Carina's Books

Waiting on Wednesday #84

2013-05-22T06:00:00.000+02:00

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

THESE BROKEN STARS BY AMIE KAUFMAN & MEAGAN SPOONER

Goodreads Description:

It's a night like any other on board the Icarus. Then, catastrophe strikes: the massive luxury spaceliner is yanked out of hyperspace and plummets into the nearest planet. Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen survive. And they seem to be alone.

Lilac is the daughter of the richest man in the universe. Tarver comes from nothing, a young war hero who learned long ago that girls like Lilac are more trouble than they’re worth. But with only each other to rely on, Lilac and Tarver must work together, making a tortuous journey across the eerie, deserted terrain to seek help.

Then, against all odds, Lilac and Tarver find a strange blessing in the tragedy that has thrown them into each other’s arms. Without the hope of a future together in their own world, they begin to wonder—would they be better off staying here forever?

Everything changes when they uncover the truth behind the chilling whispers that haunt their every step. Lilac and Tarver may find a way off this planet. But they won’t be the same people who landed on it.

The first in a sweeping science fiction trilogy, These Broken Stars is a timeless love story about hope and survival in the face of unthinkable odds.

Hardcover, 384 pages

Expected publication: December 10th 2013 by Disney Hyperion

Pre-Order here.

I think this book sounds amazing. And the cover is just so gorgeous. Really hope it's an amazing book :D I had this scheduled for weeks, and they yesterday, Tuesday, I actually got an ARC of it :D So I don't have to wait so long before I get to read it. So, so excited. I cannot wait, because it sounds perfect.
What are you waiting for?

In My Mailbox #81

2013-05-18T16:15:00.001+02:00

I did get a few awesome books this week. Just things I have pre-ordered myself, though :) Still waiting for so much, sigh. Hoping it will arrive soon. Anyway. I haven't read anything since reading The 5th Wave many days ago. I just haven't had time. Been really sick, still am, and I'm working on moving myself upstairs since they are finally finished building :) Will sleep upstairs tonight. But oh. It will take forever to unpack my boxes and sort all my books. Will share pictures after that, which might take a few weeks. But will share when I'm done with it all :) What did you get this week?

Signed Clockwork Princess. Finally got this. <3 My original one got lost :( luckily I got a new one. <3
The Croods 4x. Hiiih. A few more The Croods books that I did not own. They are adorable, tbh.
Bookmarks. Got these from the author, Christine. <3 She's pretty amazing. Also, they are pretty :)
The 5th Wave. Sigh, a gorgeous hardcover edition of a perfect book. I loved it so, so much. So pretty.
Doll Bones. This book was pretty good, not perfect, but I did love it. The cover is so gorgeous.
Mystic. Heh. I haven't even started this series yet. Plus side, I now own all three books :) Pretty.
The Cabinet of Earths. Gorgeous paperback. Loved the book. Still waiting for the sequel, though..
Reboot. Oh, this book was just so perfect. Love this hardcover, although it is damaged a bit :\ Sigh.
Shadow and Bone paperback. Oh, it's so perfect. <3 I need to read the bonus letter! Keep forgetting (A)
Arise paperback. Yeah. I just had to get the US paperback :) It's really, really pretty, though. Loved.
Wither. I just had to buy a second copy of this UK paperback. Hih. Cause it was on sale of book depo :)

Angry Birds. Hih :D I just needed them. <3 Have quite many :) These are just so cute.

In My Mailbox is an weekly meme made by The Story Siren.

Did you enter my International giveaway? One winner will win one book of choice from my favorites list. Enter here: http://carinabooks.blogspot.no/2013/05/twenty-years-and-international-giveaway.html

Cover Reveal: Kinslayer by Jay Kristoff

2013-05-16T06:00:00.000+02:00

Sharing the US and the UK cover today. And oh. They are both amazing! Most happy with the US one, though :) It's just perfect. Creepy. Scary. Awesome. Bad-ass. Jay Kristoff gets the best covers. And it fits so well with the one for Stormdancer as well. Sigh. I just love it so much. Stormdancer was an amazing book, and I'm just dying to read Kinslayer :) I cannot wait. Wish it was out already ;p It's just. Yukiko looks so amazing! So fierce. I love her. And Buruu! Ahh. I cannot wait. Also need more of Kin. <3 First I share the US cover. Then the UK one below. Let me know what you think of them both :D

A SHATTERED EMPIRE
The mad Shōgun Yoritomo has been assassinated by the Stormdancer Yukiko, and the threat of civil war looms over the Shima Imperium. The Lotus Guild conspires to renew the nation’s broken dynasty and crush the growing rebellion simultaneously – by endorsing a new Shōgun who desires nothing more than to see Yukiko dead.

A DARK LEGACY
Yukiko and the mighty thunder tiger Buruu have been cast in the role of heroes by the Kagé rebellion. But Yukiko herself is blinded by rage over her father’s death, and her ability to hear the thoughts of beasts is swelling beyond her power to control. Along with Buruu, Yukiko’s anchor is Kin, the rebel Guildsman who helped her escape from Yoritomo’s clutches. But Kin has his own secrets, and is haunted by visions of a future he’d rather die than see realized.

A GATHERING STORM
Kagé assassins lurk within the Shōgun’s palace, plotting to end the new dynasty before it begins. A waif from Kigen’s gutters begins a friendship that could undo the entire empire. A new enemy gathers its strength, readying to push the fracturing Shima imperium into a war it cannot hope to survive. And across raging oceans, amongst islands of black glass, Yukiko and Buruu will face foes no katana or talon can defeat. The ghosts of a blood-stained past.

Stormdancer. Kinslayer. Jay Kristoff. Official Reveal Post.

My review of Stormdancer. Book Depository.

Waiting on Wednesday #83

2013-05-15T06:00:00.000+02:00

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

THORNHILL (Hemlock #2) BY KATHLEEN PEACOCK

Goodreads Description:

Mac can’t lose another friend. Even if he doesn’t want to be found.

The ripple effect caused by Mac’s best friend Amy’s murder has driven Mac’s new love, Kyle, to leave Hemlock and disappear from her life forever. But Mac knows that Kyle plans to enroll in a rehabilitation camp, where he can live with other werewolves. She refuses to accept his decision, especially since the camps are rumored to be tortuous. So she sets out in search of Kyle with a barely sober Jason—and Amy’s all-seeing ghost—in tow.

Clues lead Mac to find Kyle in a werewolf den in Colorado—but their reunion is cut short by a Tracker raid. Now Mac and Kyle are trapped inside the electric fences of Thornhill, a camp for young werewolves. As she devises an escape plan, Mac uncovers dangerous secrets buried within the walls of Thornhill—and realizes that the risk to the people she loves is greater than ever before.

Hardcover, 368 pages

Expected publication: September 10th 2013 by Katherine Tegen Books

Pre-Order here.

I'm so excited for this. I loved the first one; Hemlock, very much. And I just need more :) The world is so amazing, as is the characters and the writing. Cannot wait to read more about Mac and Kyle :D Just, please, let her be with Kyle and not Jason.. I'm not a fan of Jason as a love interesting ;p Hih.
What are you waiting for?

Review: The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

2013-05-12T19:01:00.000+02:00

I just couldn't wait for my hardcover to arrive. So I had to read it on my iPad. Which I do not regret, because this book was amazing. And it was worth the few short months I had to wait for it. Now I'm just going to go die for a bit while I wait for the sequel coming out in August 2014 :) I've heard people not liking the cover. I don't get it. Because I think this cover is stunning.

I loved this book from the very beginning. And it's an amazing beginning. The book is sort of told from four point of views, but mostly by Cassie. I liked that. Although most of the time I just wanted the writing to get back to Cassie and Evan, hih. Yeah. The writing in this book is amazing. Truly amazing. Didn't find any faults with it, and I loved that. I really enjoyed it.

