Review: Half-blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
First book in the Covenant series

The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi-pure-bloods-have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals-well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures. Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1:Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden. Unfortunately, she's crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn't her biggest problem--staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck.

As I've said before I absolutely love Greek mythology I love reading more about it and I love how each book I read is about a different myth. Half-blood was different than others because it actually wasn't really based around a certain myth it was about the Covenant and pures and half-bloods and something I've never heard of before in Greek mythology: daimons.
I loved how the action started literally on the first page and didn't stop the plot was never slow or boring. Alex was hilarious and I felt really bad for what she had to go through with her mom but she was still strong. I loved all the training it was funny and her trainer helped with that. I loved Aiden he was so sweet and obviously hot and he's a reader :) Seth annoyed me I'm not a big fan of the whole perfect other half made for each other don't have a choice thing. I'm not trying to give anything away but it's kind of obvious that Aiden and Alex are super cute. I loved them together and that one part with them near the end at the hospital (if you've read this you know what I'm talking about) killed me. I just wanted them to say screw the rules and I don't know run away together. But sadly that's not what happened and I wanted to throw the book (in a good way of course) but I had to know what happened. Overall this book was hilarious and exciting and I've said love a lot in this review but I really loved it. I don't know if I can wait until April for Pure to come out but I really want to read Jennifers other book Obsidian so hopefully that will help.
5/5 stars
-Marissa <3

Waiting on Wednesday: The Savage Grace by Bree Despain

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

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

The Savage Grace by Bree Despain
Expected Publication: March 13th 2012
Third and final book in The Dark Divine Trilogy

Wrestling with the werewolf curse pulsing deep inside of her, Grace Divine was finally able to find her brother, but it nearly cost her everything.

With her boyfriend, Daniel, stuck in wolf form and Sirhan's death approaching, time is running out for Grace to stop Caleb Kalbi and his gang of demons. If she fails, her family and hometown will perish. Everything rests on Grace's shoulders.

The final installment in The Dark Divine trilogy brings Daniel and Grace's love story to a breathtaking conclusion.

 This is one of my favorite series and even though I'm sad to see it end I'm really excited to know how it works out for everyone. I'm really upset that the release got pushed back because if it hadn't I would be reading it right now :( but I know it will be worth the wait.
-Marissa <3

Archangel Evolution Joint Review

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publisher: CreateSpace
The last book in The Evolution Trilogy

 Archangel Evolution- the third book in the young adult fantasy trilogy: The Evolution Trilogy... The battle concludes... While Taylor is still getting used to her evolution, the Archangel Council has uncovered a bold new secret, one that will allow them to finally defeat the demons. Dionysus has a new deadly apprentice, hell-bent on eradicating the human race. Can Taylor master her newfound abilities to finally end the Great War, once and for all

Jasmines review:
It’s hard to put into words how sad I am to see this series end. It was more amazing then I ever would have thought. So much love and excitement. Kiren and Sampson are so cute. I wouldn't expect a demon to fall for an angel. I'm glad Sam found someone and was a part of the story. She’s defiantly my favorite character. When Sam was kidnap Chris's whole personality changed. This shows how much he cares for her. Taylor and Gabriel are my favorite couple. Their so adorable. I hope every one of these couples get married and have little babies :). I admire Taylor. Her strength is unbelievable. She started off as an everyday human. Then next thing you know she’s this super powerful archangel. Dionysus was extremely creepy. He turned David into a monster :(. The storyline defiantly kept me reading. I liked how we didn't have to wait till the end for the action. Overall this book and series are absolutely amazing. If you haven't read this I highly recommend it. 5/5 stars


Marissas review:
This is going to be a review for Archangel Evolution but it will probably go on and on about how good the whole series is. I didn't expect it to be as good as it was it completely took me by surprise. Let me tell you what I like best about these books.
The plot: It may seem like just another angel vs. demon book but it's not. The angels are super evil and the demons are super good. It's reversed and I've never read anything like it. There's never a dull moment.
The Characters: I loved the characters. I've said this in the reviews for the other books in this series but I can't help it the characters are amazing. Taylor is hilarious and strong (yes I know I've said that every time too) I love how even though she does fall in love she stays true to herself and doesn't let it blind her. Gabriel is adorable he's not perfect he's made mistakes but he's made up for them and then some. Sam is awesome she's girly but tough at the same time I loved her relationship with Taylor they were both there when they needed each other. Chris like Gabriel was adorable and he was hilarious. Sampson and Kiren were really cute. I liked how Taylor and Kiren bonded in this book and how close Gabriel and Sampson were. And I love Kirens hair :) Rocky was so cute I loved him. Dionysus was so incredibly creepy and David was so evil and so sad. I really liked Clifford :(
The Romance: It may not seem like it but these books were very cute. There was not one but three couples in this and I loved that. I think Taylor and Gabriel were my favorite they were so cute and their banter was so funny. Sam and Chris were adorable and it was so sweet how upset Chris got when Sam was taken and I love how they were always sneaking off to do stuff together ;). I loved how even though Sampson was an angel and Kiren was a demon they looked past that and really loved each other.
And despite all that there was still tons of action. So both guys and girls would love this.
Wow that was long I just couldn't help it these books are awesome and the author deserves tons of recognition. Overall I thought this was an amazing conclusion to the series I loved all the training, action, humor and romance. Even though I'm sad to see it end I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next :)
5/5 stars!

