Audio Review: Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices, #2) by Cassandra Clare

Title: Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices, #2)
Author: Cassandra Clare
Narrator: Ed Westwick and Heather Lind
Published by: Simon & Schuster Audio
Length: 15hrs., 39 mins
Source: Library
Format: Audio
Rating: 4 stars

Summary from Goodreads: The situation at the London Institute has never been more precarious. With Mortmain and his clockwork army still threatening, the Council wants to strip Charlotte of her power and hand the running of the Enclave over to the unscrupulous and power-hungry Benedict Lightwood. In the hope of saving Charlotte and the Institute, Will, Jem, and Tessa set out to unravel the secrets of Mortmain’s past—and discover unsettling Shadowhunter connections that hold the key not only to the enemy’s motivations, but also to the secret of Tessa’s identity. Tessa, already caught between the affections of Will and Jem, finds herself with another choice to make when she learns how the Shadowhunters helped make her a “monster.” Will she turn from them to her brother, Nate, who has been begging her to join him at Mortmain’s side? Where will her loyalties—and love—lie? Tessa alone can choose to save the Shadowhunters of London…or end them forever.

Clockwork Prince defies the sophomore slump and unfolds a tale of intrigue, action, and heartbreak.

I have to admit that I wasn't a huge fan of Clockwork Angel and I didn't think I would continue TID series, however, when it was released that Ed Westwick would be reading the audio for Clockwork Prince how could I say no?  Seriously, listen to this demo.  I don't care what the story is, if Ed Westwick is the narrator I'm listening to it.     

Besides the audio being amazing, the story itself was so much better than the first.  I was enraptured by the characters, as they didn't feel as stiff or as forced as they did in the first novel.  However, as bad as it sounds, I still am not a fan of Tessa.  She is the kind of person that everyone wants to help and protect, and she isn't deceitful or anything, but she puts herself and others in situations that are dangerous, cruel, and complicated.  As much as she tries to be strong and independent, I just see her as a weak person that unknowingly and unintentionally manipulates others.  She doesn't do any of this on purpose and I'm sure she is loved by many people, she was just not my type of heroine.  Then there is he love triangle between her, Jem, and Will.  It really becomes more prominent in Clockwork Prince and only serves to become an entangled mess that makes me very scared how Cassandra Clare is going to work her way out of it.

The plot is a bit more intense in this novel and the action increases multi-fold.  More secrets and mysteries are discovered leading to Mortmain's plans and the downfall of the Shadowhunters.   The characters are what makes this series, but the action is an added bonus to keep you on your toes and always wondering what was going to happen next.

All-in-all, Clockwork Prince exceeded my expectations and while I'm a bit nauseous over the idea of how Cassandra Clare is going to work out Tessa's love life, I'm still excited to read Clockwork Princess. 

Review: Kiss of Frost (Mythos Academy #2) by Jennifer Estep

Title: Kiss of Frost (Mythos Academy #2)
Author: Jennifer Estep
Published by: Kensington Books
Pages: 385
Source: Bought
Format: ebook
Rating: 4 stars

Summary from Goodreads: I’m Gwen Frost, a second-year warrior-in-training at Mythos Acad­emy, and I have no idea how I’m going to sur­vive the rest of the semes­ter. One day, I’m get­ting schooled in sword­play by the guy who broke my heart—the drop-dead gor­geous Logan who slays me every time. Then, an invis­i­ble archer in the Library of Antiq­ui­ties decides to use me for tar­get prac­tice. And now, I find out that some­one at the acad­emy is really a Reaper bad guy who wants me dead. I’m afraid if I don’t learn how to live by the sword—with Logan’s help—I just might die by the sword...

Things are starting to heat up at Mythos Academy.

I'm think I'm hooked on this series.  First off the characters are amazing.  They all have their flaws and that is what makes them real to me.  Gwen is the heroine of our tale and while she is not necessarily the hard-core, kick-butt girl seen in other YA novels, she has a strength and determination all her own.  In this novel her gypsy gift starts to manifest in different ways and brings a new power to Gwen.  I cant wait to see just how far her gift will grow and how she will use it to save others (because we all know that she is going to end up saving the day in the end...isn't that always the predictable thing in YA lit). 

Logan in this book is quite the jerk, along with Oliver.  I'd like to say they have their reasons, but that feels too much like saying "Boys will be boys" and I'm not ok with that.  They were jerks, plan and simple.  Did they have things that haunted them and affected their behavior?  Yes of course, but that doesn't excuse their actions. 

On the other-hand, our favorite stuck-up, snotty girl has turned over a new leaf.  Daphne has become one of my favorite characters.  Her and Gwen with their snark and quick tongues make great best friends.  Daphne turns out to be fiercly loyal and definitely someone I'd want on my side. 

Besides the characters, the plot is a little predictable, but still good.  It was action-packed and the intensity was cranked up a bit in Kiss of Frost compared to the last novel.  I loved the little twist and turns to the story and each page left me wanting more.

Kiss of Frost was a great second novel and I can't wait to see where Jennifer takes Gwen and her pals next. 

Have you read this series?  What are your opinions on Gwen not being the typical fierce, kick-butt heroine?
 

