Charming Covers [15]

Charming Covers is a feature where I show some covers for upcoming books that have recently been revealed/ I've recently found.

Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

May 8, 2012

Taylor's family might not be the closest-knit – everyone is a little too busy and overscheduled – but for the most part, they get along fine. Then they get news that changes everything: Her father has pancreatic cancer, and it's stage four – meaning that there is basically nothing to be done. Her parents decide that the family will spend his last months together at their old summerhouse in the Pocono Mountains.

Crammed into a place much smaller and more rustic than they are used to, they begin to get to know each other again. And Taylor discovers that the people she thought she had left behind haven't actually gone anywhere. Her former summer best friend is suddenly around, as is her first boyfriend. . . and he's much cuter at seventeen than he was at twelve.

As the summer progresses, the Edwards become more of a family, and closer than they've ever been before. But all of them very aware that they're battling a ticking clock. Sometimes, though, there is just enough time to get a second chance – with family, with friends, and with love.

I fell in love with Morgan's first novel, Amy and Roger's Epic Detour.  Now, I can't wait to see if her sophomore novel is as good. It sounds heartbreaking and fabulous.

While this isn't my favorite cover, it is pretty and really catches my eye. 

Top Ten Tuesday (2)

Top Ten Tuesdays is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

This weeks theme is Top Ten Books That Are On The Top Of My TBR List For Fall.

1. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin- Everything about this book looks amazing. The cover, the story.... I can't wait to read this one.  (September 27)

2. The Scorpio Races by Maggie Steifvator-  I loved Maggie's Wolves of Mercy Falls series so I'm ver excited to see how this book is. So far, I've been hearing good things about it.  (October 18)


3.  If I Die by Rachel Vincent-  I love this series. I was obsessing when I read the last book, and I need to read this one now! (September 20)


4. Daughters of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor- This one looks really good and I've been hearing really good things about it. (September 27)


5.  Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins- This one is one here for obvious reasons. Anna and the French Kiss was amazing and people are saying this is just as good, if not better. I can't wait to get my hands on it! (September 29)


6.  Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick- I really enjoyed Hush, Hush, but I didn't get into Crescendo as much. Hopefully the series will end well, and I'll like it as much as the first one. (October 4)


7. The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton- This one looks really interesting and I've been hearing good things about it. Hopefully it will be good! (September 27)


8. Amplified by Tara Kelly- I absolutely loved her debut, Harmonic Feedback, so I can't wait to see what this one will be like. If it's anything like her last book, I'm sure I'll love it. (October 25)


9. Destined by Jessie Harrell- I had this one on my Waiting on Wednesday a couple weeks ago. It's a Cupid and Psych retelling so I'm sure it will be fabulous. (November 17)


10. Going Underground by Susan Vought- This one looks extremely cute. I can't wait to see how it turns out. (September 13)

Review: Vanish

Vanish
Sophie Jordan
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: September 6, 2011


To save the life of the boy she loves, Jacinda did the unthinkable: She betrayed the most closely-guarded secret of her kind. Now she must return to the protection of her pride knowing she might never see Will again—and worse, that because his mind has been shaded, Will’s memories of that fateful night and why she had to flee are gone.

Back home, Jacinda is greeted with hostility and must work to prove her loyalty for both her sake and her family’s. Among the few who will even talk to her are Cassian, the pride’s heir apparent who has always wanted her, and her sister, Tamra, who has been forever changed by a twist of fate. Jacinda knows that she should forget Will and move on—that if he managed to remember and keep his promise to find her, it would only endanger them both. Yet she clings to the hope that someday they will be together again. When the chance arrives to follow her heart, will she risk everything for love?

In bestselling author Sophie Jordan’s dramatic follow-up to Firelight, forbidden love burns brighter than ever

Oh, I'm really liking these books so far. I loved Firelight, and Vanish was just as good.

There are many things about these books that I like, but I must say that I really liked that it's about dragons. Dragons are amazing, especially when they're people, too, like this. I would really like to see more of this in the future.

I also really liked Jacinda. She's strong. She's loyal to her family and her kind.

And will... I love Will. I don't think I need to say more.

For me, this was a very fast read. i could not stop reading.  So much happened in this book. And after reading the ending, I need to know what happens next!