I'm not going to recap the plot and summary. Because I'm not like that. Just going to mention a few things about the story, just not too much, because I don't want to spoil any of the important big things. The 5th Wave is about an alien invasion. For the most part. There is this huge ship up in the sky, and ten days after they have all spotted it, the first wave happens. All power is out. Everything. Then the second and third and fourth wave. They were all pretty awful. and most of the billions of people died.

I loved the story in this book. I really, really loved it. It's pretty awful and amazing at the same time. It's seemed real. Which I loved even more. It creeped me out. It made me smile, which was kind of weird. Yet it was all so perfect. The book starts after the fourth wave, but we also get glimpses into the past about everything that happened. Before the waves. After the first and second and third. I loved those glimpses. They were amazing, and we got to know lots of important things. Sigh. It was all perfect.

The beginning of this book is told from the point of view of Cassie. A sixteen year old girl. And she's all alone. We learn the whys of that too. Which was all kinds of heartbreak, yet I loved every moment of it. Cassie is an amazing main character. She's strong and kind and so protective of her little brother Sammy. Sniffs. I just loved reading about her, and I also kind of wish the entire book had been from her point of view, but also not, because I loved reading from all the other characters too. Hmm. Mostly :)

There is a small part told from the point of view of a hunter. Kind of creepy, but I also loved it. We also see a bit told from the point of view of five year old Sammy. I loved that. But it also broke my heart, because it was awful to read. Then almost most of the book is told from the point of view of Zombie. Who's kind of a big deal to Cassie, kind of. Before the alien invasion. I did enjoy reading from him. Kind of. Still unsure if I like him or not. But he was very interesting, I suppose. So I did like him a tiny bit.

There is also this character named Evan. Who I loved reading about so much. There is some romance between him and Cassie. Which I loved. It might happen a bit fast, yet I wanted it to happen even faster. Because they are perfect together. Sigh. And the world is ending, lol. I loved Evan. He's sweet and caring and all kinds of awesome. Okay, he's keeping a few secrets. But I didn't blame him for that, and it kind of made me think he was even more badass and awesome. I just couldn't help loving him.

There is just so many characters in this book. We see Cassie's family a bit, and they were awesome, but also; heartbreak. Then there are the Others. We don't see too much of them, and I'm so curious. But I loved what we saw. Even though it was mostly awful. Loved it. There is also this Camp Haven. Not saying anything about it. But there are so many kids there.. And we get to know many of them. Kind of forgetting the names, but I loved reading about them all. Sigh. Especially Nugget and Zombie together.

There is just so much happening in this book. And yet not enough. I did not want it to end. And I just need the sequel right away. There is a lot of action and heartbreak and a bit of romance. I loved every moment. I just could not stop reading it, and I didn't want to. I'm not sure how I felt about the ending. Heartbroken. But I will hope. I must hope. I just cannot wait to see what happens in the sequel. Didn't talk too much about the plot, because it's so amazing, and you all need to read it yourself to see that.

I'm so glad I read The 5th Wave. Although the waiting for book two might kill me. I'm not sure if I can call the ending a cliffhanger. But to me personally it was one. I need to know what happened. To Evan. Yeah. I need to know. The ending kind of killed me. But it's also a good ending. Sort of. I just cannot wait to read book two and three. Hoping they will be just as epic as this one was. If you are nervous about reading this, don't be. Because The 5th Wave is amazing and you all need to read it. Truly.

Goodreads - Buy it

Cover Reveal: Allegiant by Veronica Roth

2013-05-11T18:00:00.000+02:00

In case you missed the cover reveal for Allegiant a few days ago, I'm also sharing it here on my blog :D I think it look pretty amazing. I think Divergent will always be my favorite, but I do love this one. I actually love the cover too, hih. And the water looks pretty amazing. Sigh. I just adore it. Want to read it right away, though :) I will be re-reading Divergent and Insurgent very, very soon. I can't believe I've only read Insurgent once.. a year ago. So yeah. I'm super excited to read them again, especially since I love Divergent so much. Sigh. Also. Don't you just love this cover? I do. Wish it was October 22nd.

One choice will define you.

What if your whole world was a lie?
What if a single revelation—like a single choice—changed everything?
What if love and loyalty made you do things you never expected?

The explosive conclusion to Veronica Roth’s #1 New York Times bestselling Divergent trilogy reveals the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent.

Divergent. Insurgent. Allegiant. Veronica Roth. Official Reveal Post. Book Depository.

My Book Recommendation of Divergent. My review of Insurgent. My review of Free Four.

In My Mailbox #80

2013-05-11T12:49:00.001+02:00

I did get some of my missing pre-orders this week :) But not all of them. Sigh. I'm thinking of reading The 5th Wave on my iPad today, since I haven't gotten my hardcover yet, and I really really want to read it. Hmm. Yeah. I think I must do that :) Life with my kitten is going well. Except for the fact that they still aren't finished with building my apartment upstairs. Slowest, stupidest workers ever. Sigh. Still. I'm hoping they are finished soon, because I really want to sort all my books and stuff ;p Hih. Can't wait!
What did you get this week?

The Croods. I just have to have every different book edition of this amazing movie. Love it. Sigh.
The Program. I was worried about this because of reviews. Then peeked at ending. Not so worried :)
The Savage Blue. I do not understand why I bought this :( I wasted my money. I didn't like the first one.. And now having peeked at the ending for this sequel I remembered why. Gah. Should not have bought.
Sweet Peril. I can finally start this series, I think :) Happy with the ending, so I can't wait to read them.
Canon. Got a blitz (?) for my Canon EOS 550D in a birthday present :D I love it. It's pretty awesome.
Gullstruck Island & Verdigris Deep. I just had to buy these two, since I loved a book by this author :)
Hero's Guide 1 & 2. Gorgeous hardcover and paperback. Cannot wait to read book two :) Loved 1.
The End Games. I am excited about this book, although I failed to read my eARC.. Can't wait to read it.
If I Should Die. I might never read this series. But maybe someday. Still, the book is really pretty :)
Lyra's Oxford. Yeah. I need to read this short story soon. I just adore Lyra. But oh.. No Will :( Sobs.
My Blue Nose Friends. Heh. I'm obsessed with these plushes. And new versions of them :D Adorable.
Signed Going Vintage Bookmark. Won this bookmark and swag from Word Spelunking :) Adore.

In My Mailbox is an weekly meme made by The Story Siren.

Review: Unbreakable by Elizabeth Norris

2013-05-10T11:52:00.000+02:00

I cannot believe I've waited almost a whole year for this book. Ever since I first read Unraveling back in May last year. It was worth the wait. Unbreakable is an amazing book. Although there was one thing that made me sad, yet I found the plot and just everything to be so amazing. I'm just so glad I read the short story Undone first, and you all need to do that. It's amazing.

I really love Elizabeth's writing. I think her books are written really well, and I enjoyed reading this book because of that. I also think she has an amazing imagination. Because the story in these books are just so amazing and unique and I loved it so much. The characters are also perfect. They didn't do stupid things to make me dislike them. I actually loved all of them.

I do not think it will be possible for me to talk about this book without spoiling the first one. Just so you know. Unbreakable it told from Janelle's point of view, like book one. And although I may have wanted more from Ben, I'm happy that we got to hear from just Janelle. Because she is an amazing main character. She's kind and strong and so brave. She's pretty bad-ass in this book. But she's also honest about it. Meaning she does not like hurting people and other things.. And I loved that about her. She's still her, even when so many things have changed. She may not agree, but still. That is the way I see her :)

This book starts four months after Unraveling ended. Four months after Ben left to go back to his own universe and his family. Four months since Alex died. Sobs. And four months since the world almost ended and changed so much. I loved getting to see how things were right now. How much the world had changed after the first book. How many people were dead or missing. It was heartbreaking. But I also loved it, because it seemed so real, and I can't help but think it might actually happen to us someday.

