Review: The Assassin's Curse by Cassandra Rose Clarke

                                     

                                      Book: The Assassin's Curse
                                      Pages: 267
                                      Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
                                      *Contains minor cursing
                                      Source: Sent from Strange Chemistry Publishing 

Short Synopsis: Ananna tries to escape a terrible fate of being married to a pirate. But she is soon bound to an assassin due to her own unknown magic.

My Thoughts: It had an interesting plot, but not really my type of read, and found it a bit hard to complete.

Ananna of the Tanarau's fate is about to be sealed. Her parents have bartered Ananna to be sold and married to a pirate. Ananna hates the idea and wants nothing more than to be free. So when Ananna sees an opportunity to escape, she jumps at the chance.
As Ananna begins her adventure of being free, she soon realizes that assassins are being sent after her, due to running away from her pre-arranged marriage. She runs into one assassin named Naji. Ananna manages to save Naji from a terrible fate, and now Naji is forced to protect Ananna due to an assassin's code. Ananna also finds out that Naji is cursed, and together, they must find a way to break Naji's curse, as well as their magical bond. Ananna must also find a way to harness her unknown magic before things start to get worse. Ananna also has even more assassins coming after her, and must do everything she can to survive. As Ananna and Naji try to complete their mission, Ananna also discovers that she might actually have feelings for Naji. Can Ananna survive Naji's curse, as well as her growing attraction towards Naji?

A very different read than what I am usually accustomed to. This novel has elements of fantasy, which I am not a fan of, and found it a bit difficult to complete. I wasn't a fan of the writing style, as I felt that there were moments of cursing that really didn't seem all that necessary, as well as the language and the overall way it was written.

I liked elements of the main character, Ananna, and how independent she seemed. She's the type of character that doesn't take any crap from anyone, and does what she wants to do. I enjoyed reading about the relationship between Ananna and Naji, and how they grew to accept each other. I was a bit disappointed that there wasn't a more romantic involvement between the two. 

The magic elements were a bit confusing to me, and I kept wanting to read a back story of how Naji was cursed. I was also annoyed with the character Leila, and her relationship with Naji wasn't really described either, and as a reader, was only assumed that they had once been an item. In general, the plot and characters were interesting, this novel just wasn't something that I am normally used to.

Would I recommend this book: Maybe

Rating: I give this book a 3/5. 

In My Mailbox!

Hey fellow readers! It's a posting of In My Mailbox, hosted by The Story Siren, this week I got...

For Review:

First Light -- Samantha Summers

From Library:

Lovetorn -- Kavita Daswani

Summerland -- Elin Hilderbrand

Arise -- Tara Hudson

Bought:

Raven Boys -- Maggie Steifvater

Bought from used library store:

Game of Thrones -- George R.R. Martin

These Things Hidden -- Heather Gudenkauf. 

That's all the books I got this week, be sure to leave your links so I can see your awesome books too :)

Writing Style Pet Peeves

After reading a couple, to a couple hundred books, I decided to write a post about certain writing styles that authors use that really annoy me.

• Italics: Even if it's spaced out, I never understood why authors use italics. I especially hate when authors write multiple pages in italics as well. I don't know, it's something about the italics that make me want to skip over everything back to the actual writing of the story line. I know that authors use italics for things like flashbacks, thinking, and memories/dreams, but is there really no other way to describe them? Italics makes me fall asleep! 

• No time setting: I've been seeing this in more recent books, where there are hints of the scene being set in the past, ie usage of wagons, bow and arrows, but the characters speak in a modern day language. Yes, it makes it easier to follow along which I love, but it would also be nice to read what century the novel is set under.

• Forced love triangles: I've been reading about these in novels more recently as well. What is it about love triangles that appeals to readers so much? And if it's forced, I always feel so sorry for the poor schmuck that gets left out when you obviously know that there's a mutual attraction to two of the characters, but the other remains clueless. What ever happened to monogamous relationships? I love reading about novels where the main character has a mutual attraction with another character without a third party involved.

• Not enough background info on certain issues in the story: I think that sentence explains it all. Sometimes I love a story and its main story, but when an author introduces another minor situation of the story and completely leaves it alone, but is still a major part of the story, I sometimes wish that the author elaborated a bit more and at least gave a little background info on why it came to be. 

• Characters with no flaws: It says it all. People are not perfect. We make mistakes. If you write a novel with a character who has no flaws, it doesn't make it at all realistic and to me, it just gets boring fast. 

