Saturday, March 31

2012 TBR Pile: March Wrap Up




I reviewed quite a few new releases this month so not too many counted for this challenge.





Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton
Blood Red Road by Moira Young
Another Pan by Daniel & Dina Nayeri
Forgotten by Cat Patrick
The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter



My goal is…

A Sweet Kiss (21-30)

So far I have:

20

One more and I will have met my goal. Guess I should aim higher.

IMM and My Reading Pile: 7

IMM: Hosted by The Story Siren
My Reading Pile: Hosted by [Fikt]shun


In the Mail:
Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood


In the Reading Pile:
Torrent by Lisa T. Bergren
Bourne by Lisa T. Bergren
(I'm trying to get ready for Book Club next week. We are discussing Waterfall, which I have read, but I want to have read the other books as well by the time I go.)
Illumine by Alivia Anders
(Upcoming Event regarding the book.)

Wishful Thinking:
Not really longing for anything. Guess the current book is keeping my attention.

Friday, March 30

Eye Candy: XI

I just ran across this new makeover of some classics this week. I have never seen a need to buy new copies of my old books. I love how their pages have worn by all the times I have read them. It gives them life and character. But now having seen these new looks I don't think I will be able to help myself. With my husband being an artist these just fit perfectly in our home. His love for art and my love for books all in one. I don't like Wuthering Heights but it is by far my favorite of the covers.

Wuthering Heights
by Emily Bronte


Sense and Sensibility
by Jane Austen











Jane Eyre
by Charlotte Bronte


Pride and Prejudice
by Jane Austen


The One
by Heather Self

Dying to Know You: Book Review

Dying to Know You
Aidan Chambers
Amulet Books
April 1st 2012
Young Adult| Contemporary

Official Blurb -
In Dying to Know You, award-winning author Aidan Chambers has created an indelible portrait of a young man discovering his own voice in the world, and has constructed a love story that is as much about the mind as it is the heart.

In this contemporary love story, a teenage boy named Karl enlists a famous writer to help him impress his girlfriend, Fiorella. She has asked him to write her a letter in which he reveals his true self. But Karl isn’t convinced he’s good enough with words, so he tracks down Fiorella’s favorite author and begs him to take up the task. The writer reluctantly assents, on the condition that Karl agree to a series of interviews, so that the letter will be based on an authentic portrait of Karl. The letter, though effective, has unexpected consequences for Karl, Fiorella, and the writer.
The cover and blurb didn't really sell me on this book. I read it a bit out of obligation. I am very glad I did. Looking back, I feel the cover and title aptly reflect the subject matter.

It isn't easy to put into words what I feel about this book. Perhaps, I am much like the characters in this regard. I have provided a list with minimal commentary:
- Karl and "the writer"
They are very easy to relate to and understand.
- The relationship between Karl and "the writer:
The dynamic of the relationship changes through the book. At first they are each using each other for their own gain. By and by, they begin to truly care for the other. I like how "the writer" takes time to listen and prepare the best way to approach Karl. This intense care over communication is all but lost. We would do well to learn from the sage advice of the elderly.
- The misinterpretation by others of that relationship:
Very true to the world we live in these characters assume the worst. Trust and good opinion don't come easy.
- The views "the writer" holds of people:
These varied from the elderly to different types of thinking or people. They are given in a very non-preachy way, very prepossessing and able to hit their target. This could be either because he is much like a grandparent or that he takes an outside approach. He doesn't seem to have any motives by his observation. For more explanation you will have to read the book.
- The book made me think:
I had to pause and consider "the writer's" thoughts several times. It even sparked conversation between myself and my husband. It was nice to get his views on the same things that sparked my mind.

What I didn't like:
- Fiorella
As "the writer" points out Fiorella is opposite of himself. I feel much the same way. She is hard for me to comprehend.

The whole book was surprising. I loved it. Great characters and story as well as food for thought.

Content:
Sexual: mild (off pages)
Violence: mild
Main Character Ages: 75 and 18
Moment Divine:
"In my experience most writers of books you've admired are disappointing as people. How can it be otherwise? If they're any use as authors, the best of them will be in their books."

