REVIEW {35} This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen

THIS LULLABY

SERIES: Stand Alone

AUTHOR: Sarah Dessen

PUBLICATION INFORMATION: March 8th 2004 by Speak

EDITION: Paperback; 345 pages

ACQUISION: Purchased

CATEGORIES: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance, 4 Star Rating, Speak, Review, Sarah Dessen

RATING: 4.00/5.00 | GOODREADS RATING: 4.07/5.00

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WHAT IT'S ABOUT: She's got it all figured out.

Or does she? When it comes to relationships, Remy's got a whole set of rules.

Never get too serious. Never let him break your heart. And never, ever date a musician.

But then Remy meets Dexter, and the rules don't seem to apply anymore.

Could it be that she's starting to understand what all those love songs are about?

MY THOUGHTS: There is something about a Sarah Dessen novel that just keeps me coming back for more! I don't read very much contemporary romance, but when I do get in the mood for a good love story, I find myself reaching for a Sarah Dessen novel because her characters are so real, so flawed and imperfect, that you can't help but love them!

I instantly loved Remy's character, and was completely smitten with Dexter! I will admit that I was annoyed with how long it took Remy to realize that Dexter is completely amaze-balls, but she did, eventually, and everything was right in the world again!

I could definitely relate to the whole band scene too, and loved how passionate the boys in Truth Squad are about their music - doing whatever was needed to make money to succeed. 

Another great element is Remy's group of friends. They really remind me of the girls on the Carrie Diaries. I wish I had a group of friends like these when I was in high school!

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who loves contemporary romance and just an all around feel good story without a perfect heroine thrown at you. I'm a Dessen fan for life!

SIMILAR READS: Bloom by Elizabeth Scott | When it Happens by Susane Colasanti | Second Helpings (Jessica Darling #2) by Megan McCafferty | The Nature of Jade by Deb Caletti | It's Not Summer Without You (Summer #2) by Jenny Han | Going too Far by Jennifer Echols

Happy Reading!

Laura

REVIEW {32} RETRO REVIEW {6} The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS

SERIES: Fire and Thorns #1 | OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES: The Shadow Cats #0.5; The Shattered Mountain #0.6; Crown of Embers #2; Bitter Kingdom #3

AUTHOR: Rae Carson

EDITION: Hardcover, 423 pages

PUBLISHED: September 20th 2011 by Greenwillow

ACQUISITION: Own; ebook

CATEGORIES: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Magic, Adventure, High Fantasy, Paranormal, War, Review, 4 Star Rating, Book 1 In Series, Greenwillow Publishing, The Girl of Fire and Thorns, Rae Carson, Fire and Thorns Series

RATING: 4.00/5.00 | GOODREADS RATING: 3.86/5.00

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WHAT IT'S ABOUT: Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness.

Elisa is the chosen one. 

But she is also the younger of two princesses, the one who has never done anything remarkable. She can't see how she ever will. 

Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king—a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.

And he's not the only one who seeks her. Savage enemies seething with dark magic are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people's savior. And he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake.

Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn’t die young.

Most of the chosen do.

MY THOUGHTS: This was my first foray into fantasy, and I was very hesitant to even give it a try. But when I stumbled upon it at the library, I decided, what the heck, let's get it. And I am so glad that I did, because I was not disappointed!

In one word, I found this book to be very unique. I can't think of any other book that I would compare it too; but again, at this point I hadn't read very much fantasy. I felt that the book started out a bit slow, and was slightly difficult for me to visualize Elisa's world; but once I finished Part 1 of the book, I realized that Part 2 really throws you into the meat of the book - and I was hooked!

One lovely thing about this book, is that it takes place in several different settings - all of which are unique in all aspects - landscape, inhabitants, purpose, and beliefs. Carson marvels at creating one unified world with these individual microcosms within it. When I wasn't reading the book, I was thinking about it. There really weren't any times where I knew what was going to happen - save for maybe one or two scenes. Otherwise, Carson kept you guessing until the end.

I really didn't like Elisa when the book first began. She was this helpless, almost dumb fat girl who at all the freaking time and never did anything worth mentioning in her life. Cut to Part 2 and I love Elisa. Love her to bits! She is the perfect heroine! She's smart, sassy, and steps up to the plate and fights for what is right. She's very selfless, never thinking about herself, and puts others ahead of herself.

King Alejandro also bothered me. He's pitiful and pathetic, but gains my respect by the end of the book. He likes to sit back and let others do his fighting and dirty work, and doesn't take an active role in his son, Prince Rosario's life. He also is in love with his mistress, Arina, and keeps his marriage to Elisa a secret.

Another amazingly wonderful character is Cosme. Cosme, who begins as a treacherous maid for Arina - doing her spying for her - despises Elisa. And in the end, it's safe to say that they are probably as close to best friends as two girls can become. She's smart and she's been hurt and betrayed so she puts on a frigid, icy front but it's to protect herself.

The issue that I had with the world building was that it had a very Spanish feel to it with the names and place names, but the description of the land being desert-like yet very hilly was making it a little difficult at first to connect everything together. I also thought that being a fantasy, the spiritual being would have a different name than "God", but this does use "God" as the spiritual being and every century he chooses one person to be a "bearer" meaning that they have a "Godstone" in their navel. They then are supposed to do something amazing, maybe even miraculous. So there was a pretty heavy religious tone to the story, which typically is not my cup of tea, but it was done in a unique way that didn't bother me at all. I think Carson handled the themes and tones of the book perfectly.

