Follow Friday: July 1, 2010

 

Q. ACK! Your favorite book/movie character (example Hermione Granger played by the Emma chick) just walked into the room! Who is it and what would be your first reaction? You get extra points if you include visual stimulation.

 

Oh lord...if someone asked me this in 6th grade, I'd probably start squealing and start gushing about how much I was just in lurrrvvvveeee with Robert Pattinson, a.k.a. Edward Cullen. But fast forward a few years to my current state and I will tell you right away, Edward just doesn't do it for me anymore! I know...how pitiful!

But the winners of this question would have to be Jamie Campbell Bower who's playing Jace in the Mortal Instruments movie or Josh Hutcherson who's playing Peeta in the Hunger Games movie.

At first, my face would probably make a surprised motion with a smile looking like a tight little O of delight and surprise. My eyes would be wide open and for at least 30 seconds I would stay like that. Then I would start blushing and try to work what charm I have left in the wake of embarrassing and surprised face. But me being charming would consist of stuttering at awkward moments and me gazing at their handsome actor faces with nothing but awe, admiration, and a wee bit of inner fan girl squealing going on in my head. As you can tell by now, I have thought long and hard about this encounter...

I hope in time I will improve...har har.

June Reviews Sum-Up!

It's now the end of the first month of the summer and I'm sad yet excited. I'm getting closer to the day of entering the realm of high school but I'm also sad that summer is going by and a month has passed already! But I shall make most of it! I read some awesome books this month and if you haven't had a chance to check out some of my earlier reviews from June, then here's your chance!

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Balefire by Cate Tiernan

Captivate by Carrie Jones

Abandon by Meg Cabot

Burned by P.C. Cast + Kristen Cast

Awakened by P.C. Cast + Kristen Cast

Meridian by Amber Kizer

Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken

Firelight by Sophie Jordan

Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey

Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Elixir by Hilary Duff

Happy Reading and Happy July!

Book of the Moment: Elixir by Hilary Duff

Title: Elixir
Author: Hilary Duff with Elise Allen
Hardcover: 327 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Released Date: October 12, 2010
Source: Library
Interest: Media Buzz





Synopsis:

Clea Raymond has felt the glare of the spotlight her entire life. The daughter of a renowned surgeon and a prominent Washington DC politician, she has grown to be a talented photojournalist who takes refuge in a career that allows her to travel to the most exotic parts of the world. But after Clea’s father disappears while on a humanitarian mission, Clea’s photos begin to feature eerie, shadowy images of a strange and beautiful man—a man she has never seen before.

When fate brings Clea and this man together, she is stunned by the immediate and powerful connection she feels with him. As they grow closer, they are drawn deep into the mystery behind her father’s disappearance, and they discover the centuries old truth behind their intense bond. Torn by a dangerous love triangle and haunted by a powerful secret that holds their fates, together they race against time to unravel their pasts in order to save their lives—and their futures
~Goodreads



When I first heard that Hilary Duff wrote a book, I wasn't too surprised. She can sing, act, dance and she appeared on one of my favorite shows, Gossip Girl, so of course she can also write a book! Sometimes I think that when a celeb writes a book, they are just doing it to have some sort of comeback or another way to fame. But Elixir actually impressed me! Of course Hilary made this book a collaborative piece, what with the help of Elise Allen, who is also releasing her debut novels soon! But I was very happy to see that the book wasn't just some attempt at fame and that the book was actually really good! And it's the first in a series, so that definitely shows me she's serious about this writing!

First off, I thought that Clea was just a superb name. It's sticks to your mind when it comes to character names. Sort of like Stark or Cassel. I liked how humble Clea was when it came to the spotlight and sort of made me realize that Hilary Duff was channeling her experience of stardom when it came to those scenes in the book.  Clea is intelligent,  very grown up for her age, but still is aching over the loss of her father. She's unique and she channels that through her photography. I was interested by how passionate she was about photography and how she described how she felt whenever she took a picture and the meanings behind every click. She was a enjoyable character to read about!

This book also had a major love triangle. It was fun! There is loyal and smart Ben who is like Clea's brother but she's starting to see him in a different way....and then there is Sage. Sage is obviously an interesting character by the fact that his "soul" keeps popping up in Clea's pictures and that Clea has these dream memories about him! So I would say Sage obviously has the upper hand in getting Clea but I don't think Ben will stop anytime soon either. Both of the guys were hot in their own way and it was hard for me to pick who I would want Clea to be with!

Elixir was also very fast paced but I liked that! It went right to the adventure and action and there was even a crazy car chase! It was like a movie! And if this book was made into a movie, it would be superb! The traveling is fun and exciting to read and it made me wish I was there with them! Carnival in Rio? That sounds amazing!