Thursday, March 29

Bloggiesta: My Hopes

Bloggiesta starts tomorrow and I am excited. I have noticed a couple posts up already. Having now looked over the list of posts here is what I would like to check out or work on:

Make a Facebook Page
Trim down my sidebar
Media Icons
Reviews
Themed Pages
Commenting

There are other improvements I hope to work on during this time frame not related to the mini classes. Hopefully, the weekend will prove fruitful and productive.

Sisters of Glass: Book Review

Sisters of Glass
by Stephanie Hemphill
Knopf Books for Young Readers
March 27th 2012
Young Adult
Sister Rivalry

Maria is the younger daughter of an esteemed family on the island of Murano, the traditional home for Venetian glassmakers. Though she longs to be a glassblower herself, glassblowing is not for daughters—that is her brother's work. Maria has only one duty to perform for her family: before her father died, he insisted that she be married into the nobility, even though her older sister, Giovanna, should rightfully have that role. Not only is Giovanna older, she's prettier, more graceful, and everyone loves her.

Maria would like nothing more than to allow her beautiful sister, who is far more able and willing to attract a noble husband, to take over this role for her. But they cannot circumvent their father's wishes. And when a new young glassblower arrives to help the family business and Maria finds herself drawn to him, the web of conflicting emotions grows even more tangled.
Written similar to verse, which makes for a quick read. The story is simple and allows your imagination room to play where there is limited description. I didn't find it lacking and was able to read it in one sitting.
I enjoyed Maria, Vanna, and Luca. The two sisters are easy to understand and even trade places emotionally and physically during the book. Luca is so mysterious as well a deep. There is more than meets the eye to this one.
A great message is incorporated into this book. Maria and Vanna have a few choices to make. Accept that life is going to be miserable or find another solution. Maria is slated to marry a much older man and do little other than be a doll. Vanna is expected to work for her family until they send her to a convent. There is no other way, or maybe there is? Maria sneaks out and befriends Luca. There is also a war waging between convention and modern thinking. The younger generation often finds the expectations of the older generation confining. Maria's father decided, when she was a child, that she would change their fortunes by marrying a senator. To that end he set down a path she could not sway from even after his death. Years later the family has come upon hard times and intends to enact the plan to change their fortunes. It turns out that this plan isn't feasible. While trying to reach it they grow more and more desperate. Far be it for them to abandon ancient ideas and consider that times may call for new thinking. There is a way to respect the past and make a future possible.
The romance, characters, and story are simple and sweet. I really liked this book and recommend it for a light cute read.

P.S. Why is it that marriages back then were between forty to fifty year old guys and sixteen year old girls? Did they encourage this cradle robbing or was it preservation of the species? Does it really take men that long to establish themselves? Surely they weren't remaining chaste that whole time, otherwise their balls would have shriveled up and dropped off. I suppose marrying a woman the same age would have decimated the population, since they were likely infertile.
 

Wednesday, March 28

Vampire's Kiss: Book Review (Abroad)

Here is just another review I have done over at Fire and Ice.   So anyway, without further ado. . .

Presenting. . .

Vampire's Kiss
by Veronica Wolff

Moment Divine:
"Seriously, it was a miracle any of us was alive with these girls eager to run shivs between our ribs at the first opportunity. And we were expected to take it. Thank you, ma'am; may I have another?"

Waiting on Wednesday: Grave Mercy

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

Grave Mercy
by R.L. LaFevers

Publication Date: April 3rd


From Goodreads






Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?

Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae's most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?
Female and assassin are a good combo.

Tuesday, March 27

Goddess Interrupted: Book Review

Goddess Interrupted
by Aimee Carter
Harlequin
March 27th 2012
Young Adult | Fantasy
Greek Mythology

Official Blurb -
Kate Winters has won immortality.

But if she wants a life in the Underworld with Henry, she’ll have to fight for it.

Becoming immortal wasn’t supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she’s as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he’s becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate’s coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans.

As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future.

