Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday (4): Of Beast and Beauty by Stacey Jay




Of Beast and Beauty 
 In the beginning was the darkness, and in the darkness was a girl, and in the girl was a secret...

In the domed city of Yuan, the blind Princess Isra, a Smooth Skin, is raised to be a human sacrifice whose death will ensure her city’s vitality. In the desert outside Yuan, Gem, a mutant beast, fights to save his people, the Monstrous, from starvation. Neither dreams that together, they could return balance to both their worlds.

Isra wants to help the city’s Banished people, second-class citizens despised for possessing Monstrous traits. But after she enlists the aid of her prisoner, Gem, who has been captured while trying to steal Yuan’s enchanted roses, she begins to care for him, and to question everything she has been brought up to believe.

As secrets are revealed and Isra’s sight, which vanished during her childhood, returned, Isra will have to choose between duty to her people and the beast she has come to love. 

Description taken from Goodreads 


Why I'm Waiting
I absolutely love fairytale retellings.  I also love Beauty and the Beast, so this is a win-win for me.  And the cover is amazing, so that's a plus.

Make sure you go get this book on July 23


What are you waiting for?  Let me know in the comments!

Monday, May 27, 2013

Bloglovin' Blog Hop!


Hosted by Brandi over at Blkosiner's Book Blog 


Here are the rules
1. Make your own post, grab the icon if you want
2. Link back to main post
3. Hop around. Visit as many or as few blogs as you'd like, but make sure if someone leaves a comment saying they followed you, visit and follow them back. 
4. This is a once a week event for now, on Sundays at 1pm she may make it once a month down the road. You are only making a commitment to participate for one week. She would love to see you back next week, but that is your choice. You can make your post on whatever day you wish, and if you chose to host a giveaway, run that as long as you'd like. 
5. Make sure to add the link to your post not your homepage so people can find it easily in the link tool below.
6. This isn't a giveaway hop, although you are free to host one. This is a follower hop. 
Thank you so much for participating!


Welcome to my blog!  If you like what you see then please feel free to follow via Bloglovin' (GFC is kicking the bucket) and leave a comment saying so and I'll follow you back!  It's really that simple.   Thanks so much for stopping by!

Follow me here

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Review: Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers



Another short review today.  Sorry guys, but this weekend and upcoming week is going to be so hectic.  Saturday was my sister’s birthday, Tuesday is my birthday, Thursday is my college graduation and Saturday is BEA!!  Who else is going to BEA?  Let me know in the comments.

Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin, #1) 
Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?

Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?


My Review 

Nun assassins?  Yes, please.  This book was made out of pure awesomeness.  Grave Mercy is over 500 pages but it definitely did not feel like that at all.    Robin LaFevers’s writing style kept me engaged throughout the entire book and left me desperately wanting more.

This book is told through Ismae’s POV and I have to say that I loved this character.  She was strong and independent and just what girls her age need to read about.  Hell, even girls my age need to read about her.

When Ismae is sent on an assignment for St. Mortain and leaves the convent with Gavriel Duval, who is the Duchess of Brittany’s brother, I wasn’t sure if I was going to like him all that much.  But as I kept reading, I absolutely fell in love him and the romance that was slowly blossoming between him and Ismae.  The romance was without a doubt my favorite aspect of the novel.  It was so realistic (no insta love here) and I loved watching them slowly gain trust towards each other.  

The historical aspect was wonderful as well.  It was definitely a refreshing change for me because lately all I’ve been reading is contemporary fiction or present day fiction so this was a nice change of pace.

Everything about Grave Mercy drew me in and made me wanting to go to the bookstore to pick up Dark Triumph.  

I would say that if you enjoy historical fiction or mythology or political aspects of a novel then you will, without a doubt, love Grave Mercy.


