Books and randomness

Fell off the map

2013-08-29T10:11:00.002-05:00

I know I fell off the Map for a long time.. I had to take a break from everything in my old life and start new.. In the last couple of years I have gotten divorced and found my prince charming and we have a beautiful now 5 mo old baby.. So it rightly says that I have not had time to read. I was kind of burnt out as well even though books were my anchor for so long that kept me from floating away into complete depression over those last couple of years before the split. But now I have a job that gives me a little free time in between customers to read a little and it has gotten me back into the joy of it again. So I intend to pick up with some book reviews again so enjoy everyone and share my blog with others and leave feedback on what you think

The Iron Knight By Julie Kagawa (ARC)

2011-10-21T20:26:00.002-05:00

Iron Knight on Amazon

Title: The Iron King

Description:

Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing.
Unless he can earn a soul.
To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had, or so he thought.
Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.
With the (unwelcome) company of his arch rival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.
To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.
And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.

My review: I believe I enjoyed this book from the series the most. I have been a faithful reader of the series ever since I got to read an ARC of The Iron King and now it seems fitting that I got to read an ARC of the last book of the series. This book was a complete Ash show and our old friend Puck was present pretty much the whole way too. There was adventure and twists and turns throughout the whole way.The POV change from Meagan in the first 3 books to Ash was refreshing and very pleasing.We meet some new characters in this book and still get the best of some old ones too.... Oh how I love Grim and his outlook on life. Ash struggles with so much in this book that you keep on wondering what is going to happen and if you don't cry at the end you don't have a heart. There are certainly some twists and unexpected turns in this one too. You will gasp and maybe even get a little mad in some spots but I guarantee you will also hang on every word. This is a fine and fitting final book to the series and a great big Kudos to Julie for such an amazing job writing some much loved characters that we will love for generations to come and are probably to focus of some interesting fan-fiction sites LOL. Pick it up on release date of Oct 25 2011 and share with a friend.

Happy reading!!!

Rating 4.5/5

The Girl of Fire of Thorns by Rae Carson (ARC)

2011-09-02T00:00:00.002-05:00

Title: The Girl of Fire and Thorns
Author: Rae Carson
Release Date: Sept. 20, 2011

Description: On her naming day, Elisa was marked for an act of great heroism. A blue sapphire-like stone has hummed in her navel for the past sixteen years, a constant reminder that she’s mastered nothing but reading ancient texts and raiding the kitchens. And then her father marries her off to the king of a neighboring country. What kind of queen can a fearful, untried teenager be? Amid terrifying attacks, kidnapping attempts, and an onslaught of enemies fueled by the fire of dark sorcerers, Elisa will find herself, her heart, and her epic destiny. A remarkable and exotic novel full of adventure, sorcery, heartbreak, and power. Rae Carson makes an impressive debut with the first volume of a trilogy.

My Review: In this debut book by Rae Carson our protagonist is a fat lazy princess who has been bestowed with the god-stone which marks her for service. She is forced to marry a king of a bordering country and doesn't know why and she is only 16 years old.This story is set in a different time and in a different culture and that is a refreshing change that I think many will enjoy. Elisa soon finds herself in some very dangerous situations where she must decide to act or die in many of them. Elisa without realizing it soon transforms into something else and finds out who she is and what she is capable of. This story had me turning pages and gasping out loud at the events that happened in several spots I really enjoyed reading the suspense and adventure that came at you one after another and it may have the staying power of a very notable trilogy. If you enjoyed Hunger games you will enjoy this book also so add it to your list to pick up from the store and get in on this one from day one.

Rating: 4.5 / 5

In Trouble by Ellen Levine

2011-08-20T00:00:00.020-05:00

Title:In Trouble
Author:Ellen Levine

Description: Jamie and Elaine have been best friends forever, and now they're finally juniors in high school. Elaine has a steady boyfriend, and Jamie could have one--if she'd just open her eyes and see Paul. But Jamie has a bigger problem to worry about. Then Elaine gets "in trouble"--something they thought only happened to "other" girls. Are there any good choices for a girl in trouble? In Trouble is a novel born of author Ellen Levine's interviews with women who came of age in the late 1950s and early 1960s, including those who knew what it was like to be a teen facing a horrible choice. In the decades before Roe v. Wade, a young woman "in trouble" had very few options--and all of them meant shame, isolation, and maybe much worse. Jamie and Elaine's stories are just two among the thousands of stories of teenagers facing unplanned pregnancies.

