Fixing Delilah by Sarah Ockler

Click here to go to this novel's Goodreads page!

This book was absolutely stunning! I adored every minute of it and I thought it was perfect. Sarah Ockler is such a talented author that really knows how to take the reader to another place. I felt everything Delilah felt, and I fell in love with Patrick right along with her.

The plot was great and I didn't see what she had planned coming at all. This is a wonderful novel of self discovery and growth, how relationships change and the true meaning of love, family, and forgiveness. If you've ever had a problem or fight with someone you love, I encourage you to read this book.

Gorgeous, gorgeous. A favorite ever, for sure.

5/5

The Sky is Everywhere - Jandy Nelson

Click here to go to this novel's Goodreads page!

How can something so heartbreaking be told so beautifully? I thought this novel was gorgeous in it's imagery and the way the writer projects this story onto paper was really stunning. I absolutely loved Lennie's character, I completely got her. Everything she did or said I understood the premise behind it, even if she didn't.

The writing was effortless and smooth, it didn't even feel like reading. I felt like I was being told a story and I devoured it. There were so many times when I didn't want to put this book down. I can't believe this is Jandy's first novel...it's just amazing. I can't wait for many more of her books to come!

5/5

Where the Truth Lies - Jessica Warman

On the surface, Emily Meckler leads the perfect life. She has three best friends, two loving parents, and the ideal setup at the Connecticut prep school where her father is the headmaster. But Emily also suffers from devastating nightmares about fire and water, and nobody knows why. Then the enigmatic Del Sugar enters her life, and Emily is immediately swept away—but her passionate relationship with Del is just the first of many things that aren't quite what they seem in Emily's life. As the lies she's been told start to unravel, Emily must set out to discover the truth regarding her nightmare; on a journey that will lead her to question everything she thought she knew about love, family, and her own idyllic past.

 
All I can say is yikes. This book was all kinds of bad for me. I thought it was great at first, but then things just got worse. I'm really into character development and this didn't have that at all. Things escalated very quickly and I didn't feel connected to the characters like I wanted to.

The writing was good, I just felt like the plot left something to be desired. The summary was amazing but it didn't turn out the way I thought it should've. I really felt like there was something missing and there were many loose ends. Maybe there's a second novel in the works? I don't know. I do know though that this book left a lot to be desired from the middle on and I was pretty disappointed.

2/5

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

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

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

I thought this novel was great! I was a little disappointed in the ending, but that didn't deter me from giving it a solid 5 stars! I loved the characters in this story, and I loved the solid plot. As I read, I could truly tell that the author knew everything but was only telling me what she wanted me to know.

The writing style was great and I thought all the characters were strong and very independent personalities. Nothing is worse when the characters blend in with each other and make for just background. I didn't love Ren's character but I complete understood him and appreciated him at the end. I think my favorites were Nev, Mason, Bryn, and Ansel...they were so sweet and amazing. Calla was a great character too, but I wasn't a fan of how she really played up on the emotions of the two boys.

Overall, the plot was great, fast-paced, and I sped through the book because I couldn't put it down! Grab this one as fast as you can!

5/5

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!

Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

Sorry I've been MIA guys! I was really sick with pneumonia and couldn't even think much less read ;)

I was so stoked to read this book - I'd been waiting since Hush Hush flew into my heart. This novel however, wasn't what I was expecting. It started off okay, and then things got bad when  Nora and Patch decided to split. How in the world did Nora turn into this hypocritical, manic depressive, stalker?! I understand the pain she was feeling but she brought it onto herself.

I felt like Nora was deserting all her friends and goes into her own little cove of depression and jealousy. She was a lousy friend and I felt Vee and Patch didn't deserve her. I loved Nora in Hush Hush, but in this book she seemed more desperate and contradictory. She wanted Patch to go away and not be her guardian angel, but then she does dangerous things to test him? Eh?!

I thought the writing was good, I think my biggest problem was with Nora and the ending. I (above most, even) appreciate a good cliffhanger. I think this author went a little overboard. The cliffhanger was so abrupt that I thought too many loose ends weren't tied and she wanted to finish just to meet a dead line. I'm still looking forward to Tempest, and hope Nora is better.

3/5

Nevermore by Kelly Creagh

I still can't believe it's 2011 already! Where has this year gone?! We're moving on and now we're in another year of books. Speaking of which, I'm proud to announce The Bookie Bunch's first review of 2011!

