Sunday, July 31, 2011

July Sum Up






I read more books this month then I did last month and I'm happy to say, I'm thinking I'm going to finish my goal of reading 145 books by the end of the year. The outlook is looking very prosperous for this occasion! :D






Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles

Intertwined by Gena Showalter

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Trapped  by Micheal Northrop

Girl, Stolen by April Henry

Dark Swan Comic 1 & 2 by Richelle Mead

Pariah comic Issue #1 by Aron Warner

Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

Enclave by Ann Aguirre

Hourglass by Myra McEntire







Friday, July 29, 2011

Book of the Moment: Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Title: Hourglass
Author: Myra McEntire
Hardcover: 397 pages
Publisher: Egmont
Released Date: June 14, 2011
Source: Library
Interest: Blog Buzz




Synopsis:


~Goodreads
One hour to rewrite the past . . .
 
For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn’t there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents’ death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She’s tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.

So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson’s willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past.
Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he’s around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened?

Full of atmosphere, mystery, and romance, Hourglass merges the very best of the paranormal and science-fiction genres in a seductive, remarkable young adult debut.





My Thoughts:



Hourglass by the wonderful Myra McEntire is probably THE BEST debut book of 2011 so far! And trust me, I've read A LOT of debut books this year but Hourglass by far had beaten all of them to the top rank of #1. This book was down right amazing.

Let me start out by saying the cover is just incredible. Since this book has to do with time travel, there is a girl ( presumably Emerson), that is frozen in time, hair whipping to the front. I just thought that was super cool! So, check one ; Awesome cover, check two ; awesome book, check three; awesome characters.

Ms. Emerson, the petite yet tough southern gal is one hell of a character. She was strong and spunky and was willing to take down any guy if the situation called for it while still remaining feminine with just a touch of a southern belle! Her parent's traumatic death and her creepy ability to see people from the past has made Emerson create a hard shell for her self but she is NOT a complete bitch. If anyone under estimates her or tries to put her in the place of a damsel in distress, she'll pull out her ninja moves and flip you over her shoulder before a bat of an eye lash! These qualities and her sarcastic and witty humor is what made me love Emerson! If she was real, I would probably try to become friends with her in an instant!

When Micheal Weaver enters Emerson's life though, she starts under standing the unbelievable truth behind her abilities, why she has them, and what her purpose is. She finds her self in a world where time is an ability you can master and time travel is not as impossible as you would think. Emerson slowly comes to understand her extraordinary power while also coming to "understand" her not- so- much- older and hot as hell teacher either...

The subject of time travel was also something I had never read about in a good ol' YA novel. So for this book to have time travel was just awesome and made this book tie together in the best ways possible. It's part sci- fi, but it isn't geeked up and it's so cool to read about! McEntire has made it so that everything that time travel and how it works seems so possible and real. This is another one of those books that is science fiction for people who DON'T like science fiction. All the stuff that you would think is geeky is very understated and easy to understand!

The romance is blazing, the action is ramped, and the characters are so good, it makes you wanna laugh life a hyena. This book is one fantastic debut novel and will keep your hands locked on to the book and keep you giggling and laughing like a dork.






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Sunday, July 24, 2011

Weekly Sum Up: 7/17 to 7/24



Weekly Sum Up is just a post where you can see what I've posted the past week and where you can catch up on the things you've missed!


Monday, July 17 to Sunday, July 24:



Reviews:











Memes:




Books I Did NOT Review:


***click title to go to Goodreads***


The Scorch Trials by James Dashner

Friday, July 22, 2011

Book of the Moment: Enclave by Ann Aguirre




Title: Enclave
Author: Ann Aguirre
Hardcover: 259 pages
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Released Date: April 12, 2011
Source: Library
Interest: Synopsis


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

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

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

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



My Thoughts:


I have FINALLY found a dystopian book that I like! IF this book is considered dystopian. But it is definitely sci- fi! I am so happy that I was finally able to read this book! Ever since I read the synopsis for it, I have just been so intrigued by the whole idea. I haven't read many books about zombie apocalypses but this book was just insanely good!

The beginning is a bit boring but that's just because she was in the Enclave and those people just sucked in general. I would hate being Deuce! With all those annoying rules that the Elders make, I would feel like I'm in a prison and the walls were closing in on me! But towards the middle, the book took a wild turn to the interesting and I just could not put it down after that!