We see a bit more about Jared and Struz. I still love them both like crazy. They are just amazing. Not in this book that much, but enough to make me love them even more. We also see more about Janelle's friend Cecily. I enjoyed reading about her. She's sweet and kind and she's always helping people. An amazing character. Things aren't going all too well in their universe right now. People are going missing. Lots of people. And they can't figure out why or how it happens. And that's when Barclay shows up.

I'm still not sure how I feel about him. I read that someone said they loved him more than Ben. Made me a bit sad, because I can't imagine loving anyone in these books more than Ben. But I did think that Barclay was awesome. He's in this book a lot. He is not a love interest, thank god. There is no triangle in this book. Anyway. He's pretty awesome. He's very.. strong, I suppose. He does a lot of stuff. Some bad, some good. We get to learn more about him. And I did enjoy reading about him in this book.

Unraveling takes place in seven days. I'm not going to talk too much about the plot. But it's mostly about Janelle and Barclay trying to find however is doing the kidnapping of the missing people. There is a lot of action and excitement. There is a lot of everything. Well, okay, there isn't enough romance. And that made me so sad. Because Ben isn't in this book very much. Sniffs. But I loved when he did get there. And there is a little bit of romance, and it's just so sweet. I just love them both so much. Sigh. <3

While there is little of Ben in this book we still sort of get enough about him. He's just so amazing. There was one scene that kind of broke my heart, because there are human doubles in this book. In the different universes. And it broke me. Sigh. But it was still kind of awesome. Anyway. Ben is amazing. He's sweet and all kinds of awesome. He's very protective. And I love that about him. I also loved reading about Elijah. I think he too is pretty amazing. But oh. Ben is just perfect. Loved him so much.

I don't know what else to say about this book. Unbreakable was an amazing sequel. Full of heartbreak and action and some romance. There is so much happening all the time. I loved it. There are lots of new characters, and I hated some of them. There are mysteries. And yeah. I loved every moment of this book. We learn more about the other universes, yet not enough. I just want more and more. But anyway. This is an amazing book and I loved it very much. Loved seeing more of Janelle and Ben.

I want a sequel to Unbreakable. There don't need to be, because I'm not sure what the danger would be, but I want to know what happens next to all the characters. Like Janelle's mother. What did happen to her? I want to know. And Ben. I need so much more of Ben. Would be so happy with just a small short story from the future told by Ben. <3 Or Janelle. Either would be perfect. Would also just love a sequel that focus on rebuilding their broken world. I want that a lot. Sigh. I just want everything and more :)

I'm giving this a five star. Despite being sad about so little Ben. Because Janelle was amazing, and I could not stop reading this book. I found everything to be exciting and I just loved it a lot. Not sure if I loved it more than the first book, because of lack of Ben. But the action and the fast pace was a lot better in this book, and I'm so glad I read it. When there was no Ben, I felt like maybe a four point five. But no. A five star it is, because I did love the book. You really need to read Unbreakable right away.

Goodreads - Buy it

Mini Review: Undone by Elizabeth Norris

2013-05-09T13:02:00.000+02:00

Undone is a must read before you read Unbreakable. And I'm really glad I did so. This is a short story told from Ben's point of view, and it's in three parts. We get to see a bit about Ben's life before he saved Janelle. Then when he saves her. And then after he left her at the end of Unraveling. That was the best and worst part. It's an amazing novella; I loved it very much.

I just loved reading from Ben's point of view. And I want more. Although I'm pretty sure that all of Unbreakable is from Janelle's point of view, but I still hope. It was just amazing getting into his head and seeing some things from his eyes. And yeah. It made me fall even more in love with him, because Ben is all kinds of amazing. He's just so kind and protective and strong.

The first story is a few chapters of Ben's life when he stepped through the portal at age ten. It was pretty awesome to read about. Not that much about it, but it was enough. Then the second part is about when they open another portal that ends up bringing a car that crashes into Janelle. And we see how Ben saves her. Yeah. That was pretty amazing. Not too long either, but I loved it. Then the third part. It's longer, and it's when Ben and Elijah have left Janelle. We see them get back into their own universe.

And it's hard. Life is not the way Ben and Elijah always expected. They aren't happy there. And oh. It kind of broke my heart, all the things we learned. About Ben's family. And Elijah's father. And everything that happened in the seven years they were gone. Yet I also loved it. I loved that Ben and Elijah weren't happy there. But oh. Something awful happens. And the ending of this short story broke my heart so much. Really, truly heartbreaking. Yet awesome. And I kind of really loved it. Sigh. I'm weird like that.

This is an amazing novella. Undone is perfect. And you all need to read it if you have read the first book, Unraveling, and if you are planning on reading Unbreakable. Because it's awesome. And Ben is amazing and just sigh. This was perfect. And I'm so glad I read it. Will now be reading Unbreakable, and I cannot wait. <3 Yet I'm a bit worried, because I've read somewhere that there is much less Ben. And that kind of breaks my heart. And yet I cannot wait, because I know it will be so amazing. <3

Goodreads - Buy it
My Book Recommendation of Unraveling.

Book Recommendation: Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris

2013-05-08T20:41:00.000+02:00

It's been one year since I first read this book. And with the sequel coming out, I knew I had to re-read it. And I'm so glad that I did. Because I seem to have forgotten a bunch of things. Like how much I loved it. I remember loving it a lot, but yeah. It was even better now, I think. Unraveling is just such an amazing book, and I loved every part of it. Maybe except for the ending. It's a cliffhanger, and it's evil. Full of heartbreak. Yet it's also amazing, and I'm so glad that I'm finally going to be able to read the sequel.

I don't really know how I will talk about this book. What to talk about. Because I don't want to spoil anything. Because despite having read it a year before I still got surprised while reading it again now. I enjoyed the writing in this book really well, and I'm glad about that. There were maybe a few words at times that I didn't enjoy, but there weren't many, and I didn't really care about that at all. Because it is an amazing book. The writing is so good, the characters are amazing. And the story is really perfect.

The book is told from the point of view of seventeen year old Janelle. She lives with her younger brother and her mom and dad. Her mom is sick, though, and I kind of hated her, because of all the things Janelle had to do. Her dad works for the FBI, and there is a lot of drama because of that. Yet I loved it. I loved his work, because we get to see so much of it. Yeah, some things were pretty awful to read about, yet I loved it all so much. And I kind of loved her dad as well. He was kind of amazing, to be honest.

There are lots of characters in this book. This guy who works with her dad, Struz, was all kinds of awesome. Yeah, a bit weird at times, but I loved him. Thought he was awesome. Not sure how I felt about Barclay. People are loving him in book two.. hmm, we'll see. I did not like Kate, Janelle's ex-best friend. I guess I was supposed to understand her near the end. But I didn't. And I do not approve of her, to be honest. Then there was Nick, her kind-of-boyfriend at first. He was okay. I think. Maybe not.

Then there is Ben. He's sort of the second main character, even though there is no point of view from him. But we get to know him so well, and most of the plot is about him. I just loved Ben so much. He's adorable. And I loves Janelle so much. And he has for many years. Swoon. Yeah. I just really loved him. He's kind and loving and sweet and loyal. I even enjoyed reading about his friends, Elijah and Reid. Mostly just Elijah, even though he was kind of an asshole at times. I need to get to know him better.