I think this has potential to be my new favorite series. 

Spread the Word

Spread the Word is a feature that I came up with where I share some quotes that I like. 

I went ahead and put these quotes onto some pictures as well. 

Where do the quotes come from? I'll try to mix it up sometimes, but the quotes today are some of my favorite song quotes. 

This is from the song Me and Mia by Ted Leo and the Pharmacists

Ambitions by Donkeyboy

We are Golden by Mika

Charming Covers [14]

Charming Covers is a feature where I show some covers for upcoming books that have recently been revealed/ I've recently found.

This is Not a Test by Courtney Summers

2012

It’s the end of the world. Six students have taken cover in Cortege High but shelter is little comfort when the dead outside won’t stop pounding on the doors. One bite is all it takes to kill a person and bring them back as a monstrous version of their former self. To Sloane Price, that doesn’t sound so bad. Six months ago, her world collapsed and since then, she’s failed to find a reason to keep going. Now seems like the perfect time to give up.

As Sloane eagerly waits for the barricades to fall, she’s forced to witness the apocalypse through the eyes of five people who actually want to live. But as the days crawl by, everyone’s motivations to survive begin to change in startling ways and soon the group’s fate is determined less and less by what’s happening outside and more and more by the unpredictable and violent bids for life–and death–inside.

When everything is gone, what do you hold on to?

This one looks really interesting. This is the first non-contemporary novel by Courtney. It'll be interesting to see how she does with it. 

I like this cover. It's kind of creepy.  It took a minute to figure out what was going on with the girl. 

Review: A Touch Mortal

A Touch Mortal 
Leah Clifford
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Release Date: February 22, 2011

Eden didn't expect Az.

Not his saunter down the beach toward her. Not his unbelievable pick-up line. Not the instant, undeniable connection. And not his wings.

Yeah.

So long, happily-ever-after.

Now trapped between life and death, cursed to spread chaos with her every touch, Eden could be the key in the eternal struggle between heaven and hell. All because she gave her heart to one of the Fallen, an angel cast out of heaven.

She may lose everything she ever had. She may be betrayed by those she loves most. But Eden will not be a pawn in anyone else's game. Her heart is her own.

And that's only the beginning of the end.

This booked seemed like it would be so good; it had so much potential. So many people had said so many good things about it. Unfortunately, I didn't get into this book. I wish I had. The story is so unique. Don't get me wrong, it's not that it was bad. I just couldn't get into it.

At the beginning, it jumps right into the story. This is good, that it didn't take forever to get started. But, I would have liked more time to get to know the characters a little more. But, with the book already over 400 pages, there was probably not room for any more.

I think that was my main problem with the book. The characters. It's not that they were bad characters or I didn't like them or anything. It's just that I couldn't connect to them. Like I said, I wish there was more time to get to know them.

The story, though, was really good. I was always intrigued to see what would happen next. Overall, I was a toad disappointed. While the story is very intriguing, I just could not get into this book. 

Top Ten Tuesday (1)

Top Ten Tuesday is a feature hosted by the Broke and the Bookish.

I actually haven't posting anything besides reviews lately, and since I didn't know what else to do, I decided it would be fun to participate in Top Ten Tuesday. This week is Top Ten Books You Loved but Never Wrote a Review For.

This one is actually pretty easy for me. When I read a really good book and it's pretty popular at the time, I usually don't write a review for it because I feel that it's overdone. I know, I should start reviewing these books, but I just don't. Another reason I don't review really good books is because it's hard for me to come up with things to say. All you need to know is that I loved it, and that's it.
Anyway, here's my List:
(these aren't in any particular order)