• Certain endings on stories: This is a rather broad subject, but I really dislike some endings when it comes to series and stand alone novels. I really hate especially when authors end certain series to try to give suspense to the readers and make them wait for the next one. I've also read some novels where the author just stops writing, and at the end of the novel you go, "That's it?" And on certain stand alone novels, if there's a lot of unanswered questions or the author keeps you guessing on what happens next in the main character's relationships, I really hate that because it's only one novel and you can't keep reading what happens next. 

These are just some main writing style pet peeves that I've come across while constantly reading books. I'd love to see what other people's pet peeves on writing styles as well, and if you agree with my opinions.

Review: Defiance by C.J. Redwine

                                            Book: Defiance by C. J. Redwine
                                            Pages: 403
                                            Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Dystopian
                                            Source: Library

Short Synopsis: After her father does not come back from a trip, Rachel refuses to believe that her father is in fact dead. Upon the request of the Commander, Rachel must bring back a package that her father left behind.

My Thoughts: Though this novel did have some entertaining moments, it wasn't all what I expected it to be.

Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city's brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses and obey their male Protectors, Rachel knows how to survive in the wilderness and deftly wield a sword. When her father, Jared, fails to return from a courier mission and is declared dead, the Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector, her father's apprentice, Logan--the same boy Rachel declared her love for two years ago, and the same one who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but a fierce belief in her father's survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself. But treason against the Commander carries a heavy price, and what awaits her in the Wasteland could destroy her.
At nineteen, Logan McEntire is many things. Orphan. Outcast. Inventor. As apprentice to the city's top courier, Logan is focused on learning his trade so he can escape the tyranny of Baalboden. But his plan never included being responsible for his mentor's impulsive daughter. Logan is determined to protect her, but when his escape plan goes wrong and Rachel pays the price, he realizes he has more at stake than disappointing Jared.
As Rachel and Logan battle their way through the Wasteland, stalked by a monster that can't be killed and an army of assassins out for blood, they discover romance, heartbreak, and a truth that will incite a war decades in the making.
--From Goodreads

I didn't really know what to expect from this novel. It wasn't my usual typical read, and it didn't really leave a lasting impression on me. I enjoyed reading about the main character, Rachel, and the fact that she seemed rather fearless and determined, but at times she also proved that she was just human, like everyone else. 

I loved reading about Logan and all the interesting inventions he could make and what he was trying to do to help Rachel find his father. There was an obvious connection between Rachel and Logan and that they shared a past, and I wished the author had gone into a little more detail. 

I enjoyed reading their relationship and how it came to grow, and thankfully there wasn't a love triangle involved as other books seem to be infected by. It was obvious that both characters were infatuated with each other, but I disliked how both kept denying their mutual attraction. 

Redwine does an excellent job of disliking the Commander as he manipulates citizens for getting what he wants without a care of other people's feelings. The Commander is a big abuser of the power that he has been given, and more times than not, the reader experiences emotions and situations that makes the Commander seem rather heartless, and not at all human. 

I also wasn't a fan of this "Cursed One" business as maybe I missed reading it, but wasn't given much about it, like why it was named the "Cursed One" or why it attacks people and villages the way it does, and why and who designed a device to control it. Overall, it was an okay read, but I'm not quite sure if I'll continue to read on if this is a series.

Would I recommend this book: Eh

Rating: I give this a 3/5. 

Review: Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

                       Book: Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

                       Pages: 319

                       Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian

                       Source: Library

Short Synopsis: Ever since the plague broke out, everything is in chaos and ruins. In a world filled with death and destruction, Araby Worth must find out who she can and cannot trust.

My Thoughts: An interesting world filled with deception, death, and betrayal, Araby Worth is an individual filled with sorrow and haunted memories. 

Everything is in ruins.

A devastating plague has decimated the population, and those who are left live in fear of catching it as the city crumbles around them.

So what does Araby Worth have to live for?

Nights in the Debauchery Club, beautiful dresses, glittery makeup . . . and tantalizing ways to forget it all.

But in the depths of the club--in the depths of her own despair--Araby will find more than oblivion. She will find Will, the terribly handsome proprietor of the club, and Elliott, the wickedly smart aristocrat. Neither is what he seems. Both have secrets. Everyone does.

And Araby may find not just something to live for, but something to fight for--no matter what it costs her.

--From Goodreads

I really enjoyed reading this novel. Set in a world where death rules the world, and you never know when the plague could hit the next individual, Araby Worth is a young teenage girl, struggling with the loss of her brother, and neglecting parents.

Araby is friends with a girl named April who shows her another side of the world in the Debauchery club and makes her forget about the hardships in life. Through April, she meets her brother Elliot and is immediately drawn into his world. Both individuals are trapped in a world where they do not desire to be in a place neither wants to be.

