Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins Review

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publisher: Harper Teen
Source: Conference
First book in the Sweet trilogy
Embrace the Forbidden
What if there were teens whose lives literally depended on being bad influences?
This is the reality for sons and daughters of fallen angels.
Tenderhearted Southern girl Anna Whitt was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She's aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but Anna, the ultimate good girl, has always had the advantage of her angel side to balance the darkness within. It isn't until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage and her willpower is put to the test. He's the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.
Forced to face her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns?

Review
Does anyone want to tell me why I didn't read this book a long time ago? No? Okay then. Guys this book was epic! I loved it with all my heart. I read it in about a day. I couldn't put it down. Then when I finished it I wanted more. The storyline was crazy unique. The characters were absolutely amazing. I feel like this book was made for me. Maybe because I'm a pretty good kid so reading something focused on being bad was cool to me. And now sadly I have to wait for the next book.

I loved Anna. She was such an amazing character. I loved that she went from being a good girl to being her version of a bad girl.She only did what was absolutely needed and nothing more. She really came into herself throughout the story. I loved how she tried to stay strong but still let herself have feelings. I also loved how she never gave up on Kai. I can't wait to continue her story. I adored Kai. He isn't the type of character I normally like but I loved him. I felt like we only got to see one side of him. I hope deep down he can be a nice person without losing his bad boy rep. I hope we get to see the nicer side of him in future books. I also hope we get to learn more about him. Kai and Anna were so adorable. If only they could actually be together. That would make me pretty happy. The two of them were what made this book torturous. I wanted them to be happy and cute but it doesn't work that way. I know more of this torture is coming but I can't wait to see where their story goes.

I swear this book had the most amazing storyline ever. It was so unlike anything I've ever read. I loved how unique it was. I loved the bad aspect. It made me wish I had been a bad kid. They seem to have all the fun. We all know I have a special place in my heart for fallen angels. I've never seen them done this way though. I thought the way this author portrayed them was really cool! This book was seriously impossible to put down. It was like a roller coaster that only went up, then it just drops you all of a sudden. I loved it. Overall this was the most amazing read. I wouldn't compare it to any other book. I can not wait to see where the story is going to go. The wait for the sequel is going to make me crazy! If you haven't read this one, you should check it out :).

Wake by Amanda Hocking Review

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Source: Conference
First book in Watersong series
Fall under the spell of Wake—the first book in an achingly beautiful new series by celebrated author Amanda Hocking—and lose yourself to the Watersong.
Gorgeous. Fearless. Dangerous. They're the kind of girls you envy; the kind of girls you want to hate. Strangers in town for the summer, Penn, Lexi and Thea have caught everyone's attention—but it’s Gemma who’s attracted theirs. She’s the one they’ve chosen to be part of their group.
Gemma seems to have it all—she’s carefree, pretty, and falling in love with Alex, the boy next door. He’s always been just a friend, but this summer they’ve taken their relationship to the next level, and now there’s no going back. Then one night, Gemma’s ordinary life changes forever. She’s taking a late night swim under the stars when she finds Penn, Lexi and Thea partying on the cove. They invite her to join them, and the next morning she wakes up on the beach feeling groggy and sick, knowing something is different.
Suddenly Gemma is stronger, faster, and more beautiful than ever. But her new powers come with a terrifying price. And as she uncovers the truth, she’s is forced to choose between staying with those she loves—or entering a new world brimming with dark hungers and unimaginable secrets.

Review
I'm a little conflicted on my feelings for this book. I liked it, I swear. But, I feel like it wasn't really what I was expecting. It didn't seem very paranormal. If they weren't sirens I would have sworn it was a contemporary. The writing felt very contemporary. I think there were some good things and some bad things about this one. I think I had too high expectations and it just barely missed my mark.

