Shiver (The Wolves of Mercy Falls, #1) by Maggie Stiefvater

Published: August 2009 by Scholastic Press

Source: Received for review

Edition: Hardcover

Number of pages: 392

Rating:

For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf--her wolf--is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human . . . until the cold makes him shift back again.

Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human--or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.

At first, I was totally excited to read Shiver because I had heard and read so many good things about the book. I had presumed that the book was going to be excellent and although it was good, it definitely wasn't excellent.

The characters in the book are very likeable and charismatic but I didn't particularly like Grace. I thought that her love was rushed and that Grace was more in love with the idea of her wolf than with Sam himself but that's just my opinion. I also didn't like how Grace's world completely revolved around Sam after she had met him in person. She didn't care about her school life or her friends, all she wanted to do was to be with Sam. I like main characters who have strong backbones and can be independant, not lovestruck girls like Grace who only think of their significant other. Aside from that, I thought that they did have good chemistry and Sam's perspective of the story was great to read.

I also thought that the book didn't exactly have a plot. Sure, there were a few unsolved mysteries and it was about Grace and Sam's love but other than that, I felt like there was nothing leading to an exciting ending or any big twists in the storyline. My opinion probably differs from a lot of other reviewers but for me, the development of the book wasn't interesting or exciting enough. The beginning was intriguing and the end was great but the middle wasn't very good.

Now that all that has been said, I can say that after all I did enjoy the book as a whole. I thought that it was very well written and captivating at some points. There were a few good twists in the book and I particularly liked the ending. I wanted to start reading Linger right away. I probably made it seem like I didn't enjoy the book but I did. It wasn't a great book but it was pretty good and I recommend it to those who love werewolves, teen love and a cute, simple read. Oh and the cover is beautiful!

The Demon King (Seven Realms, #1) by Cinda Williams Chima

Publisher: Hyperion, October 6th 2009

Source: Received for review

Edition: Hardcover

# of pages: 512

Rating:

Times are hard in the mountain city of Fellsmarch. Reformed thief Han Alister will do almost anything to eke out a living for himself, his mother, and his sister Mari. Ironically, the only thing of value he has is something he can’t sell. For as long as Han can remember, he’s worn thick silver cuffs engraved with runes. They’re clearly magicked—as he grows, they grow, and he’s never been able to get them off.

While out hunting one day, Han and his Clan friend, Dancer catch three young wizards setting fire to the sacred mountain of Hanalea. After a confrontation, Han takes an amulet from Micah Bayar, son of the High Wizard, to ensure the boy won't use it against them. Han soon learns that the amulet has an evil history—it once belonged to the Demon King, the wizard who nearly destroyed the world a millennium ago. With a magical piece that powerful at stake, Han knows that the Bayars will stop at nothing to get it back.

Meanwhile, Raisa ana’Marianna, Princess Heir of the Fells, has her own battles to fight. She’s just returned to court after three years of relative freedom with her father’s family at Demonai camp – riding, hunting, and working the famous Clan markets. Although Raisa will become eligible for marriage after her sixteenth name-day, she isn't looking forward to trading in her common sense and new skills for etiquette tutors and stuffy parties.

Raisa wants to be more than an ornament in a glittering cage. She aspires to be like Hanalea—the legendary warrior queen who killed the Demon King and saved the world. But it seems like her mother has other plans for her--plans that include a suitor who goes against everything the Queendom stands for.

The Seven Realms will tremble when the lives of Han and Raisa collide in this stunning new page-turner from bestselling author Cinda Williams Chima.

Wow this book was really really great! Cinda created an awesome world filled with magic, wizardry, betrayals, deaths and romance all wrapped in one action packed book. I had read reviews of the book and had definitely heard good things about it but I really didn't know what to expect upon starting it. I usually don't like books with medieval themes, such as the kings and queens ruling sort of thing but to be honest, The Demon King was not politically boring at all. I absolutely loved the storyline revolving around the queens of Hanalea and the whole Queendom of the novel.

The characters in the book are so kick ass and unforgettable. Han, the main character, has a very raw personality and I absolutely loved reading his story and what he did to survive as an "ex-thief" in the poor side of his town. His background is mysteriously unknown and the silver cuffs around his wrists make you wonder what had happened to him in the past and as you read, the truth surfaces. The other main character, Princess Raisa, was also so very awesome. I loved reading from her perspective and I found myself really getting into her tangled love life with two very handsome and dangerous men ;)

Although the book was amazing, I found the beginning of the book wasn't as gripping as I would have liked and it took me a while to really get into the story but aside from that I thought that the book was original, suspenseful, gripping and eventful. I couldn't of asked for a better storyline and cast of characters. I recommend this book to everybody, you seriously need to read this series. It's freaking awesome! Stay tuned for my review of the second book in the series, The Exiled Queen.

The Pace by Shelena Shorts

Publisher: Lands Atlantic Publishing, August 2009

Source: Received for review from author

Edition: Paperback

# of pages: 302

Rating:

Weston Wilson is not immortal and he is of this world. But, aging is not part of his existence, and eighteen-year-old Sophie Slone is determined to find out why. In doing so, she could also uncover something about her own life expectancy that she may not want to know. Suddenly, immortality will mean everything and nothing all at the same time. Intensely fascinating and rich with determination, The Pace brings together romance, mystery, and suspense in a compelling bond that is sure to have readers asking for more.

First of all, I want to apologize for my lack of reviews on the blog and for all the book reviews that are now long overdue. I feel terrible but unfortunately school and such has taken over. Though, as of now, I'm going to try to and write more reviews. Starting with The Pace by Shelena Shorts :)

This book was pretty interesting right away and I liked Sophie a lot as the main character, there was just something different about her. Weston was also somewhat different from other male characters I've read about and I loved how he wasn't a vampire, werewolf, fairy, ghost or any other average supernatural creature. Shelena pretty much invented her own twist of a paranormal creature and I liked how Weston actually had a few weaknesses. I also thought that the chemistry between the two was well described and written.

As a whole the book was very good and I loved the flashbacks and the twists throughout the book. There were several parts in the book that surprised me and as the story went on, more and more things started to unravel and finally at the end Shelena finishes with a huge cliffhanger! Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the good cliffhanger here and there but only when I can go out and buy the next book right away to figure out what happens. Unfortunately, the second book in the series isn't available in Canada yet, I think, so I'll have to wait for it!

Some things I didn't like about the book were that some parts of Sophie's and Wes' relationship felt rushed but I can understand why. I know that a lot of people have said that this book reminds them of the Twilight saga and it in fact did remind of me of the books too but I still enjoyed it and in all honesty, almost all books are similar these days.

To conclude, I recommend this book to all you teens who are in need of a fast-paced, heart pumping good read with a thrilling storyline.

Waiting on Wednesday (21)

Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill over at Breaking the Spine.


Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse #11) by Charlaine Harris

*May contain small spoilers if you haven't read the entire series

With her knack for being in trouble's way, Sookie witnesses the firebombing of Merlotte's, the bar where she works. Since Sam Merlotte is now known to be two-natured, suspicion falls immediately on the anti-shifters in the area. But Sookie suspects otherwise and she and Sam work together to uncover the culprit - and the twisted motive for the attack. But her attention is divided. Though she can't 'read' vampires, Sookie knows her lover Eric Northman and his 'child' Pam well - and she realises that they are plotting to kill the vampire who is now their master. Gradually, she is drawn into the plot -which is much more complicated than she knows. Caught up in the politics of the vampire world, Sookie will learn that she is as much of a pawn as any ordinary human - and that there is a new Queen on the board

I've read the entire Sookie Stackhouse series AND I watch/am an avid fan of True Blood so I'm really excited for when the 11th book in the series is coming out!! The date is supposedly around May 3rd 2011 :)

Unbelievable (Pretty Little Liars #4) by Sara Shepard

Publisher: HarperCollins

Source: Bought (Barnes & Noble)

# of Pages: 352

Rating:

Four pretty little liars' charmed lives have turned into living nightmares.

Emily's been shipped off to Iowa to live with her überconservative cousins. Aria's boyfriend is behind bars—because of her. Spencer's afraid she was involved in Ali's murder. But Hanna's fate is far worse: She's clinging to life in the hospital because she knew too much.

If these girls don't start listening to me, Hanna's going to look like the lucky one.

Once again, Sara Shepard has written another fantastic addition to this series! This was probably the most intense book of the four that I've read so far. It had me guessing at the end of each chapter and most of the time I was wrong with my predictions :P

I won't say what, but you do get some important information from this book! I'm kind of nervous for the next book (Wicked) because I almost feel like there isn't much left to the series other than to find out one other answer :P But I'm sure they'll give us more secrets and hopefully more mystery also!

Book Blogger Hop (5)

Hi there hoppers :) Thanks for visiting BAM Book Reviews and make sure to leave a comment so I can come check out your blog too!

Question: "Why do you read the genre that you do? What draws you to it?"

Answer: I read YA because I feel like I can relate to it the most right now. I know someday I might want to grow out of it, but I can't imagine myself doing that. I love everything YA has to offer. Young love, discovering yourself, and other touching subjects. Oh, and the covers are a lot cuter than any other genre I know of ;)

Perfect (Pretty Little Liars #3) by Sara Shepard

Publisher: HarperCollins

Source: Bought (Barnes & Noble)

# of Pages: 320

Rating:

In Rosewood, Pennsylvania, four perfect-looking girls aren't nearly as perfect as they seem.

Aria can't resist her forbidden ex. Hanna is on the verge of losing her BFF. Emily is freaking out over a simple kiss. And Spencer can't keep her hands off anythingthat belongs to her sister.

Lucky me. I know these pretty little liars better than they know themselves. But it's hard keeping all of their secrets to myself. They better do as I say . . . or else!

Wow! This series just keeps getting better and better! And while I do love the TV show on ABC Family, I have to say that the books are twice as intense, thrilling, steamy, and overall better! The whole time I was reading this book, I was thinking to myself "Why don't they keep the TV show closer to the book!? There would probably be a lot more viewers!" Oh well, I'm sure they have their reasons. :)

Every chapter of this book had me on the edge of my seat with my emotions on a rollercoaster (like the sick ones at Six Flags!) One chapter, I was thrilled; the other, I was depressed; then a different chapter, I was angry! It's crazy how emotionally involved I get when reading this book.

I loved all of the characters and they became a lot more complex this time around. Especially Spencer. And man, I think I'm in love with Lucas :P I already went out and bought books Unbelievable (#4) and Wicked (#5).

Mockingjay (The Hunger Games #3) by Suzanne Collins

Publisher: Scholastic

Source: Bought (Barnes & Noble)

# of Pages: 398

Rating:

Young Katniss Everdeen has survived the dreaded Hunger Games not once, but twice, but even now she can find no relief. In fact, the dangers seem to be escalating: President Snow has declared an all-out war on Katniss, her family, her friends, and all the oppressed people of District 12. The thrill-packed final installment of Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games trilogy will keep young hearts pounding.

(THIS REVIEW CONTAINS MAJOR SPOILERS!!!!!! IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THIS BOOK YET AND PLAN TO IN THE FUTURE, DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!!!!!)

I can't believe it took me this long to pick up this book. I've had a (signed ;]) copy of this book with me for a few months now and had two friends read it before I did! I'm not sure if it was just the distraction of school or because I was afraid of what might happen, because Suzanne Collins doesn't seem like the type of author to leave a happy ending.

Now onto my thoughts... I think I'll start off with the negatives: The first 2/3 of the book was dragging on for me. I wanted to be blown away by each chapter and never want to put the book down, but instead I was putting the book down to clean my room, grab a snack, and even go downstairs to see w

hat my mom was doing. Gale's character just didn't live up to standards for me! I thought it was going to be a huge choice for not only Katniss, but for me also to have to choose between the two guys! I drool over a good love triangle and I assumed that's what I would get in Mockingjay. But instead, Gale seemed like he was more interested in the rebellion then trying to win Katniss over. That might sound foolish of me to have that opinion, but damnit I wanted a good love triangle! I was dying to see Gale try to show Katniss why he deserves her and why she should be with him, but unfortunately I never saw that.

The positives: Th

e last third of the book was pretty awesome. I'm glad that there was some grief to go along with some happiness. I have to admit, I was pretty shocked when Katniss shot Coin, but I was also shouting (silently) "YES!" I had the biggest smile on my face when Peeta came back to District 12. The two of them being together makes so much sense. They've both been through so much and they're both a little messed up from it, but they can be messed up together! :) Wow... that sounded wrong.

Anyways, overall I enjoyed the book. It was a good conclusion to a fantastic series and although I may not have liked everything that went down, I don't think I would change it if I could.