Review: Fallen by Lauren Kate



Title: Fallen

Author: Lauren Kate
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication date: December 8, 2009 
# Of Pages: 452 Hardcover 
How I got the copy: Library (Audiobook)


From Goodreads.com

There’s something achingly familiar about Daniel Grigori.

Mysterious and aloof, he captures Luce Price’s attention from the moment she sees him on her first day at the Sword & Cross boarding school in sultry Savannah, Georgia. He’s the one bright spot in a place where cell phones are forbidden, the other students are all screw-ups, and security cameras watch every move.

Even though Daniel wants nothing to do with Luce–and goes out of his way to make that very clear–she can’t let it go. Drawn to him like a moth to a flame, she has to find out what Daniel is so desperate to keep secret . . . even if it kills her.

My Rating: 2/5 Stars

My Review:
þ Mysterious hot guys

þ Love triangle

þ Colorful characters

This was my first Audio book ever and I loved listening to it while I drove to work.  The only thing that annoyed me was when I needed to focus on going through a circle or something I had to rewind the cd because I missed stuff.  Sometimes when I got to my destination I didn't want to get out of the car, but this book was very slow paced so that didn't happen often.  I think if it had been something like Insurgent I would just sit in my car and miss work. 

Because it was so slow paced, I felt like I didn't have many emotions while listening.  Usually books take you on an emotional roller coaster which is half the reason I read in the first place.  But this one was pretty much Luce being confused about why Daniel hates her and wondering what she should do about Cam liking her.  Daniel is just so dreamy and mysterious, but Cam in nice and cute. Ultimately everything felt predictable and like I had already read it in another book.  


Now think back to high school when two of your friends have an inside joke and you have no idea what it is they're talking about.  They won't tell you anything and sometimes you don't want to ask.  So you just sit there clueless and feeling like you want to scream.  This is how I felt with this book.  The whole time Luce has no clue about Daniel and the shadows that she sees and we get a clue maybe every five chapters.  If I were her I would have been questioning everything.  I felt like the book ended and I still had no idea what was going on.  I understand that the author may have wanted it to be this way because the book is in Luce's perspective.  I think this is one of the only times I'd actually wished the book was in two perspectives so I could have seen Daniel's POV and figured out what was going on.  If there's anything I hate it's being in the dark about something.  


However,  I will say that I already got the second audio book Torment (Fallen #2) from the library and have begun to listen to it.  This series somehow keeps my interest.  I think because the first book was left so unresolved I needed to know what would happen next.  Do I suggest this book to a friend?  As a hardcover no, but as an audio book yes.  I think it's perfect for the car or tredmill because it is so slow.  Warning: the person who reads it enunciates ev-er-y syllable, but you get used to it after awhile.  

Weekly Event: Shelf Candy Saturday (#2)




This is a meme hosted by fivealarmbookreview.com where we celebrate cover artists who have designed captivating cover art.  To participate click the link above for details.





(#2)

The Unquiet
The Unquiet
From Goodreads
Sixteen-year-old Rinn Jacobs has secrets: One, she’s bipolar. Two, she killed her grandmother.

After a suicide attempt, and now her parents' separation, Rinn and her mom move from California to the rural Ohio town where her mother grew up. Back on her medications (again!) and hoping to stay well, Rinn settles into her new home and school. She refuses to be daunted by the fact that the previous owner hanged herself in Rinn's bedroom, or that her classmates believe the school pool is haunted by Annaliese, a girl who drowned there. But when a reckless séance goes awry, and terrible things start happening to her new friends—yet not to her—Rinn is determined to find out why she can’t be "touched" by Annaliese...or if Annaliese even exists.

With the help of Nate Brenner, the hunky “farmer boy” she’s rapidly falling for, Rinn devises a dangerous plan to uncover the truth. Soon reality and fantasy meld into one, till Rinn finds it nearly impossible to tell the difference. When a malevolent force threatens the lives of everyone she cares about--not to mention her own--she can't help wondering: who should she really be afraid of? 


Why I Chose it:

I feel like lots of books have covers with girls underwater lately, but this one is really captivating to me.  It's creepy yet serene all at the same time.  It looks like she is sinking because her hair is floating upwards, yet she doesn't seem to be struggling at all.  I'm curious why it's called The Unquiet.  Guess I'll have to read to find out.  This book comes out July 17, 2012. 

