The Tainted Poet's YA Book Review

Destined by Aprilynne Pike

noreply@blogger.com (Eli) — Tue, 08 May 2012 03:30:00 +0000

Rating: 4.25/5.0

Release Date: May 1st, 2012

Age Level: Young Adult

Publisher: HarperTeen

Pages: 320

Recommend? Since this is the last book in a series, I recommend this series to fans of Wicked Lovely and other fey related books.

Synopsis:

Tamani looked at her gravely, and reached up to tuck her hair behind her ear.
He hesitated for an instant, then his hands found the sides of her face, pulling her to him. He didn't kiss her, just held her face close to his, their foreheads resting together, their noses almost touching.
She hated how much it felt like good-bye.

Laurel now knows the truth: Yuki is a rare Winter faerie, the most powerful—and deadly—of all, and Klea plans to use her to help conquer and destroy Avalon. But Klea's reach extends far beyond one wild Winter faerie. With Tamani, David, and Chelsea by her side, Laurel prepares to face what may be Avalon's final days, in the stunning conclusion to the Wings series.

My Thoughts:

Destined was a pretty good ending to an excellent series. I have been looking forward to this book since the day after Illusions came out (I read it in one day) and it did not disappoint. I read this non-stop the day I got it and could not put it down. I simply had to know how she ended it!

There were a few things that I did not like how she concluded in this final novel. First off, there was something missing from the feel of this book. The other books had my heart pounding (for various reasons!) but this book was missing that element. I found it lack luster in that department. However, my loyalty to the series kept me reading.

Everything turned out exactly how I wanted it to! There were a few surprises, but other then that I had the ending pretty well predicted. This is good in a way that everything I was hoping for came true, but bad in a sense that there wasn't much unpredictability involved. I like it when books surprise me and this one didn't. However, I was NOT expecting how she would achieve all of these ends, so it was interesting enough to follow along on Laurel's journey to see her through to the end.

I LOVE Tamani and that doesn't change in this novel. I still adore him to death and he remains my favorite character. I also grew to really like Chelsea in Destined, while I had never been fond of her in prior novels. I am still neutral about David, however I believe she had the perfect ending for him. I can't imagine anything going differently.

Destined was definitely not my favorite book of the Wings series, however, it was definitely a page turner that I enjoyed greatly. I highly recommend the Wings series!

Details:

Cover: 5.0

Plot: 3.5

Characters: 5.0

Writing: 3.0

Source: Purchased from store.

Books that I Recommend

noreply@blogger.com (Eli) — Fri, 04 May 2012 07:33:00 +0000

I was recently thinking that there are several books that I am constantly recommending to other people. I thought it might be a good idea to make a list and give a few reasons on why I recommend these books and what about them is so special.

The Naming by Alison Croggon

The Naming is one of my favorite books and one of the books I most highly recommend to fantasy lovers. It is a series of four books that is not only incredibly well written, but increasingly interesting as the series goes on. It is also very unique, in my opinion. If you enjoy magic, fantasy, and an interesting twist on bards, then you might want to check it out. This is a book that I will recommend forever.

The Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

The Uglies is the book series that truly got me into Scott Westerfeld's work. While he has several series out now, I still think that The Uglies is by far his best series. Dystopian in nature, the novel introduces us to a character named Tally that through the series will go through so many changes that she will barely recognize herself by the end of it all. The Uglies is highly acclaimed and one of the books that I think anyone who enjoys young adult literature should check out.

Skin Hunger by Kathleen Duey

Skin Hunger, I believe, is highly overlooked by most readers. I find it even hard to locate it at a bookstore, let alone find someone I know in person who has also read it. This is why I recommend it so frequently. It is an excellent series that is still currently going on (we are awaiting the third installment) about magic. It switches Point of View between two characters and is all the more interesting for it. I also recommend this to male readers who enjoy Young Adult.

Other Novels:

I could go on and on about more novels, but I decided to make a list instead. A majority of these books don't even need a reason why they are constantly recommended.

-The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
-The Maze Runner by James Dashner
-Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr
-Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson
-Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken
-Cirque Du Freak by Darren Shan
-Harry Potter (series) by J.K. Rowling
-Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow
-Divergent by Veronica Roth

Interview: Aimee Carter

noreply@blogger.com (Eli) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:56:00 +0000

Aimée Carter is the author of the debut novel The Goddess Test. The Goddess Test is now available in bookstores and online.

Questions on The Goddess Test:

Tainted Poet: First off, could you give us a brief summery of The Goddess Test?

Aimée Carter: The Goddess Test is a sort of sequel to the myth of Hades and Persephone, in the sense that it takes place eons after the original myth occurred. How would I describe it in one sentence? What happens when Hades must replace Persephone, and someone is killing off the candidates.

However, I really can't do a better job describing it than the copy on the back of the book:

Every girl who has taken the test has died.

Now it's Kate's turn.

It's always been just Kate and her mom--and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear that her mother won't live past the fall.

Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld--and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.

Kate is sure he's crazy--until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride and a goddess.

If she fails...

TP: I love how you incorporated the Greek Myth about Hades and Persephone into your novel. Is it your favorite myth?