Audio Review: The Runaway Queen (The Bane Chronicles, #2) by Cassandra Clare and Maureen Johnson

Title: The Runaway Queen (The Bane Chronicles, #2)
Authors: Cassandra Clare and Maureen Johnson
Narrator: George Blagden
Published by: Simon and Schuster Audio
Length: 1 hr., and 18 mins
Source: Publisher*
Format: Audio
Rating: 5 stars

Summary from Goodreads: Magnus Bane has a royal role in the French Revolution—if the angry mobs don’t spoil his spells. One of ten adventures in The Bane Chronicles. While in France, immortal warlock Magnus Bane finds himself attempting to rescue the royal family from the horrors of the French Revolution—after being roped into this mess by a most attractive count. Naturally, the daring escape calls for invisible air balloons…

Another exciting adventure featuring our favorite warlock...Magnus Bane.   

This installment of The Bane Chronicles brings us to Paris during the French Revolution.  A distraught, and very attractive young man, needs Magnus's help rescuing Marie Antoinette after she has been kidnapped.  

In The Runaway Queen we get a nice mix of serious moments and humor (which we all love Magnus for).  This short story is a little more concise than the first installment and even better in my opinion.  I loved how Magnus stayed creative and had to find a way to use his magic while being in disguise in the human world.  The juxtaposition of magic and historical fiction was fascinating and done really well in my opinion.

The Runaway Queen shows us just how out-of-the-box Magnus is.  His rescue attempt was perfect and quite creative.  Of course there were elaborate costumes and fashion involved because we are talking about Magnus in Paris people!

Can I say again how much I enjoy these audio installments?  This time we have a different narrator who did just as splendid of job as the last one.  Plus at just over an hour long they make the perfect little escape that can easily be enjoyed in one sitting.  Plus they are a super cheap way to stay connected to the shadowhunter world we love. 

If you are a fan of TMI and TID series make sure to check out The Bane Chronicles.   

*I did receive this audio for review, but I was not compensated for this post in anyway and all opinions are my own.

Review: Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Title: Eleanor & Park
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Published by: St. Martin's Press
Pages: 328
Source: Library
Format: Hardcover
Rating: 5 stars

Summary from Goodreads: Set over the course of one school year in 1986, ELEANOR AND PARK is the story of two star-crossed misfits – smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you’ll remember your own first love – and just how hard it pulled you under.

Devastatingly beautiful and heartbreaking.  Eleanor & Park will be sure to warm even the coldest of hearts and touch the lives of everyone who reads it.

Why, oh why did I wait so long to read this book!  Please excuse the incoherence in this review because even after finishing it couple of weeks ago I can't seem to come off the whirlwind that Eleanor & Park put me on.  

Eleanor has led a tough life.  She wears her individuality as a shield to protect herself from others harmful comments and from letting them get too close.  Somehow through comic books, mix tapes, and bus rides Park slips around that shield and it starts to crack just a little.  At first I wasn't really a fan of Eleanor.  She was brash and stand-offish, but the more I came to know her and her situation the more I just wanted to rescue her and her siblings (who I actually was not fans of either, but that didn't stop me from caring about them).  

Eleanor and Park's relationship was so cute.  They had some rough patches but the best thing was that they brought out the light in each other.  They were people who shouldn't hide, but instead let their individuality shine.  While there were many adorable scenes between these two, this book was hard to read.  It wasn't Rainbow Rowell's writing or anything like that, the subject matter was tough.  I found my heart hurting and wanting to escape from the story and yet I couldn't put the book down.   I had become attached to these people and their story and I couldn't leave them until the end.  (Little did I know they would stick with me long after I turned the last page). 

The characters and the situations in Eleanor & Park were very realistic and that is what makes it the book that so many people love.  It showed that sometimes life doesn't even hand you lemons, instead it takes everything and you have to somehow go on when there is nothing left.  It showed that sometimes you have to grow up before you are ready and know that the horrible thief that stole your childhood would never be caught and punished.  But it also showed hope and kindness -- and love.   

Eleanor & Park will blow you away...seriously just go read this book.  

Guest Post: Sandy Smith author of Seed Savers: Heirloom

Today I welcome Sandy Smith author of Seed Savers: Heirloom to tell us about her favorite things to grow in her garden.

My Ten Favorite Things to Grow in a Garden

1. Tomatoes—They are fairly easy to grow and you can use them in a bunch 

of ways: in salsa, on sandwiches, pasta sauce, salads. The seeds are tiny 

but they produce so much! Tomatoes are pretty. The different varieties 

have so many cool names like Mortgage Lifter, Cherokee Purple, Indigo 

Rose … and last but not least, I like the smell on my hands after picking 

the tomatoes!

2. Basil—Mmm. Pesto; need I say more?

3. Radishes—Seriously, radishes are one of the first things to plant in the 

spring when we are all itching to garden. And I’ve seen them come up in 

as little as THREE DAYS!!!

4. Strawberries—Again, the signal that summer is almost here—the 

strawberries are ripe!!!

5. Potatoes—Who doesn’t like pawing through the dirt now and then hoping 

to find a beautiful potato?

6. Lettuce—Easy, early, practical. Fresh salad for months. What’s not to love?

7. Green beans—Fun to watch emerge, produce a lot of food for many 

weeks. The seeds are a fine size and shape, just don’t hold them under 

your nostril and inhale.