Henry’s first wife, Persephone.
This is one big messed up Greek soap opera. Talk about an unhealthy amount of emotional dysfunction. 
A large majority of the book follows Kate's inner turmoil and dialog. She runs through just about every emotion but most frequently insecurity and doubt. There are times I found her inner dialog a bit repetative and annoying. Luckily the story would move forward a bit to take us out of her mind. As much as I may not have always liked what she was thinking it was realistic. All of her thoughts are common and easy to identify with. Her insecurities and doubts help to set the right mood for that one moment when everything aligns. Kate and Henry suffer from a lack of communication which causes real problems. Another bit that fouls them up is all the "helpful" advice of friends.
There were some moments in this book I really liked. One was a very insightful piece of advice. You can't change how other people feel or act, but you can choose if you will be happy or miserable. I also really enjoyed watching Henry come out of his shell. There is so much more to him than he lets on. Since he is so reserved it is all the more intense when he does show emotion. It demands your undivided attention knowing that you are witnessing something so rare and strong that it isn't containable.
The ending seemingly comes out of nowhere and is abrupt. One second everything is set on a certain path and the next we are in an entirely new playing field. The abruptness of the ending leaves a lot of questions. What a bunch of crazy psychos! I am glad that is not my world to inhabit.

Monday, March 26

The Academie: Book Review

The Academie
by Susanne Dunlap
Bloomsbury
February 28th 2012
Young Adult/ Historical
Napoleon Bonaparte

Young and full of her own importance, Eliza Monroe finds herself in an academy for young ladies. Although, Her mother hopes she will make some influential connections, it isn't long before she has embroiled herself in a tangled mess.  Everyone has a secret, and for some, their secrets could be disastrous.
Don't you love this green dress? I think she looks very secretive. It turns out that the lives of the people in this book are nowhere near as pretty as the cover.
The idea for this story was taken from the interaction between three families. The Monroe's, Beauharnais', and Bonaparte's. It isn't long after the end of the French Revolution as Bonaparte rises in power. The remaining members of the aristocracy are in tatters but desperate to restore their past lives. Eliza shows up at the academy for ladies to make important connections and get some French polish. She is only fourteen but used to getting her way. Only this time the playing field is something she is unfamiliar with. Hortense Beauharnais and Caroline Bonaparte are not only more knowledgeable but highly connected. Caroline is the queen bee and will use anyone to get what she wants. She also despises Hortense and torments her. Eliza ends up in the background to all the drama and gets mixed up in some dangerous situations.
The characters were really hard to like. Caroline is a mean girl who cares about no one but herself and her family. I disliked her schemes and her ability to twist others around her finger. Hortense was a shock since she is the beauty that lacks self-importance. She is humble but at the same time almost annoyingly naive. Eliza is whiny and a gossip monger.
The pace of the story is painful to begin with. I attribute it to the characters being unlikable. One hundred pages into the story things begin to happen. It is much more entertaining to watch the characters react to situations then to listen to them bicker. The entrance into the trio of a fourth girl ends up being the catalyst to a sad ending. Especially for my favorite character Eugene. I feel so sorry for all of the younger generation. They are victims of their parents' obsession and inability to let go of the past and move on. You would think the adult survivors of the terreur would have disliked having no choice in their systematic executions and would be more lenient in the future. The ending was also left open for more. As Eliza departs, she mentally states that she will see them again. It doesn't seem well founded in some instances after I discovered the basis for the story.
I would recommend The Academie for those more interested in learning about society during this point in history. Keep in mind it is seen through the eyes of a fourteen year old, so take much of it in stride. Expect nothing near a happy ending and you will be poised for the best way to enjoy this book.

Saturday, March 24

IMM and My Reading Pile: 6

IMM: Hosted by The Story Siren
My Reading Pile: Hosted by [Fikt]shun


In the Mail/ Won:
Beautiful Creatures by
Cinder (Audiobook) by

 
The Shapeshifter's Secret by 
The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa


In the Reading Pile:
Grave Mercy by R.L. Lafevers
Dying to Know You by Aiden Chambers
Cascade by Lisa T. Bergren

Wishful Thinking:
Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood
(I also wished I owned a copy to read.)

Friday, March 23

Deja Vu: Of a Book Kind (3)

I have stumbled on another two book covers that are very similar.

Eye Candy: X


The Obsidian Blade
by Pete Hautman



Soulbound
by Heather Brewer

 Scorched Skies
by Samantha Young




Auracle
by Gina Rosati

Thursday, March 22

Heaven: Cover Reveal

Today I am glad to have stumbled upon the cover reveal for Heaven by Alexandra Adornetto and wanted to share!

So, without further adieu, I give you HEAVEN!

Feiwel & Friends
August 21st 2012
Young Adult/ Fantasy







Only sixteen when she started the series, Ally Adornetto knows how teen hearts beat, and this long-awaited conclusion is certain to be her most popular book yet.