But when Araby's life is in danger one night, she also meets another man named Will, who saves her life. Though I'm not too fond of the obvious love triangle Griffin seems to be trying to work out, I found it a bit infuriating that Araby kept denying that she didn't have feelings for Elliot, and immediately drifted over to Will and his family.

It was interesting to read about the plague and the fact that a simple thing such as a mask can help prevent the disease from spreading to yourself. It was also interesting reading about the Prince, and how he manages to manipulate people into doing what he wants without any regards for the consequences ahead.

There wasn't much said about the character Reverend Malcontent just the fact that he was trying to start a revolution, but I disliked the minor character immediately. I was shocked by the ending, and couldn't believe what Will had done, and the fact that Araby was still willing to save him, though in all honesty, if I was in Araby's position, I wouldn't have the guts to leave him alone either. In general, I loved the novel and can't wait to read more!

Would I recommend this book: Yes

Rating: I give this book a 4.5/5.

Guest Excerpt: Down To You by M. Leighton

Hey fellow readers! Today I am happy to share with you all an excerpt of Down To You by M. Leighton, hosted by A Tale Of Many Reviews.

Here's a little juicy excerpt from the novel:



“Stop doing that.  Don’t act like there’s nothing going on.”
“I’m not acting. Taryn and I have a history, but that was before she started working for me.  I have few rules, but one is that I don’t get social with my employees.  And now she works for me.  That’s it.  Nothing more.”
“But you kissed her. I saw you.”
“No, you saw her kiss me.  You saw me not cause a scene in the middle of the club.”
“Well, you didn’t look like you hated it.”
“But I did.  The whole time, all I could think about was kissing you instead.”  He starts to bend his head toward mine.
Blood is roaring in my ears.  “But you don’t get social with your employees,” I remind him quietly.
“I’d make an exception for you.”  His face is getting close and closer.  Slowly.  A centimeter at a time.
“But it’s your rule.”
“I’ll break it for you,” he whispers.
“No, don’t do that,” I say breathlessly.
“Fine, then you’re fired,” he says just as his lips meet mine.
They are warm and the pressure is light.  At first.  As much as I want to resist, my resolve goes out the window when I feel his tongue run along the crease of my lips.  Without thinking, I part them.
And that’s all it takes.
The taste of Cash is like a perfectly aged Scotch—rich and delicious. His tongue slides along mine, stroking it, teasing it, as he uses his grip on my hand to pull me tighter to him.  I do the only thing I can.  I melt into him.

Get your own copy of Down To You on Amazon today!

Teaser Tuesday!

Hey fellow readers! It's another posting of Teaser Tuesdays! Hosted by Miz B. of Should Be Reading, this week's teaser is...

Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city's brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses and obey their male Protectors, Rachel knows how to survive in the wilderness and deftly wield a sword. When her father, Jared, fails to return from a courier mission and is declared dead, the Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector, her father's apprentice, Logan--the same boy Rachel declared her love for two years ago, and the same one who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but a fierce belief in her father's survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself. But treason against the Commander carries a heavy price, and what awaits her in the Wasteland could destroy her.
At nineteen, Logan McEntire is many things. Orphan. Outcast. Inventor. As apprentice to the city's top courier, Logan is focused on learning his trade so he can escape the tyranny of Baalboden. But his plan never included being responsible for his mentor's impulsive daughter. Logan is determined to protect her, but when his escape plan goes wrong and Rachel pays the price, he realizes he has more at stake than disappointing Jared.
As Rachel and Logan battle their way through the Wasteland, stalked by a monster that can't be killed and an army of assassins out for blood, they discover romance, heartbreak, and a truth that will incite a war decades in the making.
--From Goodreads

My Teasers: "I climb down and watch anxiously as Oliver follows. Though only faint creases mar the brown skin of his face, his hair is more gray than black, and he moves with the careful precision of age. Reaching for him, I slide my arm through his as he navigates his way off the heavy wooden step box. Together, we turn to face the compound."
--Pg. 4, "Defiance," by C.J. Redwine

To play along with Teaser Tuesdays, you:


• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Be sure to leave your links to so I can read your fun teasers as well :)

Review: Another Life by Keren David

                                           Book: Another Life by Karen David
                                           (When I Was Joe #3)
                                           Pages: 340
                                           Genre: Young Adult, Thriller
                                           Source: Won from The LibraryThing for review
                                           * Will contain spoilers

Kicked out of yet another boarding school, Archie couldn't be happier to find himself back in London with old friends and an exciting social life. But he's worried about his cousin Ty, who is facing a sentence in a Young Offender Institution and doesn't seem to be coping. And he's finding that his old friends have moved on and it's a struggle to keep up with their new lives.
When he begins to learn surprising things about Ty, Archie goes on a mission to discover the truth about his cousin's past. But who is the real Ty? The thrilling follow-up to When I Was Joe and Almost True takes readers on a terrifying adventure through London's gangland.
--From Goodreads

My Thoughts: Unfortunately, I could not get through this one as I did in the first two novels. I'm not a major fan of multiple POVs, and this was told in both Archie's and Ty's point of view. First, it would have been better if the author had labeled who was narrating, rather than having the reader guess, which I was not a fan of. 