5/5 hearts

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday (3): Of Triton by Anna Banks & Bout of Books Wrap Up


 Waiting on Wednesday (3)

    Hosted by Breaking the Spine 


Of Triton (Of Poseidon, #2) 
 In this sequel to OF POSEIDON, Emma has just learned that her mother is a long-lost Poseidon princess, and now struggles with an identity crisis: As a Half-Breed, she’s a freak in the human world and an abomination in the Syrena realm below. Syrena law states that all Half- Breeds should be put to death.

As if that’s not bad enough, her mother’s reappearance among the Syrena turns the two kingdoms—Poseidon and Triton—against one another. Which leaves Emma with a decision to make: Should she comply with Galen’s request to keep herself safe and just hope for the best? Or should she risk it all and reveal herself—and her Gift—to save a people she’s never known?


Why I'm Waiting
This book guys, this book.  I can't wait to get my hands on this book and luckily I don't have to wait very long since it comes out next week on the 28th, which by the way, is my birthday.  So yay for that.  

I love the world, I love the characters, I love the romance that Anna Banks had created in the first book Of Poseidon
What are you waiting on?



Bout of Books Wrap Up

 So I reached my goal!  If you read my last post, you would have seen that my goal was at least four books and thankfully I managed to do it with about a half hour left to go on Sunday.  Talk about cutting it close.  I was totally freaking out and kept thinking about how I was going to end up in a padded room after this was over.  Anyways, in case you missed my last post, here are the four books that I read.

 If I Stay (If I Stay #1)Graceling (Graceling Realm, #1) 

Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin, #1) Anna Dressed in Blood (Anna, #1) 

Both Grave Mercy and Graceling are pretty hefty books so I'm really surprised that I finished on time.  This was an awesome experience and I can't wait for the next read-a-thon.  How did you do?  Leave me a comment and let me know!

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Review: If I Stay (#1) by Gayle Forman



This is going to be a quick little review today.  I’m still participating in the Bout of Books read a thon and I want to finish the current book that I’m reading.  I also have a lot of things to do today and tomorrow including going to a graduation party.


If I Stay (If I Stay #1)
 On a day that started like any other...

Mia had everything: a loving family, a gorgeous, admiring boyfriend, and a bright future full of music and full of choices. Then, in an instant, almost all of that is taken from her. Caught between life and death, between a happy past and an unknowable future, Mia spends one critical day contemplating he only decision she has left—the most important decision she'll ever make.

Simultaneously tragic and hopeful, this is a romantic, riveting, and ultimately uplifting story about memory, music, living, dying, loving.

Description taken from Goodreads


My Review 

Anyway!  I know I’m a little late jumping on this bandwagon.  I’ve had If I Stay by Gayle Forman on my shelf for years and I’m just now getting to it.  When I saw that the Bout of Books read a thon was starting up I knew this was my chance, I could finally read it.  And boy, did I read it.

This book, I don’t even know where to start with this book.  Ms. Forman handled every aspect of this book brilliantly and I totally commend her for it.  The drama, the romance, the feels, the laughs.  Everything about this book is total perfection.  Yup, that’s right.  I said it.  PERFECTION.  

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We start off with Mia and her family going for a drive on a snow day and automatically my brain is yelling at the book.  “You don’t go for a drive on a snow day, you crazy family!”  Then BAM!  Car accident.  For the rest of the book we are with Mia, who is stuck in this in-between realm between life and death where she sees her family and friends with her real body.  We also get to see a lot of her memories and this really lets us into Mia’s life as we get to know her family and friends and her boyfriend Adam (who I absolutely adore, by the way).  

Throughout the novel, Mia is torn on whether or not to stay with the living or pass on.  The choice is ultimately up to her.  

If I Stay made me laugh, cry, smile and swoon.  If you have any hesitation reading this book, let me make up your mind for you.  READ IT!  It’s that simple.  After you read this you may look at life a bit differently.  I know I did. 

Definitely 5/5 stars.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday (2): Obsession (#3.5) by Jennifer L. Armentrout




Obsession 
 He’s arrogant, domineering, and... To. Die. For.

Hunter is a ruthless killer. And the Department of Defense has him firmly in their grasp, which usually doesn’t chafe too badly because he gets to kill bad guys. Most of the time he enjoys his job. That is, until he’s saddled with something he’s never had to do before: protect a human from his mortal enemy.

