Waiting On Wednesday 10/31

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event that features the books that we (the bloggers) are highly anticipating. "Waiting on Wednesday" was started by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Rosie Wants To Read

Ermergerd. MUST. WANT. READ. GIVE. ME. NAOOOOO!!!!

Scarlet (Lunar Chronicles #2) by Marissa Meyer

Publication Date: February 13, 2013 by Feiwel & Friends

Cinder returns in the second thrilling installment of the New York Times-bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She’s trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she’ll be the Commonwealth’s most wanted fugitive.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit’s grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn’t know about her grandmother and the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother’s whereabouts, she has no choice but to trust him, though he clearly has a few dark secrets of his own. As Scarlet and Wolf work to unravel one mystery, they find another when they cross paths with Cinder. Together, they must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen who will do anything to make Prince Kai her husband, her king, her prisoner. --Goodreads.

Pre-order Scarlet at: Amazon/ Barnes&Noble/ The Book Depository

                           Angie is impatiently dying for:

Crimson Frost (Mythos Academy #4) by Jennifer Estep

Expected Publication: December 24, 2012 by Kensington Teen

For a moment, a face flashed before my eyes—the most hideous face I’d ever seen. No matter how hard I tried to forget what had happened, I saw him everywhere I went. It was Loki—the evil god that I’d helped set free against my will.

I should have known that my first official date with Logan Quinn was destined to end in disaster. If we’d gotten into a swordfight, or been ambushed by Reapers, I’d have been more prepared. But getting arrested mid-sip at the local coffee hangout? I didn’t see that one coming.

I’ve been accused of purposely helping the Reapers free Loki from his prison—and the person leading the charge against me is Linus Quinn, Logan’s dad. The worst part is that pretty much everyone at Mythos Academy thinks I’m guilty. If I’m going to get out of this mess alive, I’ll have to do it myself… --Goodreads

Pre-order Crimson Frost here: Amazon/ B&N/ TBD

Jenny is "Waiting On":

Opal (Lux #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Expected publication: December 11th 2012 

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

No one is like Daemon Black.

When he set out to prove his feelings for me, he wasn’t fooling around. Doubting him isn’t something I’ll do again, and now that we’ve made it through the rough patches, well... There’s a lot of spontaneous combustion going on.

But even he can’t protect his family from the danger of trying to free those they love.

After everything, I’m no longer the same Katy. I’m different... And I’m not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I’m capable of. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won’t turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.

Together we’re stronger... and they know it. --Goodreads

Pre-Order it at: Amazon / B&N / TBD

~M eagerly anticipating:

Undeadly by Michele Vail
Publication Date: November 29th, 2012

The day I turned 16, my boyfriend-to-be died. I brought him back to life. Then things got a little weird...

Molly Bartolucci wants to blend in, date hottie Rick and keep her zombie-raising abilities on the down-low. Then the god Anubis chooses her to become a reaper-and she accidentally undoes the work of another reaper, Rath. Within days, she’s shipped off to the Nekyia Academy, an elite school that trains the best necromancers in the world. And her personal reaping tutor? Rath. Who seems to hate her guts.

Rath will be watching closely to be sure she completes her first assignment-reaping Rick, the boy who should have died. The boy she still wants to be with. To make matters worse, students at the academy start turning up catatonic, and accusations fly-against Molly. The only way out of this mess? To go through hell. Literally. -Goodreads

Pre-order: Amazon / The Book Depository / Barnes and Noble

Review and Giveaway: The Assembly Room by Bryony Allen

The Assembly Room 

By Bryony Allen

Published: October 11, 2012

eBook, 186 pages

The ghosts of The Assembly Room have been waiting for someone to unlock their secrets, and Merryn Stearne has arrived.

For 14 year old Merryn, the future should have been perfect – a new home in the idyllic Suffolk countryside and romance with the gorgeous boy next door, Jamie. If only the past would stop interfering with the present. Dreams of medieval witchcraft trials become terrifyingly real and Merryn realises there is a mystery to be solved. With Jamie's help, she uncovers the truth about her ancestor's role in the Suffolk witch hunts of 1645.

But can they stop the curse that threatens to ruin the Stearne family once again, or are the forces of the past too strong?--Goodreads

4 Stars

Review

What would you usually get when you move into a crummy old house? The Assembly Room of course, which comes with a package of dark, gory mystery neatly wrapped in a beautifully written story. 

