Rampant-Review

★★★★-Based wholeheartedly on the fact I like Neil, I'm shallow
First of all, look at that cover, beautiful right? RIGHT?..Let me first start off by saying, I enjoyed Rampant, it was completely different, than what I expected. I of course knew a little bit about it before going in, but it still didn't prepare me. Do you guys remember season seven of Buffy, when all the potential slayers converge on the Summer's home, little warrior women, fine, fresh, fierce, all that jazz, well Rampant reminded me of that. Astrid is, beautiful, and blond, but quirky, and a tiny bit awkward, at least from my findings. She is shipped off to Rome, to become, a unicorn hunter, yes, honestly. Unicorns are creepy, very bad creatures, sort of..she agrees because, well just to appease her slightly crazy mother, and because she is a minor, and she doesn't want to have to tell anyone how strange her life is, plus due to a recent encounter she believes in unicorns too. Also she comes from quite a background, like Alexander The Great, that type of background, a lot of sweet historical destiny in this one folks, loved it.. She arrives at camp, or whatever, and meets Cory and Neil two British blokes, well one is a girl, she is unhinged to say the least, a total warrior. Then Neil, who of course reminded me of Matt Smith, Doctor Who the entire time I was reading, so win! They run things, and Astrid doesn't really seem to mind that all that much, it still scary though, I really liked Neil a lot he was my front runner. Alright so to make things a little weirder Phil, or Phillipa Astrid's beautiful, vibrant ( or so Neill would say) cousin arrives. She is a little bit more vocal and headstrong, but this is still Astrid's show. I loved the imaginative story and writing style, so much, it felt like a movie, honest.  They are in fair Italy, so of course you must meet up with some hunky Italian boys, I like Italian boys personally, but come on, for me if you have to choose between a nerd-tastic British boy, or an Italian, who speaks the language of love, its so obvious British boy all the way, he reads, and in my mind looks like Matt Smith form Doctor Who, no-brainier. I like how it was sort of dark, like dark humor, its still slightly frilly, but oh so totally wicked. I like the different personalities of the hunters, all the girls are different, and if you saw them on the street, you would not think, Oh she could fight big scary two ton monsters, no, you would think wow she is an airhead, or she has nice shoes. You have a super brave little blond girl with a sword, that always makes for good storytelling, and unicorns, I see no possible way to go wrong, and I'm right.  Writing is great, Italy is great, Astrid likable, Cute boys FTW, and rocking cover, you should certainly give it a go.

Sloppy Firsts-Review

★★★★★
Jessica Darling, oh where do I begin...She is hilarious, brave, witty, charming, and just epic. She is struggling to find who she is now that her BFF Hope is gone. She is slightly neurotic, but great. You go on a journey with her, its a whirlwind journey, but you love it. My head was spinning by the time this book was over, I was just as frustrated as Jessica. I really felt like I knew Jessica once I read her thoughts. I became a little obsessed with Marcus myself to be honest. He kind of stole my heart, he is kind of addicting. This story was so fun, and I sort of zoomed through it. When we finally got to read "Fall" I was in love, Marcus had stolen my heart end of story. Marcus pierced my heart like cupid, not Jessica's, scary I'm jealous of a fictional character, I'm crazy. This book makes you crazy though I swear. I loved this one, and it really had me wanting more. The story is told through journal entries written by Jessica, and I hear you have to wait until book four to see things from Marcus' perspective. I felt like all the buildup was totally worth it, because it kept me completely engaged in the outcome. I think I like Hope as far as I can tell, she  and I both  have to listen to Jessica Darling complain A LOT, but its worth it trust me. Also side-note, Jessica barely ever asks anyone else how they are, or what they are up to, seriously, I don't think I could be her friend..I love the funny quips, and Megan's writing style, but I'm going to have to be honest, Marcus is truly what keeps me reading, he is sort of more interesting, for me anyway. Still this book is so fantastic, I"m sure most of you already know, but for those who don't give it a try, my best friend Jessica, really that is her name, has beat me, she finished them all, and swears its worth it.

Ill Wind-Review

★★★
Hello, ok so Ill Wind is like really pretty and fascinating. How can a book be pretty Katy? I bet you are asking that in your head right now, the cover is nice, but I mean the story is pretty. Joanna Baldwin is a weather warden, she controls you guessed it the weather. More or less storms and rain, she is on the run. That makes this a road trip book, I love those. Several smoking hot guys weave their way in and out of her life as well, a plus. I'm sure most of you love Rachel Cain anyway, so pick this book up, it won't disappoint. Also did I mention Djin are in it, genies. Plus you get to learn a lot of cool stuff about the weather. I felt like this was a nice first installment in a series, I will probably read the rest eventually, I don't want to get to bogged down in it right now, I'm trying to do my end of the year reading.  I'd say her Morganville books are better for me anyways, but Joanna was pretty likable. A nice does of mystery, and a solid plot, plus some steamy characters, worth your time, certainly.

Paranormalcy-Review

★★★ 1/2
Paranormalcy was honestly so fun, I enjoyed every minute of it. I really loved the writing style, and Evie. She came alive for me, and I'm sure it comes as no shock that I pictured Candace Accolla (Caroline Forbes of The Vampire Diaries). The way she felt, it just fit. Evie is vibrant, alive. bubbly, sweet, blond, and fierce,  perfect. Lend oh boy, he was so different, but I liked him. This entire book was extremely fresh, and fun. Evie is sort of like a secret agent, she bags and tags the supernatural. She is bad ass, but still down to earth, and such a teenager. She watches a show called Easton Heights, and she seems so normal, like you'd expect. Then she can be deep, and naive all at the same time. Lend is wise beyond his years, and weird. He can shift into anyone, but Evie can see him for who he is always, with her special talent. I really liked their conversations and chemistry. I was really happy that they did not have to be lab partners like I've come to see in YA paranormal, refreshing. Sometimes its good, but I was just happy to have a change. The writing was upbeat, and yes juvenile but I like that, and Evie was a teenager not some urban fantasy heroine. I thought it was appropriate, I really liked this one, the ending was a little funky, but all in all worth my time.

