Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Book Review: Interrupted by Rachel Coker.

Interrupted by Rachel CokerInterrupted by Rachel Coker.
Book Summary: Can love really heal all things? If Sam Carroll hadn't shown up, she might have been able to get to her mother in time. Instead, Allie Everly finds herself at a funeral, mourning the loss of her beloved mother. She is dealt another blow when, a few hours later, she is sent from Tennessee to Maine to become the daughter of Miss Beatrice Lovell, a prim woman with a faith Allie cannot accept. Poetry and letters written to her mother become the only things keeping Allie's heart from hardening completely. But then Sam arrives for the summer, and with him comes many confusing emotions, both toward him and the people around her. As World War II looms, Allie will be forced to decide whether hanging on to the past is worth losing her chance to be loved.

Liana's Summary: Allie always thinks-- if Sam Carroll hadn't come visit her, would her mother still be alive? Or, at least, would Allie have had a chance to hold her mother's hand, to whisper sweet things to her, as she slowly passed away? But it doesn't matter. Because her mother is dead. After the funeral, Allie is whisked away to Maine, where she once again reunites with Sam Carroll, four years later. He confesses to loving her. But does she love him? Can she love him? Even more, can she learn to love, and not deny?

Rate(1-10): 5

Honestly, I don't really know what I expected. Cindy, you said this was good, LOL 

Anyways, I've always liked Historical-fiction books, but INTERRUPTED really wasn't as good as I had thought it would be. 

But it was still good.

I liked the fact that this story had a message about loving people and the definition of family, and all. That's definitely something notable about this book.


And the romance was really cute. At some parts..

But the great things sort of end there-- actually, the main character was an ungrateful, annoying little shit and it got on my nerves. She was in denial the whole time, like, I HATE CHRISTIANS AND BEATRICE IS NOT MY MOTHER AND I HATE EVERYONE AND I DON'T LOVE SAM CARROLL

Who was she trying to convince? Herself. 

And she really has no one to blame but herself, but she's been blaming others for most of the book. Which, obviously, got on my nerves.

I liked how she finally sort of woke up at the end..

The main character really has nothing to do with the low rating, actually, since annoying main characters who change at the end are in some very, very good books.

The whole thing seemed surreal in a way. Maybe things were like that back then, but it set in just a little more than half a century ago.. Would someone just march in out of nowhere and say HIIII I'M YOUR BEST FRIEND AND WE'RE GONNA BE BFF'S FOREVER!? Or, did all the boys just chase after you and get into fights because of you? Things aren't supposed to be that easy and simple, although this story had things happen just because, I feel, the author wanted them to happen, without any building blocks.

Also because the author's writing didn't really captivate me at all and this whole story wasn't too enjoyable and well-organized-- the climax was nowhere to be seen, not really. This whole plot was just sort of dry and flat. It was mainly about a girl who refused to appear weak and truly accept things for what they were, and finally decided to give in at the very end.


Quotes.
Note: This is an ARC galley edition and the quotes might not match those of the final print's.

"You're awful pretty, Allie,"




"No, you don't."




"I mean to marry you, Allie,"




"..Samuel?"


OHMYGOD

"Especially not with strangers."


HE'S NOT A STRANGER DAMMIT

"How do you know Allie?"


lol go away Russell

"Russell's going to war?"


He gon' die

"Because I love you!"


So her heart is made of flesh. (': IT TOOK SO LONG BUT HERE IT IS
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That's that! What did you think of this review?(:

Monday, April 29, 2013

Book Review: The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa.

The Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden, #1)The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa.
Book Summary: To survive in a ruined world, she must embrace the darkness…

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a walled-in city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten. Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them—the vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself dies and becomes one of the monsters.

Forced to flee her city, Allie must pass for human as she joins a ragged group of pilgrims seeking a legend—a place that might have a cure for the disease that killed off most of civilization and created the rabids, the bloodthirsty creatures who threaten human and vampire alike. And soon Allie will have to decide what and who is worth dying for…again.

Enter Julie Kagawa's dark and twisted world as an unforgettable journey begins.

Liana's Summary: Allison didn't really anticipate this at all. Her creator gave her the option of life or death, and she knew which one she wanted-- even if it meant turning into one of them. Forced to flee, she joins a group of travelers that are searching for Eden, the so-called paradise with no vampires at all.. Along the way, there are some secrets that are unintentionally revealed.

Rate(1-10): 9

I've been wanting to read this book for quite a while now, actually, and I don't know why I didn't pick it up sooner. Probably because I was just so sick of vampires that I didn't want to even touch another vampire book ever again. Actually, I don't recall the last vampire book I read besides this one..

