Thursday, May 31, 2012

Cover Reveal: Let the Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger

You should all know that I am extremely excited by Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger. And because of that, I knew that Shannon was writing a new YA book as well :D Called Let the Sky Fall. I knew I wanted to read it months ago. Then yesterday, she finally shared the cover + summary for it! And I am sold. I am dying to read this book. The summary is amazing, and the cover is simply stunning. Plus, I adore Shannon. :) It comes out March 2013. You all love this cover, right? RIGHT?!


Seventeen-year-old Vane Weston is the only survivor of the category five tornado that killed his parents. Every night since the storm, a beautiful, dark-haired girl has swept through his dreams. She's the only clue to his past, and he clings to the hope that she's real.

Audra is real, but she's also a sylph. An air elemental. She walks on the wind, can translate its alluring songs, and can even twist it into a weapon. She's also a guardian--Vane's guardian--and has sworn an oath to protect him at all costs. Even if it means sacrificing her own life.

When a hasty mistake reveals their location to the enemy who murdered both of their families, Audra must help Vane remember who he is. He has a power to claim--the secret language of the West Wind, which only he can understand. But unlocking his heritage will also unlock a memory Audra wishes could be erased. And as the storm bears down on them she starts to realize the greatest danger might not be the warriors coming to destroy them, but the forbidden romance that's grown between them.

Set amongst the desert airstreams of Coachella Valley in California, and alive with wonderful wind-swept prose, LET THE SKY FALL is about two teenagers broken by their pasts, divided by their futures, and bound by love.


Let the Sky Fall. Shannon Messenger. Shannon's Blog Post.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Cover Reveal: The Mirrored Shard by Caitlin Kittredge

Omg! I am loving this cover. It goes well with the covers from the first two books; as you can see below ;) I'm so excited for The Mirrored Shard to come out. Because I loved book one, The Iron Thorn and book two, The Nightmare Garden so much. <3 Gave both 5 stars. :) And then The Nightmare Garden ended so so so bad. And I just need to know what happens next. And I'm just so excited :D
Do you like the cover?


Some info plus short summary. February 12, 2013 The Iron Codex

Aoife Grayson must face death to win back Dean—the love who was ripped from the Iron Lands of the living when he was shot in the arctic north. But getting to the Deadlands is something that Aoife can't do on her own. And if she can find a way there, Tremaine would surely never allow it. He has sworn to keep her in the Thorn Lands, the fairie home of her mother, Nerissa. But Aoife is determined to find her way out. And she has no trouble if that means she has to kill Tremain and his queen to do it.

The Mirrored Shard. The Iron Thorn. The Nightmare Garden. Caitlin Kittredge.
My review of The Iron Thorn. My review of The Nightmare Garden. Picture Source.
Pre-Order via Amazon.

Waiting on Wednesday #33

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

FATHOMLESS (Fairytale Retellings #3) BY JACKSON PEARCE

Goodreads Description:

Celia Reynolds is the youngest in a set of triplets and the one with the least valuable power. Anne can see the future, and Jane can see the present, but all Celia can see is the past. And the past seems so insignificant -- until Celia meets Lo.

Lo doesn't know who she is. Or who she was. Once a human, she is now almost entirely a creature of the sea -- a nymph, an ocean girl, a mermaid -- all terms too pretty for the soulless monster she knows she's becoming. Lo clings to shreds of her former self, fighting to remember her past, even as she's tempted to embrace her dark immortality.

When a handsome boy named Jude falls off a pier and into the ocean, Celia and Lo work together to rescue him from the waves. The two form a friendship, but soon they find themselves competing for Jude's affection. Lo wants more than that, though. According to the ocean girls, there's only one way for Lo to earn back her humanity. She must persuade a mortal to love her . . . and steal his soul.


Hardcover, 304 pages
Expected publication: September 4th 2012 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Pre-Order here.

I am so excited for this book! I loved Sisters Red by Jackson. And Sweetly. Sisters Red the most, though :D It was just so amazing. The writing, the story, the characters. And the thing is; the characters and such are all connected in these books! And I love it. Cannot wait for this! It sounds so good; and I just need more of these retellings by Jackson :) Just know it will be awesome. Pretty cover :)
What are you waiting for?

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Teaser Tuesday #19

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

  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!
  • Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Today my teaser is from Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris. <3 I read this on Sunday. But I loved it so much. And I needed to post a teaser from it :D Might read a different book today; but still just posting this one teaser. :) Because it is so good. You can read my review of Unraveling here. <3 My teaser is a bit long, and very sweet and romantic. What you don't know is what evil things that happens after ;)
What are you reading?




I smile, and that's all it takes. He leans forward and our lips touch, and it's like his lips were made to fit around mine. His arms tighten around me, and I reach up to the back of his neck and pull him into me. Our lips part, out tongues touch, and I taste him until a sigh escapes with my breath. 
Ben pulls back just a fraction of an inch so our foreheads are touching, and his lips smile against mine.
 "This was perfect," I whisper. He closes his eyes, and his voice is quiet, like the words are 
simply being exhaled. "It was better than perfect." ~ page 183

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Review: Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris

When I first saw this book I wanted to read it. But then I checked it out some more, and I didn't want to read it at all. But somehow I decided to buy it, since I'm weird like that ;) And I am so glad I did! Because I ended up loving this book. Loved it way too much, I think. But it is all good. I was unsure because of the cover; and the cover don't make much sense with the story. Wish it had been more. Still, it is stunning :D

The writing in this book is perfect. The main character is thinking a lot, but I loved it all. Because it is written very well. And I enjoyed every moment of this book. Everything seems so real. But it is also so not-real, but it makes me think it could happen. And I loved that. Unraveling makes me feel so much. It makes me happy. But it mostly makes my heart break. It really did. It is so heartbreaking.

