In My Mailbox 19

In My Mailbox is a Meme hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren. It is a way to share with other bloggers what you got during the week.

Here are the books I got this week!

-Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

-Supernaturally by Kiersten White

-Miss Peregrine's house for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

-Forever by Maggie Stiefvater

-Hunger by Jackie Morse Kessler

-Rage by Jackie Morse Kessler

That's what I got this week! What did you get?

By the way, I'll be celebrating my six months Bloganniversary soon! Don't forget to check out for my giveaway on Tuesday if you want to participate!

Harry Potter Awesomeness

Like most book reader, I love Harry Potter. I’m completely obsessed with Harry Potter. Everytime one of the movies comes out, all I want is reread every book, rewatch every movie. Now, the final movie came out, I’ve been thinking of sharing a couple of amazing Harry Potterness.

One of the thing I love beside books is music, so when both can be linked, I love it. I recently found a couple of band that plays some Wizard rock, or simply did a good Harry Potter parody. Here are a couple of them:

Wizard Love by Meekakitty and Heyhihello:



“I'll slyther up to you, you can be my lion cub

Let's share a butter beer down at Rosemerta's pub

I'll chase right after you, you are my golden snitch

I'll be your Wizard love, you are are my only witch”

Don’t Leave Me by Ministry of Magic



“And I know it's been

Such a long time

Since we've just been friends

And not soldiers on

The front line of a war

That we were born into

But we've got to do this together

Don't leave me”
Slytherin Night by WinterSpringPro




So, what’s YOUR favorite book related song? And, what did you think of the final movie if you’ve seen it?

Here’s a bonus, a Hunger Games song!!

I Wanna Go (Hunger Games) by WinterSpringPro

Review: Anna and the French Kiss

Title: Anna and the French Kiss

Author: Stephanie Perkins

Release Date: December 2^nd, 2010

Series: None

Number of Pages: 372

Publisher: Dutton

Source: Bought

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris - until she meets Etienne St. Clair: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.

 

As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near - misses end with the French kiss Anna - and readers - have long awaited?

Irresistible. Breathtaking. Addicting. Captivating. Wow.

Okay, this book made me stay up almost all night long because I was stupid enough to start reading it just before going to be. Seriously, that was a bad idea. I wish I could be one of the rare people to dislike this book, yet it made me fall completely in love with most of the characters. I mean, how can I resist this book! There’s everything a reader could need to be transported in an amazing story. It was simply too believable. I think what Anna goes through after being shipped in Paris (not that I wouldn’t be happy to be shipped there) is understandable from someone who ahs never travel. The relationships were believable. I love that everything wasn’t easy for them. I love how Etienne didn’t just dump his girlfriend to be with Anna. There was just so much greatness in this book. Oh, and did I forget to say that it is set in freaking Paris? Lovely.

I wish I could have been shipped to this school with Anna. Yes, I don’t think I would have reacted the way she did to many things that were thrown in her way, yet everything she did seemed logic and realistic to me considering her personality. I never felt like she was betraying who she was simply for a guy, even if he is someone as amazing as Etienne (or St.Clair, but I’ll use the name Etienne because I like it better.) Their relationship was beautiful. I love the friendship they had. Wish I could have an Etienne in my life that amazing, but unfortunately, the one I know is not a St.Clair. Come one, St.Clair has everything to make any girl fall for him: Great personality, humor, and sexy English accent… Oh! And he speaks French of course! I think I would have like this book simply for his presence. Yet, he came with the whole package: Great story, great characters, great writing. Damn you Stephanie Perkins for writing a guy that great. Now I don’t think I’ll find many guys to live up to my expectations…

Honestly, if you still haven’t checked out this book, you seriously should. It is simply to good not to give it a shot! 

Review: Clarity

Title: Clarity

Author: Kim Harrington

Release Date: March 1^st, 2011

Series: Clarity #1

Number of Pages: 242

Publisher: Scholastic Point

Source: Won

When you can see things others can't, where do you look for the truth?

This paranormal murder mystery will have teens reading on the edge of their seats.

Clarity "Clare" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch a certain object, and the visions come to her. It's a gift.

And a curse.

When a teenage girl is found murdered, Clare's ex-boyfriend wants her to help solve the case - but Clare is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Clare's brother - who has supernatural gifts of his own - becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most?

This book wasn’t really what I was expecting. There was mystery in this book, that’s for sure. The plot really kept me on my toes, because everytime I thought I knew how the killer was, the author threw me a new curve ball making me believe it was someone else. I really only found out when Clarity found out herself. That was just amazing to me. I could hardly put this book down because of it. How could I stop reading when I still hadn’t found out who was the killer? It was simply great! The ending was great, because it was surprising. The other thing that really surprised me in this book was that it was mostly about the murder mystery. I thought that there would be more with her gift and of the impact of it on her life. Yet, it was more about resolving the case with the help of it.