Side note: It is nearly impossible to find out who the cover artists are for many books.  I think they should get more credit!  For those of you who do shelf candy posts...how do you find the cover artist?  


What covers are you fascinated by?

Review: Unearthly by Cynthia Hand


Title: Unearthly  

Author: Cynthia Hand
Publisher:  Harper Teen
Publication date: January 4, 2011 
# Of Pages: 435 Hardcover 
How I got the copy: Library 


From Goodreads.com

In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .
Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.
Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.
As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make—between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?
Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.

My Rating: 5/5 Stars
My Review:
þ Good Vs. Evil


þ Destiny (Making your own)


þ Love: is it fate?

You know those books that you read because the cover is pretty?  Those books that you think will be nothing special and then they surprise you by being so extraordinary that by the end of the book you are already trying to figure out when you will have time to go buy the sequel because you need to know what happens next ASAP.

Ya, that's how this book was for me.  Cynthia Hand was one of the guest authors of the Spring into the Future tour that I went to in NY.  She wasn't at the NY stop, but I figured she must be good if she was in a signing with authors like Lauren Oliver, Tahereh Mafi, and Veronica Rossi.  You don't just put any author with them.  My assumptions were correct.

Weekly Events: Top Ten Tuesday (#4)/Teaser Tuesday (#2)







This weekly meme is hosted by The Broke and the 
Bookish.  All you have to do is add a link back to the hosts page and compile your top ten list of the week.  Each week there is a new top ten list announced and bloggers post their top ten.




(#4)
Top Ten All Time Favorite Characters

1. Sophie Mercer from the Hex Hall series.  She is snarky, humorous, and always has a funny comeback.  I literally laugh out loud when I read these books and it's mostly because of Sophie.

2. Jessica Darling from the Jessica Darling Series.  Much like Sophie she is cynical, full of angst, and also hilarious.  I've reread that series so many times because I can't get enough of Jessica's thoughts and dialouge.


3. Edward Cullen from Twilight.  If you've read the books you may understand (the movies make Edward look like a creepy stalker).  In the books he is adorable.  And if you have read the Midnight Sun excerpt you'd understand why he is the way he is.  Yes, I find it weird that he's 107 and likes a 17 year old.  And yes I'm aware that it's not normal to watch someone while they sleep, but somehow in the book it doesn't come across as creepy.



4. Four from Divergent.  He's mysterious, he's strong, he's sensitive.  I fell in love with Four from the beginning. I can't wait to read more about him in Insurgent.

5. Katniss from The Hunger Games.  If there was ever a character I wanted to be, this would be it.  Obviously I don't envy her situation...I'd never want to experience her world.  But I admire her strength, selflessness, and cleverness.  Basically she's one of the first popular literary characters that is doesn't rely on a man to survive.

6. Eric Northman from Sookie Stackhouse series.  I love how he has so many layers.  The first few books he seems like a power hungry jerk, but as you peel back the layers throughout the series you see the sensitive side to him.  Plus did I mention how hot he is?

7.Harry Potter & Ron Weasley from Harry Potter.  They're probably two of the best characters ever created.  

8. Hermione from Harry Potter.  She gets her own spot because she made smart look cool.  A great role model for young girls.  Enough said.  


9. Tucker from Unearthly.  I'm reading this right now, but he's just so freakin adorable.  I love the banter between him and Clara.

10. Auden & Ruby from Sarah Dessen books (Along for the Ride & Lock and Key).  They were two characters that I have read over and over again and identify with so much.    




What are your top ten characters? 


Weekly Event: In My Mailbox (#5)






This is a meme hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren.  Everyone who participates gets to show off what books they bought, borrowed, or received that week.






For Review:
Someone Else's Fairytale (Goodreads/B&N)

I am so excited to read this one that I might just have to 
put it before some other books I have to read!  Omgcat, This cat is shocked and appalled. GIF and original video not made by me.
I know that's bad, but I could really use a good chick lit type story.  
I'm going to have to do a lot of reading this week to catch up.  

In other news: 8 days until Insurgent...just sayin.      

Congrats to Brooke W. for winning the Holly Nather Trilogy Giveaway!  


What's in your mailbox this week?

