Waiting on Wednesday: Insurgent

This week I'm waiting on the second novel by Veronica Roth! This debut author created a fascinating world in Divergent that can't wait to see more of!

GoodReads Summary: One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love. 

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so. New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature. 

Top Ten Tuesday: The One with the Theme Songs

this meme is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

This week's Top Ten Tuesday List is....Top Ten Books I'd Give A Theme Song To (How fun is this?!?)


1. Cinder and Princess of China by Coldplay and Rihanna

I heard this song right after I finished Cinder...it seemed to fit :)

I could've been a Princess, You'd be a King
Could've had a castle, and wore a ring
But no, you let me go!

2. Clockwork Prince and Holding on and Letting Go by Ross Copperman
This song seems to fit Tessa at the end of the book...and yes...I stole this from The Vampire Diaries


It's everything you wanted, it's everything you don't 
It's one door swinging open and one door swinging closed 
Some prayers find the answer, some prayers never know 
We're holding on, and letting go. 

3. Where She Went and The Older I Get by Skillet


The time between
Those cutting words
Built up our defenses never made no sense it just made me hurt
Do you believe
That time heals all wounds
It started getting better but it's easy not to fight when I'm not with you

Book Review: The One with the Ghost Zombies (The Summoning)

Amazon Summary: My name is Chloe Saunders and my life will never be the same again.

All I wanted was to make friends, meet boys, and keep on being ordinary. I don't even know what that means anymore. It all started on the day that I saw my first ghost—and the ghost saw me.

Now there are ghosts everywhere and they won't leave me alone. To top it all off, I somehow got myself locked up in Lyle House, a "special home" for troubled teens. Yet the home isn't what it seems. Don't tell anyone, but I think there might be more to my housemates than meets the eye. The question is, whose side are they on? It's up to me to figure out the dangerous secrets behind Lyle House . . . before its skeletons come back to haunt me.

Title: The Summoning

Author: Kelley Armstrong

Hardcover: 400 pages

Publication Date: July 1, 2008

Rating 2/5

My thoughts: I've heard a lot of REALLY good things about Kelley Armstrong's books, so when I got The Awakening out of the library, I also took out the other two books in the series because I thought I would want to read the entire series at once...Too bad for me, I guess, because I can't understand the hype. I kept reading, hoping to discover what everyone else loved so much about it, but the ending was even more disappointing than the beginning. It's hard for me to say why I didn't like it without giving too much away, so I'll do my best to explain without ruining the book/series for those of you who haven't read it.


The main character seemed a little TOO naive and helpless. In fact, she spent the majority of the book having other people help her and fight her fights. I get that she's 15...which is a lo younger than most of the YA books I read, but I wish she was just a little more bad-a$$. Maybe it's only me...but I could have lived without her getting her period in the beginning of the book...TMI? In no way did that develop the book AT ALL, nor was it important later on. Again, I know I'm an adult reading YA, but this book seems more geared for MG than YA...except for the random part where the home she gets sent to thinks she and a guy were 'fooling around' in the basement.


The other characters of the book were interesting...sort of. The only one I really seemed to like was Derick. Simon was annoying, Tori was predictable, and Rae was weird. The ending of the book totally seemed to through me for a loop, and I really didn't know what was going on...but not in a good way. It just made me more annoyed with the book as a whole. All in all, I would not recommend it. I'm disappointed I don't see what everyone else seems to like so mucfh about this author, but since I have them, I will finish the series (I'm not getting my hopes up though)

The One with a Killer Touch (Shatter Me)

Amazon Summary: 
Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days. 

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color. 

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war-- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now. 

Title: Shatter Me

Author: Tahereh Mafi

Publication Date: November 1, 2011

Hardcover: 338 pages

My Thoughts: Juliette has never known the feeling of another person touching her without screaming in agony. She is a monster...that is what they told her. She grew up being ignored by everyone at school..teachers warned the students not to go near her...and then, when she was 14, she killed someone. Now, she resides in a mental institute, alone. After 264 days there...everything changes...she gets a roommate...