Second, I found that I really didn't care much for Archie's side of the story, and kept wanting to skip what he had to say, to get back the main character, Ty. I also felt that Ty shouldn't have gone to the juvenile detention center just for carrying a knife, and felt that his punishment was uncalled for. 

The main reason for not completing this novel was because I felt that Archie's side was actually a hinderance to the story and made the narration inconsistent and I lost interest more easily than the first two, which is a shame because I really enjoyed reading the first two novels, and I did want to find out what happened to Ty. Unfortunately, this book was not for me. 

Would I recommend this book: Maybe

Rating: I give this book a DNF. 

In My Mailbox!

Hey fellow book lovers! It's another posting of In My Mailbox! Hosted by The Story Siren, this week I got...

For Review:

The Devil's Metal -- Karina Halle (e-ARC sent from author)

The Dark Heroine -- Abigail Gibbs (e-book sent from Harper Collins)

ARC of Operation Oleander -- Valerie O. Patterson (Sent from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)

ARC of Broken by A. C. Rought (Sent from Strange Chemistry Publishing)

From Library:

Masque of The Red Death -- Bethany Griffin

Cross My Heart -- Sasha Gould

Pandemonium -- Lauren Oliver 

Foretold -- Various authors including Meg Cabot, Richelle Mead, and Laini Taylor

Enshadowed -- Kelly Creagh

Defiance -- C.J. Redwine 

First Comes Love -- Katie Kacvinsky

Envy -- Elizabeth Miles

Bought:

Schooled -- Anisha Lakhani

Anyway, that's all the awesome books that I got this week. I honestly didn't think I'd get so many books this week. Needless to say, I'll be pretty busy for quite some time. Be sure to leave your links too so I can see what cool books you guys got as well :)

Review: Almost True by Keren David

                                               Book: Almost True by Keren David
                                               (When I Was Joe #2)
                                               Pages: 437
                                               Genre: Young Adult, Thriller
                                               Source: Sent from author

Short Synopsis: Killers are still out to get Ty, and are more determined and ruthless than ever. Everyone  who is associated with Ty could be in danger. 

My Thoughts: A little bit more complicated than the first, as the reader discovers more about Ty's life and the troubles that face his future. 

Ruthless killers are hunting Ty so the police move him and his mum to a quiet seaside town. But a horrific attack and a bullet meant for Ty prove that he’s not safe.
On the road again, Ty’s in hiding with complete strangers . . . who seem to know a lot about him. Meanwhile he’s desperate to see his girlfriend Claire, and terrified that she may betray him. Ty can’t trust his own judgement and he’s making dangerous decisions that could deliver him straight to the gangsters.
A thrilling sequel to When I Was Joe, shot through with drama and suspense.
--From Goodreads

Ty seems to be in even more danger as the men who are out to get him are still on the loose and will do anything, even harm Ty's loved ones, to get strait to Ty. Another thrilling continuance of the first novel, Almost True lets readers discover Ty's world and how Ty has more family members than he thinks he does. 

As Ty discovers his grandparents from his father's side, and the fact that he also has a cousin named Archie, Ty though settling in his new living situation rather smoothly, is a bit confused in his family connections, and what is even more haunting, is that Ty also seems to be experiencing hallucinations from having post traumatic disorder from all the drama he's witnessed. 

Ty also manages to meet his father for the first time in ages, and finds out that he isn't all that cracked up to be, but is still his father nonetheless, and together, they still try to form a bond that has been missing most of their lives.
Ty's life is an even further mess when he tries to contact Claire on several occasions, and given current situations, the two seem even more destructible as the world seems to make it even harder for them to meet.
I enjoyed reading a lot of the different aspects this book presented, especially when Ty starts hallucinating and sees ghosts, the novel becomes a bit paranormal, but also with reasonable explanations. The novel does get a bit complicated as Ty finally discovers the whole truth behind the attack that he saw, and what his past best friend Aaron, was really up to. In general, an entertaining read about finding yourself, and what it really means to be part of a family.