We start off with Merryn's family moving into the disgustingly rotting house that Merryn's father inherited from an insane late uncle. Right off the bat, we know that we're in for a disturbing past because really, all horror stories begin with someone doing something stupid in the past like 300 years ago. In this case, Merryn is reliving all of these moments in the past that are haunting the future, her present. 

Watching the present and the past intertwine to create a spellbinding tale just caused me to love this book. Although I am usually not a big fan of horror, The Assembly Room possesses something that lurks beneath the pages that drew me. Bryony Allen excels in seamlessly splitting the story between the present and the past. The witch trials provide a vindictive history behind the haunting events in the book. Let's just say that Bryony Allen has an extraordinary gift with storytelling. 

My only concern with The Assembly Room was the point of view. Most books have a consistent narration from first-person and third-person. However, this book had an interesting characteristic of incorporating the thoughts of all of the characters present in scene in the same chapter. Like, Merynne would be talking about how embarrassed she felt about her feelings for Jamie, while in the next paragraph, Jamie would be thinking the same thing. I didn't really dislike it, but it just felt a little out of place.

The Assembly Room is a amazingly written story of the past and present intermingling. The depth of many of the characters that face terrible luck due to the past is realistic and perfectly portrayed. This book is definitely one of my favorite surprises of this year. I totally did not expect to enjoy The Assembly Room as much as I did. The Assembly Room is a must read for all horror readers because honestly, it's an story that packs a punch and tantalizes one's reading palette.

 

Bryony Allen has graciously offered up a Print and an eBook copy up for giveaway! 

Enter Below!

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Hurricane Sandy

As many of you may have heard, there is a hurricane coming up the eastern coast of the United States, named Hurricane Sandy. Because of this, district-wide power outages may occur, and unfortunately, we've have been caught smack dab in the middle of Sandy's path. For that reason, we will not be able to post at least until Wednesday or Thursday. We apologize for the inconvenience, and hope to be back soon after the hurricane!

Thanks for understanding,
The Gals @ YAN

Bookish Goodies: Part 2

Hey guys! I just wanted to share more awesome bookish things with you guys! FYI: Etsy is the best! Just click the titles for the links!!! Enjoy:) Feel free to share some of your favorite bookish things in the comments below.

Red Crystal Bookmark

Made by: Inspiralicious

I really need to get actual bookmarks instead of using a random piece of paper or 

whatever is closest to me at the time.

                                   Harry Potter is Dobby's Friend Book Geek Girl Necklace

Made by: GirlyGeekChic

Too cute for words!

                    Romantic Fairy Tale Book Geek Girl Bobby Pins

Made by: GirlyGeekChic

Is this not the most beautiful thing that you have ever seen?

                            Lord of the Rings Elvish Script Link Bracelet (One Size Fits All)

Made by: KawaiiCandyCouture

Lord of the Rings; that says it all!

                         Deluxe Harry Potter Books and Potions Charm Bracelet

Made by: KawaiiCandyCouture

This is so so so awesome! Guys Etsy IS the best place to shop for presents! :)

                                       Harry Potter Horcrux Charm Bracelet, All 7 Horcruxes

Made by: 1luckysoul

This bracelet is really pretty! As you guys might know from the previous Bookish Goodies post, I LOVE HP,...

                                           Stack of Books - the book lovers locket necklace

Made by: 1luckysoul

Both images are of the same necklace. Look at how cool that looks! It's a triple locket... Maybe I have been living under a rock all my life, but I have never seen anything like this triple locket!

Disclaimer: I have never brought any of this items, so I do not know if the quality of these items are good or not. I'm just sharing some cool stuff I saw on the internet to you guys. Make sure you check the item creator's returning and purchasing policies! This post is not sponsored. 

Link to Bookish Goodies Part 1

Avenge Blog Tour: Awaken by Sarah M. Ross and Giveaway

Awaken (Patronus #1)

By Sarah M. Ross

eBook, 206 pages

Lucy Donovan was supposed to have a weekend of fun in the sun, celebrating her upcoming graduation from college. In a split second, everything changed. A drunk driver ended Lucy’s mortal life.

Lucy opens her eyes to a world she never imagined possible and a new destiny: as a Patronus, a guardian of spirits. Adjusting to her new role and abilities while negotiating this confusing realm will test her limits and push her further than she ever dreamed she would go. From wayward spirits who don’t want her help to soul stealing vampires, and even a stuck-up British royal, Lucy must brave them all to save one spirit she can’t bear to lose.

