Waiting on Wednesday #13: Splintered by A. G. Howard

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

This “Waiting on Wednesday” post is about:

 

Splintered by A. G. Howard

Publication date: January 01, 2013

Synopsis:

This stunning debut captures the grotesque madness of a mystical under-land, as well as a girl’s pangs of first love and independence. Alyssa Gardner hears the whispers of bugs and flowers—precisely the affliction that landed her mother in a mental hospital years before. This family curse stretches back to her ancestor Alice Liddell, the real-life inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Alyssa might be crazy, but she manages to keep it together. For now.

When her mother’s mental health takes a turn for the worse, Alyssa learns that what she thought was fiction is based in terrifying reality. The real Wonderland is a place far darker and more twisted than Lewis Carroll ever let on. There, Alyssa must pass a series of tests, including draining an ocean of Alice’s tears, waking the slumbering tea party, and subduing a vicious bandersnatch, to fix Alice’s mistakes and save her family. She must also decide whom to trust: Jeb, her gorgeous best friend and secret crush, or the sexy but suspicious Morpheus, her guide through Wonderland, who may have dark motives of his own.

What's it doing on my WoW?

This is another one of those books I found by stalking, I mean browsing other people’s WoWs. I was very intrigued by the synopsis. I think this book sounds dark and original and I am very much looking forward to reading it. I love the use of green in the cover. I love me some creeping vines. I am very excited for this book. I think it will be one of those that succeed in transporting me to a different land! My favorite way to travel is via book! Woot woot!

What book(s) are you excited for?
Please link your WoW, I want to see what you are waiting for!

If you leave a comment I will reply and visit your blog ASAP, and if you follow, I will follow you back. I promise!

Thank you so very much for stopping by!

And if you can, please donate to assist those affected by Hurricane Sandy: http://www.redcross.org/charitable-donations

Book Review: Looking for Alaska by John Green

Goodreads

Synopsis:

Miles "Pudge" Halter is abandoning his safe-okay, boring-life. Fascinated by the last words of famous people, Pudge leaves for boarding school to seek what a dying Rabelais called the "Great Perhaps."
Pudge becomes encircled by friends whose lives are everything but safe and boring. Their nucleus is razor-sharp, sexy, and self-destructive Alaska, who has perfected the arts of pranking and evading school rules. Pudge falls impossibly in love. When tragedy strikes the close-knit group, it is only in coming face-to-face with death that Pudge discovers the value of living and loving unconditionally.
John Green's stunning debut marks the arrival of a stand-out new voice in young adult fiction.

Winner of the Michael L. Printz Award

An ALA Best Book for Young Adults

An ALA Quick Pick

A Los Angeles Times 2005 Book Prize Finalist

A New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age

A 2005 Booklist Editor’s Choice

A 2005 School Library Journal Best Book of the Year

About the Author:

John Green's first novel, Looking for Alaska, won the 2006 Michael L. Printz Award presented by the American Library Association. His second novel, An Abundance of Katherines, was a 2007 Michael L. Printz Award Honor Book and a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. His next novel, Paper Towns, is a New York Times bestseller and won the Edgar Allen Poe Award for Best YA Mystery. In January 2012, his most recent novel, The Fault in Our Stars, was met with wide critical acclaim, unprecedented in Green's career. The praise included rave reviews in Time Magazine and The New York Times, on NPR, and from award-winning author Markus Zusak. The book also topped the New York Times Children's Paperback Bestseller list for several weeks. Green has also coauthored a book with David Levithan called Will Grayson, Will Grayson, published in 2010. The film rights for all his books, with the exception of Will Grayson Will Grayson, have been optioned to major Hollywood Studios.
In 2007, John and his brother Hank were the hosts of a popular internet blog, "Brotherhood 2.0," where they discussed their lives, books and current events every day for a year except for weekends and holidays. They still keep a video blog, now called "The Vlog Brothers," which can be found on the Nerdfighters website

Website / Twitter / DFTBA.com / Youtube

My Review:

I remember how I was before I read my first John Green book, I was so young and clueless! I had no idea what I was missing! Fortunately, back in August I decided to explore a little book called The Fault in Our Stars. I read it and. I. Was. Changed. (Read my review of The Fault in Our Stars Note: The review is, well, excessive…it’s hard to explain…) The book freaking changed my life. It was an experience that I am glad I had. I actually feel like I can’t explain it. All I can say is this: it is significant. After finishing it I knew I had to get my hands on the rest of John Green’s books and so I did. I am on a John Green binge!