The Demon's Covenant -Review

★★★★★- I would give this more cause its bloody brilliant! 

Words can not express my feelings toward this one, I was so team Alan I mean I still am in a way, but Nick totally obliterated my heart in this one, just smashed it to pieces. Nick just captivated me, he tries so hard to be human, he is just so socially inept it makes you ache. No words I write in this review will do this book justice. Sarah Rees Brenna is one my all time favorite authors, I was sad because I loved her first book so much, I thought there is no way I like The Demon's Covenant as much, no author can do that. She did it, and I stand corrected. Not only did she do it, but she owned it, and she wrote one of my all time favorite books. Mae, is just unbelievable, contemporary, honest, flawed, brilliant, just I felt her every emotion. Also the roof scene, once you read this you will know what I mean, the roof scene will forever hold a special place in my heart. I love Alan to bits, but I'm just a Nick girl, the crackling chemistry between Nick and Mae, it nearly caught the pages on fire. Still you can't help but love Alan, and his awkward yet, controlling ways. He is just in charge, but you can't tell, he honestly for me felt less human at times than Nick, and Nick felt so human, maybe even more human than any other character. Nick is just like an alien, he wants to understand us, but then he witnesses all the hurt, and our strange ways, then he has no desire. I have a feeling I would like Nick no matter what, he can't do anything for me to not like him. I get frustrated with Alan, but he is just Alan, and he is heart warming, and you want to love him, you just want someone to love him, but really he has Nick who offers him what he can, and maybe what Nick has to offer is better than love. Jamie stole the show a few times, and I just adore him he makes me laugh out loud, and I just am in awe of Sarah Rees Brenna's ability to make me feel like I'm a apart of the conversation. Like I read her words and think, " That is so Nick" or "Oh man that will make Alan so mad.." like I know them, but I don't, but the important thing is that Sarah Rees Brennan makes me feel like I could, or that I do. Also another great thing that happened is Annabell she is magnificent, I cried for her, and her gracefulness. What is going on is, Nick and Alan have to save poor Jamie, you would think that might get old, but not with writing like this, not with writing that brings the Goblin Market alive, makes you feel like your behind the bike shed goofing off, or learning to throw knives in a dingy rundown house. Vibrant characters, and loads of adventure, not to mention the best love triangle I've ever had the pleasure of reading. I'm not being self deprecating really, you just can't understand how great this book is, at least not based on my words, a unique, raw, magical, fierce tale, that I'm sure you will devour
-I misspell her name EVERY TIME I write it but I fixed it, Rees Rees Rees not Reese..

Anna and The French Kiss-Review

★★★★★

What can I say? This book is truly, flawless. My best friend and I both read it in about one day, the writing it just blew us both away, incredible. It feels like Anna and Etienne were real, I know people say that all the time, but it actually felt painful when the book was over, like I lost a friend. Stephanie's writing is witty, and realistic, and just everything you look for when you pick up a book. She managed to totally captivate me, without any supernatural elements at all. Her use of the triangle, or at at times more than a love triangle, it was brilliant. Usually authors can get caught up in it, but not her. I left Anna and The French Kiss feeling heart-stick, like I was leaving a place I'd grown to love. Anna is just such a unique MC, I'm not exactly sure how to describe her, she is just Anna. I believe you just have to get to know her for yourself. This is a story about love, loss, and finding out that home isn't always a place. I just can't push this one on you enough, I really wish you'd pick this one up, and at least give it at try. I haven't found one bad review, not one. I'm sure they are out there, but not anywhere I can see.  Etienne is just "IT" he is absolutely everything you hope for in a boy, but he isn't perfect, but you understand his reasoning every time. My heart broke for him several times, and I felt like the sorrow he felt, I felt it too, weird. The side characters were just as entertaining, they were witty, and helpful, and everything a side-character should be. My friend and I both found one thing we didn't like, when we read the book we both pictured Etienne as tall, not a short boy, just a thing, but you can't help your height.  Just a great love story, that is so much more that that, and Paris, I want to go there now more than ever. Just read it, seriously. Bravo Stephanie Perkins, you are truly a magnificent writer.

Last Sacrifice-Review

★★★★
(Spoilers, seriously)Last Sacrifice is the last Vampire Academy novel, technically. Richelle Mead is continuing to write about that world in a new series, called Bloodlines, I think. I have loved the VA novels from the start. I would have to say my favorite aspect of the story, would be Richelle's way of making two people fall in love. I really get sucked into her romances, she is a master in the art of build up, she has you hanging on the edge of your seat, both in romance and action. I was in awe with her ability to create two completely different romances. The tension, and forbidden lure between Rose and Dimitri sizzled with every word, but the sweet awkwardness had you grinning ear to ear when it came to Lissa and Christian. I will get this out of the way now, I from day one supported Dimitri. Yes, even when he was a strigoi. I liked when Rose was in Russia, I know weird. I like Adrian well enough, but I just have a feeling bigger and better things are out there for him. Rose and Dimitri share an epic, bloody, life destroying love, she would have never been fully happy with Adrian. If you've seen Veronica Mars, think Logan and Veronica. Epic love, love the spans countries, starts wars, get the picture?  Then Lissa and Christian, are slow and steady, they calm each other, and are less destructive than Rose and Dimitri, but still explosive. Alright, on to the actual story, I liked it, but it was in no way my favorite. Rose is on the run, and her friends ban together to help her. There was just to much going on for me, I enjoyed the story line involving Lissa, and I was rooting for her to become queen. I however, felt the road trip involving Dimitri, Rose, and Sydney lasted way to long, if just felt like I was stuck in a time loop. I really do love Sydney though, she has become one of my favorite characters. The Keepers, or the strange backwoods vampires, now they were interesting, I loved that little tid-bit. Sonya for me seemed to recover so much faster after her anti-strigoi cleansing. Dimitri seemed to wallow in self-pity for freaking ever, and Sonya, was just over it, I guess they are just different. I at times wanted to slap Dimitri, he kept pushing everyone away, and you know whining. Adrian then started to whine toward the end, I was like man up BOTH of you please, dear lord you  men are whiny. Also Rose kept ending up in a dress, funny, but really? Chapter 29 was by far my favorite chapter, it was the chapter that made reading all the other long drawn out road trip, Dimitri whining, Adrian, Christian, and Lissa sitting around in a royal room discussing stuff, well worth it. I really loved how everything was tied up, didn't expect the killer of the Queen to be who it ended up being. Glad she chose Dimitri, all I do is win win win this year, Dimitri and Peeta, sweet. I loved the ending, I liked the book, I adore Richelle's writing, even if I complain. I think I was just bitter, I kept wishing I could go back and watch Lissa and Christian fall in love again, or Rose figure out what a powerful fighter she is, just depressed me, its all over, but Bloodlines will make it better. Rating wise, I decided to go back to stars like on Goodreads. I had to give it a 4 because yes, Adrian  made me cry, but I found myself bored a few times too, all the goodness still can't make up for the fact some stuff was a little to drawn out for me. Plus I was able to guess the outcome of everything involving Lissa.  I stand by my 4, but leave you with this, everything was cleared up nicely for my taste.