I really liked Gemma. I liked how she was a good girl but she still stuck up for herself. She didn't let her family take advantage of her having always been well behaved. I liked how dedicated she was to the things she wanted. Even though she did give up she put up a good fight. She wasn't really thinking about her as much as the people who loved her. I'm excited to see where Gemma's story goes. I felt like Harper wasn't that important to the story. I feel like she will be in future books but she seemed a little unneeded in this. Penn, Lexi, and Thea really bothered me. As characters who are probably going to play a big part in the story, they seemed a little underdeveloped. I'm hoping their better in the next book.
 
I love the water and mermaids(in this case sirens). Mermaids have always been my favorite. I think they are so cool to read about. This had a pretty interesting storyline. But, the siren aspect didn't play that big of a part. Yeah, it was what the story was about but the book focused more on the main character than on the sirens. I feel like I might have enjoyed the story more if Gemma had spent more time as a siren. There was a nice amount of action and suspense. Gemma and Alex were very well done characters. The setting was great. This really did have some pretty great aspects. It just wasn't really what I was expecting. Overall this one was just okay for me. I plan on continuing the series as the books come out. I think I will end up enjoying the series. This one just fell a little flat for me.

Waiting on Wednesday: Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers

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

My pick for this week is:

 

Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers
Expected publication date: April 2nd, 2013
from Houghton Mifflin Books for Children

Sybella arrives at the convent’s doorstep half mad with grief and despair. Those that serve Death are only too happy to offer her refuge—but at a price. Naturally skilled in both the arts of death and seduction, the convent views Sybella as one of their most dangerous weapons.
But those assassin’s skills are little comfort when the convent returns her to a life that nearly drove her mad. Her father’s rage and brutality are terrifying, and her brother’s love is equally monstrous. And while Sybella is a weapon of justice wrought by the god of Death himself, He must give her a reason to live. When she discovers an unexpected ally imprisoned in the dungeons, will a daughter of Death find something other than vengeance to live for?

This heart-pounding sequel to Grave Mercy serves betrayal, treachery, and danger in equal measure, bringing readers back to fifteenth century Brittany and will keep them on the edge of their seats.

Grave Mercy was definitely one of my favorite books of the year so I'm incredibly excited to get this in my hands. While I'm sad that Ismae won't be telling the story this time I have a feeling Sybella has a lot to tell. *Makes puppy eyes at anyone who has this*

Teaser Tuesday #24

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
•Grab your current read
•Open to a random page
•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
•BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
•Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My teaser this week is from Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor


Once upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love and dared to imagine a world free of bloodshed and war.

This is not that world.

Art student and monster's apprentice Karou finally has the answers she has always sought. She knows who she is—and what she is. But with this knowledge comes another truth she would give anything to undo: She loved the enemy and he betrayed her, and a world suffered for it.

In this stunning sequel to the highly acclaimed Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Karou must decide how far she'll go to avenge her people. Filled with heartbreak and beauty, secrets and impossible choices, Days of Blood & Starlight finds Karou and Akiva on opposing sides as an age-old war stirs back to life.

While Karou and her allies build a monstrous army in a land of dust and starlight, Akiva wages a different sort of battle: a battle for redemption. For hope.

But can any hope be salvaged from the ashes of their broken dream?

"Well, you're not anybody's type," said Hazael. "No, wait. I take it back. My sword says she'd like to know you better." -Page 446

This is pretty far into the book (and the next page made me very sad) but it was such a great comeback that I had to use it. I actually finished this last night in awe. It was wonderful and heartbreaking.

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvator Review

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publisher: Scholastic
Source: Bought
First book in the Raven Cycle series
“There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark’s Eve,” Neeve said. “Either you’re his true love . . . or you killed him.”
It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive.
Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them—not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her.
His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble.
But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can’t entirely explain. He has it all—family money, good looks, devoted friends—but he’s looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents all the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul who ranges from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher of the four, who notices many things but says very little.
For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore.
From Maggie Stiefvater, the bestselling and acclaimed author of the Shiver trilogy and The Scorpio Races, comes a spellbinding new series where the inevitability of death and the nature of love lead us to a place we’ve never been before.


Review
It took me longer than normal to get into this one. Once I did though I loved it. This was a really amazing read. Maggie is one of my all time favorite authors. I'm so excited she has this new series. This was a great start to the series.