My Review: This book is set in the 50's and is centered around a very Taboo subject. Teen pregnancy. This subject is still taboo for some today but getting the facts out to girls has helped some and this book really shines a light on 2 different ways it could happen.The characters in the book are not a three dimensional as you could really hope for in a book with this topic. The time line is also bit confusing but the details of the story are still conveyed well even with the confusion. This story could be a nice way for parents to get a way to talk to their daughters about the subject and safe sex just by comparing how things were in the 50's compared to the many options girls have today for both protection and when it happens. Bravo to Ms. Levine for tackling such a tough subject in such a readable way.

My Rating:3.5/5

Cinder and Ella by Melissa Lemon (ARC)

2011-08-15T08:59:00.000-05:00

Cinder and Ella Title: Cinder and Ella
Review:4/5
Description: After her father's disappearance, Cinder leaves home for a servant job at the castle. But it isn t long before her sister Ella is brought to the castle herself. What Ella finds there starts a quest that will change her life and the entire kingdom. With a supernatural twist on this beloved fairytale, it's a must read you'll never forget.

My review: I got the pleasure of reading an advanced reading copy of this book that is said to be a new twist on an old Fairytale, Cinderella, but there are few similarities between the two stories. However, the story is still a very good and captivating. Cinder and Ella are the 2 middle of 4 sisters and when their father mysteriously disappears then the whole family starts to change.One day Cinder chooses to leave the house for a job as a servant at the castle and leaves her sisters and mother behind and the events that are set into motion just a week after she is gone is more than any of them could imagine. The good and the evil are surprising and the characters are quirky and entertaining. I laughed out loud in several spots and couldn't keep myself from smiling in others. I would recommend this story to all who love fairy tales and even to those who just want a good and entertaining story to read.

Fade by Lisa McMann

2011-08-15T08:46:00.000-05:00

Title: Fade
Rating 4/5

Description:

SOME NIGHTMARES NEVER END.
For Janie and Cabel, real life is getting tougher than
the dreams. They're just trying to carve out a little (secret)
time together, but no such luck.
Disturbing things are happening at Fieldridge High, yet
nobody's talking. When Janie taps into a classmate's
violent nightmares, the case finally breaks open -- but
nothing goes as planned. Not even close. Janie's in way over
her head, and Cabe's shocking behavior has grave consequences
for them both.
Worse yet, Janie learns the truth about herself and her
ability -- and it's bleak. Seriously, brutally bleak. Not only
is her fate as a dream catcher sealed, but what's
to come is way darker than she'd even feared....

My review: Janie is trying so hard to figure out her gift/curse and her relationship with Cable. She can not remember ever telling anyone that she loved them before so getting close to him is a new thing for her. Cable has issue's he has to work through also since his past is also filled with pain and loss. The circumstances of their new assignment do not help the feelings he has since Janie is having to place herself as bait for a sexual predator that may be lurking in the halls of their school in the form of a teacher. I really enjoyed this book. Just as much as the first one. The idea is very interesting still and the added twists in this was very captivating. Janie is still getting guidance from Mrs.Stuben and even has a file written by her that she has to decide if she wants to read or not because it might tell her everything she has to look forward to with this power.Although all may not be positive and she may not want to face the truth. The character development in this book was really good you get to know a little more about them as they get to know more about each other. The book was another easy read and a fairly short one so it is defiantly a read worth reading..