There is romance in this book. And it's amazing. It's a bit weird at first, since Janelle is kind of dating Nick. But yeah. I didn't actually mind that much. Because Janelle and Ben happens. And their love for each other is just amazing. It might have happened a bit fast, but I didn't mind one bit, because it was really real to me right from the beginning. Just, sniffs. The ending of this book. Sobs. I need so much more of Janelle and Ben together. Hopes for book two. I cannot wait to read more from them both.

Then there is the plot in this book. I don't really know how to describe it, to be honest. At first there is this normal world like ours. But it's also a bit science fiction, because things changes. We get to know more about Ben and his friends, because they are different from others. They didn't come from the same universe. And yeah. All that was pretty amazing to read about. Thought the plot was really great, and I loved reading about it so much. There are tons of surprises, mysteries and romance. It's awesome.

I forgot to mention this amazing character. Alex. Janelle's best friend who's a guy yet there is no romance between them at all. Their friendship was the best. It's sweet and honest and real. I loved them both so much. And Alex is just amazing. He's a real friend and I, yeah, loved him. There is just many characters to get to know in this book. I loved most of them. But they are all pretty mysterious and they all have secrets. I loved that. And I loved working it all out. It was fun and all kinds of awesome.

I don't know what else to say about this book, to be honest. Just that it's kind of long and I wish it had been longer. It's really amazing. And I loved every moment of this book. Maybe except for that evil ending, hih. The story is just really great, and I couldn't help but love it. Even the evil parts. I cannot wait to read what happens next in the sequel, even though I have peaked at the ending, lol (A) Will now read the short story from Ben's point of view. Sigh. Anyway. Go read this book! It's so worth it.

A quote I love.

I smile, and that's all it takes. He leans forward and our lips touch, and it's like his lips were made to fit around mine. His arms tighten around me, and I reach up to the back of his neck and pull him into me. Our lips part, our tongues touch, and I taste him until a sigh escapes with my breath. Ben pulls back just a fraction of an inch so our foreheads are touching, and his lips smile against mine. "This was perfect," I whisper. He closes his eyes, and his voice is quiet, like the words are simply being exhaled.
"It was better than perfect."

Unraveling. Elizabeth Norris. Book Depository. My first and old review.

Waiting on Wednesday #82

2013-05-08T06:00:00.000+02:00

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

ROSE UNDER FIRE BY ELIZABETH WEIN

Goodreads Description:

While flying an Allied fighter plane from Paris to England, American ATA pilot and amateur poet, Rose Justice, is captured by the Nazis and sent to Ravensbrück, the notorious women's concentration camp. Trapped in horrific circumstances, Rose finds hope in the impossible through the loyalty, bravery and friendship of her fellow prisoners. But will that be enough to endure the fate that’s in store for her?

Elizabeth Wein, author of the critically-acclaimed and best-selling Code Name Verity, delivers another stunning WWII thriller. The unforgettable story of Rose Justice is forged from heart-wrenching courage, resolve, and the slim, bright chance of survival.

Hardcover, 304 pages

Expected publication: September 10th 2013 by Disney-Hyperion

Pre-Order here.

While Code Name Verity wasn't the best book I have read, I still loved it a lot. And I cannot wait to read this one. Seems to be about the same world, just different characters. And it sounds AMAZING! <3
What are you waiting for?

Review: Of Triton by Anna Banks

2013-05-06T17:25:00.000+02:00

I can't believe I put off reading this book for so many months. Because Of Triton was amazing. I loved it more than I loved Of Poseidon. While I had a few small issues, they weren't big, and I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. I wish it had been much longer, though. Because it's exciting and fun and sweet.
I did not want it to end. You all really need to read this book.

I want to begin with talking about the cover. The cover of Of Triton is gorgeous! Really, really gorgeous. I love it so much. First, the colors. I just adore this color blue. And Galen and Emma.. So damn pretty. It's just hot but also sweet. I love it a whole lot. The cover for Of Poseidon is pretty amazing too :)
I love that both books have gorgeous covers that fit the story.

I cannot write this review without spoiling book one, Of Poseidon. So do not read more of my review if you haven't read it. Anyway. This book starts right where the first one ended. And I'm happy about that. I won't talk too much about the plot, because this book is pretty short, just about two hundred and fifty pages. This book is also told from Galen and Emma's point of view. Loved them both. Still prefer Galen a tiny bit more than Emma, hih. He's just really amazing. Anyway. I still enjoy the writing a lot :)

We learn so many things in this book. A lot of things about Emma, which I loved. We also learn a whole lot about her mother and Grom. Not sure if I liked it. Emma didn't. I did find her to be tiny bit childish about it all, but I didn't really blame her, because I understood why she felt that way. But anyway. I did enjoy reading about Nalia and Grom. For the most part. Because Grom is an amazing character, and I loved him. Still unsure about how I feel about Nalia. I'm not sure I approve of her very much at all.

Then there is the romance between Emma and Galen. I still love it so much. Like always, I wish there had been a tiny bit more. But not much, because there is a lot of romance in this book and it's amazing. I, at least, loved it. They are just so cute together. And I love how Galen is with her. Just wish Emma could trust Galen a bit more. That part made me a bit sad. But I can't really blame her. I think. Still. They are both really amazing characters and I loved them so much. Galen is just all kinds of amazing.

We also see more of Rachel, who I still love. She's just so kind and awesome. Then there is Toraf and Rayna. I still adore Rayna, although she is a bit tough at times. And for the most part I adored Toraf. But he also did one thing that I hated.. something that hurt Galen. Sniffs. Still. He is amazing, and I couldn't help but enjoy reading about him. There is just so many characters in this book. Old ones that I loved a whole lot. But also many new Syrena people that I hated with a passion. Loved every moment.

There is a lot of Syrena politics in this book. I enjoyed that very much. I loved reading some parts about the Half-Breeds. I loved reading about the Gift of Poseidon, and the mysterious Gift of Triton. I really hope there is more of that in the next book :) I'm not sure what else to say about this book, to be honest. So I'm just not going to. Of Triton is an amazing book. It's full of sweetness and excitement. It's fun and a bit scary. I loved it a whole lot. But yeah. I had a few issues, hence the four star rating.

But for the most part I loved this book. Loved reading more about Galen and Emma and just everyone. I loved reading about the Syrena so much, and most of the time I just wish they would all stay under water. Hih. I wish Emma wasn't so set about going to college.. Sigh. Hoping she will change her mind. But oh. This book really is amazing, and now I'm dying for book three, Of Neptune. There is not an evil cliffhanger, thank god. But it is an ending that left me wanting much more. So excited for book three :)

Thank you so much to Macmillan's Children's Publishing and Ksenia for the print ARC copy of Of Triton. <3 I'm so happy that I was able to read and review it early :) Even though I waited a bit to read it (A)

Goodreads - Pre-Order
My Book Recommendation of Of Poseidon.

Book Recommendation: Of Poseidon by Anna Banks

2013-05-05T20:04:00.000+02:00

I've been meaning to re-read Of Poseidon ever since I got an ARC of Of Triton in the mail at the end of January. But I've been worried. Because while I do remember liking this book a lot, I also remembered two things that I did not like, that broke my heart a bit. I still had issues with those two things. But. It was not as awful as I had imagined, so I should have re-read it long ago :) And I am glad I read it again. Though, yes, I still hate those two things. But the book is also really amazing. Think I enjoyed it more.

I'm not sure how to start this sort of second review of mine. I'm not sure what I'm going to talk about. Will talk a tiny bit about the plot and characters, I think. Of Poseidon is told from two different points of views. By Emma and Galen. I did enjoy reading from them both, although I preferred Galen. The book starts with the two young people meeting on a beach, with Emma walking right into Galen. I found that a bit fun and a bit sweet, but mostly embarrassing, cause that's what Emma was feeling the whole time.