Cheerleader Isobel Lanley is horrified when she is paired with Varen Nethers for an English project, which is due—so unfair—on the day of the rival game. Cold and aloof, sardonic and sharp-tongued, Varen makes it clear he’d rather not have anything to do with her either. But when Isobel discovers strange writing in his journal, she can’t help but give this enigmatic boy with the piercing eyes another look. Soon, Isobel finds herself making excuses to be with Varen. Steadily pulled away from her friends and her possessive boyfriend, Isobel ventures deeper and deeper into the dream world Varen has created through the pages of his notebook, a realm where the terrifying stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life. 

I'm thrilled this was my first read of the 2011 Book Challenge! It was a great read with intelligent writing and clever wit. I enjoyed Varen and Isobel as characters, I felt like they weren't what they seemed and they had some substance to them. Varen especially was a character I really wanted to get to know and felt like I'd learn more as I peeled the layers.

I loved how the author mixed in poems of Edgar Allen Poe, along with some of Varen's original writings. That was one of the main reasons I wanted this novel, I was intrigued how she would pull it off. The plot was really good and I thought the ending was wonderful.

4.5/5!

Entice by Carrie Jones

Hey everyone! I hope you had a wonderful Holiday season and can't wait to see you in the new year. Hopefully it'll be amazing for all of you!

*Summary not added to save from spoiling others!*

First off, the cover is absolutely stunning on this book and I love how the set look on the shelf! With that said, I have to admit that I wasn't too impressed with this book. I adored (truly) the first two books in this series, but Entice fell flat for me on many levels.

I felt like the author glazed over some important conversations I would've liked to know about and the writing felt a bit rushed to me. As I was reading, I felt as if she was rushing everything else to get to the ending which turned out being pretty bland and mediocre in my opinion.

I am still 1100% team Astley. I don't know why I'm such a sucker for the martyrs, but I am! It made me so sad when he risked so much to help Zara and she doesn't give him a bone or anything. As many other series I've read, the so-called 'love triangle' is pretty one sided and weak.

Overall I wasn't too impressed with this book in the series, but I'm still looking forward to the next book coming in 2011 and this book didn't pause my enjoyment of the series.

3/5 :(

Crank by Ellen Hopkins

Kristina Georgia Snow is the perfect daughter: gifted high school junior, quiet, never any trouble. But on a trip to visit her absentee father, Kristina disappears and Bree takes her place. Bree is the exact opposite of Kristina -- she's fearless. Through a boy, Bree meets the monster: crank. And what begins as a wild, ecstatic ride turns into a struggle through hell for her mind, her soul -- her life.

This was a beautifully written book that was infuriating and heart-wrenching at the same time. I loved Kristina and her alter-ego Bree, and I understood why she did it. this book really touches on the human emotion and our psyche in general and makes it a fascinating read.

I found that reading in verse was a little difficult at times, but I adjusted quickly and ended up finding it fascinating. I've always said that it takes a very talented author to write in verse. Because of the lack of wordage, each second needs to be meaningful. Ellen Hopkins succeeded with flying colors for me.

Definitely read this book if you're one of the late bloomers (like I was) about Ellen, it's worth it times a dozen!

5/5

Lessons from a Dead Girl - Jo Knowles

Leah Greene is dead. For Laine, knowing what really happened and the awful feeling that she is, in some way, responsible set her on a journey of painful self-discovery. Yes, she wished for this. She hated Leah that much. Hated her for all the times in the closet, when Leah made her do those things. They were just practicing, Leah said. But why did Leah choose her? Was she special, or just easy to control? And why didn’t Laine make it stop sooner? In the aftermath of the tragedy, Laine is left to explore the devastating lessons Leah taught her, find some meaning in them, and decide whether she can forgive Leah and, ultimately, herself.

Wow. One of my favorite reads of the year, for sure. I found myself sobbing at so many parts. Maybe because I relate so much to the girls that I felt it personally on my heart, or that Jo is just an amazing writer. I think it's a little bit of both =).

This novel had the perfect amount of eerieness and also suspense and drama. I thought Leah was perfectly evil and sad at the same time. She channeled her pain through something else and it made my heart hurt for her at the same time I wanted to pummel her.

Please read this novel if you haven't. I think it's a must read for all teen girls.

5/5

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

Beautiful - Amy Reed

When Cassie moves from the tiny town where she has always lived to a suburb of Seattle, she is determined to leave her boring, good-girl existence behind. This is Cassie's chance to stop being invisible and become the kind of girl who's worth noticing.  