I loved Blue. She had an awesome personality. I loved how nothing really surprised her. She just followed along. I loved how well she fit in among the Raven Boys. She had thought so low of them and now she hangs out with them. I'm super excited to see where her story is going to go. I absolutely adored the Raven Boys. Adam was my favorite. He seemed the most real out of the four. I have a feeling I'm going to end up loving Gansey. I feel like he is such an important part of the story but it didn't feel like we really got to know him. I hope that changes on the next book. Ronan was hilarious. I loved him. I have a feeling he's gonna play a bigger part in the series. Noah wasn't second favorite. He was a sweetheart. I really hope we get to know all the Raven boys better in upcoming books.

This had the most amazing storyline. I loved it. I liked how fast paced it was. I liked the mystery. I liked how not everything was unveiled in this one. It gives us something to look forward too in future books. There was a fair share of action. There was tons of suspense. Once I got into the story, I never wanted to put it down. I read this in about a day. One thing I will say is that this is one of those books that needs to be read slower. I didn't do that because I didn't know but I was left feeling like I missed some things. That made me want to go back and reread to catch everything. Hopefully I'll find time for that in the future. Overall this was an epic read. I loved it with all my heart. I'm so glad I have a new Maggie Stiefvator book to love. I have a feeling the wait for the sequel is going to make me crazy. If you haven't read this one I highly recommend.

The Coal Elf by Maria DeVivo Review

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publisher: Twilight Time Books
Source: Author
Standalone I believe but no promises
*This was gifted to me by author for review*
Ember Skye is a fed up teenage Coal Elf with a big ashy chip on her shoulder. Having been torn away from a carefree life and forced into a world of dirt and darkness has started to get the best of her. And being the only girl-elf working as a coal miner at the North Pole doesn't help much either!

Then there's Sturd: a power-hungry, twisted elf with a checkered past and a serious grudge against Ember. Slowly but surely, his maniacal tendencies are revealed, leaving Ember with the sacred "Naughty List" literally in her lap.

When a mysterious illness threatens to decimate elves both Above and Underground, Ember is thrust into a journey that will see her confront the literal and figurative demons of her past and lead her to the head of the North Pole himself.

Yes! Santa is real. But this isn't your childhood Christmas tale

Review
I wasn't sure what to expect with this. I thought it would be happy, jolly Christmassy but it was more adventurous Christmassy. The storyline was very exciting and suspenseful. I was pretty surprised by this one. I ended up really enjoying it even though it isn't something I would normally read.

I really liked Ember. She had a great personality. I liked how determined she was. She never gave up. She also never let anything affect her. She always tried to stay strong. She had quite the adventure. I enjoyed reading about it. Ember was really the only main character but there was a nice variety of secondary characters. The boys were great. The people who helped with Ember's quest were awesome. All the elves were awesome too. They were very unique characters.

I loved the Christmas aspect. I loved how everything went back to it. I've never read something quite like this. I loved the setting. The above and under were so different. I thought the characters were pretty well done. There was a fair share of action and mystery. Once I got into it, I couldn't put this down. I had to know where the story was going to go. I really, really liked the plot. I thought it was very unique and action packed. It was hard to guess where the story was going to go. Overall I thought this was a great read. I'm glad I got the chance to read it. If you like Christmas tone you will for sure enjoy this one.

Entice by Jessica Shirvington Review

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publisher: Sourcebook Fire
Source: Bought
Second book in the Violet Eden Chapters series
Violet Eden is Grigori - part angel, part human. Her destiny is to protect humans from the vengence of exiled angels.
Knowing who to trust is key but, when Grigori reinforcements arrive, it becomes clear everyone is hiding something. Even Lincoln. The only thing Violet does know: Phoenix's hold over her is more dangerous than ever.
The race to find the one thing that could tilt the balance of power brings them all to the sacred mountains of Jordan, where Violet's power will be pushed to the extreme. And the ultimate betrayal exposed.
Enticed is the second compelling book in The Violet Eden Chapters.