Storm Glass-Review

Re-do, yes I am re-doing this review. I actually read the last one, and I hurried through it, much to fast. I have emerged from reading Maria V. Snyder, I am stopping so I don't get burned out on her. I read, Poison Study, and reviewed it, OVER reviewed it with one of my notorious lengthy reviews to be exact. I would review, Magic Study, and Fire Study for you, but I would simply repeat myself. I loved them both, but they were not as good as Poison Study, that would be all I could tell you. They were chalked full of adventure, and fantasy, well written, but just not as good as the first one. I KNOW! I said that a few times, but I'm just trying to get it through my own skull. Maria V. Snyder is vastly talented, but I have one problem with her, she hooks her characters up to soon for my liking. Does anyone else see that, I'm one for tension, maybe drag it out throughout the books. Alright, done with that issue, Opal is from the Yelena Zaltana books, she is a glass magician. She is incredibly talented, but almost annoyingly humble. At times you want to smack her, and tell her to quit being so self deprecating. Maria V. Snyder can certainly write, and reading anything by her is entertaining. She for me personally tends to hit the ball out of the park with her first installments, then just gradually decrease as I read. Storm Glass was the first installment of this series, and everything about it was right on point. The relationships, and the climax all of it. I really loved that Zitora was in this story more than in the Yelena books, I felt like I got to know more about The Keep (magic school?) a lot more. I loved the aspect of the setting, the adventure, and especially the Stormdancers. They harness the power of storms into glass orbs. That is way they need Opal she is a glass worker, the best one around pretty much, she created the magician cell phones, thats the best way of putting it, but like I said she won't admit that she is awesome. Ok, so this book was great, Opal, Ulrick, and Kade that entire relationship had me smiling, lots of twists and adventure. I really do love reading Maria V. Snyder, but I'm stopping for a while so I don't over do it. 

Poison Study-Review

Alright, so yes I know I hardly ever dislike a book, that would be because I don't finish them, I did read Wolfsbane by Patricia Briggs recently, and I totally disliked it (off topic sort of)..Anyway I just finished Poison Study last night, and it got me thinking. I really wouldn't mind just flipping it back over and reading it again, that has happened to me twice. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, I actually did start it over, crazy! Then The Outisders I've read it several times, Poison Study really had me stunned. It made me question my reviewing methods, and that maybe I was just so starved for a decent book lately that I've been raving over books that are just so so, but Poison Study really was great. I mean how can you trust me now that I just told you, I've been raving over books that aren't actually epic. I'm in some what of a slump, and now a pickle. I stand by my judgement now, because at the time I really felt that way about those books. Ok so done with that let me tell you something useful. Poison Study is about Yelena and she is beast. She is locked away in a dungeon for an entire year, I mean really a dungeon imagine the worst. She survives it all, and is incredibly strong beyond words. She is slated to be the next food taster for the commander, Yalek his bad-ass super assassin, hand picks her, and trains her. Can I just take this moment to say Yalek your awesome, I love you...Ok, so her life is awful everyone is trying to kill her, Brazell to get revenge for his son, magicians, and at one point she is scared to death of Yalek. So many great things happen in this book, and the characters are just right on, I can't even formulate the right stuff to tell you, its just so good, read it. Yalek is just swoon, I'm telling you that you will love him. Yelena will steal your heart too, she is a force to be reckoned with. This one also has a map, I LOVE maps, every book with a map I'm telling ya, its a sure fire way to get me to read it. The writing just blew me away, seriously, I know I say that all the time, its because I love books people! This one though something about it, it reminded me of Graceling and Fire, just I'm giddy right now, for real. I'm serious I can't wait to read Magic Study I bought it today, went totally out of my way in fact, Poison Study is a hit for sure! The opening describing the way Yelena felt and looked after the dungeon were great. I was going to copy a scene for you guys, but my book is upstairs, so I'll just sort of paraphrase it below this. Alright so I hated the uniforms they wore, those were awful no matter how hard I try I picture them in medieval type outfits, its my go to fashion when  castles and magicians are involved I default them to dress like their at a Renaissance fair. Fantasy is just my genre, I've conceded.

Yelena comes in from the dungeon, she is described as smelling like a rodent, having deep bloody gashes on her wrists from her chains. Her long dark hair hangs in greasy clumps, at one point she in the baths, and is startled because she see's a skeletal like figure in the room, but then sadly realizes she is staring at her own reflection. (Honestly I so don't do that justice, the first pages are just unforgettable)

I have the book above, I loved that cover it just made me love it, but the others are nice too.
 