But I loved it. I would not wish for the heartbreak to not be there. Even though I sort of hated some things. But it made the book so good and it is a main reason for why I loved it so. When I started reading it, I couldn't stop until I had it finished. So I wouldn't recommend starting it in the evening :D This book starts out pretty normal, plot wise. Well, sort of. The whole being brought back to life wasn't very normal. But I loved it! And it wasn't that unusual ;) It made very sense.

The book in pretty normal at first though. The main character; Janelle goes to high school. Well, she isn't able to focus much on it in this book. But that was kind of perfect ;D She has one friend; Alex. And Alex is adorable. I loved him. He isn't a love interest. And that is good. He is just her best friend. And they are perfect as best friends. I loved their friendship. It is just very sweet. :)

Then there is Janelle. I pretty much loved everything about her. She is amazing. She's 17, and I'm happy about that. She isn't perfect. She doesn't have a good home life, although she loves her brother and her father. Things are just really complicated with her mother. And Janelle has had some pretty horrible stuff happened to her. And omg. I hated it!! It made me feel so much. But also loved it a lot.

Janelle is just an amazing character. I loved that this was her book. She's kind and sweet and strong but also so broken at times. I loved it. I also very much loved her brother. He is adorable. And I loved her father so much! Well, he wasn't there much. But I loved it when he was there. He has an awesome job. :) Her mother I hated. But she was sick; so I sort of understood it. Didn't like it, though.

Then there is Struz. Her father's partner. He is middle aged, I think. I loved reading about him :D He was also so amazing. Loved that he was included in this book. :) There is a few other people in this book that I liked and hated. Then there is Elijah and Reid. I didn't like them much. But I did understand them; and that was good. They were sort of awesome. :) In a weird way.

Then there is Ben. The love interest in this book. And omg. He is the best. He is so cute and adorable and kind and sweet and protective. He is the perfect boyfriend. Well, they aren't really a couple. At least not for a while. But this whole book is in less than 30 days; so I didn't mind much :D He and Janelle is perfect together. I just wish they were together more. The romance is sweet and perfect.

There just isn't enough. There is more plot than romance in this book. I didn't mind that much though. Because the plot is amazing. :) Anyway, Ben has a lot of secrets. I won't spoil any of them, though :D Because they are amazing to read about. Some parts of this plot didn't seem very beliveable. But I also loved it so much. Because it is unique and mostly awesome. So I enjoyed it very much.

This is a fantasy/paranormal book. I think I would call it a paranormal book. But it is set in the "regular" world. Sort of. :D The plot is confusing at parts. But it is also so awesome and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. So I'm happy with it. But oh. This book broke my heart so many times. It was painful. But I also loved every second of it. Hopefully you will too ;)

I will not forgive the author if there isn't a sequel to this book. Coming out very soon. Because this book has such an horrible and brutal ending. And it just cannot end like that. I will not allow it. Even so, I loved this book so much, but I also wish it had been longer. Even though it was so long o.O

I cannot say more about this book. Not really. Feel like I have said enough, I think. This book has so many things. Romance, action, mystery, sadness. Amazing characters and writing. So many things happen. But it is so good. A must read. Unraveling is a stunning book. And I feel that everyone should read it. So, yeah. Do that ;)

Goodreads - Buy it

Update: Newer and better review of the book can be found here.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

In My Mailbox #33

Another huge IMM post :D Oh, how I love getting mail. <3 mostly Brave stuff. And I am loving it all so so so much. Cannot wait to watch the movie. <3 I haven't read anything since Tuesday.. but that is because it's Rob-days these days, and I cannot focus on anything else. :) He is just too adorable. <3
What did you get this week?


Tons of Brave stuff. Got all of these from book depo :D They were very cheap to pre-order ;) And omg. I am so so glad I pre-ordered so much Brave stuff. Because every single thing is amazing.
City of Lost Souls Another pretty paperback. :) No extras in this one, though. Still gorgeous :D
Hemlock I loved this book! It was so good. You can read my review here on my blog. :)
Super 8 I cannot wait to watch this movie! I think it sounds so good.


Lips Touch Three Times This book seems amazing. And the cover is gorgeous. Excited to read :)
Unraveling Must read this book next! It sounds so good. Liking the cover as well ;)
Hourglass Well.. I couldn't just have one paperback, could I? It is so stunningly good.
The Spiderwick Chronicles Seems awesome! I liked the movie years ago. :) Excited to read.
Keeper of the Lost Cities Swag. Won this from Shannon! :D I LOVE IT SO MUCH!! <3
Signed copy of Croak plus swag. <3 Plus ARC of Pushing the Limits :D Loves it all so so much :) Won it via the YAmazing Race ;) So happy. :)


More Brave things :D I am in love with it all. <3 that coloring book is huge, though :D
Enchanted I am so excited to read this book! It seems awesome. And the cover is so pretty. :)
Of Poseidon I really enjoyed this book when I read the ARC. :) Such a pretty hardcover. <3
The Prince Who Fell From The Sky Oh, this book seems so amazing. Need to read it soon!
Cold Kiss I still haven't read my hardcover. But I needed this gorgeous paperback :)
Sisters Red Another pretty paperback of Sisters Red :D Loves it. This book is just so good. <3
Hush, Hush I did love these books. <3 and I wanted this paperback; it was very cheap. :)


In My Mailbox is an weekly meme made by The Story Siren.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday #32

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

THE EVOLUTION OF MARA DYER BY MICHELLE HODKIN

Goodreads Description:

One week after Mara walked into a police station in Miami at the close of The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, she has been committed to psychiatric treatment for what her parents believe was a mental breakdown. But what seems like a hallucination to everyone else is a chilling reality for Mara. Someone from her past has discovered her strange, deeply disturbing secret and that someone wants her to pay.

