Review: Nevermore

Nevermore by Kelly Creagh

published by Atheneum Books

Genre: YA paranormal

$17.99 (hardback)

543 pages

What it's about:
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 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 ereated through the pages of his notebook, a realm where the terrifying stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life.
As her world begins to unravel around her, Isobel discovers that dreams, like words, hold more power than she ever imagined and that the most frightening realities are those of the mind. Now she must find a way to reach Varen before he is consumed by the shadows of his own nightmares.
His life depends on it.

My thoughts:
I was so excited to read this book and wasn't dissapointed by it at all.

Whatever you think this book is about, you are wrong but also right about it. When my mother asked me what the book was about, I had a very hard time explaining it. Most of the book was about the struggles Varen and Isobel had because of social pressure. It really wasn't till the last 150 pages that the paranormal really kicked in. Even though this wasn't exactly what I thought it was going to be like, I loved reading about everything Isobel and Varen did. The book could have gone on for a few hundred more pages and I would have been perfectly fine reading it all.

When I saw that Isobel is a cheerleader, I thought I was not going to like her. I tend to not like the typical cheerleaders most authors write about. This was not at all the case. I loved Isobel's character. She wasn't an airheaded bimbo, but more of a normal girl. She was a great leading character. Varen I thought was weird for a little while (which is weird cause I normally love the goth boys in books) but I eventually fell in love with him. Didn't take long actually, but it wasn't an instant thing. Best character by far though was Gwen. Gwen brought in most of the humor and was the perfect addition to the complicated life Isobel is having.

Even though the book is 543 pages long, you can't help but be dissapointed in the ending. Stupid cliff hangers!!!! Worst part? Kelly Creagh isn't even finished writing the next book!!!! AHHH!!!!!! At least that is what it said on her website. So Kelly, hurry and finish the book!!!!

My rating: 10/10!
There isn't a single thing I can think of that I would change, so it gets a 10!

Favorite Quote from Nevermore: "...And don't look so worried. It's been my experience that the spooky ones usually know what they're doing." Gwen winked, then with a hand cupped around her mouth like a megaphone, called, "And they'll only bite you if you let them!" ----Gwen, pg 254

Book blog hop and follow!

 Book blogger hop is hosted by Crazy for books 

This weeks question is: "How do you spread the word about your blog?
(e.g. Social Networking sites, Book Blog Directories, comments on other blogs...)"
My answer: I started blogging because a few of my friends were already blogging and I went with them to a author interview. I decided that I read so much anyways, I should start writing reviews and get my thoughts out there. But from there I had no idea where to go and get followers. After awhile I found the hop/follow, then a few other book related sites. Got the word out that way. Comment, comment, comment on other blogs. Really can't stress that one enough. I also go to lots of author signings and chit chat with fellow book fans there. Spread the word around with the other bloggers. I always love meeting other bloggers at book signings.

Follow friday is hosted over at Parajunkee

To join the fun and make now book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:


*Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Host { Parajunkee.com } and any one else you want to follow on the list
*Follow our Featured Bloggers - http://www.bookswithbite.net/
*Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing.
*Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say hi in your comments
*Follow Follow Follow as many as you can
*If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love...and the followers
*If you want to show the link list, just follow the link below the entries and copy and paste it within your post!
*If your new to the follow friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!

Waiting on Wednesday (12)

WoW is a weekly meme hosted over at Breaking the Spine.

Entwined by Heather Dixon

published by Greenwillow books

Genre: YA

Release date: March 29, 2011

What it's about:
Azalea and her younger sisters dance in the mysterious silver forest every night, escaping from the sadness of the palace and their father’s grief. What they don’t understand—although as time passes they begin to get an inkling of the danger they are in—is that the mysterious and dashing Keeper is tightening his snare with deadly purpose. Luckily, Azalea is brave and steadfast. Luckily, a handsome young army captain also has his eye on Azalea. . . . Lush, romantic, and compelling, this debut novel by Heather Dixon will thrill fans of Shannon Hale, Robin McKinley, and Edith Pattou

Why?
Look how pretty the cover is! I've already fallen in love with it. Plus it's going to be a romance. I'm already really excited to read it.