Clarity was great at trying to find out who the murderer was, but I felt like she liked social skill. I didn’t really believe that she didn’t have friends only because of her gift. After all, Perry had friends and he also had a gift. Justin and Gabriel weren’t the most amazing male characters, but they worked well with Clarity. I didn’t really understand why Justin couldn’t really move on after Clarity dumped him for sleeping with Tiffany, but that’s just me. Gabriel was nice, but I didn’t really understand the attraction between those two…. Maybe that’s just me.

I have to say that Clarity really surprised me in a good way. I really enjoyed it and I hardly can wait for the sequel Persuasion to come out. Great debut from an author I will definitely follow!

Review: Love Story

Title: Love Story

Author: Jennifer Echols

Release Date: July 19^th, 2011

Series: None

Number of Pages: 243           

Publisher: MTV books

Source: Bought

She's writing about him. he's writing about her. And everybody is reading between the lines..

 For Erin Blackwell, majoring in creative writing at the New York City college of her dreams is more than a chance to fulfill her ambitions--it's her ticket away from the tragic memories that shadow her family's racehorse farm in Kentucky. But when she refuses to major in business and take over the farm herself someday, her grandmother gives Erin's college tuition and promised inheritance to their maddeningly handsome stable boy, Hunter Allen. Now Erin has to win an internship and work late nights at a coffee shop to make her own dreams a reality. She should despise Hunter . . . so why does he sneak into her thoughts as the hero of her latest writing assignment?

 

Then, on the day she's sharing that assignment with her class, Hunter walks in. He's joining her class. And after he reads about himself in her story, her private fantasies about him must be painfully clear. She only hopes to persuade him not to reveal her secret to everyone else. But Hunter devises his own creative revenge, writing sexy stories that drive the whole class wild with curiosity and fill Erin's heart with longing. Now she's not just imagining what might have been. She's writing a whole new ending for her romance with Hunter . . . except this story could come true.

Such a beautiful story! I fell in love with Jennifer Echols’ writing through this book. Now you can be sure that I will be getting more books from her.

I love the idea of communicating through writing. It sounds so sweet. I only wish Erin wouldn’t be that dense. Seriously, it took her way to long to see that Hunter and her were made for each other. I just loved all the up and down between the two. I adore how it wasn’t simply easy for them to be together, that she didn’t just forgive him. I love that it is believable, even thought I don’t think I’ll ever see that in any of my classes. There was just so much sweetness, without feeling cheesy. It was unique. It was a great change from the classic love story that we’re used to. The only thing that I didn’t like was the ending, simply because I wanted more. I felt that there was too much left unsaid.

The characters were great in the context, but they wouldn’t win the award for best character ever. Erin was slightly naïve. Sometime I would love her; sometime I would want to slap her so she can realize what’s in front of her. I really liked Hunter at first, but he kind of lost his appeal after we learn more about what went on in Kentucky. Not so cool boy. My favorite characters were undeniably the friends. Loved Summer, loved Brian, and loved the others.

This book is perfect for the romantics looking for a new Love Story to make them dream. I will probably read more from Jennifer Echols soon, because I really enjoyed her writing!

Review: Spoiled

Title: Spoiled
Author: Heather Cocks & Jessica Morgan
Release Date: June 1st, 2011
Series: None
Number of Pages: 360
Publisher: Poppy
Source: Bought

16-year-old Molly Dix loves her ordinary life in suburban Indiana, so when her single mother passes away, she is shocked to discover that her biological father is Brick Berlin, world famous movie star and red carpet regular.

Equally intrigued and terrified by her Hollywood lineage, Molly moves to Southern California and plunges head-first into the deep end of Beverly Hills celebrity life. Just as Molly thinks her new life and family couldn't get any stranger, she meets Brooke Berlin, her gorgeous and spoiled half-sister whom welcomes Molly to la-la land with a healthy dose of passive-aggressive "sisterly love."

Set against the backdrop of a sparkling and fashion-filled Los Angeles, this deliciously dysfunctional family soap opera will satisfy every reader looking for their next lifestyles-of-the-rich-and-famous beach read.

Mean Girls meets pop culture. That’s what this book is. I wasn’t really sure at first if I would enjoy this book, because it sounded a little too superficial to me at first. Yet, after a couple of pages, I really ended addicted to the story, because it was so light and funny. It was really a great summer read for that. War between two half-sisters, in the Hollywood world. It made me laugh. You can’t really start this book thinking it has serious issues. It is mostly making fun of Hollywood culture in a way.

Brick is the best example of that. He probably think he is the best contestant for “Dad of the Year’, yet he is never there for his daughter(s). He falls for every new trend, and believes everything the latest big “specialist” will tell him. He just sounded so naïve. Brooke was the mean girl in the story, but I did end up liking her when I learn more about her. She first came across as superficial girl, but there is more to her. I really liked Molly. She was nice, fun and a little more down to earth. She seemed so lost in this world. She’s trying to do the right thing, without looking like she’s just too weak to face her sister.

This book is simply perfect if you’re looking for something light, fun and entertaining. A really great read for the summer!