But when no one believes the truth, Mara is totally helpless. The only person on her side is Noah Shaw, as sexy and handsome as he is loyal and cunning. Noah is the only person who can help Mara—as long as he doesn’t get himself killed in the process.



Hardcover, 272 pages
Expected publication: October 23rd 2012 by Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Pre-Order here.

Omg. I need this book. Like really, really need it. DYING TO READ IT, need it. I loved the first book; The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer so much. Loved it a whole lot. The story, the characters. Everything. And I can't wait to read it's sequel! Because it ends so bad. But with the chapter teaser on Goodreads; I'm so excited for this book :) Because I know it isn't bad. It is good. So good. Needs it. <3 Love the cover!
What are you waiting for? 

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Review: Storybound by Marissa Burt

I knew I needed this book when I saw the cover. And especially when I read the summary. I have started to love middle grade books a whole lot lately. Just love reading them so much. Before I managed to order it, though, I won a signed copy! And I was so happy about that :D Won lots of other swag too, that I love way too much. It arrived this week; and I just needed to read it right away. I'm glad I did. :) Mostly.

I fell in love with this book right away. Just like I knew I would. The writing is perfect, the characters are amazing, and the story is stunning. A perfect middle grade fantasy book. It has it all. Action, suspense, adventure, sweet moments. And bad moments. I mostly loved this book, though. But I did hate some things about the ending; which is why it is only a four star to me :\ But a big four star!

I'm not sure how to talk about this book without spoiling it. And I don't want to do that. Storybound is like a fairytale. Well, it is a Story. And Story is it's own land different from our land. Don't wanna spoil it, but it is amazing. It is beautiful there. And so different. But so good and amazing and exciting. It is fun to read about. But also a bit sad. Mostly exciting, though. There is so much to learn.

Won't talk more about the plot; since you can read the summary. :) I loved the characters in this book. It is one of the things that made me love it. Because the characters are very lovable. Every one. Well, except for the bad guys. But those don't count :D First there is Una. The main character. And she is adorable. She is a child, but I loved her. She seems older at times, but sometimes a child ;p

But even so. She is broken. In a way. She is sad and lonely and my heart broke so much for her. But she is also really kind and sweet and strong in her own way. And brave. She is an amazing character. The first friend she makes is Peter. And omg. I loved Peter. Wish he was a bit older; but I still loved him so much. He is kind and sweet and strong and amazing. He is perfect.

And I kept wishing for a romance between him and Una. And that is probably silly of me; since they are about twelve years old. (A) But then. 12 year olds can be girlfriends-boyfriends, can't they? I at least wanted them to be more than friends. But I adored their friendship. It was so cute and real. Then there is Sam; the talking cat. He was awesome. A bit different, but so sweet. Loved him.

Then there was Snow. She seemed so mean, but I loved her. Because she too was broken. As was her mother. And it was all just so horrible. Because something happens, and then the book ends end we never find out what happened next. And I just need to know what happens. I need to know. Really need to. Still, I loved it all. These characters made the story so good. :)

There was some other amazing characters as well. But then there was Indy. We knew about him near the end. And I hated him from the beginning. I shouldn't have. Probably not. But I felt like he was stealing Una away from Peter. It felt like such a love triangle. Even though it is a middle grade book with no romance. But I still felt it. Because Una seems more aware of Indy and I am hating it.

And I just cannot stop thinking about it, and it is making me so sad. Just wish it won't be so. I need Una and Peter back together. As best friends, at least. Without Indy being there. Okay? :D Anyway! I really loved this book. It is cute, and exciting, and sad. It has some really heartbreaking moments. But I loved them all. It is a must read book. You will not regret it.

I know this review is shorter than the ones I have written these past weeks o.O But I just can't figure out what else to say about this book. I just loved it. And I don't want to spoil it. Storybound is an magical book. It has it all. Well, except the romance since it's a middle grade book ;p But I loved it, still.

Review: Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock

I very much loved this book. I really did. And the thing is, I didn't think I woud like it. And I am blaming other reviewers for that. They said that there is a love triangle in this book. And there isn't! Well, there probably could be one. But with Jason being such an asshole I don't ever see it happening. And it better not. More on that soon. Also wished the cover had been more. Still, this is a stunning book :D

I started reading this yesterday evening. Thinking I would only read a little, and then finish it today. But once I started reading I couldn't stop. And I didn't stop. So I read until after midnight. :) Been a while since I have done that. But I am glad I did. Because this book is amazing; and I wouldn't have been able to wait to read the rest of it. It was best to read it all in one go.

I'm gonna start with talking about the characters. The main character is Mac. And I loved her. She is an awesome main character. But I didn't like that she wasn't able to see that her best friends were into her for years. I thought it was all so obvious. Don't like when the girl can't see it. Still, Mackenzie is awesome. She is kind and sweet and, uhm, sort of brave. For the most part. A little stupid at times.