Overall, this book impressed me a ton and I had a great time reading this! I am also looking forward to read some of Elise Allen's work since she probably had a great presence in the makings of this book. I can't wait to read the sequel to the book, doting by the name, Devoted!

I give it a 4 out of 5 CHEWS!

Does this sound good? Buy it from your local bookstore!

Book of the Moment: Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Title: Beautiful Darkness
Authors: Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
Hardcover: 512 pages
Publisher: Little Brown
Released Date: October 12, 2010
Source: Library
Intrest: Series



Synopsis:

Ethan Wate used to think of Gatlin, the small Southern town he had always called home, as a place where nothing ever changed. Then he met mysterious newcomer Lena Duchannes, who revealed a secret world that had been hidden in plain sight all along. A Gatlin that harbored ancient secrets beneath its moss-covered oaks and cracked sidewalks. A Gatlin where a curse has marked Lena's family of powerful Supernaturals for generations. A Gatlin where impossible, magical, life-altering events happen.
 
Sometimes life-ending.

Together they can face anything Gatlin throws at them, but after suffering a tragic loss, Lena starts to pull away, keeping secrets that test their relationship. And now that Ethan's eyes have been opened to the darker side of Gatlin, there's no going back. Haunted by strange visions only he can see, Ethan is pulled deeper into his town's tangled history and finds himself caught up in the dangerous network of underground passageways endlessly crisscrossing the South, where nothing is as it seems.
~Goodreads



I had read the first book in the Caster Chronicles, Beautiful Creatures, a few months ago and I couldn't wait to see more of the drama unfold in the next book! I love the covers in this series because although the background is simple with only a haze of stairs or gates but the title is just gorgeous with it's popping color and beautiful font. It really is super cool to look at!

One reason I like this series is because the 1st person point of view is told from a guy perspective, the adorable and brave Ethan Wate. I liked reading a guys point of view on the supernatural world as opposed to the usual angst ridden teen girl. Ethan is just a regular guy who happened to fall for a Caster girl and had his whole life turned upside down. Reading this book, I was amazed by how love sick he was. He was brave even at times when he didn't feel like it and he was determined to make sure his girl was alright. He isn't brainless like some guys I know and for that, I'm grateful! Ethan's very enjoyable! He cracks jokes when there needs to be, serious when needs to be, and romantic when he need to be. I liked him!

Lena on the other hand...
I know this whole series is based around Lena and Ethan but I remember half the time I was rooting for Ethan to get involved with his companion on his journey, Liv. Personally, Lena annoyed the heck out of me and I thought she was over dramatic and was completely mean to Ethan for no reason. At least that's what I thought in the beginning. After I found out why (which I won't give away!), I didn't hate her as much. She had her reasons for being a class A bitch to Ethan. Even if it bothered me. Hey, the book needed to have a problem and Lena's erratic behaviour was going be it! But I still felt my self at times rooting for Liv. Not because I hated Lena, but because I felt Liv just had a better personality! She was so much more enjoyable. But in the end, I knew if they got together, it would throw the whole book off. Lena and Ethan are meant to be together even if at times I wish I could strangle Lena. Oh well.

The action and adventure in this book was pure fun though! So much better than the last book! Ethan with Liv, Link, and Lucille the Cat as companions was really fun to read! Their journey takes up more or less of the book, but it was my favorite part. All the adventure and what not was pure satisfaction. And super interesting to read about!

Overall, this book was a fun read and carried on the terrific Garcia/Stohl writing! I was entranced by the Caster world and the depth the book got into in this book! I can't wait to read the next book!

I give it a 4 out of 5 CHEWS!

Does this sound good? Buy it from you local bookstore!

Teaser Tuesdays: June 28, 2011

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along!

My Teaser:

           "I'm alredy gone, Ethan. Then tell me to go. If that's what you really want."

             ~p.g. 209 "Beautiful Darkness" by Margaret Stohl & Kami Garcia

Faves of 2011: The Scenes & The Random

Today is Day Three and the last day of awards! I'm very excited to take part in this awesome blog hop and if you would also like to join then go to Inkcrush!

The Scenes:

Q. Best first chapter?

A. The first chapter in Stolen by Lucy CHrisopher was just mind sucking. My head was sucked right into the story from the first line, "You saw me, before I saw you." And the mind sucking-ness didn't cease to stop till the very last word.

Q. Best climax?

A. Well...I would have to say the whole Vampire Academy series. All the climaxes in those books were crazy! S to only pick one would bbe unfair.

Q. Best ending?

A. A lot of people may not agree with me, but I loved th ending of Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins. I remeber bawling my eyes out and how I was just so happy with the way it ended seamlessly. I loved it!