 
I really wanted to like this novel, I thought I would take away something from it, but I was left feeling a bit empty and unmoved. I felt as though the writing was nothing but a bunch of run-on sentences along with excessive use of the word 'and'.

I understand where Cassie is coming from, truly. I've been in her position (though I was older than thirteen) and it's horrible. Though I felt she was too out of control and was so ignorant of what she had. I wish it didn't have to take what happened for her to finally see the light.

The writing wasn't the greatest, I didn't feel the urge to read more at all. I could put the book down easily and wanted to finish it more out of obligation than actual interest. I thought the scenes were a bit graphic for a YA novel, I think the author was attempting to get gritty and raw emotions from the reader, but instead it came out sleazy.

2/5

Fall for Anything - Courney Summers

When Eddie Reeves’s father commits suicide her life is consumed by the nagging question of why? Why when he was a legendary photographer and a brilliant teacher? Why when he seemed to find inspiration in everything he saw? And, most important, why when he had a daughter who loved him more than anyone else in the world? When she meets Culler Evans, a former student of her father’s and a photographer himself, an instant and dangerous attraction begins. Culler seems to know more about her father than she does and could possibly hold the key to the mystery surrounding his death. But Eddie’s vulnerability has weakened her and Culler Evans is getting too close. Her need for the truth keeps her hanging on...but are some questions better left unanswered?

I really enjoyed Cracked Up to Be and Some Girls Are by Courtney but for some reason, I couldn't get into this one much. It was still good and emotionally there, but I found myself having a hard time relating and liking Eddie and the other characters.

Beth absolutely drove me up the wall and I wanted to strangle her to death. It made the story a little less likeable in that reason, but the story was still the same. I think it is a nice story about love and forgiveness, but I just wasn't a big fan on the execution. Please give this book a chance though, I know it will change your outlook on family and keeping what you have close!

3.5/5!

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!

Twenty Boy Summer - Sarah Ockler

According to her best friend Frankie, twenty days in Zanzibar Bay is the perfect opportunity to have a summer fling, and if they meet one boy every day, there's a pretty good chance Anna will find her first summer romance. Anna lightheartedly agrees to the game, but there's something she hasn't told Frankie---she's already had that kind of romance, and it was with Frankie's older brother, Matt, just before his tragic death one year ago.  

 
I wasn't sure what to expect when I first opened this novel, as I sometimes do. At first I thought it was going to be one of those chick lit books but as the novel went on, I found it was much deeper than that.

I really liked Anna as a main character, I thought she was strong and had her own mind. She didn't think how she could change herself into something the guy wanted, more about 'take it or leave it'. As a matter of fact, the only character I didn't like was Frankie. I didn't like how she was written at all, she was portrayed as an airhead who couldn't pronounce words and didn't care about anyone but herself. It was okay at the end, but for some reason it still irked me.

The writing was beautiful and there were many one-liners and I wish I could remember them all. I think she has a great talent for writing and this book was really good. I highly recommend it and would love more from her in the future!

4/5

Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

Scarlett March lives to hunt the Fenris-- the werewolves that took her eye when she was defending her sister Rosie from a brutal attack. Armed with a razor-sharp hatchet and blood-red cloak, Scarlett is an expert at luring and slaying the wolves. She's determined to protect other young girls from a grisly death, and her raging heart will not rest until every single wolf is dead.

Rosie March once felt her bond with her sister was unbreakable. Owing Scarlett her life, Rosie hunts fiercely alongside her. Now Rosie dreams of a life beyond the wolves and finds herself drawn to Silas, a young woodsman who is deadly with an ax-- but loving him means betraying her sister and has the potential to destroy all they've worked for.

Wow. What is there to say about this one but the obvious - I finished it in a half day. For some reason I was hesitant to start this novel, probably because As You Wish ranks so high on my favorite reads list that I didn't want Sisters Red to tarnish my love. I'll be the first to say that I was totally wrong!

I'm rediculously in love with this author, and now I'm proud to say that she is easily one of my top five favorites. She just knows how to weave a beautiful story and the creativity just blows my mind. Who can take the idea of Little Red Riding Hood and turn it into Sisters Red?! Only Jackson, I'm sure.

The writing was superb, and also in present tense which I find really difficult to do. The plot was fantastic and I totally kept reading because I had to know what happened next between Rosie, Silas, and Scarlett. Complete page turner and I adored every minute. Thank you Jackson!

*****