Looking for Alaska is my second John Green book. What can I say, the man delivered. Like The Fault in Our Stars, Looking for Alaska is an experience. It is funny, poignant, smart, and just plain wonderful. I cannot believe that I didn’t discover Mr. John Green earlier in my life! I am only two books in, but already I list John Green as one of my favorite authors, and I just plain admire the man. His levels of awesome are way too high—oh my, I have to be careful or else this will turn to an I-Love-John-Green-fest! Did I mention I love John Green?

Meanwhile back in the review...

This book is a wonderful contemporary novel. Though it has a plot I would say it is one of those books that reminds you that there is more than plot. The journey matters. The main character experiences a great deal of change and we as readers get to follow his journey. This book is a conversation. As a reader I felt pulled into what the book had to say. It made me think. It made me feel. And I am pretty sure it made me grow as a person…the nerve!

Looking for Alaska is one of those books, you know what I am talking about, the kind you read and then need a moment to just gather yourself. It is…I don’t feel like I can adequately describe this book. It is just…um…GREAT! Read it. Love it. Stalk John Green (but not in a creepy way, you know, normal, healthy stalking). Seriously, if you haven’t read any John Green books, WHY THE HELL ARE YOU STILL HERE!? GO! GO READ  NOW! HURRY! EVERY MINUTE YOU SPEND WITHOUT HAVING READ A JOHN GREEN BOOK YOUR SOUL WITHERS A LITTLE BIT! SAVE YOUR SOUL, READ JOHN GREEN’S BOOKS! 

I leave you with some John Green gifs! The man is awesome!

Book Review: Switched (Trylle Trilogy #1) by Amanda Hocking

Goodreads

Barnes and Noble

Synopsis:

When Wendy Everly was six years old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. Eleven years later, Wendy discovers her mother might have been right. She’s not the person she’s always believed herself to be, and her whole life begins to unravel—all because of Finn Holmes.

Finn is a mysterious guy who always seems to be watching her. Every encounter leaves her deeply shaken…though it has more to do with her fierce attraction to him than she’d ever admit. But it isn’t long before he reveals the truth: Wendy is a changeling who was switched at birth—and he’s come to take her home.

Now Wendy’s about to journey to a magical world she never knew existed, one that’s both beautiful and frightening. And where she must leave her old life behind to discover who she’s meant to become…

About the Author:

Amanda Hocking is an indie publishing sensation whose self-published novels have sold millions of copies all over the world, and Switched is the book that started the phenomenon.

Twitter: www.twitter.com/amanda_hocking
Facebook: www.facebook.com/amandahockingfans
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/amanda_hocking

 

My Review:

So this is my first Amanda Hocking book. I had heard great things about her so I had high expectations for this one. I started reading it when I was out shopping and somehow found myself wondering through a book store. I picked it up just to have a taste, and once I did I had to buy it.

My first impression was that this book was going to be amazing. The beginning was dark and intriguing and I wanted more. As I continued to read I found myself enjoying the story, but disappointed at the lack of character development. I couldn’t find a reason why the main character, Wendy, was so special. I want to make it clear that I believe that not all characters need to be super awesome and special. I appreciate a good anti-hero and whatnot, but if other characters think she is awesome, I want some supporting evidence! This is the main reason why I really couldn’t buy into the love story. I want to see characters fall in love. Show me, don’t tell me! My main complaint is that I don’t feel I really got to know most of the characters, except Wendy’s brother, and that made it difficult for me to feel a deep love for this book. I want the characters to feel real, I want the love story to be real, and I want to be seriously invested in the characters, and for that to happen I need to see them as people.