Would I recommend this book: Yes

Rating: I give this book a 3.5/5.

Cover Reveal: Abandon by Elana Johnson

Hey fellow readers! Today I am happy to announce an awesome cover reveal, hosted by A Tale of Many Reviews. Abandon by Elana Johnson, is book three of her Surrender series, is expected to be released on June 2013. Without further ado, the stunning cover...

seduced by power,
broken by control,
and consumed by love...
Vi has made her choice between Jag and Zenn, and the Resistance may have suffered for it. But with the Thinkers as strong as ever, the rebels still have a job to do. Vi knows better than anyone that there's more at stake than a few broken hearts.
But there is a traitor among them...and the choices he makes could lead to the total destruction of everything Vi has fought for.
Vi, Jag, and Zenn must set their problems aside for the Resistance to have any hope of ending the Thinkers' reign. Their success means everything...and their failure means death.

Elana is also running a Pinterest contest for the cover. She wants to get 500 pins (or repins) over the next  two days. If we can get that many, she'll pick someone who pinned the cover to win a $50 Amazon gift card. It's so easy to do this. All you have to do is click over to Elana’s blog for details. 

Thanks for stopping by and good luck to all those who enter in her contest! :)

Review: When I Was Joe by Keren David

                                             Book: When I Was Joe by Keren David
                                             Pages: 364
                                             Genre: Young Adult, Thriller
                                             Source: Sent from author

Short Synopsis: After witnessing a murder, Ty is now facing danger from the criminals he has outed. Living under a witness protection program, Ty must do everything he can to lay low and not be spotted by those than want him dead.

My Thoughts: A little slow at first, but as I continued reading, I was curious for more, and couldn't wait to find out what Ty was going to do next.

When Ty witnesses a stabbing, his own life is in danger from the criminals he’s named, and he and his mum have to go into police protection. Ty has a new name, a new look and a cool new image; life as Joe is good, especially when he gets talent spotted as a potential athletics star, special training from an attractive local celebrity and a lot of female attention. But his mum can’t cope with her new life, and the gangsters will stop at nothing to flush them from hiding. Joe’s cracking under extreme pressure, and then he meets a girl with dark secrets of her own. This wonderfully gripping and intelligent novel depicts Ty/Joe's confused sense of identity in a moving and funny story that teenage boys and girls will identify with - a remarkable debut from a great new writing talent.
--From Goodreads

Ty is a mess. He's witnessed a murder and told the police everything he knows. And because the criminals are still at large, he undergoes a full makeover and identity change. When I Was Joe is a very entertaining read about what goes on inside the witness protection program, and what the individuals involved have to go through.

Ty is a very interesting character. He's a shy and awkward character at first with only one best friend, but when these events make him a new individual, he has a chance to reinvent himself, and leave his past behind him. It was very entertaining to read the process of the witness protection program, and trying to protect an individual who always seems to have trouble finding him. 

As Ty enrolls in a new school, he meets a few colorful people like the ever popular Ashley, a strong, determined, Ellie, who helps Ty through running track races, and the shy, troubled, character, and Ellie's sister, Claire. David does an excellent job of disliking the character Ashley, who does everything in her power to keep the girls away from Ty and wants Ty for herself, but then, when things start getting a little hairy, she turns around and betrays him. 

I enjoyed reading the friendship of Claire and Ty, and how close they grew. The novel does turn a bit more dark, when the reader discovers Claire's secret and how it endangers her life. As Ty tries to navigate life through the eyes of a new identity named Joe, he has triumphs and struggles and must get through without being caught by those who want him dead. Overall, a great, entertaining thriller that leaves you wanting more.

Would I recommend this book: Yes (Sensitive issues involved)

Rating: I give this book a 4/5. 

Teaser Tuesday!

Hey fellow readers! It's another posting of Teaser Tuesdays, hosted by Miz B of Should Be Reading, this week's Teaser is...

My Teasers:
"Confirmation. Trevor had been there, but the realization was bittersweet because he hadn't woken up. He'd had no memory of the magical experience he'd given me. I could share the memories I'd saved, but they'd be secondhand to him."
--P. 119 "Minder" by Kate Kaynak

Sixteen-year-old Maddie Dunn is special, but she needs to figure out how to use her new abilities before somebody else gets hurt. Ganzfield is a secret training facility full of people like her, but it's not exactly a nurturing place.
Every social interaction carries the threat of mind-control.
A stray thought can burn a building to the ground.
And people's nightmares don't always stay in their own heads. But it's still better than New Jersey. Especially once she meets the man of her dreams...
--From Goodreads.

