime later this week I'll get the reviews of Evernight, Swoon, Illyria and Linger up.  Looking forward to it!

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Falling in love was never so easy . . .

or so deadly.

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. Not until Patch came 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 who 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 way 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.

Love the cover!!!!!

Warning: This review may contain spoilers.
I have very mixed feelings about Hush Hush.  At first I was appalled at the way Patch treated Nora.  It was bordering on abusive!!! My feelings for Patch went from definite like to complete mistrust where it stayed for almost the rest of the book.  For me, the end was a creative and surprising twist, that I defiantly did not see coming.   I did like how close Vee and Nora were.  In the end, I very much liked how Nora acted for Patch and how, in return, Patch acted for her.  I noticed that a few things in the last chapter did not make sense but perhaps I didn't read them thoroughly. For a first book, this was an excellent read. Also, there was a bit of violence, including two characters that die and quite a few attacks on Nora and Vee.  I will be reading the sequel, Crescendo, and look forward to review it too.
      

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

"Some loves are meant to be…
others are cursed.

There were no surprises in Gatlin County.
At least, that’s what I thought.
Turns out, I couldn’t have been more wrong.
There was a curse. There was a girl.
And in the end, there was a grave."
That is one teasing teaser.  It was what got me hooked on the book.
Dark, mysterious and captivating, those were my finally thoughts as I read the last page... Just kidding, although those thoughts did go through my head throughout the book. At the end it was more like, 'Ahhhhh!!!!! Must have more !!!!!' Or something akin to that.  Ethan was a lovable character.  All ways looking after the Lena.  Well, more like, trying to look after Lena.  Lena can take care of her self most of the time. That was one of the things I liked most about the book.  I absolutely love it  when the girl has magical powers. Totally Awesome!  Just as I said in the beginning though, it is dark. Very dark.  Of course you are dealing with powerful dark (or light), magic. So what could you expect?  Ms. Garcia and Ms. Stohl created a wonderful book that leaves the readers begging for more.  I can't wait until the sequel Beautiful Darkness is released.  Oh yes, another thing.  I found that it was really cool that Beautiful Creatures is narrated by the boy which is some what uncommon and very exiting when it is.

Mockingjay

One more week until Mockingjay ,(the third book in the Hunger Games Trilogy), is released!!!! Official date: August 24th 2010.

Crash into Me by Albert Borris

"Owen, Frank, Audrey, and Jin-Ae have one thing in common: they all want to die. When they meet online after each attempts suicide and fails, the four teens make a deadly pact: they will escape together on a summer road trip to visit the sites of 
celebrity suicides...and at their final destination,they will all end their lives. As they 
drive cross-country, bonding over their dark impulses, sharing their deepest secrets and desires, living it up, hooking up, and becoming true friends, each must 

decide whether life is worth living--or if there's no turning back."

After reading some very good reviews on Crash into me I felt that I just had to 

read it myself. It started out very good, catching readers on the first chapter. But

towards the middle it just seemed to peter out. By the time I almost decieded to 

give up on the whole book it started up once again. The end was supprising and 

was, in my humble opinion, a great ending for this book. Albert Borris did a good 

job of writing a book for teen about a very tough subject. Despite it's problems, 

I found that this was a well written and rather capturing book.

New posts

I'll have my reviews for Beautiful Creatures, Hush Hush and Crash into me up later this week!

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Each year two children from each of the twelve districts of what remain of the US are picked to be participants of the annual Hunger Games. In the Hunger Games the children must all fight each other to the death in order to stay alive. The Battles are all ways long and bloody but the people who watch this event on TV all love it.  When sixteen year old Katniss's  younger sister is picked for District 12, Katniss steps up to take her place.
   I love action and romance so when I read this book I loved it. While it is action packed, ( Life or death situations are always action packed aren't they?), it also has plenty good wholesome love.  Suzanne Collins is now one of my favorite authors.  I must warn all of you though, there is plenty of violence.  A PG- 13 rating in my opinion.  This is a must read for anyone who loves action.

Waiting for Linger

My copy of Linger should be arriving next week so expect it's review soon!!!

Shiver, by Maggie Stiefvater

     I figured that I ought to start this blog out with a really great book that I loved, so what better book than Shiver??  The overview below is from Maggie Stiefvater's website.
       "For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human... until the cold makes him shift back again.

Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human—or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever."
    I was some what worried before I read this book being that I hadn't really like many of the werewolf books I'd read in previous years except for Twilight. But after the first chapter all of my fears were washed away. Shivers werewolf lore is different and more imaginative than any other werewolf book I've read so far. 
    Ms. Stiefvater's writing is wonderful. Being both beautiful and descriptive at the same time, Shivers writing gives the feeling of sadness, playing in with the story well.  Grace and Sam's romance will give you shivers guaranteed! 
    If your looking for a fast paced, action packed read though, this is not the book for you, being that there is close to no action and it is kind of slow as the two teens get to know each other. 
    For all you team Jacob people out there this is the book for you.

Hello all

Hi all, I'm Nessa. I'm an excessive teen reader, reading mostly YA fiction.  Being that I'm new at blogging I would greatly appreciate all of your patience with me. So far I plan on simple reviewing YA fiction, adding on at the end of the post what I personally thought of the book.  I will try my best not to bore you or spoil any plots.  Thank you everyone!