I enjoyed reading this book. It was fun, though formulaic. The pacing is nice. It isn’t too fast or two slow. The idea is one that isn’t overdone, though the execution of the story relies on the standard conventions of this type of story: unknown past, sexy-at-times-jerky dude, and a “special” “heroine” that figures things out as she goes along. There is nothing wrong with going a bit cliché just as long as you make it believable and interesting in a new way… I don’t think that was done here. I just wasn’t as excited about this book once I finished reading it as I was while I was reading it. When I love a book, boy oh boy, do I go back reread it and visit my favorite scenes over and over. This one just wasn’t that way. There was no particular scene that I felt compelled to revisit. To this day I really haven’t felt the urge to reread it, but it isn’t because I don’t like it, because I do. I’m just not as excited about it as I know I can be.

Overall, I enjoyed the story and the idea is very original. Unfortunately, I think the author didn’t take advantage of her own idea. It could have been a great deal better. I didn’t find it to be super spectacular. You know, I didn’t get that oh-my-god-I-love-this-book-I-am-going-to-die feeling. I still found that the story was interesting, and I will definitely eventually read the next books in the series, but they will have to wait—and yes I will reread Switched before I read them because that is the right thing to do. However, I am not in dire need for the next books and there are books on my list that cannot be postponed, so like I said, Torn and Ascend will have to wait. I am however interested enough that I know I will not forget to pick up the next two books in this series. Switched is a fast, easy, and fun read. I definitely think you should give this book a whirl! Pick it up on a slow rainy day and see how you feel about it!

Waiting on Wednesday #12: Opal (Lux #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

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

This “Waiting on Wednesday” post is about:

Opal (Lux Series #3)  by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Publication date: December 11, 2012

Goodreads

Synopsis: No synopsis because of spoilers. Spoilers are evil! Just go read Obsidian,  book 1, and  Onyx, book 2!

Read my spoiler-free review of Obsidian!

Read my spoiler-free, mini review of Onyx!

 

What's it doing on my WoW?

First, a confession: I am being bad. I have neglected my blogging duties. What can I say my other responsibilities keep getting in the way! I fed my cat yesterday; need I feed him again today? I slept last week, need I make this a nightly routine?! Gah!  The world has too many nonreading responsibilities. Tomorrow I will be better blogger and I will post a review. I just love this meme and cannot bear to stay away.

Ok on to the book.  I want Opal because I want all of Jennifer L. Armentrout’s books. Period. To be honest I am not really feeling the cover, but it’s no big because I know that this book will be amazing. It’s what’s inside that really matters anyhow. I loved Obsidian and I loved Onyx and now I just need Opal. I spend too much time waiting for this woman’s books! Goodness one would think I am a book talker…oh crap!…I was just hit by the sudden realization that I AM a book stalker! What do I do, what do I do!? Send help!...

Well, while I figure out what I must do I am going to go visit my favorite blogs…TTFN!

What book(s) are you stalking?

Please link your WoW, I want to see what you are waiting for!

If you leave a comment I will reply and visit your blog ASAP, and if you follow, I will follow you back. I promise!

Thank you so very much for stopping by!

Waiting on Wednesday #11: Etiquette and Espionage (Finishing School Series #1) by Gail Carriger

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

This “Waiting on Wednesday” post is about:

Etiquette and Espionage (Finishing School Series #1) by Gail Carriger

Publication date: February 5, 2013

Goodreads

Synopsis:

It's one thing to learn to curtsy properly. It's quite another to learn to curtsy and throw a knife at the same time. Welcome to finishing school.

Fourteen-year-old Sophronia is the bane of her mother's existence. Sophronia is more interested in dismantling clocks and climbing trees than proper etiquette at tea--and god forbid anyone see her atrocious curtsy. Mrs. Temminnick is desperate for her daughter to become a proper lady. She enrolls Sophronia in Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality.