I really liked the one on the left though too, but it was sold out, it for me any way captures the story more, just my opinion.The one on the right, is most common I see it around more, and my Magic Study cover matches it, and that BUGS me, but I had to have it immediately.

Reviews I Liked
Book Whispers 
Steph Su

Masques-Review

If you follow my blog closely you know I'm a big Patricia Briggs fangirl. I love her Mercy Thompson series, and the series set in the same world Alpha and Omega. Mercy and Adam are like old friends of mine, and I was glad to meet Charles and Anna from  the Alpha and Omega series. Masques is very different, don't go into this thinking you're going to get a similar expierence. Masques is a fantasy, not an Urban Fantasy, if you can't tell by the cover. I went into this book with mixed feelings because I'd read some scathing reviews, but then I discovered a few praising it. I decided then to give it a try, and I was happy with my results. Before I get to deep into my gushy unapologetic book pushing, I'll tell you a little about Masques. It stars Aralorn, a brave, but self described plain Jane.  She is an ex-noble bent on spying and discovering truths, and a master fighter with a staff. She is a shape-shifter, and truly a remarkable person. She is vibrant, and has her own quirk personality, and instead of swearing she says, plague it! She brings chaos wherever she goes, and always seems to get everyone around her involved in her adventures. She has a companion Wolf, he is a big, ferocious, TALKING, wolf. He has a dry humor that you can't help but appreciate, he comes and goes as he pleases, but never fails to return to Aralorn. Helping Aralorn and Wolf on this particular journey is Myr King of Reth. Myr is big hearted, but regal, and extremely level headed. He's a good King, and realizes that the the darkness must be stopped. The darkness is a Magi, known as Geoffrey. If your familiar with Graceling and Fire, you'll find the Magi similar to a ruler in those stories. The Magi is loved by everyone, except a small group of people who know the truth. Aralorn, Wolf, and Myr take it upon themselves to protect the group from danger. Danger being the wrath of the Magi, and his evil hoard of zombie like creatures known as Uriah. Aralorn proceeds to learn some truth about Wolf that could change her opinion about him forever. I loved this book, I thought it was well written, the characters snatch your interest within the first few pages, and the world Patricia created is completely enchanting. If you are a fan of dragons, magic, quests, and mystery you'll love it.  I personally don't discard this book as her meager first attempt at writing, like I've noticed a few people doing. It truly is a pure blooded fantasy book, I recommend it to fans of Kristen Cashore, Robin McKinley, and Tamora Pierce, along those lines of good story telling. The only problem I have with the book is that the ending could have been stronger, and it was a bit weird.  I really love the updated covers of the Sianim books. Masques came out a long time ago, and I think the covers are prettier, but still the old school fantasy book covers can be comforting. I wish I could actually properly express my love for this book, but all I can say is that I'm an even bigger fan of Patricia Briggs after reading Masques.


The older cover, Aralorn looks nothing like that girl, and wolf is black, and I'm not exactly sure who that man with the sword is, maybe a Uriah, perhaps the Magi? Anyway, the older covers still make you feel nostalgic for classic fantasy books. 

Good Scene

“Allyn’s toadflax! Wolf, what are you trying to do to me?’” Mindful of the proximity of the

castle, she lowered her voice to a soft tone that didn’t carry, but did not lack for force either. “I

could have died of shock.” She put her hand theatrically over her pounding heart. “I still might.

Why didn’t you warn me you were here?”

The Wolf stood over her, fey and feral, with the stillness of a wild thing. The deep, macabre

voice was calm and passionless when he spoke without replying to her question. “You should

have told me that you intended to spy on the ae’Magi—if I had known that you were

contemplating suicide I would have killed you myself. At least it would be a cleaner death than

any he would bestow.” Fathomless golden eyes gazed at her without emotion.

The Iron Queen-Review

 Available-01-25-2011


I went into this book firmly Team Puck, and don't get me wrong I still like Puck, but Ash...oh boy. I mean if you read the Iron Daughter, you know what I'm taking about, I was like Come on Ash, but then he totally stepped up, and was all that  a hero should be. Since the beginning of this series I loved Megan Chase. She's brave, resilient, and just boss. She and Ash have to go on another adventure this time they have some help, and they meet Glitch. I at first was annoyed with Glitch, but he actually grew on me, the Iron Fey have a rebellion, and can you blame them. What happened I had been expecting, don't want to spoil it for you, but it was predictable, but good. I'm still smitten with Ash, he's weaseled his way into my #1 when it comes to this series. I am in love with Queen Mab, she seriously reminds me of a nicer version of The Red Queen from Alice in Wonderland, or maybe if the White Queen and Red Queen become one person. I'm also happy when the gang ends up in her palace. I liked the family stuff that went on in this installment, I'm happy that Meghan still cares about her family after all thats happened. This wasn't my favorite the first one is still, but they are all so good it doesn't matter. I actually thought this was the last one, and was pleasantly surprised when I learned it wasn't. The ending was great for me, couldn't have been better. I'm excited for the The Iron Knight, Julie Kagawa does it again.

Good Scene

Afternoons were spent talking to my dad, trying to get him to come out of his crazy-shell. Feeling as if I were repeatedly bashing my head against the wall. It was a slow and painful process. 