Further complicating her life is an inexplicable yet growing connection she feels to a member of her team, Max, whose mysterious behavior leaves her both confused and intrigued.

Waking up dead was just the beginning of her problems. Lucy’s death is about to become the greatest adventure of her life. --Goodreads

3 Stars

Review

If there is something about this book that struck out at me the most, it would probably be its similarity to Croak by Gina Damico. Many of the details of the world build in Awaken are either identical or very similar to the hilariously snarky Croak. Although I love Croak with a burning passion and can't dream of a single book about reapers comparing to its gory grim reaper glory, Awaken has its own quirks and charm that made it a fun read.

Awaken begins right off the bat with Lucy dead. Yup, no lag time between car accident and resurrection as angel, it's a smooth entrance to allow the story instantly grab attention, and it works. As I was reading Awaken, the fast-paced, exciting pace of this book instantly hooked me and left me dangling while I was away. It's just one of those reads that keeps a person pacing back and forth for what decisions and revelations will come out to add to the already daring plot. 

Unfortunately, what also struck at me was the ridiculous love story between Lucy and Max. By now, as a YA reader, I'm used to insta-love. But this was too much! The lovebirds go on a "should we admit that we like each other" by page 40. My feeling was like, "what in the world did I miss in the past 10 minutes?" The extreme insta-love was too much for me, causing me to kind of roll my eyes over all of the so-called romantic moments and Lucy's mooning over Max. 

When compared to Croak, this book isn't as satisfactory of a read. The romance is rushed at such a fast pace, the characters felt a bit unreal and unrelatable, and the book, overall, felt a tad bit immature for a book with a college student protagonist and many characters well above the 500 year old line. Perhaps if the book was longer than 206 pages, then it would be able to gradually build up intensity and emotions better. Despite my complaints, I cannot deny that I really enjoyed reading Awaken to my surprise.

Giveaway Time!

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International
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 Blog Tour

Review: Poison Princess by Kresley Cole

Poison Princess (The Arcana Chronicles #1) 

By: Kresley Cole

Published: October 2, 2012

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Hardcover: 384 pages

#1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole introduces The Arcana Chronicles, post-apocalyptic tales filled with riveting action, the dark mysticism of Tarot cards, and breathtaking romance.

She could save the world—or destroy it.

Sixteen year old Evangeline “Evie” Greene leads a charmed life, until she begins experiencing horrifying hallucinations. When an apocalyptic event decimates her Louisiana hometown, Evie realizes her hallucinations were actually visions of the future—and they’re still happening. Fighting for her life and desperate for answers, she must turn to her wrong-side-of-the-bayou classmate: Jack Deveaux.

But she can’t do either alone.

With his mile-long rap sheet, wicked grin, and bad attitude, Jack is like no boy Evie has ever known. Even though he once scorned her and everything she represented, he agrees to protect Evie on her quest. She knows she can’t totally depend on Jack. If he ever cast that wicked grin her way, could she possibly resist him?

Who can Evie trust?

As Jack and Evie race to find the source of her visions, they meet others who have gotten the same call. An ancient prophesy is being played out, and Evie is not the only one with special powers. A group of twenty-two teens has been chosen to reenact the ultimate battle between good and evil. But it’s not always clear who is on which side…. --GoodReads

Four and a Half Stars

Review

First things first, kudos and hats off to author Kresley Cole! Not only is she an amazing writer, this is her first YA novel!! Cole writes an intricate novel woven with secrets, prophesies, romance,and, oh yeah, the apocolypse. Okay. Second point, IF YOU ARE READING THIS BOOK, DO NOT GIVE UP HALF WAY. FINISH IT AND ALL WILL BE EXPLAINED. Also, don't judge the book this time by the cover; trust me, it's waaaay better than some cheesy romance. There are so many things I want to say in this review, so to make it easier, I'm going to split it up into a few different sections: Characters, Plot, Style, Complaints, and Overall.

CHARACTERS

Evie: Evie just wants to be a normal teen, but these visions she's been having for about 2 years is definitely going to ruin her reputation in her little town in Louisiana. I have to say, Evie is the most un-annoying "popular-blonde-got-self-conscious-issues-and-is-dating-jock-and-is-cheerleader" protagonist I've ever read about. Most cheerleader-blondies that pop up in YA novelties seem to be (stupid) bubble heads. It was quite an interesting choice, I have to say, for Cole to pick this sort of character. I think the main reason Evie was created as a "spoiled" princess character in this book was to contrast to how Evie develops, or "hardens" into in the end. 