Review: First drop of crimson

First Drop of Crimson by Jeaniene Frost

published by Avon

$7.99 (paperback)

Genre: Adult Paranormal

371 pages

FTC: I will not be compensated for this review.

What it's about:

The night is not safe for mortals. Denise MacGregor knows all too well what lurks in the shadows - her best friend is half-vampire Cat Crawfield - and she has already lost more than the average human could bear. But her family's dark past is wrapped in secrets and shrouded in darkness - and a demon shapeshifter has marked Denise as prey. Now her survival depends on an immortal who craves a taste of her.

He is Spade, a powerful, mysterious vampire who has walked the earth for centuries and is now duty-bound to protect this endangered, alluring human - even if it means destroying his own kind. Denise may arouse his deepest hungers, but Spade knows he must fight his urge to have her as they face the demon nightmare together...
Because once the first drop of crimson falls, they will both be lost.
 
My thoughts:
I adore Jeaniene Frost books. I'm sad that it took me so long to finally read this book. While it wasn't as good as the Cat and Bone books, it was still good.

I always really liked Denise whenever she showed up in Cat's stories, so I was pretty excited for her to have a book of her own. The same goes towards Spade. The only problem was that they didn't seem fully developed. Jeaniene could have done a lot with the both of them if she didn't have to do their whole story in just one book. It sort of felt rushed, especially at the end. I wouldn't have minded it being a little longer and to have had more detail.

This review is going to stay pretty short cause I don't have a whole lot to say about it. The main thing is that you can't really read this as a stand alone. You really have to have read at least the first three books in the Night Huntress series in order to understand what was going on in a lot of this book. Denise is haunted by the events that take place in At Grave's End. There are lots of references to what happens in that book, so if you don't want that ruined for you as well, don't read FDOC first.

 If you're a fan of Jeaniene Frost, READ THIS BOOK! I have a feeling that the events in this book will managed to make it into Cat and Bones' story at some point. Plus it was cute. Yes, cute. Jeaniene frost managed to turn her vampires into a cute story. That's okay though cause I like cute vampires. haha

My rating: 9/10

Book of the Week (12)

Book of the Week (12)

BotW is a weekly thing I do in order to give more attention to a book I think deserves it.

The Book of Awesome by Neil Pasricha

published by Amy Einhorn Books/Putnam

$22.95 (hardback)

400 pages

What it's about:
Based on the award-winning 10-million-plus-hit blog 1000awesomethings.com, The Book of Awesome is a high five for humanity and a big celebration of life's little moments:



• Popping Bubble Wrap


• Wearing underwear just out of the dryer


• Fixing electronics by smacking them


• Getting called up to the dinner buffet first at a wedding


• Watching The Price Is Right when you're home sick


• Hitting a bunch of green lights in a row


• Waking up and realizing it's Saturday


Sometimes it's easy to forget the things that make us smile. With a 24/7 news cycle reporting that the polar ice caps are melting, hurricanes are swirling in the seas, wars are heating up around the world, and the job market is in a deep freeze, it's tempting to feel that the world is falling apart. But awesome things are all around us-sometimes we just need someone to point them out.


The Book of Awesome reminds us that the best things in life are free (yes, your grandma was right). With laugh-out-loud observations from award- winning comedy writer Neil Pasricha, The Book of Awesome is filled with smile-inducing moments on every page that make you feel like a kid looking at the world for the first time. Read it and you'll remember all the things there are to feel good about.


The Book of Awesome reminds us of all the little things that we often overlook but that make us smile. With touching, warm, and funny observations, each entry ends with the big booming feeling you'll get when you read through them: AWESOME!

Why?
My sister reads this guys website all the time, and shared a lot of the posts with me. I then went out and got her the book the day it came out and we spent a few hours laughing and crying over the pages. Every post has a different feel. Most are really funny but some are so sweet that I was crying by the end. I never would have thought of some of the awesome stuff he comes up with but it's always true.

If you don't want to spend $23 on his book, at least hit up his website. You won't regret it. Here's the link: AWESOME!

WINNERS of my giveaway!!!

Wow it has been one year since I started blogging. It just seems crazy to me! It's been a good year though. Okay, so the winner of the signed books and bookmarks is...................................


Beverly S!


Winner of a set of signed bookmarks is Michelle G.