So, the question is, if I hate vampires, why bother reading this book in the first place? I have a two reasons:
1) High recommendations from people saying that it's not the same as other vampire books
2) THIS IS JULIE KAGAWA WE'RE TALKING ABOUT.

Julie Kagawa is actually a very good writer. Her writing is engaging and descriptive-- what else could a reader ask for?

I ended up enjoying this book so much more than I thought I would. One of the reasons is the main character, Allison. I don't know--- some people would consider her annoying, but.. She just so happens to remind me of myself. Stubborn, determined, annoying, and FEISTY. I can't emphasize 'feisty' enough. That sort of character would usually be considered annoying to most readers, but I found her really amusing. Other than those traits, I don't think we really share anything else.. she can wield a sword while I can't even wield a knife to cut a cake. And I'm not a ninja vampire lady.. although that would be somewhat awesome.

The romance was absolutely perf. At first I got annoyed that Kanin wasn't in the story for more than 150 pages, I think, and I just kept believing that she would fall in love with him instead of freaking Z and I was just waiting for Kanin the whole entire time but no so nevermind LOL  although I think that Allison was just being hysterical and bloodthirsty instead of romantic

The Immortal Rules was a very enjoyable read and I cannot wait to read the second book.

Quotes
Note: This is an ARC Galley edition and the quotes might not be in exact coordination with those of the final print copy's..

"Now get out of my face, before I bitch slap you across the room."


Ou, I like her already

"Sorry," he said quickly, giving me an apologetic smile.


I predict some chemistry goin' on here

"Good."


God he's so mean

"Look this way!"


DAMN UGH SHE'S SO ANNOYING 

"You're alive,"


Naaaaw

"Screw that! I'm not leaving you."

THIS IS TOO CUTE EVEN THOUGH THIS IS A LIFE AND DEATH SITCHIATION

"Where was he now, I wondered."


Stop wondering 

"I shouldn't."


but i have a feeling she's gonna do it

"..tasted of.."


Don't speculate like that gosh

"..sink my fangs.."


You're supposed to fall in love with him, not his blood!!

"..I could hear his heart beating.."


Stop it Allison

"Slowly, he let go of the railing and leaned in, reaching up to brush a strand of hair from my cheek."


OHMYGOSH AFJDLAJLDAJSL;JSALKJ I CAN'T THIS IS TOO MUCH -FANGIRLS-

"And I've never met anyone like you. Ever."


ehehehfjdahjskahfjsda

"If I see you again, I'll kill you."


ugh damn I knew this was gonna happen

"I'm sorry,"


You'd better be omg.

"Allie, you're a beautiful, exotic-looking vampire girl.."


The level of cuteness

"Not for a.."


SAY IT, SAY IT OUT LOUD
WAIT DON'T SAY IT 
JUST SHUT THE HELL UP AND KISS HER ALREADY 

"I wasn't thinking of his blood, rushing just below the skin. I wasn't thinking of his heartbeat or his touch or the pulse at his throat. Right now, all I was thinking of was Zeke."


FINALLY

"Allie!"


I was beyond angry at how much this one small exclamation screwed everything up. That's it, I despise annoying little kids

"..my offspring.."


This sort of changes my view of Kanin a little
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That's it! What did you think of this review?(:

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Discussion #9: Kinds of Librarians

So, recently, I've been talking about our school's librarian in a very bitter manner, and may he never ever see this post. LOL. I just wanted to talk about the kinds of librarians that I meet. Even though the general stereotype is something like this:


That's just the major stereotype, as if all old ladies like to sit in libraries and do nothing but smell dusty books and tell people to shut their cakeholes.

Anyways, I'll just start out by describing our school's librarian.

He's scary. So, when your voice rises above a little hiss of a whisper, he comes over to you and tells you to shut up in his own way. It's not whispering if I can hear you all the way over there. Well, screw him. It's not my fault I whisper loud. I really do. I'm a loud person.. So when we all sit down, all he does is stare (glare) at us with those creepy eyes that just want to pierce your soul and kill your being! That's seriously ALL he does for the whole entire 30 minutes of lunch. I just hate him so much oh my gosh. Maybe I'm being a little immature about this whole thing, but come on! WORST. LIBRARIAN. EVER.

So, just a few days ago, I went and sat down between two aisles to avoid his gaze, and it was actually nice in there. Ugh.