Q. Best plot twist/revelation (no spoilers!)?

A. City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare. The ending was just crazy. Crazy beyond belief. I can't wait to read the next book! AHHHH!

Q.  Scariest/most disturbing scene?
A. I forget which book it happened in but it's in the Gone series by Micheal Grant. There are revolting sceneces throught out that series...

The Random:

Q. Fave first sentence?
A. "You saw me, before I saw." From Stolen by Lucy Christopher. That line has always just stuck in my head.

Q. Fave book title?
A. Eesh theres a alot... Wicked Lovely,  Last Sacrifice, Blood Promise, Strange Angels, Beautiful Creatures.

Q. Fave reading experience (ie: created a great reading memory)?
A. Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side. I just remember laughing so hard and having to mark certain pages with post its because Lucias's witty banter was just plain hilarious.

Q. Book with the best food in it (made me so crazy-envious-hungry)?
A. Um...I've never really experianced that. Most books have food that sound good but I would never really eat. Im a sushi girl.

Q. Book with the most sensual weather (made you shiver/sweat)?
A. Um I've never experianced this either...

Faves of 2011: The Characters

I was blog hopping around and I came across this fabulous blog, Inkcrush and the person behind this blog, Nomes, is holding this awesome award list that we bloggers can join in. Although I'm not one of those type A people (definitely not), I love making lists! It's calming for me in a odd way...

Today is Day Two and I will be doing awards for some memorable book charcters.

_____________________________________________________

Q. Best female POV?

A. Rose Hathaway from the Vampire Academy series. I just love this girl! She's strong, gutsy, and down right hilarious. I had the best time reading from her POV.

Q. Best male POV?

A. Nick Gautier from the Nick Chronicles. He had a witty and funny POV and it was super enjoyable reading about him.

Q. Best couple?

A. Ugh this is a really hard one... There are so many. But since I'm such a die hard Vampire Academy fan, then I'm going to have to say Rose and Dimitri. I LOVE Dimitri but those two together, have the steamiest chemistry and are just amazing together!

Q. Who I so want to be best friends with?

A. Probably Simon from the Mortal Instruments series. I have guy friends but no real guy best friends so someone like Simon would be my ideal choice. He's loyal and will always be there for you and I look for those traits in my best friends. Plus Simon is just adorable!

Q. Who I fell completely in love with (new literary crush)?

A. Well I recently just read Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey and I just completely and utterly was in awe of Lucias. He was just my dream guy! His personality can be irritating at times but I love him anyways. I can't express in any amount of words how much I completly fell in love with him! *sighs*

Q. Worst (best) villain?

A. Oh this is easy. President Snow from The Hunger Games trilogy. I mean, what a jerk. Killing innocent children in a merciless GAME. He's just pure evil. I hated him with all my guts.

Q. Best character twist( who you loved then hated or vice versa)?

A. Aphrodite from the House of Night series. At first I just thought she was awful. But as she became good friends with Zoey, I saw why she was such a bitch and the reasons behind her hard exterior. But also seeing her with Darius was just plain cute and I realized sometimes your past can make you a hard edged person but that doesn't always make you stone cold.

Q. Best kick ass female?

A. Katniss Everdeen. Nuff' said.

Q. Best kick ass male?

A. Dimitri Belikov. Have you read the VA series?! He's like a god! A really big, really ripped, russian god!

Q. Broke your heart the most?

A. It's a tie between Kartick from the Gemma Doyle series and Ty from Stolen by Lucy Christopher. I can't saw why without giving it away so I'm just going to tell you to read these books. They are amazing!

Q. Best or worst character names?

A. BEST- Stark from House of Night, Cassel from White Cat, Archer from Hex Hall, Patch from Hush Hush, Jem from Clockwork Angel, and Peeta from Hunger Games.

If you want to make a list too, head off to Inkcrush to see the rules and other lists!

Book of the Moment: Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey

Title: Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side
Author: Beth Fantaskey
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Graphia
Released Date: Feb 1, 2009
Source: Library
Interest: Synopsis





Synopsis:
The undead can really screw up your senior year ...

Marrying a vampire definitely doesn’t fit into Jessica Packwood’s senior year “get-a-life” plan. But then a bizarre (and incredibly hot) new exchange student named Lucius Vladescu shows up, claiming that Jessica is a Romanian vampire princess by birth—and he’s her long-lost fiancé. Armed with newfound confidence and a copy of Growing Up Undead: A Teen Vampire’s Guide to Dating, Health, and Emotions, Jessica makes a dramatic transition from average American teenager to glam European vampire princess. But when a devious cheerleader sets her sights on Lucius, Jess finds herself fighting to win back her wayward prince, stop a global vampire war—and save Lucius’s soul from eternal destruction.
~Goodreads


This book is sadly one of those books that I have judged by it's cover. It's a worldly known fact to never judge a book by it's cover, but I just can't get rid of that habit. The cover is definitely nice and all but I have this issue where I tell my self I'm not a freaky vampire book geek...when really I have my moments where I totally am one. There's this guy who's dancing with a girl and his fangs are popping out and it just seems cheesy to me. But by reading the synopsis, I found the book intriguing and well, all the other book I had read in the library and the books I was going to read hadn't arrived from the other libraries yet, so I had to settle with this one.