Deuce is a tough girl, what with her being a Huntress and having to fight zombies that the Enclave calls Freaks. It's a scary and sobering job so Deuce has to be tough and not let anything stop her. But as you read, you can see that she has  not fully equipped to the Huntress personality. She may be one of the best fighters but her heart just can't seem to follow the Hunter motto of "The Strong Survive". When following this motto with all your heart you can become cold and selfish and those are things that Deuce will never be. She felt fear through out fighting the Freaks but she didn't cower. She kept on fighting so she could protect others. She is truly and all the way, bad ass. Loved it!

Fade was an interesting character. He's really quiet because the people don't like or trust him just because he wasn't born in the Enclave. So he usually spends time to himself but when Deuce and Fade get paired up, Fade is able to let some of his personalty shine through. He's loyal, strong, and the rock in Deuce's life. The romance wasn't blazing just because it's hard to do stuff like that when Freaks are chasing after you, wanting to dismember every inch of you. Ya, not exactly romantic. But the romance is there, but for now it's just kindling.

This book was packed with action and was very fast paced. It went right to the point and all the mystery behind everything was lingering in every page. I kept wondering about the world they lived in just as much as the characters did. It's unbelievable how Ann Aguirre was able to create such a world. There was horror but it balanced out with parts with the most tender hearted scenes. This book is one adventure and you are constantly wondering why the world became the way it it. The suspense is everlasting...

I was also happy to hear that there will be a sequel to this book, going by the name, Outpost. It's scheduled to be out in Fall 2012!

I also found this art at Ann Aguirre's website and I just though it was cool! Although, the clothing ensemble is a bit too much for what is zombie apocalypse...


Deuce:                                                                    Fade:

Tegan (above)

Stalker








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Follow Friday: July 22, 2011

 

Q. Name 3 authors that you would love to sit down and spend an hour or a meal with just talking about either their books or get advice on writing from?


  1. Richelle Mead: This woman is just one writing MACHINE! She is a beast when it comes to writing. She has a busy schedule what with having 3 books series and so I heard that she has to finish a final draft for a book every three months! Wow! I admire this woman!
  2. Meg Cabot: For me growing up, Meg Cabot was my version of Judy Blume. Sure she never wrote stuff about puberty really, but I grew up on my tween years reading her books. They always tend to be different from each other but I've always liked every single one of them. I don't see how Meg Cabot can always come up with these amazing and fresh new ideas! I will always try to read every YA books she puts out there. Always.
  3. Lucy Christopher: Her writing is BEAUTIFUL! Period.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Book of the Moment: The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting


Title: The Body Finder
Author: Kimberly Derting
Hardcover: 327 pages
Publisher: HarperTeen
Released Date: March 16, 2010
Source: Library
Interest: Blog Buzz


Synopsis:

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.

~Goodreads



My Thoughts:


This book was utterly and completely one of the BEST paranormal books I have ever read! Like Melissa Marr said,
"The romance and the mystery in The Body Finder were so intense that I didn't know whether to hold my breath or scream. I did know that I wouldn't be getting anything done until I read the whole book."

Amen, sister!

That is exactly how I felt through out reading this book! I started reading this book with the expectation that I wasn't going to love it and it was just going to be another paranormal book. But I was wrong! After reading the prologue, I was already immersed in Derting's writing and my hands were locked onto the book and they weren't letting go any time soon!

Violet was a character that seemed very real to me. I always say that I like the tough girls in books and even though Violet is tough in her own way, she isn't the type to punch you in the face. Her spirit and personality is like any other teen, it's just she has a peculiar ability of sensing the echos and imprints of the dead and killers. Only those closest to her know about her ability and one of those people is Jay.

Ahhh...Jay. What a wonderful character. Seriously, I was all over this guy! He's sweet, caring, and is always there for Violet, no matter how much she seems to piss him off. He wasn't one of those annoyingly perfect dream guys, girls in books always go for, but he had flaws and seemed so real! The romance was one of the keys things that made me LOVE this book. It was sweet, adorable,and passionate all at once. I remember just giggling through out those mushy gushy parts! Adorable-ness...

Another key reason I liked this book was because of the suspense and mystery of the killer! Although the chapters from the killer's point of view completely irked me, I was enthralled with it. It was so freaky reading from his point of view but that's what added to suspense and craziness of this book! The effect was monumental and it wrapped the book up perfectly!