I also have to commend Carson on her ability to kill off characters. Holy heck is that a breath of fresh air! I haven't been so ticked off at an author for killing off characters since J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series! Yes, I said Ticked Off, but what I mean is, thank you! Thank you for not creating a picture-perfect book with the 'happily ever after'. Carson cares what her fans think and feel and want, but she also doesn't herself or her story in the meantime.

Carson did exactly what I love with the ending too - gave a lot of closure, but left enough open to make me want, need, crave more! It ended absolutely perfectly, and sets up the main theme (at least what I think the main theme is... ) for the rest of the series.

SIMILAR READS: The Assassin's Curse by Cassandra Rose Clarke | Froi of the Exiles by Melina Marchetta | Witchlanders by Lena Coakley | The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton | The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab 

Happy Reading!

REVIEW {31} RETRO REVIEW {5} Frostbite by Richelle Mead

FROSTBITE

SERIES: Vampire Academy #2 | OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES: Vampire Academy #1; Shadow Kiss #3; Blood Promise #4; Spirit Bound #5; and Last Sacrifice #6; SPIN-OFF SERIES: Bloodlines | BOOKS IN THE SERIES:Bloodlines #1; The Golden Lily #2; The Indigo Spell #3; The Fiery Heart #4

AUTHOR: Richelle Mead

PUBLISHED: April 10th 2008 by Razorbill

EDITION: Paperback, 327 pages

ACQUISITION: Library; Need to Own/Wishlist

CATEGORIES: Young Adult, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Magic, Vampires, Romance, Supernatural, Richelle Mead, Book 2 in Series, Vampire Academy Series, Razorbill, 4 Star Rating, Wishlist, Review, Retro Review

RATING: 4.00/5.00 | GOODREADS RATING: 4.37/5.00

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WHAT IT'S ABOUT: Rose loves Dimitri, Dimitri might love Tasha, and Mason would die to be with Rose... 

It’s winter break at St. Vladimir’s, but Rose is feeling anything but festive. A massive Strigoi attack has put the school on high alert, and now the Academy’s crawling with Guardians—including Rose’s hard-hitting mother, Janine Hathaway. And if hand-to-hand combat with her mom wasn’t bad enough, Rose’s tutor Dimitri has his eye on someone else, her friend Mason’s got a huge crush on her, and Rose keeps getting stuck in Lissa’s head while she’s making out with her boyfriend, Christian! The Strigoi are closing in, and the Academy’s not taking any risks... This year, St. Vlad’s annual holiday ski trip is mandatory. 

But the glittering winter landscape and the posh Idaho resort only create the illusion of safety. When three friends run away in an offensive move against the deadly Strigoi, Rose must join forces with Christian to rescue them. But heroism rarely comes without a price...

MY THOUGHTS: I really enjoyed Vampire Academy, and when people started telling me that Frostbite was even better, I was psyched to read it... which I did, immediately after finishing book one. The most appealing aspects of these novels are the incredibly abundant amounts of action, and the insane emotions you feel from Rose. Rose is such a complex character, even though you seem to get her at face value, and you think there's just maybe two sides to Rose, you then finish book two, and you are like, nope! Rose is Rose, regardless of who she's interacting with; but she handles situations so differently. Every reaction that Rose has is so emotionally charged, and when she's put to the test she always manages to kick butt! Everything about this book was addicting and delicious, and I can see myself adding the entire series to my personal library, and will be rereading these too, because the re-readability is very high.

The story line as well is so captivating, it literally grabs you and doesn't let go. I would literally find myself doing things with the book clutched in my hands - cooking dinner, cleaning the house, etc. I did not want to put it down. There are momens where I was literally shocked at what Rose was put through, and awed at how amazingly she handles things. If you haven't read this series, and you love vampires - you need to go get it right now. Like. Right. Now. Immediately. Go.

SIMILAR READS: Midnight Alley by Rachel Caine | Jealousy by Lili St. Crow | Vampire Academy: The Ultimate Guide by Michelle Rowen | Masquerade by Melissa de la Cruz | Stargazer by Claudia Gray

Happy Reading!

Review {26} Invisibility

AUTHOR(S): Andrea Cremer & David Levithan

SERIES: Stand-alone

PUBLICATION INFORMATION: 2013 by Philomel; 358 pages | Hardcover, 1st Edition

ACQUIRED: Own | Signed

LABELS: Young Adult, Romance, Paranormal, Magic, Spells & Curses, 4 Star Rating, Philomel Publishing, Autographed, Review

RATING: 4.00/5.00 | GOODREADS RATING: 3.63/5.00

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WHAT IT'S ABOUT: A magical romance between a boy cursed with invisibility and the one girl who can see him, by New York Times bestselling authors Andrea Cremer and David Levithan.

Stephen is used to invisibility. He was born that way. Invisible. Cursed.

Elizabeth sometimes wishes for invisibility. When you’re invisible, no one can hurt you. So when her mother decides to move the family to New York City, Elizabeth is thrilled. It’s easy to blend in there.

Then Stephen and Elizabeth meet. To Stephen’s amazement, she can see him. And to Elizabeth’s amazement, she wants him to be able to see her—all of her. But as the two become closer, an invisible world gets in their way—a world of grudges and misfortunes, spells and curses. And once they’re thrust into this world, Elizabeth and Stephen must decide how deep they’re going to go—because the answer could mean the difference between love and death.