Congrats on winning. I have emailed you both. Please get back to me before Tuesday. If I have not heard back by then I'll pick a new winner and announce that on Wednesday.

Blog hop and follow!

Blogger hop is hosted over at Crazy for books

This weeks question: When you write reviews, do you write them as you are reading or wait until you have read the entire book?
My Answer: This actually depends. Most of the time I wait until after I've finished the book. Some times it even takes me until a week or two after I've finished it. I try to avoid that but sometimes I'm lazy and don't feel like writing reviews. The only time I write it while I'm reading the book is if there is something I know I want in the review and I want to write it before I forget it.


Follow friday is hosted over at parajunkee 

To join the fun and make now book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:

1)Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Host { Parajunkee.com } and any one else you want to follow on the list

2)Follow our Featured Bloggers - http://bookcouture.blogspot.com/

3)Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing.

4)Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say hi in your comments

5)Follow Follow Follow as many as you can

6)If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love...and the followers

7)If you want to show the link list, just follow the link below the entries and copy and paste it within your post!

8)If your new to the follow friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!

Make sure you sign up for my giveaway!!!!!! Today (Friday Sep 24th) is the LAST DAY TO SIGN UP! Here is a link: Giveaway!

Also, if you decide to follow my blog, make sure to leave a comment and leave a URL to your blog and I'll make sure to follow back :)

Review: Shade

Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready

published by Simon Pulse

Genre: YA paranormal

$16.99 (hardcover)

309 pages

FTC: I borrowed this book from a friend. I will not be compensated for this review.

What it's about:

Best. Birthday. Ever. At least, it was supposed to be. With Logan's band playing a critical gig and Aura's plans for an intimate after-party, Aura knows it will be the most memorable night of her boyfriend's life. She never thought it would be his last.

Logan's sudden death leaves Aura devastated. He's gone.

Well, sort of.

Like everyone born after the Shift, Aura can see and hear ghosts. This mysterious ability has always been annoying, and Aura had wanted nothing more than to figure out why the Shift happened so she can undo it. But not with Logan's violet-hued spirit still hanging around. Because dead Logan is almost as real as ever. Almost.

It doesn't help that Aura's new friend Zachary is so understanding--and so very alive. His support means more to Aura than she cares to admit.

As Aura's relationships with the dead and the living grow ever complicated, so do her feelings for Logan and Zachary. Each holds a piece of Aura's heart...and clues to the secret of the Shift.

My thoughts:

Short Answer is that I liked it.

What I really liked about this book was that everyone under the age of 16 had the gift of seeing the dead. It wasn't just main girl who had the power and therefore the book was not focused on her freaking out about seeing the dead. It focused on the death of her boyfriend and trying to move on past it. I liked that much better.

As for the guys in the book? I can't say I was a huge fan of Logan. Sure he was hott, but his drama queen acting was a little annoying. Even though I did not fall in love with Logan's character, I got into the book enough that I found myself crying at a few parts that involved him. Zach on the other hand? I LOVED his character! Tall, dark, and handsome, then add in a Scottish accent and good taste in music? I fell in love with that character the very second he was introduced.

Speaking of music, the book talked a lot about a few bands that I really love. One being Flogging Molly. To make it even better, they talked about my all time favorite song of theirs, Devil's Dance Floor. This made me love the book even more.

There were some confusing parts about the book and a few odd moments, but overall it was really good. The ending came a little too fast, but there is going to be another book so some of the unanswered questions will hopefully be answered.

my rating: 9/10

If it can get me to cry, apparently I got pretty into it and therefore I liked it :)

Here is a youtube link to Devil's Dance Floor by Flogging Molly. Figured I'd share it. Sorry it doesn't completely fit on the blog. Youtube is making their videos too big now.

Review: I kissed a zombie and I liked it

I Kissed a Zombie and I Liked It by Adam Selzer

published by Delacorte Books

$7.99 (paperback)

Genre: YA

177 pages

FTC: I borrowed this from the library. I will not be compensated for this review.

What it's about:
Algonquin “Alley” Rhodes, the high school newspaper’s music critic, meets an intriguing singer, Doug, while reviewing a gig. He’s a weird-looking guy—goth, but he seems sincere about it, like maybe he was into it back before it was cool. She introduces herself after the set, asking if he lives in Cornersville, and he replies, in his slow, quiet murmur, “Well, I don’t really live there, exactly. . . .”