But I loved that about her. Mac's best friend, Amy, was recently brutally murdered by a werewolf. And Mac isn't over it. It's been five months. She still has nightmares about it. And omg. I hated those :\ So sad and horrible. Amy seemed like an awesome person. But then we learned some things about her, and I didn't like her at all. Think it changed a bit of how Mac looked at her too. Maybe.

But even so. She did not deserve to die. And she died for a horrible reason. I will not spoil it, though :D Because it is awesome to read about the mystery in this book. Really awesome. Mac has another best friend; Kyle. And omg. I adored Kyle. He is the perfect person. Sweet, kind, protective and handsome. Some might say he is too protective, but I think he could be even more protective. :)

See, Mac keeps saying she doesn't need to be protected. Which is really silly of her to say; considering she needs to be protected and is in all the book. But I did love that. Anyway. Kyle is awesome. And he is the love interest in this book. And it is just so sweet. But it is also a bit heartbreaking. But I still loved it a whole lot. There better be more of that romance in the sequel. It must be.

Then there is Jason. He was Amy's boyfriend. And gah! I HATED HIM. I didn't like him at all. Some may think he's the sexy broken boy, but he isn't. To me he was just an asshole. All the time. He probably could have been better before Amy died, but he was too horrible after. And I am forever hating Mac for forgiving what he did (or didn't, do) that night at the bar. Hated him so much then!

I suppose he is kind. A tiny bit. But I didn't see it. I just saw how cruel he was, and I hated him for it. And Mac was too quick in forgiving him. She better not be that way in the sequel. Really hate that. :\ Then, of course, he had to be in love with Mac. Hated him even more, then. Because I sort of think there will be a love triangle in the sequel. But then I will probably give up on the book.

Because it wouldn't make sense. It is overdone, in my eyes. Plus, Mac is in love with Kyle. And Kyle is in love with her. And it is the perfect romance. It is just stupid to mess with that. And it does not make the story "good" to have a stupid love triangle. Hih. Anyway! Sorry (A) I just wanted to share my opinion on it all. And my view of it will not change. Ever. Gonna talk about the plot, now :D

The plot in this book is so amazing. I loved that it is about werewolves. Because I love werewolves. Well, every werewolves besides the Twilight ones. Hated those because of Jacob. Anyway! These werewolves are really different than usual. Sort of. They are all out in the open. And if it found out that some are a werewolf, they are put away and locked up. And it sounded so horrible.

Even so, I wish to find out more about those places. Because it seemed really interesting. But not all werewolves are captured. There are many living in hiding. And they can change whenever they want to; no full moon. lol. Plus I'm pretty sure they are able to think for themself when they are a wolf. Really wish the sequel will be more about the werewolves and the way they are. :)

Anyway, I loved the werewolves in this book. They are awesome. Plus I loved who some of them were ;) It was just so good. <3 but also a bit sad and heartbreaking. Still, I loved it. Then there is the plot. The plot is to find Amy's murderer; the white wolf. And omg. There is a lot of suspense in this book. But I loved it all. There are betrayals and mystery and romance. Hemlock has it all.

We will find out who the murder is; considering it would be really dumb if we didn't know :D hih ;p Anyway, I loved the plot twists of that. It was really written well. And it made sense. The ending of this book is sort of awesome, but it is also so heartbreaking. I am happy with Amy, but I'm also pissed at her for one thing. :p But I do have lots of hope for book two. Just hope it will be just as good. :)

Hemlock is an amazing book. And I'm pretty sure everyone will love it. Just remember, there is no triangle. Mac loves someone, and that someone loves her too. But someone else loves her as well, but she doesn't love him. :D Hih. And I'm extremely pleased about that. Because I hated him :p Anyway, you all really need to read this book. Because it is so good. <3 :)

Goodreads - Buy it

Update: Newer and better review of the book can be found here.

Teaser Tuesday #18

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

  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!
  • Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Today my teaser is from Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock. I read this book yesterday :D And omg. I loved it a whole lot. Posting my review a little after I post this post. I'm not sure if I will be reading anything today; so I'm posting teasers from this book. :) And I do love the teasers. <3 
My review of Hemlock can be read here. :)
What are you reading?


Kyle reached out and gently tilted my chin up, forcing me to meet his eyes. The expression 
in them was sad and a little broken. He swallowed. "Don't cry for me, Mac. Please don't." 
He leaned forward and rested his forehead against mine. "I'm not worth it." ~ page 139

And another one.

It wasn't hesitant or awkward of the way you'd kiss your best friend. It was soft and sure and full of heat. And it was the easiest thing for my lips to part, for me to reach up and pull him closer as his hands gently cupped my face and then trailed down my neck and along my shoulders.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Review: This Is Not a Test by Courtney Summers

I am mad at myself for thinking that I wouldn't like this book. More though, I'm mad at the people who wrote reviews that made me think I wouldn't like this book. They all mislead me. Because this book is good. It is so good. When I first heard of it, I knew I would love it. Then I read reviews; and I was unsure. But I loved it. I really, really loved it. It is just so amazing. Everything about it is perfect.

What made me want this book was the gorgeous cover. Because it really is gorgeous. Then I read the summary, and I just needed it. It sounded so good. But then. It's so long until it is out. Still a month left. But I got to read it early :D And I'm so happy about that. And I cannot wait to get my pretty paperback edition of it. <3 needs at least two. Hih.

I'm not sure how to describe this book. Words seems to be failing me at the moment. Gonna try my best though. :) This Is Not a Test starts out really awesome. Well, it is heartbreaking. So sad. And horrible. But it is a perfect beginning. It is the day the zombies arrive. The last normal day. Well, it's only a few pages. But still. I loved it. Because it shows us how Sloane's life is. Then it all begins.