Water for Elephants

2011-08-08T10:23:00.000-05:00

Title: Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

Rating:4.5/5

Description:Though he may not speak of them, the memories still dwell inside Jacob Jankowski's ninety-something-year-old mind. Memories of himself as a young man, tossed by fate onto a rickety train that was home to the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. Memories of a world filled with freaks and clowns, with wonder and pain and anger and passion; a world with its own narrow, irrational rules, its own way of life, and its own way of death. The world of the circus: to Jacob it was both salvation and a living hell.
Jacob was there because his luck had run out - orphaned and penniless, he had no direction until he landed on this locomotive 'ship of fools'. It was the early part of the Great Depression, and everyone in this third-rate circus was lucky to have any job at all. Marlena, the star of the equestrian act, was there because she fell in love with the wrong man, a handsome circus boss with a wide mean streak. And Rosie the elephant was there because she was the great gray hope, the new act that was going to be the salvation of the circus; the only problem was, Rosie didn't have an act - in fact, she couldn't even follow instructions. The bond that grew among this unlikely trio was one of love and trust, and ultimately, it was their only hope for survival.

My Review: This book grabbed me from the first page. You are wondering what is going on and then it skips back to the beginning leaving you to read back to those events that you know are coming. Jacob is ninety or ninety three he is not sure which but he remembers those earlier days better than he remembers yesterday and with the circus coming into town the memories consume him. The book flips back and forth between a much older Jacob and the younger Jacob in his memories from the time of the Great Depression in 1931 but in a very easy way to follow. The story is tinged with danger throughout the entire novel.You never know what is going to happen and the characters are both colorful and some that you love to hate. Marlena is brilliant and you wonder how the book will end through out and how Jacob has come to be where he is today. And the ending is just as sweet and the story he is telling you. This is a wonderful book and one that you should most certainly read if you gt your hands on a copy. You will learn things about the circus that you may not have known and again just a great and fascinating read.
Happy Reading!!

Delerium By Lauren Oliver

2011-08-05T15:12:00.000-05:00

Title: Delirium By Lauren Oliver
Rating: 4.5/5

Description:

Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -the deliria- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the governments demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Haloway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.
But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable.

My Review: This book is very gripping and a wonderful read. If you like books to be a little intense then this one is for you. I was on the edge of my seat from the first words of the book until the very end. Lena lives in a world where Love is a disease and she can't wait until her 18th birthday so she can receive her cure because her mother suffered from Deliria and Lenna believes that the disease is the reason she took her own life and left her that night. However a few months before her procedure a series of events take place and change Lena's perspective on the world in which she lives and the events of her past and the people around her.This book will keep you going and maybe even keep you up a night or two. I listened to it in audio format and it was a wonderful experience. A story that you could truly dissolve yourself into and forget about the world around you. Now you just have to read to see which path Lena chooses and how it all unfolds you will not be sorry that you spent the time reading this one.

Happy Reading!!

Wake by Lisa McMann

2011-07-29T19:00:00.000-05:00

Title: Wake
Rating:4/5
Description:
Not all dreams are sweet.
For seventeen-year-old Janie, getting sucked into other people's dreams is getting old. Especially the falling dreams, the naked-but-nobody-notices dreams, and the sex-crazed dreams. Janie's seen enough fantasy booty to last her a lifetime. She can't tell anybody about what she does -- they'd never believe her, or worse, they'd think she's a freak. So Janie lives on the fringe, cursed with an ability she doesn't want and can't control. Then she falls into a gruesome nightmare, one that chills her to the bone. For the first time, Janie is more than a witness to someone else's twisted psyche. She is a participant...

Review: This book has a very interesting concept that I had not previously come into contact with. What if every time some one falls asleep and has a dream you are sucked from your body and into their dreams?? That is exactly what happens to Janie. She can't control it and from the outside you would think she was having a seizure.She keeps this a secret for her whole life until she finally tells one boy Cable who she is not really friends with but has been a frequent visitor of his dreams since he insists on sleeping in class.Janie has to figure out if this is a blessing or a curse and a way to have a normal life with this CONDITION. The book is a short read and very gripping from the first page so it is well worth giving a read I myself cannot wait to get into the next one.
Thanks and Happy Reading!!

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

2011-07-18T10:29:00.000-05:00

Title: The Iron Queen
Rating:4.5/5
Description: My name is Meghan Chase. I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it. This time, there will be no turning back.

