Review: Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & M Stohl

Title: Beautiful Creatures

Series: I Think is Beautiful Creatures.

Book #: 1st

Author: Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Pages: 576

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Reading Level: Young Adult

Rating:

"No Alarms, and No Surprises."

- Radiohead

There were no surprises in Gatlin County.

We were pretty much the epicenter of the middle of nowhere.

At least, that's what I thought.

Turns out, I couldn't have been more wrong.

There was a curse.

There was a girl.

And in the end, there was a grave.

Taschima:

As one of the most expected YA books of 2009, Beautiful Creatures has created high expectations. And after reading it, I gotta say, it excels.

Ethan Wate comes from a little town, raised in the same little town, and his greatest desire if to G-E-T O-U-T. He can't understand his father's desire to stay, or for in fact his mother's. When she was alive anyways. Since then his father is non existent. Besides this, his life is completely normal. He is part of the in-crowd, and much like them. Until the dreams start. Or most likely the nightmares. He fights for his and some girl's life on this dream, but she always slips away. And the only thing he knows about this girl is that she smells of Lemons and Rosemary, and that without much sane reason he loves her.

This book is wow. I felt like Kami and Margarate took YA by the Y and the A, completely turned it upside down and did a work of art while they were at it. By now I expect the female point of view, the mysterious bad boy, and some kind of supernatural excuse to keep them apart. Oh boy, not such thing with this one.

Of course there is a girl, a boy, and maybe a curse, but you get it with a spin that makes you love the story even more. First off the POV is a MALE'S POV. That was shocking enough. I heard this book had some kind of romance in it, so a male POV in the story took me by surprise. It's completely refreshing.

And while there is certainly some romance in this book the authors managed to not make it the main point of the story, while making it the main point of the story. Ugh, and it's REAL. You can feel everything they are feeling; you understand why they are feeling it. It's not just hormones, you can call this love. They fight, they scream, but still they have a connection. Oh and a big plus, they don't say the L word as soon as in other YA novels. It is there, they know it, they just don't feel the need to BRAG about it.

Now the curse. The plot line was extremely interesting. They use a little bit of everything, magic (black and white), historical facts (some real and some invented of course), secrets, mysteries, riddles... They pulled the same old rabbit out of the hat, but instead of a old normal white rabbit you get one that has all the colors of the rainbow.

All the characters added something to the story. Ethan is the believer; he never gives up. Lina is the girl who has gone through so much, she just can't help but be a little cynical/negative about her whole destiny. They balance each other out. Oh and the other characters... well if you like dark humor they were some sort of comic release, at least for me. Marco (Lina's uncle) had me laughing a number of times. Again, you have to have a weird sense of humor.

Kami and Margaret managed to turn something ordinary into something extraordinary. From old to new. From boring to I-have-spent-over-4-hours-on-this-book-'till-I-finished-it. And I am not even kidding. You know how we sometimes over use the phrase 'keeps you at the edge of your seat'? Damn, I am going to try to invent a new phrase, but for now this is exactly what this book did for me. And I'm sure if you give it a try, one way or the other, it will work for you too.

*Tomorrow in celebration of Beautiful Creature's release I will have an interview with Kami Garcia and M Stohl. Be here and be punctual hahahaha ^^

New Awards to Give Out ^.^

Oh how I love new awards. But I think we are all a lil' guilty of that uh? Well this pretty award is from our very own Zombie Girrrl from Crackin' Spines & Takin' Names. I have to nominate a couple of people, but I also have to answer some questions... So here we go...

Where is your favorite place to read?

That would be everywhere. In the car. In my room. In the bathroom... But I would have to say in school is on my top 3 list. Something about ignoring the teachers is what gives this its special touch.

Bookmarks or dog ears?

I feel guilty. I know dod earring a book is what some would call sacrilege, but if you are in a hurry, and just can't find your bookmark, dos ears is the way to go!

What's the best book you've read so far this year?