So after he told me to shut up for the billionth time, I told myself that I would be quiet. So I just move to a different table-- however, my whole group follows me, so I move to another table, and they still follow me. So I move to another table and stay there all alone. So my friends are VERY, VERY loud, perhaps even louder than me, so they just start whispering like there's no tomorrow and a few seconds later, they don't even bother to whisper. They just start talking. What pissed me off is that the librarian LET them talk, and they're so much louder than I ever was! So then, when they got a little louder, he just walks over to them and tells them, "I'll take it away if you guys can't be quiet."

Come ON. That's WAY nicer than "It's not whispering if I can hear you all the way over there."

I HATE HIS GUTS I JUST WANT TO SMASH HIS FACE UGH WHAT KIND OF LIBRARIAN IS HE

Well, I kind of just realized why I made this post in the first place. It's not to rant about our school's librarian, or to tell stories of my personal life, which I just did.. but I want to talk about the types of librarians that I've encountered.

- The ones that say nothing all day but BE QUIET! (Ahem)
- The ones that help you when you need assistance in finding books
- The librarians that have read everything and are very attentive and nice
- The ones that do nothing but sit there and do who-knows-what on the computer

I think that if a librarian is not going to be nice and attentive and helpful, they might as well not be a librarian at all. A library is supposed to be a nice environment. I get it, you have to be quiet, but really, it's not a librarian's job to tell everyone to shut the hell up. It's annoying. So annoying that I had to make a post about it.

I mean, I have no experience, but since I'm a library volunteer, I think that I know the vague idea of what a librarian should be like.

It's just.. UGH HE IRRITATES ME 

I hope that many of you have found this post amusing.. because I think I've ranted enough about this topic...

Happy reading, guys!

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Discussion # 8: So many books, so little time

As some of you may know, I complain and rant all the time about not having enough time to read. I mean, I do it every day. I'm at school, and I just get the urge to start crying because I don't have enough time to read and I'm just overwhelmed by all the books I have on my hands.. If you look at my TBR list, it's just crazy huge. It's a checklist of 3 pages and there are, about 30-40 book titles on every page. And yes, there are more blank squares than checked ones.

Btw, yes, I will despise anyone that says, "AIN'T NOBODY GAT TIME FO BOOKS." I'll just boil up and screech back at them, "AIN'T NOBODY GAT TIME FOR YOU." Yes, very indignant indeed.

I remember a long time ago, in the very beginning of summer 2012, before I even started this blog, I had to go through this drastic time period in which I had nothing to read. At all. I didn't go to the library that time because I just despised the library back then for my own reasons.. I think I still despise libraries with grumpy old men as librarians that have nothing to do but assist people with their math homework and  tell people to shut up, aka my school's library  (Mainly, I just hated the way that people abused books just because they were library books. As a worker at the local library, I know that there are boogers on not only the juvie books. ugh. Filthy, beat up, and stinky. Worst of all, you have to return it. Even when you love the book so much.) Anyways, back to the point. That time period was so drastic because I really had nothing to do. I don't think I want to have another one of those moments where I have nothing to read because that's just terrible. I'd rather have a lot to read at once and be overwhelmed than have nothing to read and to be bored to death.

However, it doesn't mean that I like having so much books to read and so little time that I just want to cry. If I had all the time in the world, and if I weren't so good at procrastination, or maybe if I just shut up for once and concentrated on reading  then I wouldn't be quite so overwhelmed.

I haven't done a blog tour in SO long, because it's just too much. I can't organize all this extra stuff and read the things that I want to read, and falfkjdal;jksj just ugh. I've been slowing down with my reading recently (which is the worst feeling in the world) and I could be reading right now but instead I'm just ranting about how I don't have enough time.

Basically, this is what I say way too much:

1. So many books, so little time.
2. I need more money so I can buy more books!
3. I could be reading right now.

I can't really emphasize number three more than that. I say that all the time, and even when I have leisure time I find myself drifting towards the computer and, next thing you know, I'm watching Vampire Diaries or aimlessly scrolling through my email, or Facebook (which is really dry, honestly), or Twitter, or Tumblr, or anything else. I'm a terrible person, LOL

CURSE THE BLASTED ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY! Except I couldn't live without it. Wow, I have such a love-hate relationship with technology. Gosh.

I wonder how things would be like if I lived in the 19th century when there was no advanced technology at all, ugh.

Friday, April 26, 2013

Book Review: Adaptation by Malinda Lo.

Adaptation (Adaptation, #1)Adaptation by Malinda Lo.
Book Summary: Reese can’t remember anything from the time between the accident and the day she woke up almost a month later. She only knows one thing: She’s different now.