Review: Socialpunk by Monica Leonelle & GIVEAWAY

Blog Tour Stop:


Title: Socialpunk  
Author: Monica Leonelle 
Publisher:   Spaulding House  
Publication date: March 27, 2012 
# Of Pages: 275 ebook
How I got the copy: author 


From Amazon

Ima would give anything to escape The Dome and learn what’s beyond its barriers, but the Chicago government has kept all its citizens on lockdown ever since the Scorched Years left most of the world a desert wasteland. When a mysterious group of hooded figures enters the city unexpectedly, Ima uncovers a plot to destroy The Dome and is given the choice between escaping to a new, dangerous city or staying behind and fighting a battle she can never win.



My Rating: 4/5 Stars

My Review:
þ Characters with depth
þ Strong female lead
þA plot that twists and turns in every chapter

Like every other first installment in a trilogy there was a lot of build up.  Unlike every other first book, Monica Leonelle was actually able to give the reader the back story in pieces while still providing lots of action, a new world setting, and a splash of romance.  The prologue gives us a look into this new world and it's creator.  We learn that he has created a son who he intends to give to one of his creations to make her happy in her last months of life.  Then we meet the that creation, the main character Ima (aka "E").  She's just like any other girl who struggles with abuse and confusing crushes.  She sees herself as weak and an outsider until later when she is forced to acknowledge her strength and finally embraces it.  I loved watching her grow and develop into a powerful female lead.  Since this story was very mature for the YA genre I was glad that despite Ima's abusive father and neglectful "boyfriend" she was still able to channel her strength in the end.  Young girls need a role model like Ima.


The plot took so many twists that I didn't see coming.  It seemed like every other chapter something big happened and I was holding my breath hoping the characters would make it out of whatever bind they were in.  I also liked that this dystopian was very subtle and unlike any other I had ever read.  I didn't even realize it was a dystopian at first.    


I'm excited to read the next book in this trilogy because the first book was left on a cliffhanger and I simply need to know what Ima will face next.  I can't wait to watch her grow even more and see what happens with the few romantic sparks she had in book 1.  I also can't wait to see what happens with Dash and the epic twist Monica laid on us in the very end of the book.  


I will be honest, this wasn't my all time favorite book in the world, but it definitely was a lot more intense and inventive than I had expected it to be.  I liked the actual writing style of the author and the characters so I would definitely suggest it to friends.  Lucky for you guys Monica is hosting a giveaway where you could win a copy of her book or you know...AN IPAD 3 OR KINDLE (where you can then buy her book and read it on your new tablet!)              

GIVEAWAY
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Book Signing & Weekly Event: Top Ten Tuesday








pic.twitter.com/S7QEjQfK
First I want to share with you my experience of my first book signing! 
Then I'll share my TOP TEN TUESDAY POST!



My cousin, brother's girlfriend, and I were at The International Make Up Artist Trade Show earlier in the day.  This is us rushing to the book signing.  One subway ride, 6 blocks, and 2 blisters later and we arrived.  We missed the question/answer portion of the day, but I was just glad to get there.  














I was the second to last person in line so I waited anxiously on the side wondering what I would say to the authors when I got up there.





This is Veronica Rossi author of Under the Never Sky.  If you haven't read this book you need to!  I had read her book in one day straight.  I was so nervous to meet her, but she was really nice!    She even wrote down my blog web address.  Then later that day she followed me back on twitter.  I think my life is complete now.  







.


Review: Angel Burn by L.A. Weatherly


 
Title: Angel Burn  

Author: L.A. Weatherly 
Publisher:  Candlewick Press 
Publication date: May 24, 2011 
# Of Pages: 449 Hardcover 
How I got the copy: Library 


From Goodreads.com

Willow knows she's different from other girls, and not just because she loves tinkering with cars. Willow has a gift. She can look into the future and know people's dreams and hopes, their sorrows and regrets, just by touching them. she has no idea where this power comes from. But the assassin, Alex, does. Gorgeous, mysterious Alex knows more about Willow than Willow herself does. He knows that her powers link to dark and dangerous forces and that he's one of the few humans left who can fight them. When Alex finds himself falling in love with his sworn enemy, he discovers that nothing is as it seems, least of all good and evil.



My Rating: 4/5 Stars

My Review:
þAttraction, tension, and a growing romance.