Oh no fair. I gotta say Beautiful Creatures is on my top 10 YA books of this year. That's the most recent one I've read. And well, all my favorite series like Black Dagger Brotherhood, Night Huntress Series, Sookie Stackhouse...

Do you like to snack while reading, and if so, what is your favorite snack?

I don't really snack while reading. I get so into the book I just forget about food. Now if you say watching TV...

Book borrower or book collector?

Scream Woot Book Collectors!!!! Woot!!

Zombie Girrrl also gave me the Let's be Friends award, which I am very thankful for but since I already have it I will not post it yet again ^^

Now the Over The Top Award was from Angel from Story on a Page.

Rules:

1. Thank and post URL to the blog that gave the award. (Duh)

2. Pass the award along to 6 brilliantly over the top blogs (blogs you love!) Alert them so they know to receive the award.

3 Copy and paste this quiz... Change the answers, ONE word only. (2 are acceptable!)

1. Where is your cell phone? Night table

2. Your hair? In my head... Wait, you were asking for color?

3. Your mother? In the living room (Is this a 'Where is everything' quiz or am I just crazy?)

4. Your father? MIA

5. Your favorite food? Chinese

6. Your dream last night? Sexy

7. Your favorite drink? Coca-Cola

8. Your dream/goal? Be Happy

9. What room are you in? Mine

10. Your hobby? Reading, duh.

11. Your fear? Failing

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Cant...Think...

13. Where were you last night? Don't you wanna know...

14. Something that you aren't? Crazy... No, wait...

15. Muffins? cupcakes? I don't care, BOTH.

16. Wish list item? A Do Over =[

17. Where did you grow up? Puerto Rico

18. Last thing you did? Eat, Watch TV, Laptop...

19. What are you wearing? PJ's. Kind of.

20. Your TV? My life.

21. Your pets? Somewhere...

22. Friends? Their Homes.

23. Your life? In construction.

24. Your mood? Happy

25. Missing someone? Yeah... I am.

26. Vehicle? NO O.o

27. Something you're not wearing? Hat.

28. Your favorite store? Borders.

29. Your favorite color? Red

30. When was the last time you laughed? Five minutes ago.

31. Last time you cried? Hmm

32. Your best friend? Kylene, and Yuyo.

I skipped the last 3, I didn't think of proper responses so...

These two awards go to...

1. Bri at The Book Pixie

2. Cindy at Princess Bookie

3. Natalie at Mindful Musings

4. Ceri at Not in the Pink

5. Dahlia at Dahlia's Eclectic Mind

Thank you for dropping by guys ^^

Contest Update*

We have an extra rule to the contest. I finally decided how I am going to choose the random/extra winners of the contest.

"I will have random winners at the end of the contest, can't tell you how many, or what they are getting. It's a surprise, or a mystery."

If you don't win the top 3 spots of the contest, you still may get something. The people who may be put in this extra draw are the people who do the post on their official blog. I need help for the promotion of the contest, and I thought this would be an incentive that everybody could do ^^

Oh also, I may or may not be posting this weekend. I have plans :O which is in itself a miracle. But I may not have Wi-Fi where I'm staying at. I know sad. But I am finishing The Mark, and I am sure I could finish another book by the weekend. So stay tuned for those.

(Oh goodness I'm watching VH1 and the new Beyonce/Lady Gaga song is up... Will it be good? Ugh, I don't like the lyrics, or the music, only their voices... Yeah, not my fav, I will not add it to my Ipod)

Look at the New Goodies

First of all Happy Turkey Day! I'm sure a bunch of you aren't even going to be here today, but oh well have a great time wherever you are. I'm still posting xD

I got some new things, I thought I would let you guys know since only you guys know how happy this makes me feel. Family ain't much readers. In fact I mention the word 'book' or 'Borders' to my sister and she flips out. So sad... Anyways.

I got 2 to review! Me happy ^^

- The Nanny Returns by Emma Mclauqhlin & Nicola Kraus

- The Line by Teri Hall

Now the others (first line, from left to right)

- Lucinda Darkly: The Demon Princess Chronicles book 1, by Sunny

- Tempted by Megan Hart (My second Megan Hart novel!)