When Alley and Doug start dating, Alley is falling so hard she doesn’t notice a few odd signs: he never changes clothes, his head is a funny shape, and he says practically nothing out loud. Finally Marie, the school paper’s fashion editor, points out the obvious: Doug isn’t just a really sincere goth. He’s a zombie. Horrified that her feelings could have allowed her to overlook such a flaw, Alley breaks up with Doug, but learns that zombies are awfully hard to get rid of—at the same time she learns that vampires, a group as tightly-knit as the mafia, don’t think much of music critics who make fun of vampires in reviews. . . .

My thoughts:
Honestly, I read this book because of the title and the cover. I love both (does the girl remind anyone else of Emma Watson?)
Because the book is only 177 pages, it goes through everything really fast. That actually worked for this story. This was definitely a spoof book so it didn't need to go fully in depth.
Everything in this book is outrageously over done. The main character goes by Gonk, so that should be saying something. Vampires are very real in this world and are very very emo. By the end of the book, I couldn't help but feel like Selzer was lecturing the reader. It kinda felt like he was targeting people who would like a vampire boyfriend and then calling them an idiot.
That being said, it was a cute little book. Would I recommend this book to people? Probably not. If you have an hour or two to kill with nothing else to read. Go for it. Read this book. I just wouldn't put it high on a TBR pile.

My rating: 7/10

Wizarding World of Harry Potter

I'm back from Florida! It was so amazing at the theme parks. I always love going to Orlando. I'm still trying to get over Jet Lag though.

Entrance to Hogsmead. I got teary eyed the first time I walked through that. I was so excited!

This section of Islands of Adventure is a Harry Potter nerds dream come true. I won't give everything away that they do, but they honestly thought of everything a fan could ever wish to see.

Hogwarts. The coolest ride ever is in there. This is right before the entrance.

I'll give away one spoiler. That's the Monster Book of Monsters. This thing moves around the cage, growling and spitting all over the place. It scared the crap out of a lot of kids when they got close up to it. I couldn't get over how amazing it was!!


If you're going to WWOHP you HAVE to get butterbeer! I bought 3 glasses of it in the days I was there. Sitting at the bar in Hogs Head drinking butterbeer was beyond amazing. My dad is trying to make his own now. hahaha. We'll have to see how that one goes.

I got to be in the audience for Family Feud one day!! It's episodes 123 and 124. There is a new host now as well. Steve Harvey. He was soooo funny! He kept making fun of the dumb answers the families were saying during the commercial breaks. They also had us dancing to some very weird music during the breaks as well. One of which was disco. I think I've used up all my clapping for the rest of my life though. hahaha.

Some other cool stuff that happened on the trip besides all the parks was yesterday coming home. When were were waiting in LAX for our next flight home, Dyland and Cole Sprouse walked right past me. Cole even bumped into me. I was giggling my butt off  (that confused my dad cause he had no idea who they are). Also when I was walking to the bathroom, I bumped into Troian Avery Bellisario!! Yup, she plays Spencer in Pretty Little Liars. She was also in the episode of NCIS I had watched the night before.

This trip was amazing!!!! I bought lots of stuff, saw lots of cool people, did new things. It was great!

My giveaway!

It's already the middle of September! There isn't much time left on my blogaversary/ 100+ followers giveaway. If you haven't entered already, go do it!

I'm giving away...

Signed copy of Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

Signed copy of Jealousy by Lili St.Crow

Signed bookmarks from Stacey Kade and Lisa Schroeder

Mockingjay bookmark

Here is the original link to the giveaway. Post comments in that post please :)

Giveaway Post!!!!

Review: 13 to Life

13 To Life by Shannon Delany

published by St. Martin's Griffin.

$9.99 (paperback)

Genre: YA

308 pages

FTC: I will not be compensated for this review.

What it's about:

Something strange is stalking the small town of Junction…

When junior Jess Gillmansen gets called out of class by Guidance, she can only presume it’s for one of two reasons. Either they’ve finally figured out who wrote the scathing anti-jock editorial in the school newspaper or they’re hosting yet another intervention for her about her mom. Although far from expecting it, she’s relieved to discover Guidance just wants her to show a new student around—but he comes with issues of his own including a police escort.