From the critically acclaimed and bestselling authors Andrea Cremer, who wrote the Nigthshade series, and David Levithan, who wrote Every Day and co-wrote Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist with Rachel Cohen and Will Grayson, Will Grayson with John Green, as well as many other novels, comes a remarkable story about the unseen elements of attraction, the mortal risks of making yourself known, and the invisible desires that live within us all.

MY THOUGHTS: This was one of those books that I picked up, put back, and hemmed and hawed over because I wasn't completely sure if I wanted to buy it, or borrow from the library. In May I attended the Rochester Teen Book Fest and was able to sit in on a panel that was comprised of Andrea Cremer & David Levithan. They spoke about the book that they had decided to co-author, and Invisibility was my first experience of both authors (Even though I own book #1 of Cremer's Nightshade series).

After hearing Cremer & Lethivan answer questions pertaining to writing Invisibility, and listening in as they read from chapter 5 (Cremer reading as Elizabeth while Levithan gave voice to the invisible Stephen). I am so glad that I got to see these 2 authors together, because they have such an incredible connection, such life to them and a great sense of reality and kindness that I HAD to buy a copy of Invisibility then and there - and get it signed by both of them.

Invisibility didn't disappoint. While I didn't completely fall in love with either Elizabeth or Stephen's characters, I did adore Elizabeth's brother, Laurie. I will say that each character was a breath of fresh air, in that I cannot think of any other characters in previously read books that I'd compare them to. While I do have issues with the insta-love, I will say it was forgivable in this story, considering one part of the couple is invisible. You don't run into that everyday!

The story started out a bit slow, giving the characters time to tell us their stories before dumping them into a new situation with brand new challenges. I wasn't sure how paranormal the plot would get, other than the invisibility aspect. I was pleasantly surprised, though with how cursecasters, spellcasters, and spellseekers were introduced into the tale. Both well executed and entertaining, I loved reading about the history of the magic users and meeting Millie and Saul.

I don't love or hate how the book ended, and while there could very well be room for a sequel or spin off (which I'd quickly purchase without all of the indecisive inner debating) both author's seemed pretty content at leaving the story where it ended and not revisiting. Of course that can always change - so I'd welcome more chapters about these characters and story line. There are definitely ties left loose that would be interesting to see where they would continue/go with it.

It was also very interesting to see the theme of invisibility - whether physical or mental/emotional - engulf each of the characters in different ways. From past pains to future anticipations; I love the way both Cremer & Levithan write and tell their story (from what I recall, Levithan wrote odd chapters narrated from Stephen's POV starting at #1 while Cremer picks up the evens, Elizabeth's POV beginning with #2). When I mentioned the connection they had in person earlier on in my review, that tether continues to keep them paired up while alternating chapters, working separately and only communicating to ensure they both had the same end goal in mind.

I would freely recommend this book to any of Cremer's or Levithan's fans (old & new), or anyone who loves a good love story with the typical trials and tribulations trying to keep them apart; or even if you are looking to step slowly into the paranormal genre, this would be a great book for you.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR(S): Andrea Cremer and David Levithan met each other in Washington, DC, even though that’s not where they live. Andrea was pretty certain she wasn’t invisible, but David confirmed that fact by introducing her to some other writers, who were all able to see her.

Andrea’s novels include Nightshade, Wolfsbane, Bloodrose, Rift, and Rise. You can visit her at www.andreacremer.com and follow her on Twitter @andreacremer. She lives in New York City, quite visibly.

Before writing with Andrea, David had never written a novel with a one-word title. His novels include Every Day, Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist (written with Rachel Cohn), and Will Grayson, Will Grayson (written with John Green). You can visit David at www.davidlevithan.com and follow his lover’s dictionary on Twitter @loversdiction. He lives just outside New York City.

Happy Reading!

Laura

Review {14} My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

My Life Next Door

By: Huntley Fitzpatrick

Series: Standalone

Publication Information: June 14th 2012 by Dial Books for Young Readers

Acquisition: Borrowed/Library | Edition: Hardcover,

Categories: Young Adult, Contemporary Romance

Rating: 4.00/5.00 | Goodreads Rating: 4.15/5.00

'Sum-it-up Review': "An epic story of first love and  heartbreak, mixed with ample amounts of finding yourself and friendship fall outs  and finding your place in your family and the world."

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What the Back of the Book Says: The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, numerous, messy, affectionate. And every day from her balcony perch, seventeen-year-old Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them... until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs her terrace and changes everything. As the two fall fiercely in love, Jase's family makes Samantha one of their own. Then in an instant, the bottom drops out of her world and she is suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?

My Thoughts: This is the exact type of book that keeps me interested in contemporary romance. I do not read a lot of them, but when I do, they have to be incredible. My Life Next Door is incredible, and so much more! I easily connected to Samantha Reed, the main character, even though I think I connected to Jase Garrett and his menagerie of family members a little more. I absolutely HATED Samantha's mother, Grace, and her campaign manager-slash-boyfriend, Clay Tucker. Not only is Grace incredibly stuffy, materialistic, and way too concerned with appearances, but as events unfold later in the story, she becomes in my mind, a monster. With the help of Clay, who seems to lack any morals or concern for humankind. They are the type of people who will manipulate a situation - even when they are in the wrong - to benefit no one but themselves. Yeah, they're scum! 