Across North America, flocks of birds hurl themselves into airplanes, causing at least a dozen to crash. Thousands of people die. Fearing terrorism, the United States government grounds all flights, and millions of travelers are stranded.

Reese and her debate team partner and longtime crush David are in Arizona when it happens. Everyone knows the world will never be the same. On their drive home to San Francisco, along a stretch of empty highway at night in the middle of Nevada, a bird flies into their headlights. The car flips over. When they wake up in a military hospital, the doctor won’t tell them what happened, where they are—or how they’ve been miraculously healed.

Things become even stranger when Reese returns home. San Francisco feels like a different place with police enforcing curfew, hazmat teams collecting dead birds, and a strange presence that seems to be following her. When Reese unexpectedly collides with the beautiful Amber Gray, her search for the truth is forced in an entirely new direction—and threatens to expose a vast global conspiracy that the government has worked for decades to keep secret.

Liana's Summary: Reese and David are in a tragic accident, and when they both wake up, they realize that they're different now. Different how? They don't exactly know. All throughout North America, there are deaths, all caused by birds. But why birds? When Reese meets Amber Gray, things go for a twist. Reese finds out the truth-- and is horrified by it. What can she do?

Rate(1-10): 8.5

I've been meaning to read this book for quite a while, and I think I only picked this up now because I'm about to meet the author soon.. LOL. Other than that, I mean, the cover and title are just amazing! The synopsis had me rolling my eyes at the words 'longtime crush,' though because I didn't want to read about some weak girl's crush.And no, it was not a disappointment at all and her 'crush' gosh i just hate that wordwasn't really a big part of this book. Although David was. 

So, the title. I didn't really understand the title at all until, like, 3/4 into the book. But that was fine because the moment of realization was just shocking. Speaking of moments of realization, there were quite a lot. There were plot twists and turns and things just got to a level where a reader would have never expected.

Malinda Lo writes with a surprising grace that keeps the reader reading the whole entire time, and she created a main character that's pretty realistic. Actually, Reese, the protagonist, reminds me a lot of myself. For a lot of reasons. Insecure, self-questioning, impatient, and absolutely REFUSING to 'like' someone. Reese reacted to things the way I would have reacted to things in her position, and that sort of helped with the foreshadowing a bit. At first I thought she was one of those innocent, idk-what-I'm-doing characters, the stereotypical feminine ones that you always imagine with their eyebrows raised in helplessness. But then I realized her attitude had an edge and she was somewhat annoying.. like me!

This was an enjoyable, fast-paced read with a great protagonist. I greatly appreciated the bisexuality in this story, too! It was original, and I like how it isn't labeled a 'bisexual book'. I'd  like to read the second book!

Quotes~

"Never underestimate the Chinese. We're everywhere."


That's kinda true omg. We ARE everywhere. LOL.

"...his mouth was slightly crooked when he smiled.."


ehehehe he cute he cute i approve

"At the counter, Reese set down two granola bars, a large bag of Doritos, a Diet Coke, and a bottle of water."


Is she that hungry gosh

"Maybe other girls liked that nervous, fluttery feeling in their stomachs, but she hated it. It made her feel out of control."


It's ok Reese I hate it too

"I'm straight,"


Riiiiiiiiiight

"I don't think you're straight,"


Okay Amber okay

"Someday you're gonna meet some guy and he's gonna change your mind."


some 'guy'

"I don't know your last name."


And she decides to ask her now

"..he can love more than one woman at a time."


I am mildly disgusted

"..was on her butt."


I maybe laughed a little harder than necessary at this

"Hi,"


bye

"..his mouth skimmed over hers."


omfg AWWW

"Reese's least favorite activity in the world was waiting."


can we get any more alike
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That's that! What did you think of this review?(:

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Book Review: I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore.

I Am Number Four (Lorien Legacies, #1)I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore.
Book Summary: Nine of us came here. We look like you. We talk like you. We live among you. But we are not you. We can do things you dream of doing. We have powers you dream of having. We are stronger and faster than anything you have ever seen. We are the superheroes you worship in movies and comic books - but we are real.

Our plan was to grow, and train, and become strong, and become one, and fight them. But they found us and started hunting us first. Now all of us are running. Spending our lives in shadows, in places where no one would look, blending in. We have lived among you without you knowing.

But they know.

They caught Number One in Malaysia.
Number Two in England.
And Number Three in Kenya.
They killed them all.

I am Number Four.

I am next.


