Everything A-TO-C

Massive Book Haul 2.0 Part 1!

2014-06-26T10:44:00.000-08:00

Hello everybody! If you haven't checked it out, I finally got to posting another book haul.

I'm sorry once again for being MIA for so long :)
Please leave a comment, rating and possibly a subscribe to me, if you haven't already.

As always,

HAPPY READING!

Xoxo, Anne

IMM/Stacking The Shelves/Showcase Sunday: Massive Book Haul!! (Over 50 books)

2013-02-24T23:30:00.001-09:00

I kept procrastinating over the last few months on book hauls even though I had more than enough to show you guys. After work today, I was randomly motivated and recorded this in less than 30 minutes. I would have uploaded it earlier but I was having trouble with video size, quality and other boring techie stuff. This is my very first video for the booktubing community and I hope to make more!

Yes, I'm still a noob and you will probably feel more awkward watching this than I felt when recording but oh welps. Watch me ramble!

Please like, comment, rate & subscribe. I would really appreciate it. I was thinking of jumping ships from old-school blogging to vlogging for a while now and so far, I'm still in the middle of both. I'll probably still be doing in-depth written reviews but I'll have monthly wrap-ups in videos.

Click the title to re-directed to the book's goodreads page!

Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1) by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices #2) by Cassandra Clare

City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1) by Cassandra Clare

City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments #2) by Cassandra Clare

City of Lost Souls (The Mortal Instruments #5) by Cassandra Clare

Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy #1) by Richelle Mead

Frostbite (Vampire Academy #2) by Richelle Mead

Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy #3) by Richelle Mead

Blood Promise (Vampire Academy #4) by Richelle Mead

Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy #5) by Richelle Mead

Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy #6) by Richelle Mead

Bloodlines (Bloodlines #1) by Richelle Mead

*to be updated with more pictures later

my camera died on me!

Review: Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins

2013-02-22T20:40:00.000-09:00

Title: Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins
Series: Sweet #1
Source: Purchased
Format: Paperback, 453 pages
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: 05/01/2012
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance

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

If books could kill.... then this is a cheeseburger. Yup. I'm feeling a little poetic right now. My heart is overdosed in feels that I can't even....

After I finished the book, the first coherent thought that popped into my head was that I NEED THE NEXT BOOK NOW. Good gosh, what was I supposed to do with my life until April 31st? Scratch that, they freaking moved the release date a day back. So now the publication date is MAY 1ST. What is life, guys? what is life.

Anyways, Sweet Evil was one of those books whom I judged by the cover. I didn't really like it and I thought the title was super cheesy. Needless to say, the solid fanbase that's continually expanding over the series and the countless posts of swoon over the infamous Kaidan, I picked it up against my better judgement. Now, I'm eating up my words because I appreciate both the cover and especially, the title. It was perfect. This book was perfection.

This was such a refreshing take on fallen angels. Wendy Higgins definitely made sure that she made a mark of originality over her work and she incorporated the beliefs of their origin which was commendable. And I loved how she wove those to Anna's story.

Anna is your typical goody-two-shoes. Awkward and warmhearted in general. Except that she can hear from 50 miles away and she can sense people's auras. Obviously, she's not your average human girl. I thought i'd be put off with the weak personality she was given but instead, I gave her more respect. She's definitely one to grow on you. She's not one of those hard-ass heroines who springs into action but she puts the pull in emotions! Then you have Kaidan. Sin on a stick, literally. I don't know guys... there's just something about bad boys that gets to me. Sometimes I wanted to punch him but most of the time, I just wanted to hug him.

So what happens when the bad boy and the good girl gets thrown together on the same path? Heartbreak and lots of swoon. Sigh, my heart.... I want nothing more than for these two to be together. I FREAKING SHIP THEM.

Even though, I'm focusing more on the love aspect of this book, the plot's more complex than I can ever make it sound like. Trust me, just read this book. It's thought provoking in some ways. Perfect mixture of urban fantasy, romance and a little mystery that will definitely suit the palettes of those who love The Mortal Instruments (like me) and more!

Book Review: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

2013-02-09T15:06:00.002-09:00

Book Stats:
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
Source: Borrowed from the Library
Format: Hardcover, 356 pages
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Publication Date: 06/05/2012
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Romance

Goodreads Summary: Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee. Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling. Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha…and the secrets of her heart.

In all honesty, I thought this was some kind of ripoff off of The Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor mainly because of the name. But the thing that stroke the most resemblance was in fact, the writing style. The overly rich detail and exquisite view of a new world. The difference was that I was very overwhelmed with Daughter of Smoke and Bone while with Shadow and Bone, I was just completely mesmerized. Shadow and Bone was just brilliant. I loved being transported into the unknown: with the foreign fashion, the language and etc. The author made it so that the book had it's own feel, it's certain originality that will definitely draw in High Fantasy and Dystopian fans a-like.

The feel of the book is very dark and if you're looking for books that keep will you guessing, then this is the book for you. The only bad thing is..... the author will make you love each and every character which pretty much zeroes in your chances on finding a solid character to trust.. or should I say, doubt.

Alina was as every bit heartbreaking as she was awesome. Her traits and overall innocence leaves so much more improvement to happen in the next two books! I felt for her, her tug-of-war with her power and her feelings. Especially for the two boys. Not a fan of triangles but this has one I can't wait to unfold.

I really liked Mal. He's the boy-next-door type and even though, he was gone for the first half, when he came back in, his words and actions to and for Alina made such an impression to me... but not as much as the Darkling. I seriously can't wait to see more of him and learn about his history. There's just something about this one... He's a very complex character and I hope Bardugo sees it to that he stays that way. I'd be very disappointed if he didn't bring in the twists in the next installment... or if he's barely there at all. He added spice to this already sizzling story and I can't believe I'm saying this but I'm saying it.... I have fallen in love with the "villain" of the story. I wonder what my mama's going to say to that.

Bardugo had my heartstrings tugged at every corner and I can't wait for Siege and Storm.

★★★★★

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Book links:

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Book Review: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

2012-12-29T17:38:00.001-09:00

Book Stats:
The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith
Source: Borrowed from the Library
Format: Hardcover, 236 pages
Publisher: Poppy/ Little Brown
Publication Date: 01/02/2012
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary, Romance

Goodreads Summary: Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything? Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. Having missed her flight, she's stuck at JFK airport and late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon-to-be stepmother Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's sitting in her row. A long night on the plane passes in the blink of an eye, and Hadley and Oliver lose track of each other in the airport chaos upon arrival. Can fate intervene to bring them together once more? Quirks of timing play out in this romantic and cinematic novel about family connections, second chances, and first loves. Set over a twenty-four-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.

Before setting my sights on that adorable cover, I already heard a lot of buzz coming from the blogosphere and the Goodreads community about this book and Ms. Smith. I'm not really the type to read YA contemporaries, but I wanted to try something out of my comfort zone. You know when you're reading something that seems so magical and enticing that you desperately wish to be in that person's shoes? This is one of those books. I seriously wanted to go to my nearest airport and hope that I meet my own Oliver.

The protagonist, Hadley, did get on nerves couple of times. Her feelings and thoughts toward her father became repetitive and a little too whiny. Given, her situation and age but still... those we're the kinds of things why I avoid YA contemporary. No offense to the author. Although, when she's not being the hurt daughter, I like how she was with Oliver.

Which brings me to the light of the book... Oliver. My poor, sweet, british boy. I want him for myself! *teehee. Anyways, our mysterious friend over here has secrets of his own and I enjoyed very much seeing different sides of him throughout the book. He has quite a sense of humor, sounds very attractive and when it comes down to it, knows when to settle some things. I felt for him and I completely loved his character.

I did like the overall story of Oliver and Hadley. It's crazy how this book was set within only 24 hours (maybe, a little bit more). Jennifer E. Smith had me nervous about this couple for a second but she did know how to give a good HEA. Props to her for this wonderful novel! I'm definitely going to check out future books she's going to be releasing.

★★★★

Connect with the author

Website | Twitter

Book Links

Add to shelf: Goodreads

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Happy Holidays!

2012-12-26T23:16:00.000-09:00

Before I get on with all of my explanations why I have been M.I.A., Merry Christmas everyone! Better late than never, right? Yes, I have been gone since September of this year. I am sincerely sorry for my inconsistent blogging but thank you to all my followers who stuck with me throughout the year. You all are wonderful and are always in my thoughts! This year was very crazy for me. I barely had time to read or do anything else, and I was always running on a tight schedule. Thank goodness for the holidays, it gave me a well needed break to unwind, spend time with my family and finally, do some reading.