8. Cilantro—I really like cilantro a lot and you really must grow your own. 

Everyone should just grow whatever herbs they like. It’s just tastier that 

9. Onions—I’m not sure why I like growing my own onions. Maybe because 

I like drying them and hanging them in the kitchen corner. 

10. Carrots—Challenging sometimes, but a must for the childhood 

memories :).

I love the names of those tomatoes and now I'm craving some fresh strawberries...yummy.

Check out Sandy Smith's book Seed Savers: Heirloom

Summary from Amazon:  Seed Savers isn't your typical bleak, violent dystopia. Think Little House on the Prairie or Anne of Green Gables meets The Giver or Fahrenheit 451; this is why it's totally appropriate for kids as young as nine (or possibly younger). The stories take place in a not-too-distant future where gardening is illegal, corporations own the seeds, and real food is no longer available. Three children are on a quest to learn about gardening and make a change back to the old ways. One word of warning--there are some religious texts cited in the books inherent to character and plot development which have "offended" one or two people. The series in no way teaches any religion. The only teaching in the books is about gardening.

Available: http://amzn.to/HLG7aV  (Heirloom paperback)
http://amzn.to/1a5xRNw (Heirloom kindle)  

Don't forget to check out the next stop of the tour

Thanks Sandy so much for joining us today.

Audio Review: What Really Happened in Peru (The Bane Chronicles, #1) by Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees Brennan

Title: What Really Happened in Peru (The Bane Chronicles, #1)
Authors: Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees Brennan
Narrator: Jessie Williams
Published by: Simon and Schuster Audio
Length: 1 hr and 13 mins
Source: Publisher*
Format: Audio
Rating: 5 stars

Summary from Goodreads: There are good reasons Peru is off-limits to Magnus Bane. Follow Magnus’s Peruvian escapades as he drags his fellow warlocks Ragnor Fell and Catarina Loss into trouble, learns several instruments (which he plays shockingly), dances (which he does shockingly), and disgraces his host nation by doing something unspeakable to the Nazca Lines.

I have to admit that I never really saw the allure of Magnus Bane in TMI series (admittedly I have only read the first 4 books so far), but it was actually in TID series where I really started to like this guy and care for him.  So when I had the opportunity to review the audio version of What Really Happened in Peru read by Jessie Williams, I jumped at the chance. 

First each of these stories in the series are short but are complete stories, which I absolutely love.  This audio was just over an hour so it made for the perfect little story that I could listen to in one setting.  Jessie Williams is one cute mister and his voice was a pretty good, though not perfect, imitation of what I imaged Magnus to sounds like.  You can hear a sample clip here.  

I'm usually not a huge fan of short stories/novellas since I don't believe they really add much to the plot, but What Really Happened in Peru didn't seem that way for me.  I think it was because it wasn't part of the overall series, instead it was this side story of a colorful and enigmatic character which many people adore.  

As for the story I loved it.  I got to see a different side of Magnus and how crazy he can be.  One of the best parts was that it was so funny.  It was great to see him try to experience life, especially when he decides to learn a new instrument and is unbelievably horrible at it.  The interaction between Magnus, Ragnor and Catarina was nice too.  It was a nice contrast to see him interact with warlocks instead of shadowhunters.  It was just a fun story, slightly crazy and sometimes a bit disjointed, but it made me happy and smile.  That's a winner in my book (did you get the pun...I know I'm a huge nerd).    

Overall, What Really Happened in Peru, was entertaining and so likable.  It was the perfect little story to devour in one sitting.  

*I did receive this audio for review, but I was not compensated for this post in anyway and all opinions are my own.

Audio Review: The Program (The Program, #1) by Suzanne Young

Title: The Program (The Program, #1)
Author: Suzanne Young
Narrator: Joy Osmanski
Published by: Simon and Schuster Audio
Length: 10 hrs and 57 min
Source: Publisher
Format: Audio
Rating: 4 stars

Summary from Goodreads: Sloane knows better than to cry in front of anyone. With suicide now an international epidemic, one outburst could land her in The Program, the only proven course of treatment. Sloane's parents have already lost one child; Sloane knows they'll do anything to keep her alive. She also knows that everyone who's been through The Program returns as a blank slate. Because their depression is gone, but so are their memories.

Under constant surveillance at home and at school, Sloane puts on a brave face and keeps her feelings buried as deep as she can. The only person Sloane can be herself with is James. He's promised to keep them both safe and out of treatment, and Sloane knows their love is strong enough to withstand anything. But despite the promises they made to each other, it's getting harder to hide the truth. They are both growing weaker. Depression is setting in. And The Program is coming for them.

Emotionally stunning, and thought provoking.    

Oh where to start with this one.  First, The Program deals with the issues of depression and suicide.  In this dystopian-like world, if someone shows any bit of sadness or emotional instability they get sent into the program which "fixes' them so as they won't become part of the epidemic leading to teens taking their own lives.  However, the program's version of help is to erase all memories of pain and much of everything else as well, removing people and parts of each persons life from their own memories.  Talk about completely disorienting and horrifying.    