I want to start by saying I read this entire book in one sitting...that's how much I enjoyed it! I absolutely loved the first part of this book. Loved it. The writing was absolutely fantastic enchanting incredible. As the book progresses, I understand why the writing changes, but it was a little disappointing.  The narrative became more of a dialogue than just Juliette's own thoughts. I feel like anything i say will give too much away, and there are so many surprises in this book, I'd hate to give any of them away.


I find it unfortunate that halfway through the book, the entire plot shifts. The story line seemed to go much faster than it had to, which was really confusing (and this is coming from someone who likes action-filled plots). I feel like the author missed out on explaining on so much that could have been incredible.  I didn't really understand the bad guy enough for me to think he was evil...or to hate him. In fact, I wanted to learn more about him (I feel like a traitor).  I loved the love interest in the beginning, but feel like their story got resolved to quickly.


I'll be interested to see how the author continues with the story she's developed in the upcoming sequel.  It's definitely a book I'd recommend, but with caveats. Enjoy!

The One With the Long Lost Love (Where She Went)

**Side note before I start this review...I've decided to start titling my book reviews like episodes of Friends! Fun! Hopefully this actually works ;)

GoodReads Description: It's been three years since the devastating accident . . . three years since Mia walked out of Adam's life forever.

Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Juilliard's rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia's home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future - and each other.

Told from Adam's point of view in the spare, lyrical prose that defined If I Stay, Where She Went explores the devastation of grief, the promise of new hope, and the flame of rekindled romance.


Title: Where She Went
Author: Gayle Forman
Publication Date: April 5, 2011
Hardcover: 264 pages


My thoughts: In three years, Adam Wylde has achieved his wildest dreams. He has fulfilled his dreams of becoming a rockstar, and is preparing to go on tour after the release of a second album.  However, those three years have been the loneliest of his life, because the girlfriend he loved more than life itself, walked out on him and never looked back. So what happens when they meet by chance in NYC three years later? Will Adam ever be able to move past the pain of her desertion? And will he finally be able to learn why she left?


"Where She Went" is the sequel to the book "If I Stay." I'll be honest with you...I never read the first book.  I adore books where long lost loves become reunited.  They make me cry, they're always hopeful...they're amazing. I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book as soon as I heard about it.   Unlike most of the books I review, this is not a paranormal book.  The first book was definitely a YA book, taking place three years later, I'm not sure this book still belongs in that category anymore, but it's still appropriate for that age group.  You don't have to read the first book to understand what is going on, so even though I was bad (bad Tara!) you don't have to read "If I Stay" before reading "Where She Went" although I have heard very good things about it!


 The entire book is told from Adam's perspective. The way his life was destroyed after Mia left him without a word, and how is rise to fame happened because of his pain. It was painful to read...but I couldn't put it down! I connected with Adam in a way that I usually don't connect with male protagonists(ever).  I wanted him to be happy...I wanted to make him stop hurting...I wanted to hate Mia for what she did to him.  If you love long-lost love stories as much as I do...put this at the top of your TBR books...you won't be disappointed!

Waiting on Wednesday: The Selection

It's time again for Waiting on Wednesday!  This meme is hosted by Breaking the Spine. My pick this week is a book that caused quite a stir in the book blogging world about a month ago, but it still looks interesting to me.  I can easily get obsessed with shows like The Bachelor, which is what this books immediately reminded me of:

Title:The Selection

Author: Kierra Cass

Publication Date: April 24, 2012

Amazon Summary: For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

Top Ten Tuesday: The One With the Books You Would Save

Top Ten Tuesday is weekly meme created run by The Broke and the Bookish. I'm really excited to be taking part in this meme! It's a great way to meet more bloggers, and engage in thought-provoking discussions.

Top Ten Books I'd Quickly Save If My House Was Going To Be Abducted By Aliens 

1. The Scarlet Pimpernel. My copy of the Scarlet Pimpernel I've had FOREVER. I wrote all over it when I originally got it because I had to read it for school.
2. Harry Potter and the Deadly Hallows. It's the only book I ever waited in line at a midnight release for.
3. Walk On: The Spiritual Journey of U2. It's the first book my (now) husband ever gave me. ;)
4. Clockwork Prince. Because I love it. I read one part over and over again.
5. The Do-Ahead Cookbook. It has my famous chocolate chip cookie recipe in it :)
6. Trixie Belden: Secret of the Mansion. Honestly? The book is adorable. I love reading this over and over
7. My Wedding Album
8. - 10. That's all folks! Sorry...my first Top 10 Tuesday is sort of a bust :(

This one is hard for me...I don't give 'things' a lot of emotional attachment.  I also have most of my books on my Kindle (Does my Kindle count?) or I get them out of the library.

Book Review: Clockwork Prince

Amazon Summary: In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street—and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa’s powers for his own dark ends.

With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister’s war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move—and that one of their own has betrayed them.

Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, though her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will—the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?

As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart.

Title: Clockwork Prince

Author: Cassandra Clare

Hardcover: 528 pages

Publication Date: December 6, 2011

Rating: 5/5

My Thoughts:

Tessa Gray has found a home with the Shadowhunters. The only family she has left alive was the brother who turned against her. The clock is ticking for her and her new friends to find the man that tricked her to coming to London, and plans to destroy the Shadowhunters.  If they don't find him, Tessa will be kicked out the the Institute with no where to go, but the deeper they search, the more the secrets they find.  Both Tessa and Will have family secrets they need to discover, but danger lurks everywhere.  With a broken heart, Tessa tries to move past her feelings for Will, and she gets closer with Jem...but now her heart is torn between 2 boys...best friends, and she can't help herself.

I don't think there are words to explain how I'm feeling right now. This book was incredible.  As much as I enjoy reading, very rarely does a book affect me like the Clockwork Prince has.  Cassandra Clare has created such heart-breaking characters, that I don't even know what I want to happen.

For those of you who haven't read this book (or this series) you need to read it now. It's taken me two weeks to read Cassandra Clare's 6 books.  I adore the Mortal Instruments series, but the Infernal Devices series is something completely different. I wasn't sure I would enjoy this book...the Clockwork Angel seemed like a setup to the series, and I didn't want this just to be an 'in-between' book like a lot of middle books in series are.  This book made up for it 10 times over. The plot didn't develop as much as I thought it would, but the amount of character development made up for it.  I don't want to say too much, because I know I'll give something major away.

This book broke my heart...like no book as ever done before.  I didn't cry...but that's only because I cry about happy things (stupid, I know) but I was listless after I finished it.  It's actually PAINFUL to read.  Heart-wrenching, awful...IT'S AMAZING.

Favorite Character: Will...Will...WILL

Why? Because he's Will. Because he broke *my* heart.  Because I'm on Team Will forever.  His character has so much depth...there is so much more to his story.  

Least Favorite Character: no one...

Why? This book was so well put together...I really can't think of anyone I disliked.  Even the bad guys are good at being bad..

Book Review: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

Amazon Summary: Mara Dyer doesn't believe life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.


 It can.                                                                                                                                                  

She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her strangely unharmed.

 There is.                                                                                                       

She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love. 

She's wrong.

Title: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

Author: Michelle Hodkin

Hardcover: 464 pages

Publication Date: September 27, 2011

Rating: 3.5/5

My Thoughts: 

Something happened to Mara Dyer.  The only problem is...she can't remember what it was.  The only thing she knows is that after an accident, her two closest friends and her boyfriend are dead.  Her family is so worried about her that they choose to leave the town she grew up in to move down to Florida and re-start their lives.  Mara thinks getting out of the area her friends died in will help...but it doesn't.  Strange things start happening at her new school, and Mara just might be the reason.

The letter before the first chapter of the book starts this story off with a BANG. In case you're wondering, the entire book is a lie, including a title, because the main character's name is NOT Mara. What??

I really thought I was going to like Noah (Mara's love interest) more than I actually did.  I read a few reviews before I got the book out of the library, and he seemed like a swoon-worthy love interest...I disagree.  Maybe it's just me, but I take into account his behavior before he met Mara as well as how he acted with Mara (I mean, the way he treated Jaime's sister? wtf!) He was good for Mara, but I hated what happened with his character, or what he revealed about himself, I guess.

I didn't think the cover was anything special...don't get me wrong, it was gorgeous, but it didn't scream paranormal.  Even the story...I wasn't sure for the longest time if this WAS actually a paranormal novel. Once I started to get the jist of what was going on, the story kept my interest. I wouldn't say this was a book I loved.  I think it had a good story line, but it wasn't executed as well as it could have been.  

That being said, the ending was FABULOUS.  I stayed up until 2am  to finish the book, and the last page is mind-blowing.  I was so freaked out, I couldn't fall asleep right away.  I just laid awake thinking about it. Wow.  I will be waiting for the next book in the series to come out, but I hope it's better than this one was.

Feature & Follow Friday (5)

This meme is hosted by: Parajunkee & Alison Can Read! 


Q: I like unique names for characters and am looking forward to coming up with some when I start writing. What's the most unique character name you've come across?




A: Oh...my...umm, I SUCK at remembering names.  I can have a favorige TV show and forget what the main characters' names are every once in a while.  I also really dislike unique names.  If the name is too weird or too hard for me to remember, the book gets a strike against it in my mind. 
That being said, the most unique character name I can remember is Peeta from the Hunger Games.


o_0 boring answer.  What about you?

RULES

To join the fun and make new book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:

1. (Required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Hosts {Parajunkee & Alison Can Read}
2. (Required) Follow our Featured Bloggers
3. Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts.
4. Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say "hi" in your comments and that they are now following you.
5. If you are using WordPress or another CMS that doesn't have GFC (Google Friends Connect) state in your posts how you would like to be followed
6. Follow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don't just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don't say "HI"
7. If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love...and the followers
8. If you're new to the follow friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!

Book Review: The Merchant's Daughter

Amazon Summary: An unthinkable danger. An unexpected choice. Annabel, once the daughter of a wealthy merchant, is trapped in indentured servitude to Lord Ranulf, a recluse who is rumored to be both terrifying and beastly. Her circumstances are made even worse by the proximity of Lord Ranulf's bailiff---a revolting man who has made unwelcome advances on Annabel in the past. Believing that life in a nunnery is the best way to escape the escalation of the bailiff's vile behavior and to preserve the faith that sustains her, Annabel is surprised to discover a sense of security and joy in her encounters with Lord Ranulf. As Annabel struggles to confront her feelings, she is involved in a situation that could place Ranulf in grave danger. Ranulf's future, and possibly his heart, may rest in her hands, and Annabel must decide whether to follow the plans she has cherished or the calling God has placed on her heart.


Title: The Merchant's Daughter
Author: Melanie Dickerson
Paperback: 288 pages
Publication Date: November 29, 2011


Rating: 3/5


My thoughts:
Unlike most of the books I review, this was not a paranormal/fantasy book.  My love of fairy tale re-tellings led me to request this book off netgalley.  I enjoyed reading The Healer's Apprentice, by the author, although, I warn you it's not for everyone.


This retelling of Beauty and the Beast is set in a historical fiction setting.  The 'beast' is nothing more than a badly scarred man...both physically and emotionally.  Beauty is not his prisoner, but an indentured servant to him. The story seemed to rely heavily on the familiar re-tellings of the fairytale, just without the magical elements.  Since Beauty and the Beast is my favorite fairy tale, I found it a little disappointing that there wasn't more of a story there.


I did like that the two characters spent a lot of time together, being thrown into some awful situations that they were forced to work out with only the help of the other.  There weren't a lot of surprises in the story, but that can be said for most fairy tale re-tellings.

Waiting on Wednesday (1)

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

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is: Enchanted 

Amazon Summary: It isn’t easy being the rather overlooked and unhappy youngest sibling to sisters named for the other six days of the week. Sunday’s only comfort is writing stories, although what she writes has a terrible tendency to come true.

When Sunday meets an enchanted frog who asks about her stories, the two become friends. Soon that friendship deepens into something magical. One night Sunday kisses her frog goodbye and leaves, not realizing that her love has transformed him back into Rumbold, the crown prince of Arilland—and a man Sunday’s family despises.

The prince returns to his castle, intent on making Sunday fall in love with him as the man he is, not the frog he was. But Sunday is not so easy to woo. How can she feel such a strange, strong attraction for this prince she barely knows? And what twisted secrets lie hidden in his past—and hers?

How adorable does this book sound?? I really hope it lives up to the summary.  Too bad I have to wait until May 4 to read it... 

What book are you waiting for?

Book Review: Fallen in Love

Amazon Summary: What makes your heart race a little faster? Just in time for Valentine's Day, it's FALLEN IN LOVE, four wholly original new stories collected in a new novel set in the Middle Ages by Lauren Kate. FALLEN IN LOVE gives fans the much-talked about but never-revealed stories of FALLEN characters as they intertwine with the epic love story of Luce and Daniel. The stories include: Love Where You Least Expect It: The Valentine of Shelby and Miles, Love Lessons: The Valentine of Roland; Burning Love: The Valentine of Arriane; and Endless Love: The Valentine of Daniel and Lucinda.


Title: Fallen in Love
Author: Lauren Kate
Hardcover: 256 pages
Published: January 24, 2012


Rating: 2/5


My Thoughts:
I'm a sucker for short romance stories, especially when it's about characters you already know from novels. So, I thought I'd check out Lauren Kate's new novel for Valentine's Day!  The book tells the story of 4 different couples we know and love from the Fallen Series.


Since they're short stories, I feel like doing a long review would give too much away about the stories, so I'll be brief.  The novel was not what I was expecting.  The Miles and Shelby story was a little disappointing in my opinion (but I've never really liked either of those characters...sooo).  I loved Roland's story, not so much a fan of Adrienne's.  The Luce, Daniel story seemed a little odd, but it wasn't bad.  All the stories intertwined, so it is actually a short novel, not just a collection of short stories, which is nice.  


I'll admit, Lauren kate isn't my favorite author.  I never really got the appeal of her books, so maybe I was expecting too much from this book.  For those that love her books, I recommend the read, it's a short fun story with the characters you love. Otherwise, I'd pick up something else for Valentine's Day.

Book Review: City of Fallen Angels

Amazon Summary: The Mortal War is over, and sixteen-year-old Clary Fray is back home in New York, excited about all the possibilities before her. She's training to become a Shadowhunter and to use her unique power. Her mother is getting married to the love of her life. Downworlders and Shadowhunters are at peace at last. And—most importantly of all—she can finally call Jace her boyfriend.

But nothing comes without a price.

Someone is murdering Shadowhunters, provoking tensions between Downworlders and Shadowhunters that could lead to a second, bloody war. Clary's best friend, Simon, can't help her. His mother just found out that he's a vampire and now he's homeless. Everywhere he turns, someone wants him on their side—along with the power of the curse that's wrecking his life. And they're willing to do anything to get what they want. Not to mention that he's dating two beautiful, dangerous girls—neither of whom knows about the other one.

When Jace begins to pull away from her without explaining why, Clary is forced to delve into the heart of a mystery whose solution reveals her worst nightmare: she herself has set in motion a terrible chain of events that could lead to her losing everything she loves. Even Jace.

Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. The stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels.

Title: City of Fallen Angels

Author: Cassandra Clare

Hardcover: 432p

Publication Date: April 5, 2011

Rating: 3.5/5

My Thoughts: 

Unlike the first three books, this book revolves mainly around Simon Lewis, as he struggles with his 'curse' and his life as a new vampire. I knew going into it, that I wasn't going to enjoy it as much as the other books.  I never really liked Simon.  I mean, I like him in the book...but between him and Jace? Of course it's going to be Jace.  I never really liked that he became a vampire either...I thought that was sort of a cheap way into making him into more of a main character.

This book seemed to set up the two remaining books, and review what happened in City of Glass.  Characters were introduced, but then showed up only at the very end.  I really used to like Jace and Clary, but now they're just annoying.  Six books is too long for a couple to constantly have this much trouble. The part I really enjoyed was Maya and Jordan's relationship...it was new different, and so sad.


Favorite Character: Jordan
Why? His story was new and different.  He was mentioned in City of Glass, but we only got one side of the story.  


Least Favorite Character: Jace...again.
Why? I seem to have this love/hate relationship with Jace depending on the book.  I loved him in the first and third, hated him in the second and fourth.  I wish he wasn't so freakin' moody.  I understand the reason, it's just annoying to me. (He's no Will Herondale that's for sure ;) )

Feature & Follow (4): February 9, 2012

I love this blog hop. It is such a fantastic way for me to find new blogs, make new friends, and start a discussion.


This meme is hosted by: Parajunkee & Alison Can Read. 


Q: What would your prefer: reading your favorite book over and over again until you got sick of it OR reading 100s of mediocre books? And why?

A: How depressing is this question?? I originally wanted to say a favorite book, then realized I don't have one.  I'd say hundreds of mediocre because with so many different stories I might be able to make imagine my own endings to the books that are only mediocre. 


How about you?

Book Review: Cinder

Amazon Summary: Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . . 

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

Title: Cinder

Author: Marissa Meyer

Hardcover: 400 pages

Publication Date: January 3, 2012

Rating: 4/5

My thoughts:

I admit it, I was reluctant to read Cinder despite the really good reviews I've been seeing.  Why, you ask? Because Cinderella seems to be the fairy tale most people can't get enough of.  Everyone tries to do a remake of it...and honestly, I'm a little tired of the story.  I adore fairy tale re-tellings, but Cinderella has never been a favorite...until now.

Marissa Meyer has put an entirely new spin on a worn out tale. Most of the characters were recognizable from the traditional story-the stepmother, the stepsisters, and the prince, but there is an entirely new plot happening at the same time.  Singing animals and magical creatures have been replaced by old machine parts and robots.  Could it get any better? 

Unlike other re-tellings (specifically Disney) Cinderella and the Prince actually have somewhat of a relationship beyond just love at first sight from the ball. I will say that I'm not a huge fan of books that end like it ended...I feel like there needs to be more of a conclusion, especially for someone's first novel, but it worked.  It's a fascinating book, however and I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment.  All in all, Marissa Meyer is my favorite debut author this year so far..

Favorite Character: Cinder

Why? She has character! She's snarky and sarcastic.  She is more than capable of taking care of herself without someone saving her. And, most importantly, her story is way more interesting than any other Cinderella story by far.

Least Favorite Character: The evil step mother

Why? Because I never like her...end of story ;)

Teaser Tuesday: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

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

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TEASER:

"Blood staining the sandy dirt by the lumber pile in a wide, darkening pool around his body. He deserved to die."

~ pg. 72, The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by 

Book Review: The Healer's Apprentice

Amazon Summary: Two Hearts. One Hope. Rose has been appointed as a healer's apprentice at Hagenheim Castle, a rare opportunity for a woodcutter's daughter like her. While she often feels uneasy at the sight of blood, Rose is determined to prove herself capable. Failure will mean returning home to marry the aging bachelor her mother has chosen for her---a bloated, disgusting merchant who makes Rose feel ill. When Lord Hamlin, the future duke, is injured, it is Rose who must tend to him. As she works to heal his wound, she begins to understand emotions she's never felt before and wonders if he feels the same. But falling in love is forbidden, as Lord Hamlin is betrothed to a mysterious young woman in hiding. As Rose's life spins toward confusion, she must take the first steps on a journey to discover her own destiny.




Title: The Healer's Apprentice
Author: Melanie Dickerson
Paperback: 272 pages
Publication Date: October 10, 2010


Rating 3/5


My Thoughts: 
This book was an interesting take on the story of Sleeping Beauty.  Rose is a determined woman, determined to never marry if not for love.  When she catches the eye of the two brothers of the castle, her life turns to turmoil.  She gives her heart to man who is already engaged to a woman who he has never met, and breaking the engagement might mean war. The world they live in is full of mystery and magic with evil lurking everywhere.  


The story is pretty predictable.  There are too many hints...too many conversations that lead the reader to discover the truth before the characters themselves do.  Of course, if you know the story of Sleeping Beauty, you'll figure it out anyway.  It wasn't as well written as it could have been, but it was interesting.  It's been a while since I've read this, so I'll keep the review short.


Published by Zondervan, The Healer's Apprentice has many Christian elements.  It's not something that bothers me, but for those of you who don't want Christianity in your novels, this is not the book for you.  The time period makes the religion more believable


For those of you that enjoy fairy-tale retellings, I encourage you to read it, but it is definitely not for everyone. I'm looking forward to reading the next book by Melanie Dickerson...The Merchant's Daughter, which is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast.

Feature and Follow Friday (3)

Q: Define what characteristics your favorite books share. Do they all have a kickass heroine or is the hot love interest the Alpha Male?

I love books with a love story...a well thought out, heart-wrenching love story that leaves you guessing until the very end. It needs to have a happy ending, though, otherwise I'm just depressed. ;) For example: I just finished Clockwork Prince, and I've been incredibly depressed since then. Sadness.

What do you look for in a story?

RULES

To join the fun and make new book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules: 

1. (Required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Hosts {Parajunkee & Alison Can Read}
2. (Required) Follow our Featured Bloggers
3. Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts.
4. Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say "hi" in your comments and that they are now following you.
5. If you are using WordPress or another CMS that doesn't have GFC (Google Friends Connect) state in your posts how you would like to be followed
6. Follow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don't just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don't say "HI"
7. If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love...and the followers
8. If you're new to the follow friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!

Book Review: Clockwork Angel

GoodReads Summary: When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos. 
Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own. 
Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by--and torn between--two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length...everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world...and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

Title: Clockwork Angel

Author: Cassandra Clare

Hardcover: 496 pages

Publication Date: August 31, 2010

Rating: 4/5

My thoughts: 

Tessa Gray arrives in London where she expects to find a home with her brother since the death of their only living relative.  Instead, she is thrown into a world that even in her wildest imagination she could possibly entertain.  A world of magic, family secrets, lies...and most importantly...love.  She races to save her brother with the help of her new friends, but the more she learns, the more Tessa wonders who she should be trying to help.

Cassandra Clare's new series is an incredible switch from the modern day Shadowhunter world of NYC, to the lamp-lit streets of Victorian-era London.  Tessa Gray is a strong character who is spurred into action by her love of her brother who she believes is held by the same people that kidnapped her upon her arrival to England.  She throws herself into a world full of magic she never dreamed was possible with the help of the Shadowhunters who saved her.  She becomes friends with the handsome but moody Will Herondale, and sweet Jem Carstairs who is living with a deadly secret.  

For those of you who have been waiting on this series...start it immediately.  Move it to the top of your TBR pile.  I convinced myself I needed to read The Mortal Instruments first...you don't need to! This series compliments that series, but you can read it on it's own.  Will has completely wrecked my love of any other guy in a book...including Jace.  You'll see what I mean once you read it.

Favorite Character: Tessa

Why? Tessa is such a strong character.  She is funny, sweet, full of life.  She is so self-aware of her surroundings.  Driven by the love she holds for her brother, and the new friends she has made in her short time in London.  She is willing to sacrifice everything for those she cares about, and proves it by her bold actions.  

Least Favorite Character: Jessamine

Why? Is she really THAT important in the story? Sometimes it feels like she was put it only so that Tessa could have a female 'friend.' I understand she's supposed to be annoying, but my God, does she have to be THAT annoying?