What's wonderful about Fitzpatrick's writing, is that while Samantha remains the main character, each of the secondary characters go through their own transformations without the book losing focus or feeling lost. The topics that Fitzpatrick manages to cover - from Tim's drug and alcohol dependency, to Nan's cheating scandal, to Samantha's mother's run for the state Senate seat, each scenario is fully explored and deeply delved into. 

The world-building is wonderful as well. You feel like you've literally left your own town and got dropped right in the middle of Stony Bay, Connecticut. Like you've eaten breakfast at Breakfast Ahoy! Like you've spent an afternoon at the B&T or had ice cream at Doane's. Fitzpatrick's won me over with every aspect that I deem important in a work of fiction, and plan to read pretty much anything she'll be writing in the future.

There is nothing more amazing than a main character who begins as one person, goed through a transformation throughout the novel and emerges as a newer, better version of the person we met on page one. Samantha was lovable from the start, but put her through the hell she experiences with her mother, her new and consuming relationship with Jase, and her failing friendship with Nan, and the book ends with a strong, self-reliant, self-dependent girl who can take anything that is thrown at her with grace and ease. 

Final Thoughts: A book that starts out light and slowly heads into dark territory, My Life Next Door has everything that anyone can appreciate, no matter what your usual preferred genre. A must-read for anyone, regardless of age!

If You Liked This, Read This: Something Like Normal by Trish Doller | The Thing About the Truth by Lauren Barnholdt | Flirting in Italian by Lauren Henderson | Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry | A Midsummer's Nightmare by Kody Keplinger

About the Author: Huntley Fitzpatrick grew up dreamy and distracted in coastal Connecticut, attended Concord Academy and Yale. She flourished in a family of bookworms where everyone always had their nose in a book. She kept an exhaustively thorough journal which frightened her boyfriends but has proved very useful in her career as a writer. Her debut contemporary romance, My Life Next Door, was published in June 2012 by Penguin-Dial for Young Readers. Now she laughs with and eavesdrops on her six children who provide her with perspective and material. She is represented by the amazing Christina Hogrebe of the Jane Rotrosen Agency.

Review {12} Poison Princess by Kresley Cole

Poison Princess
Author: Kresley Cole
Series: The Arcana Chronicles #1
Publication Information: October 2nd 2012 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Edition: Kobo ebook, 384 pages
Acquisition: Own
Categories: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Sci-Fi, Post-Apocalyptic, Supernatural
Rating: 4.00/5.00 |  Goodreads Rating: 4.33/5.00
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What the Back of the Book Says

#1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole introduces The Arcana Chronicles, post-apocalyptic tales filled with riveting action, the dark mysticism of Tarot cards, and breathtaking romance.

She could save the world—or destroy it.

Sixteen year old Evangeline “Evie” Greene leads a charmed life, until she begins experiencing horrifying hallucinations. When an apocalyptic event decimates her Louisiana hometown, Evie realizes her hallucinations were actually visions of the future—and they’re still happening. Fighting for her life and desperate for answers, she must turn to her wrong-side-of-the-bayou classmate: Jack Deveaux.

But she can’t do either alone.

With his mile-long rap sheet, wicked grin, and bad attitude, Jack is like no boy Evie has ever known. Even though he once scorned her and everything she represented, he agrees to protect Evie on her quest. She knows she can’t totally depend on Jack. If he ever cast that wicked grin her way, could she possibly resist him?

Who can Evie trust?

As Jack and Evie race to find the source of her visions, they meet others who have gotten the same call. An ancient prophesy is being played out, and Evie is not the only one with special powers. A group of twenty-two teens has been chosen to reenact the ultimate battle between good and evil. But it’s not always clear who is on which side….

My Thoughts

I have been impatiently waiting for this book to release since earlier this year. I love anything to do with tarot cards, and have several decks myself. As a student of the tarot, I've always loved the stories that each card has to tell, and when I found out that Kresley Cole - whom I've never read before - was releasing a book based on the major arcana cards, I was beyond stoked! 

I found Cole to be an exceptional storyteller, however there were times that I found myself a bit lost. There is tons going on in this story between the apocalypse, Evie's visions and voices in her head, as well as the interactions between the characters in the book. I've read quite a few of the reviews up on Goodreads and some people complained that Evie's visions made some parts of the story confusing. I can easily see how this happened, however I was able to still follow the story line easily. The issue that I had with Evie's visions is that they were VERY cryptic. There were times I would read a scene, reread it, and still not fully understand. With tarot, this happens. Each and every person will read or interpret a card a different way, so I am just going to assume that these visions were Cole's own personal images and interpretations of the cards and how they wove into her story and characters. 

The characters were wonderful, each with their own voices and personalities. I wouldn't say that I loved Evie's character. I liked her well enough, there were times where I thought she was a whiny, irrational brat, but they were few and fleeting. By the end of the book I thought she was pretty kick ass with her powers, able to finally protect herself, and fight for her life. I'm curious to see how she develops in the remainder of the series. Jackson pissed me off a lot with how he tended to let his male parts think for him instead of his brain. Selena was cool in the supernatural, embracing her super powers kind of way, but other than that she seemed vindictive and conniving. Matthew annoyed the piss out of me with his awkwardness and cryptic ways of talking. His psychic abilities were pretty cool though. And Finn was okay, I really didn't like or dislike him. He's super cocky and like Jackson wants a girl in his bed. Arthur is also a very interesting character. He plays a small yet HUGE part. I do like how Cole interprets each card and developed them into characters. I had fun trying to guess which card each character was, and how Jackson will fit into all of this!