I love,love,loved this book and I will be hunting down the next book as soon as I can! I highly recommend this book!




 Does this sound good? Buy it from your local bookstore!
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Waiting on Wednesday: July 20, 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 WoW isssssss.....
 
 
Shut Out
 
 
Most high school sports teams have rivalries with other schools. At Hamilton High, it's a civil war: the football team versus the soccer team. And for her part,Lissa is sick of it. Her quarterback boyfriend, Randy, is always ditching her to go pick a fight with the soccer team or to prank their locker room. And on three separate occasions Randy's car has been egged while he and Lissa were inside, making out. She is done competing with a bunch of sweaty boys for her own boyfriend's attention

Then Lissa decides to end the rivalry once and for all: She and the other players' girlfriends go on a hookup strike. The boys won't get any action from them until the football and soccer teams make peace. What they don't count on is a new sort of rivalry: an impossible girls-against-boys showdown that hinges on who will cave to their libidos first. But what Lissa never sees coming is her own sexual tension with the leader of the boys, Cash Sterling...
~Goodreads
 
 
 
 
This just sounds so good and laugh out loud worthy. I love the idea of this book and it just sounds HILARIOUS! I can't wait! :)
 
Be sure to comment with your link to YOUR WoW! I love seeing other people's choices!

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Book of the Moment: The Iron Daughter


Title: The Iron Daughter
Author: Julie Kagawa
Paperback: 359 pages
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Released Date: August 1, 2010
Source: Library
Interest: Series




Synopsis:

Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron fey—ironbound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her.

Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's stuck in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.
~Goodreads




My Thoughts:



I'd been hearing a lot about The Iron Fey series and so when I read The Iron King, it wasn't to my highest expectations. It was good...but not great. Yet I still wanted to read on with the series because the ending was pretty good and had a nice little cliffhanger...

But the second Iron Fey book, The Iron Daughter, exceeded my middle level fondness for this series, and completely blew me away! This book like that last, has a adventurous journey but this time the thoughts of David Bowie in his tight Lycra undies in The Labyrinth did not fleet across my mind...thank god. You might be wondering, David Bowie? WTF? Well that was the image I thought of when Megan was on her journey to save her little bro from the Iron King in the first book. Doesn't that remind you of The Labyrinth?  Well not this time! This time, this book was nail biting and thrilling and I couldn't seem to put it down!

Megan's exploration of the love triangle between Ash and Puck deepens in this book and even though I rooted for Megan to be with Ash, I, myself was smitten with Puck! Puck is just such an enjoyable character, what with his smart ass comebacks and irresistible and funny nature. Plus, red hair is always a plus with me. Gingers rock! Ash was hot in his own princely iciness, but he just a bit too doom and gloom for my taste. Oh well, Megan seems to go for that type of thing!

We are also introduced to new characters, as well as old ones such as the witty fur ball of a cat, Grim. And I happen to really like the role of Ironhorse in this book. Without giving too much away, let's just say when he's a good guy, he's quite the cool creature.

This book carried me in a sense of adventurous thrill though out the book until the very end! I really can't wait until I read the next book but until then, I will anxiously wait, checking my library hold queue every 5 minutes!






Does this sound good? Buy it from your local bookstore!
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Monday, July 18, 2011

Book of the Moment: The Maze Runner by James Dashner


Title: The Maze Runner
Author: James Dashner
Hardcover: 374 pages
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Released Date: October 6, 2009
Source: Library
Interest: Blog Buzz and Synopsis



Synopsis:

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. His memory is blank. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade—a large, open expanse surrounded by stone walls.

Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night they’ve closed tight. And every 30 days a new boy has been delivered in the lift.

Thomas was expected. But the next day, a girl is sent up—the first girl to ever arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers.

Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. If only he could unlock the dark secrets buried within his mind.

~Goodreads



My Thoughts:



I have been waiting such a long time to be able to read this book and I am finally glad I was able to after weeks of slow and exhausting anticipation.
I don't read many science fiction books and when I do, I tend to read more of the "end of the world" type books, like the Gone series or The Host by Stephanie Meyer. I don't really get geeked up about sci-fi...
 
 
But The Maze Runner?
 
 
Holy Comoly...
 
 
This book was just crazy! This book just wrapped around my head and whenever I wasn't reading this book, I was still thinking about it. The anticipation, the action, and the mystery all combined is sort of mind blowing!
 