Bethany, an angel sent to Earth, and her mortal boyfriend, Xavier, have been to Hell and back. But now their love will be put to its highest test yet, as they defy Heavenly law and marry. They don’t tell Beth’s archangel siblings, Gabriel and Ivy, but the angels know soon enough, and punishment comes in a terrifying form: the Sevens, who are rogue angels bent on keeping Beth and Xavier apart, destroying Gabriel and Ivy, and darkening angelic power in the heavens.

The only way Bethany and Xavier can elude the Sevens is to hide in the open, and blend in with other mortals their own age. Gabriel and Ivy set them up at college, where they can’t reveal their relationship, and where there is still danger around each corner. Will Bethany be called back to Heaven – forever – and face leaving the love of her life?



Pre-order

Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Find it on Goodreads

Spellcaster: Book Review

Spellcaster
by Cara Lynn Shultz
Harlequin Teen
March 27th 2012
Young Adult/ Fantasy
Witches

Last school year had some super great moments for Emma. She found out she is a witch and snagged the hottest guy in her class. They ride off into their own happily ever after. Perhaps not as happy as they were hoping. Brendan's past comes back to haunt him. Can their relationship survive the assault?
Emma's picture should be next to the definition for insecure in the dictionary. Her Achilles heel is her inability to move past her version of herself as well as her idea of Brendan's past flings. She waxes all weak and pathetic every time this stuff comes up. That doesn't mean I don't understand where she's coming from. Brendon's exploits are vast and many would love to add themselves to the list. Who wouldn't be somewhat affected by all those details constantly thrust into her face? You would have to be really confidant.
Brendan Salinger can be described by these three words: Hot, Rich, and Athletic. While Emma regales us with her numerous insecurities, Brendan gives us an all expense pass to his inner sanctum, revealing a softer side. Apparently, he is more than a handsome face and body. By that I don't mean brains, regardless of his report card.
These two don't have problems with communication, no matter what Brendan thinks. He gets upset when she keeps things from him. Unjustifiable since the information in question isn't more than a day old. More proof of their great communication comes in the form of several heart to heart moments. Being female, I enjoyed all the chat between the two, even if it is unrealistic.
A common theme in YA novels is an inability to seek help from adults. This being no exception, though the characters don't mind using it as a threat. Typical teenage behavior rooted in their belief in their own invincibility.
Karma is a huge factor in the storyline. All those exploits in Brendon's past start to interfere with his current relationship. He gets a real kick in the pants over the past excesses. Ever heard the phrase, "Save yourself until marriage" Consider its equivalent being finding that one person you will spend the rest of your life with. Here Cara Lynn Shultz has provided you with the consequences of not waiting.
a) reputation for your mad skills making women sink to using witch craft to catch your attention
b) ex-one night stand trying to exterminate your girlfriend
c) ex-one night stand trying to kill you for your immunity to her commitment hooks
Let this be a lesson to you, lest you find yourself similarly circumstanced.
The pacing of the books is much like the speed of a train. It takes forever for it to get anywhere. Pages and pages of . . . happy couple, blah, blah, move on please. Enter psycho scene right and things really start to chug. Then Emma switches our focus with her inner demons. Thankfully short lived as the ending comes crashing in. Sadly the end felt a bit anti-climatic. So much pressure and weight is placed on a specific spell which putters. 
Spell = Incapacitated Evil more like Spell = Pretty Fireworks
The evil chick is not to be easily deterred as she is the energizer bunny of psycho land. Top graduate of her villain class.
Brendan was the best part of this book for me. It was nice to get such an in depth view of his character. All together this was a good read and solid sequel.

Swearing: moderate
Sexual content: moderate
Violence: moderate
Main characters age: 17

Wednesday, March 21

Waiting on Wednesday: Black Heart

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

Black Heart
by Holly Black

Publication Date: April 3rd


From Goodreads





Cassel Sharpe knows he’s been used as an assassin, but he’s trying to put all that behind him. He’s trying to be good, even though he grew up in a family of con artists and cheating comes as easily as breathing to him. He’s trying to do the right thing, even though the girl he loves is inextricably connected with crime. And he’s trying to convince himself that working for the Feds is smart, even though he’s been raised to believe the government is the enemy.