We don't get to see many zombies in this book. It didn't bother me, though. But we did get to see enough of them. Enough to understand how things are, and how horrible it all is. And it is written so well. The writing in this book is perfect. So happy about that. This book is about 6 teenagers stuck in their high school. It is the only place they are safe. But are they really safe there?

Well, not really. I liked the plot in this book. Liked it a whole lot. It is perfect. So good. Also liked that they were stuck in the high school. :) It may seem good and all, but it isn't. Not really. They are there for a few short weeks. They are safe. Well, mostly. But there is a lot of hate between each person that are there. And omg. I loved it all. Because it is awesome. Heartbreaking at times. Love.

Don't want to say too much about the plot. It is mostly in the high school. But so much awesome happen there. So much sadness. But it is all so good. Gonna talk a bit about the characters. :) First there is Sloane, the main character. She is amazing. Well, she is sort of horrible too. She just wants to die. But that's just it. I totally get why. And I would probably want to die too. It is personal.

And it is just so.. normal. In a way. Well, at least to me. Sloane is suicidal, but she is also kind and strong sometimes. She is sweet. I loved her. She is a perfect main character. And I'm so glad that this book was her story. :) Then there is Rhys. The love interest. At first there isn't much romance at all. But then it happens. And omg. The romance in this book is so sweet and good but also sad.

Mostly good though. I, at least, loved it a whole lot. It is perfect. And Rhys is perfect. We don't really see enough of him. But I love every scene he is in. Because he is amazing. He is broken. And it breaks my heart. But he is also so kind and sweet and loving. He is just perfect. And I loved him a whole lot.

Then there are the four other teenagers in this story. There is Grace. And I liked Grace. Didn't love her, but I liked her a whole lot. She seemed very kind. And I loved that Sloane sort of knew her from before. Liked that story. Grace has a brother; Trace. And Trace is a horrible person. I didn't like him at all. He is just cruel and mean. Although, he is sort of awesome. But he did disgust me sometimes.

So, yeah, I didn't like him much. Then near the end he does something so bad. But I am glad about the last thing he did. Sort of. ;) Then there is Harrison. And Harrison was a boring person. A 15 year old boy who couldn't stop crying. He was whining all the time. But, I also loved that he was in this book. There was also Cary. And I sort of hated him as well. But I enjoyed reading about him. Sometimes. :)

Most of this book is about Sloane thinking about her sister, Lily. And that really is heartbreaking. Lily is the sister who left her. And I hated her so much for it. Because how could Lily leave her with that? It was just so cruel. But she was Sloane's sister. Still. Didn't like her. Even though we didn't see her :p But I loved that she was such a big part of the plot.

I don't want to spoil this book. So I'm not going to. Just gonna say that this book is stunning. The writing is perfect. The characters are amazing. And the story is so good. I am so happy I read this book. Because This Is Not a Test is a perfect book. A book I must re-read many times. I wish it was longer, though. Because it ends with a cliffhanger. And I need more. Please be a sequel soon. :) <3

There is a lot of death in this book. Some action. Some really heartbreaking scenes. Some romantic scenes that I loved extremely much. There is a lot happening in this book. So many amazing things. So many sad things. Everything perfect. Then there is the ending. The ending is horrible. But I loved the ending. Many people don't, and I can understand that. But I loved loved loved it. A whole lot.

Anyway. I think you all should read this book when it comes out. It will be worth it. So good.

Goodreads - Pre-Order

Update: Newer and better review of the book can be found here.

Saturday, May 19, 2012

In My Mailbox #32

Soooo.. My mailbox might be a bit big this week (A) But. It is even bigger next week o.O I just can't seem to stop buying books. Although! Most of these are pre-orders. Some are winnings. :) Even so. I love getting mail, and I don't think I will stop buying books anytime soon. In case you hadn't noticed before; I always write a sentence about the book that I have got. After the picture. :)
What did you get this week?


Insurgent Finally got my last hardcover :D So good and so pretty. <3 Insurgent is awesome.
Insurgent Was supposed to be the International paperback. Sad and pissed that it wasn't. :\
Winter's Shadow and Winter's Light. Won these from Paranormal Wastelands :D Seems so good.
Tangled Pocket Story This one is awesome. Loves it so much! Pretty pictures ;) Tangled is the best. <3
All of this awesome swag I won from Dark-Readers :D And omg. I love it all! So pretty. <3


Brave 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 Omg! I love all of these. I just needed them (A) So pretty. Can't wait for the movie.
Brave 5 - 6 - 7 They are all so pretty. Really pretty. So glad I bought them. :) Lots more coming ;p
The Dark Light Bookmark Got this from the author. <3 It is so so pretty. Book seems awesome. :)
How To Train Your Dragon 1-3 Ahh. I love this! The movie is so good. Excited to read them. <3


Disney 3D Puzzle Play This is sort of awesome. Might be childish of me; but I love it :D Pretty. <3
The Cabinet of Earths This book seems awesome! I love MG books. <3 Can't wait to read it. :)
The Gathering Dark or Shadow and Bone. I loved this book. <3 Such a pretty paperback, too. :)
Sisters Red GORGEOUS paperback! Omg. I love it so much. The coloring is perfect. <3
Cosmopolis Two copies. Well, I want another one :D Hih. It is just so damn pretty. <3 I love Rob.
Rock On + Tithe. I won these two books from Ex Libris :D Rock On seems interesting ;)
The Near Witch Love this paperback. <3 The book is really good. And the cover is so pretty. :)
Shatter Me I already have one copy of this paperback.. but it is so pretty. Needed one more :D
ALSO! I got accepted to read Demon Eyes by Scott Tracey on NetGalley! :D So excited. <3