Emma is in Florida with her best friend Chloe. And I did like that. But then something awful happens. Chloe dies. Because of a shark. Which is where this story begins. Galen is at the beach with his sister, Rayna, when he sees Emma. He's sort of a part of the whole shark thing. And I did like reading about it. Because it was unique and pretty exciting. Then time passes. And we learn some awesome things about Galen, which ends up with him kind of stalking/following Emma all the way to her home and school.

You see, Galen is a merman. Although he does not like that word. He's a Syrena, from the kingdom of Poseidon. We learn a lot about that place. I did enjoy it, for the most part :D And we learn so much about Galen. I loved every moment. We learn about his fin, how he swims in the water. Which I just adored and loved reading about. We learn what happens when he stays on land too much. We learn a lot about his family. His sister Rayna whom I kind of loved. And his brother Grom, whom I'm unsure about.

I just loved reading about Galen so much. He's an amazing character. He's sweet and so protective. He's doing everything for his kingdom. And I loved that. It's just.. I wished sometimes that he would just say screw it. And let the kingdom handle things themself. But I'm also glad he didn't, because it makes him such an amazing person. So yeah. I loved Galen. Then there is his best friend, Toraf. Who's in love with Rayna. Enjoyed reading about him. But I hated something he did. So, so much. Not sure I can forgive.

Then there is Emma. I'm still unsure about her, to be honest. I did like her. And I liked reading from her point of view. She's a strong character, and I did want her to be with Galen. But my god. She made me so crazy. And I got it. Sort of. She was hurt. But even so. I wish she had been stronger, and said and did what she wanted. But she didn't, and it ended up with my heart broken. I hated that one part. But I still can't hate Emma, not really. Because I did like her, and I felt for her most of the time. Sort of loved her.

That is all I have to say about the characters. There are a few more of them, and I did enjoy reading about them all. Except for Mark. Ugh. Yeah. I just hope that there won't be any more of that drama in Of Triton. Pretty please. But anyway. I did enjoy this book a lot. Might have had a few issues with the way things were written a few times, but not much, and I loved the writing. It was an easy book to read. And I'm really glad I read it. Recommending this book for you if you love mermaids, cause it's awesome.

Not sure what else I can say about the plot. I don't want to spoil anything. But it is really amazing. I loved reading about the Syrena people, and the way things were for them. I need more of that in the sequel. I loved reading about Galen in the water. I loved reading about Emma with the fishes. I loved the surprises in this book. Yeah. I just thought that this book was amazing. Also, I adore Anna Banks. Did you see her pre-order special for Of Triton on her blog? If not, you need to go look right away :)

Of Poseidon. Anna Banks. Book Depository. My first and old review .

In My Mailbox #79

2013-05-04T18:28:00.003+02:00

Well. I did not get much this week. Which kind of depressed me, to be honest (A) Hih. I am waiting for kind of a lot, you see. Well. Hoping the rest will arrive soon :) I am happy with the awesome things that I got this week, though :D I also have a few new blog posts. Pictures of my new kitten HERE. A new blog page with my 12 favorite books HERE. And a new international GIVEAWAY HERE :) Because I turned twenty years old yesterday. Ah. No longer a teenager ;p I also read some awesome books this week :)
What did you get this week?

The Elite. I still don't know if I will ever read book one. Yet I needed to pre-order this sequel.. sigh.
Dead Silence. Have the other UK paperbacks, so had to have this one too. <3 So pretty, though. Hih.
Shades of Earth. Yeah. I kind of love this cover. The book is just so amazing. Love this paperback :)
The Golden Compass. Well. I ordered a special DVD. This was NOT it. So pissed off. Got wrong one.
Of Poseidon. Gorgeous, gorgeous paperback. <3 I am finally re-reading this book today.. worried.
If You Find Me. Oh, this book is just so good. And this UK hardcover is so gorgeous! I love it so much.
Once Upon a Time in the North. Cannot wait to read this one. From the Dark Materials :D So excited.
Eva Solo. Table coasters :D I love them so much, and now I have four of my own. <3 They are amazing.

I got accepted to read Shadowlark via NetGalley. <3 So I will be reading book one, Skylark, pretty soon I think :) Because I do think that both books sounds pretty awesome, so I really hope I will love both of them.

In My Mailbox is an weekly meme made by The Story Siren.

Review: The Piper's Son by Melina Marchetta

2013-05-03T14:02:00.001+02:00

I don't know how to talk about my feelings for this book. Because I still don't know how I felt about it. I just finished it, and I think my last feeling is of hope. Because it is a good ending. But it is also very sudden, to be honest, and I wanted to much more. Because there is so much heartbreak in this book. And I just needed a bit more of happiness. Still, it's amazing.

The Piper's Son is the sequel to Saving Francesca. But told from another person's point of view, and it's set five years later, when the characters are 21 years old. It still felt like a young adult book to me, and that is why I like these kinds of books. This book is told from two different point of views, Tom, Thomas from book one. And his aunt, Georgie. I loved both.

I loved getting to see all the characters from the first book in this one. I loved getting to read from Tom. Although he mostly just broke my heart all the time. But I still loved it. I loved reading about Francesca and Will. Although I wish we had seen a bit more of Will. <3 But I loved what we got, still :) Also loved reading about her brother again, Luca. And Justine. Loved her too. Although.. there is some things happening in this book, and I'm not sure I'm okay with them being so cold towards Tom. I think.

We get to learn some more about all the characters from Saving Francesca. Except for Jimmy. He wasn't there. And I want to know more about him, especially since I seem to remember Melina mentioning him some days ago. Must go searching. Anyway. I loved reading about all the same characters. Yet I loved reading about all the new ones as well. So I will talk some about them at first, because there are so many, and I loved all of them. Only going to talk about a few, though, hih, since there are so many.

First there is Georgie, the other point of view teller, and Tom's aunt who's a bit over forty years old. She is also pregnant. With Sam. And oh. There is just such a complicated story between them. So much heartbreak and sadness. But also some happy and hope. But it's mostly just heartbreak and depression. Yet I loved every moment. I loved reading about Georgie so much. She's amazing. And she's so kind towards Tom, and I couldn't help but love her so much for that. And I love her for just being awesome.

We also learn so much about Tom's family. His father, Dom. Whom I'm not sure how to feel about. He seemed like an amazing person, before. But then he fucked up. He fucked up with Tom. And I'm not sure I will forgive him for that. Still. I did sort of enjoy reading about him. I did love reading about Tom's mom and sister, though. They were both pretty amazing, and I loved them a lot. I enjoyed the rest of his family too, cause there are many of them. And the dead Joe. Sniffs. It was awesome.

I don't know how to talk about the plot in this book. So I won't say much about it. Just that it is about Tom and him trying to figure out his life, and to fix his mistakes. He has many. Because he starting drinking and getting high after his uncle Joe died. And it messed up his life. His relationship with Tara. Sniffs. All his friendships. And his family. Sigh. There is so much heartbreak in this book. And it made me so sad. Yet I loved it. I loved the pain and the sadness, although there could have been a bit less.

We learn so much about Tom. And I loved him so much. I loved where he got his new job, although I did not enjoy it when the other people made fun of him at times, and were a bit cruel to him. I didn't like that at all. Still. The book was amazing, and I loved the plot. And Tom was just perfect. He has a weird life. Yet I loved every part of it. I loved how he was a part of Georgie's life. I think I even loved the cook, Ned. Maybe. I haven't decided yet ;p I just know I loved it, and I loved all the amazing characters.