Aimée: Thank you! It is definitely one of my favorite myths. I love many of them for several different reasons, but the myth of Persephone has always stayed with me, even from a young age. In the story, I was forced to tinker with the myth to make Hades a more compassionate character, but I did my best to stay true to the idea of a girl who is forced to marry a god she didn't love. I love Persephone's strength despite her circumstances, but I very much wanted to explore what that sort of relationship would do to Hades as well. Which is where much of Henry's character comes from.

TP: James was one of my favorite characters in The Goddess Test. Do you have a favorite?

Aimée: It's so difficult to pick a favorite. I would have to say, if I had to choose...no, still couldn't choose. It would be a three-way tie between Henry, James, and Ava. All simply because of how much fun they are to write. They each bring something unique to a scene, and as a writer, I couldn't be happier with getting the opportunity to 'work with them', so to say.

TP: If you could describe Henry in three words, what would they be? How about Kate?

Aimée: Tough question. Henry would be... lonely, loyal, and guarded. Kate would be desperate, selfless, and uncertain. Or trusting. We can pretend that's only three. :)

TP: What do you think separates The Goddess Test from other YA novels being released this year?

Aimée: Oh, wow. I really don't know. That's for the reader to decide! There is a stunning selection of YA novels being released this year, and I'm in complete awe of every single YA author out there. I don't feel like one of them. I honestly don't know if I ever will. They're all so stunning and talented, and I can't possibly see myself measuring up. I feel like a very little fish in a huge pond, and it continues to baffle me that anyone's ever heard of this little book I wrote the summer I couldn't work because the dentist broke my jaw in two places. (True story.)

TP: There are going to be three books in this series. Could you tell us a little something about the sequel, Goddess Interrupted?

Aimée: Goddess Interrupted was released on January 2012, and I am SO excited for everyone to get the chance to read it! It's much more action-packed than The Goddess Test, though there are still plenty of twists and turns along the way. I can't reveal much about the plot, especially since the first book hasn't been released yet, but I will say that earlier this week, I saw a sample of what the cover will look like, and it is gorgeous.

Other Questions:

TP: Since The Goddess Test is set in Michigan, how do you think being from Michigan inspired your writing?

Aimée: The Goddess Test takes place in the upper peninsula, and while I've been to the UP several times as a kid, my connection to Michigan had nothing to do with why I set it here. I considered a host of isolated places, including Maine and upstate New York, but I chose Michigan for one reason: it has a Paradise and a Hell. Eden is supposed to be around the same place as Paradise, if you know where that happens to be, and that was definitely deliberate.

TP: Have you always wanted to be a writer?

Aimée: I've been writing since I was eleven, but it didn't occur to me that I could do it as a living until several years later. I never really had one thing I wanted to do. I was a bit lost as a kid and went through the usual rounds - I wanted to be a veterinarian, a horse breeder, an actress, everything. But writing, especially when I was in my tween and teenage years, was the one thing I consistently loved to do.

TP: Are there any foods or drinks you like to eat or drink while writing?

Aimée: I usually get some sort of drink, though that goes through cycles. I don't drink coffee, but sometimes I get hot chocolate, if I'm at a place where I like their hot chocolate. Sometimes, if they have it, I'll get chocolate milk (sensing a pattern yet?). Right now I'm drinking water mixed with those little individual flavor packets, which works out well.

TP: Which of the characters from The Goddess Test is most like you?

Aimée: I share a trait or two with all of them just by virtue of having created them, really. Personality-wise, there isn't really a character in the book that is me (though if I had to choose, I think I might say I'm most like James - then again, that isn't saying much). But Kate does go through a lot of things, especially taking care of her mother and facing the possibility that she's going to lose the only family she has, which I wound up going through after the book was accepted for publication, oddly enough. My father was hospitalized on and off for several months, and he had major heart surgery, a very bad infection, and a host of problems while I was doing edits for the book. So I certainly empathize with her in that way, though her personality is very different from mine.

TP: What is one question you wish people would ask you?

Aimée: "How would you like to star opposite Ben Barnes in a blockbuster action/romance film?"

Oh, wait, not what you're talking about? Hmm...

Honestly, I've been hoping for a chance to explain why the book is set in Michigan, so it seem you've already asked it! As for something else, I'm at a loss for anything meaningful, so let's go with "What's your hidden talent?" And that would be solving a Rubik's Cube in under three minutes. Most of the time. And that's without peeling the stickers off.

TP: Thank you for the interview! Any last comments?

Aimée: Thank you so much for having me on your fantastic blog!

END

Check out Aimée's website and learn more about The Goddess Test at www.aimeecarter.com!

Check out my review for The Goddess Test!

Secrets and Shadows by Shannon Delany

noreply@blogger.com (Eli) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 18:45:00 +0000

Rating: 4.0/5.0
Release Date: February 15, 2011
Age Level: Young Adult 14+
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Pages: 320

Recommend? This is book two in the series 13 to Life.

Synopsis:

Nothing’s simple when you run with werewolves.