Jessica is a total type A and only believes in logical and reasonable explanations for everything. So when Lucias pops out of no where telling her that she's his vampire bride, Jessica gets freaked out and just assumes that he's just a really hot crazy guy. Usually I'm not into those type A kind of people but in this romantic story, Lucias and Jessica's dynamic worked together in the greatest possible ways. Jessica has really good character development through out the book and I really loved seeing her realizing who she was and who she had to be. She started out being sort of shy and one of those faces that blends right into the crowd but towards the end she has a true identity and calling of who she is. I was really impressed by that and she was so real too! I kept getting surprised by how real she was by that fact that she wasn't some supermodel but what made her beautiful was her confidence and royal attitude. Jessica is just 5'3 and a size ten! So, she's definitely no supermodel, but with her confidence, Lucias was pining over her.

Speaking of Lucias...
OH.HOT.DAMN.
TO.THE.MAX.
Can I just say I loved him? Like really, truly loved him. In the beginning I just thought he was this royal snob but reading through this book, I realized even though he had arrogance, that was one of the main things that made him hot. He's confident in who he is although there are times he's scared of who he might become in the future. He's a smart ass and superbly intelligent and he's not one of those prissy royals either. He's strong and regal. Some of my favorite parts in the book was when he was writing letters to his uncle and I got to see his perspective on things. I swear it's one of the funniest things I've ever read. He's this huge smart ass but he's also somewhat clueless about American culture. His point of view on our culture is just down right hilarious. But I was seriously in love with Lucias. If I ever met a guy like him, I would never let him go. Ever. Even if I was offered a million bucks. Never. I have a feeling he's going to be the character of the month for June...mmmmhmm...

The beginning and middle-ish parts of the book was all fun and games but towards the end it gets more on the serious side. The book becomes really dark and I was completely frustrated with Lucias and Jessica. The book gets serious and you heart goes racing. I remember biting my nails and hyper ventilating at some parts. So although the end parts are not funny and amusing as the rest of the book, it's still thrilling in it's own way.

This book was definitely one of the best I've ever read and I had such a great time reading it. I stayed up way past the time that I'm usually able to go all night owl to just  finish this amazing book. I loved it and this is definitely a book for that insatiable Twilight fix!

Since this book was so awesome, I'm going to give it one of my rare "Ate It All Up" awards! Woo hoo!

Does this sound good? Buy it from your local bookstore!

Faves of 2011: Hosted by Inkcrush

I was blog hopping around and I came across this fabulous blog, Inkcrush and the person behind this blog, Nomes, is holding this awesome award list that we bloggers can join in. Although I'm not one of those type A people (definitely not), I love making lists! It's calming for me in a odd way...

Today is Day One and Nomes has these awards lists staggered between a few days. I'm doing the first one today!

Check out her blog and join in on the fun! :)

______________________________________________________________

Q. Favorite book read so far in 2011?

A. How can I possibly just pick one? Well, I guess for now it would have to be Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck. That book has EVERYTHING! I love it!

Q.Most powerful book?

A. Hands down it has to be Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver. Such a deep and powerful book. Amazing...

Q.Brilliantly Funny?

A.Definitely The Absoloutly True Diary of a Part Time Indian. So brilliant yet it also sends a message!

Q.Best ache-y, heart-breaking, tear-jerker read?

A. Stolen by Lucy Christopher. After I read that I just had to do my school final project on Stockholm Syndrome. That book is amazing...

Q.Most beautiful story?

A. Ophelia by Lisa Klein. It was Shakespeare for god's sake! This book just had a beautiful ending!

Q.DDelicious rainy day comfort read?

Twilight. Bahaha...it's true. When it's dreary outside and I can't make it to the library, well then I always go back to first YA book I read.

Q.AAdrenalin-fuelled, unputdownable award?

A.Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead. When I finally got it, I was so excited I read it in one day. I was obsessed I tell you!

Q.Most atmospheric and vivid setting?

A.Tiger's Curse once again. All the places they went to just stuck in my head!

Q.I-so-want-to-go-there-award?

A. Europe in 13 Little Blue Envelopes! All those places she travels to in Europe? Count me in!

Q.Most original and imaginative?