But little do Sophronia or her mother know that this is a school where ingenious young girls learn to finish, all right--but it's a different kind of finishing. Mademoiselle Geraldine's certainly trains young ladies in the finer arts of dance, dress, and etiquette, but also in the other kinds of finishing: the fine arts of death, diversion, deceit, espionage, and the modern weaponries. Sophronia and her friends are going to have a rousing first year at school.

First in a four book YA series set 25 years before the Parasol Protectorate but in the same universe.

What's it doing on my WoW?

Again I am forced to blame you. YOU! Every time I visit one of your WoWs I end up adding to my list of books…and for that I love you!  I want this book because you guys keep sharing awesome books that I simply have to read: this is one of them. When I read the synopsis to this book, I knew I had found the brochure for the school I will be attending in the near future. I am working on my application. You see, I aspire to kick ass. I want to run around just kicking ass. I want to be Jason Bourne, running around rooftops and, well, just plain kick ass! Have I made myself clear? Good! I am very excited about this book, I think it will kick ass. I have never read anything by Gail Carriger, but just on the synopsis, I have high hopes. When the time comes, I will devour this book!

What book(s) are you hungry for?

Please link your WoW, I want to see what you are waiting for!

If you leave a comment I will reply and visit your blog ASAP, and if you follow, I will follow you back. I promise!

Thank you so very much for stopping by!

Book Review: Jessica Rules the Dark Side (Jessica #2) by Beth Fantaskey

Click Here to Read My Review of Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side (Jessica #1)

Goodreads

No Synopsis since it contains major spoilers to the for the first book! Also, if you have not read the first book please stay away from Beth Fantaskey’s website, there be major spoilers roaming there! Yes, even in the home page…just stay away, please.

Review (NO SPOILERS, I PROMISE!):

In the first book, Jessica learns something very important: she may or may not be a vampire princess. The whole first book deals with whether or not she is able to come to terms with this revelation. Her life has changed and she has had to make decisions that surprise even herself. In the end she makes choices that take her down a path she never imagined for herself. I really loved Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side (see how much here) and I was super excited to read the sequel. Unfortunately, I am sad to say that after reading the second book, I am beyond angry. I am angry that there is no third book! I have really come to enjoy the characters that inhabit Jessica’s world and I want to see more of them!

The second book, much like the first one, focuses on Jessica trying to deal with situations outside her comfort zone. She has made life-changing decisions and the consequences seem to be more than Jessica had previously imagined. I like seeing how Jessica has changed. Unfortunately, she seems to have weakened since the first book. Apparently, Jessica did not foresee the difficulties that came with the choices she made, and that has really taken a toll on her. Again, I really loved the characters. The returning ones are just like I remembered and the new ones are there for important reasons and they let us learn more about vampire customs.

However, though I loved most of the characters and I think Beth Fantaskey has a wonderful narrative voice, I did not enjoy this book as much as the first one. The first one was dark and unexpected. I wasn’t always sure where we were headed. This one the other hand was way a bit too obvious. I know that twist and unexpected endings are not something we should try to force onto all books, especially since the journey is often better and even more important than the destination. Most books are walks in a park, you sometimes get a glimpse of the ending, but it doesn’t matter because you are enjoying the scenery and fresh air. However, the plot of this one was more like a stroll down a straight path. The characters make reading worth it, but the story leaves a bit to be desired.

Despite the obvious storyline, I found this book to be a light, fun, and really enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend giving this series a go. If you worry about the second book, I would like to assure you that this book is still worth reading. In fact, I would even dare to argue that the obvious plot line is important character development. I think it reveals how much Jessica is in over her head. She cannot seem to function and she cannot seem to notice what is right under her nose. Rather than focus on the plot, it might be better for me to say that this isn’t a story-driven novel; it is a novel that focus on the emotional and inner growth of Jessica. We care about it because we care about the character.

All in all, I am really happy I picked up this series. Though this second book seems to wrap things up very well, I would absolutely love a third installment! I have really gotten attached to Jessica and her peeps, especially Lucius (yep, he is still in my Hall of Book Boyfriends, he should be proud!). I want more Lucius! Beth Fantaskey, help a sister out!  Please!