The newest member of Junction High, Pietr Rusakova has secrets to hide--secrets that will bring big trouble to the small town of Junction—secrets including dramatic changes he’s undergoing that will surely end his life early.

My thoughts:
This is going to be another hard book to explain my thoughts on. I really liked it but can't tell you why. It's probably due to the fact that I really liked Pietr.

One thing that I wish the back of the book didn't say was that it is about werewolves. Because you know this from the beginning, everything that happens isn't all that shocking. You're waiting for Jess to catch up and learn everything so it takes some of the fun out of it. I would have liked for it to be a mystery. It takes Jess forever to learn what's going on. Like Jess says in the book, she is TDTD (too dumb to date). It is very true. Jess is a very awkward person. While she did do some pretty stupid things, like how she handles the whole Sarah situation (I really wanted to slap some sense into Jess for that whole thing), I did like how she did everything else. How she steps up when no one else will, and how she reacts to most situations. I think me and Jess are going to have a love hate relationship. It'll be interesting to see her character grow.

This is a first in a series. The ending will have you begging for the next book in the series. BUT you'll have to wait till Feb 15, 2011 for the next book.

My rating: 8/10

Waiting on Wednesday (11)

Waiting on Wednesday (11)

WoW is a weekly meme hosted over at breaking the spine.

Pale Demon by Kim Harrison

published by Eos

Genre: adult paranormal

432 pages

Release date: Feb 22 2011

What it's about:
Condemned to death for black magic and shunned, Rachel Morgan has three days to somehow get to the annual witches convention in San Francisco and clear her name. If she fails, the only way she can escape death is to live in the demonic ever after . . . for ever after.
Banned from the flight lists, Rachel teams up with elven tycoon Trent Kalamack, headed for the West Coast for her own mysterious business. But Rachel isn’t the only passanger along for the ride. Can a witch, an elf, a living vampire, and a pixy in one car survive for over 2,300 miles? And that’s not counting the assassin on their tail.

A fearsome demon walks the sunlight, freed after centuries of torment to slay the innocent and devour souls. But his ultimate prey is Rachel Morgan. While the powerful witch with nerves of steel will do whatever it takes to stay alive, even embracing her own demonic nature may not be enough to save her.


Why?
So a witch, an elf, a vampire, and a pixy get in a car.... yeah I think the plot in this upcoming Hollows book sounds like a good joke. My love of all things Kim Harrison is very well known. Waiting for these books just about kills me.

Top 5 favorite Universal Studios characters

I'm going to be spending lots of time at both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure this week. Thought I'd post about my favorite characters from both those parks. (Harry Potter casts will not be included. It's too obvious).

Spiderman:
He's my favorite comicbook guy. Right up there with Batman. He's a nerd and I love nerds!!

The Simpsons:
Who doesn't love the Simpsons? What's even cooler is the creater is from Oregon! Yup. My home state. Lots of the character names and places come from Oregon things. Way too cool.

Rick O'Connell from the Mummy
I adore this movie. Rick is such a fun character. He's funny, hott, smart, tough, and sweet all in one. Awesome!

The Cat in the Hat
I used to read this to my babysitting kids all the time. I like doing the voices for the book. It's fun.

Popeye
This guy cracks me up. Best reason to love a cartoon.

Top 5 favorite Disney Characters

Because I'm in Disney World this week, I've decided to try and decide who are my top five favorite Disney characters. This was really hard but I finally decided and here they are!

Donald Duck:
Ohhh how I love Donald duck!! Me and Donald have lots in common. We have both had speech problems, we both have short tempers, and I tend to be friends with goofy people too. Donald will always be my favorite Disney character

Roger Rabbit:
He is so adorable. How can you not love him? "Dear Jessica, how I love thee. Let me count the ways. 1 1,000. 2 1,000. 3 1,000"

Cheshire Cat:

I love this guy so much I have a tattoo of him. He's crazy, he's awkward, he stands on his head. Yet he always shows up when you need him. Awww.