My Review: I am thoroughly hooked on this series. The first book was really good and I could not put it down and the second was good too just not as good as the first but this one is by far the best of the series so far. Meagan was banished from the Nevernever with Ash and now it is just time for them to live their lives together in the real world. Did she really think it was going to be that easy? No sooner than they get home is she being tracked by the Iron Fey, someone always wants to kill this girl. This is another adventure of survival and love and friendship. She is once again having to fight to keep the one she loves and save everyone else too. This book really develops some of the relationships and even clears up some questions you had from book 2 but in the end it leaves you with just as many as it answered. Not exactly a full cliffhanger but if there is a such thing as a half cliffhanger then this is it. In some ways it ended out well enough that I am not frantic to read the next book but in other ways I am. You will just have to read it to see what I mean. i highly recommend it so go pick up all 3 and Happy Reading!!

What Happened To Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

2011-06-20T19:53:00.000-05:00

Title: What Happened to Goodbye
Rating:4.5/5

Description: After a scandal involving her mother and a famous college basketball coach rocked her family and her old hometown, McClean decided to live with her dad. His job as a restaurant consultant requires they pick up often, and at each new place she carefully selects who she’ll be—Eliza, Beth, or someone else with a new name and different interests. It’s easier this way for McClean, who is reluctant to form any true attachments. Then at their latest stop, McClean does something she’s not done in a long while—reveal her real name. But who is this McClean and is she ready to forgive her mother, fall for the boy next door, and finally stick around?

My Review: Ok I have to say after waiting for over a year for Sarah to release a new book she did not disappoint I just hope we don't have to wait so long for the next one. McLean lives with her dad and has for the last 2 years. She has been through court battles and just wants a new life so she has given herself just that. About every 6 months or so it is required for her and her dad to move on the his next assignment and when all the signs start to turn up McLean cuts and runs with no goodbyes or explanations. Then in this new town something happens and her character does not choose her so she is McLean and she has to discover who she is again and might actually make friends along the way, real ones.A community project and the boy next door that is completely not her usual type of usual at all my just provide what she needs to forgive and move on.The story line is very sweet and the characters are true Dessen characters. I am a huge Dessen fan and will read anything she writes.If you have liked any of her books then this one will be another one you can add to your reading list. If you have not read any of her books then pick them up and get started. They are the most fun to read in the order she wrote them because she does this cute little cameo thing with previous characters and it is kinda fun if you catch them.Her characters are what make her works stand out and come alive. They are so real and relate-able. You either knew someone like them in high school or you were kind of like them and the friends that they have or gain also have their own weird little quirks about them that you will never forget. Dessen is a wonderful author and congrats on a great book 10!!

City of Fallen Angels By Cassandra Clare

2011-06-01T14:12:00.000-05:00

Title: City of Fallen Angels
Rating:4.5/5
Description City of Fallen Angels takes place two months after the events of City of Glass. In it, a mysterious someone’s killing the Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine’s Circle and displaying their bodies around New York City in a manner designed to provoke hostility between Downworlders and Shadowhunters, leaving tensions running high in the city and disrupting Clary’s plan to lead as normal a life as she can — training to be a Shadowhunter, and pursuing her relationship with Jace. As Jace and Clary delve into the issue of the murdered Shadowhunters, they discover a mystery that has deeply personal consequences for them — consequences that may strengthen their relationship, or rip it apart forever. Meanwhile, internecine warfare among vampires is tearing the Downworld community apart, and only Simon — the Daylighter who everyone wants on their side — can decide the outcome; too bad he wants nothing to do with Downworld politics. Love, blood, betrayal and revenge: the stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels.

My Review: Okay I haven't really settled on how I feel about this book. It is another book to the amazing series but I do not feel it meets the same standard the other books set. It was far easier to put down. The characters are still great and they really pull you in. The mystery to this book is also really good because you don't figure it out early. Also be prepared to be mad can I say CLIFFHANGER. It was fun to read and connect the characters from Infernal Devices to it and it even leaves you a couple of little clues that you can ponder over until Clockwork Prince. If you have read COB. COA, and COG then you have to read COFA it is a great installment to the series and adds more to the characters and it has new villains and action I just hope the next installment is revved back up to COB standards. I enjoyed it and I believe I will enjoy the rest of the series and the infernal devices also.