 
When you read this book, the reader is always one step behind the main character. Usually it's the other way around and I can guess what might happen in the book before the main character does. But in this book? Hell no. Your just as confused as Thomas, the main character, and you are going through the same mysterious journey as Thomas. Like I said, the reader is always one step behind, so you never know when you going to be a huge slam of surprise get shoved in your face.
 
 
Thomas is likable character. He's not annoyingly arrogant or sensitive and he seems like an average guy. But he's definitely not. He's one smart kid and he knows how to survive. It's embedded in his head and he reacts smartly to any situation. It was fun reading through his point of view. I found my self repeatedly being impressed by his quick thinking.
 
 
But truth be told, if I was put in this situation, I would probably get gobbled up by one of those nasty Grievers in a blip of a second. The world that is outside their little bubble of what is called The Glade, is scary and menacing. The one thing that keeps everything in line, is Order and Order is what the guys in this book have to believe in. The situation is just crazy confusing and with the scary, evil things called Grievers topping that, The Maze is one big scare fest! At least for me...
 
 
I thoroughly loved this book and I had just a blast reading it! This book made me have a new respect for sci-fi and from now on I will not always relate sci-fi books with geeks and glasses...



I feel quite accomplished. Thanks James Dashner!




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Saturday, July 16, 2011

Weekly Sum Up: 7/4 to 7/16

Weekly Sum Up is just a post where you can see what I've posted the past week and where you can catch up on the things you've missed!

Since I was unable to do last week, I will do the past two weeks.

Monday, July 4 to Saturday, July 16:



Reviews:










Books I Did NOT Review:

***click link to go to Goodreads***




Friday, July 15, 2011

Follow Friday: July 15, 2011

 
Q. What do I do when I am not reading?
 
Well this is easy. I blog obviously. But I also Dance as a sport or "hobby", whatever you want to call it. I like do a lot of different active stuff like yoga, biking, and just anything else that doesn't involve hiking. I HATE hiking. I also tend to watch the weirdest things on Netflix. I have an eclectic taste so I could be watching Keeping Up with the Kardashians one day, and be watching some weird little anime show the other day. I hang out with my awesome friends and we all talk about typical teenage stuff, although sometimes it can get a bit boring...
 
Really, my life is on the hem of average with a lot of non average stuff that goes on. Hopefully, my life will just get a bit more interesting soon...
 
And that is why I read. So I can read about other people's interesting lives. :P


     
 

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Book of the Moment: Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols

Title: Going Too Far
Author: Jennifer Echols
Paperback: 245 pages
Publisher: Pocket Books
Released Date: March 17, 2009
Source: Library
Interest: Synopsis



Synopsis:

All Meg has ever wanted is to get away. Away from high school. Away from her backwater town. Away from her parents who seem determined to keep her imprisoned in their dead-end lives. But one crazy evening involving a dare and forbidden railroad tracks, she goes way too far...and almost doesn't make it back.

John made a choice to stay. To enforce the rules. To serve and protect. He has nothing but contempt for what he sees as childish rebellion, and he wants to teach Meg a lesson she won't soon forget. But Meg pushes him to the limit by questioning everything he learned at the police academy. And when he pushes back, demanding to know why she won't be tied down, they will drive each other to the edge -- and over....
~Goodreads




My Thoughts:




After reading so many paranormal books, all of sudden I'm going through this craze where I am only reading contemporary novels. Well that is soon about to change because of my To Be Read Pile but still it's nice to read something different once in a while. And Going Too Far was one of those spectacular contemporary reading breaks. I absolutely loved it.

First you've got crazy, wild child, Meg and then you have poised and rules driven John. A highly unlikely match yet they both have this amazing chemistry that makes you yourself want to be reckless and fall in the clutches of hot and young policemen. Ha, no just kidding, that would be just plain stupid. But still this book had this spark that in the long run set the whole book ablaze with passion, choices, and a lot of action. This book was perfect in the sense that it made me laugh in delight, drop my jaw in surprise, and had my nose pressed into the book so far, I was that intensely into it!

Meg is this crazy, crazy girl who lives life on the edge. She will do anything, and I mean anything to feel full of life. But she's so intent on feeling that spark that she stupidly does reckless things that could get her arrested...or even dead. She was so close to being dead and yet she puts off this attitude like she doesn't care. And that's where John comes in. They are stuck together for a week, cop and felon, so what does John do? He tries to teach her to be more careful and cautious of life because he's coming at this situation from the other side of the spectrum than Meg. And when that happens, they clash and push each other to the edge on what they believe and ultimately that's what brings out the passion from each other. And hurt...