The Iron King Review

Reading Level:Young Adult
Publisher:Harlequin Teen
First in a series
Meghan Chase has a secret destiny; one she could never have imagined.
Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school or at home.
When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change.
But she could never have guessed the truth - that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face; and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.


Review
The Iron Knight had like a fairy tale feel. The writing is magical and extremely different. I've never read a faerie book quite like this. I like how the action starts right off the bat. Within like the first five chapters something was happening. I love the attention to detail. The cover is beautiful and I love the vines on each new chapter. The creeptastic little brother was a nice touch. I have a feeling we haven't heard the last from the iron king. I've heard that there's a love triangle coming. I know who I'm voting for. Ash is swoon worthy hot! Puck totally cracks me up. I love him. Grimalkin kinda reminds me of the cat from Alice in wonderland. He's super cute and hilarious. The storyline had lots of twists and was very exciting. Overall I really enjoyed this and am early awaiting reading the sequel. I highly recommend this. 5/5 stars

Jasmine <3

Demon Evolution Joint Review

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publisher: CreateSpace
Second in The Evolution Trilogy

Demon Evolution- the second book in the young adult fantasy trilogy: The Evolution Trilogy... Spreading darkness... Guilty of treason for which the penalty is death, Taylor's angel boyfriend, Gabriel, has been captured. The fate of the world sits on a knife's edge, with Taylor being the key to everything. Taylor's aura is growing stronger, but will it be enough to save Gabriel and defeat the Archangel Council.

Jasmines Review:
I can't even explain how amazing this was. Some sequels are sad a depressing. This was adorable and exciting. It wasn't even possible to predict what was going to happen next. There were so many twists. I personally liked the demons way way way more than the angels. Taylor and Gabriel are OMG soul mates for life. Their so adorable. The fact that Taylor can forgive Gabriel for anything so easily shows how much she really loves him. I kind of want my own puppy gargoyle. I love how Sam is such a big part of this book. She and Taylor are in the same boat. I'm glad they have each other to rely on. The amount of romance in this is magical. Sam and Chris are so flirty and cute. I'm really glad Sampson and Kiren got together. Gabriel has become the love of my life. Sampson is adorable and hilarious. Overall this was amazing, different, and exciting. I read it in less than 10 hours. I've already bought and started the third and final book. So in case you hadn't noticed I really enjoyed this. I highly recommend it.
5/5 Stars

Marissa Review:

This is hardly a review it's more me just fangirling so be warned. Demon Evolution was even better than the first. There was way more action and romance and twists and just more everything. It was so exciting I couldn't stop reading it and I finished it in a day. I loved the characters even more in this book. Yet again Taylor blew me away by how strong she was and Gabriel sigh he was fantastic. I love him and Taylor they're adorable. Lommel :). Sam and Chris were still hilarious and cute. I loved Kirens hair of course and she and Sampson were so cute I love how their all paired up now :) The whole David thing makes me so sad. I totally did not see the big twist at the end coming. I had to get the next one and I've already started it.
5/5 stars

Angel Evolution joint review and giveaway

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publisher: CreateSpace
First in a trilogy

Angel Evolution- the first book in the young adult fantasy trilogy: The Evolution Trilogy... When Taylor meets Gabriel at college, she is in awe of the subtle glow that surrounds him. No one else, not even her best friend, seems to notice. Something about him scares her. Is all as it appears? While Taylor struggles for answers, she finds herself in the middle of a century old war centered on one miraculous revelation: evolution