Review
I ended up liking this one a ton more than the first. That's saying something because I really enjoyed the first one. I think I liked it better because Pheniox didn't play such a huge part. The storyline was amazing. The characters were lovely. This one was so impossible to put down. I read it in a sitting. I ended up reading Embrace and Entice in the time span of about a day. I had to nurse a major book hang over after. It's okay though I enjoyed every second.

I love Violet so much. She was so fierce in this one. She's really grown into herself. I loved how well she stood up for herself. She's such a strong character. I have a very strong love for Lincoln. I found even more room on my heart for him in this one. I love how much he cares for Violet. He's super protective. I didn't like how he was hiding things from Violet but they made it work. Violet and Lincoln were the cutest thing in the world. I threw a party when they finally figured out their relationship. They have such an amazing relationship. I can't wait to read more about them, their my favorite part. This had some pretty awesome secondary characters. I hope we get to see more of them in the future books.

This had a pretty adventurous plot. Something was always happening. There was tons of action. I loved it. The suspense was killer. I loved how much we got to learn about the Grigori history. Everything about this book was so well done. Overall I loved this one with all my heart. I'm so glad I read it. I can not wait to see where the story goes. If you haven't read this one, I highly recommend.

Deity by Jennifer L. Armentrout Review

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Source: Bought
Third book in the Covenant series

"History is on repeat, and things didn't go so well the last time. "

Alexandria isn't sure she's going to make it to her eighteenth birthday--to her Awakening. A long-forgotten, fanatical order is out to kill her, and if the Council ever discovers what she did in the Catskills, she's a goner... and so is Aiden.

If that's not freaky enough, whenever Alex and Seth spend time "training"--which really is just Seth's code word for some up-close and personal one-on-one time--she ends up with another mark of the Apollyon, which brings her one step closer to Awakening ahead of schedule. Awesome.

But as her birthday draws near, her entire world shatters with a startling revelation and she's caught between love and Fate. One will do anything to protect her. One has been lying to her since the beginning. Once the gods have revealed themselves, unleashing their wrath, lives will be irrevocably changed... and destroyed.

Those left standing will discover if love is truly greater than Fate...

 
Review
I can't even form words for this book. It was just to amazing for words. I've waited so long for this book. It blew my expectations out of the water. It's definitely my favorite in the series. It was impossible to put down. I read it in basically a day and had the time of my life.

Man, I love Alex. She's such an amazing character. She has one of the best personalities. I love how she's always joking around even at the worst of times. I love how strong she is. She has that I know I'm fierce confidence. I have no doubt she's going to continue being an amazing character. She never fails to surprise me. I can't wait to see where her story goes. I've never liked Seth. He bothers me so much. He's one of the most annoying characters I've ever read about. But he plays a very important part in the story. It wouldn't be the same without him. As for Aiden, I adore him with all my heart. I have since the beginning. He is the most amazing character. I love how protective he is over Alex. She really is the most important person in the world to him. They had some of the malt adorable moments in this. I've been waiting for them to have that relationship. It was my favorite part. I have a feeling it won't last. I'm pretty sure it's her turn to break his heart(sadly). Hopefully my instincts are wrong.

This book was impossible to put down. I've been waiting so long that I never wanted to stop reading. The storyline was epicly amazing. I loved how fast paces it was. I loved the tension between characters. I loved the Greek aspect. I loved the characters. I loved the cuteness between some characters. I loved that I couldn't predict the story. The list could go on forever. But, that's enough fan girling for now. Plenty of time for that later. Overall this was such an amazing read. It fits in so perfectly with the series. Since the ending wasn't so lovely, I can't wait for the next book. If you haven't read this series. I highly recommend checking it out. It is oh so very lovely.

Waiting on Wednesday: The Elite by Kiera Cass

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

My pick for this week is:

The Elite by Kiera Cass
Expected publication: April 23rd 2013 by HarperTeen
The hotly-anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestseller The Selection.
Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea.
America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.
Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.
 