1. The Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead- I'm clumping the entire series into one. I really enjoyed this series. I read the first four in about 3 days back last July. For whatever reason, I waited until December, but then I read the last two right when The Last Sacrifice came out. I didn't review any of the books because all I want people to know is that they are awesome. And you can get that information almost anywhere. 
2. Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer- I actually really enjoyed this book. It's not my favorite, and there were some things that bothered me. But overall, I really liked it. 
3. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins- I, along with thousands others, I'm sure, read this one the day it came out. Now, I will admit that this isn't my favorite in the series. Actually, it's my least favorite. But, I still really liked it. The only things is it was just downright depressing. But, overall, a good book. 
4. Perfect Chemistry Trilogy by Simone Elkeles- I'm in love with this series, as I'm sure a few other people out there are. I haven't reviewed any of these. I'm not sure why, just haven't. 
5. The Lost Saint by Bree Despain- I did review the first book, The Dark Divine. I really love this series and feel that not enough people have read them. Of course, I could probably help that a little by reviewing it. Oh, well. I'll make myself review the next book, The Savage Grace, coming out December. I need that book now.
6. The Nature of Jade by Deb Caletti- I loved this book. One of my favorite contemporary books ever. When I read this book for the first time, my blog was still new and I wasn't reviewing as many books. Excuses, I know. 
7. The Wolves of Mercy Falls by Maggie Steifvator- I really liked the first book. The last two were good, too, but I wasn't as into them. I really don't have much to say about these besides they are good and have beautiful writing.
8. Willow by Julia Hoban- Oh, this is such a good book! Again, I feel like not enough people have read it. I read this back a few years ago, and I still reread it. Amazing.
9. Going too Far by Jennifer Echols-  This is the book that made me fall in  love with this author. And it's my favorite by her. 
10. Bloom by Elizabeth Scott- Again, I loved this book. My favorite by this author. 

Review: The Hidden

The Hidden

Jessica Verday

Publisher: Simone Pulse

Release Date: September 6, 2011

A love that knows no bounds.

Abbey knows that Caspian is her destiny. Theirs is a bond that transcends even death. But as Abbey finally learns the full truth about the dark fate that links her to Caspian and ties them both to the town of Sleepy Hollow, she suddenly has some very hard choices to make. Caspian may be the love of her life, but is that love worth dying for?

Beautifully spun, emotionally gripping, and irresistibly romantic, The Hidden will leave you breathless.

What is up with that ending!!

I've been a fan of this series and I really enjoyed the last book, The Hidden. It was fun and had just as much mystery and ghosts and action as the last, if not more. 

The Hidden starts off right where The Haunted left off. It's been a while since I read The Haunted, and there's a lot I couldn't remember. But, I soon got into the rhythm of things. 

Abby and Caspian's relationship was....corny. I'm not going to lie. But it was cute. I will admit, Caspian's clingyness got a bit annoying. It got better the second half, though. 

Abby bothered me a lot more in this than in past books. Not a ton, but she was still annoying. 

The ending.... wow. i'm still not sure how I feel about it. I'm not happy with it, but I'm not unhappy either, I suppose.

This wasn't my favorite book in the series, but I still enjoyed it. 

In My Mailbox (69)

We have Kristi at The Story Siren to thank for hosting IMM every week. 

For Review:

Wanderlove by Kristin Hubbard (Netgalley ebook)

The Mephisto Covenant by Trinity Faegen (NetGalley ebook)

Bought:

Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles

Library:

Marcelo in the Real World by Francisco X. Stork

Never Have I Ever by Sara Shepard

Review: The Beginning of After

The Beginning of After
Jennifer Castle
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: September 6, 2011

Anyone who’s had something truly crappy happen to them will tell you: It’s all about Before and After. What I’m talking about here is the ka-pow, shake-you-to-your-core-and-turn-your-bones-to-plastic kind of crappy.

Sixteen-year-old Laurel’s world changes instantly when her parents and brother are killed in a terrible car accident. Behind the wheel is the father of her bad-boy neighbor, David Kaufman, whose mother is also killed. In the aftermath of the tragedy, Laurel navigates a new reality in which she and her best friend grow apart, boys may or may not be approaching her out of pity, overpowering memories lurk everywhere, and Mr. Kaufman is comatose but still very much alive. Through it all there is David, who swoops in and out of Laurel’s life and to whom she finds herself attracted against her better judgment. She will forever be connected to him by their mutual loss—a connection that will change them both in unexpected ways.

Jennifer Castle’s debut novel is a heart-wrenching, surprisingly witty testament to how drastically life can change in the span of a single moment.

It's been a while since I've read a novel like this. One of those sad yet good contemporaries. I've forgotten how much I enjoyed them. 

The Beginning of After is such a sad yet beautiful story. I've been craving a book like this.