Enhance Your Reading Experience with Beth Fantaskey’s Awesome Bonus Chapters! (Note: Read them in the right order, there be spoilers!!!)

After you read Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side, but Before you read Jessica Rules the Dark Side: Important Bonus Chapters

(These bonus chapters are important for the sequel, but don’t go snooping around Beth Fantaskey’s website if you don’t want the nature of the ending of the first book to be revealed…you’ve been warned!)

After you read Jessica Rules the Dark Side: a special scene for Halloween  featured  at onceuponatwilight: Bonus Halloween Scene
(This short story answers an important question, but do not read it until after you read Jessica Rules the Dark Side!)

About the Author

What Beth Fantaskey Has to Say About Herself:

1. My favorite hobby is traveling the world - but my biggest fear is flying.
2. My second-biggest fear is public speaking… but I’m a college professor (who sometimes teaches public speaking!)
3. I have two 8-year-old kids - who AREN’T twins.
4. My weirdest work experience was helping to “tan” deer hides using cow brains. (I was actually writing a magazine story about it.)
5. I’ve only been fired once, from a job as a bookstore clerk.
6. My best educational experience was doing research in India on the Dalit (“untouchable”) struggle for human rights. (See maarpu.org)
7. My worst experience, ever, was getting food poisoning while riding my bike from the Missouri River to the Mississippi. (My friend told me the chicken tasted strange…)
8. Whenever I visit a new country, I try as many ketchups as I can. (Best: Poland, Worst: China)
9. I am an uncommonly bad volleyball player…ask the team that ALMOST won a championship.
10. I also suffer from mild “ichthyphobia,” or “fear or fish.” I don’t bother trying to overcome that one!

Website / Twitter / Goodreads / Facebook

 

Click Here to Read My Review of Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side (Jessica #1)

Deity Trailer and Apollyon Cover Reveal!!!

Ok guys! Here is the big reveal for the Deity trailer and the the Apollyon cover! It is no secret that I love Jennifer L. Armentrout, so it should come as no surprise that I am dying of excitement!  I am as excited as a a needle who has just received a balloon bouquet! Squeeee!!!!

Warning! this post contains intensely-high levels of AWESOME!

 

Deity (The third book in the Covenant Series)
Available in both print and digital version on Nov. 6, 2012

Amazon
Barnes and Noble

 

 

 

 

I have it pre-ordered and am eagerly camping outside my house waiting for it to arrive…what?! It makes sense! This way I will get it the second it is delivered, not a moment later! I am nothing if not devoted to the books I love! Besides camping out is fun and rela—Damn squirrels leave me alone!

 

Now take a look at the awesome Deity trailer!

Ahhhh!!! It has the perfect song!

 

 

 

 

 

Official Deity Book Trailer:

 

Faint-worthy News:

Did you read an ARC of Deity and been dying to get your hands on Elixir, the novella told
in Aiden’s POV and picks up right after the end of Deity? Well, you don’t have to wait any
longer. The free novella is available now. DO NOT read Elixir if you have not read Deity. It
will spoil Deity for you and not to mention, you will have no idea what is going on.

Elixir will be available in print. Kindle, and Nook formats on November 27, 2012.

Click HERE to read Elixir.

 

And we’re super excited to share the cover for the 4th book in the Covenant Series, Apollyon,
which is due out April 2013.

 Drum roll please!

gurgle…hdsjkfh…urgggg…dsfds…squee!