So I absolutely adored The Selection. It was an amazing read. It was so unlike what I normally read. Now I have to wait for this one. I'm dying! I want it in my hands right now. Sadly, I know that's not going to happen but a girl can dream. I know I'm not the only one impaiently waiting for this one! Leave a comment if you're waiting on this one too. If you haven't read The Selection, you should so we can all wait together :).

Teaser Tuesday #23

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
•Grab your current read
•Open to a random page
•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
•BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
•Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
My teaser this week is from Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins

Embrace the Forbidden

What if there were teens whose lives literally depended on being bad influences?

This is the reality for sons and daughters of fallen angels.

Tenderhearted Southern girl Anna Whitt was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She's aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but Anna, the ultimate good girl, has always had the advantage of her angel side to balance the darkness within. It isn't until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage and her willpower is put to the test. He's the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.

Forced to face her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns?

 
Teaser-
" You're under arrest for trafficking illegal drugs across state and international borders..." As they pulled Johnathan LaGrey from the room, Citing a list of crimes, he turned again to look at the baby girl, giving her a tight, ironic grin. "Just say no to drugs , will ya, kid?"

I'm super excited to read this one. This teaser if from page 3 of my ARC

Origin by Jessica Khrouy Review

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publisher: Razorbill
Source: Bought
Standalone
Pia has grown up in a secret laboratory hidden deep in the Amazon rain forest. She was raised by a team of scientists who have created her to be the start of a new immortal race. But on the night of her seventeenth birthday, Pia discovers a hole in the electric fence that surrounds her sterile home--and sneaks outside the compound for the first time in her life.
Free in the jungle, Pia meets Eio, a boy from a nearby village. Together, they embark on a race against time to discover the truth about Pia's origin--a truth with deadly consequences that will change their lives forever.
Origin is a beautifully told, shocking new way to look at an age-old desire: to live forever, no matter the cost.


Review
This was an amazing read. It was so unique. I've never read anything like it. I loved it. The setting was so interesting. The characters were great. The storyline was fascinating. Everything was so great. I'm so sad this is a stand alone but I am so very glad I read it.

I loved Pia. She had two sides to her. You could really tell how conflicted she was about herself. She wasn't sure who she wanted to be and where she wanted her life to go. I liked how insanely smart she was. I liked how she wasn't overly confident even though she knew she was perfect. I loved her wild side. I thought she fit in so well in the jungle. I loved how she was always fighting. She was so determined and strong. I really loved Eio. He was super adorable. I loved how much he cared. I loved how he never gave up. I loved how strong he was. I don't know how Pia stayed away from him. He was such a sweetheart. Eio and Pia had some super adorable moments and I loved every one. Okay those scientists were very scary. They freaked me out. I did like how Pia didn't let them control her. The village people were amazing. The story wouldn't have been the same without them. This had a very wide variety with its characters. I liked it a lot.

This had the most amazing storyline. It made it impossible to put this book down. The settings were so cool. I loved how vastly different they were. I loved how well the story unraveled. There was so much action and suspense. I had no idea where the story was going to go. I couldn't predict it. I really did adore this story. I loved everything about it. I wanted to reread it as soon as I finished it. Overall I'm so glad I read this one. I absolutely fired it with all my heart. It was addicting bid you haven't read this one, I very much recommend checking it out. You won't regret it.

Embrace by Jessica Shirvington Review

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Source: Bought
First book in the Violet Eden Chapters series
It starts with a whisper: "It's time for you to know who you are..."
On her 17th birthday, everything will change for Violet Eden. The boy she loves will betray her. Her enemy will save her. She will have to decide just how much she's willing to sacrifice.
Dangerously exciting and darkly romantic, EMBRACE is a compelling novel of good and evil, seductive desires and impossible choices. A centuries old war between fallen angels and the protectors of humanity chooses a new fighter. It's a battle Violet doesn't want, but she lives her life by two rules: don't run and don't quit. If angels seek vengeance and humans are the warriors, you could do a lot worse than betting on Violet Eden.
LINCOLN: He's been Violet's one anchor, her running partner and kickboxing trainer. Only he never told her he's Grigori--part human, part angel--and that he was training her for an ancient battle between Angels and Exiles.
PHOENIX: No one knows where his loyalties lie, yet he's the only one there to pick up the pieces and protect her after Lincoln's lies. In a world of dark and light, he is all shades of gray.
Two sides: Angel or Exile.
Two guys: Lincoln or Phoenix.
The wrong choice could cost not only her life, but her eternity...
"In her YA paranormal romance debut, Jessica Shirvington combines "the badass-action of Vampire Academy, the complex love triangles of Twilight, and the angel mythology of Fallen, taken one step further." --Book Couture
"Shirvington's debut is smart, edgy and addictive--and sure to leave readers clamoring for the rest of the series."-- Kirkus Reviews, STARRED
"One of the best YA novels we've seen in a while. Get ready for a confident, kick-butt, well-defined heroine." -- RT Book Reviews