Jess Gillmansen thinks she’s seen it all but her eyes are about to be opened to even more danger and a reality far more paranormal than she’s suspected. With Jess’s realization that the Rusakovas’ mother is still alive and imprisoned, the group’s choices become harder and trust more important. Lines are drawn and relationships change as the broken Rusakova family struggles to reunite long enough to free their mother and people who Jess always just took to be normal people show themselves to be much, much more. (Synopsis from Amazon).

My Thoughts:

Secrets and Shadows was a fantastic continuation in the 13 to Life series. Emotional, stressful, and funny all at the same time, Secrets and Shadows was an emotional roller coaster. I devoured this book in just a few days and it definitely left me hungry for more. It is such a page turner that definitely kept me reading the whole way through.

What I really loved about Secrets and Shadows is how easily it is to relate to Jess. She loves to read (vampire novels! Who doesn't?), ride horses (maybe this is just me, but I love to ride English!), and the fact she is just an ordinary girl pushed into an extraordinary setting. It is every regular girls dream-- Though, in Jess's case, it is not so simple. With messages of BEWARE showing up everywhere, Jess has a lot to worry about and even less people to trust.

While the novel was really excellent, there were a few flaws. I had a couple issues with the characters (which I don't want to go into in case I spoil anything) but they did throw me off the book a bit. I'm also hesitant to say the plot is perfect-- it definitely has its flaws. However, the novel more then makes up for these small problems.

The ending of Secrets and Shadows really threw me off-- I was not expecting that! It would be a spoiler to state what I am referring to, but trust me... it's pretty crazy. I cannot wait to read the next installment Bargains and Betrayals, which I have waiting on my shelf right now!

Details:

Cover: 4.0

Plot: 4.0

Characters: 4.0

Writing: 4.0

Source: Purchased from store.

Movie Review: The Hunger Games

noreply@blogger.com (Eli) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 06:38:00 +0000

This review is a little bit late, but I had to make sure I posted and shared my thoughts. The Hunger Games movie was MUCH better then I thought it would be. I saw it at midnight with a group of my friends (I think there were ten of us in total) a couple of which who have never read the books (no matter my begging and urging that they should!). It is always an interesting experience to see people's responses, especially to something like The Hunger Games.

First off, I was super iffy on the casting. However, I actually enjoyed most of how the characters are portrayed! While I agree that Jennifer Lawrence didn't exactly look like she was starving like Katniss should have, but I think she did a great job at acting like Katniss. Even in the books, Katniss was never meant to be the most likeable character. I, however, do wish they would have shown a bit more of Rue's relationship with Katniss. A few of my friends didn't grasp the closeness between Katniss and Rue, which was a bit saddening. Their relationship was one of my favorite aspects of the novel.

I wasn't super fond of Gale (though, truth be told, I didn't really like Gale in the novels either). It could have been because he didn't have a huge presence in the movie, but I'm not sure if I like the actor that is playing him. I guess future movies will tell! However, surprisingly enough, I really liked Josh Hutcherson's acting and he did a fabulous job as Peeta. He seemed really sincere and acted, in my opinion, like Peeta! There were a few actors that I had in mind as my perfect Peeta, but thinking back, I don't think they could have pulled him off quite like Josh did.

Overall, the movie was fantastic and I recommend it to everyone. I haven't found a friend who did not enjoy it! I still really enjoy the novel (more than the movie) but I think the movie definitely did a decent job. Oh! And my friends and I dressed up for the release! I used my Katniss costume from Dragon*Con and my friends dressed as tributes and other characters. We were pretty cool. I cannot wait until Catching Fire hits big screens!

Why I Read Young Adult

noreply@blogger.com (Eli) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 05:54:00 +0000

I've recently put a lot of thought into why I read Young Adult novels more often than other genres. I've read pretty extensively through various genres (since I'm an English major and all) but I always come back to young adult. So why? I found that there are several things that young adult novels consistently contain compared to other genres (though, of course, there are always exceptions). I thought I would explore and give some reasoning on why I love this genre so much.

Characters. For some reason, characters in young adult novels have always been much more relatable to me personally than in adult genres like science fiction or mystery (or even romance or other genres that I have dabbled into). Characters in young adult novels, because of their youth, tend to have pretty unique reactions to different settings compared to more mature characters. Also, perhaps because I've recently left my teens, I see a bit of myself and my friends within the characters. I understand what they are going through (especially in novels that deal with relationships) and I love seeing how things turn out.

Love. A lot of young adult novels that I read include relationship issues or characters falling in love, etc. As a girl, I love reading about love and the idea of falling in love. There are numerous young adult novels that deal with just this. I know that there are a lot of other genres that deal with all of these things, however, young love ( like in young adult novels) in my opinion is more fun to read about. First love and sometimes more innocent puppy love is interesting to me (compared to the highly sexualized love in adult novels like in the romance genre).

There are other factors that add in why I like young adult so much. Novels like The Hunger Games and Divergent can really only be done (or rather, done well) with a younger cast of characters. Young adult brings aspects to the literary world that are unique to it. A lot of which is only interesting in young adult. Again, there are exceptions, but even those exceptions are still not quite the same or do not have the same feeling to them. I guess there is no one reason I love to read young adult novels the most. I just do!