My goodness that is beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!! *faints*

 

About Jennifer L. Armentrout (from Goodreads):

USA Today Bestselling Author Jennifer L. Armentrout Lives in West Virginia.
All the rumors you heard about her state aren’t true. Well, mostly. When she's not hard at work writing, she spends her time, reading, working out, watching zombie movies, and pretending to write.She is the author of the Covenant Series (Spencer Hill Press), the Lux Series (Entangled Teen), Don't Look Back (Disney/Hyperion) and a yet untitled novel (Disney/Hyperion).
Jennifer also writes adult romance under the pen name J. Lynn

Check out Jennifer L. Armentrout on the following sites:

Facebook / Twitter / Official Website/ Goodreads

Book Review: Desires of the Dead (The Body Finder #2) by Kimberly Derting

 Publication date: 2/15/2011

Goodreads

Synopsis:

Violet can sense the echoes of those who've been murdered—and the matching imprint that clings to their killers. Only those closest to her know what she is capable of, but when she discovers the body of a young boy she also draws the attention of the FBI, threatening her entire way of life.
As Violet works to keep her morbid ability a secret, she unwittingly becomes the object of a dangerous obsession. Normally she'd turn to her best friend, Jay, except now that they are officially a couple, the rules of their relationship seem to have changed. And with Jay spending more and more time with his new friend Mike, Violet is left with too much time on her hands as she wonders where things went wrong. But when she fills the void by digging into Mike's tragic family history, she stumbles upon a dark truth that could put everyone in danger.

About this author (from Goodreads):

Kimberly is the author of the BODY FINDER series (HarperCollins) and THE PLEDGE trilogy (Simon & Schuster). She lives in the Pacific Northwest, the ideal place to write anything dark or creepy...a gloomy day can set the perfect mood. She lives with her husband and their three beautiful (and often mouthy) children who provide an endless source of inspiration.

Website: http://www.kimberlyderting.com/

Twitter username: kimberlyderting

Click here to read my review of The Body Finder, the first book of this series!

What do I have to say about Desires of the Dead?

It’s good, not great. In a nut-shell, for Desires of the Dead I want to say the same thing I said about The Body Finder:

“So to sum things up: interesting story, cute crush-worthy dude, and an overall readable book. Pick this book up if you are bored and looking for a light, interesting, and nice read.”

When I read The Body Finder, I was disappointed to find out that this series is good, not great. I still enjoyed reading it, but I found the writing style to be a bit fluffy, stale, and disconnected. I wanted to feel pulled into the story and I never was. I was always too keenly aware of the hovering third person narrator. However, I found that I still enjoyed the story.Desires of the Dead brought out pretty much the same reaction that The Body Finder did. It was good, not great. Though the subject matter is dark and creepy, the story never gives off that creepy feel, well at least not to me. I think it has everything to do with the writing style and tone. I was still intrigued by the premise so I kept on reading happily enough. I have two favorite things about this series: 1) the relationship between Jay and Violet and 2) the unique nature of Violet’s ability. jay and Violet are still pretty cute together. Their relationship sure has matured from best friend status and they take things to the next level in this book. *wink, wink* I think their relationship progresses naturally and realistically. Jay is kind, understanding, and well the perfect boyfriend. Violet is nice, but I find her a bit annoying at times (though not enough to hate her as a protagonist, she sometimes just needs to think better, lol).

I did encounter something that was new. In a reversal of the common the-guy-smiled-at-me-so-now-he is-my-boyfriend delusion, Violet overreacts when her boyfriend questions one of her assumptions, and conjures up a break-up out of thin air! Oh, Violet, Violet, Violet! One disagreement does not a break-up make! You cannot expect your boyfriend to always agree with what you have to say! Do you think you are an actual know-it-all?! You just stopped talking to him and didn’t even bother to tell him you were breaking up! gah! I found this part of the story to be infuriating. I had red marks all over my forehead because I kept face palming. I think this awkward situation arose from the fact that the author wanted to give Jay and Violet some “trials and tribulations” (as is usually expected from the second book of the series) but couldn’t force herself to really torture or hurt them. I had two major problems. First, I don’t think their relationship struggle was necessary. Two, it was annoying, immature, and infuriating! Ok, I think that’s enough about that. As you can probably tell, I feel very strongly about this because I feel it puts a damper on an  otherwise perfect relationship, the relationship that pretty much drives the entire series, I mean, it’s the best part of this whole series! There I go again! *deep breath*

So far in this series, I am  I am happy to say, there is no love triangle; however, I can feel one brewing…hopefully I’m wrong. Like I’ve said, though I didn’t love this book, I did enjoy it. I can’t stress that enough. Please don’t let my rants make you think I hate this series. I do not. I just think they could have been better. There is a lot of untapped potential here. Specifically, I think Derting needed to work on the character development of the villain. In the end it wasn’t very clear or believable what exactly motivated the crime(s).