- Grave Surprise, Harper Connely Mysteries book 2, by Charlaine Harris ( I still need the first book, but I found this one for like 3 dollars, and its hard cover so I had to have it.)

- Real Murders, Aurora Teagarden Mysteries book 1, by Charlaine Harris

Second Line (From left to right)

- Betrayals, Strange Angels Book 2, by Lili St. Crow

- Shadowland, The Immortals Book 3, by Alison Noel

- Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold (Contest win; nothing like a movie to bring books back from the dead

Happy Turkey Day!

Teaser Tuesday (On Wednesday)

Well, it's 4 a.m. So technically it's Wednesday. But I'm just going to ignore that, as I usually do, and post my Teaser Tuesday of the day. I finished Beautiful Creatures! And it was awesome, I will be posting the review soon, most likely on the day that it is released or on the day before.

Anyways, I'm still reading Behind Every Illusion, but don't take me wrong, the book is good, it's just hard to look at it. It's so big that is just hurts my eyes. But I will keep reading it and have a review for it soon enough though. I will not surrender because, as He Man, I have the power!!!

Today's Teaser comes from yet another book I started reading called The Mark by Jen Nadol. Our first 2010 teaser.

"There is nothing like the gut-hollowing experience of watching someone die, especially when you know it's coming."

Pg. 1

What a tremendous opening sentence uh? This book is only about 228 pages so I should have the review VERY soon considering I have the rest of the week off. I will be juggling between AP Literature, the blog, and reading. FUN!

Also, for those of you who didn't see my previous post I am having a Huge Contest, and I would advice you to take a look at it. ^^

Christmas/Hanukkah/ Whatever you believe in Blowout

Oh, this is going to be good. You know that last contest I had? The last big one? Well this one will make you think twice about the awesomeness of the last big contest. I have a lot of things to giveaway. Things I am SURE you will love.

I was thinking of waiting till the beginning of December to start this one off, but as last time my pillow kept me awake screaming at me "Do it now!" So I listened...

Welcome to BloodyBookaholic's Christmas/Hanukkah/ Whatever you believe in Blowout!

It's a mix of celebrations; for the holidays and also for 500 followers (Thought I would forget about that? NAH! The contest was coming up all along, I was just waiting for the right moment).

**********PRIZES**********

- ARC Eyes Like Stars

- Signed ARC Hush Hush

- ARC Ash

- ARC The Demon's Lexicon

- ARC Betraying Season

- The Black Tatto + poster

- I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have To Kill You

- Candle Man, Book One

- Deadtown

- Lenore Noogies

- The anticipated sequel of The Nanny Diaries, The Nanny Returns

- Never After by Dan Elconsin

- Secret Society signed book and an Ambassador Kit

And a 2010 Book called The Mark by Jen Nadol.

- Gift Cards for Ninja T Shirts.

If you click on the title it will lead you to more information on the article that you want.

* 3 Winners *

Winner Number 1 Gets 3 Books, A Ninja Gift Card...

And a Borders gift card with 30$ or more.

Winner Number 2 Gets 3 Books Plus a Ninja Gift Card.

Winner Number 3 Gets 1 Book Plus a Ninja Gift Card.

Only the first winner gets to choose his or her books.

For the other two I get to choose what they get.

Oh, but it doesn't stop there...

I will have random winners at the end of the contest, can't tell you how many, or what they are getting. It's a surprise, or a mystery.

Oh, and just so you know, whoever is on my 5 Top Commentaholics list by the end of the contest, get's something like a Book, a Gift Card, or Swag.

As every contest, there must be rules, so the bookthirsty followers won't kill themselves in order to get to the prize. Still, a few drops of blood never hurt anyone.

As always being a follower is necessary, but you already knew that! Leave a comment with your email so I can contact you. If you don't leave your email, and you win, well, you don't get the prizes! And now THAT would be soooo sad.

There is always extra chances to win around here, so here you go.