Laurel was a flawed and perfect character. I could really fell her hurting. I could also feel her healing throughout the book.

Laurel wasn't the only character I liked. David was hurting. He and Laurel don't always get along. But, I really liked David.

The Beginning of After is a beautiful story with an uplifting ending. 

Review: Blood Red Road

Blood Red Road
Moira Young
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Release Date: June 7, 2011

Saba has spent her whole life in Silverlake, a dried-up wasteland ravaged by constant sandstorms. The Wrecker civilization has long been destroyed, leaving only landfills for Saba and her family to scavenge from. That's fine by her, as long as her beloved twin brother Lugh is around. But when a monster sandstorm arrives, along with four cloaked horsemen, Saba's world is shattered. Lugh is captured, and Saba embarks on an epic quest to get him back.

Suddenly thrown into the lawless, ugly reality of the world outside of desolate Silverlake, Saba is lost without Lugh to guide her. So perhaps the most surprising thing of all is what Saba learns about herself: she's a fierce fighter, an unbeatable survivor, and a cunning opponent. And she has the power to take down a corrupt society from the inside. Teamed up with a handsome daredevil named Jack and a gang of girl revolutionaries called the Free Hawks, Saba stages a showdown that will change the course of her own civilization.

Blood Red Road has a searing pace, a poetically minimal writing style, violent action, and an epic love story. Moira Young is one of the most promising and startling new voices in teen fiction.

I'm very picky about which dystopian books I choose to read. I've heard such great things about Blood Red Road, so I though I'd give it a shot.

Unfortunately, I didn't get as into the book as other people seem to. I'm not sure why. It has everything that I want in a dystopian. Kick-butt heroine, action, romance, good world building. But, nevertheless, I just did not get into it. 

This book has very unique writing. It's that of someone not well educated, complete with spelling and grammar errors. It took me a while to get used to, but I think it added to the story. It helps us know and understand Saba better. But, I did find it distracting, one reason I couldn't get into the story.

I really liked Saba. She was a strong, independent girl, which I like to see in my books. But, I never really connected with her like I should have. 

Overall, while Blood Red Road has everything a dystopian should, I just couldn't get into it. But don't let me persuade you; there are a lot of others who loved this book. 

In My Mailbox (68)

We have Kristi at The Story Siren to thank for hosting IMM every week. 

Won:

Dark Parties by Sarah Grant

Thanks to Nikki at Wicked Awesome Books!

For Review:

There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson

Library:

The Cupid War by Timothy Carter

The Help by Kathryn Stockett (ebook from library)

Review: Forgotten

Forgotten
Cat Patrick
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Release Date: June 7, 2011

Each night when 16 year-old London Lane goes to sleep, her whole world disappears. In the morning, all that's left is a note telling her about a day she can't remember. The whole scenario doesn't exactly make high school or dating that hot guy whose name she can't seem to recall any easier. But when London starts experiencing disturbing visions she can't make sense of, she realizes it's time to learn a little more about the past she keeps forgetting-before it destroys her future. 

Part psychological drama, part romance, and part mystery, this thought-provoking novel will inspire readers to consider the what-if's in their own lives and recognize the power they have to control their destinies.

I really loved this book. It's been a while since I've read a really good book, and this is one of them. 

This has such an interesting premise. It's one that you will never come across again. 

I loved London. Despite everything, she wasn't too whiny. She was strong and I admired her.

I didn't think that this book would be very romantic. I was wrong. I loved Luke and Luke and London's relationship. It was very sweet and not too clingy or needy. 

There is one reason and one reason only that this doesn't make my favorites. It was anti-climatic. There were some surprises, but I was expecting a big BAM! that would knock the breathe out of me. But it never happened, at least not for me. 

Also, I could have used a hundred more pages of this book. But I loved what was there. 

Cat Patrick's debut is a unique novel that took my breathe away. 

Back to School

Goodbye summer...

Hello school...

So today I started school. 

No, you're not crazy, starting August 9 is incredibly early!

There's a reason I start so early. And the reason I start earlier than most schools (but only about a week before other schools in my district) is because we get Fridays off. That's right, I only go four days a week. So while I'm not ready at all to go back to school, if I have to choose between 3 day weekends and going an extra 4 or 5 days before most schools, I have to say I'd prefer my weekends.