But with a mother on the lam, the girl he loves about to take her place in the Mob, and new secrets coming to light, the line between what’s right and what’s wrong becomes increasingly blurred. When the Feds ask Cassel to do the one thing he said he would never do again, he needs to sort out what’s a con and what’s truth. In a dangerous game and with his life on the line, Cassel may have to make his biggest gamble yet—this time on love.

Tuesday, March 20

Another Jekyll, Another Hyde: Book Review

Another Jekyll, Another Hyde
by Daniel & Dina Nayeri
March 13th, 2012
Candlewick Press
Young Adult/ Fantasy
Jekyll and Hyde

Thomas finds himself with a very undesirable stepmother. Desperate for relief from the situation he turns to a new drug. Something isn't quite right as he begins to have unexpected side effects. Time begins to slip through his fingers and a voice emerges in his mind. Dangerous things are happening and someone is behind them. Thomas might be the culprit.
The villain is more believable. Her depth of evil so strong it can plant seeds of despair right into the marrow of your bones. I haven't done the genealogy but it is very possible she is related to Voldemort. If they aren't blood related perhaps they were childhood friends. They both share such common goals and means. Both want immortality and have no loyalty to those who help them reach their goal.
Thomas has a very nice relationship with his father. I like that they game together and take time to talk. Thomas also goes through the crucible to find out that there is more to him that he thought. Which is hard to believe as he is already a stellar kid. Edward Hyde is definitely the character who comes off the worst in the bargain. Poor thing had no choice in the whole matter. All the good parts of him including his life were stripped away magically.
This book feels remarkably similar to Tantalize by

Content:
Swearing: mild
Sexual Content: mild
Violence: mild
Underage drinking and drugs
Moment Divine:
"Sorry. I'm not gangsta enough, Charles Thomas Goodman-Brown the Third (nonconsecutive), but I'm sure there's someone on the Yale alumni board who could help me get rid of a body. That or I'll just find out which hedge fund he invest in and drive his portfolio into the ground."
"I could be the Notorious A.I.G. . . . You know . . . as my street name."
"Sure, Dad. I gotta go. Wanna game later?"
"No problem. I'll just run a Fortune 500 while I wait."

Spring Cleaning Book Giveaway Hop


March 20th through March 25th

US only
Must at least 13 years old

In the spirit of cleaning up, how about cleaning up the mess of a life left behind after your death?

Monday, March 19

Book Blogger Confessions: 3/19


The topic is: Everyone LOVES that book! Why don't I? How do you handle being the one reviewer who doesn't like a book that's taking the blogosphere by storm? Do you write a review? Pretend you didn't read the book?

Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready or The Immortals by Alyson Noel

With the first I just walked away, or at least in the beginning. Lately I have been hearing so much talk about this series. Several times I have had to look up my notes to see why it wasn't for me. Makes me sad I can't party with the crew, but it is what it is. The second I forced myself through three of the books before I got a backbone. I wish I would have just poured bleach on my brain than have read those.
Now my biggest problem is being carried away with the hype for any prettily covered book. I forget to research properly and dive in. I have run into some great disappointments. By now I am a bit set in my reading preferences and should respect them. It makes everyone happy. No author wants a terrible review from a reader that picked up a book they would never enjoy even under the best circumstances. Plus, I don't have a shortage of books vying for my attention. More like not enough time to read them all.

Thanks for the topic.

Saturday, March 17

IMM and My Reading Pile: 5

IMM: Hosted by The Story Siren
My Reading Pile: Hosted by [Fikt]shun


In the Mail:
Nothing (slow week, maybe I can catch up)


In the Reading Pile:
Vampire's Kiss by Veronica Wolff
Sister of Glass by Stephanie Hemphill
Darker Still by Leanna Renee Hieber

Wishful Thinking:
(In honor of St. Patricks Day, a green book)
Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Friday, March 16

Eye Candy: IX


Beautiful Redemption
by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

I wouldn't want to march up those stairs.



Zirconya
by Diana Ilinca


Falling Kingdoms
by Morgan Rhodes

Anyone ever play Assassin's Creed?







Dark Star
by Bethany Frenette


Elemental
by Antony John

I am always on the look out for a great story along these lines.