+9 For Promoting this Contest on your Official Blog, MUST be a Post.
+4 Already being a Follower
+2 For Becoming a Follower
+1 For Promoting this Contest on your Sidebar
+1 Tweet about it
+1 For Referring people to my Blog. The person referred needs to leave your name.
+1 For telling me how you heard about this contest. If you were referred leave the name of the person who told you so they can get an extra entry.

This may be the biggest contest on Bloody Bookaholic's history. Make sure you sign up, and let other people know, it increases their chances sure, but it also increases yours.

This contest is open to US, PR & Canada. ENDS December 25.

*Update- If you don't win the top 3 spots of the contest, you still may get something. The people who may be put in this extra draw are the people who do the post on their official blog. I need help for the promotion of the contest, and I thought this would be an incentive that everybody could do ^^

*PR means Puerto Rico

Monday's Mental Picture #3

Ive been such a bad blogger lately. Haven't posted anything since, Nov 20? Oh well, that day was my birthday just so you know, I'm 17 now and still feel 16, but I think 17 will suit me. Now to he post of the day.

When you read a book, you always get a picture of the characters. How they are, or should be depending on characterization or description. Even though the author may say something, you sometimes may imagine something else. And so, that's why Monday's Mental Picture was created, to share ideas, or more to the point, mental pictures.

I have 3 of these today. They are all women from the same series, and this series is called The Black Dagger Brotherhood. A wonderful series about vampires, redemption, sacrifice, forgiveness, and love. This is by far my favorite adult/vampire series.

Now in the first book, Dark Lover, the story is about Wrath and Beth. Wrath is the blind king, well, not really king since he has not claimed his throne, and isn't even planning on it, but nonetheless the way things go he is the last of their pure line, so he is the king. Now, on the beginning we see Wrath as this kick ass totally addictive male alpha, and he keeps true to his character, but we also get to see the romantic side, and here comes Beth.

Kate Beckinsale is my Beth. She always has been, she always will be. She is a half breed. And she needs the help of a vampire to continue living when her time hits and she starts making the transaction to full on vamp. I wonder who can help?

Now the second book, Lover Eternal, is about Rhage. He is Mr. Hollywood. Always gets the hottest girls, he has the movie star looks, oh and the way he sucks on that lollipop. He is the perfect cliche. But hidden behind those looks lurks a beast that cannot be contained, and who else to help him contain the beast than our very own angel, Mary.

Mary Luce is unwittingly thrown into the vampire world, and she must rely on Rhage's protection. She is shy, she is harmless, and she is sick. Cancer really. How can this story end up? Read and find out. For Mary I picked Rachel McAdams because she is pretty, but not too pretty. She is merely a human after all.

After Wrath and Rhage comes the favorite of hundreds, Zsadist. Zsadist is feared. Still bearing the scars from a tortured past, he is renowned for his unquenchable fury. Anger is his only companion, and terror is his only passion-until he rescues a beautiful female from the evil Lessening Society.

And last but not least Bella. She appears in my mind a lot alike Beth, so I picked Rhona Mitra for the part. She is a high class vampire who is unmistakably attracted to the damaged Zsadist. Their romance begins close to the end of Lover Eternal, and their story is my second favorite one in the whole series. Bear in mind that the series has not ended, and Lover Mine is about to hit the stores next year. So excited for that. *Happy Dance*

Until tomorrow,

Turning Books Into Movies

When I was watching New Moon yesterday something incredible happened. I watched the trailer for Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lighting Thief a Rick Riordan . I was soo happy! I loved this series! It was awesome, and I'm expecting an awesome movie.

I just love the actor they picked for Percy, though I'm not sure for Annabeth and Grover. And the way he controls the water? Damn!

Release date: February 12, 2010.

For more information on the book, click here. And for more on the movie, click here.

Well there's the trailer. Enjoy!

New Moon, The Movie, Review

Rating: .5

I gotta say, the movie didn't suck. Everything was a degree (or two) better. The actors, the special effects, the adaptation, and did I mention the acting? I can honestly say these were the best parts of the movie.