Jasmines review:
This wasn't what I expected at all. Being a angel freak I knew I would like it but I wasn't sure how much. I seriously read this in like a day and a half. I couldn't put it down. It was kinda slow at first but I had a feeling it would speed up and it did. Gabriel was kinda creepy stalker at first. I didn't like all the lies. It was like he was using Taylor but he has some feelings for her too which makes things complicated. Taylor was like that strong heroine. She wasn't letting anyone control her. I'm not too sure about the tattoos. I'm not really a tattoo kinda person but that's kinda a part of her character. Her love for Gabriel was so sweet and adorable. I think he returned some of her feelings but I don't know how strongly. Sam is so girly. I love how it takes her hours to get ready because I am the same way ;). Surprisingly enough I liked Chris. Him and Sam were adorable. There was so much romance in this. I really like how it wasn't just one couple. The ending had quite the buildup. I don't think it was as exciting as it could have been. It explained everything perfectly but it wasn't very exciting. Overall I really loved this a lot and I'm looking forward to reading the sequel. 5/5 stars


Marissas review:
I've read a lot of angel books but this one was so incredibly different it hardly fits in the same genre. In this book angels and demons have nothing to do with religion or God they were actually created 150 years ago and I really liked that it was different and new and I loved learning about it. And I was surprised that I sided with the demons in this. I loved the characters and how there was multiple points of view so we got to know all of them. Taylor was really strong and snarky and I loved how she stood up for herself no matter what. I was a little suspicious of Gabriel at first but he proved himself by the end and him and Taylor are really cute together. I also loved how Sam and Chris were cute too it was like double romance and I think Sam is probably my favorite character. I can't wait to see what's next for all of them and I already bought the next book. I'm not sure what I was expecting from this book but it certainly blew me away.
5/5 stars

                                        Giveaway!


We want to thank David Estes for giving us free ebook copy's of this amazing book to read and to giveaway :)
-We're giving away 5 free ebook copy's
-Giveaway ends on Janurary 9th

Evernight review

Reading Level:Young Adult
Publisher:HarperTeen
First in a series
Bianca wants to escape.

She's been uprooted from her small hometown and enrolled at Evernight Academy, an eerie Gothic boarding school where the students are somehow too perfect: smart, sleek, and almost predatory. Bianca knows she doesn't fit in.

Then she meets Lucas. He's not the "Evernight type" either, and he likes it that way. Lucas ignores the rules, stands up to the snobs, and warns Bianca to be careful—even when it comes to caring about him.

"I couldn't stand it if they took it out on you," he tells Bianca, "and eventually they would."

But the connection between Bianca and Lucas can't be denied. Bianca will risk anything to be with Lucas, but dark secrets are fated to tear them apart . . . and to make Bianca question everything she's ever believed.

Review
For awhile I didn't want to read this. I think because when I looked it up I was over vampires. Then Fateful came along and I realized what an amazing author Claudia Gray was. I really liked this. It wasn't like any other vampire story. In most books the guy is the dangerous one. I like the change. The girl is either dangerous towards the guy or their both dangerous towards each other. I like how it was a boarding school. Normally the parents aren't with the person. I liked how Bianca's parents were with her. I adored Vic. He was hilarious. I liked how close he and Lucas were. Ah Lucas was adorable. I love how he stands up for the kids being picked on. I love his personality. I can see why Bianca likes him so much. I'm kinda curious about his background and family. I hope we learn more about him in the sequel. The storyline was unique and exciting. There were so many twists and turns I wasn't expecting at all. Overall I adored this and am eagerly waiting till I can purchase the sequel. 5/5 stars
Jasmine :)

Review: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publisher: Harper Collins
First in a trilogy

Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war-- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

In this electrifying debut, Tahereh Mafi presents a world as riveting as The Hunger Games and a superhero story as thrilling as The X-Men. Full of pulse-pounding romance, intoxicating villainy, and high-stakes choices, Shatter Me is a fresh and original dystopian novel—with a paranormal twist—that will leave readers anxiously awaiting its sequel.

 

At first I wasn't sure about this book I've read a lot of dystopian lately and I wanted a break from it but I'm am very glad I read it. In most dystopians the world has been different and messed up for a long time but I loved how in this one the world was only just beginning to change and be taken over by power hungry people.

Tahereh has a way with words. I love her writing style. This was a little hard to get used to at first but once I did I really liked it. And the characters were amazing. Juliette was so kind and strong despite her horrible situation. Adam oh Adam words can't even describe I absolutely adored him he was so sweet and hot obviously :) Warner was so creeptastic. Kenji was hilarious but I think he has a death wish or something. James was so cute and I loved his relationship with Adam.

Oh my goodness Juliette and Adam are the cutest couple ever. When I finished this I had to go back and read the cute parts again they were just that good. But I kind of had the feeling that Tahereh is setting us up for a love triangle I seriously hope not.