Liana's Summary: The first three are dead. John is Number Four. He knows he's next. But there's nothing to do but run. Henri takes John to Ohio, where John unexpectedly falls in love and makes a best friend, refusing to leave. But Henri is insistent. However, John can get his way. As his Legacies develop, so does John's exhilaration..

Rate(1-10): 8

So, my friend was fangirling really hard about this book. (Yeah, you, Ivy. LOL) And of course, I decided that I needed to give this a try. I've been meaning to read this for 11 months already. Don't know why I didn't pick it up earlier..

Before I read it, I knew it was some sort of action-y, fantasy-ish, *vague arm motion* sorta thing. Mainly because of Ivy because she always reads these kinds of books It's actually like this fantasy-ish, multiverse-ish, thing. Pretty cool when you think about it. The whole setting is sort of like the setting in Elizabeth Norris's UNRAVELING. You find out what Lorien Legacies are when you read the book. I'd tell you, but since I found out for myself, I guess it's only fair that you do, too.

I don't know if it's my foreshadowing skills getting tougher, or what, but I was laughing when this one character died--- even though it was supposedly sad, but I was just laughing because I KNEW IT. I knew he was a goner when he first got introduced to the book! Inside, I'm happy that my foreshadowing abilities have developed this far. Maybe I'm an alien...

Anyways, character discussions!

John- He's a fairly likable protagonist. Realistic at times and unrealistic at other times, not counting the magical legacy parts. Or maybe I just don't know what I'm talking about. Yeah, likable main character.

Henri- He's like an overprotective father. I guess. He can be a little pushy sometimes and he's not stern at all. If the book didn't say that he was John's elder, everyone would have thought that they were siblings. 

Sam- I like how John made a friend that was willing to risk a lot. Sam is pretty cool. The story would have done fine BUT without Sam, I think John would have been different.

Sarah- I don't really like Sarah. I mean, she makes the romance happen but is she really a necessary character? She's like a damsel in distress. It's kind of annoying when you think about it. She's a really nice girl, but helpless and just, ugh.
-----------
Overall, this book was pretty good (finished in one sitting and I didn't even need a bookmark), and I can't wait to pick up the next book.


"Four."


Am I the only one that thought of Tobias Eaton

"..but I'm so flustered by her smile that I don't."



oh my god I hate this already

"She looks radiant again today.."



Yeah we get it, John, you absolutely adore her

"Watch your language,"



I wasn't aware 'balls' was a bad word

"I believe you,"





"Blood rushes to my face and my shoulders stiffen."



omg so done 

"She's just a girl."


Exactly.

"...pirate heads.."



I don't like sharing a mascot with this rotten school LOL

"I thought skinny kids are supposed to be fast."



That is just an insult because my mile time is three minutes more than 9:44 omg

"Right, these huge muscles."


I just don't like this sort of romance.

"...wearing his letterman jacket.."


When is he not wearing his letterman jacket omfg

"Did you know the world is supposed to end on December 21, 2012?"


HA HAHAHAHAHAA.

"I pull on a pair of sweatpants and a sweatshirt over two T-shirts,....."


What dang omg
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That's it! What did you think of this review?(:

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Book Review: The Wizard Heir by Cinda Williams Chima. (Heir Chronicles #2)

The Wizard Heir (The Heir Chronicles, #2)The Wizard Heir by Cinda Willaims Chima.
(Heir Chronicles #2)
Book Summary: Sixteen-year-old Seph McCauley has spent the past three years getting kicked out of one exclusive private school after another. And it's not his attitude that's the problem: it's the trail of magical accidents - lately, disasters - that follow in his wake. Seph is a wizard, orphaned and untrained, and his powers are escalating out of control.

After causing a tragic fire at an after-hours party, Seph is sent to the Havens, a secluded boys' school on the coast of Maine. Gregory Leicester, the headmaster, promises to train Seph in magic and initiate him into his mysterious order of wizards. But Seph's enthusiasm dampens when he learns that training comes at a steep cost, and that Leicester plans to use his students' powers to serve his own mysterious agenda.

Liana's Summary: Seph is a wizard, always getting trouble everywhere. When Seph is sent to the Havens, he is welcomed by Gregory Leicester-- but he knows it's not just a welcome. Leicester has something to do-- and he's going to use Seph to do it. Until Seph agrees, Leicester will make his time there an utter nightmare.

Rate(1-10): 4

I know that is such a low rating. The lowest rating I've given in a while, actually, since Daughter of Smoke and Bone.. I just found myself zoning out even when I was paying attention. The plot pacing wasn't agreeing with my reading habits.