Review
I hadn't planned on reading this one. I made a spilt decision and bought it. I'm really glad I did. It's been so long since I've read an angel book. I really, really enjoyed this one. It was a great read. I wouldn't compare it to any other book I've read.

Violet was an amazing character. U loved how strong she was. I loved that she didn't let anyone decide anything for her. She was very determined. I didn't always agree with her choices but I was glad she made them for her and learned from them. I absolutely adored Lincoln. I loved his character from the start. I loved how caring and protective he was. I don't think violet fully appreciated his amazingness. I felt really bad for him. I can honestly say I didn't like Phenoix at all. I hated him from the start. He was a pretty annoying character. I thought some of the things that went on between Pheniox and Violet were a little inappropriate. I didn't really enjoy reading about their relationship.

This had a very unique storyline. It didn't remind me of any other angel book I've read( and boy have I read a ton). I loved learning about the Grigori history. It was really cool. I loved how much action and suspense there was. I liked the tension between characters too. Overall I'm very glad I read this one. I started the sequel right after finishing this. I'm really excited to see where the story goes. If you haven't read this one I highly recommend. Especially if you like angel books.

Review: In Honor by Jessi Kirby

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publisher: Simon and Schuster Books For Young Readers
Source: Conference
Standalone

A devastating loss leads to an unexpected road trip in this novel from the author of Moonglass, whose voice Sarah Dessen says “is fresh and wise, all at once.”Hours after her brother’s military funeral, Honor opens the last letter Finn ever sent. In her grief, she interprets his note as a final request and spontaneously decides to go to California to fulfill it.

Honor gets as far as the driveway before running into Rusty, Finn’s best friend since third grade and his polar opposite. She hasn’t seen Rusty in ages, but it’s obvious he is as arrogant and stubborn as ever—not to mention drop-dead gorgeous. Despite Honor’s better judgment, the two set off together on a voyage from Texas to California. Along the way, they find small and sometimes surprising ways to ease their shared loss and honor Finn’s memory—but when shocking truths are revealed at the end of the road, will either of them be able to cope with the consequences?

Let's get this straight; I do not like road trips. At all. In my case they're hot, there's to many people and not enough to look at and I just want to get where we're going right now. But I love road trip books. I love how the journey to the destination changes the characters. This book was no exception. It was a road trip book but it was also a beautiful story of growing and mourning and doing one last thing for the person you love with someone who loved them just as much.

With her parents gone Finn was the one Honor relied on and when he died she not only lost her brother she lost her best friend. The one person who was always there for her suddenly wasn't and it was at a time in her life when everything was already changing and there was a lot of decisions that had to be made that she didn't know if she still wanted to make. So when she reads his last letter to her right after his funeral and he asks her to drive from Texas to California to see their favorite singer in concert she decides that's exactly what she's going to do. It's the perfect way to put off figuring out how she's going to spend the rest of her life without him there. Rusty, her brothers sort of ex best friend passing out drunk in her passenger seat was not part of the plan.