I don't even know how to describe this book. It was amazing and adorable and I loved every minute of it. If you haven't already read it drop everything and go read it right now. Please. I wish I owned it but sadly I have to give it back to Jasmine :(

5/5 stars :)

-Marissa <3

Waiting on Wednesday:Shine by Jeri Smith Ready

                                                

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

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Shine By Jeri Smith Ready
Expected Publication :May 1st 2012
Series: Third and final in a trilogy

No other love has burned so bright

Life can change in an instant, and no one understands that better than Aura. It’s been almost a year since her boyfriend tragically died. She’s finally letting go of Logan’s violet-hued ghost, but not her search to uncover the truth about her past.As the first in a generation that can see ghosts, Aura is convinced that she has a connection to the Shift. She’s trusted Zachary, ever patient and ever by her side, with all that she knows. But when the government threatens his life in an attempt to learn Aura’s secrets, she will stop at nothing to protect herself and the one she loves...even if that means betraying her own heart


This is one of my favorite series's ever.I'm dying to know what happens next.With all the teasers and that description the wait is torture.This is by far my favorite cover of the series.Im eagerly awaiting this :).

Jasmine <3

Legend review

Reading Level:Young Adult
Publisher:Putnam
First in a trilogy
What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills

Review
When I started this I didn't think I was gonna like it very much. I thought the beginning was kinda slow and it confused me. Idk what I was thinking. This book is absolutely amazing in every way possible. I love how one of the biggest parts of this is family. All Day thinks about is what he can do to take care of his family. This was a little gruesome at times but I honestly think that's just a part of the storyline. There in basically a war zone. Of course it's gonna be a little gruesome.


Day is like the god of all criminals. The relationship between June and Day was absolutely adorable. I love how they think about each other none stop and wonder why she turned me in or he killed my brother. June is like this awesome ninja spy. Tess is like the big sister who nurses everyone's wounds. I hated Thomas with a passion. When he kissed June I couldn't stop saying ew.


Overall the storyline was unique and exciting. I've never read a book quite like this. If you haven't read this I suggest you do. This will forever be one of my favorites.
5/5 Stars
Jasmine :)

Shatter Me review

Reading Level:Young Adult
Publisher:HarperCollins
First in a trilogy
Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war-- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

In this electrifying debut, Tahereh Mafi presents a world as riveting as The Hunger Games and a superhero story as thrilling as The X-Men. Full of pulse-pounding romance, intoxicating villainy, and high-stakes choices, Shatter Me is a fresh and original dystopian novel—with a paranormal twist—that will leave readers anxiously awaiting its sequel

Review
Oh my goodness what to say. I kinda waited a long time to read this which might have been the stupidest idea on earth.This book was absolutely amazing in every way possible. It kinda had a divergent feel but in a completely different way. Not only was the plot amazing but it was adorable too. I seriously read this in like 5 hours. I couldn't put it down.


Adam is omg love of my life swoon worthy. His relationship with James was so so so so adorable. Adam is the sweetest thing ever. I might be in love. Warner is the most evil person on the planet. I was literally screaming at my book. Kenji is hilarious. The fact that Juliette can touch some people and not others left me curious. Maybe there's some kinda trigger or something. Juliette is more brave then I could ever be. I admire her.


This was so amazing. I can't even explain it. You just have to see for yourself. The fact that we have to wait till fall of 2012 for a sequel is depressing. It's gonna be torture. Read this I swear if you don't I'll come hunt you down.
5/5 Stars


Jasmine :)

A Beautiful Dark review

Reading Level:Young Adult
Publisher:HarperTeen
First book in a series
On the night of Skye's seventeenth birthday, she meets two enigmatic strangers. Complete opposites;like fire and ice;Asher is dark and wild, while Devin is fair and aloof. Their sudden appearance sends Skye's life into a tailspin. She has no idea what they want, or why they seem to follow her every move only that their presence coincides with a flurry of strange events. Soon she begins to doubt not just the identity of the two boys, but also the truth about her own past.
In the dead of a bitingly cold Colorado winter, Skye finds herself coming to terms with the impossible secret that threatens to shatter her world. Torn between Asher, who she can't help falling for, and Devin, who she can't stay away from, the consequences of Skye's choice will reach further than the three of them could ever imagine.
I read this book in one sitting. It wasn't what I expected but I like that.I had no idea this was about angels.I'm a angel freak so this is my kinda book. I liked this a lot but it wasn't as good as I thought it would be. The storyline was great but I would have liked a little more romance.


Team Asher all the way . I had no trouble picking who I liked better Devin or Asher. I loved Cassie she's hilarious. Her and Dan are adorable. I feel bad for Ian. He's super cute I hope he finds someone someday.


The plot was exciting and different but it left me kinda confused at some points. I really liked all the mystery. You couldn't predict what was gonna happen next. Overall I liked this a lot and I'm looking forward to a sequel :).
4/5 Stars

 Jasmine <3

Illusions review

Reading Level:Young Adult
Publisher:HarperCollins
Third book in a series

Laurel hasn't seen Tamani since she begged him to let her go last year. Though her heart still aches, Laurel is confident that David was the right choice.
But just as life is returning to normal, Laurel discovers that a hidden enemy lies in wait. Once again, Laurel must turn to Tamani to protect and guide her, for the danger that now threatens Avalon is one that no faerie thought would ever be possible. And for the first time, Laurel cannot be sure that her side will prevail.

Aprilynne Pike is a evil master mind. This book is amazing. You get the best of both worlds with this. Laurel with Tam and Laurel with David. That just makes it a million times harder to decide who Laurel should end up with. At the moment I still like David better.


The storyline I think is the most exiting of the three. It's building up for the conclusion. Something is always happening. This book is impossible to put down.


I am insanely curious about Yuki. I somewhat liked her at first. Honestly I thought her and Tam were kinda cute even though it wasn't real. I feel bad for both David and Tam. I've always believed in the best friend but that's kinda hard when there both amazing and both are your best friend.


We have a long wait till the next book destined which is due to come out in may of 2012.The wait is torture but it will be worth it in the end. This book,series,and author are all amazing. Read it you'll regret it if you don't.
5/5 Stars
Jasmine :)

Spells review

Reading Level:Young Adult
Publisher:HarperTeen
Second in a series
Six months have passed since Laurel saved the gateway to the faerie realm of Avalon. Now she must spend her summer there, honing her skills as a Fall faerie. But her human family and friends are still in mortal danger--and the gateway to Avalon is more compromised than ever.
When it comes time to protect those she loves, will she depend on David, her human boyfriend, for help? Or will she turn to Tamani, the electrifying faerie with whom her connection is undeniable

Review
I adore this book with all my heart. I'm obsessed with Aprilynne Pike and this series. My feelings are very conflicted at the moment. Most people like Tam better. I've always like David better. Now I don't know who to chose. Every time there's a cute moment between Tam and Laurel a piece of my heart is ripped out. Why do they have to be so adorable together when I love David so much???


The storyline is different for me then the first one. There is so much cute and so many kissy scenes in this. That's probably why it's my favorite ;).
I will forever be scared of trolls after reading this. I really like how Laurel spent time in Avalon. I was very curious about the faerie world and this helped satisfy my curiosity.


You know what I wanna know .Why do authors always do this to me. At one point I was trying very hard not to throw my phone across the room while reading this. This book is amazing I love it a lot in case you can't tell. I'm eager to see what happens next.
5/5 stars


Jasmine <3

Waiting on Wednesday: Fever by Lauren DeStefano

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

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:



Fever by Lauren DeStefano

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Expected Publication: February 21st 2012

Series: Second in the Chemical Garden Trilogy

Book Description:

Running away brings Rhine and Gabriel right into a trap, in the form of a twisted carnival whose ringmistress keeps watch over a menagerie of girls. Just as Rhine uncovers what plans await her, her fortune turns again. With Gabriel at her side, Rhine travels through an environment as grim as the one she left a year ago - surroundings that mirror her own feelings of fear and hopelessness.

The two are determined to get to Manhattan, to relative safety with Rhine’s twin brother, Rowan. But the road there is long and perilous - and in a world where young women only live to age twenty and young men die at twenty-five, time is precious. Worse still, they can’t seem to elude Rhine’s father-in-law, Vaughn, who is determined to bring Rhine back to the mansion...by any means necessary.

In the sequel to Lauren DeStefano’s harrowing Wither, Rhine must decide if freedom is worth the price - now that she has more to lose than ever.

I loved Wither and the ending left me dying for more. I can`t wait to see what happens next for Rhine and Gabriel and the synopsis for this looks amazing. I mean creepy carnival? That sounds awesome. And the cover for this one is gorgeous it`s even prettier than the one for Wither. :)

-Marisssa <3

Review: The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publisher: Hyperion
Stand alone

The Near Witch is only an old story told to frighten children.

If the wind calls at night, you must not listen. The wind is lonely, and always looking for company.

And there are no strangers in the town of Near.
These are the truths that Lexi has heard all her life.
But when an actual stranger—a boy who seems to fade like smoke—appears outside her home on the moor at night, she knows that at least one of these sayings is no longer true.
The next night, the children of Near start disappearing from their beds, and the mysterious boy falls under suspicion. Still, he insists on helping Lexi search for them. Something tells her she can trust him.
As the hunt for the children intensifies, so does Lexi’s need to know—about the witch that just might be more than a bedtime story, about the wind that seems to speak through the walls at night, and about the history of this nameless boy.
Part fairy tale, part love story, Victoria Schwab’s debut novel is entirely original yet achingly familiar: a song you heard long ago, a whisper carried by the wind, and a dream you won’t soon forget.

In the moor there is a town called Near where witches are very real. Hundreds of years ago there was a witch but then something happened and they got rid of her. Over time the Near Witch became more of a story to scare kids than actual history and people started doubting that it really ever happened. But Lexi who has heard the story her whole life and is friends with the Thorne sisters who are witches believes it more than others. 

I loved the setting of this book the moor was creepy and lonely and I would not to live there. I also loved how it wasn't set in a certain time period it could be in the past or the future or even right now. For me the story was like a mix of the Pied Piper and Hocus Pocus it had that eerie feeling to it. The characters in this book were amazing. I loved Lexi and how she always stood up for herself and what she believed in. Cole was super cute and his sad life made me love him even more. Wren was so sweet and I kept dreading her being taken even though I knew it was going to happen. Lexis mom was an interesting character I felt bad for her and Lexis dad seemed really great I wish we could have known him better :( . I was very back and forth about Otto her uncle but in the end I liked him. This might be small spoiler but oh my goodness the Near Witch was so creepy she reminded me of the Corpse Bride from the Tim Burton movie but not nice at all and made out dirt and moss and just scary.

Overall I thought this book was amazing it was like a fairy tale but a little darker and I loved the characters and the place it was set in. I would definitely recommend it. 5/5 stars 

-Marissa <3

Wings review

Reading Level:Young Adult
Publisher:HarperTeen
First in a series



Review
Aprilynne Pike pays amazing attention to detail. This is a reread and it's just as amazing as the first time. The concept is so different and unique.


Laurel fascinates me. David is such a cutie I'm like in love with him. Laurel and David have my dream relationship. I think that Tam is the most annoying person on the planet. He aggravates me. Which is odd because the rest of the world is in love with Tam.


One of the reasons I like this book so much is because its so different. I'm obsessively in love with this book. I can't really explain it I just really love it.


The storyline is unique and exciting. This is probably not a very good review. All I can say is this book is amazing. I highly recommend this it's like a whole new world.
5/5 Stars


Jasmine <3
Laurel was mesmerized, staring at the pale things with wide eyes. They were terrifyingly beautiful—too beautiful for words.
Laurel turned to the mirror again, her eyes on the hovering petals that floated beside her head. They looked almost like wings.
In this extraordinary tale of magic and intrigue, romance and danger, everything you thought you knew about faeries will be changed forever.From Goodreads

Hex hall review

Reading Level:Young Adult
Publisher:Hyperion
First book in a trilogy

Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters. 

Hex Hall


This book has a Harry Potter feel to it. I really like books about boarding schools and this is one of my favorites. Sophie thinks she's the worst witch ever when really she's one of the strongest demons created. I like how there's all kinds of creatures in this. There's so much variety.


Sophie has an obvious crush on Archer Cross but he has a girlfriend who hates her for no reason. Surprisingly enough I kinda liked Elodie . Jenna is the funniest vampire I've ever read about. She reminds me of Marissa with her creepy love of pink. Archer Cross is the love of my life. I love his sarcastic remarks all the time. Him and Sophie are a perfect pair.


The storyline of this is extremely exciting something is always happening. This has and will always be one of my favorite books :) .
5/5 stars
Jasmine :)

By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire student on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.
As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

Review: Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publisher: Harper Teen
First in the Unearthly trilogy

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.

Despite the fact that she’s a quarter angel she has a fairly normal life but when she starts getting visions of her angel 'purpose' she, her mom and her brother move from California to Wyoming When she gets there she meets Christian and immediately knows that it’s the boy from a her visions the one she is supposed to save from a forest fire but after that things don’t really go according to plan. Christian has a girlfriend and when Clara starts to fall for him he goes to New York for the summer and so does Clara’s two best friends Wendy and Angela. Knowing Clara is basically alone for the summer and her birthday Wendy decides to give Clara her brother for a present. Insert Tucker Avery :) Tucker and Clara’s relationship doesn’t start out the way you would expect. He’s Clara’s best friends brother and he’s constantly teasing her and she teases him right back. Classic boy tugging on girls pony tail situation and I thought that was adorable. So when he shows up on her doorstep on her birthday with a pair of hiking boots and a note from Wendy she’s kind of apprehensive but she gives it a try. They spend the summer hiking and swimming and fishing and they fall in love and they are so freaking cute. But even thought she might want to she can’t ignore her purpose and when that time comes along she has to make a huge choice.

I’ve read a lot of angel books. Even though there all different sometimes the guy is the angel or the girl is or their fallen or not. But this one reminded me why I’ve read so many of them. I love this genre. Even if you’re like me and kind of getting tired of angels I would highly recommend Unearthly. I loved it. It took me a while to get into it (maybe beacause I started it right before Clockwork Prince came out not the best idea) but then I picked it up and I was at maybe page 200 and I finished it that night and it's over 400 pages guys. I mean come on a cowboy named Tucker who smells like Oreo’s? You know you want too.

5/5 stars.
-Marissa <3

Clockwork Prince joint review

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Second book in The Infernal Devices Trilogy

In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa's powers for his own dark ends.
With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister's war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move and that one of their own has betrayed them.
Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, though her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will; the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?
As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart.

I bought this book the day it came out and finished it at 4 in the morning the same day it was that good. People are always saying that they love The Infernal Devices more than The Mortal Instruments and I didn`t but now they’re pretty equal in my mind.


Cassandra Clare is without a doubt one of my all time favorite authors but she really knows how to torture her readers. First with The Mortal Instruments and now with The Infernal Devices. She creates these characters that are not just one dimensional place holders for the plot to develop around their real and they stick with you. Then once you love them she puts them in these horrible situations that you could never imagine yourself being in and getting through.


Speaking of characters I love Tessa she`s an amazing heroine. She`s not whiny or shallow she`s incredibly strong despite all the stuff she`s going through with Will and Jem and her brother and not knowing what she is. Oh Will sigh. You learn a lot about him in this book and you figure out why he tries so hard to push people away and it made me love him even more. I guess I just love my Herondale boys :) and Jem oh Jem he`s such a sweetheart and I`m so conflicted. I`ve never really liked love triangles and I didn`t understand it when people couldn`t decide who they wanted the girl to end up with I always knew who the girl should be with and really didn`t like the other guy but it wasn`t like that with this book. You have two amazing guys who are best friends and are in love with the same girl and they both deserve her and I just kept going back and forth. I loved the new characters like Gideon and his creeptastic dad and I loved how cute Henry and Charlotte were. :)


Overall I thought this book was amazing it had me crying on one page and laughing on the next. I absolutely hate how long we have to wait for Clockwork Princess as it always is with Cassie's books I have no idea what`s going to happen next.

-Marissa <3


Cassandra Clare is very good at ripping out your heart and stomping all over it.As much as I loved this book it was torture . This book has one of the most epic love triangles I`ve ever seen.I don't really like to compare books I somewhat liked Mortal Instruments better for awhile but their completely different and both extremely amazing.I really like books that you cant put down and this is one of the best I bought it the day it came out and 8 hours later I was done.

Tessa is one of my favorite female main characters in anything I`ve ever read.She knows how handle herself and she always has someone else's feeling in mind.In Clockwork Angel Will was my favorite I liked Jem but I liked Will better.Now I don't know who to chose and its breaking my heart.I'm happy about some of the stuff revealed in this it answered the questions Ive been curious about for awhile.

As with any book when its over you want more and most of the time you have a very long wait.Clockwork Angel left me extremely curious and now I'm even more curious with that cliffhanger ending.I loved how the old characters and the new mixed Cassie pulled that off perfectly.

The wait for Clockwork Princess will be grueling.This review was kinda hard to write because its hard to explain how amazing this book was.All I can say to explain my feelings for this is read it for yourself you wont regret it.

5/5 Stars
Jasmine <3

Waiting on Wednesday: Rapture by Lauren Kate

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

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Rapture by Lauren Kate
Hardcover 432 pages
Publisher: Delacorte
Expected Publication: June 12 2012
Forth and final in Fallen series

 The sky is dark with wings. . . .

In RAPTURE, the highly anticipated fourth and final novel in the FALLEN series, Luce and Daniel are together . . . but for how long? Can history be rewritten? Or are some punishments eternal?


I'm a fallen angel freak :) so this is one of my favorite series's.Its sad that this is gonna be the last book.There's a lot of fallen angel books out there but none like this . This series is one of the cutest I've read Luce and Daniel are adorable with the whole undying love thing they got going on.All fallen angel books are cool but the storyline of this book is fascinating it keeps you guessing.Summer of 2012 is going to be exciting with all the new releases. I am impatiently waiting for this one :) .

Jasmine :)

Divergent review

 
Reading level:Young Adult
Publisher:HarperCollins
First book in a trilogy
Beatrice "Tris" Prior has reached the fateful age of sixteen, the stage at which teenagers in Veronica Roth's dystopian Chicago must select which of five factions to join for life. Each faction represents a virtue: Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, Amity, and Erudite. To the surprise of herself and her selfless Abnegation family, she chooses Dauntless, the path of courage. Her choice exposes her to the demanding, violent initiation rites of this group, but it also threatens to expose a personal secret that could place her in mortal danger. Veronica Roth's young adult Divergent trilogy launches with a captivating adventure about love and loyalty playing out under most extreme circumstances.
Review
Some people say every dystopian book is the same. That's not true every author has a different way with words they may have the same concept but that doesn't make them the same. This book screams courage and adventure. It almost makes you wanna go jump onto a moving train or jump from the top of a building of course the real world isn't that exciting. Beatrice chooses to leave her boring old life for a fresh start in the dauntless faction which personally is what I would chose. She doesn't exactly fit in but she is determined to make sure people remember her. This is one of those books that makes you wish it was real. It's exciting and the suspense keeps you turning the pages to see what's gonna happen next. Tris and Tobias are like two halves of a whole they fit together perfectly. One of the reasons I love this book so much is because I love adventure and trying new exciting things so I can relate to it. Veronica Roth keeps you on your toes with this one . I am extremely glad this isn't a standalone and am eagerly awaiting the sequel insurgent due to come out in May of 2012.
5/5 Stars

Jasmine :)

Hereafter review

First book in a trilogy
Publisher:HarperCollins
Reading level:Young Adult

Can there truly be love after death?
Drifting in the dark waters of a mysterious river, the only thing Amelia knows for sure is that she's dead. With no recollection of her past life—or her actual death—she's trapped alone in a nightmarish existence. All of this changes when she tries to rescue a boy, Joshua, from drowning in her river. As a ghost, she can do nothing but will him to live. Yet in an unforgettable moment of connection, she helps him survive.
Amelia and Joshua grow ever closer as they begin to uncover the strange circumstances of her death and the secrets of the dark river that held her captive for so long. But even while they struggle to keep their bond hidden from the living world, a frightening spirit named Eli is doing everything in his power to destroy their newfound happiness and drag Amelia back into the ghost world . . . forever.
Thrilling and evocative, with moments of pure pleasure, Hereafter is a sensation you won't want to miss


Review
Not your average ghost story that's for sure. There's something about this book it's like magical. I've read a fair share of ghost stories but none compare to this. I could read this a million times and never get tired of it .The storyline keeps you guessing what's gonna happen next.The cover is beautiful. I love the name Amelia so pretty. Amelia and Joshua have that storybook romance like nothing in heaven or on earth could come between them. Can i just say Joshua is so very swoon worthy .Ruth is mean :( she doesn't even know Amelia and she hates her. Jillian kinda reminds me of myself she's hilarious. I have a feeling we will be seeing Eli again. Overall I adore this book and am highly anticipating the sequel which is due to come out in June of 2012 and titled Arise.
5/5 Stars


Jasmine :)

Review: Across the Universe by Beth Revis

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
First in a trilogy

Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.

Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone - one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship - tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.

Now, Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.

Review:First off isn`t the cover gorgeous? It`s so shiny :). 
I`ve never read sci-fi before but if all of them are like this I might start. The setting of this book it was so interesting but as much as I love space I would not want to live on Godspeed. The ship really is built of secrets. There was so many twists sometimes I couldn`t tell what was true and what wasn`t. The only thing I figured out in the beginning was who the murderer was so the foreshadowing of that could have been a little better but other than that I thought this book was amazing. I loved the characters the plot didn`t outshine them and they were all different and unique. Amy was a very strong main character and wasn`t whiny or annoying and Elder was super cute even though some of his thoughts about Amy were very uh boyish some of them were really cute. I had a hard time writing this review because I couldn`t explain why I loved it so much. This book kind of had the feel of a standalone but luckily it`s not I`m super excited for the second one A Million Suns to come out next month.
5/5 stars

-Marissa <3

Hourglass review

Hardcover 400 pages
Publisher:Egmont USA
First book in series
Reading level:Young adult
One hour to rewrite the past . . .  
For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn’t there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents’ death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She’s tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.
So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson’s willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past.
Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he’s around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened?
 Full of atmosphere, mystery, and romance, Hourglass merges the very best of the paranormal and science-fiction genres in a seductive, remarkable young adult debut

Review

Authors are evil just so everyone knows. They write such amazing books then make us wait months to get the sequel. Timepiece the sequel to hourglass isn't due to come out till June of 2012. I think making us readers wait so long should be illegal but it's not. Anyway I adore this book with all my heart it is absolutely amazing. The storyline is kinda addicting you almost cant put this book down even if you tried cause its just that good.The cover is beautiful and a little mysterious. Michael and Emerson are so so so so cute. It did kinda take awhile for them to become cute but once they did it was adorable. I personally am team Michael but Kaleb is a sweetheart. So in case you hadn't noticed I love this book and would recommend it to the entire world if I could :).
5/5 Stars

Jasmine <3