The special effects were wow. The wolves looked awesome and BIG. I always kind of imagined the Underworld werewolves but this ones will do the trick. Not only the wolves, but I like how they illustrated Edward when she is hearing things. And the fighting sequence near the end. Oh but I gotta say, I still laughed when the vampires started to "sparkle". That's always going to be funny to me.

I say they did a decent job of adapting the book into the movie too. I mean, I could understand the whole story, didn't really care for anything that they might have changed... scratch that, I do care about ONE thing they changed. But Ill get to that later.

Now, the acting. On the first movie was... horrible. On this movie? I likes it. I can finally say Bella is not a zombie. Edward is still the same, though I feel more emotion from him. Mr.Abs was awesome. Oh, Mr.Abs is my nickname for Jacob. The minute he took off his shirt... I think all the women in the theater were short of breath. The things Hollywood pays you to do uh?

Now to the cons. When you watch this movie you can get a clear and shocking picture of how desperate Bella is. The depression, stupid self sacrificing, the break down... If you didn't get it that much on the book (or were too into the romance to notice the bad side of the story) you will get it on the book. That is not a good message, woman should not break down and isolate themselves after they have lost a man. But it is fiction so.

And finally, the major CON... The ending. Goodness I hated it. Why did they have to do THAT like THAT? It just wasn't right in ANY way. I don't understand how could they. People are still going to watch the third movie if they had finished with another ending. They could have played it better.

All in all, it did not suck. Is worth the wait, and is worth your money.

PS; Something that might have helped was that I was in a free-twilight-maniac environment. It was like watching every other first day release movie.Crowded, but not crazy.

News You Will Want To Read

I was watching an interview with Charlaine Harris when she suddenly said the name of the next Sookie Stackhouse book. I cried out in joy, and went to amazon and looked for the book so I could have an idea of when it was coming out.

Oh little did I know I was going to find so much more. I found very valuable information about next books in favorite series and next year releases. It was mind blowing!

So I feel it is my sole duty to share the knowledge.

Dead in the Family: A Sookie Stackhouse Novel (Book 10) by Charlaine Harris- It's going to be Hardcover and the release date is May 4, 2010. Also the book is suppose to have 320 pages.

Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy, Book 5) by Richelle Mead- Hardcover, release date is May 18, 2010. Suppose to have 528 pages *gasps*

A little summary:

Dimitri gave Rose the ultimate choice. But she chose wrong...

After a long and heartbreaking journey to Dimitri's birthplace in Si

beria, Rose Hathaway has finally returned to St. Vladimir's-and to her best friend, Lissa. It is nearly graduation, and the girls can't wait for their real lives beyond the Academy's iron gates to begin. But Rose's heart still aches for Dimitri, and she knows he's out there, somewhere.

She failed to kill him when she had the chance. And now her worst fears are about to come true. Dimitri has tasted her blood, and now he is hunting her. And this time he won't rest until Rose joins him... forever.

Jealousy: A Strange Angels Novel (Book 3) by Lili St. Crow- Paperback, release date is July 29, 2010.

Radiant Shadows: A Wicked Lovely Novel (Book 4) by Melissa Marr- Hardcover, release date is April 20, 2010. Page count is 352.

Burned: House of Night Novels (Book 100... sorry, Book 7) by P.C. Cast- Hardcover, release date is April 27, 2010. Page count is 336 (Ugh, so I guess were expecting yet another book in this series after this one).

The Reckoning: Darkest Powers Novels (Book 3) by Kelley Armstrong- Hardcover, release date is April 27, 2010. Page count is 320.

Eternal Kiss of Darkness: A Night Huntress World Novel (Book 2) by Jeaniene Frost- Paperback, release date is July 27, 2010. Page Count is 384. First one hasn't come out yet and the second one is already been decided, well this is how writers should always work! Hahaha

Sadly there are no covers yet, still, is nice to have some information, I know I'm happy =]

Review: A Touch of Dead by Charlaine Harris

Title: A Touch of Dead

Series: Sookie Stackhouse

Book #: Extra

Author: Charlaine Harris

Pages: 192

Publisher: Ace

Reading Level: Adult

Rating: .5

Every Sookie Stackhouse short story ever written-in one special volume-from the New York Times bestselling author.