I feel so conflicted about all of this.  Of course I would love for there to be a fix all for anything, but that fix all doesn't mean taking away a person's memories.  Plus the fear and isolation that these teens go through everyday trying to avoid the program is painful in itself.  To not be able to grieve someone who has come out of the program and no longer knows you, or worse someone you love takes their own life and you cant shed a tear, but instead have to hide all emotion.  How can you not be sad and grieve, but to have that lurking horror of being thrown into the program as well makes their whole situation terrifying.  

Somehow Sloan and James seem to having been making it through.  They are such a great couple and really find strength in one another.  This was a highlight of the book for me.  They truly were each other's rock and there were times when their joy and happiness came streaming off the pages (or through the earphone in my case).  There were some other really great characters in this novel as well.  I'd like to say you were able to know many of them, but that was not always true...you did however get to experience much of their pain and sadness.  

I fear I am making this sound like a depressing book.  Yes at times it was, but it was written in a way that broke through all of that and made it beautiful.  There is hope and there is happiness.  In this book it seems that depression is an epidemic that is taking over everyone's lives, but that was not always true.  Suzanne Young bring us this interwoven and complex situation and cast of characters that will defy the odds in some way or another...or at times give in to the pain.  You never really know what's going to happen until the end.  

I don't want to tell you too much about what happens in The Program because I feel that would give away the whole novel, so you'll just have to trust me that it was a great book.  However, it was slow at times, but I'm not sure if that was the writing or just that Suzanne Young was giving us time to think things over.  This is definitely one of those books that have you ruminating and reflecting quite often on not only what is happening to the characters, but to the world and how you feel about it all.  Also surprisingly I wasn't a fan of the narration.  I usually really enjoy Joy Osmanski as a reader, but she didn't do it for me as Sloan this time.  Something just felt off with her reading.    

The Program was quite thought-provoking one of those books that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.       

Review: First Frost by (Mythos Academy #0.5) by Jennifer Estep

Title: First Frost (Mythos Academy  #0.5)
Author: Jennifer Estep
Published by: Kensington Publishing Corporation
Pages: 30
Source: Bought
Format: ebook
Rating: 4.5 stars

Summary from Goodreads: I am Gwen Frost, and I have a Gypsy gift.  It's called psychometry - that's a fancy way of saying that I see images in my head and get flashes of other people's memories off almost everything I touch, even guys.

My gift makes me kind of nosy. Okay, okay, maybe a lot nosy--to the point of obsession sometimes. I want to know everything about everyone around me. But even I don't want to know the secrets my friend Paige is hiding or the terrible loss that will send me to a new school - Mythos Academy, where the teachers aren't preparing us for the SATs, but to battle Reapers of Chaos.  Now I have no friends and no idea how my gift fits in with all these warrior whiz kids.  The only thing I do know is that my life is never, ever going to be the same.

What a way to start a series.  First Frost introduces the Mythos Academy series with a bang.  It was packed full of emotion and instantly set the mood for the series.

Often times many of us want a special gift, but we fail to realize the impact and burden that gift can be.  Gwen learned that the hard way when she picks up a friends hairbrush only to experience her friend's crushing reality.  This not only impacts Gwen's emotional state, but also her life in more ways than she realizes.  Gwen is a strong girl, and yet her life drastically changes because of this one event.  

First Frost introduces us not only to the series, but also to a couple of main characters.  I love that we see bits and pieces of who Gwen is and her interaction with her Grandmother. Besides the characters, First Frost also gives us our first glimpse at Mythos Academy and the mythology behind it.  Instead of vampires and werewolves, we get Amazons, Valkyries and Spartans.  It's nice to see a different side of paranormal/fantasy than the 'typical' found in many other novels.

I think Jennifer L. Armentrout really nailed it with this introduction to the Mythos Academy series.  First Frost is the type of novella you can read before you start the series or after you've already read a couple of books.  It's powerful and insightful; definitely a novella you won't want to miss.

Review: Elixir (Covanant, #3.5) by Jennifer L.Armentrout

Title: Elixir (Covenant, #3.5)
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Published by: Spencer Hill Press
Pages: 80
Source: Bought
Format: Ebook
Rating: 3.5 stars

Summary from Goodreads: Aiden St. Delphi will do anything to save Alex. Even if it means doing the one thing he will never forgive himself for. Even if it means making war against the gods.

Ahh the drama.  To be young, in love, fighting to keep the ones you love themselves, and defying the gods...that is really the life.

This is everything a novella should be.  It was a complete story in itself, yet highly depended on understanding what was currently happening in the series.  I felt like Elixir really had something to add to the Covenant series instead of just telling us a back story.  It had conflict and resolution and I think was a powerful addition to the series.  However if you are not familiar with the series you could not read this novella as a stand alone.  It is highly connected to the series and therefore to truly grasp what is happening one needs to read the previous books before reading this novella.

In Elixir you get to interact on a different level than usual with the characters and understand more of Aiden's perspective.  I love that you see him lose control a bit.  Usually he is so put together and stoic and in Elixir you can see his struggle and raw emotion.   

You hear bits and pieces about the Elixir that is given to Half Bloods previously in the series, but in this novella it hits a bit closer to home.  This is something that Alex (and many other Half Bloods have feared) and yet it may be the only way to not start a war with the gods that will affect everyone.    

One thing I think was done really well was to understand how difficult a decision is.  Sometimes decisions about other peoples lives are portrayed as simple and yet Elixir really shows us the positives and negatives of a decision and how hard they are to make for another person.  Just because it is the easy way (or at times the harder way) is it the right way?  

Who would have thought a short 80 page novella could bring such a heavy topic to life?  Elixir did that and so much more.  

What are your views on novellas?  Do you love them or not really care for them?  How much do they add to a series?

Audio Review of This World We Live In by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Title: This World We Live In (Last Survivors, #3)
Author: Susan Beth Pfeffer
Narrator: Emily Bauer
Published by: Listening Library
Length: 6hr., 53min.
Source: Library
Format: Audio
Rating: 4 stars

Summary from Goodreads: It’s been a year since a meteor collided with the moon, catastrophically altering the earth’s climate. Miranda and her two brothers spend their days scavenging for food and household items, while their mother stays at home and desperately tries to hold on to the ordinary activities of their previous life. But they all know that nothing is truly normal in this surreal new world they live in.

The struggle to survive intensifies when Miranda’s father and stepmother arrive with a baby and three strangers in tow. One of the newcomers is Alex Morales, and as Miranda’s complicated feelings for him turn to love, his plans for his future thwart their relationship. Then a devastating tornado hits the town of Howell, and Miranda makes a decision that will change their lives forever.

Dystopian at its best.  This World We Live In makes you question your morals and ethics when there are few left in the world to keep you accountable.

Ahhh...the ending.  I promise I won't give anything away, but I still don't know what I think about this ending.  I cannot imagine being one of the last survivors on earth, so I don't know what I'd do when it came to trying not only to keep myself alive, but also others.  You read about who each of these characters turn into and the things they do to to survive, but if you were in their situations would you do any differently?  

Miranda has grown up a bit since the first novel; I guess the situation she's in will do that to you.  I still, for some reason, was not a fan of her.  I felt that she was irrational, selfish, and immature.  Then I have to look at the situation she was in and reassess.  Does that ever happen to you?  I feel like she should have handled things differently, but then I have to check myself and ask what would I do if I was that age and in that situation.  Sometimes the two just don't mesh together for me.  Am I alone here or does anyone else have this issue as well?

The best thing about This World We Live In was how it tied the whole series together.  In the first novel we meet Miranda and her family and in the second novel we meet Alex Morales and his family.  The last one brings everyone together and while you may think isn't that a nice way to wrap it all up, it was still a bit unsettling.  It may be because of their hardship and struggles or that for this series a fairy tale ending does not fit with the flow of the story.  

Susan Beth Pfeffer did an amazing job at making this novel seem real.  There are no knights with shining armor, or secret government holdings to protect these common people.  They have to steal, pillage, starve and lie to survive.  They watch everyone around them die and yet they need a will to survive and keep living day to day.  There was so much interwoven in This World We Live In that it will stick with you long after you read it.  It is the kind of novel that will constantly make you self reflect and wonder, but at the same time it is an enjoyable read.  Plus the narrator is really good.  Emily Bauer not only read the first book in this series, but has narrated many novels I have read including novels by Meg Cabott, Anna Godbersen, Tera Lynn Childs, and Ann Aguirre.  If you haven't listened to something read by Emily Bauer you should.    

This World We Live In ended the series in a way that left you wondering about the future and what it will hold for these characters.  While the ending was a bit frustrating, it was also realistic making me appreciate the novel that much more.   

Friday Night Date Night: Beautiful Creatures

Friday Night Date Night is a feature on my blog that showcases movie reviews (mostly movies that were adapted from books). Hopefully some of these reviews will help you decide what to watch on your date night or a night of relaxing at home.

Long ago when I heard that Beautiful Creatures was going to be made into a movie I was excited and scared.  We all know the movie never lives up the books and the world that Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl created was beautiful and complex. 

Did I think that the movie nailed the book?  No, far from it but I went into the movie differently than I have before.  I didn't reread the book before I watched the movie...GRASP.  I know completely crazy right?  Anyway I found I didn't remember every little detail and I could just enjoy the movie for what it was, a loose interpretation for the novel.  I cannot say for sure how well the movie aligned with the novel, because honestly I don't remember as much about the novel as I should have.  However, I had a feeling while I was watching it that the story was slightly off than what I was used to, especially the ending.  

As for the characters I did enjoy Alden Ehrenreich as Ethan and I loved Emmy Rossum as Ridley, but I wasn't feeling Alice Englert as Lena.  I cannot say exactly what is was about her or the acting, but that was not the Lena I imagined in my head and I could not reconcile the difference.  

The setting, however, was just as I imagined Gatlin County to be like.  It was haunted and gorgeous.

While there were some issues I had with the movie, overall I did enjoy it + it made me want to go back and reread the novel.  Always a good thing in my book! 

What are your plans for this Friday Night?

Review Post: Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Title:  Fangirl
Author:  Rainbow Rowell
Published by: St. Martin's Griffin 
Pages: 434
Format:  Hardcover
Source: Purchased
Rating:  4.5 stars

Summary from Goodreads:  In Rainbow Rowell's Fangirl, Cath is a Simon Snow fan. Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan, but for Cath, being a fan is her life—and she’s really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it’s what got them through their mother leaving.

Cath’s sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can’t let go. She doesn’t want to. Now that they’re going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn’t want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She’s got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words . . . And she can’t stop worrying about her dad, who’s loving and fragile and has never really been alone.

For Cath, the question is: Can she do this? Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?

We as book lovers get attached to characters, worlds, plots, authors, and essentially every other aspect of a book.  These people and places become a comfort to us and a part of our lives just like their non-fiction entities.  Who didn't hope for their very own letter to Hogwarts, to be able to shoot an arrow like our favorite fearless heroine, or dare I say it...want a sparkling boyfriend of our own at one time or another?  We get completely immersed in the story and it becomes part of who we are. 

The same is true for Cath.  She is not only a Simon Snow fan, but she is THE fan.  You know the one who has fans of their own.  Not only does she live for the books, movies, world, and characters but she is also one of the most famous fanfiction writers out there with a massive following of her own.  She's a bit obsessed to say the least and it is taking over her life.  

I really loved Cath as a character.  She was a bit naive and sheltered but she also didn't bend to peoples will or change who she is.  However, Cath was just one of the outstanding characters in this novel.  Wren was eccentric and a bit wild.  She knew what she wanted from life and went after it.  Levi was completely and utterly adorable.  Where was he when I went to college?  And my favorite character had to be Reagan.  I loved her and her surly attitude.  I thought she was a riot.    

College is a tough transition and I think that Rainbow Rowell did an amazing job at capturing two of the different ends of the spectrum with Cath and her sister.  Both of these girls were going through some traumatic experiences and tough times, then on top of that they move away to college.  They handled things very differently, though truth be told also very typically.  Looking back on my undergrad days I can definitely see myself in both of these girls and their actions (is that a good thing?)

Fangirl was a different take on YA/New Adult and I think I quite liked it. For me at least, it seems a bit more relate-able than other NA books, yet it still had most of the elements + it was hilarious.  There were so many times I laughed out loud when reading this novel.  (side note:  This novel seems to bridge both YA and NA, though in an interview Rainbow Rowell states she feels it is more YA.)

Fangirl is definitely worth the hype.  I think I'm going to stock up on a couple of these books, as they will make great graduation gifts.      

Blog Tour: The Devil's Triangle by Toni De Palma

Title: The Devil's Triangle (The Devil's Triangle, #1)
Author: Toni De Palma
Published by: Crescent Moon Press
Pages: 218
Source: Author
Format: ebook
Rating: 2.5 stars

Summary from Goodreads: When 17 year old Cooper dies in an attempt to burn down his school, he finds himself in the afterlife. Lucy, the Devil's sister who has crossed party lines, decides to give Cooper another shot at heaven. The deal? Cooper returns to Earth and has to find a girl named Grace. The rest is up to him.

While Cooper figures out his mission, he's thrown into the life he's always wanted. Great parents, a spot on the Varsity football team and a real future are all within reach. But what he really wants is Grace, a feisty girl with an abusive boyfriend who can pound Cooper into pulp if he doesn't watch out.

While Lucy plays demonic-puppeteer, clues to an unknown past between Cooper and Grace start to unravel. Cooper discovers that what's keeping him and Grace apart is far more sinister than anything this bad boy could have ever imagined.

An original story about what's in store for you when you deal with the devil, or his sister for that matter.

I have read stories about angels and demons, but I'm not sure if I've ever read one that dealt with the devil.  I liked that this story was a bit different than what seems to be mainstream YA right now.  It was unique and the idea of getting a second chance was hopeful, and yet Toni De Palma didn't make Cooper's journey a ride in that park.  He had to go through many obstacles and while at times I thought maybe his mission was hopeless, there seemed to be some subtle divine intervention at the perfect moments.

The characters in this story were a bit hard for me to like.  First, a lot of the characters were quite evil and vindictive.  This always rubs me the wrong way when someone gets controlling and hurtful.  Toni De Palma did a great job at making me dislike these bullies and even at times fear them...we are talking about the devil and his minions so some fear is to be expected.  However, I didn't feel like we knew enough about the 'good' characters to like them.  Cooper and Grace are the main characters and yet we see little into Grace's life, and Cooper's life is kind of jumbled so that makes it a bit hard to connect to him.  My favorite character ended up being Cooper's brother Ryan.  He seems like a genuinely great guy who has had a horrible hand dealt to him, yet he seems to take it all in stride.  I wish we got to see more of him.

With Cooper's life being as convoluted as it was, I had a hard time following what was going on.  I wish I would have gotten a little more back story to understand Cooper and Grace's past and the events that led them up to today.  The missing information made it hard for me to read The Devil's Triangle at times, because I wasn't sure what was going on.  Eventually most of it plays out by the end of the novel, but I'm still a little confused about a couple of things.  Maybe they will be explained more in the next novel.

I really enjoyed the unique plot of The Devil's Triangle, but with the hard time I had connecting to the characters and following the plot left me wanting more....hopefully the sequel will fill in some blanks for me. 
   

Review of The Culling by Steven dos Santos

Title: The Culling (The Torch Keeper, #1)
Author: Steven dos Santos
Published by: Flux
Pages: 421
Source: Publisher/NetGalley
Format: ebook
Rating: 5 stars

Summary from Goodreads:  Recruitment Day is here...if you fail, a loved one will die...

For Lucian “Lucky” Spark, Recruitment Day means the Establishment, a totalitarian government, will force him to become one of five Recruits competing to join the ruthless Imposer task force. Each Recruit participates in increasingly difficult and violent military training for a chance to advance to the next level. Those who fail must choose an “Incentive”—a family member—to be brutally killed. If Lucky fails, he’ll have to choose death for his only living relative: Cole, his four-year-old brother.

Lucky will do everything he can to keep his brother alive, even if it means sacrificing the lives of other Recruits’ loved ones. What Lucky isn’t prepared for is his undeniable attraction to the handsome, rebellious Digory Tycho. While Lucky and Digory train together, their relationship grows. But daring to care for another Recruit in a world where love is used as the ultimate weapon is extremely dangerous. As Lucky soon learns, the consequences can be deadly...

I am not one for dark, violent, and horrifying tales but The Culling captivated me and turned my world upside down.

I'm having a difficult time putting into words what I feel about The Culling.  I was incredibly horrified and yet I could not take my eyes off the pages.  Think of facing the scenario of not only have to fight for your freedom, but if you lose you have to choose which of your loved ones to kill...it's heartbreaking and so scary.  I didn't really contemplate the situations that these young adults were put into until the day came when they were put through The Trials...I felt so hopeless and broken.  I could not believe the emotions that Steven dos Santos evoked in the reader.  It is really quite amazing that he was able to convey all he did through one novel.

The Recruits were people who were desperate and did barbaric things.  I wanted to hate some of them, but I couldn't because at times I could relate to them and  I have no idea who The Trials would turn me into.  Lucky and Digory were by far my favorite characters, but I came to like most of the Recruits by the end and if I didn't like them I could at least understand them.  Cassius, while I despised him, was the perfect villain   He had a way of complete and utter control over others that made you cringe.  It was worse than someone who used violence, because he really messed with a person's mind and emotions.  It was utterly brilliant, yet horrifying.  

The one thing about this novel that I adored is the incorporation of  homosexuality.  It wasn't obvious at first or even the center of the story.  There was no gay best friend, or homophobic jock.  The world as a whole was pretty messed up in The Culling, but how they viewed homosexuality (essentially homophobia didn't exist) was something I can only hope our world will someday achieve.  The romance was completely natural and something that I think everyone will enjoy and root for.

Overall I was amazed by this novel.  I don't only suggest you read this, but do it now.  I only wish I could go out and buy everyone copies...it's that good!    

Review of Hooked by Liz Fichera

Title: Hooked (Hooked, #1)
Author: Liz Fichera
Published by: Harlequin Teen
Pages: 368
Source: Publisher/NetGalley
Format: ebook
Rating: 3 stars

Summary from Goodreads:  Get Hooked on a Girl Named Fred...

HE said: Fred Oday is a girl? Puh-leeze. Why is a girl taking my best friend’s spot on the boys’ varsity golf team?

SHE said: Can I seriously do this? Can I join the boys’ team? Everyone will hate me—especially Ryan Berenger.

HE said: Coach expects me to partner with Fred on the green? That is crazy bad. Fred’s got to go—especially now that I can’t get her out of my head. So not happening.

SHE said: Ryan can be nice, when he’s not being a jerk. Like the time he carried my golf bag. But the girl from the rez and the spoiled rich boy from the suburbs? So not happening.

But there’s no denying that things are happening as the girl with the killer swing takes on the boy with the killer smile....

Liz Fichera doesn't hold anything back in her debut novel Hooked.  While the story focuses on Fred, the first girl on the guys varsity team, there are many underlying issues at work.  Some of them include: racism, alcohol abuse, stereotyping, physical abuse, infidelity, gender inequality and socio-economic status.  This may seem like a lot to handle, but it was presented really well in the story. 

Fred, a Native American girl golfer, joins the varsity team only to cause an uproar.  The guys are not only upset that there is a girl on their team, but that she is better than all of them.  While I wasn't a fan of a lot of the characters I thought most were true to what you'd expect.  I'm not saying I agree with many of their actions, but I felt like Liz Fichera portrayed each character in a manner that suited them and their behaviors.  While we really got to know both Fred and Ryan and their home lives, we only got glimpses of the other's lives.  These supporting characters felt a little flat to me since I didn't know much about them.  Fred on the other hand, I did like but at times I thought she was a bit naive.  She was a tough girl, who has led a rough live and so that aspect of her character didn't fit for me.

The story started off really well, as I love the thought of gender - equality, and if I'm being completely truthful the thought of not only a women, but a minority women showing up all these rich snobby white boys had me cheering Fred on and hoping she would succeed.  Soon though, things started to get twisted up and I felt like there were too many communication errors and other situations that it felt jumbled and like we were hoping from one scenario to the next.  It just happened to be too much drama for me.

While this book wasn't a hole-in-one (sorry I couldn't help it), I still enjoyed it and will most likely read the next book in the series. 

Review of For the Love of a Vampire by M. Leighton

Title: For the Love of a Vampire (Blood Like Poison, #1)
Author: M. Leighton
Published by: Self Published
Pages: 278
Source: Obtained free from Amazon (on 12/27/2012)
Format: ebook
Rating: 2 stars

Summary from Goodreads: Like most seventeen year olds, Ridley Heller thought she had her future all planned out. What she wanted most in life was to get out of small town Harker. Her only goal was to keep her mouth shut and her grades high so she could win a cheerleading scholarship to Stanford. But that was before she met Bo. 

In Ridley’s wildest dreams, she could never have planned for someone like Bo, for a love so intense it left her breathless. No human girl could.

A haunting stranger that watched her from afar, Bo stole Ridley’s heart from the moment she laid eyes on him. But he has secrets. Bo’s a vampire. Both his past and his present are a danger to Ridley, but the biggest threat is not her blood; it’s her heart. He’s feeding a thirst for revenge that will cost him his life, and it may already be too late. 

The more darkness Ridley uncovers, the more she realizes that her life will never be the same—with or without Bo. Can she sacrifice her future and her heart for someone who has a death wish?

M. Leighton brings a different twist to the typical young-adult vampire love story.  

While we are all used to the typical girl meets cute mysterious boy, but soon realizes something is different about him story, For the Love of a Vampire adds a interesting twist.  Bo's father was killed a while ago and now he's out for revenge, but the act of the revenge itself is literally killing him. 

I liked that Bo wasn't a happy-go-lucky kind of guy.  He's a bit dark and a lot mysterious, but he's actually a great guy underneath it all...um well, besides the whole revenge thing.  He makes Ridley not only want to be a better person, but to actually act like one too. She's not living the easiest life and she tries to coast through by just ignoring everything around her.  Her 'friends' are actually quite horrible people.  I don't like conflict or anything, but I don't think I could have just sat there a let them talk like that or get anyway with things they did.  I felt like this was a good example of peer pressure and how wanting to be like everyone else sometimes causes you to ignore things that are blatantly wrong and hurtful.  I'm not condoning anyone's  behavior, but I'm sure this is something that happens is school everyday and I'm glad that the author showed this is unacceptable and something needs to be done.  By saying nothing to bullies you are encouraging them without using words.  I'll stop ranting now...    

This novel started out really well.  I liked the internal conflict that was going on with Ridley between who she truly was and how she outwardly acted.  I even liked originally meeting Bo and him challenging her to do what was right, however, the story kind of deteriorated from there.  There was huge case of insta-love between Ridley and Bo and I just didn't get it.  They were not connected in anyway that I knew of and yet they were in love by the second day.  That was just too much for me and it seemed to override everything else happening in the story.  The plot was interesting, but I felt like everything happened too fast and with not enough detail.  The whole thing, their romance and the conflict, seemed to speed along without the reader getting to savor what was happening.    

I think this would have been a great story if Ridley and Bo's relationship slowly built as the story continued as well as, flushing out more of the conflict.  M. Leighton was creative with her character's circumstances and the plot behind the story, which brings a lot to the table, however, it just didn't come together for me.   

Review of Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone

Title: Time Between Us (Time Between Us, #1)
Author: Tamara Ireland Stone
Published by: Hyperion
Pages: 384
Source: Library
Format: Hardcover
Rating: 3.5 stars

Summary From Goodreads:  Anna and Bennett were never supposed to meet: she lives in 1995 Chicago and he lives in 2012 San Francisco. But Bennett has the unique ability to travel through time and space, which brings him into Anna’s life, and with him a new world of adventure and possibility.

As their relationship deepens, the two face the reality that time may knock Bennett back to where he belongs, even as a devastating crisis throws everything they believe into question. Against a ticking clock, Anna and Bennett are forced to ask themselves how far they can push the bounds of fate, what consequences they can bear in order to stay together, and whether their love can stand the test of time.

A sweet romance that defies time and space.  Time Between Us mixes romance and time travel in a way that will touch your heart and make you smile. 

Anna and Bennett are the type of characters you adore in a novel.  They are both sweet, good kids who like a little adventure, but ultimately are kind and good hearted.  The one problem I had with them was the insta-love thing.  I felt that Anna fell for Bennett extremely fast and that overshadowed some of her decision.  She seemed a bit naive and I had a problem with her not being more cautious with Bennett and his unique ability.  I was also quite upset with her when she put Bennett in a horrible situation and didn't realizing the agony she was causing him.  I'm sure if I was in the same situation I would have gone beyond begging him, but being an outsider I thought it was a bit selfish and unfair of her to ask such a thing. 

The story line was cute and a bit predictable, but I don't think that took away from the novel.  I knew it was going to be a sweet love story and that is what I received.  I also like that Tamara Ireland Stone bought up some interesting questions about how one incident can change the entire course of a person's future.  It's crazy to think about having such an amazing ability, but more crazy about how careful you have to be not to change history or one's life.  That is a lot of pressure for one kid to handle. 

After reading this novel I have a craving to read The Time Traveler's Wife.  I'm sad to say that I have never read that novel and with a story line that mirrors Time Between Us I think I will finally get around to reading it. 

Have you read both of these novels?  How similar are they?