Going Too Far was intense, romantic, and in a good sense...amazingly chaotic. I loved it and this book will stick to your brain days after you've finished it!



Does this sound good? Buy it from your local bookstore!
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Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Book of the Moment: Pariah: Issue #1 by Aron Warner


Title: Pariah: Issue #1
Author: Aron Warner
Publisher: Sea Lion Books
Format: pdf
Release Date: July 2011
Source: Publisher
Interest: Synopsis and Graphic Novel

Synopsis:

Brent Marks is not a freak. He is one of the Pariah, a group of teens who become extremely intelligent after being cured of a genetic disorder. Although in most ways a normal teen, Brent is considered dangerous and is tracked down by the government who see these kids as an enormous threat. Can he evade them? What do they have planned for Brent and the others?

My Thoughts:

Another graphic novel to review! Woo! I was definitely intrigued by the story line, what with it being about teenagers who aren't so normal and are considered dangerous, when really...their just kids.

The story starts out with these awesome illustrations of the world and where the main character, Brent Marks, lives. Once again, the artist in me was impressed by the way the artist of the book made the illustrations look. The colors and everything were just plain awesome!

I remember I was a little confused at first on what Vitros were and what this novel was really all about. But as I read on, I began to understand. Already I can tell that this book is heading towards the aspect of kids standing up to authority. And in this series, it's type to authority that makes you want to hide under your bead, curled up in the fetal position. Who is this authority? The big and bad government...

I was just rooting for Brent to run away from the government bad asses and when he got captured I just went nooooooo! I mean, talk about a bad day. First he almost gets stabbed, kills 5 teenage peers on accident, and then gets captured by what looks like the SWAT team. As you can tell, this series is action packed.

But I will admit, I think this series is more geared towards the male audience. Unless your a girl like me and you enjoy a male point of view and kick ass action! Then by all means, pick this up!

I had an awesome time reading this issue and I can tell that this is only what is the beginning of a great and epic graphic novel series that the brilliant Aron Warner imagined up! I can't wait to start reading the next issues!

Thanks again to Patrick from Sea Lion Books for providing me with this graphic novel!

Book of the Moment: Dark Swan: Storm Born comic series Issue #1 & #2 by Richelle Mead


Title: Dark Swan : Storm Born Comic Book series Issue #1 & #2
Authors: Richelle Mead and Grant Alter
Art by: Dave Hamann
Publisher: Sea Lion Books
Format: pdf
Release Date: October 4, 2011
Source: Publisher
Interest: Author and Graphic Novel


Synopsis:

Eugenie Markham never asked for any of this. Until now, she''s been content with her job as a freelance shaman, battling and banishing Otherworldly creatures. When a prophecy suddenly makes her the Otherworld''s most popular bachelorette, Eugenie finds herself fighting off unwanted supernatural suitors, as well as the evils that begin emerging from her past...
~Amazon

My Thoughts:


The last comic I read was probably when I was in 5th grade and I had this huge Calvin and Hobbes obsession. I mean, I would read stack after stack! And thanks to the awesome publisher behind providing me these comics, I can get back into reading comics again! Er, graphic novels, I should say...

While the Storm Born series isn't YA, I still wanted to read it because if you have been reading my blog for a while now, you can see how much I LOVE the Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead. And of course if I have any other opportunity to read any of her other books, then I would grab at it!

This series has a more adult element to it and there are certainly things you would read that aren't in your typical YA books. Swearing, sex, the while sh-bang! But for me, I didn't mind. So if your a person that isn't comfortable with that stuff, then I suggest you go read some Calvin and Hobbes.

I loved Eugenie.
Period.
The characters I tend to like most in any type of novel, are usually strong, confident, and bad ass. Eugenie portrayed all of those qualities while still being true to her feminine side. I started off this comic feeling a little wishy washy and thinking "is this really my kind of thing?" But then when I started reading more, I realized I loved it! Richelle Mead has once again entrapped me in her mesmerizing, spunky, and quirky writing, making fall in love with how she can show that girls can be strong and bad ass too!