Well, I took forever on this book, and maybe it's due to my procrastination, or due to the fact that the plot is just not engaging at all. That's it, I'm not going to continue with the series. I skimmed the last quarter of this book. Like, literally, just kept flipping the pages so fast like it was an effort to fan myself.

At first, after I read the first book, I thought that this series was going to be one of those series in which the story starts to get better after the first book. But actually, not really. For those of you who've read my reviews for James Patterson's WITCH AND WIZARD series, you know how much I despise his writing style. Somehow, I can't help but think Cinda Williams Chima is just the lady version of JP. Just no. I mean, I like the whole general setting of the story, I like how there are wizards, warriors, and enchanters and all, but I guess it's just not really my type of story.

Seph is a good main character though, although I couldn't help but be annoyed at him in a few parts of this book. 

Gorgeous covers though, LOL.

That's really all I have to say. You might love this series, or you might hate it.

Quotes..

"Eighteen," 


Lol loser

"You have a face like a god..."

So awks how would she know what a god looks like

"Seph had only seen his guardian two or three times."
What kind of guardian is that

"By next year, you'll know all you need to know."

All he 'needs' to know

"You are required to link your Weirstone to mine."



"It was so normal."


omg Seph just stfu already

"Oh, all right, Jack. I'll kiss you. But just this once."

LOLOL I CAN'T

"You shine like a house lit up for a party."
SHINE BRIGHT LIKE A DIAMOND
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That's really it.. what did you think of this review?(:

Monday, April 22, 2013

Discussion #7: Romance

I think almost everyone has their own connotation when they hear the word "romance." For a while, I was conflicted about what my favorite genre really was--- Fantasy? Dystopian? Paranormal? Contemporary? I decided that I didn't really have a favorite genre. Until I realized that romance is what I can't live without. In almost every single book review, I talk about the book's romance, how it was perf, or how it sucked, or the book could have done better without it. Well, I guess now I know what my favorite genre is.
Without romance, the book would be kind of dry. Well, that's in my opinion, anyway. Unless it has a lot of other things in it that make it so awesome that it doesn't need romance at all.
But (the magic word), just because there's romance in a book doesn't mean I like the book. There are several kinds of.. 'romance.'

1- Love @ First Sight

I mean, this is cute in fairy tales, but no. I just don't like love at first sight at all because it's not real. It's superficial, like, 'you're my prince in shining armor! I love you!' It misleads the real definition of love.

2- Hate @ First Sight, but Love Comes Later On

I think this is my absolutely FAVORITE. I just love it when they HATE each other and then grow to love each other. Just wonderful.

3- Awkward Romance

Just read Shadow by Jenny Moss and you'll just understand what I'm talking about. Ugh, the romance in that book was terrible. I think the author was trying to do the hate at first sight thing, but apparently it didn't work. It was just so awkward.

4- Way-Too-Forward

Do I really have to explain this one? Well, let's see. Erotica by chapter 2?

5- Friends at First, Lovers Later

Somehow I can't help but think of Mortal Instruments. Yeah, Simon was really awkward.. But everyone loves Simon, right?
I can't help but frown at this one, even though some authors make it so cute. I don't like it when the friendship bond breaks and a romance one forms. It's just.. ugh. And then the romance one breaks too.. and nothing's there anymore because most of the time, it's too awkward to become friends again.

6- Molasses Romance

This is sometimes cute. Just sometimes. But I hate it when the romance just appears at the very end of a story, spontaneously and out of nowhere. Like, if you're gonna be like molasses, might as well not be there at all.

7- Denial Romance
The 'NO I DON'T LIKE HIM' and 'NO I DON'T LIKE HER'
But then they actually do like each other very very much. That's sort of what I'm trying to do with Incend (I tried to do the haters @ first but I couldn't omg). I'll try not to make the characters too annoying.. LOL.
------------
I doubt these are all, but that's all I can think of on the top of my head.
Moral of this post? Just because there's romance, doesn't mean I'm a happy girl.