Aladdin:

He's my favorite Disney "prince." He's so sweet! I just want to give him a hug and make everything better for him.

Winnie the Pooh:

Fluffy!! Winnie the Pooh is the best.

It was so hard to pick just five. Here are others I debated over.

Mulan

Snow White

Peter Pan

Goofy

Review: Glimmerglass

Glimmerglass by Jenna Black

published by St. Martins Griffin

Genre: YA

294 pages

FTC: I bought this book and will not be compensated for this review.

What it's about:
Dana Hathaway doesn’t know it yet, but she’s in big trouble. When her alcoholic mom shows up at her voice recital drunk, Dana decides she’s had it with being her mother’s keeper, so she packs her bags and heads to stay with her mysterious father in Avalon: the only place on Earth where the regular, everyday world and the magical world of Faerie intersect. But from the moment Dana sets foot in Avalon, everything goes wrong, for it turns out she isn't just an ordinary teenage girl—she's a Faeriewalker, a rare individual who can travel between both worlds, and who can bring magic into the human world and technology into Faerie.

Soon, she finds herself tangled up in a cutthroat game of Fae politics. Someone's trying to kill her, and everyone wants something from her, even her newfound friends and family. Suddenly, life with her alcoholic mom doesn't sound half bad, and Dana would do anything to escape Avalon and get back home. Too bad both her friends and her enemies alike are determined not to let her go . . .


My thoughts:
This is going to be a complicated review to write because I can't really explain why I liked this book. Most of the characters aren't that great, the plot can be a bit confusing, and not a whole lot happens. Yet, I really enjoyed this book.
Poor Dana, she has a mother who's a drunk, a father she's never met, and she never lives in one place for very long. I think she was why I liked the book. Dana is a girl who all she wants is a strong parent in her life but when she goes to find one, everything falls apart. One bad thing after the other happens to her and you can't help but feel sorry for her and want something good to happen for her. I liked watching her character grow and to see how she was going to handle everything. I liked the choices she made and how she was trying to make her life better.
This is a first book in a series so everything is just being set up. The next book should be pretty good as well. I'll keep going with the series.

My rating: 9/10

Waiting on Wednesday (10)

Waiting on Wednesday (10)

WoW is a weekly meme hosted over at Breaking the Spine.

This Side of the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

Published by Avon

Genre: Adult paranormal romance

384 pages

Release date: Feb 22 2011

What it's about:
Danger waits on both sides of the grave…

Half-vampire Cat Crawfield and her vampire husband Bones have fought for their lives, as well as for their relationship. But just when they’ve triumphed over the latest battle, Cat’s new and unexpected abilities threaten to upset a long-standing balance…

With the mysterious disappearance of vampires, rumors abound that a species war is brewing. A zealot is inciting tensions between the vampires and ghouls, and if these two powerful groups clash, innocent mortals could become collateral damage. Now Cat and Bones are forced to seek help from a dangerous “ally”—the ghoul queen of New Orleans herself. But the price of her assistance may prove more treacherous than even the threat of a supernatural war. …to say nothing of the repercussions Cat never imagined.

Why?
I love this series!! I can't believe that we have to wait for 1 1/2 years for the next book in the Night Huntress series. I need more of Cat and Bones!

Review: Clockwork Angel

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

published by Margaret K. McElderry

$19.99 (hardback)

Genre: Ya

479 pages

FTC: This is my book, blah blah blah, not receiving compensation for this review.

What it's about:
Magic is dangerous—but love is more dangerous still.


When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by—and torn between—two best friends: Jem, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length...everyone, that is, but Tessa.

As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world...and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.
 
My thoughts:
Cassandra Clare writes the best hott, arrogant, tortured boys ever! Everytime I open up a Cassandra Clare book, I know that there are going to be shadowhunters, hott guys, and a great plot. So far I've loved all of her books.
 
I read lots of reviews for this book before reading it, so I had very high hopes for this book. While I did not like it as much as the MI books, I still loved it. It started out really strong, slowed down a bit, but then the action picked right back up and I was hooked!
I don't want to say a whole lot about this book because I have a feeling I will talk about spoilers. So my very short review is simply this:
I loved the book! It's not as good as the MI books but it is still fantastic. The cliff hanger ending totally sucks and I'm dying to read the rest! Think I'm going to be Team Will. Plus, I <3 Magnus.
 