The world building was pretty incredible. I know I'm really into a book and that the author is amazing at world building when as I am reading the book, it's almost playing like a movie in my mind's eye. This happened for me through most of the book. To go from everyday life to a post apocalyptic landscape would be a huge shock for anyone - especially when most all of the women in the world perished, and Bagmen - aka Zombies - are swarming as are Slavers - aka men who enslave people and use women as "toys" - as well as militias that are forming. To deal with this along with lack of food, water, shelter, and gasoline add up to one incredible story.

As with any book that you end up really liking, Cole leaves us hanging at the end - wondering what's in store for the characters after Evie makes some realizations - including remembering bits of what her Grandmother told her as a girl (Spoiler:(highlight over to read) Including that only ONE card can survive. Therefore Evie has to kill ALL of the other major arcana cards/characters including those she's already met: Finn, Selena, and Matthew. Each kill earns her that cards "mark" tattooed on her arm. Cool!) that will make things incredibly different for book two!!

My Recommendation: If you love action packed, post apocalyptic tales woven with romantic tension, zombies, tarot and incredibly developed characters fighting to survive across a barren, danger filled landscape, then this one is for you!

If You Liked This Try: Dark Star by Bethany Frenette | Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter | Black City by Elizabeth Richards | Valkyrie Rising by Ingrid Paulson | Death and the Girl Next Door by Darynda Jones

Happy Reading!

Throwback Review {1} Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz

Blue Bloods
Author: Melissa de la Cruz
Series: Blue Bloods #1 | Other Books in the Series: Masquerade, Revelations,  The Van Alen Legacy, Keys to the Repository, Misguided Angel, Bloody Valentine, Lost in Time
Publication Info: April 25th 2006 by Hyperion
My Rating: 4 Stars
Categories: Young Adult, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Vampires, Paranormal Romance, Angels
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What the Back of the Book Says: When the Mayflower set sail in 1620, it carried on board the men and women who would shape America: Miles Standish; John Alden; Constance Hopkins. But some among the Pilgrims were not pure of heart; they were not escaping religious persecution. Indeed, they were not even human. They were vampires.The vampires assimilated quickly into the New World. Rising to levels of enormous power, wealth, and influence, they were the celebrated blue bloods of American society. 

The Blue Bloods vowed that their immortal status would remain a closely guarded secret. And they kept that secret for centuries. But now, in New York City, the secret is seeping out. Schuyler Van Alen is a sophomore at a prestigious private school. She prefers baggy, vintage clothes instead of the Prada and pearls worn by her classmates, and she lives with her reclusive grandmother in a dilapated mansion. Schuyler is a loner...and happy that way. Suddenly, when she turns fifteen, there is a visible mosaic of blue veins on her arm. She starts to crave raw food and she is having flashbacks to ancient times. Then a popular girl from her school is found dead... drained of all her blood. Schuyler doesn't know what to think, but she wants to find out the secrets the Blue Bloods are keeping. But is she herself in danger?

My Thoughts: This was the first series that I read that revolved around vampires after finishing Twilight. Out of all of the vampire-lit out there, I feel confident when I say that this is the most unique, interesting, engaging vampire series out there! The series focuses around Schuyler Van Alen who finds out that she is a 'blue blood' (aka - vampire). There are different kinds of vampires - Blue Bloods and Silver Bloods (the bad guys). Each blue blood has a human familiar which they feed off of, and develop a very intimate (sometimes sexual) relationship with. 

Schuyler is one of my favorite characters. She is beautiful and dresses very bohemian (I always think Olsen twins, lol) and spends her time with her BFF, Oliver Hazard-Perry. Schuyler lives with her grandmother, Cordelia, her mother is in a coma in the hospital and her father is deceased. As the book goes on, we are given snippets from when the Mayflower sailed across the Atlantic to America, and as the story weaves from past to present, we start to see that each character is a reincarnation of a previous person. It sounds crazy, and it gets confusing at times, but ultimately I think the concept is incredibly cool!

The first book was definitely not my favorite of the series. It starts out very Gossip Girl meets Vampire Diaries but while the wealth and glamour do continue into the rest of the books in the series - it isn't as heavy or focused on as much as it is in this first book.Once you read around those parts and digest the meat of the book, you'll fall in love with it just like I did!

I adore de la Cruz's writing style. It's easy to read, yet not very simplistic. It's a book that I'd read in a quiet place and not with the TV on in order to fully digest every word on each page. There are not many lulls or parts where I was bored - and I immediately bought the next two books in the series after finishing this one.

Review {8} Over You by Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus

Title: Over You

By: Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus

Published: August 21, 2012 by HarperTeen

Edition: Hardcover, 304 pages

Obtained: Library

Rating: 4 Stars - Highly Recommend

My Thoughts: My only other adventure with this set of authors was when I devoured my Barnes and Noble clearance edition of The Nanny Diaries. I was fully and happily submerged in the lives of Nanny and the X’s, and so when I saw that the duo was releasing a YA Contemporary-Romance, I snatched it up the second my eyes fell on the copy at my local library.