 
See all those goodies above? Those are three of the 10 prize packs I won via the YAmazing Race! :D I am so so so happy I was a part of that. <3 because just these three prize packs are amazing. They are awesome. And I love everything so much. <3 cannot wait to get the rest. :) Anyway. On the first picture are the swag of Touching the Surface that I got from Kimberly Sabatini :D Also won a pre-order of the book. Loves! Can't wait until October. :) Then I won a signed copy of Storybound by Marissa Burt. <3 and omg. I cannot wait to read this book. It sounds so good. And the swag is perfect! :D Then, of course, I won more from Marissa Meyer :D More Cinder. <3 Cinder is one of my favorite books. And Marissa Meyer must be my favorite author. So I'm really happy about all of this. :) I now have a signed hardcover of Cinder, a signed UK paperback of Cinder. And tons of swag :) Loving the mirror so much. <3 :)

In My Mailbox is an weekly meme made by The Story Siren.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Review: Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick

I had been wanting to read this book for months now. But because I read some negative reviews I didn't read it right away. I sort of really regret that now. Or, well, I also regret reading it already because I do not know how I will survive the 100+ days until the sequel. I have no patience. And I need to know what will happen RIGHT NOW. Plus, it ends so so so bad and I have no idea how it will get better. Sort of.

A lot of people are saying the last 200 pages of this book was bad. At first I agreed. Then I thought that it was better. Because I liked this one character a whole lot; much better than a character in the first part. Getting to that soon. :) Anyway! I loved this book. The writing is really good, and the story is sort of unique, and the characters are great. For the most part.

Ashes reminded me a lot of the show The Walking Dead. But it isn't really the same. It has some things that are the same, but I didn't mind. I love them both. The "zombies" in this book also reminds me of the rabids in The Immortal Rules; but not as awesome. Still enjoyed these, though :D Because they aren't usual, and they are pretty interesting. And horrible.

The plot in this book is so good. It starts out normal; well, sort of. There is the main character, Alex. I got her confused for a guy many times :p But that was just me. With the name. She is most definitely a girl. :) She is a unique character. And I loved her. She is sweet, well, sometimes. And she is kind. If she has reasons to be. And she is strong. She is out in the mountains to "set free" her parents ashes.

And I sort of think that is why this book is called Ashes. Because of that. It has some part in this plot. But still not really getting the title for this book. There are no ashes in Ashes. Still, though. I do love the title. :) Anyway. Alex is in the mountains. She is also sick. She has a huge brain tumour, and it is horrible. She has lost all smells and tastes and memories. But then something happens.

There is a "zap." And everything starts hurting in Alex; almost like she's dying. And the animals are the same. And some other hikers she had met. Then it passes. The guy besides her is dead. But not the 8 year old girl. And Alex is forever changed. Well. Probably. Most likely. Her smell and such are back. And it is awesome. Because her sense of smell is a lot stronger; it is a bit weird. But I loved it.

Anyway! Not sharing much more about the plot :D Well, a little very soon, but will say it's a spoiler. I really loved the first 200+ pages of this book. Alex teams up with this little 8 year old kid; Ellie. And omg. I sort of really hated her. She was a total ass, and she made things so bad for Alex. But. I also couldn't help but like her. Well, later on. :)

Alex wasn't the only one who changed in the zap. A lot of people died. Most people died. But many changed. They became zombies. Well, a version of zombies. And they started eating people! And they can smell people. And it really creeped me out. But I also loved it, because it made the story so good.

Alex and Ellie are doing everything that can to survive. But it ain't easy. Then, when they are almost dead, they meet Tom. It is horrible the way they meet. It was not good. But it was also sort of awesome. Tom is an interesting character. I know I was supposed to love him. And I sort of did. But not enough, I think. And especially not since Alex didn't share her secrets with him at all. :p

But he was a great character. He was strong and smart and kind. And now is the time where I start telling SPOILERS. Because it would be a mistake to like Tom. And Ellie. Because they disappear. They are there for the half of the book, then they are gone. In a horrible way. But also beliveable. I just didn't like it at all. They aren't dead, probably not. But they aren't there, either.

And in a way Ashes is two books. The first part, and the second part. But not really, either. Since it is the same main character and the same plot. Just a few different characters. At first I was really pissed. But then I started loving the second part. It is a lot different from the first part. Because Alex is alone. But she is also in a new place with lots of people. And it's weird. But so good.

She is in Rule. And Rule is a fucked up place. So many weird things going on there. It seemed horrible. The thing I loved about it, though.. was Chris. And I didn't think I would enjoy a love triangle. At all. But it isn't a triangle in this book. Probably in the next; and I will hate that. But in this book it isn't. I think she feels more for Chris. Because she fits together with Chris a lot more.

And Chris is amazing. He is a lot different from Tom. But to me, he was a lot better. We didn't get to know Chris a lot. But then, we didn't get to know Tom either. And I liked Chris the most. Chris is sweet and kind, and handsome. He is full of secrets. And I loved that. He is also sort of dark; which I really loved. I felt sorry for him a lot, though. Because Alex was being difficult. Still.