I absolutely loved the characters in this book. They were so real to me that it felt like their story was happening somewhere and I was just getting a small glimpse of it. Honor was so strong even when she didn't think she was and I admired her for not letting the grief consume her. Rusty was great. He was so lost especially now that his best friend was gone and he had a lot of guilt about it. Making sure his best friends baby sister was safe on this crazy road trip of hers was his way of not only remembering him but trying to fix everything. Rusty and Honor were so great together. They had so much past and unresolved things between them and it was great seeing how that played out and the trouble they got into. Even though Finn was already dead when the book started Rusty and Honor remembering him made it feel like he was still alive and it made me cry a little.

This is one of my favorite contemporaries of the year and even though I've turned the last page the characters will still stick with me. I know if it was a movie it would be one that I could watch over and over and recite the lines without ever getting tired of it. It was such a beautifully written story about where life-and your '67 Chevy Impala-take you, even though it might not be where you expect. I loved it from beginning to end.

Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan Review

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publisher: Random House
Source: Bought
First book in the Lyburn Legacy series
Kami Glass loves someone she’s never met . . . a boy she’s talked to in her head ever since she was born. She wasn’t silent about her imaginary friend during her childhood, and is thus a bit of an outsider in her sleepy English town of Sorry-in-the-Vale. Still, Kami hasn’t suffered too much from not fitting in. She has a best friend, runs the school newspaper, and is only occasionally caught talking to herself. Her life is in order, just the way she likes it, despite the voice in her head.
But all that changes when the Lynburns return.
The Lynburn family has owned the spectacular and sinister manor that overlooks Sorry-in-the-Vale for centuries. The mysterious twin sisters who abandoned their ancestral home a generation ago are back, along with their teenage sons, Jared and Ash, one of whom is eerily familiar to Kami. Kami is not one to shy away from the unknown—in fact, she’s determined to find answers for all the questions Sorry-in-the-Vale is suddenly posing. Who is responsible for the bloody deeds in the depths of the woods? What is her own mother hiding? And now that her imaginary friend has become a real boy, does she still love him? Does she hate him? Can she trust him?

Review
I have succumbed to the evilness that is Sarah Rees Brennan. I should have known all along what this book would do to me. It was torture. It was good torture but that's still torture. I did feel an insane need for chocolate after finishing but I shed no tears. You have been warned.

I adored Kami. I loved how she didn't care what people thought of her. She was so comfortable being herself. She has such an amazing personality. She was hilarious but also very smart. I loved how accepting she was. She is the kinda person I would want to be friends with. She was very caring. You could tell her friends were very important to her. I didn't end up liking Ash very much but I loved Jared. Jared was an amazing character. I loved how complex he was. Kami and Jared had such an interesting relationship. I loved their closeness. I can't imagine it's easy to be that close with someone. They had their rocky moments. I hope things get better between them. This had some pretty great secondary characters. I loved how well they worked together.

This had an absolutely amazing storyline. I laughed more while reading this book than I ever have. The humor was amazing. The mystery aspect was great. I loved that I had to wait to see what was going to happen. I couldn't predict the story. The magic was awesome. There was lots of twists and turns. I loved the characters with all my heart. Overall I think this book was made for me. I loved it very much. I couldn't put it down. If you haven't read this one you totally should. Take my earlier warning seriously though!

Waiting on Wednesday: Requiem by Lauren Oliver

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

My pick for this week is:



Requiem by Lauren Oliver
Expected release date: March 5th, 2012
from Harper Teen

Now an active member of the resistance, Lena has been transformed. The nascent rebellion that was under way in Pandemonium has ignited into an all-out revolution in Requiem, and Lena is at the center of the fight.


After rescuing Julian from a death sentence, Lena and her friends fled to the Wilds. But the Wilds are no longer a safe haven—pockets of rebellion have opened throughout the country, and the government cannot deny the existence of Invalids. Regulators now infiltrate the borderlands to stamp out the rebels, and as Lena navigates the increasingly dangerous terrain, her best friend, Hana, lives a safe, loveless life in Portland as the fiancée of the young mayor. Requiem is told from both Lena’s and Hana’s points of view. The two girls live side by side in a world that divides them until, at last, their stories converge.