Thursday, March 15

Poison Princess: Cover Reveal

Today I am glad to have stumbled upon the cover reveal for Poison Princess by Kresley Cole and wanted to share!

So, without further adieu, I give you POISON PRINCESS!

Simon & Schuster
October 2nd 2012
Young Adult/ Fantasy







Poison Princess centers on 16-year-old Evangeline "Evie" Greene, a privileged teenager from Louisiana. When an apocalyptic event decimates her hometown, killing everyone she loves, Evie realizes the hallucinations she'd been having for the past year were actually visions of the future — and they're still happening. Fighting for her life and desperate for answers, she must turn to her wrong-side-of-the-bayou classmate: Jack Deveaux. As Jack and Evie race to find the source of her visions, they meet others who have gotten the same call. An ancient prophecy is being played out, and Evie is not the only one with special powers. A group of teens have been chosen to re-enact the ultimate battle between good and evil. But it's not always clear who is on which side…



Pre-order

Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Find it on Goodreads

The Goddess Test: Book Review

The Goddess Test
by Aimee Carter
Harlequin
April 19th 2011
Young Adult/ Fantasy
Greek Mythology

Think Persephone meets Beauty and the Beast. Throw both of those stories into the current century and you have this story. Kate is trying to deal with her mother's impending death. As her mother's life ebbs she finds herself in a bargain with a mysterious stranger. He brings life to the table and all he asks in return is for half of the rest of her life?
No, the book is not about a girl looking dreamily up into the skies waiting to get rained on. For some reason, the cover gave me to think that this book would be similar to Dragonfly by Julia Golding or The Oracle Betrayed by Catherine Fisher. If you are familiar with either of these books than you might see where the title and cover gave me that idea. It couldn't be farther from the truth. This is little more than the traditional twisted and very messed up Greek mythological story.
While the story is great I felt as if I was always waiting for something. It was an odd sensation since this book is full of secrets. The more of the secrets that were revealed the more confusing the entire book became. Considering the subject being Greek mythology this is par for the course. One of the reasons I was confused was the logic. Over and over again the characters would put forth logic for their decisions or actions. They believed so wholeheartedly in their logic that they couldn't perceive how anyone could differ. The characters even projected this onto me as a reader. One of the big themes in this book is choice and if that choice is freely made. Everyone seems to be concerned about Kate and they don't want her to be forced into anything. If you deciding against a choice will cause the death of your loved one, isn't that a bit coercive? On the other hand we can't hold or blame ourselves for things that happen to others. The force issue seems to depend on what thought camp you belong to.
James was early on a favorite for me. I found him very different from the usual male character. He was very spaced and yet present. He could blow off anything as if it were as insignificant as a fly, then turn around in the next moment and be completely serious and determined to get some message across. Sadly, it felt that once Kate enters the house his character changes completely. He wasn't refreshing anymore but very pouty. Due to the secretive nature of the characters it felt that even at the end of the book they weren't fully developed. They all seemed to be holding pertinent information back about themselves. I felt as if I couldn't empathize with them. Henry was especially illusive. It seemed more was revealed about Henry, emotionally, in the prologue than the rest of the book. I think his character is meaning to come off as self protective but it felt more like I was trying to see him through dirty glasses. Hopefully, in the next book it will be easier to get attached to him so I will actually want him to win the girl.
It was a great light read and I am looking forward to the next book. At this point in the romance department I haven't taken any sides. I actually hope that there is a mix up to add some spice.

Content: mild swearing

Wednesday, March 14

Waiting on Wednesday: Above

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

Above
by Leah Bobet

Publication Date: April 1st


From Goodreads





Matthew has loved Ariel from the moment he found her in the tunnels, her bee's wings falling away. They live in Safe, an underground refuge for those fleeing the city Above—like Whisper, who speaks to ghosts, and Jack Flash, who can shoot lightning from his fingers.

But one terrifying night, an old enemy invades Safe with an army of shadows, and only Matthew, Ariel, and a few friends escape Above. As Matthew unravels the mystery of Safe's history and the shadows' attack, he realizes he must find a way to remake his home—not just for himself, but for Ariel, who needs him more than ever before.

