Review: The Secret Circle: The Captive Part II and The Power

Title: The Secret Circle: The Captive Part II and The Power

Author: L.J.Smith

Release Date: June 1^st, 2009 (first published 1992)

Series: Secret Circle #2-3

Number of Pages: 390

Publisher: Harper Teen

Source: Bought

Cassie has joined the most alluring and deadly in-crowd imaginable. But power comes with a price, and it's more dangerous than she knows. Torn between the dueling desires of the two leaders of the Secret Circle, she must ultimately choose between saving all of the New Salem, and her own dangerous love for bewitching Adam, which threatens to tear the circle apart. In the ultimate battle between good and evil, will Cassie's supernatural powers be strong enough to lead the coven out of danger? Or will she fall prey to the dark forces within?

Really short review for the second part of the Secret Circle series!

If you haven’t read my first review, and you haven’t read this series yet, go read it NOW!

I simply love the second part. Love the strength we can find in Cassie, and in her friends. They aren’t afraid to stand for what they believe is right, and will fight to protect the innocents. I like Diana a little more in this one. Faith too! I don’t know, we simply see them in a different light I guess. There’s a side shown, especially at the end, which makes them less of an extreme than in the first book.

I love how the ending played out. I think it ends the series really well. It gives the reader a satisfying ending to the main plot, yet it gives the character an opening for much more to come.

Little laugh at the pager reference… It reminded me that it was published when I was 1. Meaning I probably wasn’t born when she started writing them…

I really can’t wait to see the new show on CW based on this series. Hope they don’t screw it up!

Review: The Secret Circle: The Initiation and The Captive Part I

Title: The Secret Circle: The Initiation and The Captive Part I

Author: L.J.Smith

Release Date: August 1^st, 2008 (first published 1992)

Series: Secret Circle #1-2

Number of Pages: 396

Publisher: Harper Teen

Source: Bought

The circle's power has lured her home

Forced to move from sunny California to gloomy New England, Cassie longs for her old life. Even so, she feels a strange kinship to a terrifying group of teens who seem to rule her school. Initiated into the coven of witches that's controlled New Salem for hundreds of years, she's drawn into the Secret Circle, a thrill that's both intoxicating and deadly. But when she falls for the mysterious and intriguing Adam, Cassie must choose whether to resist temptation or risk dark forces to get what she wants—even if it means that one wrong move could ultimately destroy her.

I saw the trailer for the new series by the CW, and it got me interested in reading this series again.

I simply love most of L.J. Smith’s books. They are simply so good. I love this series. I love the witchy side of it.

I like Cassie. She’s a fun character, simply because she isn’t perfect. Where Diana was too goody two shoes and Faith was simply too rebellious for my taste, Cassie was more balanced. I felt like I could connect more with her than the other characters. Adam was an okay character. I think I preferred Nick because he felt less like god-like character. Adam was presented like the perfect guy (well if you forget the fact that he kissed an other girl than his girlfriend…)

I can’t really comment on the ending, because the copy I have ends in the middle of book two, so there is of course a cliffhanger in that.

Can’t wait to see the series, to finally see what they did change. I think if you liked the Vampire Diaries book series, you’ll probably enjoy this one. Now lets simply hope they don’t mess up too badly with the series. They did a good job with the Vampire Diaries, so maybe they will do a good job with this one too!

Here’s the preview for the series!

Canada Day Blog Hop Giveaway!

Yeah! It's time for another Giveaway! A special one for Canada's day, coming July 1st!

For the occasion, I'm giving away a copy of Once Every Never by Lesley Livingston!

To participate, fill this Form HERE

International Giveaway!
Extra entries? YES!
+1 for being a follower!
+1 for being a twitter Follower
+1 for spreading the word!
+1 for living in Canada (because it's for Canada Day!)

The Giveaway ends July 6th!
Good Luck!

Review: Legacy

Title: Legacy

Author: Cayla Kluver

Release Date: June 28^th, 2011

Series: Legacy #1

Number of Pages: 496

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Source: Netgalley

The first boy disappeared on the day of his birth, on a night when the pale yellow moon of the nighttime sky turned red and bathed the heavens in the ghastly color of blood, on the same night the Kingdom of Cokyri abruptly ceased its merciless attack.

Across the land of Hytanica, under the shadow of the crimson moon, infant boys continued to vanish. Not until the blood had faded from the sky did the disappearances stop and the bodies of the murdered infants were found outside the gates of the city, a final word from the greatest enemy Hytanica had ever known. For the next sixteen years, peace reigned, but one mystery remained unsolved. The Cokyrians had abducted forty-nine newborns, but returned only forty-eight bodies.

Now, as seventeen-year-old Princess Alera of Hytanica is besieged from all sides by suitors vying for the Throne, a teenage Cokyrian boy, Narian, is encountered within the walls of her Kingdom, a boy who will show Alera a world where women serve a purpose and not just a husband. As Narian helps Alera find her voice, she struggles against an arranged marriage that will shatter the life she has scarcely begun to live. And when Narian's shocking past is uncovered, and war with Cokyri looms once more, he must fight to defy a fate ordained at his birth.

I was really hoping I would enjoy this book. Yet, I found myself disappointed. It wasn’t really what I expected, and to be honest, some characters just didn’t make it for me.

Ah, the characters! You can love them, you can hate them. At first, I kind of liked Alera, but the more I got to know her, the more I wanted her to fall off a cliff (yes, she did annoy me that much…) She just felt a little too naïve, borderline stupid. She was too self-centered for me. She was saying that Steldor was condescending and arrogant, yet she didn’t look that much better to me. Yes, Steldor is an ass. Yes, I wish he could jump off a cliff if Alera was to fall. He just made me roll my eyes too many time. Narian wasn’t that bad of a character. He was mysterious at first, but in the end, it’s kind of boring. Is there nothing in his head but military stuff?? My favorite character was honestly London. He felt real and honest.