My rating: 10/10
 
p.s. this is the best cover CC cover by far.

In my mailbox

In my mailbox is a weekly meme hosted over at the Story Siren.

August 31st was a great day for book releases. I couldn't help myself. I bought losts of books.

What I got:

Halo by Alexandra Adornetto

*Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
Nevermore by Kelly Creagh
Rampant by Diana Peterfreund
Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel
 
I've already read Clockwork Angel so the review should be coming soon.

Orlando Florida Vacation

Today I'm leaving for Orlando Florida!! I know I've already talked about this in my Book of the Week post, but I figured I'd give it it's own post as well. My parents are taking me and one of my bff's and fellow book blogger Sarah from Books are my best friends. We leave tonight and come back on the 19th. This will be my 3rd time going to Orlando. The reason we're going again is...

yeah. I'm going all the way across the country to go to this!! Orlando is supposed to be stormy and gross most of the time I'm there. Hmm let's hope this isn't completely true.

While I'm gone, I plan on keeping up with my reading. I hope to finish...

 Kingdom Keepers by Ridley Pearson

I find this very appropriate for this trip. hahah.
Link to it's goodreads page: Kingdom Keepers

Infinite Days by Rebecca maizel.
Link to it's goodreads page: Infinite Days

Rampant by Diana Peterfreund
Goodreads page: Rampant

Sarah's bringing a bunch of books too, so if I happen to finish these I have more to pick from. yay!

I've been creating posts to have going while I'm gone. Some I will not be doing like Friday Hop and Book of the week. I don't think I will really have acess to internet while I'm gone so those will not be going.

ARC Review: The Frenzy

The Frenzy by Francesca Lia Block

published by Harper Teen

$16.99 (hardback)

Genre: YA

272 pages

Release date: Sep 28, 2010

FTC: I received this from the publisher. I will not be compensated for this review.

What it's about:

Something terrifying happened to Live when she was thirteen. Something that changed everything, that made her...different. Now the only time she truly feels like herself is when she's with her boyfriend, Corey, and in the woods that surrounded ehr town. But danger lurks in the woods, too--and secrets Liv cannot begin to imagine.

In the luminous hands of acclaimed writer Francesca Lia Block, werewolves take on a chilling new life, and love is as fleeting as a full moon.

my thoughts:

Short answer: I didn't like it.

Why?

The writing wasn't very good. Block kept repeating herself over and over again. The reader learns about what happens to Liv when she was 13 about 45 million times. It is constantly mentioned and retold about what happens. She should have trusted that the reader would remember what happened. It also felt like Block was trying to make everything sound mysterious about what was going on, but it all came off so obvious that it sort of ruined the feel of the book.
There was obviously a lot of ideas about what Block wanted to do with this story. You can almost hear her going "I want this book to be about werewolves, I also want some type of mystery with the family, and there needs to be ghosts! yeah, ghosts!" There was really two story lines going on in this book, and that got a little weird. There was some good ideas, but the book was wayyyyyy too short to pull them off, so it was just awkward.
I did read an ARC copy of the book, so some of these things (along with the many typos) could be fixed before the book is released.

My rating: 5/10

Book of the Week (11) and vacation info

Book of the Week (11)

Normally this is a weekly thing I do to give a book more attention. Because this week I'm doing all the Harry Potter books, they couldn't possibly get any more attention. So why am I doing Harry Potter? Cause tomorrow I leave for Orlando Florida to go to the Harry Potter theme park!!!!!!!!

I'll be gone from the 6th through the 19th. I'm writing lots of posts so the blog won't be sitting still for two weeks. I probably won't have much internet access while gone, so I won't be able to answer to comments and emails till I get back.

Top 10 favorite girls in books

A while back I did my favorite 10 boyfriends in books (can be found here). Now it's time to talk about my favorite leading ladies!
These will be in no order. Just whatever came to my head first.

1. Rose from Vampire Academy
She is one of the strongest leading ladies ever. I absolutely love it. She's not an idiot in anyway. She never really makes stupid choices, she's loyal beyond belief, and she kicks butt. Yes she does have anger issues, but living her life, how could you not?