So, what's next?

Well, I cannot promise to be here everyday or every week, even. BUT I WILL TRY. I missed blogging so much and I really want to build up Everything A-TO-C once again (which might take a little while).

Even though I might not be always here. I will forsure be updating books I'm reading and random thoughts on my Goodreads page! Befriend me: www.goodreads.com/annejhoycexo

Thank you everyone.

Hope the rest of 2012 and 2013 treats you well.

Excerpt + Giveaway: Dante's Girl by Courtney Cole

2012-09-09T01:30:00.002-08:00

Book Stats:
Dante's Girl by Courtney Cole
(The Paradise Diaries #1)
Publisher: Lakehouse Press
Publication Date: 6/24/2012
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Chick-lit, Drama, Realistic Fiction

Goodreads Summary: I have spent every summer since I was ten years old with my father in London. Every summer, since I was ten years old, has been uneventful and boring. Until this year. And this year, after a freak volcanic eruption strands me far from home, I have learned these things: 1. I can make do with one outfit for three days before I buy new clothes. 2. If I hear the phrase, “You’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto,” even one more time, I might become a homicidal maniac. 3. I am horribly and embarrassingly allergic to jellyfish. 4. I am in love with Dante Giliberti, who just happens to be the beautiful, sophisticated son of the Prime Minister of a Mediterranean paradise. 5. See number four above. Because it brings with it a whole slew of problems and I’ve learned something from every one of them. Let’s start with the fact that Dante’s world is five light-years away from mine. He goes to black-tie functions and knows the Prime Minister of England on a first name basis. I was born and raised on a farm in Kansas and wear cut-off jeans paired with cowboy boots. See the difference? But hearts don’t care about differences. Hearts want what they want. And mine just wants to be Dante’s girl. My heart just might be crazy.

This book is definitely on my TBR pile. Good thing I have it on Netgalley, hopefully I'll get to it sometime soon. Now guys for the excerpts...

Excerpt One:

There are rose bushes everywhere. And peonies, which are my favorites. And lots of white marble statues of Greek gods. And one of Napoleon. Why in the world is this country so obsessed with Napoleon?

I am just wondering if the small statue is life-sized when Dante interrupts any coherent thought process that I might have by striding across the lawns with a racquet in hand and wearing short-short tennis shorts.

Sweet.

Baby.

Monkeys.

It’s like a slow-motion scene from a movie. Dante shakes his blond bangs out of his eyes and the sun catches every glint of gold in his hair. His legs are long, lean, tanned and muscled and HolyCowThereIsAGod. If I were a man, I would totally be wolf-whistling right now. But then again, if I were a man, I guess I wouldn’t be wolf-whistling at Dante.

I’m such a weirdo.

Excerpt Two:

Mia shows me how to get water out of the tube when it leaks in by blowing it out sharply. She tells me that the most common problem is when new divers get flustered when water gets into their tubes. I’m supposed to keep calm and simply blow the water out. That’s a little difficult to do when I’m so completely focused on watching for sharks.

We swim and after a few minutes, more like thirty, I start to feel more at ease.

Every once in a while, Mia reaches out and grabs my hand and pulls me to a different place where we watch tropical fish leisurely swim in their little schools. Or a sea turtle gliding gracefully by. Or colorful tropical plants waving in the current.

Under the surface, the water is perfect and aqua and silent. There is no drama, there are no mean girls and best friends and boys that I shouldn’t have crushes on but do anyway.

I sort of love it.

I kick my legs, letting the water flow fluidly over me. I am weightless here. I am relaxed and I haven’t been this comfortable in a long time.

Just as I am thinking about how wrong I had been to be terrified of sharks and about how wonderful this is and how I have never been this comfortable or relaxed in my whole entire life, I spot something out of the corner of my eye that makes me freeze.

A gray bump slowly coming toward me.

I pull my head out of the water so that I can see better and find that Mia is nowhere near. But the gray sleek bump is only a hundred yards away and getting closer by the minute. I flail and splash, then remember from watching Shark Week on TV that you definitely don’t want to splash.

Sweet Holy Monkeys. What the eff do I do??

I yell for Mia, but don’t see her. Has she been eaten?

I look around frantically, but we’ve drifted to an isolated location and there isn’t anyone else here.

Except for me and the shark.

And the shark is certainly taking his time to reach me.

Oh my gosh.

Oh. My. Gosh.

My breathing comes in pants as I try to slowly and calmly paddle backward, away from the shark, toward land, away from the shark. Toward Land. Away. From. The. Shark.

Then, a fin emerges. A fin. And I scream. And scream. And forget about not splashing. I am splashing so much that every shark and sea creature in a hundred mile radius will know that I’m here. And I don’t care. All I care about it surviving this shark attack. Because it is going to attack me. It’s stalking me right now like the prey that I am. And very soon that water around me will be red because I’m going to die a bloody death.

And then I notice that the fin is made from hands. A pair of hands.

I freeze.

What the eff?

Dante bursts from the water, wearing gray swim trunks and shaking droplets from his hair as he lunges to grab me with a roar.

I scream again because it’s happened so fast and my brain hasn’t had a chance to truly realize that it is Dante and not a shark.

I’m not going to die.

I’m not going to become breakfast for JAWS.

But I’m going to kill Dante.

Excerpt Three:

“Why do you look sad?” I ask. “You live in a beautiful country with the world at your fingertips. Your dad is amazing and nice and you’re a billionaire. What could possibly make you sad?”

Dante studies me, his cobalt eyes serious, his expression unreadable.

“Let’s go for a walk,” he finally says. “Someplace quieter.”

A quiet place with Dante? Yes, Please!

I scramble to my feet and walk with him through the crowd again, this time oblivious to the stares. He has a huge stride and I find myself hurrying to keep up, two steps for every one of his. He weaves us through the people and out the doors in record time.

Before I know it, we are on a terrace. In the dark. Under the stars.

With Dante.

This may as well be Heaven.

In fact, it might actually be.

Have I died and didn’t realize it?

I flex my fingers and poke at my thigh.

My mind is fuzzy and I feel like I am moving slower than I actually am. Is life in slow motion right now or is it me? I blink hard then poke myself again.

“Are you alright?” Dante asks, watching me curiously. I nod.

“Yep. I’ve just never had three glasses of champagne before. In fact, I’ve never even had one. Until now.”

I giggle at the thought and Dante smiles.

“Okay, drunk girl. Let’s sit you down.”

He guides me to a lounger and eases me onto it. I clutch at his arm, not wanting to let him go. He stares down at me.

“You really have had too much to drink, haven’t you, little sunflower?”

The name warms my heart and I decide that he is the handsomest person in the world.

“Is handsomest a word?” I ask him.

He looks at me blankly.

“I don’t know,” he answers slowly. “Why?”

“You’re the handsomest person in the world,” I announce. “I don’t care if it’s a word or not. You are it, one way or another.”

Dante smiles and runs a hand through his hair, as though he’s trying to decide what to do.

“Oh. Okay. Um, thanks? What am I going to do with you? You’re adorable when you are drunk. But I made you drunk, even if it was an accident. How was I supposed to know that you’re such a lightweight?”

He sounds like he is waging some sort of battle with himself.

“Who exactly are you arguing with?”I ask, the champagne clouding my thoughts in a very thorough way. “You will get no arguments from me tonight. No matter what.”

He sighs, a husky and ragged sound.

It’s sexy.

I scoot closer to him and drag him down until he is sitting on the lounger with me. His warmth feels nice out here because the air has turned cool. It’s dark and I feel like we’re in our own little world. I run my fingers over his arm, then grip at his shoulders.

“You’re so strong,” I tell him. “And your fingers are so long.”

I don’t know what that has to do with anything, I just feel like pointing it out. Because his fingers are long. I pick up his hand and slide my own against it. His hand is at least a full inch longer than mine. Probably more. I curl my fingers around his and hold tight to his hand.

I look up at him.

He is so devastatingly beautiful in the moonlight.

I tell him so.

He stares at me, his dark gaze unwavering. Except for my knees. It definitely wavers my knees, if that is possible. I know I wouldn’t be able to stand up if I tried. Which I’m not going to. I’m staying right here…with Dante.

“Kiss me,” I whisper. “Please.”

Dante is silent, his blue eyes frozen on me.

And then he lowers his head and his soft lips are upon mine.

And I might seriously die this time.

For real.

I’m kissing Dante.

Kissing.

Dante.