Now, two important questions:
1) Will I read the next book in the series?
2) Is Jay now in my Hall of Book Boyfriends?

1)  The idea is unique and I liked them enough that I will read the third book in this series (The Last Echo, Publication date: 4/17/2012). I am in no hurry though. This isn’t one of those series that lights a fire under my heinie if you know what I mean…I’m sorry, what was that?…You say there is a copy of Clockwork Princess behind me?!…and a copy of Requiem!!! *scrambles to get up and turn around, gets tangled-up in own legs, face-plants the floor*…stop laughing! That wasn’t funny! I could have died! You lied to me, how can I ever trust you again! *wails* Isn’t it bad enough that I have to wait until march for both those books! *sits in the corner rocking back and forth*

*composes self* ehem. Sorry about that…So all in all, I say Desires of the Dead is a pretty good sequel to The Body Finder. If it weren’t for the whole break-up thing I probably would have applauded it. This series is a light yet creepy read with good characters and a cute love story. I say, if you have time and need a quick, dark but not too intense read, definitely give this series a try. I highly recommend taking it for a test drive first, check it out from the library or borrow it from a friend to see if it works for you.

2) Oh, one last thing. I am sorry to say that Jay has still not been inducted into my Hall of Book Boyfriends. In my review of The Body Finder  I said he had been waitlisted and unfortunately for him, he has yet to get the boost he needs to join the big boys. I still find him super cute and sweet and all, but I just don’t think he is ready to join Four, Aiden, Will, Daemon, and Jace. Sorry Jay, I like you, but those guys have really set the bar high…I know it isn’t fair, you may wish to complain to Veronica Roth, Cassandra Clare, and Jennifer L. Armentrout for making their boys too damn fine! K. Bo Baron, out!

Waiting on Wednesday #10: Crash by Lisa McMann

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

This “Waiting on Wednesday” post is about:

Crash by Lisa McMann

Publication date: 1/8/2013

Goodreads

Synopsis:

If what you see is what you get, Jules is in serious trouble. The suspenseful first of four books from the New York Times bestselling author of the Wake trilogy.Jules lives with her family above their restaurant, which means she smells like pizza most of the time and drives their double-meatball-shaped food truck to school. It’s not a recipe for popularity, but she can handle that.

What she can’t handle is the recurring vision that haunts her. Over and over, Jules sees a careening truck hit a building and explode...and nine body bags in the snow.
The vision is everywhere—on billboards, television screens, windows—and she’s the only one who sees it. And the more she sees it, the more she sees. The vision is giving her clues, and soon Jules knows what she has to do. Because now she can see the face in one of the body bags, and it’s someone she knows. Someone she has been in love with for as long as she can remember.

In this riveting start to a gripping series from New York Times bestselling author Lisa McMann, Jules has to act—and act fast—to keep her vision from becoming reality

What's it doing on my WoW?

I stumbled upon this book while checking out other WoW posts and immediately said, “This one! I want to read this one!” Of course, I tend to say that a lot…damn all those sexy books seducing me all the time and I must say stalking other blogs isn’t helping, too many awesome books, too little time…eh, what can I say, I like it and I’ll make time! So back to Crash. I found out about this book through you guys (thank you for this one and the others you have pushed on me, you book pushers!) and I must say it sounds like its going to be all sorts of good. I have never read and books by Lisa McMann, so  I don’t know what to expect. How exciting! I have some uncharted territory to explore! I’m an explorer…or I will be as soon as I find a talking, boot-wearing monkey and a possessed backpack…if you can help please get in contact with me!

What book(s) do you want to explore?