I'm giving The Piper's Son a four star. But I did love it like crazy, because it gave me all the feels. I fell in love with all the characters. But it also gave me a bit too much heartbreak and I felt so much for Tom and it broke me apart. Which is why the four star and not five. Even though I felt like I loved this book more than Saving Francesca. But yeah. It broke me. And I wish there had been a tiny bit less heartbreak. But still. It was so damn amazing. And if you still haven't read these books, then do it now!

Goodreads - Buy it

Twenty Years and International Giveaway

2013-05-03T06:00:00.000+02:00

Today, May 3rd, I turn twenty years Teenage years are over. Not sure yet how I feel about that. I'm hoping to have an amazing day today :) Not getting into anything personal, but I am going to say that so far this has been the best year of my life :) I have a new kitten, and I'll have a new apartment pretty soon. <3 And I have tons of books to keep me happy, and an amazing family. I have everything I could ever want. Except a boyfriend. Yet. Because I haven't done a giveaway in forever, I've decided to do one now, today, since it's my birthday and all and I'm feeling kind ;) I'm also sort of celebrating that I have 700 blog followers :) Which I think is pretty awesome, to be honest. I just wanted to thank you all, for following my blog, and for commenting on my blog posts :) You guys are all amazing. Thank you.

For my giveaway there will be one winner.
International, to whoever can get books from The Book Depository.
Book of Choice from my Favorites list, picture below.
Only rule is that you follow my blog via Google Friend Connect. (GFC)
Good luck :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal: Champion by Marie Lu

2013-05-02T22:37:00.000+02:00

Today I'm sharing the cover for Champion by Marie Lu. It's the third book in the Legend trilogy. I cannot wait to read it. <3 So excited! You have no idea how thrilled I am to know that it's coming out on November 5th, THIS YEAR! I just cannot wait. Because I loved Legend and Prodigy so much, and I need to know what happens next. With the amazing world Marie created. But mostly with Day and June. <3 I'm worried, with the ending Prodigy had.. and I just need some sweet romance between them. Sigh. I just wish Champion was out now. But omg. This cover looks amazing! So pretty. Don't you think? :)

He is a Legend.
She is a Prodigy.
Who will be Champion?

June and Day have sacrificed so much for the people of the Republic—and each other—and now their country is on the brink of a new existence. June is back in the good graces of the Republic, working within the government’s elite circles as Princeps Elect while Day has been assigned a high level military position. But neither could have predicted the circumstances that will reunite them once again. Just when a peace treaty is imminent, a plague outbreak causes panic in the Colonies, and war threatens the Republic’s border cities. This new strain of plague is deadlier than ever, and June is the only one who knows the key to her country’s defense. But saving the lives of thousands will mean asking the one she loves to give up everything he has. With heart-pounding action and suspense, Marie Lu’s bestselling trilogy draws to a stunning conclusion.

Legend. Prodigy. Champion. Marie Lu. Official Reveal Post. The Book Depository.
My book recommendation of Legend. My review of Prodigy. My review of Life Before Legend.

Review: Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta

2013-05-02T13:06:00.000+02:00

I've been meaning to read this book for ages. Ever since I first read a book by Melina. Then today I finally picked it up. And it was worth it. Not as good as Jellicoe Road, but still really amazing, and I enjoyed reading it a whole lot. I'm giving it a four star, probably a four point five, because I did love it. <3

I don't know how to talk about this book. What I should talk about and what I shouldn't talk about. I'll just give it a go. First there is the writing, which I really love. Melina is just a really amazing author, and I just love reading her books. Saving Francesca is written really well, and I loved that a whole lot.

It's told from one person's point of view, Francesca. I did love her a whole lot. She's kind of sweet and she's loving and protective. I really loved her relationship with her younger brother, Luca. They were just adorable together, and I loved it so much. She is an amazing person, but she's also really unhappy. Which I hated, but I also loved it a whole lot.

Francesca lives with her mom and dad and her brother. I just loved reading about them all together, because they seemed like such a perfect happy family. But things changes. Her mom gets depression. And it was all kinds of awful to read about. It made me cry and it made me feel all kinds of things. But I also loved it, because it was different, and I loved the way the family dealt and not dealt with it all. It's an amazing book with an amazing story about a family. I adored it. It's also about being a teenager.

Francesca goes to an all-boys school. Which was kind of awesome to read about. And a bit disturbing. There is only about 30 girls going to this school, which was a bit sad, but also amazing. I loved reading about it. At first she hates it, but she starts to like it after some time. Kind of. There is just lots of things happening at this school. Lots of disgusting boys. Some cute and nice boys. And some amazing friendships. There's a basketball game I hated, a rugby game that depressed me. A bit of everything.

I loved reading about Francesca going to this school. Which I don't usually enjoy reading about. But I did now. We get to know a lot about her life, the school she went to before, her before-friends. And my god. I hated those girls. Really hated them. And it made me so sad that she had been friends with them before. It kind of broke my heart. But then it got mended again. Because we meet so many amazing new girls. And I loved all of them. They are very different and amazing and I just adored them all so much.

There are also boys in this book. There is Thomas, who I found to be a tiny bit disgusting at times, but he grew on me. Ended up loving him. He was just such an amazing friend. Then there was Jimmy, whom I'm still unsure about. But he too was an amazing friend. Then there is the love interest, Will. I did love it. But I also wish there had been a bit more romance and a tiny bit less drama. But I loved every second of it, still. Because there is a small romance. And it is really sweet and amazing. Will is an amazing guy.

There are so many things happening in this book. There is lots of sad things. Depression. Heartbreak. Arguing. But there are also funny and sweet and loving moments. I loved all of them. Might have wished the book had been a bit more, but I didn't mind that much. Because it was a great read, and I'm so glad I read it. You really should read this book if you have read Melina's other books :D She writes really well. The story in this book is heartbreaking and full of meaning. I loved it to pieces. You need to go buy it.

Goodreads - Buy it

Kitten

2013-05-02T06:00:00.000+02:00

It's been a little more than a week since I picked up my new kitten. A tiny white Silver Shaded Persian girl. <3 She's named Anastasia, but I'm still unsure if that's what I want to call her. So far we only call her "Pus" in Norwegian, meaning kitten or cat, I think, in English. She's just the sweetest thing ever. <3 But yeah. She's also very clingy. Which I adore. She's so cuddly, and she loves sleeping on me :) What I do not like is that she won't leave us alone when we eat. That is so annoying, and cats are not supposed to be that way. She gets crazy everytime we try to eat something. Even though her own food is right there. We think she was fed from the table before we got her, but we aren't sure. So far we are just saying no, and hoping she will stop soon :) I know that I will let her taste things when she gets bigger, but right now she's so little and I'm pretty sure her stomach is too small to take anything other than her own food. Anyway. I adore her. And I'm so happy that I got her. <3 Will be sharing a few pictures below of her :D Might share some more at a later time, but if I don't, you should follow me on Instagram, because I'm pretty sure I will post lots of pictures there once I get more used to having her ;p Do you like her?
Pssst, she's even cuter in person. <3 The pictures got nothing on her cuteness. To be honest :D

Me and my kitty. On the plane on the way home after I had bought her :)

Review: Find Me by Romily Bernard

2013-05-01T23:10:00.000+02:00

I've been wanting to read this book for some time, so I was really happy when I got accepted to read it via Edelweiss. But then I started reading it. And I did not like this book. I'm not sure I even liked one part of it. I don't know. All I know is that for me it's a two star, and my review might be a whole lot of negative. I'm sorry. But I'm being honest, and that's that.

I wanted to like this book. I truly did. Because it sounded amazing, and I do love the cover. But I guess I had my hopes set too high, because I could not get into this book, which makes me really sad. But that's just the way it is. I did not enjoy this book. Others probably will, but not me. I couldn't get into the writing or any of the characters. Didn't even enjoy the plot.