Happy Reading!!

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

2011-05-05T14:44:00.000-05:00

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
Rating 5/5

Description:

Magic is dangerous—but love is more dangerous still.
When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets.
Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.
Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.
Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by—and torn between—two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length . . . everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world. . . . and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

My Review:Okay!! Wow!! This is another solid start of a series for Cassandra Clare. Even though it is a prequel series and has completely different characters it stays true to her writing style and the Shadowhunter lifestyle. The main character is Tessa and she has come to London to live with her brother after the death of her Aunt that has raised her since the death of her parents. When she arrives in London she is greeted by strangers and is unknowingly taken prisoner and is told her brother will die if she doesn't do as she is told. When she is accidentally rescued she meets the shadowhunters and can actually start to learn a little information about who she is and the world she did not know she belonged to. The action in this book is just as gripping as the Mortal Instruments series and I have to tell you that the characters are reminiscent of each other. Tessa is a strong minded individual which is unusual for her time and coincidentally does not know what she really is and has been raised blind to the shadow world- Ring a bell ummhmm! Clary! Jace also has a counterpart in this series his name is Will he is egotistical and even has a very self sacrificing dark side and he is also the love interest of our protagonist but their relationship is also not without complications. Alex has a counterpart as well his name is Jem and he has a secret that will surprise you just as much as Alex's did in MI and they Mrs. Clare keeps you guessing til the end. I know what you are thinking now what about our fashion diva Isabelle who is so self- confident and ass kicking bad well she has a counterpart too her name is Jessamine and as she and Isabelle are the same when it comes to clothes and fashion they are quite different in all other aspects. Don't miss this prequel series because I think you will not only see some familiar characters in the future MI books but it is quite the read that you will regret not picking up.

Happy reading!!

Book blogger Hop

2011-04-29T12:12:00.000-05:00

Wow It has been crazy! not a lot of time for reading but I did find this and wanted to post my answer to the question.

Question: When you read a book you love do you hunt down and read other books by this author?

I have found that if an author has a book that you love then you will like many of their other works as well. I am an author geek in a way. I read a book and lose sleep over it and so I must read their other books. This obsession started with the very WONDERFUL Sarah Dessen. I picked up one of her books at Wal-mart and then had to read them all (In order of how she wrote them). She is now one of my most favoritest authors and I fiend for more of her works. I am working on Elizabeth Scott's books and have read all but 3 of Nicholas Sparks. There are others like the amazing Cassandra Clare. I feel like if you enjoy an author's work then their other stuff should be at least similar unless it was an off the wall book like "living Dead Girl" by Elizabeth Scott.

SO I guess you can consider this a bit of book related randomness and feel free to comment and answer the same question!!

Happy Reading !!!!

The Forest of Hands and Teeth

2011-04-11T16:47:00.000-05:00

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
Rating: a generous 2.5/5
Description:In Mary's world there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But, slowly, Mary’s truths are failing her. She’s learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future—between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?
My Review: I have heard so many things about how great this book is so like many others I gave it a shot. I got it on audio book first and it was SLOOOWWWW!!! so I figured it might be better if I read it instead so I procured an ebook version and let me tell you not much better. Mary is this girl in a gated village that is surrounded by essentially zombies.The book begins with her mother getting bitten and released into the forest. Her brother is mad and turns her away and since she has not been spoken for by any male she must join the sisterhood which is becoming a nun. This books is really odd because there is so much kept from the people from the sisterhood and it eventually leads to the villages destruction and when Mary is thrust in to the forest with her now betrothed, Harry, and the boy she loves, Harry's brother, they don't know anything about where they are going or what is out there.I diligently read more than half of this book and then ended up skimming the rest because Mary, in my opinion, is just not that likable. she is very negative and seemingly selfish and I just did not like her.I don't plan on reading the rest of the series, which don't even contain the same characters anyway so if you must be my guest and if you do and don't like it just know that you heard it here first.
Happy Reading!!