Eugenie reminded me a little of Rose from the Vampire Academy series, what with the similar need to protect others at any cost and just being truly strong, independent, and headstrong young women! If your anything like me, I get a little tired after I read a dozen books with the main character always being the same, typical, insecure, and teen angst filled girly. It just gets boring after a while. But reading Dark Swan was like a breath of fresh air! I mean, we need more confident girls out there! And at my young age, that's saying something...

I'm so glad I made the choice of getting back to reading graphic novels because it was fun, entertaining, and the art was just wicked! It makes me want to prioritize where my art skills are heading...

Thanks again to Sea Lion Books for providing me this series and I can't wait to read more and tell you guys more about it! May there be more comic book reviews to come...


Here's the cover for Storm Born issue #2:





Waiting on Wednesday: July 13, 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 WoW isssssssss....
 
For months part-angel Clara Gardner trained to face the raging forest fire from her visions and rescue the alluring and mysterious Christian Prescott from the blaze. But nothing could prepare her for the fateful decisions she would be forced to make that day, or the startling revelation that her purpose—the task she was put on earth to accomplish—is not as straightforward as she thought. Now, torn between her increasingly complicated feelings for Christian and her love for her boyfriend, Tucker, Clara struggles to make sense of what she was supposed to do the day of the fire. And, as she is drawn further into the world of part angels and the growing conflict between White Wings and Black Wings, Clara learns of the terrifying new reality that she must face: Someone close to her will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning.

Described by Richelle Mead as “utterly captivating,” Unearthly received outstanding reviews, garnered accolades from New York Times bestselling authors, and was named an Indie Next Pick. In this heart-wrenching sequel, Cynthia Hand expertly captures the all-consuming joy of first love—and the agony of loss. This beautifully woven tale will appeal to fans of Lauren Kate, Becca Fitzpatrick, and Aprilynne Pike.

~Goodreads


Doesn't this sound so exciting!? I love, love, LOVED the first book, Unearthly, and I just can't wait for the sequel! Plus isn't the cover just gorgeous?

Make sure to comment below with yours links to your WoW's! I love to see what your picks are!

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Book of the Moment: Girl, Stolen by April Henry


Title: Girl, Stolen
Author: April Henry
Hardcover: 213 pages
Publisher: Henry Holt & Co.
Released Date: Sept 28, 2010
Source: Library
Interest: Synopsis





Synopsis:

Sixteen year-old Cheyenne Wilder is sleeping in the back of a car while her mom fills her prescription at the pharmacy. Before Cheyenne realizes what's happening, their car is being stolen—with her inside! Griffin hadn’t meant to kidnap Cheyenne, all he needed to do was steal a car for the others. But once Griffin's dad finds out that Cheyenne’s father is the president of a powerful corporation, everything changes—now there’s a reason to keep her. What Griffin doesn’t know is that Cheyenne is not only sick with pneumonia, she is blind. How will Cheyenne survive this nightmare, and if she does, at what price?
~Goodreads


My Thoughts:


This book just seemed so intriguing, what with a sick, blind girl accidentally getting kidnapped! When does that ever happen?!

The book started off right to the point where she gets "kidnapped" by a guy named Griffin who's just about her age. Off the bat, you know that Griffin has a hard life because 1.) he smokes 2.) you can tell he's trying to impress his dad. Impressing your dad by stealing a nice car indicates that yes, you do have a hard life. But even as I realized that, I saw right away that he had a good heart. The point of views switch off from Cheyenne and Griffin so you can see how he feels about the whole ordeal and that he has to take Cheyenne with him. But then things get out of hand when his dad finds out who Cheyenne's father is and Griffin is put in a hard place where he has to decide if he's going to save Cheyenne or help his father. Good...or bad. Classic dilemma...

I found that I also really liked Griffin. He's trying to be the goodest bad guy, if that makes any sense. He still has morals and goodness in him even if the people that surround him don't. And that especially comes out when he's with Cheyenne. Speaking of Cheyenne, I thought this girl was so gutsy and brave. She blind so it's even harder for her to escape but she is one smart girl. She analyzes everything that's around her and every little, tiny slip up any of the kidnappers make, Cheyenne takes it in as a valuable piece of information. This girl used what she had and pulled herself together. I was just in awe of her!

The bit of romance that blooms between Cheyenne and Griffin is also really fun to read about. The lion falls for the lamb story never gets old for me. The voice behind this book is different and I loved how original and dark this book was! It wasn't scary but it had an edge that made me finish this book super fast! This book is edgy, fast paced, and one hell of a story and I recommend it highly!





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