The thoughts won’t stop running through my head as Dante kisses me in the most romantic and soft kiss I’ve ever experienced. My thoughts blur together and all I can do now is immerse myself in the moment. The world actually seems to explode for a second. This is the most amazing kiss in the history of the world.

Thank you to ATOMR Tours and Ms. Courtney Cole for making this promotional event possible! They even provided a giveaway prize. You can win your choice of a Kindle or Nook copy of her other books: Princess OR Soul Kissed. This is open internationally. If you are within the US, you also win a 4x6 glossy of Dante's Girl!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Haven't gotten enough of Dante's Girl?
Here's the whole Chapter One! Enjoy :)

Chapter One

It is impossible to look hot in the dingy fluorescent light of an airport bathroom. Or as my best friend Becca would say, hawt.

At this particular moment, I’m not hot or hawt. I make this revelation as I vigorously scrub at my arms and face and then use a wet paper towel under my pits.

And what is it about peeing in an airport toilet ten times in a day that makes you feel so completely scummy? I glance around at the crumpled tissues strewn about on the scuffed floor and the dirty toilets peeking from behind half-closed doors and cringe. That answer is clearly ‘because of the germs’. Ack.

Trying not to think about it, I clean up the best I can. After running a brush through my hair, I stick a piece of gum in my mouth, apply a thin layer of lip gloss and call it good. I glance into the mirror and cringe. It isn’t good enough, but it will have to do. Very soon, I’ll put this dreadful four hour layover in Amsterdam behind me and before I even know it, I’ll be in London.

With my father.

For the summer.

It would be torture.

Just shoot me now.

And it’s not because I don’t love him, because I do. My reluctance doesn’t stem from lack of love. It comes from the deep-seeded fact that Alexander Ellis doesn’t understand me. He never has and he never will. It’s something that I’ve made my peace with and I’m not angry about it.

I’m his only child and he works his life away as some top-secret agent for the NSA. His job is so secret that I don’t even know what he does. In my head, I imagine him jumping from helicopters and saving starving children in war torn areas. But in reality, I know he probably sits behind a desk and analyzes information from a satellite stream or a taped telephone conversation. I’m pretty sure that’s what the NSA does, anyway. They aren’t the cool kind of spies.

Also, he isn’t exactly sure what to do with a daughter. I was supposed to have been a boy. Seventeen years ago, sonograms apparently weren’t as absolute as they are today, because the technician told my parents that she was 99.9% sure that I was a boy. They painted my nursery blue and picked out my name and everything. I can only imagine the shocked horror on my father’s face when I was born with lady parts.

Regardless, I know he loves me. Even though he had willingly given my mother full custody when they divorced years ago, I know he only did it because he works overseas so much and he isn’t exactly sure how to raise a girl. He does okay. But then again, I do have some reason to believe that he still pretends that I’m a boy, just to make it easier on himself. It’s fairly easy to do since I still have the boy name that they originally picked out.

With my head down, I trudge back out into the congested halls of Schiphol airport. Weary travelers bustle around me and I shift my bags so that I can pull the stubborn strap of my tank top back over my shoulder where it belongs. As I do, I crash into someone with enough force that my bags go flying out of my hands and scatter onto the ground under people’s feet.

“Son of a –“ I blurt before I even think.

“Buck?” a male voice offers helpfully.

Looking up, I stare into the most unique and beautiful shade of blue that a pair of eyes has ever possessed. Of that I am certain. Blue just shouldn’t be that multi-faceted and twinkling. There should be a law or something.

Or at least a warning label:

Caution, these eyes may cause female knees to tremble.

Before I can help it, I scan the rest of him. Sweet Mary. This guy had lucked out in the gene department. Tall, slender, beautiful. Honey colored hair that had natural highlights that could even catch the crappy airport light, broad shoulders, slim hips, long legs. He is tan and golden with a bright, white smile.

I am surely staring at Apollo, the god of the sun. Probably with my mouth hanging open, which makes me realize that I must look like an idiot- the personification of what foreigners think Americans to be. I snap my mouth closed.

“I’m sorry,” I say quickly, trying to still my racing heart. “Did I run into you?”

“Only a bit,” Apollo says gentlemanly, with a shrug of his strong shoulders. I can tell he is strong even through his shirt sleeves, which are snug across his toned biceps. Sweet baby monkeys.

“How can someone run into someone else only by a bit?” I ask with a nervous smile as I kneel to retrieve my stuff.

Please don’t let him smell me right now, I silently pray to any god who cares to listen. I am sure that at this point in my travels, I probably smell like soiled hamster bedding.

He bends next to me and picks up the contents of my spilled purse. He smells like sunshine. And rain. And everything beautiful that I can think of. I try not to cringe as his fingers grasp a tampon and slide it back inside my bag. He doesn’t even flinch, he just casually continues to pick up my things like he’s used to handling feminine hygiene products.

“Oh, it’s fairly easy, really,” he answers. He has an exotic sounding accent that I can’t place. “At least, when you’re not looking where you’re going.” My head snaps up and he laughs.

“I’m kidding,” he assures me as he extends an arm to me. Even his hand is graceful. I gulp as his fingers curl around mine. “You can bump into me any time you’d like.”

“Thanks,” I mumble. “I think.”

“I’m Dante,” he tells me, his impossibly blue eyes still twinkling.

“I’m Reece,” I answer with a sigh, already anticipating his reaction. “Yes, I know it’s a boy’s name.”

“You’re not a boy,” Dante observes. “Most definitely not a boy.”

Is that a note of appreciation in his voice? Surely not. I look like a bedraggled Shih Tzu.

“No, I’m not,” I agree. “I just don’t know that my dad ever got that memo.”

I look past Dante and find that he is alone. He seems to be about my age so that’s a little unusual in these circumstances. My parents had flown me as an ‘unaccompanied minor’ across the ocean for years, but other people’s parents are usually a little squeamish about that.

“I’m sure that fact hasn’t escaped him,” Dante tells me in amusement. Why do his eyes have to sparkle so much? I usually go for brown-eyed guys. But this boy is most certainly making me re-think that stance.

“That’s debatable,” I sigh. Realizing that we are impeding the busy pedestrian traffic like a dam in a rushing river, I smile.

“Thank you very much for helping me pick up my things. Safe travels!”

I turn on my heel and pivot, walking quickly and what I hope is confidently in the other direction. Hitching my heavy purse up on my shoulder, I fight the urge to turn and look at him. Something about him is practically mesmerizing.

But I don’t look. I keep walking, one foot in front of the other. When I reach the moving walkway, I hop on and focus ahead of me, eyes straight forward.

Don’t look back.

Regardless of my silent chanting, when I step from the walkway I discreetly check behind me. Apollo is nowhere to be seen. With a sigh, I continue on to the British Airways terminal. Only three short hours left until take-off. Plugging my earbuds into my ears, I settle into a seat and close my eyes.

* * *

“Excuse me, Reece?”

Before I even open my eyes, I know the sexy accent is coming from Apollo. I can feel his epic hotness emanating through my eyelids. I only hope that I haven’t been drooling in my sleep.

“Yes?” I ask as nonchalantly as I can while my eyes pop open. I try to discreetly smooth my hair down. In my head, I envision myself as Chewbacca from Star Wars and wince.

Dante hands me my phone, which must’ve fallen from my lap as I napped.

“Are you on the flight to London?” he grins. “They’re boarding priority travelers now. I just thought you should know.”

Yikes. I had slept for three hours? In a noisy airport? I must have been super tired.

“Thank you,” I reply quickly, gathering my things in a rush. “I didn’t mean to fall asleep. I’m not a priority traveler, but I probably would have slept through general boarding. Thank you for waking me.”

I glance at him as I stand up and can’t help but do a double take. It isn’t easy to get used to his particular brand of sexy. He is laid-back, handsome and casual, which is a formula for utter female devastation. The impossible thing is that he doesn’t seem to realize it. He’s effortlessly sophisticated and chic.

“Well, you’re awake now and that’s the important thing. Have a nice trip, Reece,” Dante grins once more before he joins a group of men who are apparently waiting for him. I was wrong, I guess. He isn’t alone after all. The men close around him in a tight circle and they board the plane with the other passengers with first class tickets.

He’s on my flight.

I gulp and find a place in line with the other travelers flying coach.

As the richer, better-dressed passengers file past us, I feel a little like a bumpkin in rumpled clothing. Even though I travel to London every summer to visit my dad, I live in rural America the rest of the year. And all of a sudden, I feel like I am wearing a blinking neon sign proclaiming that very fact. The clothing that had seemed sophisticated to travel in this morning now seems like it was hand-made in someone’s backwoods shed.