Fallen by Lauren Kate

2011-04-11T14:48:00.000-05:00

Fallen by Lauren Kate
Rating 4.5/5
Description:

Some Angels are Destined to Fall
There’s something achingly familiar about Daniel Grigori.
Mysterious and aloof, he captures Luce Price’s attention from the moment she sees him on her first day at the Sword & Cross boarding school in sultry Savannah, Georgia. He’s the one bright spot in a place where cell phones are forbidden, the other students are all screw-ups, and security cameras watch every move.
Even though Daniel wants nothing to do with Luce–and goes out of his way to make that very clear–she can’t let it go. Drawn to him like a moth to a flame, she has to find out what Daniel is so desperate to keep secret . . .
even if it kills her!
My Review: This book has a mysterious tone to it throughout and Luce is just as clueless as we are. She has been sent to reform school by court order and this place is not the boarding school atmosphere she is used to.Upon arrival she meets some very interesting people including Daniel who is making it clear that he wants nothing to do with her. As soon as she gets there she has the attention of a guy named Cam and even though he is charming and very interested she still can't get Daniel out of her head. She feels like she has met him before.He continues to send her mixed signals and to try to push her away until one day when all hell breaks loose and you find out what is really going on at this school and who is in on it as well as what sides they are taking. This is a really great story and I recommend it to all my fantasy/paranormal readers. You will enjoy the suspense and the characters are not flat and uninteresting either.
I listened to this in audio-book format and it had a good narrator and kept it interesting so if you are looking for something to sink your ears into while you hit the gym or clean house it is worth the format change.

The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

2011-04-06T13:38:00.000-05:00

The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa
Rating 4.5/5

Description: Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere.
Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen.
As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron Fey, iron-bound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen.
But no one believes her.
Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off.
She's alone in Faery with only her wits for help.
Trusting anyone would be foolish.
Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly.
But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.

My Review: The first novel in this series really set things in motion.Meghan discovered that not only are the monsters and boogies in her brothers closet real but she is a princess in their world.When her brother was kidnapped her best friend Robbie who is the really the famous Puck takes her into this world that she was never meant to know about. While hunting for her brother she meets the Unseelie prince Ash who is her enemy.She makes a bargain with him to help her get her brother back and through their adventure she falls in love with him and he seems to love her back or is he just playing with her emotions to get her back to his queen. When the second novel opens up Meghan is in the unseelie court and has not seen Ash since they came back. Then when Prince Sage is murdered in front of her by the Iron Fey and the Scepter of Seasons is stolen Meghan's father is blamed and a war is waged. No one believes the Iron Fey are real and if the Scepter is not recovered a war could destroy the entire Nevernever. Meghan gains some unexpected allies this time and discovers some unusual powers. I Love the way Meghan really comes into who she is and starts to know that she is strong and can be of value to this world.We may be in for some very big things in the third book. This one ended really nicely but still left enough loose ends that you can guess what could be building up. Some seemingly very important questions we posed but left completely unanswered. With out giving to much away I love the way Julie isn't afraid to give you the opportunity to love a character and them take it away. I think that quality in a book makes it much more likable, and even though we are dealing with fantasy here, more believable. I really hate it when you go through a whole book and you have all these characters and even in the midst of all these gigantic battles no one of importance gets hurt. It just doesn't happen like that. I just have to say again I loved this book and if you like the first one the second one is even better and even more heart wrenching.
Happy Reading!!!

Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

2011-03-24T10:52:00.000-05:00

Revolution by Jennifer Donelly

My Rating 5/5

Description:BROOKLYN: Andi Alpers is on the edge. She’s angry at her father for leaving, angry at her mother for not being able to cope, and heartbroken by the loss of her younger brother, Truman. Rage and grief are destroying her. And she’s about to be expelled from Brooklyn Heights’ most prestigious private school when her father intervenes. Now Andi must accompany him to Paris for winter break. PARIS: Alexandrine Paradis lived over two centuries ago. She dreamed of making her mark on the Paris stage, but a fateful encounter with a doomed prince of France cast her in a tragic role she didn’t want—and couldn’t escape. Two girls, two centuries apart. One never knowing the other. But when Andi finds Alexandrine’s diary, she recognizes something in her words and is moved to the point of obsession. There’s comfort and distraction for Andi in the journal’s antique pages—until, on a midnight journey through the catacombs of Paris, Alexandrine’s words transcend paper and time, and the past becomes suddenly, terrifyingly present. Jennifer Donnelly, author of the award-winning novel A Northern Light, artfully weaves two girls’ stories into one unforgettable account of life, loss, and enduring love. Revolution spans centuries and vividly depicts the eternal struggles of the human heart.

My Review: Andi is depressed and giving up on life. Her anti depressants don't always keep the sadness away and when it comes crashing down on her she considers jumping off a building. Her mom has shut out the world and her dad left after it happened and Andi blames herself. Music is the only thing that seems to help her.She is super talented and music is her life but her Nobel Prize winning scientist of a dad does not understand. He discovers she is about to flunk out of her senior year at one of the most prestigious prep schools in Brooklyn. He comes back and admits her mom to a hospital and takes Andi to Paris with him. While in Paris her dad's friend G shows her a guitar that is 200 years old. She works on restoring it and then discovers that the key she has worn around her neck for the last 2 years fits the guitar case and the case contains more than a musical instrument. There is a diary that belonged to a girl named Alex that lived and played a minor role in the French Revolution. Andi becomes obsessed with the diary and also while in Paris she meets a guy named Virgil who actually understands music like she does. For the first time in 2 years she actually wants to get to know someone. She actually has the desire to get close to someone and feel happy. Something she has not really felt in years. Between getting to know this guy and discovering the contents of the diary all while getting her required thesis done she goes on an adventure of her own that brings the details of the revolution alive for her. This book has you hooked from the first chapter. Andi is so complex and mysterious even though the book is written in first person. The way the facts tie together in the end are a true amazement .You also get a history lesson on the French Revolution in a way that makes it not only memorable but enjoyable.I recommend this book. It will not disappoint.

2011-03-15T13:38:00.000-05:00

Okay so for this review I am going to wrap 2 books into one. This storyline is so seamless that it could be just one big book anyways. okay so my rating 5/5 simply another amazing book by Cassandra Clare.

Description: City of Ashes-Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go -- especially her
handsome, infuriating, newfound brother,...
City of Glass- To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters -- never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight. As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadow-hunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadow-hunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her new-found powers to help save the Glass City -- whatever the cost? Love is a mortal sin and the secrets of the past prove deadly as Clary and Jace face down Valentine in the final installment of the New York Times bestselling trilogy The Mortal Instruments. The first in the series is City of Bones then The City of Ashes and the forth one which is coming out is called the City of Fallen Angels.

My Review: well these books are just as riveting as the first and if you thought the first book had you confused there are many more twists and turns in the next two. In the first book you really get to know the characters and a little of what they are like. In the next 2 you get to expand on that. Since Valentine is back and is after the next mortal instrument and Jace and his friends have no one to turn to. Except Luke. They really end up doing a lot on their own this go around. Simon gets sucked further into this new world than any could have ever imagined and you never know that it might just be for the best in the long run. Jace is still struggling with finding out the true identity of his father. The man who raised him is a psychopath and even though he has goals of ruling the world(what villain doesn't) Jace can't make himself fully hate him. Clary discovers she has powers that no other Shadowhunter has ever possessed and Jace my have gifts too thanks to Valentine. Alec is more confused than ever and Isabelle is still Isabelle but you really start questioning all the characters as to who can be trusted and who is going to turn on them out of fear of Valentine. These books are amazing and it is so hard to tell you all the great things about them without spoiling the surprises that await within the pages. I highly suggest that you add these books to your list of things to read. The 4th book releases on April 5 2011 it is called City of Fallen Angels but Cassandra Clare herself says that her new series directly ties into the mortal instruments series and that you should read Clockwork Angel before you read COFA because it will make it more fun and interesting. However she promises that they are completely stand alone series and that you will not be lost if you don't .
Happy reading!!

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

2011-03-10T12:08:00.000-06:00

Rating:5/5
Description:When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder. Much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with odd markings. This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons-and keeping the odd werewolves and vampires in line. It's also her first meeting with gorgeous, golden-haired Jace. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in an ordinary mundane like Clary? And how did she suddenly get the sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know. . .