In My Mailbox 18

In My Mailbox is a Meme hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren. It is a way to share with other bloggers what you got during the week.

Here are the books I got this week!

From the Authors:

Crushed by K.C. Blake

Reckless Magic by Rachel Higginson

Bought: 

Love Story by Jennifer Echols

Switch by Tish Cohen

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Won:

Clarity by Kim Harrington (thanks to Bookishly Yours)

I also bought a new bookshelf. because mine broke a few months ago!

Here is what I got! What did you get?

Review: Dead Rules

Title: Dead Rules

Author: Randy Russell

Release Date: June 21^st, 2011

Series: None

Number of Pages: 384

Publisher: Harper Teen

Source: Bought

-

Till death

Jana Webster and Michael Haynes were in love. They were destined to be together forever.

Do

But Jana's destiny was fatally flawed. And now she's in Dead School, where Mars Dreamcote lurks in the back of the classroom, with his beguiling blue eyes, mysterious smile, and irresistibly warm touch.

Us

Michael and Jana were incomplete without each other. There was no room for Mars in Jana's life—or death—story. Jana was sure Michael would rush to her side soon.

Part

But things aren't going according to Jana's plan. So Jana decides to do whatever it takes to make her dreams come true—no matter what rules she has to break.

-

At first, I didn’t know what to expect of this book. Jana annoyed me from the start, with her obsession over her boyfriend. It’s one of the things that made me regret picking this book. Yet, the story really got me in, because it didn’t glamorize this obsession. She wants him to join her in deaths, yet it isn’t as easy as she may want. The story made me laugh and smile by moment. The story presents life in a nice way, without making it appealing to the reader. It presents the outcome of those who died: Those who killed themselves have no control of their mind. Than, it also gives you a little moral, as they all seemed to have died doing something they shouldn’t have done (well, except Jana who died in a bowling accident….)

When it comes to the characters, I must say that Mars really saved them for me. I liiiiike him. There's just something bad and sweet about him. What more could you really ask. Of course, Wyatt was a fun character too. He made me laugh so much. He just doesn’t seem to care most of the time. Then, there’s Jana.  There was something annoying about her, because she was so obsessed with Michael. She didn’t want to see or hear the wrong about him. She just wanted to be with him again, because she’s “nothing without him”. To be honest, this kind of obsession gets easily on my nerves, which is why I didn’t really like her. Michael was the kind of guy I simply wanted to kick. He was a jerk, and I’m still being nice. If I ever date a guy like him, I’ll give him a hard time that’s for sure.

I enjoyed the book, even though the main character annoyed me. It’s a great book for those who like a good happy ghost story, because it presents ghost in a slightly different way. At least, it’s not presenting them like some evil creature!

Review: Nightshade

Title: Nightshade

Author: Andrea Cremer

Release Date: August 7^th, 2010

Series: Nightshade #1

Number of Pages: 452

Publisher: Speak

Source: Bought

Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything- including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

 Okay, why did it take me that long to read that book? Seriously. Where was I? What was I thinking? WHEN CAN I GET MY HANDS ON  WOLFSBANE!

Okay, let’s try to be serious. If you haven’t read this book, and you love YA and werewolf story, you have to run to the bookstore to buy it! I loved it!

The story simply so addicting. There was always something keeping me on my toes. The world she created is unique and interesting. I love all the history that comes with it. She really created a world that stands on its own. I also adore the way she portray werewolves (or Guardians as they prefer.) There is so much going on with all the hierarchy and the Keepers. I just couldn’t put it down. I ended up staying up until 4:30 to finish it. I was that captivated.

Calla’s personality didn’t make me love her, but with everything I learned about her world, I could understand her more. She had to appear in control, and ready to do anything ask, as she is an alpha. She is supposed to set an example, and she as been taught as much since her birth. Yet, I ended up wishing I could give her a kick in the ass so she could realize that everything she does doesn’t make sense. She should have the right to be free.

In term of male characters, neither caught my heart. Yes, I do have a preference, but there’s not big love. I prefer Ren, simply because he seems so in control. He looks like he knows what he wants. He wants her and not only because they are told they have to be together. He seems to really like her. Shay was annoying at some point. He doesn’t seem to really care that he is risking Calla’s life by his action. Yet, I do want Calla to be with the one she wants to be, not the one she is told to be with.

One other thing I really enjoyed was the dynamic with the pack. They Nightshade and the Bane both have so really great relationship within their pack, and even between both packs as the story goes. There's just a perfect mix of different personality. I wish I could have a group of friends like the pack. They really act like a family.

Andrea Cremer’s series is addicting, that’s for sure. There should be a warning on it: “Do not start before going to bed. You might be unable to sleep until you’ve read the last pages.” Now, all I can do is wait for Wolsbane patiently. At least I don’t have to wait long!

Review: Falling For Hamlet

Title: Falling For Hamlet

Author: Michelle Ray

Release Date: July 5^th, 2011

Series: None

Number of Pages: 348

Publisher: Poppy

Source: Bought

-

Meet Ophelia: a blonde, beautiful high-school senior and long-time girlfriend of Prince Hamlet of Denmark. Her life is dominated not only by her boyfriend's fame and his overbearing family, but also by the paparazzi who hound them wherever they go. As the devastatingly handsome Hamlet spirals into madness after the mysterious death of his father, the King, Ophelia rides out his crazy roller coaster life, and lives to tell about it. In live television interviews, of course.

Passion, romance, drama, humor, and tragedy intertwine in this compulsively readable debut novel, told by a strong-willed, modern-day Ophelia.

-

Now, that’s what I call a modern retelling!

OMG. Can I say I loved this book? No? Can I say I adored it? YES!

Finally a retelling where it is believable. Michelle Ray didn’t simply change a few details to make the reader feel that it is set in the 21^st century, no. She changed the events so they could be adapted to today’s culture, without changing the main plot. I don’t want to too much into the details of what’s going, as most already knows the main plot. I don’t want to give away the few surprises!

Prince and his girlfriend being followed by the press and paparazzi? Completely believable, just think of William and Kate.

One of the things I loved about this book is Ophelia. Finally! They didn’t let her fade into the background. She’s strong and present in this book. I love how she is the narrator, making us feel all she’s going through as she watches the man she loves fall into madness.

No this is not the written beauty of Shakespeare, let’s be honest. Who can really try to go against him today in that field? This book is honest, captivating, breathtaking and interesting. It is so fun to see another take on such a classic. Shakespeare lover or curious, do not fear this book. If you read it as a modern novel, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. 

Review: Witches of East End

Title: Witched of East End

Author: Melissa de la Cruz

Release Date: June 21^st, 2011

Series: The Beauchamps Family #1

Number of Pages: 272

Publisher: Hyperion

Source: Bought

The three Beauchamp women--Joanna and her daughters Freya and Ingrid--live in North Hampton, out on the tip of Long Island. Their beautiful, mist-shrouded town seems almost stuck in time, and all three women lead seemingly quiet, uneventful existences. But they are harboring a mighty secret--they are powerful witches banned from using their magic. Joanna can resurrect people from the dead and heal the most serious of injuries. Ingrid, her bookish daughter, has the ability to predict the future and weave knots that can solve anything from infertility to infidelity. And finally, there's Freya, the wild child, who has a charm or a potion that can cure most any heartache.

For centuries, all three women have been forced to suppress their abilities. But then Freya, who is about to get married to the wealthy and mysterious Bran Gardiner, finds that her increasingly complicated romantic life makes it more difficult than ever to hide her secret. Soon Ingrid and Joanna confront similar dilemmas, and the Beauchamp women realize they can no longer conceal their true selves. They unearth their wands from the attic, dust off their broomsticks, and begin casting spells on the townspeople. It all seems like a bit of good-natured, innocent magic, but then mysterious, violent attacks begin to plague the town. When a young girl disappears over the Fourth of July weekend, they realize it's time to uncover who and what dark forces are working against them.

With a brand-new cast of characters, a fascinating and fresh world to discover, and a few surprise appearances from some of the Blue Blood fan favorites, this is a page-turning, deliciously fun, magical summer read fraught with love affairs, witchcraft, and an unforgettable battle between good and evil.

The first thing I have to say is that when I bought this book, I wasn’t aware that it wasn’t a YA, so it kind of surprised me. So first and foremost I have to say that it isn’t a younger audience because there is some stuff that could shock the younger readers.

Now, let me tell you that I couldn’t put this book down. Melissa de la Cruz simply knows how to create addicting characters and mystery. The three main characters all have their little thing going, yet they all interconnect in some way. I also like that Melissa de la Cruz’ new series is placed in the same world as the Blue Blood, mainly because I adore this series. You don’t need to have read on to understand the other, but you can see some character from the other series.

One of the aspects that I found interesting in the book was the character. I love how different the three main characters were. It was easy to connect with at least one of them, because of how different they were. As much as I like Freya’s personality, she was sometime too impulsive for my taste. I ended up liking Ingrid best. Still, there was something interesting to get from each character. Now, there is also some great male character. My favorite? Killian! His brother kind of bored me. Not there enough for Freya, that’s for sure!

Melissa de la Cruz took the opportunity to add some sexiness to her adult series. It really made thing interesting, and it really separate both her series on that level. Where the relationships in Blue Blood were more on the cute side, here it is more about passion. Lovely and sexy passion!

If you’re looking for a new Adult series to start, this one will keep you captivated. 

Review: The Wave

Title: The Wave

Author: Todd Strasser

Release Date: October 1^st, 1981

Series: None

Number of Pages: 138

Publisher: Ramdom House

Source: Bought

The Wave is based on a true incident that occured in a high school history class in Palo Alto, California, in 1969.

The powerful forces of group pressure that pervaded many historic movements such as Nazism are recreated in the classroom when history teacher Burt Ross introduces a "new" system to his students. And before long "The Wave," with its rules of "strength through discipline, community, and action, " sweeps from the classroom through the entire school. And as most of the students join the movement, Laurie Saunders and David Collins recognize the frightening momentum of "The Wave" and realize they must stop it before it's too late. 

The main reason I bought this book is because I saw the movie based on this book last year and I completely loved it. The main thing that really hit me after reading it is that it could have been so much longer, to really make us feel the how deep the students were into this group.

The book is based on real event, as crazy as it sounds. For once, I really preferred the movie to the book. There is something in seeing it that makes it even more powerful. I also like that the movie take place in the 21^st century, which makes us realize that it could still happen today. (People tend to think that they are to smart to fall for that. The book shows the opposite.)

I wish I could have known more about the characters. Everything felt a little superficial.

I would recommend the movie before the book, because it was amazing to me. Loved it. Here’s the trailer of the German movie, if you want to check it out!

Review: Luminous

Title: Luminous

Author: Dawn Metcalf

Release Date: June 30^th, 2011

Series: None

Number of Pages: 367

Publisher:Dutton

Source: Bought

As reality slips and time stands still, Consuela finds herself thrust into the world of the Flow. Removed from all she loves into this shifting world overlapping our own, Consuela quickly discovers she has the power to step out of her earthly skin and cloak herself in new ones-skins made from the world around her, crafted from water, fire, air. She is joined by other teens with extraordinary abilities, bound together to safeguard a world they can affect, but where they no longer belong.

When murder threatens to undo the Flow, the Watcher charges Consuela and elusive, attractive V to stop the killer. But the psychopath who threatens her new world may also hold the only key to Consuela's way home

One of the first words that come to my mind after reading this book is disbelief. I simply couldn’t believe in the story Dawn Metcalf was telling. There was something in the back of my mind that kept telling me that it was simply unbelievable.

The thing is, Luminous is highly original and creative. It is interesting. The story flows easily and is captivating, as long as you’re not stuck like me with disbelief. Sadly, the book wasn’t made for me. I wish I could have enjoy it, because I felt like everything, if taken separately, was well done. The story, the writing, the character. I simply couldn’t bring myself to believe.

I’m not sure if I got everything in the book right. I’m still not sure if I get the ending correctly. There’s always that little voice in my head that tells me that it shouldn’t be like this, yet it is.

The characters were nice, but my favorite ended up being the bad guy. I don’t really know why. I just felt like he was more interesting. I won’t say which one it is, because it could tell who’s the bad guy. Yet, some other characters really got on my nerves, simply because the way the acted didn’t make sense to me.

I honestly feel like all I’m saying is that I A) couldn’t believe in it or B) couldn’t make sense out of it.

If you think you can make open your mind enough to believe in a story where the character live in the “Flow” where they can save people from dying, and all have “powers” to do so, you might really enjoy it. For me, the whole “girl-that-can-take-off-her-skin-and-create-new-ones-with-about-anything just didn’t make it.

In My Mailbox 17

In My Mailbox is a Meme hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren. It is a way to share with other bloggers what you got during the week.

Here are the books I got this week!

Bought:

Luminous by Dawn Metcalf

The Wave by Todd Strasser

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Dead Rules by Randy Russell

Fins are Forever by Tera Lynn Childs

Spoiled by Heather Cocks & Jessica Morgan

What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

Witches of East End by Melissa De la Cruz

Won on Goodread

Boy vs Girl by Na'ima B. Robert

On NetGalley:

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa (!!!)

The Sleepwalkers by J. Gabriel Gates

What did you get this week?

Review: Fins are Forever

Title: Fins are Forever

Author: Tera Lynn Childs

Release Date: June 28^th, 2011

Series: Fins #2

Number of Pages: 261

Publisher:Kateryne Tegen Books

Source: Bought

On Lily Sanderson’s eighteenth birthday she’ll become just a girl—still a mergirl, true, but signing the renunciation will ink Princess Waterlily of Thalassinia out of existence. That leaves plain old Lily living on land, dating the boy she loves, and trying to master this being-human thing once and for all.

Now that Lily and Quince are together, mer bond or not, she’s almost content to give up her place in the royal succession of Thalassinia. But just when she thinks she has everything figured out, the waves start to get rough. Lily’s father sends a certain whirlpool-stirring cousin to stay with her on land. What did Doe do to get herself exiled from Thalassinia and stuck in terraped form when everyone knows how much she hates humans? And why why why is she batting her eyelashes at Lily’s former crush, Brody?

The seafoam on the raging surf comes when a merboy from Lily’s past shows up—Tellin asks Lily for something that clouds her view of the horizon. There’s a future with Quince on land, her loyalty to the kingdom in the sea, and Lily tossing on the waves in the middle. Will she find a way to reconcile her love, her duty, and her own dreams?

Tera Lynn Childs’s sequel to Forgive My Fins offers another tail-flicking romance with plenty of fun, sun, and underwater adventure.

This is the cute sequel to Forgive my Fins, which I had like. If I’m completely honest, the sequel wasn’t as good as the first, but it was still an enjoyable Summer read. It was short and sweet, as I read it in a little more than two hours.

The story is fluffy. There’s not a lot of mystery, but it is cute. Lily can be really dumb, but it is part of her charm. I just wish we could have seen more of the Quince and Lily interaction, but the book was more about Doe and Lily, which wasn’t my cup of tea. It’s not that I don’t like Doe, it’s just that I don’t love her like I love Quince. There’s something so cute when she’s with Quince. When she’s with Doe, she just comes across as a spoil brat in my opinion. The ending left me a little unsure of how I felt. That’s not how I would have like the book to end.

Lily is not my favorite character in the book. I just feel like she needs to grow up a little. Everything seems to revolve around her. Quince is the most amazing character of the books. I simply adore him. He seems like he knows what he’s doing. He’s more confident and mature. Doe was like the most annoying little sister you can ever have. Jealous and self-centered. Then, of course, Brody comes in the story because of her. He sounds so dumb in the book. I don’t understand how she could have had a crush on him for so long. Seriously.

Even if I didn’t think it was as good as the first book of the series, it was still an enjoyable fluffy summer read. I’m curious though to see if Lily will be back for more or not…

Review: The Gathering

Title: The Gathering

Author: Kelley Armstrong

Release Date: April 5^th, 2011

Series: Darkness Rising #1

Number of Pages: 359

Publisher: Double Day Canada

Source: Bought

Maya lives in a small medical-research town on Vancouver Island. How small? You can’t find it on the map. It has less than two-hundred people, and her school has only sixty-eight students—for every grade from kindergarten to twelve.

Now, strange things are happening in this claustrophobic town, and Maya's determined to get to the bottom of them. First, the captain of the swim team drowns mysteriously in the middle of a calm lake. A year later, mountain lions start appearing around Maya's home, and they won’t go away. Her best friend, Daniel, starts getting negative vibes from certain people and things. It doesn't help that the new bad boy in town, Rafe, has a dangerous secret—and he's interested in one special part of Maya's anatomy: Her paw-print birthmark.

I’m completely in love with everything Kelley Armstrong writes. She has this way to portray some amazing supernatural characters without making them come across as stereotypical. She never stops to amaze me.

Yet, the one thing that really got on my nerve with this book is the ending. I fell like this book was teasing me so much, building something that will come only in the next book. That’s a mean thing to do! I just can’t stop thinking about the story, the characters and about what will happen next. One of the things I love is that every book she writes seems to have a connection. The all are in the same world. I love this world, so I won’t complain!

I liked Maya, but I got to love her more and more through the books. You get to know her, the good and the bad. She’s not perfect, and she doesn’t believe she is. Daniel is amazingly awesome I must say, but I don’t really like the “maybe he likes her” feeling. I wish I could just say that they were more like brother and sister, like Maya seems to think at some point, yet Daniel really seem to like her more than that. I don’t want him to, because I completely adore Rafe. There’s something mysterious about him. I love how far he is willing to go to protect his sister. There’s just something deeper in him than just the bad boy image, which makes him more than just the usually bad boy character that all girls fall for.

Honestly, if you love Kelley Armstrong’s books as much as I do, you won’t be disappointed with it!

Review: Divergent

Title: Divergent

Author: Veronica Roth

Release Date: May 7^th, 2011

Series: Divergent #1

Number of Pages: 487

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Source: Bought

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

 

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

 

Debut author Veronica Roth bursts onto the literary scene with the first book in the Divergent series—dystopian thrillers filled with electrifying decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, stunning consequences, and unexpected romance.

Captivating. Breathtaking. Amazing. That’s the first thing that comes to my mind when I think about Divergent.

I honestly can’t believe it took me that long to buy this book. I should have bought it the day it came out. When I picked up this book and started reading it, I just couldn’t put it down. I had to know what would happen next. There’s just always something going on. Bonus, there’s everything you need for a good book: A kick-ass world, some great action, some intrigue and some romance.

What more could I ask for? A strong main character? Check. An amazing male interest? Hell Yeah! Tris (or Beatrice) is simply fun to follow. She is strong, yet she has enough weaknesses to make her human to us. She is not perfect and it is one of the things that made me adore her. Four made me swoon all through the book. There’s just something about him that makes him unforgettable for me. The others didn’t really stood out for me as much, so I can’t say that I’m completely in love with one or totally hate an other one. Of course, I want to kick Peter’s ass way too often in the book, but there’s always one isn’t?

The world is completely amazing. It is so well constructed, so well thought. I can’t believe the places the story took me, yet never did I feel disbelief. It was always believable. I never had to stop to ask myself “Really?” No, everything flew perfectly in the story, making me believe in it. It made wish I could be part of it, even if it isn’t an easy world.

I’m already dying for the sequel, Insurgent. I can’t believe I’ll have to wait months before reading what will happen next for Tris. I’m completely in love with your world Veronica Roth.

Once Upon a Read-a-Thon Wrap-Up!

So this is the end of the Read-a-Thon. I didn't read as many books as I would have liked, but I did great considering the fact that I was working both Monday an Tuesday. So here are the books I read!

1- Divergent by Veronica Roth
2- The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong
3- Fins are Forever by Tera Lynn Childs
4- The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

So many great books! I also took part in two challenges HERE and HERE

How many books did you read?

Review: Cracked Up to Be

Title: Cracked Up to Be

Author: Courtney Summers

Release Date: December 23^rd, 2008

Series: None

Number of Pages: 214

Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin

Source: Bought

Perfect Parker Fadley isn’t so perfect anymore. She’s quit the cheerleading squad, she’s dumped her perfect boyfriend, and she’s failing school. Her parents are on a constant suicide watch and her counselors think she’s playing games…but what they don’t know, the real reason for this whole mess, isn’t something she can say out loud. It isn’t even something she can say to herself. A horrible thing has happened and it just might be her fault. If she can just remove herself from everybody—be totally alone—then everything will be okay...The problem is, nobody will let her.

I really enjoy Courtney Summer’s book. I read Fall for Anything not long ago and loved it. It’s the main reason why I decided to read this book. The difference between those two books is pretty impressive to me. Where Fall for Anything was powerful and touching, this one felt like a lighter read.

The story is not a happy story. That’s not what I mean. Yet, at first, I felt it was really just about a teenager who’s tired of being perfect, a teenager looking for herself. Yet, the more you read, the more you learn about the reasons behind the changes. It was for me the main point of the story. Understanding Parker. There’s not big mystery in the book. No Prince Charming ready to save the damsel in distress. No. It about a teenager that hit rock bottom. A girl that still wants more than she makes everyone believe. A great novel about guilt and growing up with it. It is about learning to live with our mistakes.

Even though Parker could be a mean bitch sometime, I liked her. She was true most of the time. She wasn’t trying to pretend she was something she wasn’t. I also thought Jake was a great character, because he was there to challenge her in some way. Chris and Becky weren’t changing anything in her. Jake did. He opened something in her to help her help herself.

Courtney Summers has a way to express emotions in words. She can make you feel easily what the character is going through, which why I enjoy her books. They fell real.

Once Upon a Read-a-Thon: Mini Challenge #2!

Here is my entry for a second mini challenge in Once Upon a Read-a-Thon. This one is hosted by YA Bliss

She asked us about our 3 favorite love triangle. Here are mine:

1- Zenn/Vi/Jag - Possession: It's not my favorite book this year, yet I love the love triangle. There's just so much going on with Zenn that you're not sure if she should still want to be with him. I adore Jag, but it is hard sometime to forget your first love.

2- Gale/Katniss/Peeta- The Hunger Games: I love this series, and I love how different both guys are. I like Peeta better, but I couldn't really decide who Katniss would have been happier with.

3- Archer/Sophie/Cal - Hex Hall : I prefer Archer. Yet, there is something so sweet in Cal. You can forget him easily.

Here is my second challenge! 

I'm almost done with the Gathering. In the last two days, I've read 712 pages. Not as much as I would have liked, but not bad. Still one day left!


Update:
21:55 : I've just finished The Gathering. Now starting Fins are Forever. I'm reading some really great books today!
23:51 : Just Finished Fins are Forever. Next: Luminous!


July 13th
15:06 : Finished Luminous! Next the Iron Knight!

Once Upon a Read-a-Thon: Mini Challenge #1!

So here is my first mini challenge! This one is hosted by IB Book Blogging!
Mini Challenge Question 1:What is your favorite type of myth (Greek, Roman, Egyptian etc)? Greek all the way! It's probably because I've read so many amazing books with greek mythology in it!

Mini Challenge Question 2:
What is your favorite book with some type of mythology in it?Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini. I simply love that book. I can't wait for the sequel!
Did you participate in this challenge??
Update: I just started The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong. I probably shouldn't have. Now I won't be able to go to bed...
Update 2:
19:02 - half way through the Gathering. I'm really loving it!

Once Upon a Read-a-Thon!

So I've decided to join this Read-a-Thon! I wasn't able to do a lot of reading today. I was working until 18:15, so I couldn't really read. I started Divergent by Veronica Roth. I've only read about 75 pages, but it's already addicting. I'll be updating while I keep on reading! 
If you want to join, it's never too late to join!
Update: July 11th
10:12 PM: 298 pages read!
July 12th
12:05 : OMG I'm done with Divergent! So good!

In My Mailbox 16

In My Mailbox is a Meme hosted by Kristi from The Story Sirens. It is a way to share with other bloggers what you got during the week.

I finally got a couple of books I bought online. I’m still waiting for some more, but at least I got 4 of them!

Here are the books I got this week!

Bought on the Book Depository:

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Halo by Alexandra Andornetto

Vampire Kiss: Cryptic Cravings by Ellen Schreiber (Review)

Everlasting by Alyson Noël (Review)

Bought at Chapters and Indigo:

Cracked Up to Be by Courtney Summers

Falling For Hamlet by Michelle Ray

Wanderlust by Elizabeth Eaves

Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz

On NetGalley:

Vanish by Sophie Jordan

A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey

What did you get this week?

Being Human

I’ve been feeling sick last week. When I don’t feel really well, I can’t really read as well. I don’t know why, it simply gives me a headache after a while. So I usually end up watching movies or TV.

Because I don’t have the cable, I bought a couple of series this week. One of them is a series I bought on an impulse. Being Human. I hadn’t heard anything about it, but it was a UK series from BBC. I found that they often create really good series that we then steal from them (They did a US version after that.)

Being Human

Have you ever heard the one about a werewolf, a vampire and a ghost living together? Well for George, Mitchell and Annie, that's no joke; that's their life... or afterlife as the case may be. The supernatural trio share a rented house, desperately trying to balance their paranormal problems with the challenge of simply Being Human.

I can now say that I’m addicted to this series. The biggest problem with this series is that it is too short! Only six episodes. Yet, they were so good. Six episodes of horrors, comedy and mystery. I wouldn’t recommend this series to a younger audience.


What do you do when you're sick? Do you read? Watch movies? Watch TV?


What's one of your favorite series right now? 

Review: Everlasting

Title: Everlasting

Author:Alyson Noël

Release Date: June 7^th, 2011

Series: The Immortals #6

Number of Pages: 320

Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin

Source: Bought

Everlasting is the sixth and final installment of the epic love story that has enchanted readers across the world. Ever and Damen have spent centuries facing down bitter rivals, jealous friends and their own worst fears-all in the hope of being together forever. Now in Everlasting, their destiny is finally within reach.

Will they be united-or torn apart forever? Readers will finally discover the truth in this anxiously awaited conclusion!

I enjoy this book, mainly because I loved this series. It wasn’t what I was expecting before I start reading it. Still, after a couple of pages, the story line became predictable. I guessed easily what would happen next. It didn’t make the book boring or anything. I was simply expecting something a little more exciting and unpredictable. It was nice to say the way the series ended, because it was satisfying. It gives us closer. Yet, I wanted to be surprised.

I thought Ever was annoying during the first books. In this one, she seems to get a little more maturity and assurance. She wasn’t as naïve and impulsive in this one, which was a great thing! In this book, it was Damen that got on my nerves. He felt a little to self-centered. That’s the feeling I got. It just really annoyed me. The other thing that made me sad is that Miles wasn’t there enough. I want him to read more of him. I love him! He is so sweet.

The series is a fun romance. I really enjoy this series, but I don’t think this book was the best of this series. If you enjoyed the series, you’ll probably enjoy this one!

Review: Cryptic Cravings

Title: Cryptic Cravings

Author: Ellen Schreiber

Release Date: May 17^th, 2011

Series: Vampire Kisses #8

Number of Pages: 211

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Source: Bought

The morbidly monotonous Dullsville has finally become the most exciting place on earth now that Raven is madly in love with her hot vampire boyfriend Alexander, and a crew of vampires has taken residence in Dullsville's old mill. Raven discovers Jagger's plan to open a new club, The Crypt, right here in Dullsville. But is it her dream come true, or her worst nightmare? Raven and Alexander have to figure out what the nefarious vampire has in store for Dullsville's teen and vampire population. Can Raven convince Jagger to listen to her plans to make the Crypt the morbidly magnificent dance club it could be? Will it be safe for mortals and vampires alike?

And as Sebastian and Luna's relationship heats up, Raven wonders about her own amorous fate: Will Alexander ever turn her? Does he crave her and does he want to spend eternity together? And what does she really want?

With cryptic secrets and cravings, this eighth installment in the Vampire Kisses series is a romantic and mysterious thrill ride.

This series is seriously my guilty pleasure. It is fun, cute and it makes me smile everytime I turn a new page.

The story is addicting. It is a simply a vampire romance that satisfy my girly side. I simply adore it. It is a guilty pleasure because it isn’t the kind of books that I would go around telling everyone I’m reading and loving it. Why? Because I know that most of my friends would think it is a girly romance, a childish story about, again, vampire. So what? I like it!

Raven is a good character, but I have to say that I completely adore Alexander. He is so sweet. And dreamy. If I had to get a vampire boyfriend, it would be him. Screw Edward, I prefer Alexander (well, in YA, because I totally team Vampire Eric.) I can’t wait to see what will happen next for Alexander and Raven, because I want him to be happy. I don’t really care about Raven a much. I don’t really know why… Oh well, it happens...

Can I say that the blood part between Raven and Alexander made me squeal! (Anyone else??? Maybe I'm the only one...)

This story is great for anyone looking for a fun and light vampire romance for the summer. It made me smile and laugh, because it is that good!