þcorrupt race of angels with an evil plan

þNonstop Fast paced action 

This book had gotten mixed reviews on goodreads, but I decided to get it anyway because my book club was reading all Angel/Demon books for the month of April.  I am so glad I didn't let the bad reviews determine whether I read it or not because I loved it!  It starts out giving background on both main characters Willow and Alex from each of their perspectives.  We see Willow living with her aunt and mom (who has lost mental capacity over the years), and we see how she is different from her classmates.  She a little eccentric, works on cars, and gives people psychic readings.  Then we see Alex, a 17 year old living on his own and trained to kill angels for the rest of his life.  I liked that the action began within the first few chapters.  The author didn't wait to start the car chases and electric attraction between Alex and Willow.

Weekly Event: In My Mailbox (#4)









This is a meme hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren.  Everyone who participates gets to show off what books they bought, borrowed, or received that week.








Demon Glass (Goodreads/B&N)
A Beautiful Dark (Goodreads/B&N)
I Am Me (Goodreads/B&N- Review/Interview with author Ram Sundaram/Excerpt
Outside In (Goodreads)-June 14- Review/Guest Post by author Suzan Battah 
The Syndicate (Goodreads/B&N) -May 16-Review
WOW:The Syndicate

Not in video: 
Socialpunk (Goodreads/B&N)-April 19- Review and Interview w/ Monica Leonelle 

This weekend I will be at a make up convention & my first ever book signing in NYC so I'm posting my IMM early.  If you should happen to be at Books of Wonder tomorrow too feel free to say hi!  I will be tweeting pics tomorrow @HarleyBearBooks.

What's in your mailbox this week?

Weekly Event: Feature & Follow Friday #4











This meme is hosted by Parajunkee & Alison Can Read
 It is a great way to meet fellow bloggers and gain new followers.  Each participant will answer the week's F&F questions.  And each week a blogger will be Featured on the host's website. 




This week's featured blogger is from:
   Book Briefs               

This week's question:

Q: What is one book that you would be nervous to see a movie adaption of because you think the movie could never live up to the book?

I think I am most nervous about Divergent becoming a movie someday.  This is one of my favorite books and I would be really mad if the film industry messed it up.  I think, like The Hunger Games, there is so much inner dialogue Tris has that it would be difficult to portray that in a film.  I still hope they make it into a movie though!

Leave comments with a link to your Follow Friday/Feature & Follow and I'll be sure to check it out!
     
Tweeted: 
@SweetBookshelf @StuckInBooks @VeeWeasley 

Weekly Events: Waiting on Wednesday (#3)

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme hosted by Jill from http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com/.  
It is a way for us book bloggers to feature which books we are eagerly anticipating!







Goodreads.com Summary:

For centuries, the Petrescu family has been protecting society from a danger that moves among the population undetected. Eighteen-year-old Vasi Petrescu has never had a problem carrying out his duty, but, when ordered to eliminate a seventeen-year-old girl, he is immediately taken out of his comfort zone. 

The Syndicate has never targeted a female before, yet somehow this one has ended up on more than one hit list. Vasi would like to find out why, but there may not be time. 

Now, he'll have to decide whether or not to keep her alive even if it means going against his own family. 

The action, mystery, and conspiracy in The Syndicate will take readers on an immersing journey in which decisions are not only life changing, but irreversible.


Release date: July 9, 2012

Why I am excited:   I saw this book mentioned on someone's blog a few months ago.  The synopsis really had me intrigued for many reasons.  First of all, I have not read many books with male protagonists.  That alone was played a big factor in why I wanted to read this.  Secondly, I thought he had an interesting job as an assassin and wondered what the family business is exactly.  I hope that he'll fall in love with this girl he can't bring himself to kill.  I want to know why the girl is on multiple hit lists.  Finally, that last paragraph leaves me wanting more.  What is the conspiracy?  And how can a decision not be life changing yet be irreversible?  What does it all mean!?  Plus a hot guy on the cover never hurts.  And why is he emersed in smoke?  Ahh so many questions I need answered.  Luckily I asked the author and am now part of The Syndicate Blog Tour. I should be receiving an ARC soon so I can read it and report back to you my thoughts.  I'll be posting my review May 16, 2012 so make sure you come back and find out if I think it was as good as it looks.  Don't forget to check out the other stops on her tour too!  

 What are you waiting on this Wednesday?
  
Stop by my current GIVEAWAY.  Only a few days left to enter!

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