To play along with Teaser Tuesdays you:


• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Be sure to leave your link too, so I can read your fun teasers also. Thanks for stopping by. :)

Review: Cursed by Jennifer L. Armentrout

                                       Book: Cursed by Jennifer L. Armentrout
                                       Pages: 288
                                       Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal
                                       Source: Sent from Spencer Hill Press

Short Synopsis: Ever since Ember died, she hasn't physically touched anyone for two years. That's because every time she touches something, they start ending up dead.

My Thoughts: An interesting read, a lot happening in this novel, and I loved reading how Ember and her sister was tied to everything.

Dying sucks--and high school senior Ember McWilliams knows firsthand. After a fatal car accident, her gifted little sister brought her back. Now anything Ember touches dies. And that, well, really blow
Ember operates on a no-touch policy with all living things--including boys. When Hayden Cromwell shows up, quoting Oscar Wilde and claiming her curse is a gift, she thinks he’s a crazed cutie. But when he tells her he can help control it, she's more than interested. There's just one catch: Ember has to trust Hayden's adopted father, a man she's sure has sinister reasons for collecting children whose abilities even weird her out. However, she's willing to do anything to hold her sister's hand again. And hell, she'd also like to be able to kiss Hayden. Who wouldn't?
But when Ember learns the accident that turned her into a freak may not've been an accident at all, she’s not sure who to trust. Someone wanted her dead, and the closer she gets to the truth, the closer she is to losing not only her heart, but her life. For real this time.
--From Amazon

A very interesting read. I was fascinated with the whole aspect of how with one touch, Ember could make things turn dead. I found the characters rather interesting, especially Olivia and Hayden, and wanted to find out how they came into their powers. At times it was hinted that it may in fact have been hereditary condition, but not much was stated about how these certain individuals were able to receive their "gifts." 

Ember's story however, is a bit more unique. She received her gift because she had died and been brought back to life by her younger sister. What was a bit puzzling was the fact that Olivia had used her gift before, and nothing else that came back to life had the same reactions as Ember had. I was also a bit confused by the fact that her parents seemed to know about Olivia's gift, but didn't really do anything about it.

There are many aspects of the novel that really intrigued me as a reader. I was also interested in the whole situation with The Facility and how they operate. I kind of wished Armentrout gave a little more background information about the group, than just what they generally do. 

I loved reading the relationship between Ember and Hayden. It was interesting to watch how both were afraid of hurting the other with their unique gifts. It was sweet reading how Hayden was so protective and caring of Ember, though at times, a bit stalker-ish. It was also entertaining to read how jealous Ember got when she thought Hayden was into someone else. All in all, it was an interesting, original read about struggling with the past, and creating a future. 

Would I recommend this book: Yes

Rating: I give this book a 3.5/5. 

Stitch Giveaway Winner!

Hey fellow readers! I just wanted to announce the winner for the e-book giveaway, Stitch by Samantha Durante. 

And the lucky winner chosen randomly of this e-book is... Camille Picott. Congratulations to Camille. You will be notified shortly, and your e-mail will be forwarded to the author in order to claim your prize. Thank you to those who participated, and check back soon for more awesome giveaways.

In My Mailbox!

Hey fellow readers! It's time for that post, In My Mailbox! Hosted by The Story Siren, this week I got...

From Library:

Inside series ( Inside Out & Outside In) -- Maria V. Snyder

Glow -- Amy Kathleen Ryan

Glimmer -- Phoebe Kitandidis

The Demon Catcher of Milan -- Kat Beyer.

That's all the books that I got for this week. Be sure to leave your link so I can see the awesome books you got too :)

Author Spotlight: Anne Rice

Hey fellow book lovers! I'm glad to introduce Anne Rice's re-release of her Sleeping Beauty Trilogy. Hosted by A Tale Of Many Reviews, here's a little more about all three novels:

From bestselling author Anne Rice, writing as A.N. Roquleaure. In the traditional folktale of 'Sleeping Beauty,' the spell cast upon the lovely young princess and everyone in her castle can only be broken by the kiss of a Prince. It is an ancient story, one that originally emerged from and still deeply disturbs the mind's unconscious. Now Anne Rice's retelling of the Beauty story probes the unspoken implications of this lush, suggestive tale by exploring its undeniable connection to sexual desire. Here the Prince reawakens Beauty, not with a kiss, but with sexual initiation. His reward for ending the hundred years of enchantment is Beauty's complete and total enslavement to him as Anne Rice explores the world of erotic yearning and fantasy in a classic that becomes, with her skillful pen, a compelling experience.