And it so makes sense that Apollo is in first class. He smells like a beautiful sunrise in a wooded meadow. Oh, my gosh. What is wrong with me? Where did that come from? I am totally being as corny as an erectile dysfunction commercial.

I roll my eyes at my own absurdity and hand my ticket to the heavily made-up flight attendant who is waiting to take it. She glances at it and then at me before she stamps my passport and hands it back.

“Have a nice flight, Miss Ellis,” she tells me before turning her attention to the passenger behind me.

Yeah, right.

I like flying almost as much as I like having dental work. Or having my fingernails pulled out one by one. Or having paper cuts sliced onto my legs and then lemon juice poured onto them. Just about that much.

Filing down the narrow aisle through first class, I can’t help but search out Apollo. It doesn’t take long to find him. He is situated by the window in a wide, leather first-class seat. He’s already covered in a warm blanket and looks like he is settling in for the hour long flight. As I move closer to him, his eyes pop open and meet mine, the electric blue of his almost causing me to gasp aloud.

He smiles slightly as I pass and his gaze doesn’t waver from mine.

I find myself wishing that I could sit next to him. Not only because of the lavish first class seats, although those would be nice too.

But rather, there is something in the air between Dante and me. I can feel it, an instant connection. I can practically reach out and touch it. I’ve never experienced chemistry like this in my life. It’s the kind that seems corny when you read about it in books, but in real life, it is anything but. It is simply electrifying. Ripping my eyes from his, I continue down the aisle and find my seat.

Taking a deep breath, I stash my carry-on in the overhead bin and slump into the window seat, trying not to hyperventilate as my fear of flying suddenly overwhelms me while the cramped airplane closes in around me.

Deep breath in.

Deep breath out.

Repeat.

I watch the flight crew below me loading the bags into the belly of the plane. What if they dislodge the landing gear while they are messing around down there? What if they don’t check the systems well enough and we die in a fiery crash? What if the metal holding the plane together rips off in the air and peels away like tissue paper?

Deep breath in.

Deep breath out.

Repeat.

I might die.

Seriously.

I listen impatiently as the flight attendants give their safety spiel and motion toward the exits like they are NFL referees with dumb tiny scarves around their necks. I just need for them to get on with it. Just let us taxi out and take-off and then I will be perfectly fine once we are in the air. My hands get clammy and my ears start to roar. Why am I such a freak?

Deep breath in.

Deep breath out.

Repeat.

You freaking flight attendants.

Hurry.

Up.

I’m just getting ready to shove my earbuds back in to distract myself when Dante appears next to me like a savior or an angel or something of equal beauty and importance.

“Is this seat taken?” he smiles and I notice a dimple in his right cheek that I hadn’t noticed before. How had I missed a dimple?

“Um, not that I know of,” I answer weakly, trying not to die from heart palpations. “But the seat belt sign is on. You’re not supposed to be out of your seat.”

Fabulous. Now I sound like a hall monitor with a heart problem.

Dante shrugs without seeming worried.

“I think it will be okay,” he answers. “We’re not even on the runway yet.”

“Good point.”

“Can I sit here? I’m bored up front.”

I nod, my palms instantly clammier. “I hope you brought your blanket. You won’t get much back here except for a bag of peanuts.”

And now I sound like a cheap hall monitor with a heart problem. I’m presenting myself better and better by the moment.

Dante smiles yet again and sits next to me. He brings his charming accent with him and the scent of his amazing cologne. I take a deep breath. He smells far better than the stale airplane air. Far better. I fight the urge to jump into his lap and inhale his neck, a maneuver that just might make me appear slightly insane.

“You look pretty pale,” he observes as he buckles up. “Are you afraid to fly?”

“Is it that obvious?” I ask quietly. “As much as I’ve flown in my lifetime, I should be used to it. But I’m afraid that’s never going to happen. Once I’m in the air for awhile, I’ll be fine, but until then… well, I’m terrified. I admit it.”

“Don’t worry,” Dante tells me quietly, his voice calm and reassuring. “There’s nothing to be afraid of. You’re more likely to get into a--”

“Car crash rather than die in a plane crash,” I interrupt. “Yes, I know. I’ve heard. Where are you from?” I ask curiously, half out of genuine curiosity and half out of the need to distract myself. “You have the most interesting accent.”

He smiles, his teeth brilliantly white. I decide on the spot that I could watch him smile all day long.

“Caberra,” he answers, reminding me that I had asked a question. “It’s an island near Greece. And you?”

“Like you don’t know that I’m American,” I chuckle. “I know it’s written all over me. I’m sure you’re a fan, right?”

“Of Americans?” he raises a golden eyebrow. “Of course. I love them. I have no reason not to. They bring a lot of tourist dollars to Caberra.”

“Well, we are a land of excess,” I admit. “But that’s usually what foreigners seem to hate about us.”

Dante stares at me for a moment and then smiles. “Well, I can’t speak for all foreigners, but I don’t hate Americans. And you’re not in America right now, are you?”

I shake my head. “No, I am most certainly not.”

“Well, then. You’re the foreigner now.” He grins and I can’t help but smile back. He has a point.

The pilot gets on the intercom and his nasally voice drones on and on, but I am able to tune it out as I engage in conversation with a boy who is surely a direct descendent of the gods. There is no other plausible explanation for his good looks or charm. I barely even hear the words that come out of Dante’s mouth, because I am so mesmerized by the shape of his lips as he moves them. Pathetic, I know, but true.

One thing about me: I don’t lie to myself. I might stretch the truth for my parents from time to time when necessary, but never to myself. And I’m pathetically fascinated by this boy.

Finally, the aircraft shudders a bit and noses forward and I startle, gripping the arms of my seat. My fingers turn white and I am certain that I am leaving permanent indentions in the cracked vinyl arm-rests.

“Don’t worry,” Dante says quietly, unpeeling one of my hands and grasping it within his own. “It will be fine.”

The feel of his hand distracts me. Strong and warm, it cups my own carefully, like he is holding something very fragile. I close my eyes and enjoy the feeling. I only have a couple of minutes to soak it in, however.

As the plane moves down the runway in preparation for take-off, something happens. Something isn’t right.

Our plane rocks a little, then quivers, like it is being moved by a strong gust of wind. I feel it a brief moment before Dante tightens his grip on my hand, a split second before light explodes from outside of my eyelids. I open them to discover fire tearing down the runway past my window. Before I can react or even scream, all hell breaks loose.

Update!

2012-09-05T21:30:00.001-08:00

Hello everyone, I'm really really sorry I've been MIA in the book blogging community for the past few weeks. That's because I recently started school once again. I was so caught up trying to adjust to my new schedule, balancing my classes, sleep time, what little left of time I can get to socialize and hang out with my friends and family that I haven't really had time to read.

It's a really important school year for me and as much as I would love to be constantly active here as I was over the summer, I really don't see it as a possibility... if only I could be superwoman, I would guys! But no, I'm not shutting this blog down nor am I going on long hiatus. I'm just going to be posting reviews, features and etc. when I actually do have free time. I'd probably have 2 posts a week if I'm really motivated!

I really do miss blogging and reading! I think I'm about halfway on that adjustment part and I think I can squeeze in a book or two for the month of September!

I am still doing my tour stop of Undeadly by Michele Vail on November 14th for a review, excerpt and giveaway so please watch out for that. I have also gotten my first set of ARCs in the mail over the past few weeks and it has given me such joy. Thank you to all the publishers who sent all those out! I'll be doing a Stacking The Shelves when I get them all.

I really hope I'll get to visit my Barnes & Noble this week so I can meet Melissa Marr and get a copy of Carnival of Souls! But if I don't catch her, I'll probably still get a copy anyways!

Hmm... that's all I could think of guys! Thank you all for sticking with my book blog and catch you guys soon.

Join The Army of Ten!

2012-08-20T20:05:00.004-08:00

Book Stats:
Ten by Gretchen McNeil
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Expected Publication Date: 9/18/2012
Format: Hardcover, 305 pages
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Horror, Mystery, Contemporary

Goodreads Summary: And their doom comes swiftly. It was supposed to be the weekend of their lives—an exclusive house party on Henry Island. Best friends Meg and Minnie each have their reasons for being there (which involve T.J., the school’s most eligible bachelor) and look forward to three glorious days of boys, booze and fun-filled luxury. But what they expect is definitely not what they get, and what starts out as fun turns dark and twisted after the discovery of a DVD with a sinister message: Vengeance is mine. Suddenly people are dying, and with a storm raging, the teens are cut off from the outside world. No electricity, no phones, no internet, and a ferry that isn’t scheduled to return for two days. As the deaths become more violent and the teens turn on each other, can Meg find the killer before more people die? Or is the killer closer to her than she could ever imagine?