Reviews I Liked 
Mindful Musings 

The Replacement-Review

I wish that I was a better reviewer. I've been thinking all day about this review, and how I could possibly do this book justice. 2010 has been a really great year for me book wise, I've read some fantastic books. I haven't been this enamored with a book since I finished Bree Despain' s The Dark Divine. I'm a book lover so its very rare that you find me not smitten with my latest read, but this book was different. As soon as I finished this book, I was like I have to put that on the list, I think I'm going to read that again, and lastly this should be a movie. I don't want to say that The Replacement was written beautifully because it wasn't, it was written realistically. It was emotional, and relevant despite being supernatural. Brenna Yovanaff wrote in my opinion with purpose, and urgency. Her writing style felt witty, and dark, but truthful. Mackie Doyle is not really Malcolm Doyle, he is something dark, if you were to line him up in a row with his classmates, you'd instantly understand how different he is from the rest. Its well known in most cultures that sometimes babies are stolen, and then replaced with something dark and sinister. Mackie is that dark creature all grown up, he can't be around iron, (faerie) thats what I took away from it, the creatures live underground, and are so beautiful but painful to look at or be around, startling beauty, that kind that makes you uncomfortable. Mackie spends each day of his life just praying he goes unnoticed, that a lynch mob hopefully will decide to not attack him. The insane thing is everyone in Gentry is aware on some conscious level that these things happen. Then Tate this scary, ferocious, yet gorgeous girl starts to ask why? Her sister Natalie was taken, and no one can figure out why she isn't heartbroken, and Mackie secretly knows exactly why she isn't upset. The greatest part  for me was Mackie's  thoughts, the things he thought in his head were hysterical, he indeed was not normal, he was different, but then painfully ordinary. He checks out girls, he worries about things, he is shockingly cavalier, but inside he's a mess. I liked Tate, she was lovely, and her character was layered, and important. However, I loved Emma, probably because I have a little brother myself, and could totally relate with her willingness to do anything to protect Mackie. That in order for those types of creatures to survive, someone has to love them despite knowing what they are, or that they are different. Emma did that for Mackie, she spent hours researching, reading, caring, just for him. I will be the first to tell you, I was throughly freaked out by The House of Mayhem, and The House of Misery, they were disturbing, that seems to be a running theme with the fey, they are basically macabre. I was happily surprised by The Replacement, it was a really dark book, it reminded me a lot of Holly Black to be honest. The relationship just seemed more contemporary to me though. For a minute I thought it was going to be like Ironside, but then Tate was real, more along the lines of an Elizabeth Scott MC, I know I'm comparing, but The Replacement really was good, and worth the lack of sleep. Let me know if you know of what comes next I didn't really see any news about that. This book was incredibly creepy, spine tingling, dark humored,  so honest, and again worth it. This book is also part of The Penguin Five, its the second I've read out of them, Nightshade was the first. The Eternal Ones, Matched, and Sapphique are the remaining. I usually don't find myself caring about what Penguin has to sell me, but so far Nightshade and The Replacement have proven to be actually awesome, and did in fact leave me breathless. That bodes well for me reading The Eternal Ones, which I actually own, but haven't read.

Good Scene 
Alice talking to Jenna about how Tate is reacting to her sister's death. Then Tate's reaction to hearing them discuss her.

"I heard that her mom won't get out of bed since it happened. Like, not even for the funeral

I can't believe she's acting like nothing's wrong. I just wouldn't even come to school."

Apparently, that one was loud enough for Tate to catch some or possibly all of it because she

stood up fast enough to send her desk screeching along the floor. Her gaze was hard, sweeping

over us, and I couldn't tell if I was dizzy from the screws and wires in the walls or from the way

she was looking at me. "Oh," she said, in a clear, challenging voice. "Was this what you wanted? Did you want a good look? Take a good look--I don't mind."And maybe no one had really been excited about Hester Prynne and her illegitimate daughter,but they were paying attention now. I kept my head down, hunching over my desk, trying to get smaller. My heart was beating so fast that I could feel it in my throat and I kept telling myself that everything was fine, that I'd imagined she'd looked at me, because I had to believe that. I had

to believe that no one in Gentry would ever hear the words child of the devil and then look at me.No one said anything.The room was so quiet that all I could hear was the buzz of the fluorescent light. I had the idea

that it was buzzing right over me, like some kind of signal or alarm, but no one turned to stare accusingly. No one whispered or pointed. Mrs. Brummel stood with her back against the whiteboard and the marker uncapped in her hand,staring at Tate. "Is there something you needed?"

Tate shook her head and kept standing. "Don't mind me. I'm just waiting for my big red A."

"This isn't funny," Mrs. Brummel said, putting the cap back on the marker.

"No," said Tate. "It's not. But we can all agree to smile anyway because it just makes things so

much easier." Mrs. Brummel retreated behind her desk and waved a box of tissues, even though Tate wasn't

crying. "Do you need some time to pull yourself together?" "No. Because I'm not unbalanced or grief stricken, okay? I'm pissed off."

Reviews I Liked
Fantastic Book Review 
Smash Attack Reads
The Unread Reader
Books With Bite

Mistwood-Review

Wow! Ok where to begin, Isabel is unbelievable, and Rokan, well he is Rokan, thats a compliment. Isabel is a shifter, shifters have one job, and that job is to guard the King. When they aren't needed they are in the Mistwood doing their thing. Rokan seeks Isabel out, and she agrees he is the new King after all. She travels back to his palace with him,and falls back into the swing of things. Her memory is a little cloudy, but she still has a job to do. Someone wants to hurt her Prince, he technically isn't King just yet, Isabel sets out to find out what or who it is. Little does she know she's living in a palace full of lies. Clarisse is Rokan's sister she is at odds with Isabel from the get go, and no one really wants to assist Isabel. She befriends Ven the sorcerer's apprentice, I really loved Ven, he was actually my favorite character. Ven has spent his entire life studying the shifter, and awaited for the day she would return. He wants to get to know her, and help her in anyway he can. Shifter's can't feel, and they don't worry about anything thats not important. Then why does Isabel find herself feeling things, human things. This story was so beautifully written, and full of twists and intrigue. I was hooked from the beginning the adventures start within the first few pages. I loved that there were boy and girl characters but  no real love triangle. I like love triangles, but it was refreshing, just something different for a change. Isabel's journey is so lovely, and its heartwarming. My only problem is that it was short, I wish there had been more between Isabel and Ven, but the friendship they shared still was good. I felt Clarisse was  really well developed, I was questioning her, and she always proved me wrong. Isabel and Rokan were such driving forces in the other ones personality, that was incredibly awesome. They were still so strong separate, but even better together, perfect. Isabel was strong, fierce, and confused, she had ever reason to be though, and I love when I'm fooled. I hate to go into a story, and know the outcome by the end of the first chapter. Everyone says that fans of Kristen Cashore will love Mistwood, I'd have to say I agree with that assumption. Prince's tend to just make everything better honestly, its hard to not love a story when you have a Prince to get to know.  Isabel goes on a real adventure of self discovery, finding herself, and learning her true purpose. I really loved Mistwood and can't wait for the companion novel Nightspell.