Find Me sounded like an awesome story, with some horror and romance and such. And it has that. But I felt like it didn't make sense, that the plot wasn't done entirely right. At least not to my eyes. For I could not enjoy the writing. Not sure why. I just did not like the way the characters talked, to each other and in her head. Not used to it. I'm also fine with some cussing, usually love it. But in this book I didn't like it, even though it isn't much, but it just didn't fit for me. Oh. I will sound so negative. I'm sorry. Sort of :)

I don't know how to describe this book. So I won't talk too much about it, and I won't talk too much about the plot either. It's about Wick and her life. She gets a dead girl's diary, where she finds the words Find Me. Would have been creepy, except it wasn't. And I felt like Wick's feelings about the dead girl, Tessa, were weird. I sort of understood them. But I just kept feeling like it was all so fake. And I'm sorry. But that is the way I saw it. It just was not for me at all. And it makes me a bit sad to think about it.

We learn lots about Wick and her little sister, Lily. They live with foster parents because their mom is dead and their dad is an runaway asshole. I don't want to spoil it, but yeah. I can't even say I liked reading about that either. Sigh. It could have been an awesome story, if it had been done better. Maybe. I'm not sure about it, to be honest. We didn't learn enough about their mom. Didn't think they thought about her enough. And I didn't understand the deal about their dad. Thought it a bit weird.

Wick is an hacker. And I didn't like that either, sigh. Although it was kind of awesome, what she could do. Just thought it was a bit too much, how she helps some people. I just did not like it. Then there is Griff, who is to be the love interest. Suddenly he's just so into Wick, and they are spending time together like they never have done before. I didn't get it. Felt like insta-love, yet there is very little romance. I failed to fall in love with the characters and the romance and the plot. I failed in all of it.

There is some mystery in this book. Although I found the book to be obvious at times, and although the murderer surprised me, I couldn't have seen it coming because it was a weird person to choose as the bad guy. But still. It was kind of exciting at times. But Find Me is not a book I will re-read. I'm sorry. I wish I could have loved it. But I did not. And I'm not saying anything else about the story; you'll just have to see if you decide to read it yourself. I think some might like it. I hope. I just did not enjoy reading it.

Thank you so much to the publisher, HarperTeen, and to Edelweiss for the chance to read and review this book early. <3 Even though I didn't like it much, I'll still be getting my pre-ordered hardcover.

Goodreads - Pre-Order

Waiting on Wednesday #81

2013-05-01T06:00:00.000+02:00

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

A BOX OF GARGOYLES (Maya and Valko #2) BY ANNE NESBET

Goodreads Description:

Sometimes it’s just when you think everything’s finally all right with the world that the gargoyles come looking for you . . . . . Maya is starting to feel at ease in the magical old town of Paris, and she’s enjoying her friendship with Valko Nikolov. But then strange things begin to happen in the city. Stone gargoyles are showing up where they shouldn’t be, and Maya is being followed by a shadow. That shadow–or the magician he used to be–is behind the dark magic that ripples throughout Paris. And now he has bound Maya to make him whole again–even if that means trading her life for his.

Hardcover, 368 pages

Expected publication: May 14th 2013 by HarperCollins
Pre-Order here.

I very much adored the first book in this series. And I just love middle grade books. And gah. I cannot wait to read A Box of Gargoyles! I really hope it will be perfect. But I think it will be :) And it's almost out! Meaning I don't really have to wait that much longer anymore ;p Also, the cover is gorgeous.
What are you waiting for?

Cover Reveal: Unhinged by A. G. Howard

2013-04-30T13:59:00.001+02:00

Today I'm sharing the cover for Unhinged by A. G. Howard :D I love it. Unhinged is the sequel to the fairytale book Splintered, based on Alice in Wonderland. I loved that book. The writing is awesome, and the characters are amazing, and the world was just so beautiful and exciting. I'm super excited for this sequel to come out :) But I'm also worried, because I love Jeb so much, and I hate triangles, and I don't want anything more between Alyssa and Morpheus.. hih :D Still! Awesome cover. <3 What do you think?

Alyssa Gardner has been down the rabbit hole. She was crowned Queen of the Red Court and faced the bandersnatch. She saved the life of Jeb, the boy she loves, and escaped the machinations of the disturbingly appealing Morpheus. Now all she has to do is graduate high school.

That would be easier without her mother, freshly released from an asylum, acting overly protective and suspicious. And it would be much simpler if the mysterious Morpheus didn’t show up for school one day to tempt her with another dangerous quest in the dark, challenging Wonderland – where she (partly) belongs.

Could she leave Jeb and her parents behind again, for the sake of a man she knows has manipulated her before? Will her mother and Jeb trust her to do what’s right? Readers will swoon over the satisfying return to Howard’s bold, sensual reimagining of Carroll’s classic.

Splintered. Unhinged. A. G. Howard. Official Reveal Post.
My review of Splintered. The Book Depository.

Review: Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

2013-04-29T18:38:00.001+02:00

I had seen so many people loving this book. So I just had to buy it. But once I got it, I wasn't sure if I would read it, because like I always do, I had to peek at the ending. And I was not all that pleased with what I found. And yet I could not let this book out of my head. Because it sounded so amazing and sweet and cute. Then today I just needed to read it. Cause I've been sick for a while, and I really wanted a cute book to read. This was perfect.

I loved this book from the very beginning. I loved the writing, the story, the characters. There is just so many words in this book. I won't be quoting any of the quotes, but I loved almost every sentence in this book. This book is told from the point of view of Eleanor and Park. Both are amazing characters. I don't know who I liked the most. They are both weird and cute and all kinds of amazing. I just loved both of them to pieces. Sniffs.

I don't know how to talk about my love for this book. But I will try. Because I feel that I have a lot of words inside me about this book and these characters and that ending. Such an evil ending. Yet with hope. I think. Will need to discuss it some, at the end of my review, with spoilers, but will post a warning then :) First I need to talk about the amazing plot and perfectly broken characters.

There are two main characters in this book. First there is Eleanor. Whom I loved so much. She's just amazing. I was a bit unsure about her in the beginning, since she did seem a bit weird. But I understood her. And I grew to love her so much. Eleanor is an amazing girl. She's fat, and has wild red hair. She wears weird man clothes. Yet she is one of the most amazing characters I have read about. She's fun and sweet and loving. I loved her hair. I loved her size. I'm not sure I loved her clothes, though ;p

I loved reading from her point of view. Although it was a bit depressing. Because she does not have a good life. At all. And it made me so sad. Yet it was perfect, and I loved every moment of it. She lives with her mom and four younger siblings. I kind of liked the younger kids. Maybe. We didn't get to know them enough, to be honest. And they were a tiny bit annoying. But they were also a bit adorable, and I felt sorry for them a lot. Unsure about her mom. I might have liked her a bit. But also kind of hated her.

See, she has this husband. And he is an asshole. Truly. And yet I didn't think he was as bad as some other stories I have read.. And yet, he was awful. I hated him. They all hated him. And yet she was with him. Grrr. But I also kind of loved it, because it made the story pretty interesting, which I loved so much. We learn so much about Eleanor and her family life. How poor they are. Where her real dad is. Who I kind of really hated as well. Sigh. I hated her life. Yet I loved her for it, which makes sense to me.

Then there is Park, who I loved so much. I'm pretty sure I loved him a tiny bit more than Eleanor. Maybe. He was just so amazing. Half Korean and he's a total badass. lol. Not really, but he does take taekwondo with his dad and younger brother. I just loved him so much. He's kind and sweet and all kinds of awesome. He lives with his family, with his grandparents next door as well. He has a good life. And I loved that. And even though he has a good life, he's still an amazing unique character. Adored him so.

