Slice of Cherry - Dia Reeves

 

Happiness is a bloody knife.

It’s no surprise when Kit and Fancy start to give in to their deepest desire—the desire to kill. What starts as a fascination with slicing open and stitching up quickly spirals into a gratifying murder spree. Of course, the sisters aren’t killing just anyone, only the people who truly deserve it. But the girls have learned from the mistakes of their father, and know that a shred of evidence could get them caught. So when Fancy stumbles upon a mysterious and invisible doorway to another world, she opens a door to endless possibilities….

I was pleasantly surprised with this novel and I'm glad I decided to pick it up! The writing was amazing (as always) and I thought Kit and Fancy were two of the most interesting characters I've ever read about. I was so addicted to getting more insight about them that I was finished with the book in a few sittings!

Bleeding Violet was the first book by Dia and I loved the idea behind it. I think I liked this one more though! I liked Kit and Fancy's relationship (however toxic and odd it may have been) and their interactions were delicious. ;) I love how non-nonchalant they were about their killings and who they killed.

Go get this book, it's addictive.

4/5

Afterlife by Claudia Gray

I've been a fan of the Evernight series from day one. Claudia Gray is a great author and really knows how to throw a reader around, in a good way! The writing was really good and kept me wanting to keep reading. One thing I did find annoying, was she continued to say 'this would've been funny if it wasn't so serious' and wording it in about a dozen different ways. I found that a little tiresome to read, but other than that it was very enjoyable.

I really loved the twists in the plot and I appreciated it very much. The ending wasn't very good for me, as an ending to a four book series it felt a little weak. It fixed things a little too much. I know that there are still going to be complications, but I still felt everything worked out too perfectly.

I will always be team Balthazar. <3 I can't wait to hear about his story coming in 2012 (way too long!)

4/5

Long time no see...

Hey guys! So sorry it's been so long since I've made a post, been really busy and also haven't been much into reading. My love and obsession however, is back and bigger than ever. Hopefully I'll be caught up with video reviews this weekend!

[not posting summary to avoid spoiling others]

I have really enjoyed the Touch series and this novel is no exception. There were some things I didn't care for, but overall, this book is a must read if you like paranormal romances.

The writing was great, as it always has been. I feel like the characters got a little more depth with them as they mature in the series. I have to say though, Wes and Kimmie totally stole the show away from Camelia and Ben in my opinion. They are SO funny and so imperfectly perfect that I want to put them in my pocket.

The suspense was really good as well. Though I did have an inkling as to whodunit, I thought the audio transcriptions and crosswords were very clever and a good way to keep the reader going.

The ending was a little cheesy for me, and predictable, but I still am looking forward to Deadly Little Voices, due to come in November of 2011.

4/5

The Ghost and the Goth - Stacey Kade

I really enjoyed this book! It was a very fast and fun read, a nice break after something as serious and action-packed as Nightshade. I was a little worried about how I'd like Alona, but she didn't bother me too much. As the novel progressed, I began to like her more. Will was another story - I loved him from the beginning and want him to be mine. ;]

The end was great and not what I was expecting at all, which was a very pleasant surprise. I thought the writing was great and the characters all added something. I didn't know how I felt about Joonie though, I'm still working my feelings out on her.

Great book overall, I also didn't know Stacey was an 'older' author. She knows the whole teen speak and what's going on in latest times very well. I'm impressed! I'm looking forward to reading Queen of the Dead, which is supposed to come out June 7th, 2011!

4/5

Jane by April Linder

Forced to drop out of an esteemed East Coast college after the sudden death of her parents, Jane Moore takes a nanny job at Thornfield Park, the estate of Nico Rathburn, an iconic rock star on the brink of a huge comeback. Practical and independent, Jane reluctantly becomes entranced by her magnetic and brooding employer, and finds herself in the midst of a forbidden romance. But there's a mystery at Thornfield, and Jane's much-envied relationship with Nico is tested by a torturous secret from his past.

From the second I saw the cover of this book and that the author was inspired by Jane Eyre, I HAD to read this one. When I picked it up, I immediately was drawn to it. The idea of this novel was brilliant, and I liked how the author modernized it from the original. I liked Jane in the beginning, I felt like she was honest and had a firm hold on what her beliefs were.

With that being said, the book started to go a little downhill for me in the middle. The simplest way I can explain it is I wanted more. I wanted more interaction and discussions between Jane and Maddy, I wanted more of the 'forbidden romance' between Nico and Jane, it just seemed to be lacking.

I sort of liked Nico, but I felt like the author took away everything about Mr. Rochester and changed it except the jerkish qualities. I felt Nico was a whiny brat who always wanted his way, He used women to make Jane jealous, and was pretty possessive over her in a scary way. Mr. Rochester is one of the most romantic characters in literature and I don't think he was given justice.