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Book Review: Legend by Marie Lu

Goodreads

Synopsis:

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths—until the day June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias’s death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.

About Marie Lu:

Marie Lu was born in China in 1984 (perhaps a sign of dystopian stories to come), and moved from Beijing to Baton Rouge, Louisiana in the same year the Tiananmen Square massacre happened. Eventually she and her parents settled down in Sugar Land, Texas—which she still considers her hometown.

She finished her first novel when she was 15 years old, but it took her second manuscript to acquire a literary agent. When that one didn’t sell either, she went off to college in Los Angeles and wrote two more manuscripts. Although those still didn’t sell, one of them did get her the amazing literary agent Kristin Nelson, who sold her fifth manuscript, the dystopian young adult novel LEGEND, to Putnam Children’s/Penguin USA at auction in a major deal. LEGEND will be came out on November 29, 2011 as Putnam Children’s and Penguin Young Readers Group’s lead title. LEGEND is Marie’s debut novel.

If you visit her website you will notice that she is an artist! She has some great pieces that show how she imagines the characters that inhabit Legend. Plus she has soundtracks for her books! I love it when author’s come up with playlists! Visit Marie Lu’s Website!

What I Have to Say about Legend:

To be honest, I put of reading Legend for the longest time. I got it for free at Comic-Con and I thought Marie Lu was the nicest, sweetest lady ever. I was scared that I wouldn't like the nice lady’s book and would have to write a less than stellar review. After a while of sitting on my night stand, Legend finally told me to get some lady balls and read it already! So I did and loved every minute of it.

It has a different feel from the other dystopians I have read. What I most like about it is that it has two points of view. Day and June take turns narrating. When I saw that this book consisted of switching points of view I was like, “Oh no. This is going to be slow and boring!” After a bad experience with Crossed, I wasn’t too keen on having two narrators (Crossed, please don’t be offended, I’m sure you have a lovely personality that many others find appealing. You’re just not my type…). Legend succeeds where I think Crossed failed. Rather than slow the story, the two perspectives bring you into two different worlds and show you what you need to know. Both characters make important contributions to the plot and their perspectives are crucial to the overall development of the story. It’s also nice to be able to fully connect with the two main characters. You know exactly what they are thinking and how they are feeling and that allows you to focus on their inner turmoil and the dangers that await for them in their exterior reality.

The only thing I would have liked to be different is the relationship between June and Day. It certainly could have used more time to develop. But surprisingly I am not annoyed by the quick attraction these two felt towards each other. It may seem a bit rushed, but it sure as hell is not instant love. I can see those two really falling for each other. A bit more of interaction and development would have made it all perfect for me, though it really doesn’t bother me as it is.

I like all of the characters in Legend. I think they are complex and believable. Day and June are both kick-ass ninjas of bad-assness. They are unstoppable. I like that both of them are strong and intelligent. Maybe that’s why I am not really bothered by how quickly their relationship develops. They are extremely compatible yet they both see the world differently. June has lived a life of privilege and is an insider. Day has grown up up on the streets and that qualifies him as an outsider. Together, they are two worlds come together to provide a fuller picture of their society.

There are definitely moments of emotional pain. Marie Lu sold me on her characters and I, once again, became too emotionally involved. I know I shouldn’t have been affected by the death of June’s brother, I mean it is stated in the freaking synopsis for goodness sake! I saw it coming, but I still got that sinking-stomach feeling. oh Metias!

And you know what? It doesn’t stop with the death of Metias. There are more moments of gut-wrenching pain and yes, I am the type of person who takes it all out on innocent walls and lamps. I’m a monster.

 

Overall, I think Legend is a wonderful first novel of what I am sure will be a wonderful series. It is exciting, emotional, and captivating. I highly recommend it. You should definitely read it!

Note: I know you are all wondering, “Hey, any new fictional boys joining your Hall of Book Boyfriends?” To answer your question, no. I love Day as a character, but alas I think we shall just be really good friends. Don’t worry, when I find a new book boyfriend I will make sure to let you know.