I was a bit frustrated with Evie; for a girl who's been getting psychic visions sent to her of the "baloney" apocolypse, I suppose she took it a lot better than I ever would, but still....she was sort of useless for about 80% of the book. If you know me, and about how I HATE "rag-doll" (so useless they might as well be rag dolls) female protagonists, you would know that I was just a BIT annoyed. After the "flash," Evie must survive out in the world with Jack, a french exchange student in which she shares a hate-love relationship (dear god, is it ever annoying. Like, REALLY annoying.) Evie can't cook, she's mean to Jack while expecting him to take care of her, she can't do any physical labor (she's a cheerleader twig, remember?), and she really is just a dead weight. Oh, by the way, (is this a spoiler? I don't know; you learn it quite quickly in the book) she can't use her "special plant powers" because she doesn't want to be seen as "weird" by Jack. How annoying, right? 

However, I did enjoy reading how Evie develops in this story. She goes from powerLESS to powerFULL by the end of the book. I really liked how Evie knows that she does have a brain in her head and manages, quite a few times, might I add, to tap into that brain power from time to time. As most superheroines, they seem to always REJECT the idea that they've gotta save the world from everything evil. Unfortunately, Evie takes about until page, hmmm.... 340 out of 384 to accept her fate? Yeah, sounds about right.

I gotta say, I really liked the way Evie turned out! Also, I love that Evie can "control," or rather give life to plants, therefore control their wills. I don't think I've ever read a post-apocolyptic book with a girl who can control plants in it! 

Jack (or J.D, if you so prefer): JD is a ladies man. It also doesn't hurt that he has a "killer" (I quote from Selena) french accent. This dude's got a lotta problems. When you learn about his backstory, you really can't help but feel a little sorry for this guy. But then your sympathy (*cough* pity) quickly evaporates when you learn how (man-piggedly [haha, is that a word?]) he treats anyone with a bit of extra estrogen and curves. 

What pissed me off about Jack was his attitude towards girls. Surprise! No, but really, I'm pretty sure in this book, he tells Evie that his "belles" are always in HIS possession. What are we, toys? Ugh. Don't mean to be a total feminist, but still. Calling a person someone's possession, a thing? Don't get me started.

And that's a wrap on how I feel about Jack. :)

Arthur: Okay, so when you read the prologue, you're going to get creeped out by this guy. Seriously, though, you can't really judge the book based on the prologue or its cover. A) I'm sorry Kresley Cole, but your cover artist was NOT that great. B) The prologue is as creepy as shit, but it's supposed to be like that. It does not, even for a second, compare to how great the rest of the book is. But don't skip it. It's important. I know some of you all out there skip prologues. Why would you ever do that? It's part of the story!!! You won't get the full experience unless you read the prologue, darn it!! Don't skip the prologue or drop the book cause of this freaky prologue. IT GETS GOOD, I'm telling you! 

SOOOOO, anyway. To get back to Arthur. Yeah, he's as freaky as hell, but have no fear, all will be explained in the end. He's not really that important....so don't focus on his creepiness too much, okay? I think he was added in to make the story line/style/narration more interesting. I'll tell you more in the Style section, okay?

Selena: Yaaaaah. Did. Not. Like. This. Chick. Period. If Cole's purpose was to create instant dislike towards this character, Cole seriously succeeded. I feel like if I were to talk about her anymore, I'd say some pretty potty-mouthed words, and I'd rather not do that here. Let's just say she's a womanly "interference" to the "Jevie" (a.k.a. Jack + Evie relationship) going on, and causes all the hub-bub/rift/hatred between Jack and Evie. WHICH I did not appreciate, by the way.

PLOT

To be honest, this plot wasn't really the most original I've seen, but it was certainly entertaining. A deck of tarot cards with each card representing a kid with insane super powers? Each kid is destined to try to kill the rest in the post apocolyptic world? Sign me up! I'll read it!

For only the first book, a lot of stuff sure took place in the story. I'm pretty happy with how things are progressing, if not a little annoyed that most of the action took place in the last 50 or so pages in the book. 

STYLE

Okay, the way Poison Princess is narrated is definitely not the norm. It's written similarly to The Oddyssey, obviously not in a poem format; it's written in media res, or in the middle. Yup. When the story starts, it is in Arthur's POV as he explains what he feels/sees/thinks as Evie walks into his house for shelter. He asks Evie to tell her story, as a way to pass time in order for his drug to take effect. As Evie tells her story, it switches into her POV as if she is actually telling the story. Throughout the book, it switches back into Arthur's perspective as it fast-forwards to the "present time" to state what Arthur thinks of Evie's story. 

COMPLAINTS

My only real complaints for Poison Princess was that it was a bit sluggish in the middle, as well as very action-packed in the last 50 pages. Although action is a great way to induce a cliff-hanger feeling for readers,  sometimes it's better to spread the action through out the middle and beginning of the story.

My other final complaint would be some of the characters of this story. Evie and Jack's on-and-off-again relationship was a bit tiring. One second Evie would be dying to taste his rugged, rough, schmexy, alluring, wicked lips, and the next, she'd hate his guts. No comprendo. This is why, to this day, I still do not understand girls or boys. Heck, I don't even get myself!

OVERALL IMPRESSIONS

Overall, I was quite satisfied with this story. I loved how the little hints were dropped where I didn't expect and didn't realize until the end where everything was revealed. I, at least, was pleasantly surprised with the ending. I don't know about others, but I seriously hadn't guessed what was going to happen with Evie and Arthur! Maybe I was tired, but my overall impression of this book was great! 

My only real warning for readers of Poison Princess is that Kresley Cole, an amazing writer, had written mainly erotica and romance novels before writing her first YA novel, Poison Princess. If you hadn't guessed already, there is a spot in this novel that includes some pretty descriptive romantic scenes, but isn't too graphic. For the weak-stomached I would suggest you skip that part. 

Poison Princess is definitely an unforgettable novel that I enjoyed immensely. All I have to say is: DON'T GIVE UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STORY. It's worth reading until the end, and you won't be satisfied otherwise. Good luck and have some great reads, everybody!

Buy Poison Princess at: Amazon/ Barnes&Noble/ Book Depository

Waiting on Wednesday 10/24

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event that features the books that we (the bloggers) are highly anticipating. "Waiting on Wednesday" was started by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Rosie Wants To Read 

    Pivot Point by Kasie West
Expected Publication: February 13, 2013 by HarperTeen

Addison Coleman's life is one big "What if?" As a Searcher, whenever Addie is faced with a choice, she can look into the future and see both outcomes. It's the ultimate insurance plan against disaster. Or so she thought. When Addie's parents ambush her with the news of their divorce, she has to pick who she wants to live with–her father, who is leaving the paranormal compound to live among the "Norms," or her mother, who is staying in the life Addie has always known. Addie loves her life just as it is, so her answer should be easy. One Search six weeks into the future proves it's not.

In one potential future, Addie is adjusting to life outside the Compound as the new girl in a Norm high school where she meets Trevor, a cute, sensitive artist who understands her. In the other path, Addie is being pursued by the hottest guy in school–but she never wanted to be a quarterback's girlfriend. When Addie's father is asked to consult on a murder in the compound, she's unwittingly drawn into a dangerous game that threatens everything she holds dear. With love and loss in both lives, it all comes down to which reality she's willing to live through...and who she can't live without. --GoodReads

Pre-Order Pivot Point at: Amazon/ Barnes&Noble/ The Book Depository

Angie is impatiently dying for: 

The Twisted Tragedy of Miss Natalie Stewart by Leanna Renee Hieber 
Expected Publication: November 1, 2012 by Sourcebooks Fire

For Natalie Stewart, a normal life has never seemed so far away. Her only solace, Lord Jonathan Denbury, is wanted for murder. To clear his name, Denbury must return to England and assume the role of his demon doppelganger. But Natalie begins to doubt his true motives, especially as a new gentleman begins whispering in her ear. Natalie and Denbury may be able to visit each other in their dreams, but they can't escape the darkening shadows. Amid spontaneous explosions, friends turned enemies and dangerous secrets revealed, there's still a demon who has Natalie's scent, and someone is trying to resurrect the ultimate evil. --Goodreads



Pre-order The Twisted Tragedy of Miss Natalie Stewart at: Amazon/ Barnes&Nobles/ The Book Depository

~M  is eagerly anticipating:

Reached (Matched #3) by Ally Condie
Release Date: November 13th, 2012 by Dutton Childrens Books

Cassia faces the ultimate choices in the long-anticipated conclusion to the "New York Times" bestselling Matched Trilogy
After leaving Society and desperately searching for the Rising--and each other--Cassia and Ky have found what they were looking for, but at the cost of losing each other yet again: Cassia has been assigned to work for the Rising from within Society, while Ky has been stationed outside its borders. But nothing is as predicted, and all too soon the veil lifts and things shift once again.
In this gripping conclusion to the #1 "New York Times" bestselling Matched Trilogy, Cassia will reconcile the difficulties of challenging a life too confining, seeking a freedom she never dreamed possible, and honoring a love she cannot live without. -Goodreads 

Pre-order at: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository 

Review: Viva Jacquelina! Being an Account of the Further Adventures of Jacky Faber, Over the Hills and Far Away by L.A. Meyer

Viva Jacquelina! Being an Account of the Further Adventues of Jacky Faber, Over the Hills and Far Away (Bloody Jack #10)

By L. A. Meyer

Published September 4th 2012

Publisher: Harcourt publishers

The vivacious Jacky Faber returns in the tenth tale in L. A. Meyer's Bloody Jack Adventures, a rip-roaring young-adult series applauded for its alluring combination of adventure, romance, history, and humor. Once again under the thumb of British Intelligence, Jacky is sent to Spain to spy for the Crown during the early days of the nineteenth-century Peninsular War. She finds herself in the company of guerilla freedom fighters, poses for famous artist Goya, runs with the bulls, is kidnapped by the Spanish Inquisition, and travels with a caravan of gypsies . . . all while hoping to one day reunite with her beloved Jaimy Fletcher.  -Goodreads

Review

Wow! I am at number ten in the Bloody Jack series, but it doesn't seem like it at all. I can hardly believe that this book is number ten in the series, because it always stays new and fresh, even though it is the same formula as the other books. Jacky first gets herself into a ton of trouble, but gets out of it with her brains and luck, flirting with many handsome men but always staying true to Jaimy, all the while going through many different historical events with her easy charm and wit. It always works though because Jacky also charms you, making you laugh out loud quite a lot.

I love Jacky Faber. She is the perfect combination of heroines, easy going, clever, brave, quick fingered, charismatic, funny, and has a mastery of feminine wiles and a penchant for trouble. You can't help but love her and all of the adventures she has. I also love how she always flirts with other men (that's what makes it interesting after all), but still stays true to Jaimy, her one love. It is crazy how ten books have gone by and she's still not married to Jaimy. It is understandable though, after all she's only seventeen, which I can't believe. I don't know how Jacky is only seventeen, she should be like at least twenty by now, and it's weird when you think about it because when she was in her early teens she was having quite mature escapades for her age.

Most of the other main characters that are always in every book, like Higgins and Jaimy, didn't play such a big role in this book. I felt like this book was almost a back to the basics with Jacky, letting her roam free without being tied down. Saying that, I also sort of miss Higgin's steady presence.One figure who did come back however, is the rascal Richard Allen whom I also love. You just can't take him seriously with all of his advances toward Jacky, and he's definitely a great part of the book. Jacky and him have known each other for quite a while and know how to play off of each other in their constant parrying and rebuttal of witty remarks.

Viva Jacquelina! is a fun filled fast paced adventure that will have you on the edge of your seat. It has everything, the romance, the action, and even some historical fiction. It is a book that everyone, especially people who like strong heroines. I highly recommend this book, but before reading this you should also read the other books in the series, though you don't have to. I am anticipating the next in the series, and hope that there are many more to come.

 Purchase this book at: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository

    

Cover Reveal: The Dollhouse Asylum by Mary Gray

The Dollhouse Asylum
By Mary Gray
Release Date: October 8th 2013
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
 

A virus that had once been contained has returned, and soon no place will be left untouched by its destruction. But when seventeen-year-old Cheyenne wakes up in Elysian Fields--a subdivision cut off from the world and its monster-creating virus--she is thrilled to have a chance at survival.

At first, Elysian Fields,with its beautiful houses and manicured lawns, is perfect. Teo Richardson, the older man who stole Cheyenne's heart, built it so they could be together. But when Teo tells Cheyenne there are tests that she and seven other couples must pass to be worthy of salvation, Cheyenne begins to question the perfection of his world.

The people they were before are gone. Cheyenne is now "Persephone," and each couple has been re-named to reflect the most tragic romances ever told. Everyone is fighting to pass the test, to remain in Elysian Fields. Teo dresses them up, tells them when to move and how to act, and in order to pass the test, they must play along.

If they play it right, then they'll be safe.

But if they play it wrong, they'll die. --Goodreads

 

My Thoughts: Doesn't this sound so creepy? I think I'll get nightmares just by reading this blurb! The whole thing about the virus is so... clichéd. By now, we'll have seen hundreds of dystopians begin with "a virus,a sickness, a plague, etc." caused our society to crumble and turn into a dystopian society. Still, this book seems to focus more on the creepy than the political situation of the time. This book definitely seems to be one of the few unique dystopians out there on the radar.

Review: Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Onyx (Lux #2)

By Jennifer L. Armentrout

Published: August 14, 2012

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Paperback, 366 pages

Being connected to Daemon Black sucks…

Thanks to his alien mojo, Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarro connection. So I’ve sworn him off, even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But we’ve got bigger problems.

Something worse than the Arum has come to town…

The Department of Defense are here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we're linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And there's this new boy in school who’s got a secret of his own. He knows what’s happened to me and he can help, but to do so, I have to lie to Daemon and stay away from him. Like that's possible. Against all common sense, I'm falling for Daemon. Hard.

But then everything changes…

I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. And I have to tell Daemon, even though I know he’s never going to stop searching until he gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me?

No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies… --Goodreads

5 Stars!!!

Review

Let's just say that this series is one of the best paranormal series out there. I totally mean it. This series takes all of the clichés that paranormal books have and toys with them to create a totally epic sexy alien mojo ride. Although I found the first book, Obsidian, to be a slow, but fascinating, Onyx was just so enrapturing.

While I was reading this, I was experiencing a reading slump, and this book was the perfect book to bring me out of my slump. Katy and Daemon are such a perfectly quirky couple! OMG! I cannot describe how great their chemistry is. Watching their relationship go through kinks and its ups and downs is such a roller-coaster ride! Not for a single second was there a dull moment to bring down the amazingness of this book.

In this book, Katy and Daemon are faced with even more disaster than they would ever imagine. The Department of Defense reveal their sinister side (well, they already had one, but they're so frikkin' evil that it's bound to cause nightmares. I mean seriously, they're the DoD!), more weirdos decide to move into Katy's life as Katy finds herself conflicted in love, life and new revelations that threaten everything dear to her and Daemon. As this is all coming down on our favorite couple in history, we watch the hilarious antics between the two and a third party, whose name I refuse to mention, not even acknowledge his existence.

Onyx is just one of those reads that starts out in the first 20 pages rather slow, but immediately picks up and keeps the reader engaged through its entirety. Each event delivered something that connected to the epic finale of an end (and it's cliffhanger too, unfortunately), so there wasn't ever a dragging moment, or a page without Katy's snark. There's not much I can say honestly about this book because well, I just loved every little thing about it! It was just that perfect.

If you're one of those people who try to avoid going along with the hype, stop doing it! I mean for this book, anything else I can deal with. Onyx is such a perfectly paced adventure with tons of laughs! I think I laughed so much when reading this that my parents now think I'm possessed. Everything about this book just melds together to create a seamless romantic adventure full of alien mojo and Daemon-ness.

Purchase this book: Amazon/ Barnes&Nobles/ The Book Depository

Cover Reveal: Phoebe Pope and the Year of Four by Nya Jade

Phoebe Pope and the Year of Four by Nya Jade
Expected Pub: Nov 2012

The students of Green Lane Academy roam their halls unaware that below their manicured campus exists a prestigious school of an entirely different kind . . .

Sixteen-year-old Phoebe Pope has enrolled at the Campus Below: a spy academy for shape-shifters hidden deep beneath the grounds of a boarding school whose humans unknowingly protect it. There, thanks to a carefully planned schedule, she leads a double life: spy trainee Below and normal teenager Above.

As if two course loads, concealing a secret power she alone wields, and coping with her father’s recent death weren’t enough, Phoebe finds herself developing major feelings for actor and teen heartthrob Colten Chase, who attends the Campus Above and appears to be majoring in winning Phoebe’s heart. But when officials learn that Phoebe may be at the center of a startling prophecy, she becomes the target of shape-shifting assassins who will stop at nothing to suppress the truth.

Now Phoebe’s lessons about Shaper’s enemies and spycraft take on great importance as a menace stalks the campus, with Phoebe as its target. Meanwhile, what began as an unlikely relationship with Colten, quickly morphs into heartache when she suspects that something sinister lurks beneath this movie star’s glitter and fame. Suddenly, Phoebe’s caught in a mesh of lies, betrayals, and danger where she doesn’t know who to trust, and needs to rely on herself–and her secret power—to get to the truth and to stay alive. --Goodreads

My Thoughts: I admit, I'm a sucker for spy books. Let's just say, I'm definitely looking forward to reading this, even if the cover doesn't seem very spy-ish. The colors are beautifully blended, but it seems to suit a book in the fantasy genre. Oh wait! There are shape-shifters!! That makes sense. Nevermind about my blabbing, I'm on board! Spies + shape-shifters=must-read in my world (2.0 ;). 

What do you think? Comment Below!

Review: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Cinder (Lunar Chronicles #1)

By Marissa Meyer

Published: January 3, 2012

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

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

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

5 Stars

Review

 (Just a warning guys: I'm really tired right now, so my writing's going to be a bit nonsensical.)

Okay, I have to say, Cinder has got to be one of my most favorite YA debut series of 2012. I'm probably being a little bias here, but I love reading about strong minded asian(!) female protagonists. You gotta admit, asian protagonists do not happen often, and when they do, it's normally pretty epic. Whooo hooo! For furthur proof, see: Mulan, Immortal Rules....don't forget the asian ninja assassins! The one thing that either makes or breaks this book for you would be that Cinder is a retelling, if you hadn't guessed from the front cover. And, as most fairy-tales are, this story is quite cliche. I really love reading different verisions of fairy tales to see what sort of spin an author takes on a well known story. Whereas most retellings take place in either modern day, or the past, Cinder takes place in the future. (oooooooh. aaaaaaaah.)

So about that cliche-ness: the story is definitely about a poor, smart girl with terrible family conditions that meets a guy and suddenly her life is turned upsidedown! What a shocker, right? "Cinderella" characters tend to be ditzy yet responsible, kind and forgiving, & caring and nurturing. Well, let's just say Cinder is a little different from the usual. Other than the robot body parts, she's just a basket full of sunshine! She's freaking half robot, for pete's sake! That's some epicness right there.By the way, half robots are totally what's chill and normal in this story yo.

I really enjoyed reading about the technogly the future world had: apparently the world became so polluted, they created hovercrafts so they didn't have to deal with all that trash on the ground by creating a magnetic field all across all the major cities of the world. (Also, apparently huge nations like China had dominated the land and now the majority was asian.)

What to say, what to say..............Actually, now that I think about it (I seriously did not plan this out guys), this book really is a mish mash of a few different well known fairy tales. Obviously, it includes Cinderella, but also sort of mixes in mecha/sci-fi/dystopian, while retaining a child-like feel by including an evil-space-witch-lady. Snow White mixed in with magical space aliens maybe?

Okay, to quit being racially bias, I really liked Cinder not only as a cool character, but someone I could really understand, relate to, and respect. I know in a lot of popular YA novels out there, some teenage girl characters aren't really depicted as how they should be. When Cinder interacts with the main love interest, Prince Kai (awesomely awesome), she doesn't go goo-goo eyes on him. She talks to him like a normal person, a fellow human being, if you will. Obviously, you can tell they'll end up together, but still, it's definitely a nice change from the submissive female sterotypes out there. (cough, cough, Twilight.)

I have to be honest with you. If you're really sharp, you'll probably be able to predict the ending DEFINITELY within the first few 50 pages, and if not, a 100 (give or take a few.) Though I had guessed what would happen correctly and could have ended it right then and  there, I kept reading because a)the writing kept me hooked and b) the characters, the feel, and the plot were just friggin' amazing.

I read some other reviews somewhere for this book, and some people said that they felt it was a bit slow and only picked up in the last 50 pages. So not true! Also, I have something to say to that. Of course it would be slow in the beginning! Cinder is going to be a 4 book series, and you can't give away EVERYTHING in the first book! Every reader should know this! You need to use the first book to explain, set the tone and story, introduce characters and explain the backstories of people. THEN, in the 2nd book will build up to the third, and finally, the last book, the 4th, will fulfill all the dreams, hopes, desires you had about the whole series. This should happen if you have an author with an amazing and brilliant sense of cliff-hangerness.

Speaking of trilogy, the next book in the series, which, by the way, you'll be itching to read after you finish Cinder, is called Scarlet and won't come out until next January I think. The third one, Cress, will be coming out the year after...2014!!!! AND. The fourth and final one, Winter, will be coming out 2015!!!!!! THAT'S WAY TOO LONG OF A WAIT.

Whelp, sorry for this scrappy review guys. I really enjoyed this book because of its simplicity, funny moments, and Prince Kai-ness. I really don't think I have any complaints for this book. It was a great read, and I think you should give it a try, too! Gotta get to bed!

Buy this book at: Amazon/ Barnes&Noble/ The Book Depository