I won't say more about the characters than that. Just, sigh. They are all amazing. And I fell in love with Eleanor and Park so hard. This book is about their love story, set in 1986. And oh. It is a sweet love story. But it also has some heartbreak. Sobs. But not too much high school drama, which I loved. I did love the school scenes, though, with Tina and everyone else. I loved Eleanor's two girl friends at school. They were kind of adorable. And Park's best friend, I loved him too. Well, for the most part, I think.

There is a lot of things happening in this book. There is the romance, which is a huge part of the book, but not all of it. There is heartbreak. And some pretty sad scenes. Yet there are so many happy moments that made me smile. I just loved this book so much. I loved reading about Eleanor and Park. They were just adorable together. I just wish this book had been longer. I truly wish that. Sigh. I never wanted it to end. I wanted them to be alone and happy together more. I wanted that with all my heart.

Anyway. Eleanor & Park is such an amazing book. And you all need to read it. So if you own it, go read it right away. If you don't own it, go buy it. And you need to read it as soon as possible. Because it really is amazing, and I'm sure you will all love it. Just, please, let there be a sequel to this book. I need one. And also.. Please let it be a sequel that happens right where the book ends, or just a few months later. I still want it to be a young adult book, with the same characters :) I'm just really glad I read this book.

And now for some spoilery thoughts about the ending of this book. This is your warning. Don't want to know? Don't read more. I did like the ending. Sort of. But only the last word, to be honest. Because, there is one thing that I can't stand, and that is long seperations. And this was a whole year. Where Eleanor did nothing. And it broke my heart so much. I need to know what will happen next. What happened to her family? We never learned. I need to know. Sigh. I just need a sequel, or epilogue. <3

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In My Mailbox #78

2013-04-27T15:39:00.001+02:00

Sigh. My kitten is adorable! She is the cutest cat ever. So small. And cute. And cuddly. I love her. Anyway. I also got lots of books this week :D Still waiting for my signed copy of Clockwork Princess :\ But hoping it will arrive next week ;p I'm very happy with everything I got this week. What did you get?
ALSO! Will be sharing pics of my bookshelves in a few weeks, when the building is done. <3 Oh! Also! I finally got to watch The Croods this week :D It was so, so amazing. <3 Loved it so much.

Quintana of Charyn. Sigh. Read this book in September, and it is perfect. Such an amazing series.
Unbreakable. Excited to read this book :D Must re-read the first one first, though ;p Soon, I hope :)
The Last Academy. I don't actually know what this book is about.. but I really hope it is good ;p
Gustav Gloom. Oh, this book was amazing. So, so good. Loved it. And it is so, so gorgeous :D
If He Had Been With Me. Joy is responsible for this. I know it will break my heart. Still, needed it.
Unraveling. Paperback :D Sigh. Yeah, I did love this book when I read it last year :) So pretty.
Pushing the Limits. Paperback. Loves it. The book is amazing as well :) And oh so pretty, right?
Jellicoe Road. I just had to buy a second copy that will just look pretty. <3 I had to. One of the best.
Clockwork Princess. Again. Finally got bookdepo to ship me the two paperbacks I had pre-ordered :)
The Eternity Cure. Sigh. This book is just really amazing. I loved it so. But evil heartbreaking ending!

Nausicaa. My first copy of this was bent in all places :( But this new one looks perfect. Love it.
New Moon. Well. I hated this book. But I need this graphic thing, still, because I like the art.
The Hobbit. Ohh, this notebook is gorgeous. I love it very much :) So, so pretty. Amazing movie.
The Cadet of Tildor. I hope this book is amazing :D Know there is not romance, but think it will be good.
If You Find Me. I loved this book so much. It is just so heartbreaking and amazing. You must read it.
Dead Silence. I really need to finish this series. <3 Re-read book one and two, then book three :)
The Croods tattoos. Oh. I had to get 40 of these (A) Hiih. They are just gorgeous! Love so much.
The Croods mcdonalds figures. I love them all. Aren't they just so gorgeous? I think they are amazing.
Donkey Kong 64. Yeah. I had to get this :D Used to borrow it when I was younger, and I needed one.
Rugrats. Bought this with it, very cheap. Hope it's good, though :) I remember loving the show ;p
Studio Ghibli figures. Sigh. More of these. <3 I love them all. Bought via ebay :) Aren't they cute?

This week I got accepted to read Find Me via Edelweiss. <3 I hope I will love it. It does sound pretty awesome :) Got declined at first, but accepted after I requested again. Hoping to start it pretty soon :)

In My Mailbox is an weekly meme made by The Story Siren.

Review: Gustav Gloom and the Nightmare Vault by Adam-Troy Castro

2013-04-26T14:17:00.001+02:00

I've waited for this sequel since I read the first book about Gustav Gloom in August. When I finally got it a few days ago, I knew I had to read it right away. So I did. And it was worth it. But it is really short. And I do wish it had been longer. But it is still an amazing book with an amazing plot and such perfect characters. The cover is one of the most gorgeous ones.

That is one thing I like the most about these books. The artwork. The covers are stunning, but they aren't all there is. There are drawings in these books. Amazing drawings of Gustav and Fernie and all of them. They are just so gorgeous, and I loved all of them. I cannot wait to see more of this gorgeous art. It's so perfect. It fits the story really well too.

My review won't be that long, because this is a short book. Even though it is short, it's full of amazing. I love the writing, and I enjoyed it better than I enjoyed the first book. I'm unsure if I liked the plot more in the first book or in this one. It just felt so short in this one.. but I'm very sure that I loved Gustav and Fernie even more this time. They just get more perfect for every page. I also love Fernie's big sister, Pearlie. She's amazing. And their cat is adorable! Weird, but cute. I liked their dad too :)

Most of this book takes place inside the Gloom house. We learned a lot of things about it in the first book. Gustav Gloom lives there all by himself, just a ten years old boy. But he also live with a bunch of shadows. Which you really need to read about, because I loved getting to know them all, and the why's about it all. There are some good shadows, whom I liked, sort of. But there are also bad ones. Really bad ones. And I hated those. Although I loved them as well, since I do enjoy a good dark book ;p

I liked the plot in this book. It's mostly about this Ice Cream driver man. But he isn't normal. He's a shadow eater. And ohhh. It was awesome to read about. It's a bit creepy and horror like, and I loved every moment of it. Also kind of wished it was darker. Hih. But I loved the plot. It was exciting and interesting, and I cannot wait to know what happens next about it all. October seemed like an awesome villain. Even though he had done some things that broke my heart a lot. And yet I loved it like crazy.

We learn a lot of things in this book. We learn more about the crazy Gloom house, more about all the different doors and rooms and just everything. I loved it. And we also learn a lot more about Gustav. Which I loved. Because he is my favorite character. But oh. He's such a sad little boy all alone. I'm so glad he had Fernie. They are both amazing characters, and their friendship is the best. We learn about his past. His parents. Sobs. And why he can't go outside the house. I found it to be very heartbreaking.

This is an amazing book. And if you still haven't read the first one, you need to do so right away. Because Gustav Gloom is such an amazing person, and you will all fall in love with him. He and Fernie are just ten years old, and I must admit that I wish they had been older so that there could have been some romance as well, but I also loved that this is a middle grade series. Because they are just so adorable as children, and I loved them all so much. I even loved Fernie's very overprotective dad ;p

I'm giving Gustav Gloom and the Nightmare Vault a five star. Or a four point five. I loved it a lot, but I'm really sad that it was so short. There is kind of just one thing happening in the book, one adventure in one day, and I wanted so many. Wish this book had never ended. So I kind of felt like there could have been more. But I also loved this book so much, so I have to give it a five star. <3 I cannot wait to read the third book, out in August. <3 I hope there will be many more books about Gustav and Fernie :)

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