Tuesday, March 13

Forgotten: Partial Book Review

by Cat Patrick

Unfinished

Each night at precisely 4:33 am, while sixteen-year-old London Lane is asleep, her memory of that day is erased. In the morning, all she can "remember" are events from her future. London is used to relying on reminder notes and a trusted friend to get through the day, but things get complicated when a new boy at school enters the picture. Luke Henry is not someone you'd easily forget, yet try as she might, London can't find him in her memories of things to come.

When London starts experiencing disturbing flashbacks, or flash-forwards, as the case may be, she realizes it's time to learn about the past she keeps forgetting-before it destroys her future.

At first I really liked this book.  It was just so cute and captivating.  Then I started to get a bit bored when it was basically repeating itself.  But that is exactly what would happen if your mental slate was wiped clean each day.  Although, I wonder how she keeps up educationally?  It doesn't seem like she forgets all of that stuff.  Then after the boring repeats the book started to really delve into why she is in this situation.  That is when it got a bit too deep for me.  As a mother the idea of losing my child horrifies me.  So it was this reason I wasn't able to read any further.  I couldn't emotionally deal with the subject.

Another Pan: Book Review

Another Pan
by Daniel & Dina Nayeri
Candlewick Press
September 14th 2010
Young Adult/ Fantasy
Peter Pan

Peter Pan - Re-imagined and brought into this century.
Peter is obsessed with his youth and is on a quest to find immortality.
Wendy and her brother John stumble across a door opened by the Book of Gates that turns myth into reality.
The three team up to find the ingredients to bring about immortality. But, on their way, they meet with challenges they never expected and some shallow competition. 

The cover of this book is hardly indicative of the book. We have a seductress and a less than impressed boy. Plus, the socks and her age are all wrong. The socks  remind me of the white sock and sandal scandal. How often are socks sexy? Totally thinking granny feet and it isn't helping. Having read the book, it is a bit more obvious what they are trying to achieve but the emphasis is all wrong.
I was under the impression that this book was going to be about the mythical god Pan, you know the goat dude. The development of Peter Pan was disappointing. I detest Peter Pan even in Disney form. There are so many things about his character that I heartily dislike. This book only helped to remind me of each and every reason for my feelings.
Peter is selfish first and foremost. He will use and abuse anyone and anything to get what he wants. He is impetuous and a complete jerk. I can't fathom what Wendy is thinking. Did she wake up one morning and sniff paint thinner until her brain cells took a dive? She is played out very true to character and comes off a ninny. John's personality and actions are actually very fitting for his age. He is naive and trying to find acceptance for himself in the school. He does make errors of judgement and then learns from them. His is possibly the best character in this book even at thirteen years old. I do not like the villain in this series. She embodies the emotion of hatred, which will always exist. There is very little personality to her and therefore it is hard to really loathe her. We are expected to hate her on principal alone. There are these small tidbits of thought for varying characters at the end of chapters. Several of them were rather odd and many didn't feel very necessary to character development.
Outside of the characters the book was actually entertaining. The motive for why Wendy helps Peter is a bit weak. Why does she feel like he should have immortality? No one convinced me he is in dire need. I relate more to the character of Marla in her enthusiasm for the myths. It was nice to learn each new myth and watch how things pieced together. The last myth was a bit of let down. The professor advertises it as the most important of the five, yet it comes to an end almost too easily. I was thinking there would be five gods protecting the last but there wasn't. Here, at the end, is the only time I agree with Peter. He is thinking about an occurrence involving John and pondering how quickly and simply it came to pass. Definitely the way I feel about the ending. Good thing the next book tackles Jekyll and Hyde and not more of Peter Pan. No interest in seeing what lengths he will go to now to achieve his goals.
In conclusion, it was a good retelling of Peter Pan and there are several aspects explored that are entertaining. If you aren't a fan of Peter Pan I suggest avoiding this one. On the other hand if you like myths and the impossible lengths some go to achieve them this book is for you.

Content: mild swearing
Main characters ages: 16 and 13

Saturday, March 10

IMM and My Reading Pile: 4

IMM: Hosted by The Story Siren
My Reading Pile: Hosted by [Fikt]shun


In the Mail:
Vampire's Kiss by Veronica Wolff

Won:
Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren
(Thanks Lisa!)

Library:
Another Pan by Daniel 

NetGalley:
Speed of Light by Amber Kizer


In the Reading Pile:
The Academie by Susanne Emily Dunlap
Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare
Dark Passage by M. J. Putney


Wishful Thinking:
Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers