Jaime's Review of The Forsaken by Lisa M. Stasse

The Forsaken

Lisa M Stasse

Hardcover: 384 pages

Release Date: July 10, 2012

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers

ISBN: 1442432659

Source: Finished Copy from the author

Rating: Obsessed!!!!!!

From Goodreads.

A thought-provoking and exciting start to a riveting new dystopian trilogy for fans of The Hunger Games. As an obedient orphan of the U.N.A. (the super-country that was once Mexico, the U.S., and Canada), Alenna learned at an early age to blend in and be quiet—having your parents taken by the police will do that to a girl. But Alenna can’t help but stand out when she fails a test that all sixteen-year-olds have to take: The test says she has a high capacity for brutal violence, and so she is sent to The Wheel, an island where all would-be criminals end up. The life expectancy of prisoners on The Wheel is just two years, but with dirty, violent, and chaotic conditions, the time seems a lot longer as Alenna is forced to deal with civil wars for land ownership and machines that snatch kids out of their makeshift homes. Desperate, she and the other prisoners concoct a potentially fatal plan to flee the island. Survival may seem impossible, but Alenna is determined to achieve it anyway.

I asked Lisa to be a part of our Authors Are Rockstars tour and I hadn’t even read The Forsaken but I knew that I desperately wanted to! Lisa was so awesome she said yes and sent me the book to read. I freaking loved every minute of it!!!!!!! This is dystopia done right! It’s gritty and harsh it reminded me of a movie from the 80’s called Gymkata a bit (yeah I know I’m old here’s a link to the IMDB page if you want to see what it is). Now don’t get me wrong the movie and the book are nothing alike but the scenery reminded me a bit of the movie and the crazy hooded tribe who paint’s their faces? Yeah there are crazies in the movie too. Oh and one more thing I totally didn’t get the cover until I finished the book and then it made total sense! Here’s an interview Lisa did about her cover!

What I loved about this story was Lisa didn’t care how attached you became to certain characters or how much you hated others; the island doesn’t care, it doesn’t play favorites and some lived and some died, some were ripped out of our grasp and we didn’t know if they survived or not. It was all very gut wrenching and awesome!

I loved Alenna! She is what a heroine should be! She’s not whiny but if she does complain she has a reason. She learns to fight because that’s what is right and she is loyal to her friends to a fault. I loved her strength and her compassion as well. I loved Liam he’s gorgeous, smart, strong, and just dreamy! He’s also pretty funny too. I also loved the mysterious David and can’t wait to find out more about him. He may be my guy, with his Clark Kent glasses and just overall hawtness.There’s other secondary characters I adored as well Ninja Assassin (don’t ask lol), Gadya, and Rika.

There were so many twists and turns in this story I think I cussed and sais WTH more than a few times. And trust me people you think are bad may not be and people you think you can trust? You may not be able to. And the ending OMG the ending can you rip my heart out and stomp on it any more Lisa? Agh I am dying for book 2 Uprising! I need it now!!!

I chose a passage between Liam and Alenna that made me laugh ;)

This is my first kiss, and I still can’t believe it’s actually happening. His touch is almost too much for me. I press my chest against his, as his hands hold me tight, moving against my body---

Then, coming to my senses, I shove him away from me.

“Ow!” he says. “What’s wrong?”

“You’re what’s wrong,” I snap at him. “This can’t happen. It doesn’t matter how I feel about you. I promised 
Gadya I wouldn’t get involved.”

“Gadya,” he says. “First she dumped me and now she’s trying to stop me from liking another girl?”

“Exactly.” I cross my arms.

He sighs. “You girls always stick together.”

“She said the same thing about you and the other hunters.” I try to compose myself. “Don’t kiss me again.”

Liam looks disappointed, embarrassed, and bemused all at once. “Well, I guess it’s good you’re loyal to your friends,” he finally says, brushing back his hair. “So, I feel kind of stupid right now…” His words trail off. He smiles sheepishly. “Make that really stupid.”

Check out the awesome trailer!!!

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Oh and make sure to come back here tomorrow for Lisa’s Rockstar’s post and a chance to win it!

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The Forsaken (Forsaken - Trilogy)

Jaime's Review of Sweet Shadows by Tera Lynn Childs

Sweet Shadows

Tera Lynn Childs

Release Date: September 4, 2012

Hardcover: 336 pages

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (Harper)

ISBN: 0062001833

Source: ARC from The San Francisco/Sacramento Book Review

Rating: Liked

From Goodreads.

Three teenage descendants of Medusa, now united, must claim their heritage to fight the monsters escaped from the abyss. Gretchen may have known she was a descendant of Medusa long before her sisters--after all, she's spent her life fighting the monsters that escape the abyss--but that doesn't mean it will be easy to teach the other girls the ropes. Greer has pressing social commitments on her plate and precious little time to train in her newfound powers. But that wretched second sight won't leave her alone, and her fabled heritage seems to be creeping into her fashionable life. Grace has worries closer to home--like why her brother, Thane, has disappeared. He's hiding something. Could it possibly be related to the secret heritage the triplets share?

I’ve been trying to figure out what to say about Sweet Shadows for a few days now. Tera’s writing is very sweet and funny. This is a great book if you’re not looking for a tear jerker or something that’ll make you feel like you’re being pulled in many different directions. It is also a quick read if you’re looking for that.

The story picks up immediately after Sweet Venom in fact there even seemed to be some overlap from the different POV’s in the story. I still can’t stand Greer the snobby rich triplet and Grace has started to grow on me. My favorite POV is still the butt kicking, no-nonsense Gretchen she’s just one awesome heroine! Also there’s like no love story in this. I mean there are boys and the girls like them but, I felt absolutely no connection to them.

Overall this story was a good (cute) quick read that I’d suggest to fans of Tera’s other books.

I chose a passage from Gretchen’s POV with a boy Nick who is pretty cool.

I pull my long-sleeve tee down at one wrist, securing it tight against my arm. I wish I still had my leather jacket. “Shield me,” I say as I turn and lift my elbow. One swift jab to the glass and we’ll be inside before I can say Bring it, beastie.

“Whoa, hold on there, eager beaver.” Nick stops my momentum and tugs me away from the door. “Violence isn’t always the answer.”

He reaches into his back pocket and pulls out something small and shiny. I can’t tell exactly what it is, but he steps up to the door and grabs the handle. “You,” he says with a smirk, “shield me.”

I scowl and then turn to face the sidewalk, keeping him at my back and hiding his actions from the view of the passersby. I hear the faint scrape of metal on metal. A few seconds later, a quiet whine announces his success. I turn around just in time to see the door swing open.

He flashes me a cocky grin. “After you.”

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Jaime's Review of Silver by Talia Vance and Blog tour Info!

Silver

Talia Vance

Release Date: September 8, 2012

Paperback: 384 pages

Publisher: Flux

ISBN: 0738733032

Source: ARC from the publisher

Rating: Loved

From Goodreads.

"As I step into the room, a silver flash blurs my vision. Before I can take a breath, the world falls away." Brianna has always felt invisible. People stare right past her, including the one boy she can't resist, Blake Williams. But everything changes at a house party where Brianna's charm bracelet slips off and time stands still. In that one frozen, silver moment, Blake not only sees her, he recognizes something deep inside her she's been hiding even from herself. Discovering she is descended from Danu, the legendary Bandia of Celtic myth, Brianna finds herself questioning the truth of who she is. And when she accidentally binds her soul to Blake, their mutual attraction becomes undeniable. But Blake has his own secret, one that could prove deadly for them both. Bound together by forbidden magic, Brianna and Blake find themselves at the heart of an ancient feud that threatens to destroy their lives and their love.

First this cover is gorgeous Talia got lucky with her cover artist! Second I loved this book! This was a new mythology. I have never read anything about Celtic myth (in YA) and since I’m Irish I was eagerly awaiting this one. I will say one thing this book even though it is YA there is some very adult things about it. There is more talk about sex and other aspects to sexual relationships than I’m used to in YA. Also more drinking. It may not be for some younger YA readers but it I loved it. Talia got real. I mean what teenager doesn’t talk about this stuff?

I loved some of the characters in this book Blake, Austin, Joe, Brianna, Micah, and Jeremy but there were others I could not stand. Like most of Brianna’s friends they were shallow and just bitchy. I have no clue why Brianna was even friends with them she would have been better off alone. The people were only a small part of this for me though I really loved the story itself and the myth & magic. I’m really hoping for more of the myth in book 2 Gold as well and also more of a backstory on a few of the characters. Ahem….Joe…ahem lol

Clearly I haven’t picked a “Team” yet on this one since I’m not rambling about a boy Talia made it tough to choose. I love Blake and Austin both for very different reasons oh and Joe too! See you’ll just have to read Silver to find out what I’m talking about.

I chose a passage that I thought was funny it made me laugh so hard!

Micah nods. “We should be hooking up, not killing each other.”

Blake laughs.

Joe takes a pack of cigarettes from his pocket and taps it lightly against his wrist. “Let’s just say that none of us wouold be too upset if you knocked Jonah down a peg or two. We’re here to show you how.”

I unclasp the bracelet, setting it in Blake’s palm and step away.

“No way!” Jeremy steps back. “No effing way!”

Micah laughs. “Jesus, no wonder Jonah went all psycho-spaz.”

“Dude, Jonah is always going psycho. It’s a permanent condition.”

“Check her out. He must’ve freaked.”

“He’s still a douche.”

Wow. So apparently, Harold and Kumar go to the spirit realm.

Blake grins at them. “You guys want to help her learn to kick Jonah’s ass?”

“Does a baboon’s ass need Rogaine?” Jeremy high fives Micah. And then they’re gone.

I take the opportunity created by their disappearance to confront Blake again. “Are you sure about them?”

Oh and we’re hosting the Silver blog tour in a few weeks so make sure to stop back by for our post. Here’s the schedule!

9/1/2012- YA Sisterhood- Blake Interview

9/2/2012-  Page Turners Blog hosted by Sophie- Lightening Round Q&A

9/3/2012-  The Review News- Review

9/4/2012- Two Chicks On Books- Dream Cast Post

9/5/2012-  What The Cat Read- Silver Playlist

9/6/2012-  I'm a Bookshark- Top Ten Scenes from Silver

9/7/2012- Debbie's World Of Books- Guest Post

9/8/2012- Magical Urban Fantasy Reads *****Release Day**** Scene from Blake’s POV

9/9/2012- The Ravenous Reader- Interview and Review

9/10/2012- Taters Tall Tales- Review

9/11/2012- Books Over Boys- Interview

9/12/2012- Jean Book Nerd- Interview

9/13/2012- Fiktshun- Celtic Myth Guest Post

9/14/2012- Literary Exploration- Interview

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Jaime's Review of Erasing Time by CJ Hill

Erasing Time

CJ Hill

Release Date: August 28, 2012

Hardcover: 368 pages

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (Harper Collins)

ISBN: 0062123920

Source: ARC from the San Francisco/Sacramento Book Review

Rating: Really Liked

From Goodreads.

In this high-action and romantic futuristic adventure, there is no escape from the future for two contemporary girls pulled out of their own time. When twins Sheridan and Taylor wake up 400 years in the future, they find a changed world: domed cities, no animals, and a language that’s so different, it barely sounds like English. And the worst news: They can’t go back home. The twenty-fifth-century government transported the girls to their city hoping to find a famous scientist to help perfect a devastating new weapon. The moblike Dakine fights against the government, and somehow Taylor and Sheridan find themselves in the middle. The only way to elude them all is to trust Echo, a guy with secrets of his own. The trio must put their faith in the unknown to make a harrowing escape into the wilds beyond the city. Full of adrenaline-injected chases and heartbreaking confessions, Erasing Time explores the strength of the bonds between twins, the risks and rewards of trust, and the hard road to finding the courage to fight for what you believe in.

Where to start with one…..

You see the rating above says really liked? Well that would have been a loved if a few things would have happened. I loved the story/the idea/ the plot. I highly enjoyed the characters but, the pacing for the first 100 pages was off and I don’t mean slow I mean it was too quick. I normally don’t complain about stories being too fast but with this one I felt we lost something. For example one minute we’re getting to know the twins Sheridan and Taylor and the next woosh they’ve been transported 400 years into the future. And we don’t know why. We find out later in the book but there should have been some kind of lead in to their sudden departure from their own time period. Second example Echo the main guy in the story he starts off trying to escape the town but again we don’t find out why until way later in the book. There should have been more of an explanation there. Oh and one more thing this book is being called a dystopian well there’s a dystopian world yes, there is also time travel and futuristic machines which also makes this a sci-fi book. So I’d prefer it be called a Sci-Fi/Dystopian.

But enough of my complaints here’s what I liked about the story. I loved Sheridan one of the twins; she was selfless, brave, smart, and funny. Her sister Taylor was ok too but not a favorite.  I also loved Echo and his father Jeth. The world itself was written really well and CJ threw in some twists that I didn’t see coming (and I’m usually good at figuring things out). 

There were some loose ends that were not wrapped up by the end and I’m hoping there will be a second book to resolve these. I would definitely read a sequel.

I chose a quick scene to share with you between Echo and Sheridan because I thought it was pretty funny.

She folded her arms across her chest. “You’re wrong. Just like you’re wrong about animals talking. They didn’t”

His eyebrows drew together. “We have stories dating back thousands of years. Aesop’s fables. ‘Little Red Riding Hood.’ ‘The Three Little Pigs.’ Your time period had Bugs Bunny, Winnie-the Pooh---“

“Those are just children’s stories.”

“Yes, but adults told them to their children,” He cocked his head. “Do you expect me to believe that for generations, across human culture, parents routinely lied to their kids about the communication capabilities of animals?”

“Yes.”

He raised a disbelieving eyebrow.

“Oh, come on,” she said. “Who would hire three pigs to work construction jobs? They couldn’t hold hammers with their little cloven hooves.” She stopped herself. It was unbelievable, really, that she was standing here discussing pig careers. “Don’t you have any nature shows from our time period? Maybe a ‘National Geographic’ magazine?”

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Jaime's Review of The Crown of Embers by Rae Carson

The Crown of Embers (Fire and Thorns #2)

Rae Carson

Hardcover: 400 pages

Release Date: September 18, 2012

Publisher: Greenwillow Books (Harper Teen)

ISBN: 0062026518

Source: ARC from the San Francisco/Sacramento Book Review

Rating: Obsessed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

From Goodreads.

In the sequel to the acclaimed The Girl of Fire and Thorns, a seventeen-year-old princess turned war queen faces sorcery, adventure, untold power, and romance as she fulfills her epic destiny. Elisa is the hero of her country. She led her people to victory against a terrifying enemy, and now she is their queen. But she is only seventeen years old. Her rivals may have simply retreated, choosing stealth over battle. And no one within her court trusts her-except Hector, the commander of the royal guard, and her companions. As the country begins to crumble beneath her and her enemies emerge from the shadows, Elisa will take another journey. With a one-eyed warrior, a loyal friend, an enemy defector, and the man she is falling in love with, Elisa crosses the ocean in search of the perilous, uncharted, and mythical source of the Godstone's power. That is not all she finds. A breathtaking, romantic, and dangerous second volume in the Fire and Thorns trilogy.

I have never in my life finished a book and picked it back up to re-read it. Not until now! The Crown of Embers was an amazing book! Rae Carson took what she did in The Girl of Fire and Thorns and kicked its ass!  Rae Carson has become one of my favorite authors of High Fantasy right up there with Maria V. Snyder (my favorite of all time!).

I loved TGoFaT don’t get me wrong but, TCoE was a gazillion times better  one of the main reasons I think so is Hector. I fell in love with him in book 1 and there just wasn’t enough of him. Book 2 there’s plenty! I did many happy dances and swooned a lot lol J

Oh and yeah the story? Amazeballs! Within the first 90 pages there’s an assassination attempt, treachery, a death, back stabbing, and Elisa has to start meeting suitors to marry. I mean it was pure craziness! And it went on being amazing from there I could not put this book down! Not even the second time!

Most of the characters from the first book are back the only ones we don’t see are Cosme and Elisa’s sister and dad. But Ximena (who annoyed the hell out of me), Mara, Alentin, Belen, Hector (of course swoons), and some of the Conde’s we met are back. Also there’s the introduction of new characters Felix, Tristan, and Storm whom I absolutely loved! They all had a different part to play and they made the story even better! Oh and I’ll just say one more thing before I get to the passage I decided to share. The ending and I don’t mean just the last few pages I mean the last 1/3 of the book made my heart soar, ripped it to shreds, pieced it back together, and then tore it apart again. And if that wasn’t enough it also gutted me for good measure!

Ok so another really hard choice of passages I had like 20 or so marked lol ;) but of course I chose one between 

Hector and Elisa! It’s a little mean but it’ll make you want more *evil grins*.

“And please stop calling meYour Majesty in private. It makes me grit my teeth.”

He nods with exaggerated solemnity. “I’d hate for you to ruin your teeth on my behalf.”

“If that happened, I’d have no choice but to follow the general’s lead and order your execution.” I make a vague gesture and say, “Off with his head!” And then my face burns with my own crass inappropriateness.

But Hector chuckles deep in his throat, and I feel it all the way down to my toes. Softly he says, “My life has ever been yours, Elisa.”

My limbs tingle and heat fills my cheeks as we stare at each other.

I snap back to myself. He’s talking about his duty. Of course his life is mine. He is Queen’s Guard, after all, sworn to jump in front of a crossbow bolt if that’s what it takes to save me.

Carefully I say, “You’re a good friend, Hector. And I’m grateful to have you at my side.”

His gaze drops to the ground, and his chest rises and falls with a breath. “Always.”

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Jaime's Review of Outpost by Ann Aguirre

Outpost

Ann Aguirre

Release Date: September 4, 2012

Hardcover: 336 pages

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends (Macmillan)

ISBN: 0312650094

Source: ARC from the publisher

Rating: Obsessed!!!!!

From Goodreads.

Deuce’s whole world has changed. Down below, she was considered an adult. Now, topside in a town called Salvation, she’s a brat in need of training in the eyes of the townsfolk. She doesn’t fit in with the other girls: Deuce only knows how to fight. To make matters worse, her Hunter partner, Fade, keeps Deuce at a distance. Her feelings for Fade haven’t changed, but he seems not to want her around anymore. Confused and lonely, she starts looking for a way out. Deuce signs up to serve in the summer patrols—those who make sure the planters can work the fields without danger. It should be routine, but things have been changing on the surface, just as they did below ground. The Freaks have grown smarter. They’re watching. Waiting. Planning. The monsters don’t intend to let Salvation survive, and it may take a girl like Deuce to turn back the tide.

Oh dear gawd Outpost was amazing!!!!!!!!!!!! I loved Enclave but I really think that Outpost was better! Ann’s writing and world building is just beautifully done. I love the addition of Topside and the new characters we get to me as well as our old favorites from Enclave. The story made some dramatic changes; like it didn’t seem as dark but I loved every minute of it.

 Deuce is an awesome character and I love that she sticks to her guns even when people try to change her. I also love Fade although there were some points in this story where I wanted to punch him, hard. And Tegan is coming into her own nicely she’s become one of my favorite characters. But on to my absolute favorite character in the book, Stalker, (yes most of you are probably scratching your heads). Stalker grows more than anyone in this story in my opinion. I liked him in Enclave but I am 100% in love with him now!!!! His humor and also his devotion to Deuce are admirable. Not that Fade doesn’t do that but, I see something special in 

Stalker. Something that Fade may not be able to give to Deuce.

Oh and the Freaks? They get really freaky in this book! We find out some interesting things about them.


 Like are they zombies? Or something else? Let me tell you what they are surprised the heck out of me. Good play Ms. Aguirre, good play! Oh and I’m now dying to get my hands on book 3. Like. Now! Ann if you need another Beta reader I’m your girl ;) 

I chose a passage, well there were a few actually bookmarked lol between Stalker and Deuce. Even though I love Fade. Stalkers passages seemed to stick out to me more. There are some blank parts because I didn’t want to be too spoilery.

My jaw dropped. Comfort? I didn’t expect that from him.

“Why would you---“ I couldn’t complete the question, couldn’t accuse him of being secretly glad __________________.

“If I ever win you,” He said, anger bright in his pale eyes, “it will be because you want me more. Not because he’s gone. I’m nobody’s second best.”

“I’m sorry,” I said miserably.

He put aside his fury as if it were a pair of shoes grown too small. “It’s all right. I understand.”

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Pre-order your copy now. And also make sure to get the novella it's Stone and Thimble's story!

Jaime's Review of Defiance by CJ Redwine

Defiance

C.J. Redwine

Hardcover: 416 pages

Release Date: August 28, 2012

Publisher: Balzer+Bray (Harper)

ISBN: 0062117182

Source: ARC from the Sacramento/San Francisco Book Review

Rating: Obsessed

From Goodreads.

Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city’s brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses, host dinner parties, and obey their male Protectors, Rachel knows how to survive in the wilderness and deftly wield a sword. When her father, Jared, fails to return from a courier mission and is declared dead, the Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector, her father’s apprentice, Logan—the same boy Rachel declared her love for two years ago, and the same boy who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but fierce belief in her father’s survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself. But treason against the Commander carries a heavy price, and what awaits her in the Wasteland could destroy her. At nineteen, Logan McEntire is many things. Orphan. Outcast. Inventor. As apprentice to the city’s top courier, Logan is focused on learning his trade so he can escape the tyranny of Baalboden. But his plan never included being responsible for his mentor’s impulsive daughter. Logan is determined to protect her, but when his escape plan goes wrong and Rachel pays the price, he realizes he has more at stake than disappointing Jared. As Rachel and Logan battle their way through the Wasteland, stalked by a monster that can’t be killed and an army of assassins out for blood, they discover romance, heartbreak, and a truth that will incite a war decades in the making.

So at first glance reading the synopsis you’d think ooh cool a fantasy novel right? And that’s what Harper is calling it; a fantasy trilogy which it is but, its’ so much more! There’s a dystopian edge to it as well and let’s just say those are two of my favorite genres. Needless to say I am completely obsessed with this book and C.J.’s writing is stunning! Absolutely breathtaking! She had me hanging on the edge of my chair with the action, cringing at the douchebag bad guy Commander Chase (who btw is way worse than Warner from Shatter Me IMO!!!!!!!)  and swooning like an idiot during the what did CJ call it in the acknowledgements? Oh yes awkward kissing scenes lol! Yeah my heart did little flips and yep I cried surprise, surprise. ;)

One of the things I loved the most about this amazing story was the multiple POV’s! We got the story from both Rachel and Logan. I honestly think this made the book better. With Rachel’s you got passion, anger, despair, and a strong desire for revenge/redemption and in Logan’s you got logic, plus the anger and passion, and a little something extra I can’t quite put my finger on. I absolutely loved his POV I think it may have been my favorite he made me feel all the things! Oh and did I forget to say there’s a dragon like creature? Yep it doesn’t have wings but it’s scary as hell!  Back to the real bad guy though Commander Chase; I stated above that in my opinion he’s worst than Warner in Shatter Me and, I stick by it. This man has no redeeming qualities at all and he’s not good looking. He’s old and cruel and doesn’t care who he kills. He literally gave me the heebie jeebies I mean skin crawling chills!

It was really hard to choose a passage I think I had about 20 post-it’s marking pages in this one but I decided to share a small passage from Logan’s POV.

Her skin warms beneath my hand as her anger fades into something tentative and soft.

“I should have told you what I was doing.” My thumb traces a path across her cheekbone, catching another drip of water. “I should’ve trusted you. I’m sorry.”

“No, I’m sorry. Sorry I misjudged you. Sorry I got us caught tonight.” She sways closer to me.

My gaze wanders to her lips, and I can’t see anything but a thin trail of water gliding over her skin, gathering at the corner of her mouth, and then slowly drifting toward her neck. She raises one shaky hand and presses her fingers against her lips. Her breath catches, a tiny sound that makes me realize how close I’m standing to her.

Warmth rushes through me, and I dip my face toward hers.

“Logan?” Her voice is soft, but the sound of my name slaps some sense into me.

I jerk back and swear.

Ok so I think y’all can see I’ve found another favorite. Yep I will suggest this one just like I suggest Maria V. Snyder’s Study series because it is THAT good and it NEEDS to be read!!!!

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Jaime's Review of Starling By Lesley Livingston

Starling

Lesley Livingston

Hardcover: 352 pages

Release Date: August 28, 2012

Publisher: Harper Teen

ISBN: 0062063073

Source: ARC from the Sacramento/San Francisco Book Review

Rating: Obsessed

From Goodreads.

"Love is just the beginning... of the end." Mason Starling is a champion fencer for Gosforth Academy, but she’s never had to fight for her life. Until now. When a ferocious storm rips through Manhattan and unleashes terrifying creatures onto Gosforth’s campus, Mason barely escapes alive. Without help from the mysterious stranger who appeared in the midst of the storm, she might not have made it at all. But now, in the aftermath, Mason’s life begins to spin dramatically, mystically out of control, and the only one who seems able to help her is the stranger who can remember nothing but his name: Fennrys Wolf. As Mason and Fenn uncover more about Fenn’s past and the strange events that surround them, they realize that Mason’s family — and its dark allegiance to the ancient Norse gods — is at the center of everything. A predetermined fate seems to be closing in on Mason, but is it possible to change one’s destiny? Readers who fell in love with Lesley Livingston’s Wondrous Strange trilogy and those who love Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments series will be captivated by the sweeping romance and pulse-pounding action of Starling.

Have you ever read a book where you were completely in love with one guy and then out of nowhere someone creeps up on you and you end up falling for him too? Well that happened to me in Lesley Livingston’s Wondrous Strange series with Fennrys Wolf. Don’t get me wrong I still adore Sonny but, Fenn just captured a big piece of my heart. So when I found out that Fenn was getting his own book?!?! I literally jumped for joy!!!! I was really hoping something good would happen for him because well….. let’s just say he got the short end of the deal in Tempestuous.

So now that I’ve rambled on to my review. Starling was everything I expected it to be! Lesley is an amazing writer and I love that she brought so many areas of mythology to light. The story mainly has Norse myth but there’s some Greek, Celtic, Egyptian, as well as some others I can’t quite remember right now lol. I adored the MC Mase she’s a pretty badass chick and when we first see Fenn he’s fighting beasts naked! Yep you read that right he’s stark freaking naked fighting beasts with his sword! (Minds out of the gutter!) I mean an actual sword made of metal lol. Ok sorry had to take a moment to *swoon* back to it.

So there’s this prophecy and together Fenn and Mase have to try and stop it or really bad things will happen. Like end of the world bad things. And her family is playing a big role in this prophecy. I hated her dad, and one of her brothers is a total douche; her other brother? I really liked him and if Fenn didn’t have my heart Roth definitely would. Mase has this…. I guess I would call her a friend Heather and she is freaking hilarious she has some of the best lines in the book! I mean check this “I think the real Cupid is probably more like some psycho juvie with dark glasses and a taser.” Ok yeah I’m done proclaiming my love for this book since that is what this review turned out to be a rambling love-fest. Let’s just say I am completely obsessed and can’t wait for book 2 because some crazy things happen towards the end!

I had a really hard time picking a passage to share I had like 20 post-it’s in this one but I think I picked a pretty good one ;)

For a moment, everyone just stood around. Then a heavy knock on the door overhead made them all jump.

“Let me in,” came a gruff voice.

“No way, man!” Rory exclaimed.

Toby hesitated.

“Let him in, Toby!” Mason said. “He just saved us!”

The fencing master stood there, torn.

“Toby?” Heather looked at him.

“Aw, Hell…”

Toby wrenched the pipe out of the door’s ring handles as Rory shook his head in disgust. The stranger heaved the door open and climbed down, pulling the door shut behind him. At the bottom, he leaned heavily on the stair ladder for support, breathing harshly. In the beam from Toby’s flashlight, all of the contours of his body stood out in sharp relief. He looked like a Michelangelo sculpture, Mason thought.

“Bar the door,” he said.

“Do it,” Toby barked at Rory, handing him the metal pipe. “And somebody find Beowulf here some pants.”

“It’s Fennrys Wolf,” the young man rasped. “And yeah…pants would be nice.”

So um *clears throat* yeah this one is a MUST READ!!!!! LOL J

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Jaime's Review of Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas

Throne of Glass

Sarah J. Maas

Hardcover: 416 pages

Release Date: August 7, 2012

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children’s

ISBN: 1599906959
Source: ARC from the publisher

Rating:Obsessed!!!!!!!

From Goodreads.

After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin. Her opponents are men—thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the kings council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she’ll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom. Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilirating. But she’s bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it’s the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best. Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.

Ok so y’all are probably sick of me saying how much I love High Fantasy. Well too bad…. I LOVE HIGH FANTASY!!!!! Lol and Throne of Glass is no exception! It’s freaking fantastic!!!

Sarah J. Maas is an amazing writer! Her world building is very descriptive and beautiful and her characters? Oh my don’t get me started on her characters! I loved Chaol and am Team Chaol all the way! He is gorgeous, brave, smart, and sarcastic some of my favorite qualities in a man. But there’s another one or two characters that I loved too! Dorian which sucks by the way; I wanted to hate him! I wanted him to be an ass so I could hate him but, I couldn’t not one bit. He was so sweet and loving and gorgeous as well and damn it he made loving Chaol and only Chaol hard. Also there is a thief named Nox that stole a tiny piece of my heart but thank goodness not Celaena’s because if that would have happened we would have had a very awkward love square lol. 


Speaking of Celaena she’s one of the most kick ass heroines I’ve encountered in a long time! I mean she’s an assassin so she’s badass but, what I loved about her was that not only was she tough but, she had morals and cared about people and things like animals and social issues too!

Ooh and the story itself? It’s absolutely wonderful!!!!! There’s romance, court intrigue, danger, magic, and crazy plot twists! It’s one of the best stories I’ve read in 2012! I seriously can’t wait for book 2 and psst here’s a tip too Sarah wrote 3 prequel novellas and they’re only 99cents! So go get those too!

I chose one of my most favorite scenes from the book to share with y’all and it’s where I really think I started to fall for Chaol!

He stared her down, quiet for a moment. “Are you that arrogant?” She bristled, but he went on. “It was foolish to spar with you just now. I’ll admit that I hadn’t realized you’d be that good. Thankfully, no one noticed. And do you know why Lillian?” He took a step closer, jis voice lowering. “Because you’re a pretty little girl. Because you’re a nobody jewel thief from a small city in Fenharow. Look around.” He half-turned to the other champions. “Is anyone staring at you? Are any of them sizing you up? No. Because you’re not real competition. Because you don’t stand between them and whatever freedom or wealth they’re looking for.”

“Exactly! It’s insulting!”

“It’s smart that’s what it is. And you’re going to keep a low profile throughout this entire competition. You’re not going to excel, and you’re not going to trounce those thieves and soldiers and unknown assassins. You’re going to stay in the middle, where no one will look your way, because you’re not a threat, because they’ll think that you’ll be eliminated sooner or later, and they should focus their attention on getting rid of bigger, stronger, faster  champions like Cain.

 “But you’re going to outlast them,” Chaol continued. “And when they wake up on the morning of the final duel and find that you are their opponent, and that you have beaten them, the look on their faces will make all the insults and lack of attention worthwhile.” He extended his hand to lead her outside. “So what do you have to say about that, Lillian Gordaina?”

“I can look out for myself,” she said lightly, taking his hand. “But I have to say that you’re rather brilliant, Captain. So brilliant, actually, that I might give you one of the jewels I plan to steal from the queen tonight.”

Chaol chuckled, and they strode outside to where the running contest awaited.

 And if this isn’t enough for you there’s an awesome trailer check it out!

Add Throne of Glass to your Goodreads shelves.

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And make sure to grab the novellas!!!!!

Jaime's Review of Before I Wake by Rachel Vincent

Before I Wake

Rachel Vincent

Paperback: 352 Pages

Release Date: June 26, 2012

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

ISBN: 0373210612

Source: Borrowed from Rachel at Fiktshun thank's bestie!!! <33333333

Rating: Obsessed

From Goodreads.

I died on a Thursday-killed by a monster intent on stealing my soul. The good news? He didn't get it. The bad news? Turns out not even death will get you out of high school... Covering up her own murder was one thing, but faking life is much harder than Kaylee Cavanaugh expected. After weeks spent "recovering," she's back in school, fighting to stay visible to the human world, struggling to fit in with her friends and planning time alone with her new reaper boyfriend. But to earn her keep in the human world, Kaylee must reclaim stolen souls, and when her first assignment brings her face-to-face with an old foe, she knows the game has changed. Her immortal status won't keep her safe. And this time Kaylee isn't just gambling with her own life....

I have so many feelings about this book! I loved If I Die and I didn’t think that Rachel could top it, no way no how! I mean the thing that I had been waiting for forever finally happened in If I Die no not Kaylee dying but, if you’ve read If I Die you’ll know what I’m talking about ;)

Before I Wake made my heart soar at one moment then ripped it out and tore it to shreds the next. 

There’s one scene in this book where I lost it. I mean literally lost it! Ugly red eyes, tears, runny nose the works; and no I won’t tell you which scene but it devastated me. There were also a few scenes where I swooned so much I felt like I needed a cold shower and yeah… sorry Team Nash peeps those were between Tod and Kay. Also I already really liked Sabine in If I Die but I came to adore her in this one she had some of the best one liner’s and had me cracking up! I mean she actually says at one point about Sophie…. “Yeah and hissing kittens think they’re badass, too.” It’s so fitting! I also loved Kaylee’s dad in this one he’s trying so hard to make sure his daughter still has a “normal” life and he’s even trying to have an “open door” policy when it comes to Tod and Kaylee and a curfew lol it’s so cute! Oh and Nash isn't as much of an asshat in this one so Nash fans that should make you happy!

I don’t want to talk much about the story as I feel I will go into spoilery territory but holy crap! There’s things that I never saw coming not in a million years and Rachel definitely ups the WTF’ery in this one. I definitely used a lot of curse words while reading this one! I can’t wait to see how this story all ends in With All My Soul the final Soul Screamers book! But man am I going to be sad to see this series I love so much come to an end!

I had a really hard time finding a passage for this one that wasn’t too spoilery and I also had to choose from about 20 pages that I had post-it notes on. I didn’t want to share any of the swoon worthy scenes I figured y’all would love to wait and read them on their own….. So I think I finally found one that is awesome though! It’s between Kaylee and her dad.

I pushed the open the door to find him sitting on the edge of his bed in a pair of flannel pajama pants, squinting at the alarm clock on his bedside table. “Guess what? I made breakfast.”

“You made…?” But before he could finish that thought, our ancient water heater groaned to life and the sound of running water erupted form down the hall. My dad’s eyes widened as he glanced at the closed bathroom door over my shoulder. “Who’s in the shower?”

“Nash. We kind of… had an impromptu sleepover.”

“You and Nash?” My dad was out of bed in an instant, reaching for the robe tossed over his footboard.

“No! Well yes. But, Sabine stayed the night, too.”

“That doesn’t sound much better, Kay…”

“Hang on, Pa, don’t reach for yer shotgun just yet,” I said, grinning over the protective streak I found funny, when there wasn’t actually anything to shelter me from. “We were just circlin’ the wagons, not having an orgy.”

My dad suddenly looked like he might be sick. “Please don’t ever say that word again.”

“Wagons?” I teased, and he actually cracked a smile.

“Yes, you’re much too young to be using Wild West analogies,” He tied his robe and ran one hand through his hair that showed no sign of thinning, well into his one hundred and thirty-second year. “So what happened? Why are we circling the proverbial wagons?”

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If you haven’t pre-ordered this one yet I highly suggest it! You’ll want to read it ASAP!