This sequel to The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty, the first of Anne Rice's (writing as A.N. Roquelaure) elegantly written volumes of erotica, continues her explicit, teasing exploration of the psychology of human desire. Now Beauty, having indulged in a secret and forbidden infatuation with the rebellious slave Prince Tristan, is sent away from the Satyricon-like world of the Castle. Sold at auction, she will soon experience the tantalizing punishments of "the village," as her education in love, cruelty, dominance, submission, and tenderness is turned over to the brazenly handsome Captain of the Guard. And once again Rice's fabulous tale of pleasure and pain dares to explore the most primal and well-hidden desires of the human heart. Preceding the visceral eroticism of E.L. James’ Fifty Shades of Grey and even more haunting than her own novel Belinda, this second installment is not to be missed. 

This most explicit, erotic series reaches its culmination as The Erotic Adventures of Sleeping Beauty come to an unforgettable close.

And now, one lucky winer will get a chance to win all three novels. This giveaway is only within the US. Ends October 11, 2012. Please no fake entries or they will be deleted. To enter, just follow the rafflecopter instructions below. Good luck! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: From What I Remember by Stacy Kramer and Valerie Thomas

     Book: From What I Remember by Stacy Kramer and Valerie Thomas
     Pages: 462
     Genre: Young Adult, Romance
     Source: Library

Short Synopsis: Kylie's whole life has been rational. It all changes one day, when someone steals her belongings and she does everything and anything she can, to get her possessions back.

My Thoughts: Not a fan of multiple POVs, but was an entertaining read, even if some of the scenarios were a little far fetched. 

KYLIE: Mexico? What a nightmare I should be putting the finishing touches on my valedictorian speech. Graduation is TODAY Wait Is this a wedding band on my finger
MAX: It started with Kylie's laptop and a truck full of stolen electronics and it ended in Ensenada. It was hot, the way she broke us out like some chick in an action movie. But now we're stranded here, with less than twenty-four hours before graduation.
WILL: Saving Kylie Flores from herself is kind of a full-time occupation. Luckily, I, Will Bixby, was born for the job. And when I found out she was stuck in Mexico with dreamy Max Langston, sure, I agreed to bring their passports across the border - but there's no reason to rush back home right away. This party is just getting started.
LILY: This cannot be happening. It's like some cruel joke. Or a bad dream. I close my eyes and when I reopen them, they're still there. Max and Kylie Flores, freak of the century. In bed together. If Kylie thinks I'm giving him up without a fight, she's dead wrong.
-- From Goodreads.

I really didn't know what to expect from this novel. I'm not a usual fan of the multiple point of views, but that aside, I found it pretty entertaining with colorful characters. The main people in this novel are Kylie, who is an overachiever, and class valid victorian, who dreams of becoming a film maker. There is also Max, who gets by on being rich, and takes most things for granted. Will who is openly gay and gets a lot of ridicule for it, and Lily, Max's current girlfriend, who has fallen on hard times and expects to be with Max no matter what. 

There are some definitely good entertaining points, and there were also some iffy scenes that didn't seem all that believable, and a bit too set up. I loved reading about how Kylie grew as a person, and how her perception of Max changed as she got to know him better, as well as how their friendship grew too. 

I wasn't a fan of how even though it was an out of this world scenario, it was still pretty much set up. The one major problem I had was the fact that even though it was an accidental kidnap, that Max and Kylie didn't end up far from Kylie's father's hometown. It just seemed a bit too orchestrated in some areas. The biggest problem that I had on a character's level was Will. I wasn't a fan of how he was portrayed as a gay. Not all gays act the way Will does, and felt that he was a bit misrepresented. Overall, it was still an interesting, cute, fun read about how first impressions aren't always what they seem, and knowing more about your own family.

Would I recommend this book: Maybe

Rating: I give this book a 3.5/5. 

Review: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

                                              Book: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
                                              Pages: 404
                                              Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
                                              Source: Library

Short Synopsis: Caelena Sardothian is Ardlarn's most deadliest assassin. She is taken out of jail to compete for a spot to become the King's Champion as she is forced to do his bidding.

My Thoughts: Though this novel certainly does have its moments, there were also bits and pieces that didn't really sit well with me.