Serena Cross didn’t believe her best friend when she claimed to have seen the son of a powerful senator turn into something... unnatural. Who would? But then she witnesses her friend’s murder at the hands of what can only be an alien, thrusting her into a world that will kill to protect their secret.

Hunter stirs Serena’s temper and her lust despite their differences. Soon he’s doing the unthinkable—breaking the rules he’s lived by, going against the government to keep Serena safe. But are the aliens and the government the biggest threats to Serena’s life…or is it Hunter?  

Why I'm Waiting
Do I really need to explain why I'm waiting so desperately for this book?  If you have not started Jennifer L. Armentrout's Lux series then you need to go right now and buy them.
I'll wait.
I absolutely adore this series and can't wait to get this novella between Opal and Origin
Go get this book on May 31, 2013 

Monday, May 13, 2013

Bout of Books 7.0: The Beginning and Goals

Bout of Books


Today's the day!! The sun is shining, birds are singing, books are begging to be read!  I am so excited to start reading today.  I do have some work that I have to get done today for my class tomorrow and I do have to go to my class tomorrow but then I have the rest of the day to do nothing but read.

I am hoping to read at least four books:

If I Stay (If I Stay #1)Graceling (Graceling Realm, #1) 
Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin, #1)Anna Dressed in Blood (Anna, #1)  

And if I manage to finish those before the week is up then I have two books that I haven't finished yet:

Splintered (Splintered, #1)Safe Haven  


So that's it!  I will be updating this post daily, so check back to see how I'm doing and leave a comment if you want and I'll check out your progress as well, if you are participating. Good luck and remember to have fun everybody!


Monday 
Pages Read: 257
Books Started: If I Stay , Graceling
Books Finished: If I Stay
Total Books Read: 1


Tuesday 
Pages Read: 160
Books Started: 0
Books Finished: 0
Total Books Read: 1


Wednesday 
Pages Read: 135
Books Started: 0
Books Finished: 0
Total Books Read: 1


Thursday 
Pages Read: 235
Books Started: Grave Mercy
Books Finished: Graceling
Total Books Read: 2


Friday
Pages Read: 281
Books Started: 0
Books Finished: 0
Total Books Read: 2


Saturday
Pages Read: 242
Books Started: Anna Dressed in Blood
Books Finished: Grave Mercy
Total Books Read: 3


Sunday
Pages Read: 261
Books Started: 0
Books Finished: Anna Dressed in Blood
Total Books Read: 4

How Did I Do?
Total Pages Read: 1571
Total Books Read: 4

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Bout of Books 7.0!

 
Bout of Books
I don't have a review up for you today but I am very excited to announce that I will be participating in the Bout of Books Read-a-thon!

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Friends.  Best TV show ever.

Anyway, this is my first official read-a-thon.  I've kind of participated on my own unofficially, kind of behind the curtain if you will, but I really wanted to try this as soon as I found out about it.  It seems very low pressure, which I think is perfect for me seeing as this is my first time.



A Little Bit of Information

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 13th and runs through Sunday, May 19th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 7.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

 When it starts, on Monday, I will update with the books I hope to get to.  My goal is to read at least four, but I just haven't figured out which books I want to read yet.

See you all on Monday!!

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Waiting On Wednesday #1: Horde (#3) by Ann Aguirre

Hosted by Breaking the Spine


 Horde (Razorland, #3)The horde is coming.

Salvation is surrounded, monsters at the gates, and this time, they're not going away. When Deuce, Fade, Stalker and Tegan set out, the odds are against them. But the odds have been stacked against Deuce from the moment she was born. She might not be a Huntress anymore, but she doesn't run. With her knives in hand and her companions at her side, she will not falter, whether fighting for her life or Fade's love.

Ahead, the battle of a lifetime awaits. Freaks are everywhere, attacking settlements, setting up scouts, perimeters, and patrols. There hasn't been a war like this in centuries, and humans have forgotten how to stand and fight. Unless Deuce can lead them.