A.Gone by Micheal Grant. Oh my god, these books are crazy and wild! I love them! There sort of like Lost mixed with Lord of the Flies slash The Maze Runner with kids. It's how the author thought of this!

Q.I-had-no-idea-i-would-love this-so award?

A. Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey. I saw this on the shelves and I never thought I would like it. But then I decided to try it out and I swear it's one of the best books I've ever read! The review is coming soon!

Q.Most haunting story?

Once again, Stolen by Lucy Christopher.

Q.Outside my comfort zone but gosh how I loved it

A. Gone series by Micheal Grant, once again. I was a bit nervous to try it out but I finally did and I dig it!

Q.Series that I'm loving?

A. Right now it's the House of Night series by the Cast duo. The books have gotten better and better...

Q.Would make the best movie?

A. Jane by April Linder. This would be fantastic for all Jane Eyre lovers around the world!

Q.Want to re-read already?

A. Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins. I have the second book and I've read it multiple time but I really want to read the Hunger Games again!

If you want to make a list too, head of to Inkcrush to see the rules and other lists!

Follow Friday: June 24, 2011

Q. In light of the Summer Solstice. Also known as Midsummer...let's talk about fairies. What is your favorite fairy tale or story that revolves around the fae?

  

My favorite fairy tale is Beauty and the Beast, because I always thought how Belle saw through Beast's appearance was truly romantic... It still makes me go AWWWWWWWW! It's heartwamring, you could say! :)

My favorite storie's revolving around the Fae is the Wicked Lovely series by Melissa Marr. Sexy fairies, dangerous situations, love triangles... the works. Perfect.

Book of the Moment: Once a Witch

Title: Once a Witch
Author: Carolyn MacCullough
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Clarion Books
Release Date: September 14, 2009
Source: Library
Intrest: Synopsis





Sysnopsis:

Tamsin Greene comes from a long line of witches, and she was supposed to be one of the most Talented among them. But Tamsin's magic never showed up. Now seventeen, Tamsin attends boarding school in Manhattan, far from her family. But when a handsome young professor mistakes her for her very Talented sister, Tamsin agrees to find a lost family heirloom for him. The search—and the stranger—will prove to be more sinister than they first appeared, ultimately sending Tamsin on a treasure hunt through time that will unlock the secret of her true identity, unearth the sins of her family, and unleash a power so vengeful that it could destroy them all. This is a spellbinding display of storytelling that will exhilarate, enthrall, and thoroughly enchant.
~Goodreads

My Thoughts:

When I was looking at this book in the library, I was fascinated by the cover but even more of the synopsis. I hadn't read a good urban fantasy book since reading Balefire   by Cate Tiernan. I also read the first few pages and it intrigued me so I went with it.

The character of Tamsin is not that different from average 17 year old. Except what makes her different is she lives with a family of witches with incredible Talents and she's the odd one out that doesn't wield any magic, what so ever. She's annoyed and hurt by this fact and she's jealous of her sister, who has all the charm and magic of a powerful witch. Tamsin's a type of girl that delivers smart ass one liners and smokes cigarettes when thoroughly stressed. She's what would seem a normal girl, in a very UN normal family. She also has that cool, downtown sort of girl,  spunk, that downtown New York girls always seem to obtain.

The romance however, was just a bit lacking. It didn't even really heat up till the end. It was there, but it definitely wasn't one of the more prominent situations! Gabriel, the guy she was into was very cute, but flat in my opinion. He was like any other cardboard cutout of a dream guy in YA novels. Cute...but no personality really except for a few clever jokes here and there. He's definitely not a "Dimitri from the Vampire Academy series swoon worthy" type of guy.

I thought the action was fun to read about though. It was fun seeing them go back to the past and the whole past, present, future time travel thing was so interestingly orchestrated by the author. Everything fit perfectly, although a little dangerously, together! The action was very well one of the more finer points in this book.

Ultimately, this book was a fun read but not one of the most amazing books I've read. The book was original and different but lacked the spell binding effect. It was action filled and definitely a engaging story!

I give it a 3 out of 5 CHEWS!

Does this sound good? Buy it from your local bookstore!

Waiting on Wednesday: June 22, 2011

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event from Jill at Breaking the Spine. To participate, simply share that book(s) you are eagerly awaiting the release of and report back to Breaking the Spine with the link to your post. Clicking the 'Breaking the Spine' link above will take you straight to her post and link widget. (Special note: The nifty button above comes from Lindsay at The Violet Hour. Isn't it pretty?)

This week's Waiting on Wednesday issssss...

Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey

Publishing Date: December 8, 2011

Lenzi hears voices. She also sees visions--gravestones, floods, a gorgeous guy with steel gray eyes. She knows she must be going crazy, just like her dad did. Her boyfriend, Zak, can't do anything to help, and the voices just keep getting louder, the visions more intense. But when Lenzi meets Alden, the boy from her dreams, everything makes sense.