 I've had 3 day weekends for most of my school career, and I've got to say, I love 'em. They're pretty awesome. 

So yeah. 

Bummer for school starting. 

My blog might be a little slow for a while, just so you know, while I get back into things. 

But I'll fall back into routine. 

And for you lucky ones, enjoy the rest of your summer!

Review: Ten Things We Did (and probably shouldn't have)

Ten Things We Did (and probably shouldn't have)
Sarah Mlynowsk
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: June 7, 2011

2 girls + 3 guys + 1 house – parents = 10 things April and her friends did that they (definitely, maybe, probably) shouldn't have.

If given the opportunity, what sixteen-year-old wouldn't jump at the chance to move in with a friend and live parent-free? Although maybe "opportunity" isn't the right word, since April had to tell her dad a tiny little untruth to make it happen (see #1: "Lied to Our Parents"). But she and her housemate Vi are totally responsible and able to take care of themselves. How they ended up "Skipping School" (#3), "Throwing a Crazy Party" (#8), "Buying a Hot Tub" (#4), and, um, "Harboring a Fugitive" (#7) at all is kind of a mystery to them.

In this hilarious and bittersweet tale, Sarah Mlynowski mines the heart and mind of a girl on her own for the first time. To get through the year, April will have to juggle a love triangle, learn to do her own laundry, and accept that her carefully constructed world just might be falling apart . . . one thing-she-shouldn't-have-done at a time.

I've been hearing xush great things about this book, so I couldn't wait to read it. I actually didn't get as into as others, but I still really liked it. A very enjoyable read, but there was one thing that bothered me. 

The characters. Especially the main character, April. The entire time she didn't care about anyone but herself. I found myself rolling my eyes at her a lot. Now, I didn't hate her. She had her moments. But there were times when she bothered me. Also, maybe this is just me being me, but would anyone else feel bad about spending their parents money like that? Not even on necessary things, but on useless things like a hot tub? I know I would. But I guess I'm a goody two shoes. 

Anyway, on to the good stuff. This really is a fun book. Despite it being a mostly light read, it deals with some tough stuff, too. And even though the idea of it is a little far-fetched, the issues still seemed real. 

Overall, I did really like this book. If it weren't for the characters, I would absolutely love it. 

In My Mailbox (68)

We have Kristi at The Story Siren to thank for hosting IMM every week. 

For Review:

(from NetGalley)

Vanish by Sophie Jordan

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies 

Eve by Anna Carey

From Library:

Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

Jessica Darling books 3-5 by Megan McCafferty

Review: Something Deadly This Way Comes

Something Deadly This Way Comes
Kim Harrison
Publisher: HarperCollins Canada / Other
Release Date: May 24, 2011

I'm Madison Avery, in charge of heaven's hit squad . . . and fighting it all the way.

When Madison died the night of her prom, she knew her life would never be the same. Now she has a powerful amulet, a team of rogue angels by her side, and the ability to flash forward into the future to see the shape of destiny. And of course, now she's finally with Josh—a perfect boyfriend who doesn't even mind that she's dead.

But being dead has its disadvantages, too. Madison feels caught between the light and the dark, and between her real life and her timekeeper status. When Madison has the opportunity to get her body back—to bealive again—she faces her most difficult decision yet. If she claims it, she could return to being a normal girl—and have a chance at a real relationship with Josh. But would having the one thing she wants most in the world also mean giving up everything she's worked so hard for?

I'm a fan of this series. It's so different and fun.

Unfortunatly, I didn't get into Something Deadly as much as the other books. Maybe because it's been so long since I've read the last. But, it was still enjoyable.

It's been over a year since I read the last one, and I have to say, there was a lot I forgot. And with a book so short there's not a lot of wiggle room to try to figure out what happened before. But once I started figuring things out it got a lot more enjoyable. 

I love Maddison's character. She is awesome adn kick-butt. And with purple hair. Heck yeah!

Being so short it was packed full and never boring. There were times it felt a tad rushed but not too much.

I do wish there was more romance in this series. There es a little, but really not much at all.

This was a fun edition to the series. I don't know if it's the last or not, but if it is, I'm happy with the ending.