The plot was problematic for me, simply because it was hard for me to really find which one was the main plot. There was too much stuff going on at the same time. I felt like she was trying to fill some hole simply to make the book last longer. I don’t know, I just can’t define it…

The book was well written, I simply wish the story line could have been a little clearer and the characters a little more likeable. 

Review: Spellbound

Title: Spellbound

Author: Cara Lynn Shultz

Release Date: June 28^th, 2011           

Series:None

Number of Pages: 384

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Source: Netgalley

What's a girl to do when meeting The One means she's cursed to die a horrible death?

Life hasn't been easy on sixteen-year-old Emma Conner, so a new start in New York may be just the change she needs. But the posh Upper East Side prep school she has to attend? Not so much. Friendly faces are few and far between, except for one that she's irresistibly drawn to—Brendan Salinger, the guy with the rock-star good looks and the richest kid in school, who might just be her very own white knight.

But even when Brendan inexplicably turns cold, Emma can't stop staring. Ever since she laid eyes on him, strange things have been happening. Streetlamps go out wherever she walks, and Emma's been having the oddest dreams: visions of herself in past lives—visions that warn her to stay away from Brendan. Or else.

If I’m completely honest, I have to say that I didn’t think I would really enjoy this book at first. I don’t really know why, but that’s really the first impression I got… Okay, I may know one factor… It’s, like, a character that, like, is named Kristin... Yup! If there’s one thing that can annoy the heck out of me, it's the use of the word “like” after every two or three words. That’s like, totally annoying. Of course, Kristin is not supposed to be a really likeable character, which helps me forget about her oh so nice use of the word like.

Okay, I have to say that I fell for the cursed love story again. It’s not my fault! How could I not fall for the mysterious and wonderful Brendan? Plus, the main character, Emma was more than tolerable! I found myself liking her, which is perfect! I usually have trouble with the girl that falls to easily for the mysterious guy, even if I usually fall for him too.

The story really got me captivated, which was not a good thing… It made me stay up all night to finally finish it, even if I needed to sleep as I was working the next day. Not a good thing… Well, maybe not a good thing, as I was reading it before bed. Not so bad if I had started it in the afternoon. The ending made me smile. It made me dream of my own Brendan (without all the “almost dying part of Emma’s life. Just give me Brendan, not what she went through!)

Loved it, loved it, loved it! Can’t wait to read more from this amazing author, who made me lose some precious hours of well-deserved sleep. Oh well, I’ll sleep tomorrow!

Review: We'll Always Have Summer

Title: We’ll Always Have Summer

Author: Jenny Han

Release Date: April 26^th, 2011

Series: Summer #3

Number of Pages: 288

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Source: Bought

Belly has only ever been in love with two boys, both with the last name Fisher. And after being with Jeremiah for the last two years, she's almost positive he is her soul mate. Almost. Conrad has not gotten over the mistake he made when he let Belly go even as Jeremiah has always known that Belly is the girl for him. So when Belly and Jeremiah decide to make things forever, Conrad realizes that it's now or never--tell Belly he loves her, or lose her for good.

Belly will have to confront her feelings for Jeremiah and Conrad and face a truth she has possibly always known: she will have to break one of their hearts.

I loved this series. It’s that simple. I simply loved it. If you liked the first two books, you’ll probably like this one.

The only thing is that there’s a lot of “I love Jeremiah. I love Conrad. I love them both. Who should I chose.” Well, if you didn’t really like this part in the two first books, you probably won’t really enjoy this one, because it is there time ten. I liked it, simply because I grew attached to these characters, but I’m not usually a big fan of this kind of love triangle (brothers? Seriously?)

I was of course hoping for her to choose a certain brother, which made me kind of unsure if I would love this book. After all, with that kind of story, if you’re favorite get the girl, you liked it. If he doesn’t, you won’t be able to really love it.

A great way to end this series. If you’re looking for a summer romance, that’s a really good one!

Loved it!

In My Mailbox 14

In My Mailbox is a meme hosted by Kristi from  the Story Siren

Here is what I got this week!

-It's not Summer Without You by Jenny Han (Review HERE)

-Hamlet and Ophelia by John Marsden (Review HERE)

-But I Love Him by Amanda Grace (Review HERE)

-Crush Control by Jennifer Jabaley

-Playing Hurt by Holly Schindler

-Invisible Summer by Hannah Moskowitz

-Possession by Elena Johnson

-We'll always have Summer by Jenny Han

-Forgotten by Cat Patrick (Review HERE)

So this is actually what I got in the last two weeks

What did you get this week?

Review: Forgotten

Title: Forgotten

Author: Cat Patrick

Release Date: June 7^th, 2011

Series: None

Number of Pages: 288

Publisher: Little Brown

Source: Bought

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Each night when 16 year-old London Lane goes to sleep, her whole world disappears. In the morning, all that's left is a note telling her about a day she can't remember. The whole scenario doesn't exactly make high school or dating that hot guy whose name she can't seem to recall any easier. But when London starts experiencing disturbing visions she can't make sense of, she realizes it's time to learn a little more about the past she keeps forgetting-before it destroys her future.

Part psychological drama, part romance, and part mystery, this thought-provoking novel will inspire readers to consider the what-if's in their own lives and recognize the power they have to control their destinies.

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The cover caught my attention. It made me really curious. I was curious to know why she kept on forgetting her past, leaving her with only the future.

I wasn’t sure at first what to expect. Yet, it left me nicely surprised. My biggest complaint was the time frame. I know that she wrote the day at the beginning of every chapter, yet I couldn’t remember them. So I had to go back a few time to remember how much time had gone by. I really got caught in the story, making it hard to put the book down. I really enjoyed it. I simply wished the ending could have given us more, I felt like there was more that I wanted to know.

I really liked most of the characters. I liked London. I was really impressed by how she was able to live a normal life, without everyone knowing she didn’t remember the past. I really liked Luke, except for the fact he kept something that big a secret. Her best friend Jamie was annoying, yet I could sometime like the way she was with London. I felt like the actions of the mother were sometime strange, even if I know she did it to protect her daughter.

Overall, I really enjoy this book. I can’t wait to read more from Cat Patrick. I liked how the story was told, and I really enjoyed the story.

Review: I Am Number Four

Title: I Am Number Four

Author: Pittacus Lore

Release Date: August 3^rd, 2010

Series: Lorien Legacies

Number of Pages: 440

Publisher: HarperCollins

Source: Bought

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In the beginning they were a group of nine. Nine aliens who left their home planet of Lorien when it fell under attack by the evil Mogadorian. Nine aliens who scattered on Earth. Nine aliens who look like ordinary teenagers living ordinary lives, but who have extraordinary, paranormal skills. Nine aliens who might be sitting next to you now.

The Nine had to separate and go into hiding. The Mogadorian caught Number One in Malaysia, Number Two in England, and Number Three in Kenya. All of them were killed. John Smith, of Paradise, Ohio, is Number Four. He knows that he is next.

I Am Number Four is the thrilling launch of a series about an exceptional group of teens as they struggle to outrun their past, discover their future—and live a normal life on Earth.

I AM NUMBER FOUR.

I AM NEXT.

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Umm…

I watched the movie a couple of weeks ago (there’s Alex Pettyfer in it, after all…). I liked it even though it isn’t the type of movie I really like. I decided I had to give the book a shot, because I usually like books better.

Arg, for the first time, I liked the movie better. The story line was the same, but there was some difference in Number Four’s personality. I just couldn’t get into the story as much as I did in the movie. Was it because I enjoyed the movie? Or was simply because I saw the movie first?

I couldn’t like Number four as much in the books, which made my sad. I loved the one played by Alex Pettyfer, not because of his looks, but because he felt more real. In the book, he doesn’t act like he wants to be a normal teenager as much as he does in the movie. I love Number Six in the movie, but in the book, she just fell flat. I liked Henri, in both the movie and book.

I’m curious for the Power of Six, because I want to know what will happen next for the characters. I’m kind of disappointed that Power of Six seems to be about Number Seven. I still enjoyed the movie more than the book.

Review: The Demon's Lexicon

Title: The Demon’s Lexicon

Author: Sarah Rees Brenna

Release Date: June 1^st, 2009

Series: The Demon’s Lexicon #1

Number of Pages: 322

Publisher: McElderly Books

Source: Bought

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Nick and his brother, Alan, have spent their lives on the run from magic. Their father was murdered, and their mother was driven mad by magicians and the demons who give them power. The magicians are hunting the Ryves family for a charm that Nick's mother stole -- a charm that keeps her alive -- and they want it badly enough to kill again.

Danger draws even closer when a brother and sister come to the Ryves family for help. The boy wears a demon's mark, a sign of death that almost nothing can erase...and when Alan also gets marked by a demon, Nick is desperate to save him. The only way to do that is to kill one of the magicians they have been hiding from for so long.

Ensnared in a deadly game of cat and mouse, Nick starts to suspect that his brother is telling him lie after lie about their past. As the magicians' Circle closes in on their family, Nick uncovers the secret that could destroy them all.

This is the Demon's Lexicon. Turn the page.

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I had seen a lot of this series around on different blogs. The third book came out not long ago, so I decided to give this series a shot.

The story wasn’t bad, yet I just couldn’t get into it that much at first. Once the story really got moving, I couldn’t put it down. The story was surprising. Everytime I expected something to happen, it was usually something completely different that did. So many great twists. Yet, as much as I was curious about what would happen next, I don’t feel like running to the bookstore to get the sequel. I will get it sometime, but it’s not a need. I liked it a lot, but it’s not the kind of books that I feel like reading now. Maybe at another time would I have been unable to resist the sequel, but right now I can.

I liked most of the characters. I loved Nick. I loved trying to get what was happening in his mind, what was going on with him. Alan got on my nerves. Seriously. There was just something annoying about him wanting to be always so good at the beginning. Then, at the end, I just couldn’t start liking him, even though I kind of ended up not being as annoyed by him.

I’ll probably pick the sequel up in the near future, but not right away. It was good, and it will probably entertain fans of more action-filled book. 

Review: Dreamland

Title: Dreamland

Author: Sarah Dessen

Release Date: September 1^st, 2000

Series: None

Number of Pages: 250

Publisher: Puffin

Source: Bought

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Rogerson Biscoe, with his green eyes and dark curly hair, is absolutely seductive. Before long, sixteen-year-old Caitlin finds herself under his spell. And when he starts to abuse her, she finds she's in too deep to get herself out...

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I was really excited to finally read a Sarah Dessen’s book, as I’ve heard so many great comments about them. Yet, there was just something that stopped me from really enjoying it.

I may have compared it to the book But I Love Him that I’ve read not long away. I just couldn’t connect with the main character. I just couldn’t understand why she decided to stay with him. Where I wish we could have seen more the struggle of “I love him. I know he loves me too” kind of way, I saw more a girl that went there because she was looking for something to distance herself from her sister and family. After all, he was everything her parents wouldn’t want for her.

I ended up not liking Caitlin. There was just something in her that didn’t work for me. I couldn’t connect with her, which made me kind of uninterested in knowing what she felt. She just didn’t make me curious about why. Rogerson (what kind of name is that?) was just the bad boy of the story. He didn’t make me feel much. Well, I was disgusted by his actions, but that’s all. I think I would have rather read about Cassandra’s story, what made her leave her family. Finally, I didn’t like the parents. I just thought the mother was annoying and the father not there enough for his daughter.

Even thought I didn’t connect with the story, I will pick more books from Sarah Dessen. I did enjoy her writing, her style.

Review: It's Not Summer Without You

Title: It’s Not Summer Without You

Author: Jenny Han

Release Date: April 27^th, 2010

Series: Summer #2

Number of Pages: 275

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Source: Bought

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Can summer be truly summer without Cousins Beach?

It used to be that Belly counted the days until summer, until she was back at Cousins Beach with Conrad and Jeremiah. But not this year. Not after Susannah got sick again and Conrad stopped caring. Everything that was right and good has fallen apart, leaving Belly wishing summer would never come.

But when Jeremiah calls saying Conrad has disappeared, Belly knows what she must do to make things right again. And it can only happen back at the beach house, the three of them together, the way things used to be. If this summer really and truly is the last summer, it should end the way it started--at Cousins Beach.

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Wow. Seriously, this series is getting better. Belly is back, her heart broken by the loss of Susannah, and Conrad in a way. I didn’t like every decision Belly made, but I could understand them. She was growing, but she had to stop being so impulsive. So many of her mistakes were made because she didn’t take a second to think… sigh…

Jeremiah slightly annoyed me… again… There is just something that gets on my nerves… I can’t really say what. Maybe it’s his over jealous side… I don’t know.

I like Conrad. I know he can be an ass sometimes, but I get why. I understand what that it is his way of going through his mom’s death, even if it hurts those around him. There’s just a side to him that come across as vulnerable.

I have to say that I simply love Jenny Han’s novels. They are perfect summer read, with a great mix of romance and emotional drama. I can’t wait to read the next books.

If you want to check more about her first book, I have already reviewed the first book in the series, The Summer I Turned Pretty. A series I definitely recommend for the summer!

Review: But I Love Him

Title: But I Love Him

Author: Amande Grace

Release Date: May 8^th, 2011

Series: None

Number Of Pages: 245

Publisher: Flux

Source: Bought

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Tonight was so much worse than anything before it. Tonight he didn't stop after the first slap.

At the beginning of senior year, Ann was a smiling, straight-A student and track star with friends and a future. Then she met a haunted young man named Connor. Only she can heal his emotional scars; only he could make her feel so loved — and needed. Ann can't recall the pivotal moment it all changed, when she surrendered everything to be with him, but by graduation, her life has become a dangerous high wire act. Just one mistake could trigger Connor's rage, a senseless storm of cruel words and violence damaging everything — and everyone — in its path.

This evocative slideshow of flashbacks reveals a heartbreaking story of love gone terribly wrong.

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Wow. That was a beautiful and powerful book. I don’t know how many time I’ve heard girls say, and even I’ve said that many times, that they would never stay in that kind of relationship. They would live the first time he ever raise his hand against them. The first time he shows any kind of violence. Yet, many will stay.

The story shows the struggle Ann face with her relationship. She loves Connor, but he is physically and psychologically violent with her. After every fights, he tell her how much he loves her, how sorry he is. Yet, all she can think is that she can’t leave him, because she loves him and he couldn’t survive without her. She couldn’t survive without him. The story is told backward. We see him at his worst, going back in time to see the guy she fell in love with. I thought it was brilliantly presented to make the reader understand the reality of her struggle.

I loved Ann, even thought she can’t leave him. She was strong, even thought she couldn’t find the strength to leave him…. Do I make sense? Connor was at the beginning of their relationship so different, but the Connor from the end, I would have kicked his butt if he had been dating one of my friends, even if violence is never the answer. He was always saying he would change, he would look for help, but he never does. Even if many say that violence is a vicious circle, there is no reasons to tolerate that someone is violent, even if it isn’t physically against someone, simply because someone was violent with him before.

The author presents beautifully a painful subject. She doesn’t make us feel bad for Connor, or accept what he does. She makes us understand the circle that can leave any girl caught in a violent relationship. Even if she thinks she is strong enough to walk away at anytime.

Review: Hamlet and Ophelia

Title: Hamlet and Ophelia

Author: John Marsden

Release Date: February 14^th, 2011

Series: None

Number Of Pages: 228

Publisher: HarperTrophy Canada

Source: Bought

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To be or not to be. That is still the question.

            Trying to cope with the sudden death of his father, and reeling from the marriage of his mother to his unclem Hamlet has a midnight encounter with his father’s ghost. The ghost’s horrifying accusations plunge the young Prince of Denmark into the middle of a murder mystery. It seems that the only people he can trust are the beautiful Ophelia and his best friend, Horation. But they are no longer sure that they can trust him.

            Hamlet & Ophelia is a compelling read – sexy sultry, spellbinding. In following the contours of Shakespeare’s play, John Marsden has created a stunning tale that brings new life to a timeless classic.

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I was hoping to really enjoy this book. After all, I enjoy Shakespeare. I was curious to read how Marsden adapted the story to a modern setting. Yet, I was far from satisfied.

The thing is; the story stays really close to the original story. So close, that sometime I wasn’t sure if it was supposed to be modern or not. I just felt like it was a pale copy of the real play. Why would I read this one, when I could read the original, which gives us the beauty of Shakespeare’s writing?

I was disappointed. The title made me think that maybe the story would give us a bigger insight of the relationship between Ophelia and Hamlet. Maybe even a different outcome. Still, it didn’t make me feel like I got anything out of this book. Maybe I would have appreciated it more if I hadn’t read the original. Maybe it is a good book to introduce Shakespeare’s play to a younger audience that isn’t interested to read old classics.

If you’ve read the original, don’t bother putting it on the top of your TBR pile. It is the same story. If you’ve never read any Shakespeare because of the language, it could be a great start for you.

Review The Summer I turned Pretty

Title: The Summer I turned Pretty
Author: Jenny Han
Release Date: May 5th, 2009
Series: Summer #1
Number Of Pages: 276
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Source: Bought
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Belly measures her life in summers. Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August. Winters are simply a time to count the weeks until the next summer, a place away from the beach house, away from Susannah, and most importantly, away from Jeremiah and Conrad. They are the boys that Belly has known since her very first summer--they have been her brother figures, her crushes, and everything in between. But one summer, one terrible and wonderful summer, the more everything changes, the more it all ends up just the way it should have been all along.

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I had heard a lot of good comments about this series, and I thought it would be a good series to start during my vacations. I read it within one day simply because I couldn’t put it down. I’m not usually a big fan of contemporary YA, even though I usually end up liking the one I read, but I’ve really enjoyed this one.

The story is set in a beach house during one summer, but it includes flashback to previous summers, which I thought was interesting. It helps us understand more the characters. The story revolves around Belly. She is looking for who she is, through her feelings for her family, and of course boys. There is a lot of stuff going on in the story, and even though there was sometimes events that made me want to scream at Belly, it kind of reminded me of the kind of person I was when I was 15-16, even if it isn’t that far. The ending made me smiles, but didn’t really surprise me.

The characters had their good part and bad part. I liked Belly, because I could identify with her, even if I found her immature at some points. Yet, she’s 15-16, trying to distance herself from her family, and trying to figure out her heart. Yes, it usually means that everything she did wasn’t always the brightest thing to do. Still, the most annoying thing about her was probably her name. What kind of name is Belly? Sounds like the nickname of a 5-years-old. Conrad got on my nerves at first, but the more you understand what he is going through, the more I liked him. I understood that what he was doing was a way to numb himself from the pain of what was going on, and to protect himself against the others. Sometimes, it can be easier to push people away than to open a door for more pain. Not right, but easier. I liked Jeremiah at first, but the more I read, the more he got on my nerves. Yet, I can’t really put words on the reasons why. The mothers were simply perfect. I love how they were so present for their children, without trying to be too much. Loved them.

I found Jenny Han books to be simply captivating. I love how she included the flashback. The only thing I would have like her to do is to have included Belly’s real name earlier. Really, she could have given her a different nickname. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a good contemporary book for the summer. Simply enjoyable.

Review: Jekel Loves Hyde

Title: Jekel Loves Hyde

Author: Beth Fantaskey

Release Date: May 3^rd, 2010

Series: None

Number of Pages: 282

Publisher: Graphia

Source: Bought

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Jill Jekel has always obeyed her parents rules;especially the one about never opening the mysterious, old box in her father's office. But when her dad is murdered, and her college savings disappear, she's tempted to peek inside, as the contents might be the key to a lucrative chemistry scholarship.

To improve her odds, Jill enlists the help of gorgeous, brooding Tristen Hyde, who has his own dark secrets locked away. As the team of Jekel and Hyde, they recreate experiments based on the classic novel, hoping not only to win a prize, but to save Tristen's sanity. Maybe his life. But Jill's accidental taste of a formula unleashes her darkest nature and compels her to risk everything, even Tristen's love just for the thrill of being . . . bad.

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First thing I have to say is that I haven’t read The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Yet, I found that book really interesting. I liked how the book was incorporate in the story line. Everything was just captivating. I loved the dual point of view. It really helped understand what they were both going through. I really enjoyed seeing the relationship between Tristan and Jill grows. The ending made me smile, and made me happy. It was really a great way to end that book.

The characters were really fun. I liked the shy and nice Jill. She was really a character I could relate and like. She was great. Tristan had this really great mysterious side. I really liked reading his point of view. It really added something. Tristan’s father kind of freaked me out sometime though. There just was something about him. Darcy and Becca were the kind of girl I wouldn’t really want as friends.

I really enjoy Beth Fantaskey reading. It is simply funny and entertaining. I love her, and I can’t wait to read more from her!

I love her books. They are such funny and light books. It always makes me smile and it always captivate me. I would give it a 4/5

Review: Wake Unto Me

Title: Wake Unto Me

Author: Lisa Cach

Release Date: March 31^st , 2011

Series: None

Number of Pages: 304

Publisher: Speak

Source: Bought

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A haunted castle, a handsome young man dead for four hundred years, one heck of a scary portrait of a witch, and a treasure hunt -- not to mention a princess for a roommate! -- all await 15 year old American girl Caitlyn Monahan when she earns a scholarship to a French boarding school.

There are secrets behind the stone walls of Chateau de la Fortune, buried for centuries along with the mystery of who killed Raphael, the charming ghost who visits Caitlyn at night. But as Caitlyn unearths the history of the castle, nothing scares her as badly as the secret she learns about herself, and the reason she was chosen to come to the Fortune School.

And nothing breaks her heart as badly as falling in love with a dead guy.

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Okay, I wasn’t really expecting that kind of story when it started. I really thought it was only a romance, but it was more than that.

The story was really good. Once I got into the story, I had to keep on reading to know what would happen next. There are still a couple of things that I don’t understand, but I still really enjoyed the story. There’s a mystery to solve, which was really interesting to follow. It added a little something to the romance. The ending surprised me, but I was really happy with it. I closed that book with a smile.

The characters were great. Caitlyn was a fun character to follow, eve though I something got lost in what was real and not. I found strange that Raphael sometime had reactions that seemed out of time, but I still liked him as a character. I thought Madame Snowe was kind of strange, but I liked her. Overall, they were nice.

The writing was great, fun and easy to follow. The pace wasn’t too slow, which made it a really nice book to read.

I really enjoyed this book, which is why I would give it a 4/5

Review: Looking For Alaska

Title: Looking for Alaska

Author: John Green

Release Date: March 3^rd, 2005

Series: None

Number of Pages: 221

Publisher: Speak

Source: Bought

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Miles Halter is fascinated by famous last words and tired of his safe life at home. He leaves for boarding school to seek what the dying poet Francois Rabelais called the "Great Perhaps." Much awaits Miles at Culver Creek, including Alaska Young. Clever, funny, screwed-up, and dead sexy, Alaska will pull Miles into her labyrinth and catapult him into the Great Perhaps.

Looking for Alaska brilliantly chronicles the indelible impact one life can have on another. A stunning debut, it marks John Green's arrival as an important new voice in contemporary fiction.

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Looking For Alaska is a book I had heard so much about. It also didn’t help that I’ve been following the vlogbrothers for a while on youtube. Yet, I had never read any of his books. I tried to read Looking for Alaska a couple of month ago, but I simply couldn’t get into it. I gave it a second chance last week, and manage to read it.

The thing is that the book is in two parts: Before and After. I had trouble getting through Before, simply because I didn’t see where it was going. Once the incident that separates the before and after happens, I couldn’t put the book down. Then I saw why many seemed to be in love with this book. I fell for it myself. I don’t want to say too much, because I don’t want to give away the incident. The ending was simply perfect for me, leaving me satisfied with what I had learned, what I has read.

The characters were great, yet slightly stereotyped. I liked Miles. There was something sweet and naïve about him that made him lovable, especially when you compare him the Colonel, Alaska and Takumi. At first, I didn’t like Alaska, but the more I got to know her, the more I understood her. There was something fragile about her, even if she doesn’t really want to show it, that I liked. It was fun to read the interaction between them.

The writing was great. I have to say that I will probably go get Papertown from John Green, because I really liked reading his words.

I would give it a four. If I were honest, I would have given the Before a 3 and the After a 5. So don’t give up, because this book gets better.

Review: Imaginary Girls

Title: Imaginary Girls

Author:Nova Ren Suma

Release Date: June 14^th, 2011

Series: None

Number of Pages: 346

Publisher: Dutton

Source: e-ARC from NetGalley + Bought copy

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Chloe's older sister, Ruby, is the girl everyone looks to and longs for, who can't be captured or caged. When a night with Ruby's friends goes horribly wrong and Chloe discovers the dead body of her classmate London Hayes left floating in the reservoir, Chloe is sent away from town and away from Ruby.

But Ruby will do anything to get her sister back, and when Chloe returns to town two years later, deadly surprises await. As Chloe flirts with the truth that Ruby has hidden deeply away, the fragile line between life and death is redrawn by the complex bonds of sisterhood.

With palpable drama and delicious craft, Nova Ren Suma bursts onto the YA scene with the story that everyone will be talking about.

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The first thing that really made me want to read this book was the cover. The cover is gorgeous. It made me really curious. After reading the book, I understood the meaning of the cover. Yet, the book left me a little on the fence.

The thing is, that the story confused me by moment. There was thing that I wasn’t sure if I had really understood the meaning, or the reasons behind Chloe’s action. Still, I have to say that I wouldn’t want to live in that town. What a messed up place! Still, it’s probably more because of Ruby than anything else. The ending fitted really well and it didn’t disappoint me. I felt that it the best way to end it, so that I, as a reader, could be satisfied.

Some of the characters kind of freaked me out. Ruby, for example, is not someone I would really want to spend time with. Chloe, on the other hand, was a character that I really liked. I found myself hoping that she would be able to get stronger, so that she could get control over her life, but not in a bad way. It was more in the way a friend would hope that you could overcome everything. Some other characters I really dislike at first, but when I understood why they were that way, I found myself liking them more.

Now, the best part of the book if I’m really honest was the writing. I think it was beautifully written. I loved how her words can make you feel, make you believe and make you dream. I can’t wait to read more from her.

Overall, I liked it. It wasn’t love, even though I loved the writing, but I would be eager to read more from her. 3.5/5

Review: Sirenz

Title:Sirenz           

Author: Charlotte Bennardo & Naalie Zaman

Release Date: June 8th

Series: Sirenz #1

Number of Pages: 275

Publisher: Flux

Source: Bought

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Bickering frenemies Meg and Shar are doing some serious damage at a midnight sample sale when they find themselves arguing over a pair of shoes—with fatal consequences. One innocent bystander later, the girls are suddenly at the mercy of Hades—the god of the underworld—himself. To make them atone for what they’ve done, Hades forces the teens to become special-assignment Sirens, luring to the Underworld any individual whose unholy contract is up.

But just because they have an otherworldly part-time job now doesn’t mean Meg and Shar can ignore life’s drudgeries (work) or pleasures (fashion!). Finding that delicate balance between their old and new responsibilities turns out to be harder than they expected, especially when an entire pantheon of Greek deities decides to get involved. Then there’s the matter of the fine print in their contracts . . .

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Holy Smoke, that book was funny!!!

That book honestly had everything to make it a perfect summer read. It is entertaining, funny and hilarious (okay, the last two are similar, but still!) The story was simply entertaining. Two frenemies end up having to work together to save their soul (and appearance) from the evil (and quite, ummm, interesting) Hades, god of the underworld. Here is mixed mythology in a new modern way, with fashion and soul business. The ending made me laugh and smile. I enjoyed it from the first page to the last.

The characters were just too much. Too much fun, of course! Meg and Shar had that superficial side that slightly made fun of (even if Meg doesn’t see herself as superficial that much. I personally found her to be.) The god and goddesses? Hilarious. I loved Persephone. She was my favorite. Not how I would image a goddess, that’s for sure. Jeremy seemed like a nice girl, and I was happy to see him as the love interest.

I loved the books. It was simply fun to read, entertaining. I would have read a couple more like this one during my vacation!

I would definitly recommend this one as a summer read. If you’re looking for something deep, that’s not it. If you’re looking for a fun book to enjoy at the beach, that’s the one!4/5

Review: Timeless

Title: Timeless           

Author: Alexandra Monir

Release Date: January 11^th, 2011

Series: Timeless #1

Number of Pages: 304

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Source: Bought

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When tragedy strikes Michele Windsor’s world, she is forced to uproot her life and move across the country to New York City, to live with the wealthy, aristocratic grandparents she’s never met. In their old Fifth Avenue mansion filled with a century’s worth of family secrets, Michele discovers a diary that hurtles her back in time to the year 1910. There, in the midst of the glamorous Gilded Age, Michele meets the young man with striking blue eyes who has haunted her dreams all her life – a man she always wished was real, but never imagined could actually exist. And she finds herself falling for him, into an otherworldly, time-crossed romance.

Michele is soon leading a double life, struggling to balance her contemporary high school world with her escapes into the past. But when she stumbles upon a terrible discovery, she is propelled on a race through history to save the boy she loves – a quest that will determine the fate of both of their lives.

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When I started this book, I wasn’t sure if I would really enjoy it. The first few pages just felt flat, and I thought that it would probably end up being a painful book. Yet, it didn’t take long before I was really into the story. I can enjoy time-travel novel, but at first I wasn’t sure if I could believe in it in this story. Yet, Alexandra Monir made it completely believable, and quite enjoyable. The ending was surprising to me. First, I wasn’t aware that the book had a sequel coming out in the future. I thought it was a stand-alone. That’s why the ending really surprised me. I was sure there would the ending and that’s all. The story would be done. Nop! There is much coming up for Michele, and Monir wants you to know!

The characters were great when it came down to the two main characters. I liked Michele in the end, even if she kind of annoyed me at first. Philip was kind of dreamy, but kind of awkward also. I don’t know, there just was something off at certain moments. The grandparents creep me out. I wouldn’t want them as mine, that’s for sure. I thought Cassie was kind of too nice with Michele, backing her even though Michele wasn’t really friendly with her at first. My favorite character was Lily. I wish we could have seen more of her.

The writing was fun and easy to read. I’m excited about the sequel, and I can’t wait to read more from her.

I would give it a good 4/5, because it was a captivating and entertaining book for me.

In My Mailbox 13

In My Mailbox is a meme hosted by Kristi from  the Story Siren

Here is what I got this week!

I went a little crazy again, and bought a lot of books!

-Sirenz by Charlotte Bennardo & Natalie Zaman

-Wish You Were Dead by Todd Strasser

-Fall for Anything by Courtney Summers

-Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma

-Jekel Loves Hyde by Beth Fantaskey

-Dreamland by Sarah Dessen

-Ordinary Beauty by Laura Wiess

-Lipstick Apology by Jennifer Jabaley

-The Summer I turned Pretty by Jenny Han

-The Demon's Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan

Here is what I got! What did you get?

Review: Fall For Anything

Title: Fall For Anything

Author: Courtney Summers

Release Date: December 21^st, 2010

Series: None

Number of Pages: 230

Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin

Source: Bought

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From the author of Cracked Up to Be and Some Girls Are comes a gripping story about one girl’s search for clues into the mysterious death of her father. 

When Eddie Reeves’s father commits suicide her life is consumed by the nagging question of why? Why when he was a legendary photographer and a brilliant teacher? Why when he seemed to find inspiration in everything he saw? And, most important, why when he had a daughter who loved him more than anyone else in the world? When she meets Culler Evans, a former student of her father’s and a photographer himself, an instant and dangerous attraction begins. Culler seems to know more about her father than she does and could possibly hold the key to the mystery surrounding his death. But Eddie’s vulnerability has weakened her and Culler Evans is getting too close. Her need for the truth keeps her hanging on...but are some questions better left unanswered?

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A book about suicide is never an easy thing to read. In this one, we get to feel the consequences of suicide on the loved ones that have to learn to live with that choice.

The story follows Eddie Reeves, a teenager trying to understand why her father committed suicide. She tries to find answers, while trying to live with the loss. The story is a powerful presentation of how hard it can be to learn to live after the loss of a loved one. The story was beautifully presented to understand the pain of Eddie. The ending was surprising to me, but I understand it. I loved the story.

The characters were really representative for me of how people can cope in different ways. Eddie can’t understand, so she tries to seek answers. Her mother just can’t seem to do anything, because of the pain of her loss. Beth is a complete control freak, because she wants to get things back to normal so they can move on. Milo doesn’t to relive what he went through and would rather that Eddie learns to live with it. He doesn’t want her to hurt herself by seeking answers that may not be there.

The writing was beautiful and powerful. The emotions were for me well express, because I could feel her pain, her loss. I can’t wait to read more from Courtney Summers.

I would give this book 4/5. A beautiful book about suicide, and the consequences of it on those around us.

Review: Wish You Were Dead

Title: Wish You Were Dead

Author: Todd Strasser

Release Date: October 13^th, 2009

Series: “Thrill”-ogy

Number of Pages: 236

Publisher: Egmont USA

Source: Bought

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Str-S-d:

I’ll begin with Lucy. She is definitely first on the list. You can’t believe how it feels to be in the cafeteria and turn around and there she is staring at me like I’m some disgusting bug or vermin. Does she really think I WANT to be this way? I hate you, Lucy. I really hate you. You are my #1 pick. I wish you were dead.

The day after anonymous blogger Str-S-d wishes the popular girl would die, Lucy vanishes. The students of Soundview High are scared and worried. Especially frightened and wracked with guilt is Madison Archer, Lucy’s friend and the last person to see her the night she disappeared.

As days pass with no sign of the missing girl, even the attention of Tyler, an attractive new student, is not enough to distract Madison from her growing sense of foreboding. When two more popular students disappear after their names are mentioned on Str-S-d’s blog, the residents of Soundview panic.

Meanwhile, Madison receives anonymous notes warning that she could be next. Desperate to solve the mystery before anyone else disappears, Madison turns to Tyler, but can she trust him when it becomes clear that he knows more than he’s sharing?

The clock is ticking. Madison must uncover the truth behind the mysterious disappearances . . . before her name appears in Str-S-d’s blog.

In the spirit of stories like I Know What You Did Last Summer, Todd Strasser updates the teen thriller for the techno age with Wish You Were Dead, the first installment in a new “thrill”-ogy.

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I picked up this book on a whim, simply because the cover made me curious. I hadn’t really heard about Wish Your Were Dead, but I knew that Todd Strasser had written The Wave, a book that I had heard so many great things about (and also I’ve seen the German movie based on it… Loved it..)

The story caught me off guard at first. I wasn’t really sure at first, with the three kind of point of view (Blogger, Madison, and the killer) Yet, once I got in the story, I was captivated. You want to understand who is behind all that. You want to know what will happen to the kidnapped teenagers. Then, the ending is just perfect. Not too happy, not too horrible, just perfect.

The characters were great. I liked Madison. She was a nice character most of the time, but she was still nicer than most other popular characters. Courtney annoyed the crap out of me. She was just too superficial most of the time. I liked Tyler. He was just awesome. I want more from him. I want to see him more. He made me curious. I wasn’t sure what to expect.

The writing was good. I really want to read more from him. I have to get The Wave. Soon…

I would give it a 3.5/5, because I enjoyed it. Still, it is not the best thriller I have ever read.

Review: Sisters Red

Title: Sisters Red

Author: Jackson Pearce

Release Date: June 3^rd, 2010

Series: Sisters Red #1

Number of Pages:324

Publisher: Little Brown

Source: Bought

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The story of Scarlett and Rosie March, two highly-skilled sisters who have been hunting Fenris (werewolves) -- who prey on teen girls -- since Scarlett lost her eye years ago while defending Rosie in an attack. Scarlett lives to destroy the Fenris, and she and Rosie lure them in with red cloaks (a colour the wolves can't resist), though Rosie hunts more out of debt to her sister than drive. But things seem to be changing. The wolves are getting stronger and harder to fight, and there has been a rash of news reports of countless teen girls brutally murdered in the city. Scarlet and Rosie soon discover the truth: wolves are banding together in search of a Potential Fenris -- a man tainted by the pack but not yet fully changed. Desperate to find the Potential to use him as bait for a massive werewolf extermination, the sisters move to the city with Silas, a young woodsman and long time family friend who is deadly with an axe. But the clues to finding the Potential aren't adding up, and Scarlet is shocked to learn new details of Silas's family history. Meanwhile, Rosie finds herself drawn to Silas and the bond they share not only drives the sisters apart, but could destroy all they've worked for.

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I was kind of excited to read this book, because I absolutely adore Jackson Pearce. I find her incredibly funny, and I love her videos and tweets. Yet, I had a lot of trouble to get into the book. I just didn’t get into the story until the second half of the book.

The story is a twisted retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. Except, they are two sisters. And they kill the bad werewolf (or rather Scarlett does). Then, they become hunters. Not what I was expecting. Not bad, just not what I was expecting. There was action, which was fun, and a little romance, which I wasn’t too fond of. The ending was sweet, a nice little happy ending for both sisters. Also, the story was kind of slow, which kind of didn’t help me get into the book.

The characters were just okay. Scarlett is slightly too obsessed about hunting. I know she lost a lot because of the Fenris, but does she really need to give up her entire life because of that? Then Rosie is just too obsessed about what her sister will think. Yes, she saved your life, but you do have to live a little now! It annoyed me that she couldn’t seem to do anything for her; instead everything was for her sister. Finally, Silas just creeps me out a little. At first, he seems sweet and all, but then you start learning a couple of things. Really, after Scarlett, you go for Rosie? Ummm, not sure.

The writing was fun and easy to follow. I enjoy it, and it makes me want to read her first novel, especially since I heard good comments about it.

Yet, this one kind of disappointed me. Maybe I was expecting too much? Still, retelling of Fairy Tales can be tricky. After all, most of us grew up with them. It wasn’t bad; it just wasn’t what I expected.