Overall, I still really did like the book. I think someone who hasn't read Jane Eyre first would probably enjoy it more, I found myself constantly comparing to the classic and I wish I hadn't of done that.

4/5!

The View from the Top - Hillary Frank

Eighteen-year-old Anabelle’s last few months in her coastal hometown are bittersweet. Instead of the quiet precollege summer she expects, Anabelle makes some surprising discoveries about herself as she navigates romantic entanglements and changing friendships. Through shifting points of view in seven interconnected stories, we glimpse the limits of how well her friends really know Anabelle . . . and how little she grasps about the way they see her.

This book was my reality check to never trust reviews! The word of mouth I was getting on this novel was pretty negative but once I picked up this book, I really enjoyed it!

I did think that Anabelle was a little pretentious and annoying, as well as very self pitying and depressing but there was still something I liked about her. Another thing that I wasn't too much a fan of, was how everything wanted to be with her or liked her - come on. Is she that amazing? I don't think so. I would've given this book a 5/5 if the stories were about the characters like someone different instead of Anabelle.

Still worth the read and I seriously adore the cover!

4/5

The Iron Daughter - Julie Kagawa

I've come to find that Julie Kagawa cannot disappoint me! This was a great sequel to the Iron King and the Iron Fey series in general. I've always enjoyed Julie as a writer, and think her creativity goes above anything else. I found myself on the edge of my seat in anticipation about what was next.

I loved the constant action in this book - it can be so hard to write one without it lagging and I wasn't bored in any part. I loved all the battles and introduction to new characters and of course Grim. Love him.

The love portion of the story didn't interest me much, just because I'm not a fan of the coupling. I can bypass that though, because the action and plot line otherwise is just good.

4/5!

Possessions - Nancy Holder

Lindsay is hoping for a fresh start, to get out of San Diego, where everyone remembers when she had her breakdown, and get away to boarding school, even if it is a boarding school as creepy as Marlwood Academy. But Lindsay is happier, and even manages to make a great new friend, Julie. Then, the school's most popular girl, Mandy starts acting super creepy. Rumors abound, but it's becoming more and more clear to Lindsay that something else is at work...something darker and more dangerous than just a houseful of mean girls.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked this book out, since I didn't like the Wicked series that Nancy Holder co-authored. I'm really happy that I decided to go ahead with it because it was a great book! Lindsay was very real and I actually liked her character, as a reformed bitchy teen. She has spunk and tenacity. There were actually some parts that had me looking over my shoulder and regretting reading it so late at night! Nancy Holder left us on such a cliffhanger and I can't wait to get my hands on the second book!

****

PS - I love the new cover so much better than this one! Grr, now I need to repurchase!

The Maze Runner - James Dashner

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. He has no recollection of his parents, his home, or how he got where he is. His memory is black. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade, a large expanse enclosed by stone walls.

Anyone who likes and enjoys The Hunger Games will really enjoy this novel! I love how it's written in Thomas' point of view, it's a nice change from the constant girl opinions. I thought the idea was very interesting and well-executed by the author which I was really happy with. There's just enough action and adventure that it doesn't seem overdone. Thomas is a really interesting character, as are the other boys and I found myself wanting to know more about it.

****

Her and Me and You - Lauren Strasnick

First love, broken friendships, and heartache all play a part in this evocative, voice-driven novel about Alex, a girl whose world is ripped apart when her father’s affair splits her family in two.

Alex moves with her mess of a mother to a new town, where she is befriended by hot, enigmatic Fred—and alternately flirted with and cold-shouldered by Fred’s twin sister, Adina. Others warn Alex to steer clear of the twins, whose sibling relationship is considered abnormal at best, but there’s just something about Fred—and something about Adina—that draws Alex to them and makes her want to be part of their crazy world…no matter the consequences. 

This book is absolutely beautiful and I can't wait to get my hands on a finished copy! I always have been a Lauren fan with her Nothing Like You novel, and this one didn't disappoint at all. I laughed and cried right along with Alex and could really relate to her. It's so easy for characters (especially heroines) to become whiny and obnoxious but I find with Lauren, she makes her characters strong and likable.

I highly recommend this book to anyone, it's a great novel with a beautiful message and it's rather easy to read. It's short and most of it is just dialog and not description which I liked. I read it in just a few hours because it was so short and it's that good!

4/5

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

the cold.
Grace has spent years watching the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—watches back. He feels deeply familiar to her, but she doesn't know why.

the heat.
Sam has lived two lives. As a wolf, he keeps the silent company of the girl he loves. And then, for a short time each year, he is human, never daring to talk to Grace...until now. 

 
This was the novel I was stoked about reading when it first came out. I am a huge werewolf/wolf fan and was dying to get my hands on this one. I'm sad to say I wasn't as thrilled about it as I thought I'd be.

The plot is an excellent idea, and the writing was too bad, I think though that Sam was a little too perfect for me and he wasn't as flawed as I wish he was. I know he has his issues, but they don't really get into them as much as I'd hoped. Sam was sweet, but I was a little creeped out with how obsessed he was with Grace and the constantly thinking of lyrics for a song for her and he just so happens to play the guitar and he likes to read and is very well-spoken and intellectual...he's only a kid.

I thought a lot of the characters fell flat, especially Grace's parents. They were never there and only used when it suited the scene. The ending was a little flat for me as well, but that doesn't mean I'm not going to read Linger. I still love Maggie and her writing!

4/5!

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding. 

I thought it was a good read, but definitely didn't live up to the expectations I had from the first and second books (the first especially). The plot was good and the writing was awesome as it always is, but I felt there wasn't such a traumatic triangle between Gale, Peeta, and Katniss as there was in the first two. I wanted to see more of that and not just all of the bomb sequences, missiles, and things like that. I did feel like sometimes the author wanted to hurry on to the next part so some missions ans training were glossed over. One page she's nervous about it and the next she's finished with it and we didn't hear what happened.

I still enjoyed it though I was disappointed in the ending. As I said, it was pretty apparent who she was going to pick from the beginning. I wish I could've been more surprised with that aspect and the ending was really gruesome and made my stomach churn. I know it was necessary, but it just made me wince.

4/5

Graceling - Kristin Cashore

Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight — she’s a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme, and in her case horrifying, skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king’s thug. When she first meets Prince Po, Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change.

She never expects to become Po’s friend. She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace — or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away... a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone.

At first, I found this book pretty hard to get into because there was a lot of information to take in and the bloodlines to get straight. However, once that was finished, I found this book to be highly enjoyable! There was a bunch of action and suspense, and of course the perfect amount of romance to make you say 'awww', but not get a toothache. ;]

I did find Katsa's character to be a bit obnoxious, more in the Mary Sue type of way but I think that's because her Grace makes it so (her true Grace, for those who have read it). Po was my favorite character, Bitterblue coming in at a close second. They were so sweet and had very strong personalities that I really liked.

The writing was wonderful, I really enjoyed it and the way she writes make a page go by in seconds. She knows how to write a page turner, for sure. I can't wait for the third book, tentatively named Bitterblue, to be released on April 1st, 2011. Obviously the main character is that of the title, so I'm super stoked about it.

****

Vampire Academy - Richelle Mead

St. Vladimir’s Academy isn’t just any boarding school—it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s—the very place where they’re most in danger...


Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy’s ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world’s fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever.

Once again, I thought this book was good, but I was anticipating it would be better than it was because of all the hype. The characters were okay, except I found it a bit irritating that Lissa tended to play the martyr sometimes, and Rose was a bit too cocky and presumptuous for my liking. I didn't find many of the characters to be relate-able,and I was thinking that Rose and Lissa need to kiss and just get over the sexual tension already ;).

The plot was genius and made me forget that I didn't like the characters too much and that was what kept me reading through the book. Richelle Mead has a gift for writing and I will consider reading Shadow Kiss for sure.

****

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner - Stephenie Meyer

Bree Tanner can barely remember life before she had uncannily powerful senses, superhuman reflexes and unstoppable physical strength. Life before she had a relentless thirst for blood... life before she became a vampire.

All Bree knows is that living with her fellow newborns has few certainties and even fewer rules: watch your back, don't draw attention to yourself and, above all, make it home by sunrise or die. What she doesn't know: her time as an immortal is quickly running out. 

When I first heard about this book being published, I wasn't sure how I felt about it. In some ways I felt like SM was milking the Eclipse release and in others it made perfect sense.

I'm not a huge fan of how SM writes, but I thought the plot of this was good and there wasn't a dull moment. I enjoyed learning about the newborn vampires behind the scenes and everything they had to do to get there. I did feel some sympathy for them, because they were so brainwashed.

If you're looking for more on the Cullens in this novella, they don't appear until the end and there isn't much between them. It's more the story and friendship between Bree and Diego, and Bree's adjustment to being a newborn vampire. I still really enjoyed this and was happy to have even the littlest bit about my favorite leech family! ;)

Now she just needs to write one about the Wolfpack. Sam/Leah maybe? I'd love to hear Leah's story.




****

The Dark Divine - Bree Despain

Grace Divine—daughter of the local pastor—always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared and her brother Jude came home covered in his own blood.

Now that Daniel's returned, Grace must choose between her growing attraction to him and her loyalty to her brother.

As Grace gets closer to Daniel, she learns the truth about that mysterious night and how to save the ones she loves, but it might cost her the one thing she cherishes most: her soul. 

It took me a while to get into this book because Grace annoyed me a bit. She had a few Mary Sue like qualities, but being a preacher's daughter, I guess that she couldn't help that. I put the novel down and came back to it a couple weeks later. I was a bit intrigued by Daniel, but I wasn't compulsively turning pages to find out more. Some of the other characters fell a bit flat for me, like her best friend...who basically ditched her when she got what she wanted.

The way the author had history/mythological feel in the books was neat, and the way she weaved them in didn't feel boring to me. The ending threw me for a spin and I appreciated that, since I can usually predict the ending of books.

Overall I enjoyed it and will get the second book, but it fell a little flat for me.

****

Tantalize - Cynthia Leitich Smith

Quincie Morris has never felt more alone. Her parents are dead, and her hybrid-werewolf first love is threatening to embark on a rite of passage that will separate them forever. Then, as she and her uncle are about to unveil their hot vampire-themed restaurant, a brutal murder leaves them scrambling for a chef. Can Quincie transform their new hire into a culinary Dark Lord before opening night? Can he wow the crowd in his fake fangs, cheap cape, and red contact lenses — or is there more to this earnest face than meets the eye?

From the beginning, this novel had me. The writing was really good and smooth, and I loved Quincie's tomboyish attitude. She was very likeable and relateable. The relationship between herself and Keiran was frusterating and angsty, but I'm sure that's what the author was going for.

The characters were well developed and nicely written, and the plot was decent. The only 'beef' I have with this book is the ending. I didn't understand some of the things that Quincie did or didn't say, and the end definitely threw me for a loop and I'm still not sure if it was in a good or bad way!

****

A Match Made in High School - Kristin Walker

When the principal announces that every senior must participate in a mandatory year-long Marriage Education program, Fiona Sheehan believes that her life can’t get any worse. Then she marries her “husband”: Jerky jock Todd, whose cheerleader girlfriend, Amanda, has had it in for Fiona since day one of second grade. Even worse? Amanda is paired with Fiona’s long-term crush, Gabe. At least Fiona is doing better than her best friend, Marcie, who is paired up with the very quiet, very mysterious Johnny Mercer. Pranks, fights, misunderstandings, and reconciliations ensue in an almost Shakespearean comedy of errors about mistaken first impressions, convoluted coupling, and hidden crushes.  

After hearing the rave reviews of this book from Kristi, I thought I needed to read this book. I picked it up and began reading, and really fell in love with the story and characters. I thought the idea of the book was genius on Kristin Walker's part, and I love the way she writes. I think we need to keep an eye on this author if this was just her first novel.

Even though I could guess who Fiona ended up with from the beginning, I was really happy that she didnt end up with the typical person most chick lit books write about. The writing was really good, and I found the chapters transitioned easily to the next. I really liked all of the characters too, all of them had distinct personalities and added a lot to the book. Sam was my favorite character - she was just too cute!

Definitely a good read and I laughed out loud so many times!

****

The Mark by Jen Nadol

Cassandra Renfield has always seen the mark—a glow around certain people reminiscent of candlelight. But the one time she mentioned it, it was dismissed as a trick of the light. Until the day she watches a man awash in the mark die. After searching her memories, Cassie realizes she can see a person’s imminent death. Not how or where, only when: today. 

I had heard such mixed reviews about this novel that I was hesitant to like it in the beginning. As I continued on, I discovered that it was a good novel and had a very promising plot. I enjoyed Cassie as a character and I felt for her when she had to go through some of her turmoil, but the ending left me wanting more. Not because it was an addicting series, but because I felt some of the plot holes weren't closed enough.

I'm sure there's going to be another book in the works (at least I hope so), and I'm very excited to see where the author takes Cassie. I want to know more about Jack, and are we going to see more of Lucas? That should be an interesting love triangle if the author writes it as such! It was a fast read and I enjoyed the writing. Like I said before, the ending left some to be desired, but it was still a really good book and I'm glad I got it!

****

Hourglass - Claudia Gray

After escaping from Evernight Academy, the vampire boarding school, Bianca and Lucas seek refuge with Black Cross, the elite group of vampire hunters led by Lucas’s stepfather. When Bianca’s close friend—the vampire Balthazar—is captured by Black Cross, Bianca knows she has to do whatever it takes to save him. But at what cost?  

I thought this book was good, however it didn't match up to Stargazer in my opinion. I'm a huge Balthazaar fan, so seeing Bianca with Lucas sort of ripped my insides out. ;) Some alliances were broken in this one and the ending was yet again, a cliffhanger! Holy moly. I felt like it should've been the end of the chapter and not the end of the book. I wish I could've read more about Evenight because I missed a lot of the characters.

I'm so happy the author didn't make 'something' happen between two of the characters because it would've ruined the spirit of the book in my opinion. It was still so good, and exciting, and of course I can't wait for Afterlife (the fourth) to come out.