This time, however, more than the fate of a single enclave or outpost hangs in the balance. This time, Deuce carries the banner for the survival of all humanity.

Description taken from Goodreads   https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10596724-horde


Why I'm Waiting
This series by Ann Aguirre is probably one of my favorites.  It's set in a terrifying world, has wonderful characters that you can't help but fall in love with and just keeps getting better with every page turn.  This is the last book of the trilogy  and as much as I just want to devour it in one sitting as soon as I get it, I can't help but want to put it off so I don't have to say farewell to this incredible series.

Go out and pick this book up on October 29, 2013. 

Review: Storm (#1) by Brigid Kemmerer



This review is a bit late but the weekend was busy for me and classes are winding down and I’m finally graduating from college at the end of this month (YAY!), so I’ve been preparing for that. 




 Storm (Elemental, #1)Becca Chandler is suddenly getting all the guys; all the ones she doesn't want. Ever since her ex-boyfriend spread those lies about her. Then she saves Chris Merrick from a beating in the school parking lot. Chris is different. Way different: he can control water just like his brothers can control fire, wind, and earth. They're powerful. Dangerous. Marked for death.

And now that she knows the truth, so is Becca.

Secrets are hard to keep when your life's at stake. When Hunter, the mysterious new kid around school, turns up with a talent for being in the wrong place at the right time, Becca thinks she can trust him. But then Hunter goes head-to-head with Chris, and Becca wonders who's hiding the most dangerous truth of all.

The storm is coming.

Description taken from Goodreads   https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10401084-storm


My Review


I finished Storm by Brigid Kemmerer a little while ago and completely fell in love with it.  The prequel novella, Elemental, sucked me into this new world but Storm made me want to stay in it and never leave.
Storm follows the youngest of the Merrick brothers, Chris, who can wield the water element and Becca who just happens to be at the wrong place at the wrong time when she saves Chris from a brutal beating and is

unknowingly dragged into a war between two families.  The story is told in third person and switches POV between Becca and Chris which definitely gives a great, well rounded feel to the story.  The only thing I didn’t really enjoy was the telling of the story in third person.  This is just personal to me, but I just feel like you get more out of the story if it’s in first person.  You can really get into the narrators head, pretty literally, but this is just personal preference and it definitely didn’t take away from the story at all.


This book absolutely delves right into the world and we get a lot more information than we did in Elemental and I thoroughly enjoyed learning about it.  I just couldn’t get enough of the description when one of the brothers was using his element.  It was so interesting and so well thought out that I could practically picture it in my mind and see it so clearly and now I want to be an Elemental because they made it so cool.  

The romance was so well done and I do have to say that there is a love triangle but don’t let that discourage you from reading the book.  This triangle was done astonishingly well.  I could picture Becca with both guys and found myself completely torn because I loved both of them.  I found myself loving Becca with Chris when she was with him and then loving Becca with Hunter when she was with him.  So, bravo Ms. Kemmerer, bravo.  

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The brothers made me love Storm even more.  We’ve got Michael, who we met in the novella and he definitely comes off as a douche but when you realize what he has to go through to protect his family then I think the douchiness (I know it’s not a word, just go with it) can be forgiven.  Next are the twins, Gabriel and Nick, who wield fire and air respectively, and these two are just…there are no words to describe them. 

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I just loved them so much.

 And at one point, when Becca meets these two, I thought that she might end up with one of them.  That would have been interesting.

Everything about this book kept me hooked and had me turning pages as fast as I could and was so happy that I was reading it on my ipad because I could only imagine how many paper cuts I would have given my self if that weren't the case.

Storm was filled with wit and emotion and suspense and definitely had me guessing until the very end and my mouth rightfully dropped open when the “bad guy” was revealed.  All I want to know is when I’ll get my element.  I’m pretty sure it would be air.  What would yours be? 

I really can’t wait until I get my hands on the next novella and full novel.  

4.5/5 stars