After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin. Her opponents are men-thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she'll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom. Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilirating. But she's bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it's the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best. Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.
--From Goodreads

I've heard a lot about this novel, so I decided to give it a try. It's a bit out of my comfort zone, but I was still intrigued. Weird spelling names that I didn't know how to pronounce aside, Throne of Glass definitely had some good moments.
Celaena, the main character, is a kick ass assassin who must fight other competitors to become the King's Champion to do the King's bidding. One major thing that I found to be a bit problematic was that Celaena had no problem being an assassin, who still killed people, but when she was given the option to become the King's Champion, she considered it as murdering people. It didn't make much sense to me, the fact that she'd be killing either way.
Celaena's conscious aside, I had a bit of a problem with the love triangle. First, Dorian seemed a bit of a player to me, having all the ladies of the court fawning over him, and treating it like a chore. I liked the fact that Dorian only had eyes for Celaena when she comes along, but I was infuriated with Celaena, as she seems to have feelings for not only Dorian but Catain Westfall as well. And as soon as she had one man's attention, the other was soon forgotten.
The writing style was a bit odd as well. And though it seemed as though the setting was set in the past, they used modern day language, so it kind of confused me as to what century it was set under. I really disliked the ending, and though I understood where Celaena was coming from, really despised the conclusion she came to. Overall, this novel had its likable moments, but I was kind of hoping for something more.

Would I recommend this book: Eh

Rating: I give this book a 3/5.

Tuesday Teaser!

Hey fellow book lovers! It's another posting of Teaser Tuesdays! Hosted by Miz B of Should Be Reading, this week's Teaser is..

My Teasers:
"I wish I could believe you," He says, and he doesn't sound angry, just sad. And I feel sad too, because it really matters that Patrick believes me.
"You can. It's true. It's really true."
"Well," he says, "Let's see what they say at the hospital." And he slams the door shut and comes around the car to get me out.
-- P. 95.,"Almost True" by Keren David

To play along, you:


• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Be sure to leave your link so I can check out your awesome teasers too. :)

Review: Point of Retreat by Colleen Hoover

                        Book: Point of Retreat (Slammed #2) by Colleen Hoover
                        Pages: 299
                        Genre: Fiction, Romance
                        Source: Bought
                        *Contains spoilers

Short Synopsis: After the passing of Layken and Kel's mother, Layken and Will relationship still remains strong, but are soon tested as certain issues come into play.

My Thoughts: I absolutely loved this series. Hoover's story trumps all others that I've read this year. Hoover just might be my new favorite author.

Layken and Will have proved their love can get them through anything; until someone from Will’s past re-emerges, leaving Layken questioning the very foundation on which their relationship was built. Will is forced to face the ultimate challenge…how to prove his love for a girl who refuses to stop ‘carving pumpkins.’
--From Goodreads

Wow. It's been awhile since a series like this had me literally reading sitting all in one read, and didn't want it to end. Will and Layken return, along with Layken's best friend Eddie, and Kel and Caulder. The reader learns more about the characters, especially Will's past, and his family. After the death of Layken's mother, the four fall into an easy routine, helping each other out. 

As Will and Layken's relationship grows closer, their love for each other is tested. Will's ex returns, and is having deep regrets about letting Will go. Hoover does an excellent job of disliking Vaughn, Will's ex. I wasn't too pleased how she treated Will and felt that she could just magically appear and think that Will would take her back. And though I understand what Layken was going through when she found out about about Vaughn, the whole time I was thinking, "Wow. This girl can really hold a grudge." I also felt that it was a bit extreme about what she put Will through. But in all honesty, if I found my boyfriend with his ex, I wouldn't know how I'd react either. 

It was also cute reading about the boys, Caulder and Kel, and how they both had crushes on girls in their class. The readers are also presented with a new character named Kiersten, who is a little bit too smart for her own age and her own good. I wasn't a fan of Kiersten, as she didn't seem that believable, with a large vocabulary for an eleven year old. Other than that, if Kiersten was portrayed as an older individual, I wouldn't have minded. Overall, this was one awesome read and a great conclusion to a jam packed entertaining story. I look forward to reading more from this author. 

Would I recommend this book: Yes 

Rating: I give this book a 4.5/5. 

In My Mailbox!

Hey fellow readers! It's a posting of In My Mailbox, hosted by The Story Siren, this week I got...

For Review:

(From Netgalley) Refuge -- Carole Rummage

Entice ( Embrace #2) -- Jessica Shirvington sent from Sourcebooks Fire

(Won from the librarything for review) Another Life -- Keren David

Came with:

When I was Joe -- Keren David

Almost True -- Keren David

From Library:

Undead and Unstable -- MaryJanice Davidson

Bought from used library store:

Once In A Full Moon -- Ellen Schreiber

The Unseen -- Richie Tankersley Cusick

That's all the books that I got this week. Be sure to leave your links so I can see what awesome books you got too. :)