I want Chris and Alex to be together. And they do kiss. And it is so good. And I loved it a whole lot. But then some really horrible things happens; and then it is ending. And I couldn't believe that ending. There are betrayals. And I'm hating on Alex for not listening to Chris. And I have hope. But I also don't, because the ending is cruel. Really cruel. But since it is a trilogy; I'm not very worried. :)

My hopes for the sequel: That Alex and Chris will be together. That someone else will end up being dead. That a lot of people will end up being dead. And I am hoping more than anything that there won't be a love triangle. I do not want it. I just want her to be with Chris. 

Also, it will be so interesting to see what will happen next. I cannot wait for the sequel. Wish I could have it right now. <3 I needs it. Like, really need it. Anyway. I loved this book. The writing is perfect, the plot is so interesting and so good, at all times. And the characters are mostly amazing. :) There are a lot of characters in this book; only mentioned a few. But loved a lot. :)

Anyway. I think you should all read this book. Because it is amazing. It really is.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday #31

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

OUTPOST (Razorland #2) BY ANN AGUIRRE

Goodreads Description:

Deuce’s whole world has changed. Now living topside in a community called Salvation, she has a whole new set of problems. Down below, she was considered an adult, and she contributed to the whole. Now, topside, the people of Salvation think she’s a brat in need of training. She hates school, and she doesn’t fit in with the other girls. They’ve spent their lives learning to cook and sew–suitable woman’s work. Deuce only knows how to fight. To make matters worse, Fade keeps her at a distance, and the band of four has broken into fragments.

Stalker presses for a closer relationship, but Deuce sees him as a training partner, and she’s busy trying to find her place in Salvation. She refuses to accept that she’s wrong for being who she is, but tensions rise as she struggles against the status quo. Her feelings for Fade haven’t changed, but he seems not to want her around anymore. Confused and lonely, she starts looking for a way out.

Once she’s free from school for the year, Deuce pursues a chance to serve in the summer patrols–those responsible for making sure the growers and planters can work the fields without danger of Freak attack. It should have been routine, little fighting, but things have been changing on surface, just as they did below ground. The Freaks are smarter. They’re watching. Waiting. Planning. The monsters don’t intend to let Salvation survive, and it will take a girl like Deuce to turn the tide.


Hardcover, 336 pages
Expected publication: September 4th 2012 by Feiwel & Friends
Pre-Order here.

I cannot wait for this book! So excited for it. I loved Enclave. :) But I cannot lie. I HATED the ending. Like really hated it. Hated that whole Stalker issue, and how.. cruel, Deuce was towards Fade. I just couldn't stand it :( Hoping she will do her best to earn forgiveness. Because to me, she needs to do that. :) But! I am really excited for Outpost. Because I did love the story. A lot. <3
What are you waiting for?

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Review: Underworld by Meg Cabot

I would like to start by saying that the summary for this book is crap. It isn't right at all; although, well, a few things are. But not the important parts. Would also like to say that while I liked this book a tiny bit more than the first one, it still isn't more than three stars. Maybe three point five. But only maybe. I wanted to love it. I really did. Just couldn't get over how badly written and unbeliveable it was :\

Even though I didn't enjoy this series much I must admit that I love the book covers. They are gorgeous. Although, uhm. The words on the covers don't make much sense with the story. Like the UK cover pictures the most; getting both of those. :) I'm sad that I didn't love these books. I wanted to. I really did. And I did try to love them. It just didn't work. Will still read the final book, though :)

I fear that this will be another mostly negative review. It's not that I want to write a negative review. But I do want to write my thoughts on this book, and they aren't really good ones. A few, but not much. Oh, well. You don't have to read it. :) Gonna share it anyway, though. No spoilers. I think. But there is spoilers for the first book; Abandon. Just so you know.

After finishing Abandon, and having giving it some thought, I wasn't sure if I wanted to read this second book. I wanted to know what happened next, but I also couldn't really stand to read more of the bad writing and the bad main character. But I felt like I was only half-finished. So I needed to read it. And I am glad I did. Even though I didn't like it much. It was an interesting book. For the most part.

It has all the same flaws as the first book; which I mentioned in my review yesterday. I hated the writing. Still felt like a journal; and it is NOT supposed to be a journal. At all. So I didn't like that. Plus I don't like how things were described because they didn't seem real at all; just silly. Then there was the main character; Pierce. I still didn't like her. She isn't a good main character.

She can be kind. But to me she is just cruel most of the time and really stupid. And she is always crying. Which did not make sense, because to me she didn't have anything to cry over. Things weren't THAT bad. At all. Plus, this whole book happened in less than two days. Which was even weirder. Because Pierce is "missing." And already everyone knows she is, and there is a 1 million reward for finding her. Which was a bit over the top, to be honest. Especially since we never saw her father.

Yeah, I just didn't like Pierce. I wanted to. But in my eyes she was just too silly and not very smart at all. Also. She is supposed to be in love with  John. But she also "hated" him the day before. She had no reason to hate him, of course. But we didn't SEE any reason for why she started loving him, either. Well, I did. But that doesn't say why she did. Because it didn't make much sense.

You see, Pierce and John didn't seem to be alone at all. And they were only with each other for a few days. And it was all too weird. Because Pierce was weird. And John wasn't written well. He wasn't really a person to love. I mean, there wasn't any reason to hate him. But Pierce is getting all of these stupid reasons to hate him, and I don't like it. There just wasn't any reason to like him, either.

What I disliked most about how Pierce treated him, however, was that she kept insisting that he was a killer. And he probably is, considering he has been there for close to two hundred years. But that isn't any of Pierce's business. She thinks he is such a bad killing person because he has protected her only twice from two people. By hurting them A TINY BIT. And I hated that she judged him for that. I wish he had killed them; and I wouldn't have blamed him one bit.