Divergent by Veronica Roth

noreply@blogger.com (Eli) — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 19:57:00 +0000

Rating: 5.0/5.0
Release Date: May 3, 2011
Age Level: Young Adult
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Pages: 496

Recommend? I recommend Divergent to everyone. Especially fans of The Hunger Games, The Maze Runner, and Gone.

Synopsis:

She turns to the future in a world that's falling apart. For sixteen-year-old Tris, the world changes in a heartbeat when she is forced to make a terrible choice.

Turning her back on her family, Tris ventures out, alone, determined to find out where she truly belongs. Shocked by the brutality of her new life, Tris can trust no one. And yet she is drawn to a boy who seems to both threaten and protect her. The hardest choices may yet lie ahead!

My Thoughts:

Divergent is a debut novel by Veronica Roth that left me breathless. I've always been a huge fan of dystopian literature and Divergent really takes a fascinating spin on the genre. The main character Beatrice is engaging and interesting-- she does quite a few unexpected things throughout the novel.

One of my favorite aspects of the books are the different factions. There are five and they each stand for something completely different from one another. They are Dauntless, Candor, Amity, Abnegation, and Erudite. In my opinion, the Dauntless are by far the most interesting of the factions and as you learn in the novel, they might be the hardest to fit in with. Beatrice is originally from Abnegation, though has always believed herself separate from the faction and her family, even though she has a level of respect for the faction and them.

I have to say Divergent is one of the most promising series that I have started recently. Each character has a story and the novel definitely makes you yearn to learn each and every one. I have always been a huge fan of character development and Divergent does it perfectly. There are very few books that I would say the same about. My favorite character turned out to be Four (who I will speak no more of to avoid spoilers, but trust me... you'll like him too if you read the book!) but I still adore Beatrice and even Beatrice's mother.

I have very few complaints about Divergent. The first one that comes to mind is that when I read it, I simply wanted more! Divergent is a page turner that is sure to keep you up reading all night. Insurgent, book two, is now available in hardback and as an e-book.

Details:

Cover: 5.0

Plot: 5.0

Characters: 5.0

Writing: 5.0

Source: Purchased from store.

The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler

noreply@blogger.com (Eli) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 16:56:00 +0000

Rating: 4.0/5.0
Release Date: November 21, 2011
Age Level: Young Adult
Publisher: Razorbill
Pages: 356

Recommend? I recommend this to fans of Thirteen Reasons Why, Jay Asher's first novel.

Synopsis:

It's 1996, and less than half of all American high school students have ever used the Internet.

Emma just got her first computer and an America Online CD-ROM.

Josh is her best friend. They power up and log on--and discover themselves on Facebook, fifteen years in the future.

Everybody wonders what their Destiny will be. Josh and Emma are about to find out.

My Thoughts:

The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler was unlike anything I had ever read. Set in the mid-90s, it gave nostalgic feelings to back when I received my very own first email and copy of AOL.

The travel though time theme in The Future of Us is done very uniquely-- through the internet and more specifically, Facebook. While the connection between the two main characters lack chemistry, in my opinion, there were a lot of other factors that made this book enjoyable. Having grown up in the 90s myself, the nostalgia factor was part of this. The pop culture references made this book that much more enjoyable.

The lack of chemistry and interesting lead characters is a huge flaw in The Future of Us. You are expecting more until the very last page, to which you are sorely disappointed. Jay Asher's first book (which was also a stand alone novel), Thirteen Reasons Why, gave me huge expectations when going int The Future of Us to which I was left without fulfillment. I felt as though everything that made Thirteen Reasons Why great was lacking from The Future of us, especially a successful ending to which I believe Thirteen Reasons Why contains, but The Future of Us was lacking.

While I am familiar with Jay Asher's other novel Thirteen Reasons Why, I have not read any of Carolyn Mackler's previous novels. I am always skeptical when it comes to co-authored books since sometimes you can feel the dual natures of the authors, but in The Future of Us's case, I was unable to differentiate the voices and felt no such dual personality from it.

There are several reasons I did not particularity like Emma's character. A lot of the reasons she did things and even the crushes she had on particular boys felt unnatural to me. She was a character I had a hard time relating to, which is always a problem for me when I read novels. I usually try to find ways to relate to characters or somehow get an understanding of a character, but in Emma's case, I was unable to do so. It is hard reading through a novel where the main character is alien to you. I had a better time getting an understanding of Josh, to which I was relieved.

My favorite scenes in The Future of Us were those that involved the minor characters. There was a bonfire scene that not only put a lot of insight into certain characters and their development, but allowed our main characters to interact outside of their comfort zone, which always adds a different layer of characterization.

The Facebook aspect of this novel is very interesting and unique. Social networking in today's world is very common, but in the early to mid 90s, we had really never heard of it. However, the idea of being able to see into your own future Facebook, and within that your future self, is interesting to me. To see not only what you look like and are currently up to and observing how everything you do in the present affects what happens in the future would be a jarring experience. Prior to this novel, I had never seen anyone utilize the idea of Facebook as a portal into our future were our past selves able to glimpse it and how that would have affected our lives, say if we believed ourselves to be unhappy.

I enjoyed The Future of Us and look forward to reading more from both Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler.

Details:

Cover: 5.0

Plot: 4.0

Characters: 3.0

Writing: 4.0

Source: Purchased from store.

Deathly Hallows Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Eli) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 20:06:00 +0000

I was in Italy when the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 movie came out here in the states. I was also on hiatus, so I was unable to write a post about my experience! However, it just wouldn't feel right to NOT have a post on Part 2 when I have posted on the previous releases. So I decided to write about my experience of seeing Part 2 while in Italia.

First off, I was devastated when I found out that I would be missing the release! My friends and I have a thing where we always go (dressed up!) to the Harry Potter releases. Unfortunately I had to miss it this year due to the fact I was spending five weeks in Italy.

However, when I got to Italy, it turned out not only would I be able to attend the release but it was being release two days earlier in Italy (on the 13 rather then the 15). Of course I went out on an excursion to find a theatre near Montepulciano (where I was mostly staying while in Italy). Turned out there was a theatre that was about a half an hour away on bus! I looked up times and off I went!

(My ticket stub from the release day!)

Now, I wasn't sure if the movie would be in English with Italian subtitles or vice versa, but I went with hope. Thankfully, while it wasn't in English, it had subtitles. I can't even express how much I cried during that movie... I know there are a few people who did not enjoy it but I have to say that I loved it and if you haven't seen it by now (the DVD and Blu Ray are now released) then you need to go pick it up immediately!

(My roommate and I at the release outside of Chiusi-- I'm the one in purple!)

That was the first time I saw it in Italy. However, while spending a weekend in Florence, my friend and I happened across an old opera house--now turned into an English movie theatre! Not only were they playing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, but it was in English! That was the second time I saw Part 2 and I still cried my eyes out.

(A bus I saw in Rome)

I have been reading Harry Potter since I was nine or ten years old. Here I am, at twenty-three, watching the final installment of a series that changed my life. It was such a bittersweet moment.

It was my realization that my childhood was over.

On a more humorous note, this warning was pretty fitting:

And that was my Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 experience.

So now that I'm back...

noreply@blogger.com (Eli) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 06:01:00 +0000

How about a contest?

I am so happy to be able to come back to my blog and continue to receive kind comments from followers (even after my super long hiatus!) and I just want to thank you all SO much!

So, what shall I give away?

You name it, I'll consider it! Comment below on a newly released book that you would love to own! I'll take everything in consideration but if everyone seems to be naming the same book, there is a good chance that will be the book I give away! I will be only giving away one book (this isn't the contest for the book, just the post deciding on which book to give away! The contest post will be made after I've decided on which book everyone wants the most).

Just leave me the title and author. I'll decide by next week. :]

I'm back!

noreply@blogger.com (Eli) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 21:39:00 +0000

Hello everyone--

I apologize for my long absence on the blogosphere, but I have returned and am excited to start blogging again! Thank you everyone who has continued to follow me throughout my hiatus. If you have any comments about my return, feel free to reply to this post! I'll be posting an update post soon to let everyone know what will be happening here at The Tainted Poet as well as some other new events, so continue to check back!

Thank you and I look forward to blogging once again!

Eli, The Tainted Poet

Italy!

noreply@blogger.com (Eli) — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 12:46:00 +0000

Hello Everyone!

I am currently doing a study abroad program in Italy and (as I'm sure everyone has noticed!) I had to take a small break from blogging. However, come August, I'll be back to blogging as usual! I have read a ton of books that I can't wait to share with everyone.

Thanks everyone for being patient with me and I'll be back soon!

Ciao!

Quick Update

noreply@blogger.com (Eli) — Mon, 09 May 2011 03:22:00 +0000

Hello everyone!

I apologize that I have not posted recently! It is finals week at my University and I've been incredibly busy (currently finishing four different papers!) and haven't had a ton of time to post. However, finals end Monday and I should be able to get something to post by tuesday. Probably around Wednesday or Thursday, I'll post the winner of White Cat.

Hope everyone is having a great week! If you're in the middle of finals (like me), good luck!

Illusions by Aprilynne Pike

noreply@blogger.com (Eli) — Wed, 04 May 2011 15:58:00 +0000

Rating: 4.75/5.0
Release Date: May 3rd, 2011
Age Level: Young Adult 14+
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 384

Recommend? I definitely recommend the Wings series! Illusions was a fantastic third novel in this increasingly enticing series. I highly recommend reading Wings and Spells before reading Illusions.

Synopsis:

"I don't do patrols, I don't go hunting, I just stick close to you. You live your life. I'll keep you safe," Tamani said, sweeping a lock of hair from her face. "Or die trying."

Laurel hasn't seen Tamani since she begged him to let her go last year. Though her heart still aches, Laurel is confident that David was the right choice.

But just as life returns to normal, Laurel realizes that a hidden enemy lies in wait. Once again, Laurel must turn to Tamani to protect and guide her, for the danger that now threatens Avalon is one that no faerie thought would ever be possible. And for the first time, Laurel cannot be sure that her side will prevail.

My Thoughts:

Illusions, the third novel in Aprilynne Pike's Wings series, was just as amazing as its predecessor. While Spells, the second novel, is still my favorite of the series (I loved the Avalon setting), Illusions comes in a very close second.

Those who have yet to read Wings or Spells, tread carefully. This is the Third book in the series and plot WILL be spoiled (unintentionally and nothing more then you would learn from the synopsis) if you continue reading.

I cannot say his name enough. Tamani. Tamani! TAMANI! (Ok, I won't fangirl rant this time...) Those who are fans of Tamani will definitely enjoy his presence throughout the novel. I loved how the POV shifted between Laurel's and Tamani's so that you had a grasp on exactly how both of them were truly feeling. I definitely would have had issues with Tamani getting so close to Yuki (the new girl introduced in Illusions) had I not known through his POV that he had no real intentions/feelings for her. Being able to get into his head definitely saved me a few headaches.

The relationship between David and Laurel gets really complicated when Tamani is thrown into their everyday life and Laurel begins to struggle through some pretty hard decisions. Personally, I agree with her on most of them towards the end. I love how her mom is able to pick up on her inner angst and try and help her work through it. I love that they emphasize her closeness with her mom after all the past issues there. It was something small that I believe made a huge impact on the believability of Laurel's world and life.

Talk about a cliffhanger-- If you thought Spells ended on a cliffhanger, I actually kept flipping back and forth between the last page and the acknowledgements trying to comprehend how the book ended without me noticing. I had read the whole book in one sitting and just as things were beginning to unfold, it ends! I was hanging off every last word, too!

Illusions was a fantastic third novel in the Wings series and now I am holding my breath waiting for the fourth!

Details:

Cover: 5.0

Plot: 5.0

Characters: 5.0

Writing: 4.0

Source: Purchased from store.

In My MailBox -21

noreply@blogger.com (Eli) — Sun, 01 May 2011 04:26:00 +0000

Books Mentioned:

Book for Review:
-Tomorrow Girls: Behind The Gates by Eva Gray
-Tempest Rising by Tracy Deebs
-Flawless by Lara Chapman
-The Map of Time by Felix J. Palma
-Robopocalypse by Daniel Wilson
-Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz
-Hereafter by Tara Hudson
-Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini

Books I Bought:
-Passing Strange by Daniel Waters
-Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis
-Other by Karen Kincy
-Behemoth by Scott Westerfeld
-Nightshade by Andrea Cremer
-The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson
-Soulstice by Simon Holt
-The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan
-The Last Saint by Bree Despain
-Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
-Where She Went by Gayle Forman
-The Saga of Larten Crepsley: Oceans of Blood by Darren Shan
-City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare
-At Graves End by Jeaniene Frost (Not Froster!! Sorry!)
-Destined for an Early Grave by Jeaniene Frost (Again, sorry!!)
-The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
-The Sea of Trolls by Nancy Farmer
-The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
-Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston

Bookmooch:
-Troy High by Shana Norris

In My Mailbox was created by: The Story Siren.

Eli's Weekly Post -21

noreply@blogger.com (Eli) — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 18:14:00 +0000

Hello everyone!

It's been awhile since I've done one of these updates, huh? Well I just wanted to share some cool things with you real quick before the weekend!

The Hunger Games. Everyone (I'm sure) has been following the development of this movie religiously. We were all there saying "ehhh" when Katniss was casted and lets not even talk about Gale or Peeta. Well, by now, I'm in this daze that's just going to trust the movie people to do their job-- And HOPEFULLY everything will turn out all right.

But! For those of you who are following the movie, have you read the new Teen Vogue for May? There is an interview/article about Jennifer Lawrence in it (and she's on the cover!). If you're into learning some more about her and her role with The Hunger Games as Katniss, you might want to pick one up!

Ok! So back to blog stuff.

Stuff that is going on at The Tainted Poet:

-Win White Cat by Holly Black! Ends April 30th!!

-This week I posted my review for Stay by Deb Caletti.

-I'm currently reading Tempest Rising by Tracy Deebs.

Stuff to look forward to next week:

-Review for Defiance by Lili St. Crow.

-Review for Tempest Rising by Tracy Deebs.

-Interview with Tracy Deebs.

-New Giveaway and announcement of Book of the month!

I hope everyone had a fantastic week!

Waiting on Wednesday -31

noreply@blogger.com (Eli) — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 15:11:00 +0000

Starstruck by Cyn Balog

Release Date: July 12th, 2011

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Synopsis:

Gwendolyn "Dough" X doesn't think she has much going for her—she carries a few extra pounds, her family struggles with their small bakery in a town full of millionaires, and the other kids at her New Jersey high school don't seem to know that she exists. Thank the stars for her longtime boyfriend, Philip P. Wishman—or "Wish." He moved away to California three years ago, when they were 13, but then professed his love for her via e-mail, and he's been her long-distance BF ever since.
At the beginning of her junior year, though, Wish e-mails that he's moving back to Jersey. Great, right? Well, except that Dough has gained about 70 pounds since the last time Wish saw her, while Wish—according to his Facebook photos—has morphed into a blonde god. Convinced that she'll be headed for Dumpsville the minute Wish lays eyes on her, Dough delays their meeting as long as she possibly can.

But when she sees Wish at school, something amazing happens. He looks at Dough like she's just as gorgeous as he is. But Wish is acting a little weird, obsessed with the sun and freaked out by rain. And the creepy new guy working at the bakery, Christian, is convinced that there's more to Wish's good looks than just healthy eating and lots of sun. He tells Dough that a mark on Wish's neck marks him as a member of the Luminati—an ancient cult of astrologers who can manipulate the stars to improve their lives. Is Wish and Dough's love meant to be—or are they star-crossed?

I LOVED Cyn's other books, so I can't wait to get my hands on Starstruck! The cover is cute-- I love the stars!

So, what did you choose for your WOW? ;)

Waiting on Wednesday is brought to us by Jill at: Breaking The Spine.

Stay by Deb Caletti

noreply@blogger.com (Eli) — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 15:58:00 +0000

Rating: 5.0/5.0
Release Date: April 5th, 2011
Age Level: Young Adult 14+
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 320

Recommend? Anyone interested in real life YA suspense novels would love Stay!

Synopsis:

Clara’s relationship with Christian is intense from the start, and like nothing she’s ever experienced before. But what starts as devotion quickly becomes obsession, and it’s almost too late before Clara realizes how far gone Christian is--and what he’s willing to do to make her stay.
Now Clara has left the city—and Christian—behind. No one back home has any idea where she is, but she still struggles to shake off her fear. She knows Christian won’t let her go that easily, and that no matter how far she runs, it may not be far enough....

My Thoughts:

Stay is not only a novel that dealt with how a girl deals with a stalker-ish ex, but also about a father daughter relationship and how they dealt with--together-- the death of Clara's mother and their different forms of grief.

Prior to Stay, I had not read a book by Deb Caletti before. It definitely surprised me and I have to say that I could not put it down! I also LOVED how Caletti did the footnotes throughout the book-- they were a cute and informative addition to the novel!

One of the main themes in Stay was the relationship between a father and a daughter and the grief of Clara's mother's death. Their relationship went through many obstacles, but was stronger for it in the end. Neither Clara or her father are perfect. They both have made mistakes in the past and this proves how human and real their characters are. The ups and downs of their relationship really added to the story and I felt that it was important to include.

I loved the message Caletti was sending by showing the stalker ex-boyfriend. I think it is important for girls to realize when they should get out of a relationship and the signs for when things aren't quite right. I personally feel that the over protectiveness and controlling characteristics of boyfriends in books (particularly a CERTAIN character from a CERTAIN series, which shall not be named) may seem harmless (and in said books, are) but in real life, this is not always the case. I feel that Caletti showed us the other side of the coin-- where these characteristics should have been a warning, but Clara failed to see just how dangerous some pretty boys can actually be. I think more girls should be aware of the warning signs for an abusive/obsessive relationship.

I loved Stay and will definitely be checking out some of Deb Caletti's other books in the future!

**Reviewed Copy was an ARC**

Details:

Cover: 5.0

Plot: 5.0

Characters: 5.0

Writing: 5.0

Source: Received from Publisher for Review.

Giveaway Reminder!

noreply@blogger.com (Eli) — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 23:28:00 +0000

Hello everyone!

I just wanted to remind everyone that my giveaway for White Cat by Holly Black ends the 30th of this month! If you haven't entered and you're interested in winning a free copy of White Cat, You should definitely check it out!

Click here to enter!

Also!

Taschima at The Bloody Bookaholic is having a contest over at her blog as well! She is giving away over 40 books!

Click here to go to her giveaway!

Waiting on Wednesday -30

noreply@blogger.com (Eli) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 15:34:00 +0000

After Obsession by Carrie Jones and Steven E. Wedel

Release Date: September 13th, 2011

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Synopsis:

Aimee and Alan have secrets. Both teens have unusual pasts and abilities they prefer to keep hidden. But when they meet each other, in a cold Maine town, they can't stop their secrets from spilling out. Strange things have been happening lately, and they both feel that something-or someone- is haunting them. They're wrong. Despite their unusual history and powers, it's neither Aimee nor Alan who is truly haunted. It's Alan's cousin Courtney who, in a desperate plea to find her missing father, has invited a demon into her life-and into her body. Only together can Aimee and Alan exorcise the ghost. And they have to move quickly, before it devours not just Courtney but everything around her.

Filled with heart-pounding romance, paranormal activity, and rich teen characters to love-and introducing an exciting new YA voice, Steven Wedel-this novel is exactly what Carrie Jones fans have been waiting for. Meet your next obsession (Amazon).

I love the Need series and I cannot wait to read more books by Carrie Jones! This one is a must have for me! It's interesting that it has two authors and I can't wait to see how it turns out. :)

So, what did you choose for your WOW? ;)

Waiting on Wednesday is brought to us by Jill at: Breaking The Spine.

400 Followers Giveaway Winner!

noreply@blogger.com (Eli) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 01:33:00 +0000

And the winner is...

Ashley H.!!

Congrats!! You've won Wings, Need, and Blue Bloods! I'll be contacting you soon!

Thank you everyone who participated in my 400 Followers Giveaway!

Don't forget to enter my giveaway for Holly Black's White Cat! Ends April 30th!

Happy Release Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Eli) — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 17:10:00 +0000

Yet another fantastic book day today!

Happy release day to The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter, Defiance by Lili St. Crow, and Morpheus Road: The Black by D. J. MacHale!

Which one is everyone most looking forward to? Also, are there any other releases out today that everyone is excited about? Feel free to comment with them! :D

Waiting on Wednesday -29

noreply@blogger.com (Eli) — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 15:21:00 +0000

Witches of East End by Melissa De La Cruz

Release Date: June 21, 2011

Publisher: Hyperion

Synopsis:

It’s the beginning of summer in North Hampton, and beautiful Freya Beauchamp is celebrating her engagement to wealthy Bran Gardiner, the heir to Fair Haven and Gardiners Island. But Freya is drawn to Bran’s gorgeous but unreliable brother Killian, and sparks fly when the two decide to play a dangerous game, following an ancient story of love, betrayal and tragedy that harks back to the days of Valhalla.

Witches of East End follows the Beauchamp family—the formidable matriarch Joanna and her daughters Freya and Ingrid. Freya, a sexy bartender, has a potion to cure every kind of heartache, while Ingrid, the local librarian, solves complicated domestic problems with her ability to tie magical knots. Joanna is the witch to see when modern medicine has no more answers; her powers can wake the dead. Everything seems to be going smoothly until a young girl, Molly Lancaster, goes missing after taking one of Freya’s irresistible cocktails. As more of the town’s residents begin disappearing, everyone seems to have the same suspects in mind: the Beauchamp women.

Fraught with love, small-town secrets, and witchcraft, Witches of East End will capture any reader who craves a page-turning, heart-stopping story of myth and magic from an author who knows how to deliver.

I can't wait to read this one! I LOVE Melissa's Blue Bloods series, so I am super excited about this one! I also think the cover is quite attractive. :D

So, what did you choose for your WOW? ;)

Waiting on Wednesday is brought to us by Jill at: Breaking The Spine.

The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

noreply@blogger.com (Eli) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 15:26:00 +0000

Rating: 4.75/5.0
Release Date: April 19th, 2011
Age Level: Young Adult 14+
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pages: 304

Recommend? Anyone who has any interest in Greek myths will love The Goddess Test!

Synopsis:

It's always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.
Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.
Kate is sure he's crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess.

My Thoughts:

The Goddess Test surprised me. Aimee Carter created a world where Greek myths come alive and no one is ever exactly who they say they are.

The beginning started off sad as we learned that Kate's mother, her only family, is dying. Kate's mother's wish is that they go to Eden, Michigan to live out her last days. The relationship between Kate and her mother seems really close-knit and was very touching at times. Kate didn't seem to mind much that she had to start over since she really didn't have too many friends left in New York due to her devotedness to her mother when her mother fell ill.

First off, I have to say I adore James (and his love for ketchup! It is something we share...) and I felt that out of a lot of the side characters, he was one that I warmed up to immediately. Ava, as well. She was not the typical snotty cheerleader like I took her as at first (every High School has one...) and despite how rude Ava always was to our main character Kate in the beginning, Kate looked past that and actually saw the 'person' behind the 'cheerleader'. I loved watching their friendship bloom and Ava is beyond cute once you get to know her.

And then there is Henry. I truly wish I could have gotten to know Henry a bit better. I felt that his characterization lacked a bit and he seems a little two-dimensional to me. I have a feeling there is a lot more going on with him, but we were not let in on it. To me, he always possessed this older, tortured feeling and that distanced him from everyone, including Kate. I felt that even by the end, there is still some distance there (but it might just be me).

There was always a mystery surrounding The Goddess Test. Like, what exactly are the seven tests? Who is giving them? Who killed the past girls? The Goddess Test keeps you guessing till the end-- you never know who to trust! At the end, there was a HUGE revelation that I didn't see coming. I cannot wait for Aimee Carter's next book, Goddess Interrupted, which is to be released late January 2012!

**Reviewed Copy was an ARC**

Details:

Cover: 5.0

Plot: 4.5

Characters: 5.0

Writing: 4.5

Source: Received from Publisher for Review.

Waiting on Wednesday -28

noreply@blogger.com (Eli) — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 16:06:00 +0000

Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Release Date: June 14th, 2011

Publisher: EgmontUSA

Synopsis:

One hour to rewrite the past . . .

For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn’t there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents’ death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She’s tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.
So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson’s willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past.

Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he’s around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened?

Full of atmosphere, mystery, and romance, Hourglass merges the very best of the paranormal and science-fiction genres in a seductive, remarkable young adult debut.

I love the cover and the story seems like it's going to be really good! I can't wait to read this one!

So, what did you choose for your WOW? ;)

Waiting on Wednesday is brought to us by Jill at: Breaking The Spine.