2. Clarey from Mortal Instruments
Clarey never takes no for an answer. She's emotional and she never really thinks before she acts. That is actually a good thing in her case. Clarey knows what she wants and goes for it.

3. Katniss from Hunger Games
Katniss goes into the hunger games to save her sister. If that doesn't make someone completely awesome, I don't know what does.

4. Hermione from Harry Potter
She's Hermione! What isn't awesome about her?

5. Cat from Night Huntress
Half human, half vampire, Cat can kick your ass. She lives in both worlds and has the best of both of them. Vampire speed and strength, human appetite and emotions. She can be an idiot sometimes (like leaving Bones for 4 years, what's up with that???) but she does what she thinks is right.

6. Rachel from the Hollows
Rachel seems to get herself into all kinds of trouble. Always doing what she really shouldn't be doing. Yet you can't help but love her. She followers her heart and not her head.

7.Claire from Morganville Vampires
Claire is insanely smart. She goes to college at a very young age and is smarter than almost everyone there. Everyone in Morganville is scared of vampires, but Claire comes along and after a few short months, she has the vampires wrapped around her finger and is practically running the town. There really isn't anything that girl can't do.

8.Tatiana from the Bronze Horseman
Tatiana risks everything for the person she loves. She manages to survive winter in Leningrad during WWII, sneaking into America, breaking her husband out of a German POW camp, and then surviving all the crap that comes after that. She's one tough girl.

9.Annabeth from Percy Jackson
Intelligent, strong, and brave. She goes through a lot being friends with Percy and she comes out on top.

10. Grace from Shiver
I don't know why I love her so much, I just do.


Runners up:
Eugenie from the Dark Swan series
Madison from the Madison Avery series
Kendra from Fablehaven

Who is everyones favorite females? Have a post about it? Post the link! I'd love to read who were your picks.

Book blogger hop and follow!

Follow friday is hosted over at Parajunkee 

To join the fun and make now book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:

Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Host { Parajunkee.com } and any one else you want to follow on the list

Follow our Featured Bloggers - http://candacesreadingblog.blogspot.com

Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing.

Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say hi in your comments

Follow Follow Follow as many as you can

If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love...and the followers

If you want to show the link list, just follow the link below the entries and copy and paste it within your post!

If your new to the follow friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!

Blog Hop is hosted over at Crazy for books 

This weeks question is: Do you judge a book by its cover?

 

My answer: Not all the time, but most of the time yes. A cover can say a lot about a  book. Does it have lots of blood and angry people on the cover? Most likely a vampire book. Does it have a hunky guy holding a woman with her boobs popping out of her dress while standing on a pirate ship? Then it's probably a romance. I know what book genres I like/dislike and can mostly tell by the cover what type it is and to stay away or not. Then sometimes covers catch my attention and I know I just have to read the book. I do not tend to look at a boring cover and skip it just because of that but I am more likely to pick up a cover that caught my attention.

 

Make sure to leave your blog url in your comment if you are following me so I can make sure to follow you back!

 

Also I have my Blogaversary/100+ followers giveaway going on through Sep 24th. I'm giving away signed copies of Spirit Bound and Jealousy along with some signed bookmarks. It's really easy to enter. Just leave a comment on that page! Here is the link: Giveaway!!!

Waiting on Wednesday (9)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the spine.

The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong

published by Harper Teen

Release date: April 15th 2011

What it's about:

Maya lives in a small medical-research town on Vancouver Island. How small? You can’t find it on the map. It has less than two-hundred people, and her school has only sixty-eight students—for every grade from kindergarten to twelve.

Now, strange things are happening in this claustrophobic town, and Maya's determined to get to the bottom of them. First, the captain of the swim team drowns mysteriously in the middle of a calm lake. A year later, mountain lions start appearing around Maya's home, and they won’t go away. Her best friend, Daniel, starts getting negative vibes from certain people and things. It doesn't help that the new bad boy in town, Rafe, has a dangerous secret—and he's interested in one special part of Maya's anatomy: Her paw-print birthmark.

Why?
I read the first two chapters of this book a while ago when Harper had it posted. It was fantastic! Plus it's another part of the Darkest Powers series. I loved the first set of Darkest Powers books, now I can't wait for the new ones!