Memorable Scene For Me

“You should go,” Isabel said to Ven.

He turned toward her, clearly struggling to think. Fear darkened his eyes, and it took her a moment

to realize that it was her he was afraid of. That hurt, though it shouldn’t have. If he had played a part

in Albin’s plot, she would kill him without a second thought.

Wouldn't she?

“Go,” she said again, more gently.

He nodded and stumbled away down the path. Clarisse twisted to watch him, then whipped back toward

Isabel.

Isabel met her glare straight on. “He didn’t know anything.”

Clarisse’s lips curved in triumph. “Are you sure? Is that what you’ve been doing with him all week?

Finding out what he knows?”

“What’s your point, Clarisse?”

“I think it’s odd, that’s all. And suspicious.”

“You’re suspicious of me?”

The princess’s eyebrows arched. “I’m not questioning your motives. But maybe your judgment is

clouded.”

A small cascade of pebbles sprayed out suddenly from under Rokan’s boot. He turned on his sister

almost savagely. “By what? His blue eyes and high cheekbones? Not everybody is you.”

Clarisse blinked, her lips parting. It took her only a second to recover. “I’m merely pointing out—”

“You’re merely spouting idiocy,” Rokan snapped. His heel made a small crunching sound as it dug into the ground. 

Reviews I Liked 
Angieville
The Story Siren

The Ivy-Review

Callie is one of those girls who appear to be normal. For awhile you think you might be able to relate to them, then you realize hey? she is at Harvard she can't be that normal. Callie is pretty, smart, all the right things, but she continues to screw up, say the wrong thing, and bad stuff does indeed happen to her. She makes mistakes,  is mean, and wrong, but always gets hers in the end, so it all evened out pretty well for me, I wasn't too jealous of her, she makes decisions like one Rory Gilmore, you sit back and ask her yourself, Why do that? You have Dean, why cheat with Tristan, or you have Jess who is this Logan fellow? She lives in a suit with four other girls. Mimi is the exotic party girl, she is extremely likable, and always going with the flow, she has a very big heart in her own way. The other two roomies are your Gossip Girl esqe society fashionista and the brain. I really enjoyed one of the love interests Gregory, and I will admit to being a big Gossip Girl (book) fangirl, so I didn't have any problems with this book. Also if you can tell by my blogging, tense and grammar mean next to nothing to me. I however, can sympathize with a person that dose care about writing structure, and style. For me, I get a sense of the characters, and found these characters to be pretty accurate. This book ins't the first time Harvard Final Clubs have been mentioned in my life, a huge part of the plot in the movie The Social Network had to do with them. From what I see they are life and death, and do indeed take the front seat over academics. Also in the book, Callie refers to homework and classes, but it isn't the driving focus of the story. I felt that the reader gets reminded that she is indeed in school, but the authors wanted to stay focused on what they believed were the entertaining aspects of the story, partying and boys. I don't feel like The Ivy was written as an anthropological study of Harvard elitist living, but a fun entertaining first installment in a series. I also found it believable that Callie would struggle with her self image and identity. She is transplanted from a school were she played soccer, and that was her core reason for existing at the school. Then she moves to Cambridge to attend Harvard, but due to an injury, can't play her sport. That leaves her searching for something allowing her to belong, she is alone, and her only friends are her roommates, and the boys across the hall. It makes perfect sense that she would start to party and dress different, she's trying to fit in with her roomies, and partying and fashion are two huge parts of their lives. The boys across the hall Gregory, Matt, and OK are easily accessible and friendly, again making perfect sense for them to bond. She then gets drunk at a party, making out with a random boy. She is trying to get into a Final Club, and she is extremely stressed. Then on top of it all something scandalous from home comes back to bite her in the butt. All of these factors make it perfectly acceptable for Callie to act out of character, she is growing from the person you are introduced to in the first chapters. She starts dating the random party boy, for many reasons. She is hurt from her breakup, she is stressed, on some level she probably feels obligated to after hooking up with him at the party, he is cute, and lastly he is in a Final Club. That may seem shallow and pointless, but at Harvard Final Clubs are crucial they can make or break you, and even help you get prestigious jobs in the future. Its natural that Callie would seek out someone with the ability to help her. Final Clubs aren't her life, but she see's everyone around her getting excepted to them, and no matter how strong of a person you are, seeing your friends succeed while you get left behind, that would hurt anyone. I feel I need to defend this book, because it didn't get that many rave reviews. I can certainly see everyone's point, but I really liked this book. Callie, Vanessa, and Mimi wormed there way into my heart, and I was instantly smitten with Gregory. My advice would be to take this book for what it is, fun. It has life lessons in it as well, they just don't jump out and attack you, they are scattered throughout the partying, and drama. Callie and her friends aren't perfect, but words of wisdom and life lessons hide in the pages of The Ivy, and I'm excited for the next installment.  I'm sorry if my review is biased, but like I mentioned some people didn't like this book, so I got a little defensive, felt I had to fight for it. :)

Nightshade-Review

I find that sometimes I read a book, and then ask myself WHY DID I PUT THAT OFF? Because they tend to be the best ones. I had been hearing loads of hype about Nightshade, almost every blogger I follow loved it. I went into the book with pretty high expectations, much like Shiver or The Hunger Games. They were actually met pretty well. Calla is sensational I adored her, she is unlike any character I've come across in my reading. She seems some what unreal, like a bug zapper, she draws you in, she's shiny, and magnetic. She is the alpha of the Nightshade pack, she isn't klutzy or quirky like so many MC's that isn't always a bad thing, but it can get stale. She is fierce, I found that she could have been a villain in another life. She is not though she is the hero, almost to a frustrating point. She knows her place, she knows who she is, she fights it, but then she gives in, its TENSION CITY. Ren Bane is the alpha of the Bane pack, and he's my choice, he's the Damon in the story (forgive The Vampire Diaries reference lol)...he's the one she is set to marry, but he is not the soft hearted nice boy, that would be Shay. He is another can of worms, full of mystery, but a total golden boy, Andrea Cremer actually writes that exact phrase to describe him. I liked both boys, but Ren just stole my heart, who can tell with these things, I have no method in my choosing of teams. Shay is super nice, and a lot of you will root for him, but like I said Ren is my man. Ren is all about getting the job done, making the tough calls, doing the right thing, being an alpha. The entire cast of characters is awesome, you get pretty sucked into the mystery and lure of pack living. The wolves are not called werewolves but Guardians, and then Keepers, and Searchers who are magical. They have a hierarchy and laws they live by, its all very old school, but interesting. Strong character development with the main characters, and stellar descriptions when it came to the settings. They plot structure was good, the story flowed well, and it had several different things going on that you could get invested in, but not to all over the place, pretty cool. Calla is drawn to Shay, but she is betrothed to Ren, and she doesn't hate him. She is ordered to protect Shay because he's important,but why? Shay and Calla find a book, and that book could change it all. The Guardians, The Keepers, and The Searchers have a colorful past, but why is Shay so important, and who can really be trusted.  I'm certain you will like Nightshade, mostly everyone does. Well written, love triangle, fighting, mystery..um need I say more. Also show that cover some love GORGEOUS, and the new cover for Wolfsbane swoon. 

Favorite Scene

"I respect Ren. He’s a friend. We’ll be fine together.” A friend . . . sort of. Ren watches me like I’m a cookie jar he wouldn’t mind being caught with his hand in. And he’s not the one who’d pay for that theft.Though I’d been stuck with lock and key from day one of our betrothal, I hadn’t thought playing policeman over our relationship would be that hard. But Ren didn't like to play by the rules. He was just tempting enough to make me wonder whether giving him a taste might be worth the risk.

The second installment of Nightshade July 12th 2011


Reviews I Liked
Fantastic Book Review
Smash Attack Reads
Tynga's Reviews

Elixir-Review

I was so surprised by this book. Hilary Duff is a pretty decent writer. I really enjoyed the story, and the plot. I seem to enjoy stories with past lives, and spooky secrets. Clea is a photo journalist, but her parents are both super famous, so she has a lot to put up with. She has two best friends Rayna and Ben. Ben might be a  little more than a friend, he's like a brilliant body guard. Strange things start appearing in Clea's photographs, and her Dad is missing in action. Ben and Clea head to Brazil to figure everything out, and hopefully get some answers. They meet the mysterious Sage, trouble is Clea knows him already, from her dreams when she is in the "past". The storyline kept me really interested, and I loved Clea as an MC.  I actually liked Rayna more for most of the book, but Clea was still great. Could not stand Ben, but I think that is just because I preferred Sage. I think its just because for so long we had no clue what Sage was, and if he was even good, I always thought Ben was evil, based on the "past" events. I just rooted for the soul-mates, there love seemed so old, and genuine. The characters were pretty well formed, but the mystery was what really kept me reading. I again was shocked that Hilary Duff actually wrote it, I shouldn't be she seems really smart and together, I'm a fan of most of her work, she does some pretty awesome Independent films sometimes, I really like. I recommend the book, its worth the read, I love the cover too, but wasn't a fan of the material it was made out of, thats pretty stupid, but true.

A twisty one, book full of past lives, and soul mates-Final thought on Elixir

Once In A Full Moon-Review

In my opinion you either like this book or its just hard for you to get through, I've seen that in several reviews. I am one of the people who really enjoyed it, I sometimes like a book with no complications, just a fun it is what is is book, this is my first Schreiber book, and I can go away saying I will read her books again.Celeste made no promises that she was deep or complex, she was simply Celeste and I liked that. This book had a bit of an old school feel when it came to the divided town. One side was rich and the other poor, very 1950's, but it worked. Celeste's friends were your typical rich girls, they wanted what they thought was best for Celeste, and that was her quarterback boyfriend Nash. Strongly disliked Nash, but he was important to the story, loved the Teen Wolf element that took place, it was very cool. It truly reminded me of the Micheal J. Fox movie, with the style of werewolf that was in the book. I really fell for Brandon he was a real catch, he was super likable. I can see where the book might have fell short for someone, it was quick, and the plot was extremely straightforward. I'm a huge fan of the movie Teen Wolf, and other fun teen movies. If your looking for a serious intricate plot this is not the book for you, but if your just looking to have a quick and happy read this is the book for you


Favorite Scene 

(Removed character names)It was then that he leaned in and did what I'd been dying for him to do for so long. Since he first gazed at me in Mrs. Clark's class, passed me in the hallway, and saved me in the woods. "Blank" kissed me. His lips were so tender I thought I was in a dream.

"A cute enjoyable read that left me anticipating the next book in the series"-Final Thought on Once in A Full Moon 

The Body Finder-Review

I really liked this book, it reminded me of an episode of Criminal Minds. Violet was a strong willed MC, the relationships were not as strong as I'd like. I understood though that the relationship wasn't the main point of the story, the missing girls were the main issue. Violet can seek out dead bodies its a gift, she really embraces it. A few people know about her special talent, and the local law enforcement actually utilize her skills. Her best friend Jay has aways been right there with her supporting her oddness. Lately though Violet is noticing the other girls swooning over him, its freaking her out, plus girls are being abducted all over town. I liked the alternate point of view from the killer as well. I will admit I totally thought I knew who the man abducting the girls was, it even seemed like it was going to go in that direction for a while, but then boom it changed. I was really happy that I was able to be fooled by the ending of the book. Violet's gift of seeking out dead bodies was really fascinating to me, it was a really mature original story line I felt. I liked Jay, I can see how someone wouldn't like him though he seems a bit domineering, but Violet is constantly running off and putting herself in danger, and I feel he was just extremely worried she'd get hurt. I felt he was pulling his hair out constantly worrying about her. Violets friends were a bit annoying, but they were just your typical high school girls truly, I'm glad not tons of time was spent on them. They story structure was perfect in my opinion, and I felt I got to really know Violet, and it still wasn't overly descriptive. I liked Violet's family dynamic too, and the law enforcement elements, like I said it felt like an episode of Criminal Minds, one of my favorite shows. I tweeted recently that this book was the perfect Halloween book, its a good read.

"A suspenseful, tale that really makes you think-Final thought on The Body Finder" 

Infinite Days-Review

Infinite Days was such a fast and fulfilling book. I really took to Lenah, she was not your typical MC. I really enjoy books where the MC is not intended to be sweet and perfect, but you find yourself relating to her anyway.  I loved the idea behind the book, 500 year old powerful vamp, turns back into sixteen year-old boarding school student, original. I was not the biggest fan of Justin the boy-toy who eases Lenah back into human romance. Loved Tony the artistic BFF, he was likable. However none compared to Rhode the dark, mysterious sire Vampire, who turned Lenah into the 500 year old killing machine, then lived with internal guilt for making her a monster. Wow, just could not get enough of his personality. Vicken was the confused bad boy who just wanted Lenah to love him as much as he loved her He wasn't a bad person just what Lenah made him to be.. I really zoomed through this one it was really entertaining. I'm really exited to read the next book, the ending really left me wanting more. I got extremely attached to Rhode and Tony, and watching Lenah struggle to ease back into the current time. Also her being afraid of sunlight even though she was 100% human, that was funny. I found Lenah's train of thought to be whimsical, and I grew to really support her. I found myself forgetting she was once evil. Her story really reminded me of Drusilla from Buff The Vampire Slayer. How Angelus just showed up, and decided to take Dru from her home. I imagine if Dru hadn't gone totally bonkers she might have ended up with a personality similar to Lenah's. Then Vicken reminded me of Spike because Lenah, made him for herself, and then fell in love with him when Rhode was away, and Vicken grew to be totally enthralled with her, but she still loved Rhode. All of it just took me back to the BTVS days, that is always a good thing. Lenah being made human is sort of similar to her getting a soul, not exactly, but is has its likeness. Maybe if Dru was given a soul she might have been just like Lenah. The only down fall for me was I just could not like Justin the Adonis human boy, he was just not my cup of tea, I might change my tune in the next book, lets hope. I think if you like vampire tales of love and mystery you will like this.

"Unique in its own way, one entertaining read, with a slew of different love interests to choose from"-Final thought on Infinite Days

Nevermore-Review

Possibly, contains spoilers proceed with caution
Wow, perfect word to start this review. I will acknowledge some people dissing this very large, very goth book. I will accept your opinions, but thus continue on with my own. That being I LOVED this book, could not put it down, spent my Saturday reading a 500 pager, and loved every second of it. Yes, it was lengthy, but worth it, yes they did meet in a partner like fashion. I know, so did Edward and Bella, so did Alex and Brittany (Perfect Chemistry), so did like fourteen other epic YA pairings. You should know that a book is going to be swoontastic, if they are partnered up in class, note that readers. I could not have loved Isobel more, she is fierce, and her own person, I loved that about her. Even if she isn't particularly fond of Varen, she still can't stand to see him hurt for no reason, by her jealous boyfriend. Varen, was amazing, so much more than your typical goth boy. He surprised me at every turn, every time he walked into class with his sunglasses on, I just  could not resist him. What I loved more than anything about this story is that for me, Varen is not the hero, he is the victim. Isobel was the hero, it all came down to her having to make the tough calls, and do the rescuing. The dynamic between Varen and Isobel lit up the pages, this book had so many underlying elements. It had paranormal, but then it had real-life cast system dramas, people labeling and tossing stereotype around like crazy. Then all the fascinating Edgar Allan Poe plot twists, truly genius. I was just as interested to find out what happened to him as I was the actual story. I love when literature is woven into a story, and actually helpful, and just as interesting.  The way all of the poetry came to life, I seriously felt like I was walking through a Poe poem. The otherworldly characters and creations interwoven with Varen and Isobel's  problems, that blew me away. I really liked the different direction the story went in, and the spin Kelly Creagh put on the typical, popular girl falling for the dangerous guy scenario. This book really truly surprised me, and I just can't praise it enough. I'm actually a huge fan of the cover as well, it really drew me in, just the way Varen and Isobel are standing. It truly depicts the description of his empty jade eyed stare.I would honestly say it might be one of the better books I've read this year. I am itching to get my hands on the next book.

This is one of my favorite scenes from the book

Who was this guy and what was his royal problem? Her gaze flicked briefly to the small metal loop that hugged one corner of his bottom lip.

He blinked once, then slowly lifted one hand and crooked a beckoning finger at her.

Isobel hesitated but then as though spellbound to obey, she found herself leaning in.

“What are you staring at?” he whispered.

She drew back, her face going hot. She swiveled away from him and put her hand in the air.

Mayday, Swanson. Do you read me?

There came a slow, ominous clink of chains from behind her. Isobel went rigid. She lowered her hand and, looking up, found him towering over her, all tall straightness and stone pale.

She bit back a protest as he took her hand in his. She gawked as one long-fingered hand grasped hers and stared, unblinking, at the black pen that appeared from nowhere and began moving against her skin, the tip as cold and sharp as those eyes.

Oh. My. God. He was writing on her.

That scene, for me just set the premise for the book, Isobel is always ranting in her own head about this and that, and she isn't the most tactful person, and she is dreadfully cute. Varen is a total dark mystery, but you just want to hug him, he's so scary yet not scary, omigosh just read it already!

"An epic tale of love, darkness, and some cheer-leading drama"-final thought on Nevermore