The thing about YA is that every author handles the topics differently. By which topics I mean drugs, sex, and rock-and-roll language. I look at YA as having different levels of age appropriate material. Most authors like to hover somewhere happily in the middle, where they can gently brush over the topics, implying what we all are thinking, but not getting into any nitty gritty dirtyFifty Shades type of deets. With more twenty-somethings (and beyond, considering I’ll be hitting the big 3-0 next year with absolutely no intentions of giving up my guilty pleasure) indulging in the world of YA Fiction, it comes as no surprise that sometimes we are looking for a bit more grit in our books. It’s great that Over You is able to fully immerse its characters into these relationships that are not the fluffy, let’s hold hands and skip down the street and kiss - but no tongues - when we are feeling frisky! Nope, we get great, well rounded characters here with Max, Zach, Ben, Bridget, Taylor, and Phoebe. 

Max, on the end side of a nasty breakup with society boy Hugo Tillman finds herself asking the age old question, “How do girls get over a break up cleanly and quickly?” Well Max’s answer is… Ex, Inc. a 3-person business run out of Max’s stepfathers garden apartment where Max calls home. Their mission? Help girls get over their recent exes and see them through their “Moment”, when they showcase all they’ve learned and let their exes know what a dumbass they were for leaving the girl. 

But of course, while helping other girls get over the guy, Max finds herself falling for one… Ben Cooper, the son of the owner of Cooper Baby - the company that Max’s mom orders all of her baby furniture from (since Mom is expecting a baby with stepdad).

I was pleasantly surprised with each page turn. The writing was the only aspect of the novel that I would say was both good but had moments where it was halting and didn’t necessarily flow well together. I would not say that it held back from the enjoyment of the novel, however; and I found pleasure with each new chapter - fully engaging in the story unfolding before me. 

So who should read this book? Fans of McLaughlin & Kraus, fans of Sex and the City or The Carrie Diaries, Gossip Girl, or anyone who loves NYC and stories set in the Big Apple and seeing how the “other half” lives.

(This review was originally posted on my Tumblr. See the review Here.)

Review {6} The Selection by Kiera Cass

The Selection
By: Kiera Cass
Series: The Selection #1
Published: April 24th 2012 by HarperTeen
Obtained: Library
Rating: 4 Stars
Categories: Young Adult, Dystopian, Romance, Four Star Rating
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What the Back of the Book Says: For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

My Thoughts: My initial thoughts brought a mash-up of The Hunger Games, Matched, a little bit of Wither, and some of The Bachelor all rolled into one. I had a bit of trouble with the world-building though. I think sometimes it's easy for an author to create this amazing, visual world in their minds but sometimes it is difficult to fully translate into words on a page. I do believe that book two, The Elite, will clear up a lot of my questions and confusions regarding the world that America lives in.

The characters are absolutely amazing in this book. Immediately you are sucked into America's day-to-day life, and feel the love she has for her family. We then meet her boyfriend, Aspen, whom she shares a deeply passionate connection with. Each scene with America and Aspen is so intense, so raw and full of emotion. When America is chosen as part of the Selection I began to prepare myself for this intensely emotional goodbye between the two - but of course Cass had other plans for them at that point of the story!! 

When America decides to apply for one of the 35 Selection spots, she never intends to be chosen - and even if she was, she was only doing it for the safety and well-being of her family. The money that she would be given for participating would help the family out immensely - since America's world lives by a Caste System - ranging from Ones (Rich, wealthy, elites) to Eights (The scums of society, poor, etc). There are also renegades in both the North and South who regularly plan attacks on the palace. So the whole experience America continues to tell herself is for her family, but when you see her experiencing friendship, budding love, and a taste of the real world beyond her own town, it appears that just maybe she had it wrong all along, and she was doing it somewhat for herself.

America's character is strong, independent, and calm in the face of upheaval. When attacks occur on the palace during the Selection, America is one of the only girls who remains calm and steadfast, and even becomes a sort of confidante to Prince Maxon. He truly seems to value her opinion, especially because she knows what life is really like beyond the palace walls. She has seen the suffering, the starvation. She has an opinion of Prince Maxon as being this stuck-up, rich, materialistic, boring person with no heart or thought to the citizens of Illea. But as their friendship grows and blossoms, she realizes that there just might be more to the Prince than she ever could've believed.

But of course just as things seem to be going so smoothly, just as America is able to kind of close off the part of her heart that loves Aspen, and the part of her brain that only lets her think of him, and focus her time and efforts on figuring out how she truly feels about Prince Maxon - Aspen shows up as one of the guards in the palace. Now, amidst a palace full of guards and possibly being tried for treason if caught, America and Aspen are stealing midnight kisses and trying to figure out what is going on between them, and what the future can hold for them - if anything.

Cass's writing style is pleasant and fluid, moving us deftly from scene to scene without a hiccup or hesitation. Her characters are all very in depth and individual, each having their own voices and personalities - even though she is writing with a huge cast list (35 girls alone just for the Selection!) It's easy to get lost in the lives of the characters, and there were several nights where I absolutely couldn't close the cover until my eyelids drooped and demanded I set the book aside until tomorrow.

I am thoroughly excited for the second book, The Elite, to come out in 2013. With such a cliffhanger ending, I'm craving to continue America and Maxon (and Aspen's!) Story.

Happy Reading,

Review {4} Sweet Venom - Tera Lynn Childs

Sweet Venom
By: Tera Lynn Childs
Series: Medusa Girls #1
Other Books in the Series: Sweet Shadows #2 - Release Date: September 4th 2012
Published: September 6th 2011 by Katherine Tegen Books
Edition: hardcover, 345 pages
Obtained: Library
Categories: Young Adult, Greek Mythology, Retellings, Action, Urban Fantasy, Supernatural
Rating: 4 Stars

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*Review May Contain Spoilers*

What the Back of the Book Says

Grace just moved to San Francisco and is excited to start over at a new school. The change is full of fresh possibilities, but it’s also a tiny bit scary. It gets scarier when a minotaur walks in the door. And even more shocking when a girl who looks just like her shows up to fight the monster.

Gretchen is tired of monsters pulling her out into the wee hours, especially on a school night, but what can she do? Sending the minotaur back to his bleak home is just another notch on her combat belt. She never expected to run into this girl who could be her double, though.

Greer has her life pretty well put together, thank you very much. But that all tilts sideways when two girls who look eerily like her appear on her doorstep and claim they're triplets, supernatural descendants of some hideous creature from Greek myth, destined to spend their lives hunting monsters.

These three teenage descendants of Medusa, the once-beautiful gorgon maligned by myth, must reunite and embrace their fates in this unique paranormal world where monsters lurk in plain sight.

My Thoughts

I remember seeing this book last year when it released, and thinking I need to read this one ASAP! Greek Mythology has always been interesting to me, but I still felt like my knowledge of myths didn't provide me enough to be able to know what god, goddesses and monster did what and who they were and so on and so forth. Luckily, I got over this hesitation and have read some pretty awesome books based on Greek Mythology... including this one!

I'm not sure exactly what I was expecting when I picked this one up from the library, but from page one I was hooked. The book is told from the point of view of all three characters; Gretchen, Grace, and Greer. The multiple point of view isn't my favorite, and I don't always enjoy it, but I think with Sweet Venom it was successful. We start out meeting Gretchen Sharpe, a monster huntress who's destiny is to hunt monsters and send them back to their own world. What Gretchen doesn't know, is that she is one of a set of identical triplets who are part of the Key Generation, in which everything between our world and the monsters will change.

Gretchen is on the hunt for a monster and ends up at a nightclub called Synergy. Gretchen is one kick-ass heroine; all business and determination. She has devoted her life to hunting monsters, and skips out on the normal parts of life, like dating Nick, the boy who drives her crazy - but she kind of likes anyway. At the club, after banishing the offending monster back to its own world, Gretchen runs into Grace Whitfield.

Gretchen explains to Grace that she needs to go about her regular life and forget all about her, and everything she's seen and heard. Of course Grace cannot do that - I mean who could forget that they see monsters and that their very lives are in danger? So bookworm, computer geek, eco-chick Grace refuses to let Gretchen turn her away without training. So between attending Alpha Academy, where Grace was given a scholarship, and crushing on her adopted brother, Thane's new friend, Milo, Grace trains with Gretchen and learns about all of the monsters that make their way through the "window" one at a time from the monster realm - since that is the agreement Olympus made with the human world. Eventually through research, the girls stumble upon a line in a book that tells them that there is a third sister, and they go searching for her.

I find that the book being told from the narrative of each of the girls alternately works because each girl is so completely different that this allows us to get to know each of the girls personally, as well as how they interact with each other. Gretchen was adopted by a pair of low-lifes and spent a few weeks living on the streets until she was rescued by Ursula, who knew about her destiny and trained her to fulfill it.

Grace was adopted by a set of loving parents and has a great brother, regardless of how secretive and quiet he is. There's lots of implications that Thane might know more about what is going on with Grace than anyone realizes, and at the end of the book he's called Grace to let her know that he needs to leave town for awhile but refuses to give any sort of explanation. Grace is a keep-to-herself type with hopes of making friends at her new school. She learns how to stand up for herself and demand she get what she wants when dealing with Gretchen.

Greer Morgenthal is the last sister find out about her destiny, and she doesn't take the news lightly. She is a snobby, wealthy socialite who doesn't have time for the two girls with poor fashion sense and a bad attitude who show up on her doorstep.

In the end, all of the girls are brought together to fight for the very reason they were put on this earth. With lots of mythology woven into the story line - both Ancient Greek Gods/Goddesses and monsters - there's tons of action and romance takes a backseat in this one to allow for premium story development; though I'm sure we will see more in the way of relationships in book two.

The pacing is good in this tale; not leaving much room to get bored or for your mind to wander. The information linking the present to the past (Ancient Greece) is given in an easy to understand, straight forward manner, so if you don't feel that you have a lot of knowledge on the topic it will not detract from the overall enjoyment of the story.

Lots of questions are left at the end of the book, which is both a plus and a minus. It works well because I'm completely excited for the second book to come out so I can find out what happens! But it stinks because it seems that there was a lot left unresolved that you really just want to freaking know!

I Would Recommend This Book To: Anyone who loves retellings and anything to do with Greek Mythology.

Other Books You Should Read If You Like This: Wildefire by Karsten Knight; Possess by Gretchen McNeil, Tempest Rising by Tracy Deebs; The Mephisto Covenant: The Redemption of Ajax by Trinity Faegen; Once Every Never by Lesley Livingston

Other Books by Tera Lynn Childs: Forgive My Fins; Fins Are Forever; Just For Fins; Oh. My. Gods.; Goddess Boot Camp.

Last Words: I really enjoyed this book and Gretchen easily became one of my top favorite characters ever! I would openly recommend this book to anyone, even if it's their first dive into a Greek myth-based story.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Review {2} Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

Bloodlines

Author: Richelle Mead

Series: Bloodlines #1

Other Books In The Series: The Golden Lily #2; Vampire Academy Series #1-6

Published: August 23rd 2011 by Razorbill

Edition: Hardcover, 421 pages

Obtained: Library
Categories: Young Adult, Vampires, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy,  Suspense, Action
Rating: 4 Stars

When Alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Bloodlines explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive - this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone's out for blood.

*****

My Thoughts: I read all six books in the Vampire Academy series back-to-back and continued the trend with Bloodlines. I was happy to see Sydney Sage as the main character in the spin-off series, as well as familiar faces like Jill Dragomir, Adrian Ivashkov, and Eddie Castile. All secondary characters in Vampire Academy, they all get their own tiny spotlights in Bloodlines.

Sydney has quickly become one of my favorite characters of all time. Smart and sassy, Sydney craves knowledge and is loyal, devoted, and dedicated. She often puts herself last, and everyone else ahead of her own needs. She questions the ethics of the Alchemists, and wars within herself over her pledge to the Alchemists, and the vampires she's quickly forming friendships with.

The storyline works well for what is needed to build the basis for the series. Sometimes I found things to be a tiny bit predictable, but for the most part the story was fresh, and entertaining which is good. A spin-off series can easily fall flat, but Mead's easy-to-read writing style and engaging characters and plot keeps things moving and doesn't allow room for it to become stagnant.


One of the best story lines is that of Adrian and Jill. In Vampire Academy we saw Adrian as an immature, substance-abusing spirit user who had a whirlwind romance with Rose Hathaway that ended less than amicably when Dimitri Belikov was restored from Strigoi back to Dhampir and the two picked up where they'd left off... leaving Adrian heartbroken and reeling. For someone who easily slipped into old habits, what happened between himself and Jill now forces him to straighten up his act; no more drinking, no more random hookups with girls he barely knows. Adrian is probably one of my favorite characters and easily crush-worthy. I definitely feel the chemistry between Adrian and Sydney so I'm not going to lie - very curious to see if anything there pans out!


Another character I was glad to see more of, is Eddie Castile. Eddie's career has been downgraded because of his assisting Rose with releasing Victor Dashkov from prison. With no real guardian post, Eddie's sent to Palm Springs along with Sydney and Jill in order to pose as their "brother" and to be a guardian to Jill. Eddie is given a dorm room with a guy named Micah, who eerily resembles his dead best friend, Mason. Eddie also reveals to Sydney that he's crushing hardcore on Jill, but feels as a lowly dhampir with a tarnished record, he could never be a good match for a princess like Jill.


Jill is still dealing with the blow she was dealt in Last Sacrifice, the final installment in the Vampire Academy series. Jill is still trying to emotionally and internally deal with the fact that her mother had an affair with Eric Dragomir, Vasilisa Dragomir's father. Jill is still feeling like Lissa hates her, or only needed her to gain her position on the throne as the next Queen, and doesn't truly want anything to do with her. Jill also has her first taste at love with Lee Donahue, the son of Clarence Donahue - the only Moroi in Palm Springs who has seceded himself from the Court and lives a quiet life with his son. He is suffering from the loss of his niece, whom he is convinced was killed by vampire hunters - which I am curious to see if Mead will ever introduce vampire hunters into the series - would be kind of neat as long as it's kept unique! Lee ends up being someone that nobody expected, which leaves Jill brokenhearted.


Sydney is also dealing with the fact that she's currently not in favor with the alchemists, and nearly loses the assignment to her younger sister, Zoe, who she is determined to protect from the alchemist career. This drives a wedge between Sydney and Zoe, one that affects her greatly. Sydney feels like her relationship with Jill is similar to that of her relationship with her sister. Both are strained, and she desperately wants to correct them. Sydney is also to report to Keith, another alchemist whom she has a rocky past with. Keith and Sydney's older sister, Carly, had a relationship in the past, which ended when Keith raped Carly. Sydney makes a deal with Abe Mazur, which is hinted at in Vampire Academy, but is finally revealed in Bloodlines. Luckily at the end of the book, Keith gets what is due to him and I feel it was justified.

I also love how Sydney was able to create magic, which scares her to no end. Helping out Ms. Terwilliger, her history teacher who had a sneaking suspicion about Sydney, leads to this revelation. I can't wait to see how this progresses in the future. Sydney has a lot of internal struggles to muddle through.


The story line involving the students getting tattoos eerily resembling the golden lily tattoo emblazoned on Sydney's cheek raising many questions - especially when she finds out that the tattoos can make athletes faster and stronger, and even give you stamina and a huge high. Sydney begins to investigate this, which leads her back to Keith. When first reading this, I kind of didn't care for this whole idea. However; after digesting the book and letting it sink in, I actually think it's pretty cool! It'll be interesting to see where this story line leads us down the road in the future installments in the series.


My final words for Bloodlines: Incredible start to what I'm sure will be an action-packed, suspicion-raising, betrayal-filled wild ride!!


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Happy Reading,
Laura