What's the Army of Ten? It's a promotional street team for Ten by Gretchen Mcneil. They're recruiting soldiers for the following ranks in the Army of Ten:

Private

Sergeant

Lieutenant
Major
General

Each ranking entails a different set of assignments, and comes with its own set of medals to earn, including entries into the grand prize gift pack giveaway. And the best medal of all? If you earn the rank of GENERAL, you might just get your name in the Acknowledgements for Gretchen's next book!

What are the prizes?

They will be giving away five (5) gift bags on Tuesday, October 30, 2012. Items in the gift bags will include:
- a signed hardcover of TEN
- a signed paperback of POSSESS
- a signed copy of DEAR TEEN ME
- a signed copy of the anthology TWO AND TWENTY DARK TALES
- a Barnes & Noble gift card
- items from the personal collection of two characters from the book (i.e. a sample size of Minnie's favorite perfume and a key chain bottle opener like Ben's)

In addition, they're giving away a SIGNED ARC OF TEN - the last one either the author or her publisher has - just for signing up for the Army of Ten. Fill out the form to enter! Winner will be chosen via random.org on Monday, September 10, 2012.

Cover Reveal + Giveaway: Derailed by Alyssa Rose Ivy

2012-08-20T18:39:00.000-08:00

Book Stats:
Derailed by Alyssa Rose Ivy
(Book #1 of the series)
Publisher: Self-published
Expected Publication Date: 09/26/2012
Reading Level: Mature YA (17+)
Genre: Contemporary, Romance

Goodreads Summary: When you're lost, sometimes the only place you can go is home. Broken over the death of her fiancé, Molly leaves law school to return to her childhood home in North Carolina. Expecting to lay low until she can figure out what else to do with her life, she finds herself in the arms of her high school sweetheart, the boy who represents everything from the past she tried to leave behind. Looking for an escape, she instead finds a way back to the girl she almost forgot existed and a future she never dreamed possible.

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Musings from A-TO-C #4: New Facebook page & Twitter account

2012-08-20T10:03:00.000-08:00

Just a quick update guys. I've been using my personal accounts for my blogging contacts when I started and I have been thinking it wasn't a good idea to merge them together because it makes it really confusing both for me and for you.

I created new pages and account on Facebook and Twitter solely for Everything A-TO-C. I kindly ask you, if you already follow my personal accounts, to add these instead since I'm going to be putting those on private now.

Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/EverythingAToC
Official Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/EverythingATOC

I hope you all understand this little inconvience, I really should have done this a while ago.

Stacking The Shelves #2 (IMM)

2012-08-19T18:01:00.000-08:00

This is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews where you basically display all the books you've received in the past week.

Hi guys! I've been away from home for some days so I don't have pictures of books with me neither do I know if other ones have arrived. This is what I had before I left!

Purchased:

For Kindle

Taking Shots by Toni Aleo

Defying The Odds by Kele Moon

Star Crossed by Kele Moon

Shadows by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Obsidian L. Armentrout

For Review:

ARCs

Every Day by David Levithan

Thank you to Random House for sending me a copy!

From Netgalley

The Archived (Sneak Peek) by Victoria Schwab

Katya's World by Jonathan L. Howard

The Twisted Window (Re-released) by Lois Duncan

For Blog Tour/s

Undeadly by Michele Vail

Stops here on November 14 (Review & Excerpt)

I've been so caught up with reading old and new released Young Adult books that I haven't given much thought to reading New Adult/Adult books. Especially for romance! I've heard so many good things about Taking Shots, Defying The Odds & Star Crossed so I'm very excited to read those. I've also seen recent blog hype about Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout, which is book #2 in the series. I want to see what it's all about so I bought the prequel, Shadows, and the first book, Obsidian.

I was so happy to find Every Day sitting in my mailbox, I didn't expect to get it but I did. The book releases on the 28th of this month so watch out for it! I'll have a review up sometime soon.

Special thanks to Shane @ Itching For Books for approving me as one the tour stops in Undeadly. I really liked the synopsis and I'm excited to get started on this!

Hope you all had amazing week! I'm going to be starting school this week so I may or may not be posting consistently for a little while.

Book Review: Frostbite by Richelle Mead

2012-08-19T05:48:00.002-08:00

Book Stats:
Frostbite by Richelle Mead
(Book #2 of Vampire Academy)
Source: Borrowed from the Library
Format: Paperback, 327 pages
Publisher: RazorBill
Publication Date: 4/10/2008
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Paranormal, Romance

Goodreads Summary: Rose loves Dimitri, Dimitri might love Tasha, and Mason would die to be with Rose... It’s winter break at St. Vladimir’s, but Rose is feeling anything but festive. A massive Strigoi attack has put the school on high alert, and now the Academy’s crawling with Guardians—including Rose’s hard-hitting mother, Janine Hathaway. And if hand-to-hand combat with her mom wasn’t bad enough, Rose’s tutor Dimitri has his eye on someone else, her friend Mason’s got a huge crush on her, and Rose keeps getting stuck in Lissa’s head while she’s making out with her boyfriend, Christian! The Strigoi are closing in, and the Academy’s not taking any risks... This year, St. Vlad’s annual holiday ski trip is mandatory. But the glittering winter landscape and the posh Idaho resort only create the illusion of safety. When three friends run away in an offensive move against the deadly Strigoi, Rose must join forces with Christian to rescue them. But heroism rarely comes without a price...

I started this immediately after reading Vampire Academy which was around March this year. I was only a few pages in before I put the book back down and never picked it up. I only borrowed this so when its due date came, I turned it in and never thought about starting it again. Not that I didn't like the series, I do, it was just one that slipped up from my mind since there are so many books to choose from! Now, I been hearing a lot about the spin-off series, Bloodlines, I really do want to read those books but I don't want to jump into it without finishing this one. So finally, I got back to my Vampire Academy track. Now I wonder why in the hell did I ever steer courses?

This book gripped me as much as its predecessor did. Usually it takes a while for me to warm up to story, even for sequels, but not with this one! I was thankful for the Prologue which reintroduces the events from VA so I didn't have to re-read the first book.

True to her character, Rose is still as stubborn and sassy as ever. Although her hindered romance with Dimitri puts her in a more irritable mood, it's always fun having her around! It was also nice to see the vulnerability play with her character in this novel.

I liked that other characters we're put into spotlight in this book and that other characters we're introduced like.. Adrian Ivashkov. Just seeing that name makes me want to throw my hands in air and sing love songs. Yeah, that giddy. He was a nice addition to the ever growing set of hot boys in the VA world.

There was lots of love in this book and also, a lot of jealousy which leads to the drama. As I said before this book reminds me of Gossip Girl especially when those aspects kicks in! I'm not complaining, it was rather interesting to see all those interactions. I didn't read much about Dimitri in this book but when he was, he was in mentor mode so it's not a particularly fun thing.

The last few chapters made me tear up! It was action and emotion packed. I was swept away with it. Despite that little sad event, the ending was gratifying. I'm glad Richelle Mead doesn't feel the need to kill her readers with cliffhangers just to make sure her readers will come back for more. I was very pleased.

★★★★

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Book Review: Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

2012-08-19T01:49:00.000-08:00

Book Stats:
Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
(Book #1 of Vampire Academy)
Source: Borrowed from the Library
Format: Paperback, 332 pages
Publisher: RazorBill
Publication Date: 8/16/2007
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Paranormal, Romance

Goodreads Summary: St. Vladimir’s Academy isn’t just any boarding school—it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s—the very place where they’re most in danger... Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy’s ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world’s fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever.

I was fairly surprised to find myself as engrossed in this novel as much I did. It certainly did a good job gripping my attention from the beginning to its end. It's a fast paced novel, complete with action, steamy-romance and teenage angst. No boring feature but not really much stood out either.

I liked Rose Hathaway. When I read about her, she was definitely a breath of fresh air that I desperately needed. She was strong, both physically and mentally. The type who will kick ass but still manage to get out looking fabulous and SAY that's she's fabulous. I loved her confidence! She had a good sense of who she is, what she wants and what she'll do to make sure she get is. Her sassy and fierce nature is really entertaining, although that doesn't always work out.

Lissa Dragomir was a part of this novel as much as Rose was but her presence was merely a shadow for me here. Her relationship with Rose that sometimes went beyond "normal" bestfriend duties we're unusual but it was sweet to witness that sisterly love that they had. I felt bad for her because she's the opposite of Rose, being shy and polite but I think she might be one to watch out for future badassness!

The romance was tricky, what with the guy being 5 years older than Rose but it worked for this book. The romantic or should I say, sexual tension, between Rose and Dimitri was just sizzling! I didn't necessarily liked Dimitri but I could tell why Rose would take such interest. I hope I'll see more of him and that he lightens up throughout the series.

I also loved the other characters in the book. They just added more quirk to the story. Mason and his unrequited love for Rose. Christian and his family drama was a sympathizer. Mia and the whole "Mean Girls" war. I never honestly read the books Vampire Diaries and Gossip Girl, I only saw the series, but Vampire Academy seemed like the perfect cross between the two. I really liked those series so go figure! Though the plot itself was very predictable, I did enjoy reading this book and I look forward to how the future events unfold in the next installment.

★★★★

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Book Review: City Of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

2012-08-16T19:48:00.000-08:00

Book Stats:
City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare
(Book #4 of The Mortal Instruments)
Source: Purchased
Format: Hardcover, 424 pages
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication Date: 4/5/2011
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Paranormal, Romance

Goodreads Summary: The Mortal War is over, and sixteen-year-old Clary Fray is back home in New York, excited about all the possibilities before her. She's training to become a Shadowhunter and to use her unique power. Her mother is getting married to the love of her life. Downworlders and Shadowhunters are at peace at last. And - most importantly of all - she can finally call Jace her boyfriend. But nothing comes without a price. Someone is murdering Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine's Circle, provoking tensions between Downworlders and Shadowhunters that could lead to a second bloody war. Clary's best friend, Simon, can't help her. His mother just found out that he's a vampire and now he's homeless. Everywhere he turns, someone wants him on their side - along with the power of the curse that's wrecking his life. And they're willing to do anything to get what they want. At the same time he's dating two beautiful, dangerous girls - neither of whom knows about the other one. When Jace begins to pull away from Clary without explaining why, she is forced to delve into the heart of a mystery whose solution reveals her worst nightmare: She herself has set in motion a terrible chain of events that could lead to her losing everything she loves. Even Jace. Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. The stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels.

When you assume it's over, City of Fallen Angels will bite you in the butt and make you think twice. I don't ever doubt Cassandra Clare's talent for storytelling but sometimes, I honestly don't know whether to love or hate her for it. As usual, she manages to make me such an emotional book mess after reading her books and have me begging for the next one. It made me want to pull my hair out but I loved it either way.

Our beloved shadowhunters and others, are finally getting on with their life after the battle in Idris. Clary's training with Jace and they're finally in a "normal" relationship, Simon's trying to get used to being a vampire, Isabelle's dealing with the loss of Max and her parents, Alec and Magnus retreats together.. but trouble always seems to be lurking in the corners.

Everyone had their own piece in this book. I loved seeing Jace and Clary together before that annoying set back. It did manage to bring up the romantic tension once again. I swear, I don't know if it will ever feel as if this couple won't ever be "forbidden" anymore. Sigh.. Jace, oh, Jace. The boy can't ever get a break! I feel so sorry for his character because every dilemma always find its way to root back to him. I don't know if Clare has something against Jace but all this torture better lead to an amazing conclusion or else, I'm going to have a fit. You just don't go through all of that for nothing!

I like Simon and I liked that he was given a spotlight in this book. He has grown and matured throughout the series but you really get the feel of difference in his character in this book. I loved that little drama between him, Izzy and Maia. I could have gone without it but it was nice little touch. We meet some new characters here and I believe old one from The Infernal Devices so that was pretty cool.

By the angel! I swear, one of these days, Clare's cliffhangers might take its toll on me. I don't think my heart can take anymore but I'm definitely looking forward to reading City of Lost Souls and City of Heavenly Fire.

★★★★★

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Cover Reveal: Wicked Kiss & Lullaby

2012-08-16T14:36:00.002-08:00

Book Stats:
Wicked Kiss by Michelle Rowen
(Book #2 of Nightwatchers)
Format: Paperback, 304 pages
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Expected Publication Date: 2/26/2013

Goodreads Summary: MY KISS CAN KILL. I used to be ordinary Samantha Day, but that's changed. Now, after one dark kiss from a dangerous boy, I can steal someone's soul...or their life. If I give in to the constant hunger inside me, I hurt anyone I kiss. If I don't... I hurt myself. Bishop is the one whose kiss I crave most, but if I kiss him, I'll kill him. Then there's another boy, one I can't hurt. One whose kiss seems to miraculously quell my hunger. They're both part of a team of angels and demons that's joined forces in my city to fight a mysterious rising darkness, an evil that threatens everyone I know and love. I just wonder if I'll be able to help Bishop-or if I'm just another part of the darkness he's sworn to destroy. When angels and demons must work together, something beyond evil is rising...

Book Stats:

Lullaby by Amanda Hocking

(Book #2 of Watersong)

Format: Hardcover, 290 pages

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Expected Publication Date: 11/27/2012

Goodreads Summary: Harper only wanted a safe, normal life. But when her younger sister Gemma runs off with a dangerous clique of beautiful girls, Penn, Thea, and Lexi, everything changes. Vowing to get her sister back no matter what the cost, Harper must face dangers unlike any she's ever experienced. Fortunately, she has Daniel by her side, a gorgeous guy who's devoted to helping her find her sister—and who's immune to the girls' dark powers. While Harper searches for her sister, Gemma struggles to adjust to her new life. Gemma's powers are growing by the day, and the longer she lives with her new "sisters," the harder it is to resist entering their magical world. It's a realm both dark and beautiful, and where she's plagued by strange hungers and unspeakable needs. Just as she's drifting far away from her old life, Harper and Daniel find her...but no one can deny how much she's changed. All she wants is to return to her family and the mortal world, but how can she do that when she's become something else entirely—and will they still love her once they learn the truth? Prepare to fall under the spell of Lullaby, the second book in the Watersong series from New York Times bestselling author Amanda Hocking.

I have not read Dark Kiss by Michelle Rowen (well, I read 4 chapters from a sampler) and Wake by Amanda Hocking. Both are the predecessors of Wicked Kiss and Lullaby. Knowing there's sequels coming out soon, I'm really motivated to read it as soon as I possibly can. I love the Lullaby cover but I'm really not a fan of the Wicked Kiss cover.

Book Review: City Of Glass by Cassandra Clare

2012-08-16T01:07:00.001-08:00

Book Stats:
City Of Glass by Cassandra Clare
(Book #3 of The Mortal Instruments)
Source: Purchased
Format: Hardcover, 541 pages
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication Date: 3/24/2009
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Paranormal, Romance

Goodreads Summary: 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 Shadowhunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadowhunters 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 newfound 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 Timesbestselling trilogy The Mortal Instruments.

After the earth-shattering events that unraveled both in City of Bones and City of Ashes, City of Glass has finally put me at ease.. but only for a second. This was supposed to be the final book in The Mortal Instruments series but as we all know, there are more and It's just getting better and better with every page turned.

We see a lot of growth in our characters in this book especially with Clary. There was more emotion in this book than all the books before combined. Lots of losses and secrets being bared out to for everyone to see. Not to mention, the truth that I've been waiting for to resurface has finally come out and it's been like a splinter being pulled out. I was so emotionally invested in this book after such heartbreaking turn of events in the past and this book did not dissappoint. Although my heart did stop more than once but that's okay, I still managed to restart it.

The book was 500+ pages long. I did devour it for the most part but there we're some parts that could have been omitted to keep the story pace as lively as possible. I did enjoy the adventure, the action and especially the romantic tension between Jace and Clary.
I loved that we we're brought to the world of Shadowhunters this time. It was a nice change of scenery to be brought into the walls of Idris, the image of it was so vivid in my mind. I never once been to Prague or Paris but that's how it appeared to my mind. As well as the movie, Pride and Prejudice.

With the death of an old, comes in the new. Yes, well, Cassandra Clare was a little sneaky here. She did manage to perfectly yet subtly set up a whole new dilemma for the next books without giving away too much. The series could have properly ended here if she chose to do so but I'm really glad she didn't! The Mortal Instruments series are just consuming and it always leaves you wanting more.

★★★★★

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Book Trailer: Carnival of Souls by Melissa Marr

2012-08-16T00:01:00.002-08:00

Hi guys! Sorry I've been MIA for the past couple of days, I've been busy getting stuff together for classes and other things so yeah. Anyways, yesterday on August 14 around 2 PM, Eastern Time, the long awaited high-production trailer of Carnival of Souls debuted on the Entertainment Weekly website (See post here). I must say that this is really amazing, almost as amazing as Struck's book trailer. Usually book trailers are just effects and fonts but this is on another level! It makes me want to demand a movie!

I'm dying to get my hands on this book. Omg, I just found out a week ago that Melissa Marr is visiting Alaska's B&N on September 8 so hopefully I get to meet her and get my book signed. Without further ado, for all of those who haven't seen it, here you go!

What do you think of the trailer? Does it make you want to read the book?

Please feel free to comment below and share your thoughts. They're very much welcome!

Book Review: City Of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

2012-08-13T15:15:00.001-08:00

Book Stats:
City Of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
(Book #2 of The Mortal Instruments)
Source: Purchased
Format: Hardcover, 453 pages
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication Date: 3/25/2008
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Paranormal, Romance

Goodreads Summary: 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, Jace. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil — and also her father. To complicate matters, someone in New York City is murdering Downworlder children. Is Valentine behind the killings — and if he is, what is he trying to do? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor arrives to investigate and zooms right in on Jace. How can Clary stop Valentine if Jace is willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father? In this breathtaking sequel to City of Bones, Cassandra Clare lures her readers back into the dark grip of New York City's Downworld, where love is never safe and power becomes the deadliest temptation.

Whereas, I only liked City Of Bones, I loved City Of Ashes. Maybe it had to do with being less confused because I got the gist of the major characters and the world from its predecessor but I also found the story more consistent in this one. I loved the action, the tension, the twists and the turns! The characters we're given more depth and more difficulties that would keep you flipping from page to page.

After that rather breathtaking cliffhanger from City Of Bones, I immediately dove into reading this one. I was dying to know what happens next to characters I had fallen in love with. Clary despite her commendable character improvement, you can feel for her when she's feeling inadequate to fit in the Shadowhunter's world. Also, the confusion between her feelings for her alleged-brother, Jace and the growing attraction from her bestfriend, Simon. If you take out the fairies, angels and warlocks, It almost sounded like realistic fiction to me which is good. It makes them more relatable.

I loved the Unseelie court scene, it was pretty heartbreaking especially from Jace's POV. To some, it might be a little bit of turn off considering what they found out in City Of Bones but I honestly didn't! I had faith in Cassandra Clare that she wouldn't leave one of my favorite couples hanging like that. This book was pretty heavy on the emotions when it came to the romance department!

City of Ashes was really a beautiful sequel and it was no question I was going to start City Of Glass after reading it. Cassandra Clare is probably the master of masters with cliffhangers! The ending makes me want to shake her and hug her after.

★★★★★

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(Mini) Book Review: Summer's Crossing by Julie Kagawa

2012-08-13T08:36:00.000-08:00

Book Stats:
Summer's Crossing by Julie Kagawa
(Book #3.5 of The Iron Fey)
Source: Purchased
Format: Kindle, 72 pages
Publisher: HarlequinTeen
Publication Date: 6/1/2011
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Paranormal, Adventure, Romance

Goodreads Summary: A Midsummer's Nightmare? Robin Goodfellow. Puck. Summer Court prankster, King Oberon's right hand, bane of many a faery queen's existence—and secret friend to Prince Ash of the Winter Court. Until one girl's death came between them, and another girl stole both their hearts. Now Ash has granted one favor too many and someone's come to collect, forcing the prince to a place he cannot go without Puck's help—into the heart of the Summer Court. And Puck faces the ultimate choice—betray Ash and possibly win the girl they both love, or help his former friend turned bitter enemy pull off a deception that no true faery prankster could possibly resist. An ebook exclusive novella from Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series.

Have I ever mentioned I love Puck? No? Well then, I love Puck! Although, I'm Team Ash all the way, Puck will always have a place in my heart. Shoot, if there's applications available to be his girlfriend, sign me up. How can you not love him? He's humorous, adorable, noble and not to mention, very witty. It's really unfortunate that the past rifted Ash and Puck apart because they could have been such a wonderful duo! Robin Goodfellow is a light-hearted character despite his own battles. As I said before, he is the perfect counterpart for our dark and mysterious Unseelie Prince.

Summer's Crossing happens after the breathtaking ending of The Iron Queen. Ash is setting out to find Grimalkin and Puck invites himself along. Although, their uncertain plans have been put to a stop by none other the Queen of Exiles, Leanansidhe. She came in to call an upaid favor from The Unseelie Prince. I didn't remember Ash calling in a favor but apparently he did and I was as shocked as Puck was. I loved that this book really focused on Puck's wishes and abilities. It was so heartbreakingly sweet that he was doing this for Meghan but I believe he also wanted redemption as well.

This was so much better than Winter's Passage and I really want more Puck books, even just little novellas would be nice! Also, the ending sounds really ominous to me. I can't wait to get started on The Iron Knight.

★★★★★

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Book Review: City Of Bones by Cassandra Clare

2012-08-12T16:00:00.001-08:00

Book Stats:
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
(Book #1 of The Mortal Instruments)
Source: Purchased
Format: Hardcover, 485 pages
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication Date: 3/27/2007
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Paranormal, Romance, Adventure

Goodreads Summary: 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 strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing -- not even a smear of blood -- to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy? This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. 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 ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know... Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.

Well, it has been awhile since I've read this book so my thoughts might be a little clouded and might be a little biased now considering I've already read the next 4 books in the series. But here goes nothing!

At first, I must admit, I wasn't entirely in love with the world that's introduced by Cassandra Clare in City Of Bones. I wasn't much of paranormal junkie before, after coming off a Hunger Games and Divergent high, I was still in search of another dystopian and that's when I stumbled into this. I know, how wrong was I? I'm laughing at my mere innocence and lack of knowledge with YA literature, thankfully now I know better.

The world still confuses me up till this date but its undeniable that it's very interesting and genius. City Of Bones is set in busy streets of New York! When I first read this, that's what fascinated me. I was like, "It's in freaking New York!".

We follow the story of Clarissa Fray, a normal teenager out for a night with her best friend Simon... or so she thought. They we're in a club called Pandemonium and suddenly, things got a little weird. She suddenly sees things moving out of the shadows and witness a killing with her own eyes. Only this wasn't entirely murder and the person wasn't entirely a person. We then meet an angel look-a-like Jace, Isabelle and Alec Lightwood. A set of unusual siblings who are trained to fight demons called Shadowhunters. Being able to see them opens up a whole new world for Clary, which she has been hidden from by none other than her mother. We later than find that she's been kidnapped. She finds herself getting more involved in a world she never knew existed and with a boy that might have nothing to offer her but heartbreak.

I really did like MOST of the characters but there's just some I could have lived without reading about. There we're a lot extras that made it confusing! Clary was ok, a little bit of a whiner but what can you expect from a 16 year old girl being thrusted upon a whole new world with angels and demons? I loved the Lightwood siblings especially our cocky little jerk, Jace. Despite that playful shell, he was really a tormented soul and I really loved that flawed part of him. I also liked Simon and Magnus. One major problem that I had was the villain, Valentine. Sure he made a lot of twists but he just wasn't evil enough for me to consider a threat for a happily ever after, you know? The story was really enticing but the dialogues we're pretty dull and repetitive for me. I did like Simon and Jace's banter but sometimes it just gets really exasperating.

The beginning was a little slow for me but it did pick up. That's where the romance kicks in! I won't say much but City of Bones introduced me to one of my favorite YA couples. Boy, Cassandra Clare definitely knows what she's doing in that department! This was a really nice starter for The Mortal Instruments. I have stucked around for the next 4 books, will read City of Lost Souls and City of Heavenly Fire plus The Infernal Devices and possibly, the spin-off series as well so I guess that could speak for itself!

★★★★

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Book Review: The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

2012-08-12T13:52:00.000-08:00

Book Stats:
The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa
(Book #3 of The Iron Fey)
Source: Purchased
Format: Kindle, 358 pages
Publisher: HarlequinTeen
Publication Date: 1/25/2011
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Paranormal, Adventure, Romance

Goodreads Summary: 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.

Oh my freaking gosh. I haven't felt this devastated from reading a book since City Of Fallen Angels. How devastated? Doing-breathing-exercises-devastated! Yes, The Iron Queen caressed my heart then threw it mercilessly to a beat up box and shipped to the Bermuda Triangle. If that didn't get the point across, I don't know what will!

The Iron Queen continues right after the banishment of Prince Ash and Meghan from Nevernever. They went to the mortal world, thinking they would have to live normal lives but the thought didn't last long for The False King is still trailing from their steps. Meghan was resolved to keep harms away from her family so she knew she had to find away to stop him. Ash and Meghan ventured once again to find answers with more love than ever. Their relationship was at full bloom in this novel and it was so beautiful to witness. We are also once again reunited with our other beloved characters, Puck and Grim.

My, my, Meghan. How much you've grown! Even Ash noted it too. From being just a helpless human coming to Nevernever, to a little lovesick puppy, to now, a strong and noble heroine. She has certainly redeemed herself to me and she's definitely on my favorite character list!

This book has answered a lot of my confusions from the past 2 books. The revelations, both good and the bad, have definitely got all the pieces clicking in. I have embraced them all. If you have read my reviews for The Iron King and The Iron Daughter, you all know my complaints especially with the story starting too slow. Fortunately, I didn't have those problems or any problem with The Iron Queen whatsoever. I love this book to bits and this is the book that solidify my love for the series. I was a bit at odds but I know the story and its characters have consumed me. Actually, my problem of the story being too slow, I wouldn't have mind it being dragged on in this book honestly. I wanted more!

The plot stayed true to how it was constructed from its predecessors. It was predictable most of the time but I did have some shocked moments especially in that breathtaking end, which I have to press on, killed me. Julie Kagawa, are you Nicholas Sparks under that fabulous shell of a woman? I swear, you seem to have a knack for making me cry with this book. I cried through happiness, through heartbreak, through triumph and through loss because it was THAT beautiful. Man, what an adventure.

Although, I'm not in the slightest bit resolved. For some reason, I feel so happy about how things turned out as tragic as it was. Thank goodness, there is another book because I might've turned crazy otherwise. This is my favorite book in the series, I'm pretty sure I'll crack it open more than once in the future!

★★★★★

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Book Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth

2012-08-12T09:04:00.005-08:00

Book Stats:
Divergent by Veronica Roth
(Book #1 of Divergent)
Source: Gifted
Format: Hardcover, 487 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date: 5/3/2011
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Sci-fi, Romance, Adventure, Action

Goodreads Summary: In a future Chicago, 16-year-old Beatrice Prior must choose among five predetermined factions to define her identity for the rest of her life, a decision made more difficult when she discovers that she is an anomaly who does not fit into any one group, and that the society she lives in is not perfect after all.

After reading The Hunger Games last March, I went on this crazy whole new search for another dystopian novel that is similar to it. Not even two days after finishing The Hunger Games trilogy, I came upon Divergent by Veronica Roth. Divergent is a rather interesting post-apocalyptic story that's set in future Chicago. The world is very unique but also very confusing. Not much of the backstory was provided except that they believed that people should live in factions pertaining to their abilities to avoid war and conflict.

We follow the journey of Beatrice Prior. She was a very interesting girl. Here she was, an Abnegation member who was supposed to be selfless and caring but our heroine finds herself at odds with her faction. She can't seem to connect to the things they do so during her choosing ceremony, she made a decision that changed her life forever. Although, she did lack (no pun intended) the fire that Katniss had, she was pretty kick-ass when she learned to be. See, this was a girl who lived her whole live as a quite and shy Abnegation member so you do see huge character development. She went through a lot of physical and emotional turmoil over her course of being an initiate. Before transferring to her new faction, she also learned that she is a "Divergent" which are people that are able to test out into several factions because being one means you have a target in your head.

Let me get into my favorite part of this book and that is, none other than, Four. Our sexy, mysterious, bad-ass trainer. There was a lot of dark revelation with his character which made me love him even more. He has personal demons that he needed to conquer and he had a problem of his own, that is the same as Tris which is why he was instantly protective of her. Especially after that chasm scene. I was just about to combust from the Four hotness!

They do have a little of a "forbidden" romance because she was an initiate and Four was an instructor. They bond through their similar characteristic and over the course of the training, it blooms to an even deeper connection. The romance wasn't put exactly in the spotlight and it was paced rather perfectly in my opinion.

I admit, It had a really slow beginning because I felt the lack of emotions (understandable because she was an Abnegation) and that was the most boring part that I could think of. Other than that, this book really did provide action, romance, a very descriptive imagery of the world, the factions and what they do. I was really invested in the book, I couldn't put the book down. I only read this in a day! I was day-dreaming about being a Dauntless member. I was really motivated to do those adrenaline induced activities, stupid or not, after reading this book. It makes you want to.. LIVE LIKE A DAUNTLESS.

I wouldn't say this is necessarily the next Hunger Games but it's definitely in that same podium. Divergent holds its own in the countless books of Dystopian literature and I highly recommend this book!

★★★★★

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Stacking The Shelves #1 (IMM)

2012-08-11T23:00:00.005-08:00

This is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews where you basically display all the books you've received in the past week.

Borrowed:

The Girl In The Steel Corset by Kady Cross

Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins

Frostbite by Richelle Mead

Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead

Endless Summer by Jennifer Echols

Paranormalcy by Kiesten White

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen

Won/Gifted:

Once by Anna Carey

Spy Mom by Beth McMullen

The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks

Purchased:

For Kindle

Slammed by Colleen Hoover

Point Of Retreat by Colleen Hoover

Summer's Crossing by Julie Kagawa

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

Crash by Nicole Williams

Gabriel's Inferno by Sylvain Reynard
Gabriel's Rapture by Sylvain Reynard

For Review:

From Netgalley

The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa

Speechless by Hannah Harrington

I finally got my library card and as you can see, I went crazy with checking out books I've been dying to read for awhile.

I wasn't expecting to win these prizes that I got but I'm so glad that I did! Thank you to Beth McMullen and The Reading Date for the giveaways. Also, my mom gave me a MMP of The Lucky One. She didn't feel like reading it so she gave it to me!

I'm also super stoked to finish The Iron Fey series (I'm halfway through The Iron Queen and I love it) so that's why I bought the novella and next book. I love reading Mature YA/Adult novels so I got a bunch of popular indie e-books... oh wait, what? I'm wrong? I guess so because Ms. Colleen Hoover finally got signed to Atria Books, along with the author of one of my favorite contemporary romances, Jamie McGuire. Congratulations to both of them!

I got approved for The Lost Prince! I was jumping for joy when I saw the confirmation e-mail. Hopefully, you all had an amazing bookish week as much as I did. Summer's ending soon and I definitely have a lot of reading to do before I wrap it up.

Book Review: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

2012-08-10T18:32:00.000-08:00

Book Stats:
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
(Book #3 of The Hunger Games)
Source: Purchased
Format: Kindle, 455 pages
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication Date: 8/24/2010
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Sci-fi, Romance

Goodreads Summary: My name is Katniss Everdeen. Why am I not dead? I should be dead. Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding. It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plains--except Katniss. The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay--no matter what the personal cost.

I was so distraught after reaching that heart-stopping cliffhanger from Catching Fire and none of those emotions can even compare to what I felt when I reached the conclusion of the final book, Mockingjay. These books have consumed me and I felt so lost when I finished it.

It has been one hell of a journey and even though I was left heartbroken most of the time, I was really happy I picked up that paperback copy of The Hunger Games that started this madness for me. The Hunger Games and Catching Fire was, no doubt, a series of heartbreaking books. Mockingjay was not an exception to that. Suzanne Collins stabbed, stumped and threw my poor little heart with no mercy in a shocking whirlwind of events.

So the story continues after the whole epic breakout from the arena of The Quarter Quell. Peeta is taken by The Capitol and Katniss was brought to the infamous, District 12. She learns that it has survived the bombings, that it's functioning individually and that she is a part of a big plot to overthrow President Snow. The revelations we're dark, twisted yet brilliant all the same.

We also see different sides of the characters we have known and loved. Katniss went through hell in this book and that's saying a lot after going through The Hunger Games. I don't wanna say too much about the plot since I don't really want to spoil everything but be warned, your heart is going to shatter. At least mine did and a couple of people I know.

This book was jam packed with emotions. Keeping true to the nature of its predecessors, it was a page turner. I just want to thank Suzanne Collins for making this wonderful series! I have to say, I have a few things I didn't like about Mockingjay but that doesn't affect the brilliancy of this book and series. I could definitely see myself re-reading these in the next few months or years.

★★★★★

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