Anyway! I just didn't like the characters at all. I could probably talk about them forever, but I don't really want to :p Just want to try to forget the bad parts. Because there are a few good parts. I did enjoy the plot. I didn't love it, because it isn't really done well at all. It is sort of pathetic. But it did have potential. And that is kind of depressing, really. But it was interesting to read. Why I didn't give up :)

Don't know what else to say. The book is weird, and not written well. The characters are annoying and not written well, either. The plot could have been so much better. But I still sort of liked the book. I think. Either way, I am going to read the next one. :) And you should read this if you read book one :)

~

Update July 7th 2013: I had to change my rating for this book from a three star to a two star. Why? Because while it has been a while since I read it, I just realized that I was not being honest when rating it. I did not enjoy it as much as I claimed with my three star rating. And because of that I had to change it. Because I like being honest, and giving this a star more than it deserve is not being honest. It is officially a two star for me, because I can’t even remember much of the story, and I would not ever re-read the book. I’m sorry, but not really, because you can’t love every book.


Teaser Tuesday #17

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

  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!
  • Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Today my teaser is from Underworld by Meg Cabot. I read the first book; Abandon yesterday. And I sort of liked it. Maybe. But I did need to read the next one :) So today I'm doing that :D Haven't really started it yet; but I have opened a few pages to pick a teaser ;) And it does seem awesome. Hope it is :)
What are you reading? 


That second time, since I had been fifteen and not a child, a different kind of magic had occurred . . . the kind that can happen between any two people who find themselves attracted to each other.
The only problem was, that time it has been me, and not the bird, who'd died. ~ page 23

And another one.

I wanted him every bit as much as he wanted me. When his lips slid from my mouth to my throat 
to kiss each place the links from my necklace had left red marks, I knew I was lost. ~ page 276

Monday, May 14, 2012

Review: Abandon by Meg Cabot

I have had this book for quite some time now. Have wanted to read it a lot of times; but have been worried that it would be too heartbreaking. It sort of is, but in a weird way; so I shouldn't have been worried at all. :) Gonna read the sequel next. But I didn't really like this book much, either :\ I wanted to. And I did enjoy the plot and somehow liked the characters. The writing just wasn't for me at all.

You see. I thought this would be an epic mythology/fantasy/paranormal book. Well, it isn't. It is mostly just another high school book. It isn't very long, but to me it focused too much on the whole school thing that what was supposed to be the actual plot. I'm sure some wouldn't mind it at all, but I did.

I wanted it to be amazing, and I wanted to love it. But I couldn't. I couldn't like it because of the writing. It isn't much of a book, in my eyes. It's more like a journal. A not good written journal. I didn't understand much of the things that were written; because most of the time it didn't make sense. And I understood all the words; just not the way they were put together :\ Plus I didn't enjoy the time thing.

See, the time is really weird in this book. I have no idea what happened when. It is supposed to be two years since Pierce nearly died, yet near the end they say one and a half year. And it is so confusing in all of the book. It confused me a whole lot. I'm sorry if this review will be a bit negative, it's just the way I felt about it and I like being honest about my feelings about books.

But I did like the plot. If only it had focused at the plot at all. Because it didn't. Didn't think it was done well, either. It could have been awesome. But it was just "too much" only nothing really happened, but according to the main character so much had happened while nothing really did. The plot centers around Pierce and her short death. Were she goes to the Underworld.

And it is just weird. Because it could have been so good; and that is depressing. She was with John there; and I didn't understand why she was so overwhelmed with things, because those small things didn't really matter at all. And also felt like John's reaction towards her was overdoing it a whole lot. I could have understand it if it had been written well. But it wasn't. And I didn't get it.

Plus Pierce acted like a total bitch the whole time. She is always crying in this book, and it didn't feel real to me at all. Then two years pass and she keep thinking about "him." And it is all so weird. Because he wasn't cruel and mean to her like she keeps thinking. And she's obsessing about it too much; in a negative way. Gah. I just didn't like it :(

Then there was that whole High School issue thing. I'm getting so sick of reading about high school. Can't really blame this book for that though. But this book WASN'T supposed to be a high school drama book. It wasn't. So disappointed in that. Plus there were these weird characters I didn't like.

There is the main character; Pierce. And I sort of liked her. But she was a bit of a nutcase. Didn't love her at all. She does so many stupid and dumb things; and I just didn't like it. I did like John. But not much. Didn't love him. He could be awesome, but we didn't see him much and it wasn't written in a good way; at least not for me. Wish it had been, though.

Pierce has had bad things happening to her. But it didn't really feel bad at all because it was sort of weird. And I'm sorry for saying that, but I just didn't enjoy it. And I'm hating that I didn't :p But. I am excited to read the next book; even though I know how it ends ;p Still excited though.

Anyway! I'm sorry for this sort of negative review. And I had a few issues writing this review; because it was hard for me to get my thoughts together. I just didn't like this book much. Had lots of issues with it. But I am glad I read it. For the most part. :) It is an quick read, but a bit boring at times. Still, though. It is an interesting book; and if you think it would be for you you should give it a try :)



~

Update July 7th 2013: I had to change my rating for this book from a three star to a two star. Why? Because while it has been a while since I read it, I just realized that I was not being honest when rating it. I did not enjoy it as much as I claimed with my three star rating. And because of that I had to change it. Because I like being honest, and giving this a star more than it deserve is not being honest. It is officially a two star for me, because I can’t even remember much of the story, and I would not ever re-read the book. I’m sorry, but not really, because you can’t love every book.