My Review:. This book was a great book. I have heard many great things about the series so I said "what the hey" and gave it a shot. This book really kept me entertained. I spent a least one night going just one more chapter and reading for 3-4 more chapters. The mystery keeps you guessing about what is really happening and you really have to look at some of the characters more than once .do you trust them? Clary is the protagonist and she is strong and independent, Jace is more mysterious than Clary's mom who has disappeared causing Clary to now realizes she knows nothing about her mom or her own life.Clary finds herself falling for this mysterious boy. She even drags her best friend Simon into the danger know if anything happens to him she will blame herself forever. This is not a book that I would miss and I can not wait to see what the next installment of the series has in store. This is now one of my favorite books even though I don't know what happens next because you know with all of that action and mystery that it ended in kind of a cliffhanger with plenty of unanswered questions. Once you get started you will not be able to stop. It has the paranormal theme to it, you know vampires, werewolves, demons, warlocks and fey too. I highly recommend it so get your hands on it and get started. There are 4 books to the series right now and at least 1 more planned.
City of Bones
City of Ashes
City Of Glass
City of Fallen Angels

The Iron King By Julie Kagawa

2011-03-07T15:32:00.000-06:00

The Iron King By Julie Kagawa
My Rating 4.5/5

Description: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.

My Review: This is a book that has been on my TBR list for more than a year. I finally gave it time and got my hands on it. This book starts out very intriguing. Meagan is an oddball at school and has never fit in. Her father disappeared years ago mysteriously while taking her to the park. No trace and that has haunted her ever since. Her mom is an artist and her stepdad is boring and often seems like she has forgotten that she exists.Her 4 year old brother is the one who looks up to her. She chases the monsters from his closet and talks to his floppy bunny when no one else will. On her 16th birthday everything she knows or thought she knew changes and she is sent headfirst in to a world that she never knew existed. With her best friend Robbie as her guide she is plunged in to a place that she could possibly fit in. When she meets the prince of the unseelie court he is destined to kill her but there is something there in his touch.
I was glued to this book from the beginning. The action is nonstop and there are enemies and friends around every corner as well. Meagan is a girl in denial of her heritage and the end of this book left me ready to crack the next one. I recommend this book!! Great read well worth the time.

The Hunger Games book series by Suzanne Collins

2011-02-24T17:37:00.000-06:00

This month I have read a lot of great books but the Hunger Games Series was by far the best. It is set hundreds of years in the future after the fall of America and when a new government has been set up. This government is more like a dictatorship and people are starving to death all over except in the Capitol which is a lot like Hollywood.The districts of people rebelled once and lost and now the capitol forces the children from the districts to compere in an annual event called the Hunger Games. They take a boy and a girl from each of the 12 districts and put them in an area for them to fight to the death until one is left standing.The main character is Katniss Everdeen and she is thrust into the games when her little sister's name is called. She volunteers to take her spot with no expectations on coming out of the arena alive, but since she has excellent very good hunting and survival skills she actually becomes a contender. I loved this book and it has an element of a love story in it too. Which makes it all the more interesting with some twists and turns.This is one of those books I could not put down and just kept going" One More Page, No Just one more" I like to call them the OMP books. If you have not read this series then you should get your hands on them and get going. each book is about 300 pages and they are not hard to follow. They have lots of action and will keep you at the edge of your seat.
Happy Reading!!

My first blog post!!

2011-02-24T12:48:00.000-06:00

Ok so I am new to blogging and this is my first ever blog post. I love to talk and meet new people so I though "what the hey" I don't really know what direction I want this blog to go so it will just be like me Kind of Random. I know you will get some book reviews because books are my passion. I am also a mom so I can't forget that aspect of my life. I have amazing kids and I have to brag sometimes. My husband is wonderful too. He really gets me and even though we are yin and yang in a lot of ways we do fit together really well. Weather we always show it or not he completes my puzzle when I always can't. I just hope I do the same for him. I hope to post some book reviews soon so watch out and Happy Reading!!