  I've been waiting for this book what feels like forever. Delirium is one of my favorite dystopians and even though I didn't love Pandemonium as much it still made me very anxious for the last one. I have things that I hope will happen in this and I have no idea if it will and that's exciting. I'm also very curious as to how the whole multiple points of view will work. I'm sad that it is the last one though. Why do series have to end? :(

Jasmine: To Read Vlog

 

Hey guys! I'm back with another to read vlog. I hope you guys like it. Please leave a comment if you've read any of these books, if you want to read some of them, or with your TBR.

Teaser Tuesday #22

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

•Grab your current read

•Open to a random page

•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

•BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

•Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!



This weeks teaser if from The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan

Annabeth is terrified. Just when she's about to be reunited with Percy—after six months of being apart, thanks to Hera—it looks like Camp Jupiter is preparing for war. As Annabeth and her friends Jason, Piper, and Leo fly in on the Argo II, she can’t blame the Roman demigods for thinking the ship is a Greek weapon. With its steaming bronze dragon masthead, Leo's fantastical creation doesn't appear friendly. Annabeth hopes that the sight of their praetor Jason on deck will reassure the Romans that the visitors from Camp Half-Blood are coming in peace.

And that's only one of her worries. In her pocket Annabeth carries a gift from her mother that came with an unnerving demand: Follow the Mark of Athena. Avenge me. Annabeth already feels weighed down by the prophecy that will send seven demigods on a quest to find—and close—the Doors of Death. What more does Athena want from her?

Annabeth's biggest fear, though, is that Percy might have changed. What if he's now attached to Roman ways? Does he still need his old friends? As the daughter of the goddess of war and wisdom, Annabeth knows she was born to be a leader, but never again does she want to be without Seaweed Brain by her side.

Narrated by four different demigods, The Mark of Athena is an unforgettable journey across land and sea to Rome, where important discoveries, surprising sacrifices, and unspeakable horrors await. Climb aboard the Argo II, if you dare....

My teaser:
"Lord Bacchus, do you remember me? I helped you with that missing leopard in Sonoma."

 

Bacchus scratched his stubbly chin. "Ah...yes. John Green."

 

"Jason Grace."

 

 

I flipped out a little when I read this. One amazing author mentioning another amazing author :)

 

 

Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone Review

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publisher: Hyperion
Source: Conference
Standalone
Anna and Bennett were never supposed to meet: she lives in 1995 Chicago and he lives in 2012 San Francisco. But Bennett has the unique ability to travel through time and space, which brings him into Anna’s life, and with him a new world of adventure and possibility.
As their relationship deepens, the two face the reality that time may knock Bennett back to where he belongs, even as a devastating crisis throws everything they believe into question. Against a ticking clock, Anna and Bennett are forced to ask themselves how far they can push the bounds of fate, what consequences they can bear in order to stay together, and whether their love can stand the test of time.
Fresh, exciting, and deeply romantic, Time Between Us is a stunning, spellbinding debut from an extraordinary new voice in YA fiction.


Review
Oh my goodness! I adored this book with all my heart. It was so unlike anything I've ever read. Sure, I've read about time travel before but nothing like this. It was an epic love story with so many things tied into it. I wish I had taken my time reading it because now I want more.

I don't think I've ever read a book where the character was normal. I loved Anna. I loved how caring she was. She really enjoyed life. I liked that she stood up for herself. I loved how serious she took things. She was a very nicely done character. I absolutely adored Bennett. He was so cute. I loved how he tried to stay away for Anna. He wanted to do what was best for her but he couldn't help himself. I loved how he always wanted to do the right thing. I loved how careful he was and how serious he took his power. Anna and Bennett were so cute. Let me just say they had the best dates ever. Remind me to find a boyfriend who can time travel.

This had such a unique storyline. It was such an amazing love story(as I said before). It also had a mysterious aspect. I really had to wait and see how things turned out. I loved that I couldn't guess where the story was going to go. In fact the ending shocked me. I wasn't expecting it but it made me really happy. Overall I think this was an amazing read. I wish it wasn't a stand alone. I can't wait to see what else this author comes up with. If you haven't read this one I highly recommend. I think tons of people will enjoy it.