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Book Haul- 5

Yeah, I spent money again. LOL. There was a book fair at the middle school and I just COULDN'T MISS IT. Why aren't there book fairs in high school?! UGH. Maybe it's because our librarian is such a mean old fart It was so beautiful, ermahgerd. Well, here's a picture of the beautiful setup...
And, the book haul:

ChimeCode Name VerityDarker Still (Magic Most Foul, #1)Between Shades of GrayGrave Mercy (His Fair Assassin, #1)

1. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy.
I am aware this is a classic and I just HATE classics-- but I've got to give Anna Karenina a try. I hope it ends up being worth the 13 dollars, omg. And besides, the cover has Jude Law in the background!! ERMAHGERD!!
2. Chime by Franny Billinosley.
It just looked good, LOL.
3. Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein.
High recommendation from friend!
4. Darker Still by Leanna Renee Hieber.
I just couldn't resist the offer, (3 dollars!) and it just looked so interesting.
5. Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys.
I have this thing for historical fiction. I'm just ready for people to say, OMG YOU'RE READING FIFTY SHADES OF GREEEEEEEY and I'll just reply, no. Just no. Although I'm planning on reading that soon..
6. Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers.
I'm excited about this one. High recommendation from a friend. Been wanting to read this for a while, and it looks like something I would enjoy!

That's it! YAY. More books! Je suis tres contente.

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Book Review: Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris.

Unraveling (Unraveling, #1)Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris.
Book Summary: Sixteen-year-old Janelle Tenner is used to having a lot of responsibility. She balances working as a lifeguard in San Diego with an intense academic schedule. Janelle's mother is bipolar, and her dad is a workaholic FBI agent, which means Janelle also has to look out for her younger brother, Jared.

And that was before she died...and is brought back to life by Ben Michaels, a mysterious, alluring loner from her high school. When she discovers a strange clock that seems to be counting down to the earth's destruction, Janelle learns she has twenty-four days to figure out how to stop the clock and save the planet.


Liana's Summary: Janelle Tenner dies in a tragic accident-- she feels herself dying. But the next thing she knows, she wakes up and is staring into the face of Ben Michaels, a kid that she's never even talked to. Somehow, she knows, that he has saved her life. And she's determined to find out how. When she confronts him, he is all but comfortable about telling her. As truth after truth is uncovered, Janelle realizes that the world is about to end. And she needs to find a way to stop it. Even if it means splitting up with the one she loves.

Rate(1-10): 8.5

So this is what all the buzz is about. For a long while now, I've been getting..
"Have you read Unraveling?"
"Unraveling is awesome!"
"It's a great book!"

I liked this book lots.

At first sight, I would have assumed that this was a dystopian book, but I guess not. I was sort of relieved that the book started out on a beach with normal, contemporary teenage stuff. (Which just means I need to pick up a good contemporary book pretty soon.) But then it started escalating. I liked the whole apocalypse and multiverse thing with the world ending. This might as well be considered a speculation of the supposedly end-of-the-world thing in December 2012. But definitely more interesting.

The plot had many twists, which were absolutely amazing. The author writes with this grace (it's a debut novel too!) that keeps the readers on the edges of their seats the whole time. The plot was very well organized.

I'll just jump right into character discussions.

Janelle- She's a good protagonist. She's been through a bit of character development and I feel like she's become more jaded somehow. She's definitely responsible, and that's definitely what I like most about her.

Ben- He's a great guy although I was annoyed about his secrets. But even still, he turned out to be caring and surprisingly honest. He blames himself for things that aren't really his fault. Sweet guy.

Alex- The 'guy best friend' of this story, Alex is freaking amazing. Although his persistent denial was somewhat irritating. 

Jared- I can't help but think of Jeremy from The Vampire Diaries when it comes to Jared. I mean, besides the fact that both their names start with J. They're both the little brothers that go, "I'm responsible and old enough to be part of this dangerous thing you're hurling yourself into" and they just make things sort of worse. I liked Jared, though. 

That's all I really have to say!

Quotes!

"..and he's wearing a blue collared shirt and a gray V-neck sweater,.."


That's hot

"Book club,"


I just love it when a guy loves to read

"I'm half-Asian!"


I don't know if I'm supposed to be offended at this stereotype

"Is this the kind of bike Ben works on?"


LOL she could at least try to look less interested


"How often does Ben work here?"


sooo eager


"..how will I ever leave you?"


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That's all! What did you think of this review?(:

Friday, April 19, 2013

Book Review: Splintered by A.G. Howard.