New York Times bestselling author Charlaine Harris has re-imagined the supernatural world with her "spunky" (Tampa Tribune) Southern Vampire novels starring telepathic waitress Sookie Stackhouse. Now, for the first time, here is every Sookie Stackhouse short story ever written-together in one volume.

Stories include "Fairy Dust," "One Word Answer," "Dracula Night," "Lucky," and "Giftwrap."

Taschima's POV:

There are 5 short stories in this book. Some of them good and worth the read, other were just there to fill the gap. I prefer to read an entire book by Charlaine Harris than the short stories. Short stories aren't her strong point, something she knows. But the stories did fill some gaps that were missing on the original Sookie books. Like for example when they told Sookie how her cousin died.

I had a problem with one story, the last one. I liked the story, till the end. The end I didn't like, and I can't believe she won't ever know. It kind of bothers me. But oh well, this is a good book to pass the time till the 10th book comes out. If you started reading the Sookie Stackhouse series you might want to buy this and read it as you go along. And if you are a fan, like moi, just buy it and read it entirely.

Favorite from least to best:

5. Fairy Dust

4. Lucky

3. Dracula Night

2. Giftwrap

1. One Word Answer

Teaser Tuesday x 3

I am currently reading, 3 books at the time. Which are: Behind Every Illusion, Beautiful Creatures & A Touch of Dead.

As far I can tell Behind Every Illusion is in the realm of fairy, Beautiful Creatures is in the realm of mystery and romance, and A Touch of Dead is some short stories, extra to the original series of Sookie Stackhouse but related either way; is supernatural, and is for those fans of Sookie who just can't get enough (guilty as charged).

"Looking up, she saw Bethany jogging slowly backwards on the sidewalk and the cross-walk sign ahead of them changing from "walk" to "stop" at what seemed an impossibly sluggish rate. To the left, a red car began driving toward them. All this happened in less than a second and suddenly Tatiana knew what was about to happen.

She knew that in just a few moments, the car would run through the red light. In her mind, she saw Bethany's foot tripping over the curb, tumbling her backwards into the busy road. She saw the speeding car attempt to come to an impossibly fast halt before its sudden connection with Bethany's falling body."

Pg. 16

"Falling.

I was free falling, tumbling through the air.

"Ethan!"

She called to me, and just the sound of her voice made my heart race.

"Help me!"

She was falling, too. I stretched out my arms, trying to catch her. I reached out, but all I caught was air. There was no ground beneath my feet, and I was clawing at mud. We touched fingertips and I saw green sparks in the darkness.

Then she slipped through my fingers, and all I could feel was loss.

Lemons and rosemary. I could smell her, even then.

But I couldn't catch her.

And I couldn't live without her."

Pg. 4-5

"His eyes went blank, and his eyes were empty. Flakes began to drift from his skin as he crumpled.

But as the self-proclaimed Dracula sank to the floor and I looked around me, I wasn't so sure. Only the presence of Eric at my side kept the assemblage from falling on me and taking care of business. The vampires from out of town were the most dangerous; the vampires that knew me would hesitate.

"He wasn't Dracula," I said as clearly and loudly as I could. "He was an impostor."

"Kill her!" said a thin female vamp with short brown hair. "Kill the murderess!"

Pot calling the kettle black."

Pg. 66

And that's all for today! I am liking all 3 books. Will be posting a review for A Touch of Dead tomorrow.

Monday's Mental Picture #2

When you read a book, you always get a picture of the characters. How they are, or should be depending on characterization or description. Even though the author may say something, you sometimes may imagine something else. And so, that's why Monday's Mental Picture was created, to share ideas, or more to the point, mental pictures.

So, most of you guys have read The Night Huntress Series, or at least I hope most of you guys have. If you haven't pick up the book please, it's like one of my favorite series (as always, shout out to chapter 32!).

*composes self* yeah, well, the main male character in the series, named Bo...Ne..s.. *faints*...

*gets back up* sorry, fainting is tradition when saying the name of You-Know-Who (Bones). So whenever I picture You-Know-Who in my head, I always come up with the same mental picture of...

Yes, Spike from Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Or you can call him by his real name James Marsters. I believe I always relate these two characters because a) They are both vampires, b) They are both English men and c) In the first book of The Night Huntress Series Bones was supposed to have this same hair color.

So yes, this are legitimate reasons to get this mental picture. Besides the point that when I watched Buffy I was in team Spike. I love Spike. He is such the bad boy, and Angel is just a pansy. Oh Buffy no! I'm a vampire with a soul and I may lose it! That's Angel. This is Spike. I don't bloody care if I am a vampire, I don't care that I don't have a soul, I want you here and now. How is it spelled again? Oh yes, H-O-T. Hot.

Not only that, but I can so hear his voice in my head when I read the book. His voice totally goes with the lines of the book. Hmm I wish the author would like hire him and pay him to do the audio book. That would be aweeesoome. I would listen to it.

Another picture for the ladies before I leave.

I Want You...To Vote *Important Please Read*

Me and my twin Briana, at The Book Pixie, have been working on a little button kind of thing that you can put on a sidebar and it would lead you directly to this site. And well, after a bit of work we came up with 3 bottoms that would do the trick.

Now I need your opinion guys. As followers you know just what would make you push that button. And since you follow this blog your opinion would be greatly appreciated. Now here we go...

#1

#2

#3

I like them all, though I do have a soft spot for #3. Now, I will make a poll that will last till the end of the month. Please, please vote.

Also you can leave your opinion and tell us how they can be better or you know, something like that. As they say, the followers are always right ;)

Review: Splendor by Anna Godbersen (Luxe #4)

Title: Splendor
Author: Anna Gobbersen
Series: A Luxe Novel
Book #: 4
Pages: 391
Reading Level: YA
Book Rating:
Goodreads Rating: 3.81
Published: Nov. 1st, 2009
by HarperCollins

"New beginnings. Shocking revelations. Unexpected endings.

Welcome back to Manhattan 1900."

It’s a new year, and Manhattan’s favorite socialites are stirring up brand-new drama: Elizabeth uncovers a dangerous secret from her past; Diana has an opportunity to follow her heart—and claim her future, Lina discovers money can buy happiness…for a time, and Penelope finds that life without Henry brings unexpected pleasures.

In this dramatic conclusion to the bestselling Luxe series, old ties are broken, fresh bonds are formed, and every decision comes at a cost.

Taschima's POV:

Last time we left Manhattan families were being created, girls dreams were becoming true, and men were going to war followed behind by mistresses in disguise. It all seem like a magnificent story of rich people being rich with love on the side. It still kind of is like this, but on this conclusion you will be presented with an ending that was probably not on your first thought for an ending, but that at the end seems the more fitting and the book is more amazing because of it.

(Oh goodness I was just watching the TV and Volvo (car) has made a commercial out of Twilight... *shivers*) Anyways... There is much character development in this installment, most of it has been by my favorite character, Diana. Only 17 but she seems much more mature than in the books before. She has let go of her faerie tales, and has started to accept reality as it is. While on the other corner we have Penelope, that one won't change much, she is still as hateful as ever. But by the end you get to glimpse a little of the character she is going to become in the future, if it's for good or bad, you decide.

Elizabeth, now her story was so suspenseful and interesting! One of my faves in this book for sure. At the first book she seemed a little dull, but after The Luxe she is a very look after character. Casandra really learns that not everything evolves around money. Thank god, she seemed like such a nice girl at the beginning, and deep inside she still is, she is just very ambitious. Finally, Henry. Oh our boy. The romance between him and Diana is as hot as ever, but some things will happen that will shock you to no end. But it is all for the best. Also one character that has made an impression on me has been Teddy (Henry's friend). He is such a good boy, I would have liked to see more of him, and I am happy Anna Godbersen made him appear more since Envy.

At last, the ending. This one made me tear up too, what is it with books lately!! Same thing happened with Temptations (though not for the same reason). As I said before very fitting and shocking at best. The start of the post says it all! Shocking revelations. Unexpected endings!

I gave this book a five star because as a fan of the series, this conclusion satisfied me a lot. The book is highly entertaining, and it has a good theme on it's core. Some might be disappointed, but I'm not one of those some. I am expecting a lot of other great things from Anna Godbersen, and I hope she delivers.

Other books in the series:

The Luxe by Anna Godbersen

Rumors by Anna Godbersen

Envy by Anna Godbersen

Wiiinners!

Well Well, the kitty again. The winners of Medina Hill are:

- Orchid

- RK Charron

- Sheila Deeth

- The Book Pixie

- Pirate Penguin

Congratulations guys!!! I'm so happy for you ^^ I sent a message, please reply ASAP.

PS; Happy Birthday Penguin ^^ Let's sing!!

Happy Birthday, to you,

Happy Birthday, to you,

Happy Birthday, dear Penguin,

Happy Birthday, to you!

Stupid, stupid MATH.

Well, I received my score for the composite, and it was great, but the stupid math part of the ACT got me HARD. And I love math! I really do, but when I go to take the test my brain freezes and I can only do things that involve algebra. I love algebra. And I'm so good at class, but not on test. I hope that they take in consideration my other parts of the test, not only math. I mean come on I am not even going to university to mayor in math, but in English! (yes, English, I'm probably going to be poor and eat stuff out of the streets until I make a huge book and people pay me millions for my words -J. K. Rowling much?)

Anyways, yes, this was a 'vent' post. I wanted to vent.

What do you guys think of this course? I think it's pretty great.

Teaser Tuesday

Ugh, I got my ACT scores back today... I'm afraid to say them out loud. Sure they are ok, but only average... Goddess I suck at Math... And test taking... Anyways!

Teaser Tuesday!!

let's see now...

"Diana's mouth dropped open and a wild energy played in her chest. She had forgotten all the tasks that constituted her job, or how to perform them. The only man in the entire bar that she could now make out was darker that when she'd last seen him, and his skin looked especially tawny against the collar of his white linen shirt. The bridge of his nose was a color that suggested he had been out in the sun that day, and the expression disappearing from his face indicated that moments ago he had been having a careless good time.

"Hello, soldier," she managed at last, with what she could gather of her breath.

"Diana?"

That is it! If you want to know who asked "Diana?" you'll have to read the book, or you know, figure it out by yourself xD

Anyways the book is going great- as always. One of the things that gets my attention is how girls here get short of breath by anything, and some can even manipulate a blush O.o How exactly do you DO that? It's Magic!

Monday's Mental Picture

When you read a book, you always get a picture of the characters. How they are, or should be depending on characterization or description. Even though the author may say something, you sometimes may imagine something else. And so, that's why Monday's Mental Picture was created, to share ideas, or more to the point, mental pictures.

Everybody has their bad boy, boy. The guy who screws your life. The one you can't bring home to the parents. The one that rocks your boat. You don't know if to run to his arms, or go for the hills. He'll surely break your heart, but will he mend it? He fills you with more passion than you ever knew you had. And even though you would love to hate him, and know you should hate him, you can't help but fall in love with him.

Now who hasn't heard of Hush Hush? One of the ultimate bad boys is Mr. Patch. He is dark, he is dangerous and he is part supernatural. What else could you desire?

Oh yeah, a smexy physical.

Here is my mental picture of Patch.

His name is Tom Sturridge. And he is everything a bad boy should be (well, a young adult bad boy if anything, he is but a boy girls). He may seem like a dark, and smexy guy, but on the inside you just know there is something else there, another story that you can't wait to uncover.

This is mental picture number 1. Enjoy.

PS; I was thinking this for a long time, and I finally got over my laziness and decided to not only put reviews by title, but author too! So you have the two options if only you click on my reviews bottom.