Sort of.

He tells Lenzi that she's a reincarnated Speaker--someone who can talk to lost souls and help them move on--and that he has been her Protector for centuries. But instead of embracing her abilities, Lenzi struggles between her life as the girlfriend of a sexy musician and the life she is destined to lead with Alden. Yet time is running out; a malevolent spirit has been trying to destroy Lenzi for ages, and he will surely kill her if she doesn't make a decision soon.

Her choices are clear: Destiny or normalcy. Alden or Zak. Life or death

Isn't the cover just one of the most amazing you've seen???? It's gorgeous in this spooky and eery way! Click here to see why it was #3 on my Top 7 Countdown: Favorite Book Covers list! This book also sounds like something that I would go just go crazy over reading. My current craze is the paranormal and with so many brilliant books coming out with paranormal elements, I just want to read it all! And this book just intrigues me so much! It has what we all love! Love triangles, action, epic romance it seems, and just everything you would need for a perfect paranormal read! But this book also seems to have a different spunk from others, so it's definitely something I must pick up! And did I already say the book cover is stunning??? HA :)

What are your guys WoW? Be sure to comment them below! I love to other people's picks! :)

Book of the Moment: Firelight by Sophie Jordan

Title: Firelight
Author: Sophie Jordan
Hardcover: 323 pages
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: Sept 7, 2010
Source: Library
Intrest: Media Buzz


Synopsis:
A hidden truth.
Mortal enemies.
Doomed love.

Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life. Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki—a descendant of dragons whose greatest defense is her secret ability to shift into human form.

Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. The only bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life. Although she is irresistibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will's dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away—if it dies she will be left as a human forever. She'll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.

Mythical powers and breathtaking romance ignite in this story of a girl who defies all expectations and whose love crosses an ancient divide.
~Goodreads

My Thoughts:

I picked up this book because I had just been hearing so much media buzz about it! Every single book blog was talking about this book and so of course I had to read this book! I read the synopsis and was very impressed because I don't think I have read a dragon type book since Eragon. And that was like in 5th grade. So it was really cool to read a book about a teenage girl who could turn into a Draki, which are the descendants of dragons. Pretty epic, right?

I thought the main character Jacinda was full of teen angst and spunk. She's the only fire breather in generations which is funny because people think that all dragons,er Draki, breathe fire. But I guess not in this book! I like how she is so passionate and confident of her inner Draki and that no matter what her mother says, she stays true to who she really is. That moral sort of ties in with average teens around the world who feel like their parents may not accept who they really are and that no one will understand. Yes, yes there is that teen angst but I really did notice how Jacinda's true to self attitude is similar to most teens and how they feel. Except us teens aren't really Draki...
 I liked how she realized that even though she was the shit at where she used to live because she was a fire breather, high school isn't the same and well, she isn't as cool as she thought she was. But Jacinda was comfortable with it even though she missed her old place and I though that was cool of her. Jacinda is someone we can relate to even if she is part dragon and can breath fire. She's got spunk. :)

Oh and then there is Will... Hunky, hunky Will who's Jacinda's love interest. Will seemed exceptionally hot! I like how he is different from his other hunter family members and how he actually has a caring heart. I thought he had guts for realizing who Jacinda was but still being ok with it. Ugh, it's just so damn romantic. "A hunter falling in love with it's prey." AH! I definitely liked him! He was sweet and accepting, and those are some of the best traits you could ask for! Love him!

I loved all the risk and danger in this book too! I liked how even though it super risky for them to be together, they faced against the odds and somehow pulled it off! There was nail biting action and danger and it epic! This book sort of reminded me of Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause. That book was one of the first paranormal werewolf love stories and I remember just eating it up! The main character in that book also had to make the decision of if she wanted to stay with her human boyfriend or go back to her pack and be with the Alpha. That's how Firelight was too. Jacinda could either be with Will or go back with Draki/Alpha/Prince Cassian and go back to the Pride. There was risky business in both of those book... (:

Overall, I thought this book was great and a real treat! It had everything I wanted and liked from action to epic romance to life changing decisions! This was a fun and juicy read and I will recommend it to anyone! Especially those who have read Blood and Chocolate!

I give it a 4 out of 5 CHEWS!

Does this sound good? Buy it from your local bookstore!

Teaser Tuesdays: June 21, 2011

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along!

My Teaser:

            '"True," I murmur, wishing it were anything but... wishing I could see the world and everyone in it for what they truly are. No lies, no pretense, no masks. But then I wouldn't live a very long life without my own masks."

              ~p.g. 265 "Firelight" by Sophie Jordan

Top 7 Countdown: Favorite Book Cover (at the moment...)

It's been a realllllllyyyyy long time since i have done any Top 7 Countdowns, but I'm going to try to post these kind of things more often now. What inspired me to do Book Covers was that I was browsing through Amazon and I just saw all these wonderful and gorgeous covers! YA covers are nothing like Adult covers which always have the authors name be the biggest damn thing on the cover and then the art is just sort of ruined. But these covers I just think are fantastic and if I think they are pretty just by looking at the screen, then imagine what it would look like holding it in your hands?! I may be being a little over dramatic, but sometimes the artist in me rejoices when I see a stunning piece of artwork on an equally stunning book. When a cover captures the essence and feel of the story, then you know that it's a keeper. Jeez, I'm talking like it's my boyfriend or something...sheesh.

So here are my Top 7 favorite Book Cover (of the moment...)

#7

Title: The Mephisto Covenent

Author: Trinity Taegen

Publisher: EgmontUSA
Why?:
The dark and rich navy blues gives this mysterious and suave feel to it.There is a princess like girl holding her skirts up and she is just about to look behind...but not quite yet...

The title goes beautifully with the cover with it's loopy and pretty font.

It seems the girl is walking into a realm with stars glittering faintly. I love it. This book will be release on Sept 27, 2011! Yay!




#6

Title: Across the Universe
Author: Beth Revis
Publisher: Razorbill
Why?:
I'm usually not into science fiction books, like at all, and the only thing that made me read this book was the cover. And I had to admit, I wasn't very fond of the book because it lacked the romance the cover depicted but still, I give props for the cover. It blows my mind every time.






#5

Title: Tiger's Curse
Author: Colleen Houck
Publisher: Splinter
Why?:
I didn't really think the cover was all that great when I looked at it on the screen. I mean sure, the tiger is all cute and fluffy, but he also looks like a bad ass with those piercing, intense blue eyes! Then when my book came in to the library, I was so surprised at what I was holding. The book was thick and the intricate patterns on the cover were so much more prominent when you could see it with your eyes. It was definitely a stunning cover to look at! I can't wait to read the sequel Tiger's Quest and see how the cover looks!


#4

 Title: Silence

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Why?:

First of all, check out that handsome devil (er angel I suppose)! His back is turned to us, but even with that, he is mega swoon worthy... The volatile waves crashing towards them makes this book look like an epic adventure. And of course a romantic one, what with the damsel in distress being in the clutching embrace of Mr. Patch Cipriano. This cover is just smoldering. Epic and Hot. Nuff' said...

#3

Title: Shattered Souls

Author: Mary Lindsey

Publisher: Philomel

Why?:

This cover is just so creepy yet beautiful!The gown she's wearing just showers off in a flutter of petals but it doesn't looks all girly. The rich color of the maroon makes it look mature and wee bit eery. It goes perfectly with the title Shattered Souls. Plus the tid bits where it says Love, Destiny, Death, and Danger just makes it looks even more exciting! This book releases on Dec 8, 2011!

#2

Title: Swear (Swoon series #2)

Author: Nina Malkin

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Why?:

I havn't had a chance to read this series yet but I really want to! Especially after seeing this cover! The first book's cover, Swoon, wasn't as spectacular as this though. No where close... The girl is laying down like she is in grief over something and the bright pink petals just add a burst of rejuvenating color to the whole thing. There is the elements of darkness balanced out with the sweetness of the flowers and the young woman. This cover is just beautiful! Magnifique!



And last but certainly not least...



Title: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

Author: Michelle Hodkin

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Why?:

Why? Simple. Look at the dang cover with your naked eye! What is not to love? This cover is gorgeous and stunning beyond words! It seems simple, it's just a girl and a guy in water, but it's the way the simplicity is portrayed! The colors, the movement of the couple, the lighting, the way the guy embraces the girl in such an intimate way, all of it just adds up this spectacular image! When I first saw this, I was blown away! The artist in me poured over every little detail and was just wowed by the simplicity and beauty in it! AGH, I am so excited for this book! Can't wait to get my hands on this little treat! Eep! :)

What are some your guys favorite covers???

                       

                                     



Book of the Moment: Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken

Title: Brightly Woven
Author: Alexandra Bracken
Hardcover: 354 pages
Publisher: Egmont
Release Date: March 23, 2010
Source: Library
Intrest: Synopsis




Synopsis:

When Wayland North brings rain to a region that's been dry for over ten years, he's promised anything he'd like as a reward. He chooses the village elder's daughter, sixteen-year-old Sydelle Mirabel, who is a skilled weaver and has an unusual knack for repairing his magical cloaks. Though Sydelle has dreamt of escaping her home, she's hurt that her parents relinquish her so freely and finds herself awed and afraid of the slightly ragtag wizard who is unlike any of the men of magic in the tales she's heard. Still, she is drawn to this mysterious man who is fiercely protective of her and so reluctant to share his own past.

The pair rushes toward the capital, intent to stop an imminent war, pursued by Reuel Dorwan (a dark wizard who has taken a keen interest in Sydelle) and plagued by unusually wild weather. But the sudden earthquakes and freak snowstorms may not be a coincidence. As Sydelle discovers North's dark secret and the reason for his interest in her and learns to master her own mysterious power, it becomes increasingly clear that the fate of the kingdom rests in her fingertips. She will either be a savior, weaving together the frayed bonds between Saldorra and Auster, or the disastrous force that destroys both kingdoms forever.
~Goodreads


What intrigued me about this book was the synopsis! I've always liked books that have that old time feel to it with fantasy elements and such and this book had what seemed like a cute wizard and budding romance so I just had to see what this book was about. The cover is very pretty and really captures the book's story and Sydelle.

Speaking of Sydelle, I at first was very annoyed with her. In the beginning I thought she was brash and harsh to judge North so fast. I thought she was being completely unreasonable to him and it made me dislike her a lot. But I forgave her towards the middle because she didn't seem like she had a stick up her butt as much and her character finally seemed natural and seemed to flow with the story more smoothly. I just thought it was a bit sudden how angry she was but then it finally subdued. She's a strong girl which I always love in my books so I couldn't completely hate her. Towards the end my outlook on her changed and I thought of her as a clever yet short tempered girl who also could have her sweet moments.

I couldn't really visualize North that well because I don't think the book really described how he looked. At first I thought he was tan, but no I was wrong, he was supposed to be pale and I was just confused by it all. So his character was just kind of blob of manliness wizardness hovering in my imagination. I was also confused with his personality in the beginning too. The book starts out with North seeming all gentle and what not, but really he is sort of arrogant and teasing. But that was alright, because I liked his arrogant and teasing side better than his "gentle" side. It was a lot more entertaining. The romance also did not really pick up until the middle of the book and I was so aggravated every time they didn't kiss in what would seem like a good time to do so. Oh well, I guess back then it was all chivalry and what not.

I did however, enjoy the adventure in this book. Sydelle was clever and along with the wizarding North, they were a wondrous pair! All the fights, walks, and stops were all interesting and fun to read!

Overall, this is a book to read for that fantasy fix we need once in a while and ultimately a good read!

I give it a 3 out of 5 chews!



Does this sound good? Buy it from your local bookstore!

Book of the Moment: Meridian by Amber Kizer

Title: Meridian (Fenestra Series #1)
Author: Amber Kizer
Hardcover: 305 pages
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Release Date: August 11, 2009
Source: Library
Intrest: Cover



Synopsis:

Half-human, half-angel, Meridian Sozu has a dark responsibility.

Sixteen-year-old Meridian has been surrounded by death ever since she can remember. As a child, insects, mice, and salamanders would burrow into her bedclothes and die. At her elementary school, she was blamed for a classmate’s tragic accident. And on her sixteenth birthday, a car crashes in front of her family home—and Meridian’s body explodes in pain.

Before she can fully recover, Meridian is told that she’s a danger to her family and hustled off to her great-aunt’s house in Revelation, Colorado. It’s there that she learns that she is a Fenestra—the half-angel, half-human link between the living and the dead. But Meridian and her sworn protector and love, Tens, face great danger from the Aternocti, a band of dark forces who capture vulnerable souls on the brink of death and cause chaos.

~Goodreads


What really drew me towards this book was the cover art. There is a stunning girl on the cover framed with eery and blood dripping like roses and the girl just looks like this mysterious little creature. Of course I wanted to see what this chick was all about!

The idea of the story being about angels is un original itself but how the author uses Angels in a different way is quite enticing. I loved learning about Fenestras and the idea of being the window from death to the afterlife was strangely creepy yet cool. The backdrop and the problems that arise in the story are also original and interesting to read about.

But the book was very easy to read and I read it very fast so I felt like this is a book I wouldn't remember in 2 or 3 months. And with me, when a book is truly stunning, I will remember it for a really long time. And Meridian just doesn't cut it for me. I'll admit it is was a fun read, but not the best when it comes to the paranormalcy of Angels.

I am definitely going to try to read the next book, Wildcat Fireflies because I really do want to know how this series will continue. This is a book that is easy, fun, and has the zest of paranormal for all the para freaks out there that are just trying to find every god damn paranormal YA book that exists! Like me...

I give it a 3 out of 5 CHEWS


Does this sound good? Buy it from your local bookstore!