Splintered (Splintered, #1)Splintered by A.G. Howard.
Book Summary: This stunning debut captures the grotesque madness of a mystical under-land, as well as a girl’s pangs of first love and independence. Alyssa Gardner hears the whispers of bugs and flowers—precisely the affliction that landed her mother in a mental hospital years before. This family curse stretches back to her ancestor Alice Liddell, the real-life inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Alyssa might be crazy, but she manages to keep it together. For now.
When her mother’s mental health takes a turn for the worse, Alyssa learns that what she thought was fiction is based in terrifying reality. The real Wonderland is a place far darker and more twisted than Lewis Carroll ever let on. There, Alyssa must pass a series of tests, including draining an ocean of Alice’s tears, waking the slumbering tea party, and subduing a vicious bandersnatch, to fix Alice’s mistakes and save her family. She must also decide whom to trust: Jeb, her gorgeous best friend and secret crush, or the sexy but suspicious Morpheus, her guide through Wonderland, who may have dark motives of his own.
Liana's Summary: Alyssa can hear them- the bugs and the flowers. Apparently, it runs through the females in her family, starting from her great-great-great grandmother, Alice, the Alice that went to Wonderland. Alyssa never plans on stepping through that mirror, to go to Wonderland. She never meant to take Jeb, her best friend, with her. Down into the rabbit hole, following the White Rabbit. Or was it even a rabbit in the first place? As romance develops, so does Alyssa's independence, when she realizes no one is going to rescue her. She's going to have to rescue herself, along with Jeb. But can she do it?

Rate(1-10): 9.5

When I first heard about this book, I was pretty excited to read it. Nope, I am not disappointed. Actually, I'm very, very impressed, hence the high rating. Actually, when I first heard about this book, I didn't even know it was an Alice in Wonderland retelling. I mainly wanted to read this because it was a new release in the YA category. And, knowing me, I go for all the new releases.

First off, the cover. The cover is so cool. It looks like it should be scary (extra scary for me since I despise bugs like crazy) but it's really not.
The synopsis is very, very captivating. An Alice in Wonderland retelling? How cool is that?! This is actually the first and only one I've read. Honestly I'm kinda sick of princess retellings. LOL.

Okay, so. One of the best things about this story is that the main character, Alyssa, is actually a descendant of THE Alice. Alyssa just goes to Wonderland AFTER Alice has visited it. Which is just so cool. I mean, the Disney version is kinda off..

There was character development in Alyssa that I noticed and liked, and I love the fact that she KNOWS she's a different person afterwards. She was pretty useless in the beginning and she couldn't be alone. But afterwards, when she realized that no prince in shining armor was gonna save her, that she had to save herself, I liked her as a main character that much more. You can see her strength building up throughout the story.

The beginning of this book was sort of slow, but maybe that's because I took forever to read this due to my procrastination.

There were many plot twists, plot twists that just make you gasp out loud. I swear, A.G. Howard, what a great job! And this is a debut novel too! Her writing is just absolutely amazing. There was suspense and adventure, and that's what I love in a book!

The romance was perfect, and I think a love triangle has already developed. Although, right now, it's clear who she wants to be with. Of course this is a series (series are the shit right now, I don't even know why), and tbh I can't wait to see what happens in the second book (although this would have done fine as a stand-alone), which I just found out a few seconds ago is called Unhinged and will be released in 2014. Pretty cool title, right? 

Overall, this was one hell of an awesome ride! Definitely a recommendation!


Quotes!

"..weaving our fingers together."


AWWW THEY HOLD HANDS

"Butterfly!"


OMG WHY DID THEIR MOMENT GET RUINED 

"Hi, Tommy-toes,"



omg that nickname I can't

"I'm waiting inside the rabbit hole, luv. Find me."





"You'll have to kill me to get to her,"



d'aaaaaaw sho cute

"I'll always come back for you, Al."







"Elfin knight, do you wish for pleasure on your quest? I can provide it, if you so desire."



ehl oh ehl awkward
I probably laughed harder at this line than I should have. Maybe because I have a dirty mind and I'm a terrible person. LOL.

"Your voice is a song. Say it again."






"Hands off, you son of a bug!"


It's all good no one needs to remind me why I love Jeb

"..when I can touch you instead." He presses his mouth to mine.


THIS IS SO CUTE I'M GONNA DIE

"You're not to touch my precious booty, remember? Get thee behindeth me, Jebbeth."


oh my effing cheezits

"We don't have that kind of time.."



cos' ain't nobody gat time fo time

"No matter what happens, we'll find each other again. You're my lifeline. You always will be."






"You judge too harshly. I do want to save my friends. It just happens that I can save myself in the process."



Why does that quote sound so familiar

"Have I commented on your loveliness tonight?"


No. Just no

"..I turn into his embrace and hug him in the moonlight."



UNDAH THE MOONLIGHT AS WE STARE IN THE SEAAA THE WORDS YOU WHISPERED I WILL ALWAYS BELIEVE
lol this is q

"You want me. Admit it."


Always and forever will be the modest one
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That's it! What did you think of this review?(: