US VS UK: Daughter of Smoke and Bone Series by Laini Taylor (6 Different editions!)

So I am currently reading (or trying to read; finals week is a bitch) Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor (a book I've been waiting for my whole life -seriously) and so I had to make a blog post about the series. So let's play my favorite game, let's compare covers!

 

US-UK Hardbacks

I have a thing about the UK edition. It does look like a simple cover made for a 1.5 novella, but it also manages to be so beautiful in it;s simplicity. It's the winds, the font, and the exquisite color. The US edition is interesting, but the black and white person freaks me out. It doesn't look as clean as the UK one does that's a given! Though the font of the US cover is also to die for I would have to vote UK for the hardbacks.

UK-01 US-00

 

US-UK Paperbacks

This is NO competition! Look at that beautiful red door! First time I saw it I completely fell in love. The door is important to the story, and doesn't it remind you a little of Harry Potter in a way? The color texture, the red of the door... It's something. And look at the hand print!!!! Though I was imagining it being on the door but still, it's there! Love it, love it, love it. The US cover, well, a variation on the first cover and the mask does have something to do with the story, but still have you seen the red door?!

UK-02 US-00

 

US-UK Hardback

I love them both. You can't make me choose!

UK-03 US-01

UK was going to be win anyways. They had some kick ass editions!

NEWS: Karen Mooning is Continuing her original Fever series!!

I've read every single Fever book. I posted my review on the first one but haven't yet posted my reviews for the other 4 (blame finals!). Anyways, the finale of Shadowfever left it wide open for the possibility of a continuation, not only that but Ms. Mooning is writing currently a side series featuring Dani (which I have yet to read but am not feeling too excited about because this girl's vocabulary annoys me). Now she is thinking about continuing the freaking series!! Oh gosh so excited!!

Exciting news: I’ve agreed to write two more books after that (i.e. the Fever spin-off trilogy). Once the new trilogy is complete, I’m returning to the core story begun in the FEVER series, and will resume writing about Mac, Barrons, V’lane, Cruce, the Unseelie king, the concubine, the Song of Making. 

All in all, there are five more books coming about the Fever World! 

Because I know you guys, I know this is going to make some of you as nervous as it makes you excited. Trust me. I’m making no compromises with the characters or the story. It’s all unfolding exactly as it should, true to itself-which means, it’s a sometimes rocky road. Dark times ahead, guys. But I write it all with genuine love for the characters, the world, and you the reader." 

-Karen Marie Moning

Well, what do you think? Are you as excited as me?! Do you think Barrons and Mac will continue to be "happy" or do you think there are some more obstacles they need to get over? Ah, I'm just happy we get to read about Barrons again!

Review: The Secret Year by Jennifer R. Hubbard

Title: The Secret Year
Author: Jennifer R. Hubbard
Series: Stand Alone
Book #: 1
Pages: 192
Reading Level: YA
Book Rating: 
Goodreads Rating: 3.53
T.B.Published: Jan. 7th, 2010.

Take Romeo and Juliet. Add The Outsiders. Mix thoroughly. Colt and Julia were secretly together for an entire year and no one, not even Julia's boyfriend knew. They had nothing in common, with Julia in her country club world on Black Mountain and Colt from down on the flats, but it never mattered. Until Julia dies in a car accident, and Colt learns the price of secrecy. He can't mourn Julia openly, and he's tormented that he might have played a part in her death. When Julia's journal ends up in his hands, Colt relives their year together at the same time that he's desperately trying to forget her. But how do you get over someone who was never yours in the first place?

Taschima's POV:

For some reason I thought this book was going to be more exciting. It is titled The Secret Year. It's about a secret relationship that lasted for about a year between a rich girl and a poor boy. But we start the book at the end of the relationship, having the girl been killed and the boy been left in this vertigo full of doubt. We see their story through the girl's POV in diary entires, the boy is the main POV.

Going into this book I was expecting a juicy YA read, I expected the words to impact me more, I expected it to be more scandalous. I felt like Julia and Colt's relationship wasn't explored thorughly enough. We don't get a first glimpse into their relationship because the relationship is told in flashbacks, moments caught in the wind, and that really didn't work for me. Plus, they weren't that meaningful. They had sex, a lot. So what? The diary entries also weren't very exciting. She said a few things, and most of the entries were completely skipped over. I just felt there was something lacking, missing, from the entire book. Emotion? I don't know, it was just lacking that "it" thing.

It finally started getting interesting when people little y little started to find out about the relationship. But again, this wasn't exploided. A lot of things in the novel weren't. The novel is only 192 pages, with the potential for more, and it falls flat on it's face.

The characters for the most part were boring. The only one I could have really gotten into was Julia, and she died. She is described as being artsie and daring, and complicated. I felt like I never really got to kow her well, we only get to see Colt's version of Julia. Not anybody else's. I felt like Colt didn't do any impacting things in the story, he just coasted through the entire thing. Like he was invisible. Our own main character was freaking invisible. Even when his brother (my favorite character of the book) makes a big announcement he is just like "whatevs, let me eat and well be good." He is unremarkable, and unmemorable.

I felt like everything was unexciting, the characters, the plot, the romance... It really wasn't what I was expecting. I wasn't invested in the characters, I wasn't invested in the story. Sad, it had potential.

Some Yummylicious Covers You Might Have Missed

Goodreads

You know how long we Qhuinn/Blay fans have been waiting for this installment?! It seems forever now! They have definitely have their sections in every other book, but they finally get a book all of their own. The cover is just the cherry on top of the ice cream of awesomeness that is this book. If you look closely at the eyes you will be able to see they are two different colors... Qhuinn!! I love the cover, and I know Blay will also have his part of the story so I am not getting all touchy feeling cause he isn't on the cover.

Goodreads

I was there at BEA for the BIG reveal of the final cover for the Hush Hush series. I think I like the covers more than I like the books, though I never was really able to go past the first book so. Also if you look very closely at the girl model's face, doesn't she remind you of Kristen Stewart? I mean, they could be twins! Why is she at the end of a cliff? Is she going to throw herself? Do we want her to throw herself? I don't know, maybe?

Goodreads

SCANDAL! I love The Ivy series, it's like my guilty pleasure. It's all about college and frenemies and boys and bad decisions... It's like if Gossip Girl went to college and stayed there. Still, I love it. I need to get the third book in the series, Rivals, soon. I like how for these covers it isn't anything fancy, they just change the color, the title, and make it work. It makes it feel like it's part of a series.

Review: Glimpse by Carol Lynch Williams

Title: Glimpse
Author: Carol Lynch Williams
Series: N/A
Book #: 1
Pages: 484
Reading Level: YA
Book Rating: .7
Goodreads Rating: 3.86
Published: June 22th, 2010

In one moment it is over.

In one moment it is gone.

Twelve-year-old Hope’s life is turned upside down when her older sister, Lizzie, becomes an elective mute and is institutionalized after trying to kill herself. Hope and Lizzie have relied on each other from a young age, ever since their dad died. Their mother, who turns tricks to support her family, is a reluctant and unreliable parent—at best. During the course of this lyrical and heartbreaking narrative, told in blank verse from an exceptionally promising YA voice, readers will discover the chilling reason why Lizzie has stopped speaking—and why Hope is the only one who can bring the truth to light and save her sister.

Taschima's POV:

Fantastic, powerful story, yet it felt incomplete. It left me with a ton of questions by the end and with an unfinished feeling in my stomach. Just when it was getting good and when we were finally getting some answers I turn to the next page and I see the two most undesired words in the english language The End. What the... The story sort of feels like an inverted checkmark, only we get a solution to the problem along with no answers.

The story is about a girl (Hope) who is trying to come to terms with her sister's (Elizabeth) suicide attempt and her mother's (Momma, lol) debauchery. It has nothing to do with the paranormal or supernatural, but instead it is a somber contemporary. It is also a quick read. So we spend the entire novel learning about Hope's life, how she and Liz have this incredible bond, and their relationship with the mother. It really was a very dark and powerful read that was cut short. It left me with questions mostly regarding Elizabeth, and the sister's future. How will things turn out? What will happen to these girls? Why did some things happen? The world will never know!

Nevertheless, beautiful writing. I have a soft spot for books that are written in verse format. The writer has to be damn good to be able to write a book like this and make it engaging, and I am happy to say that Carol Lynch is that good a writer. The way she lets you in into the main characters mind... I felt like I was wearing her skin. The first few pages got me entirely hooked, I felt like the middle dragged a little at times but it still passed fairly quick, and the end, well it was interesting but lacking.

The "big secret" that moved the story along was, at least for me, painfully obvious. When it was finally revealed I was mostly interested in seeing how the characters would handle it and how it actually transpired because it was so obvious through the novel what happened that I am surprised the main character didn't catch on sooner (then again, maybe not since Hope seems to live with a blindfold on most of the time).

Will I read more work by Carol Lynch? Hell yes, I love her writing! It was just the partly un resolved ending that made me give this book a 3.7 star rating.

PS; Remember to enter my latest giveaway for a total of 6 awesome books ;)

So I Started Reading Glimpse by Carol Lynch Williams

Goodreads

Momma was quiet a moment,
Then she said,
Moccasins.
My God, they're moccasins.
Run, Hope.
Run, Liz. 

The snakes must have
seen us by then. They
turned in our direction. 

Momma didn't pick up a thing.
Not the umbrella,
not the towel she sat on.
Not even that sweet smelling
olive oil. 

She just ran,
leaving me and Liz behind. 

Wait,
Liz hollered after her.
Wait for us.
Liz grabbed me by the hand but all the sudden
I couldn't even more.

I really like how the book is written in free verse. For now, it's my favorite part of the book. I mean, I also like the story, it's about a girl who is trying to come to terms with her sister's suicide attempt and her mother's debauchery. It has nothing to do with the paranormal or supernatural, but instead it is a somber and quick read with amazing writing. Review to come soon!

Remember to enter my giveaway for the total of 6 awesome anthology books ;)

STOP Whatever you are doing! A Harry Potter Prequel, The Greater Good, is out! Dumbledore vs Grindelwald!

The Greater Good, a fan made Harry Potter small film depicting the first battle between Grindelwald and Dumbledore is sure to make you stare in awe. The film, while fan made, looks really good. The visual effects are incredible and the actors all seem to be really talented (not to mention cute... Hello Dumbledore ;) )

Some fans have called out, saying that some things in the film are inaccurate. But I digress, not every film is extremely accurate, not even the original HP films. For a fan made film is quite brilliant and I hope all that were involved in it have prosperous careers (maybe some work at the upcoming HP film perhaps?).

Hmm, which other Harry Potter moments would you like to see on film? I vote for the moment James and Lily make Peter Pettigrew their Secret-Keeper and everything went to hell. That would be very interesting to watch.

Greater Good's Facebook Page and official website.

Review: Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay

Title: Juliet Immortal

Author: Stacey Jay

Series: Juliet Immortal

Book #: 1

Pages: 307

Reading Level: YA

Book Rating: 

Goodreads Rating: 3.69

Published: August 9th, 2011


The most tragic love story in history . . .

Juliet Capulet didn't take her own life. She was murdered by the person she trusted most, her new husband, Romeo Montague, a sacrifice made to ensure his own immortality. But what Romeo didn't anticipate was that Juliet would be granted eternity, as well, and would become an agent for the Ambassadors of Light. For 700 years, she's fought Romeo for the souls of true lovers, struggling to preserve romantic love and the lives of the innocent. Until the day she meets someone she's forbidden to love, and Romeo, oh Romeo, will do everything in his power to destroy that love.

Taschima's POV:

I liked it more than I like the original story of Romeo and Juliet, one which I hate because I think it's not romantic but utterly stupid. Nevertheless I loved the cover of this story so I was anxiously waiting for it and I was expecting a dark though utterly investing revenge/love story. I was expecting fireworks, instead I got normal light bulb. It was a let down in some places, and in others it wasn't... mostly a let down.

The irony? The let down was the romance. THE ROMANCE! Since the story is a re told of one of the world's most beloved romantic stories (though admittedly not one of mine) I was thinking that this book would take it up a notch and create a real romance story that tackled all the big and dark questions about love. Instead it tackled love at first sight, a type of love I am so not in the team of. Love at first sight, soul mates, etc. In other words a love that doesn't need a backbone (yeah it does). Juliet meets a boy and almost instantly falls in love, what is even more impressive is the boy falls in love right back after picking this crazy girl with blood on her clothes up from the road after she had a serious fight with her "date of the evening" otherwise known as Romeo, otherwise known as Dylan (they inhabit bodies while they are on earth). And all we get that they are really truly in lurve? He can see past the scars in the girl's face and see her true inner beauty. Ta da! Even though Juliet never really fesses up, and he is always painted as this 2 dimensional character with no true depth and no true possible future. I was not a fan of the love interest.

Also weren't Juliet and Romeo supposed to be mortal enemies? I didn't see it. At the beginning it started great, Romeo was out to get her and Juliet was fighting him and all was right with the world, but then suddenly Romeo needed Juliet and she went along with it. Oookay. Not okay. I liked it better when you guys were beating the crap out of each other.

The relationship between Romeo and Juliet though, that was interesting. Their hate/love/hate relationship was interesting to read about. Juliet was this feisty character that learnt from the mistakes she did in the past and is trying to re invent herself while still kicking Romeo for being an asshole and Romeo is this crazy ass character who is a little insane and has no real moral compass  but all in all he seems to be one of the most interesting characters of the entire story, go figure (that rings true). His insanity keeps the story interesting. [Spoiler]  Though to be completely honest, even though Juliet was the idiot who took her own life in the end I don't think Romeo should have had a second chance so freaking quickly and I am not positive if I could ever root for him seeing as he truly is evil and killed people for the hell of it, he could have quit and faced the consequences. So reading the second novel is going to be interesting[Spoiler ENDS]

Another note on Juliet, I have no idea how this girl could have ever actually helped any soul mates to end up together. She seems to be crappy at her job, and without the help of her boss's she hardly knew what she was doing (even though she has been doing the same thing for 700 years). And it isn't like it was so hard to tell who the lovers were, the big red tell tale sign gives it away pretty quick. [Spoiler]  so when Nurse said she wouldn't re hire Juliet I was like "good, understandable, she sucks at her job so I understand why you wouldn't like to hire her back" it was funny how Romeo's boss's though wanted to give him a promotion at the drop of a hat with only a bit more of work, Romeo was good at his job of being evil though.[Spoiler ENDS]

The whole story was a bit confusing too. I feel like this book needed another book before it that gave us more of a look into the supernatural world that is being built up, plus that could give us a glimpse at what truly happen in Verona. The whole mythology was a bit fucked up, and to be honest I didn't feel that invested in the whole cupid thing. At the end I was like "so what?"

Okay, let's see what else. The ending. It was fast paced and the decisions that Romeo did were unexpected, but I felt like how it ended undermined the entire story. I felt like the final key that helped everything better was, too easy. [Spoiler]  the whole "other worlds" thing undermined the story! It was like, this easy escape route where everything that happen in the beginning of the story didn't matter. It was too easy, and it was so out of the freaking blue. An easy ending.[Spoiler ENDS]A suckie ending.

So you might be wondering how exactly did I like this book since it seemed that I have a complain about it every other turn. I liked Juliet, and I liked Romeo, and I liked the beginning where they were mortal enemies, I didn't like the romance, but I guess I liked the concept of the book more than the book itself, and it had it's moments (like the moments where Juliet wanted to make Ariel's -the body she was inhabiting- life's better by making things right with her mother and such), but they were too far in between. I think I shall read Romeo's story just to see how it ends and to see what happens to him. Great concept, not so great way of conducting the story.

Review: Seven Seasons of Buffy Edited by Glenn Yeffeth

Title: Seven Seasons of Buffy

Author: Various

Series: Nope

Book #: 1

Pages: 240

Reading Level: For Anybody

Book Rating: 

Goodreads Rating: 3.84

Published: Sept. 10, 2003

** COMPLETELY UNAUTHORIZED **

This collection of irreverent and surprising essays about the popular television series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" includes pieces by leading science fiction and fantasy authors. Contributors include bestselling legend David Brin, critically acclaimed novelist Scott Westerfield, cult-favorite vampire author Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, and award-winner Sarah Zettel. The show and its cast are the topics of such critical pieces as Lawrence Watt-Evans's "Matchmaking in Hellmouth" and Sherrilyn Kenyon's "The Search for Spike's Balls." An informed introduction for those not well acquainted with the show, and a source of further research for Buffy buffs, this book raises interesting questions concerning a much-loved program and future cult classic.

Taschima's POV:


Are you the kind of Buffy fan that declares that Buffy was the ultimate T.V. Series? Are you the kind of Buffy fan that bought the series and watched it over and over and over again? Are you the kind of fan that discusses with your fellow Buffy mates various points of the series? Like what went wrong, what went great, and things like that? If you answered yes to any of these questions then this IS the book for you. This book will give you plenty of things to ponder long after you finish reading it. The essays will stay with you for days, even the ones that annoy you because they just don't think like you think. And at the very least I can assure you that after finishing it, or heck even while reading it, you will go to your special DVD space, pick up that beloved yet used up box set and sit down to watch it all over again.

The Smart Pop books are not like normal books. Smart Pop books are basically a bunch of essays put together that deal with a specific main thing in pop culture, literature, etc. This book in specific deals with a pop culture phenomenon that is very close to my heart, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. How much of a vampire slayer geek am I? I love it with every fibber of my being. The show, the characters, the romance, relationships, bonds, Spike, Spike, Spike, everything! And speaking as a Buffy Geek I can tell you that it was fun to read various different ideas when it comes to Buffy. Some of these essays went against everything I believe in when it comes to the Buffy universe(like one essay discusses how Willow and Tara's relationship is not the healthiest relationship in the entire Buffy Universe -I think it is-, and Spike not being the ultimate mate for Buffy -which he totally is and I could write my OWN essay listing the reasons why) and some others had me screaming "YES!", "Exactly!", and "I am go glad you pointed that out!".

Some of my favorites: 

• Is That Your Final Answer...? by Roxanne Longstreet Conrad 
• The Meaning of Buffy BY MARGUERITE KRAUSE 
• Love Saves the World BY JEAN LORRAH 
• Dating Death BY JENNIFER CRUSIE 
• A Buffy Confession BY JUSTINE LARBALESTIER (It was a good essay even if the ending sort of screw it up a bit)

There are a LOT of essays. So because of this these book won't go by in the blink of an eye like if it was a normal fictional story. You have to take your time and not hurry yourself through it because if not you will not completely enjoy it. That's my advice. What I found interesting about the essays is that I enjoyed the essays written by people that I basically know nothing about, but the people I do know something about (Charlaine Harris, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Scott Westerfeld) I didn't enjoy as much.

There is definitely a little of everything for everybody. A lot of different interesting opinions. Like I said if you love Buffy and love talking about it and discussing it read this book. It's totally for you.

PS; something that disappointed me is that no one tackled the question of who is in reality the better man, who is gooder (if that is even a word), Angel or Spike? This question is one me and my fellow friend talk about a lot. We think Spike is the better man, more good, for many many reasons.So, disappointed nobody tackled that, but maybe I will take the time sometime to tackle this in an essay on my own free time.

Review: Balthazar by Claudia Gray

Title: Balthazar

Author: Claudia Gray

Series: No T_T

Book #: 1

Pages: 374

Reading Level: YA

Book Rating: .5

Goodreads Rating: 4.35

T.B.Published: March 06, 2012

Haunted by memories from his first days as a vampire, Balthazar has spent hundreds of years alone—without allies, without love. When he emerges from his isolation to help Skye Tierney, a human girl who once attended Evernight Academy, Balthazar has no idea how dangerous it will be. Skye’s psychic powers have caught the attention of Redgrave, the cruel master vampire responsible for murdering Balthazar and his family four centuries ago. Having learned of Skye’s powers and the remarkable effect her blood has on vampires, he plans to use her for his own evil purposes. As they stand together to fight the evil vampire, Balthazar realizes his lonely world could finally be changed by Skye...just as Redgrave realizes that he can destroy Balthazar once and for all by taking her for his own.

In a story filled with forbidden love and dark suspense, one of the most beloved characters in Claudia Gray’s New York Times bestselling Evernight series will captivate readers with his battle to overcome his past and follow his heart.

Taschima's POV:

Let me start by saying that I was not a fan of the Evernight series. I liked it, the ending sucked, and that was it. But Balthazar? I am such a fan of Balthazar. This book is more, mature, more fun. More... hot.

The beginning hits you fast and hard. Skye gets attack, Balthazar saves her, and so it begins. The good thing about this book? This scenario doesn't repeat itself over and over again. I love Skye, because she is a kick ass heroine who isn't afraid of fighting and defending herself. She is strong, and even when Balthazar says that they can't possibly be together because of x or y she is like "dude, if we want to be together we will find a way". Plus she isn't like the other girls who are completely oblivious to the male's interest. She  knows what she wants and she goes for it. In this novel we are introduced to a very ancient and effective form of art: that of flirting. It was so much fun reading those scenes between Skye and Balthazar. They really leave you with a crazy little giggle.

Which leads me to the vampire himself. In this novel we not only get to see the present Balthazar but we also get to see flash blacks into his past. The flash backs were confusing, since they aren't very chronological and it gets annoying placing the time and space, but it isn't the end of the world. Balthazar is a dream boat, but the real star in this book is Skye. She is freaking awesome!!

The book is full of action and it has an interesting plot line. It really has the full package, and its so much better than Evernight!!! My only disappointment when it comes to Balthazar is that it doesn't have a freaking sequel. It deserves a sequel, and to be honest there are some things that need following up to (things involving Charity, the vampire community, and their relationship). I so need another shot of Skye and Balthazar.

PS;Also just so you know, a character from Evernight makes an cameo if anybody is interested in knowing who they can message me.

Review: The Hunger Pains by The Harvard Lampoon

Title: The Hunger Pains: A Parody

Author: The Harvard Lampoon

Series: No

Book #: 1

Pages: 157

Reading Level: YA

Book Rating: 

Goodreads Rating: 3.46

Published: Feb. 07 , 2012


Winning means wealth, fame, and a life of therapy.
Losing means death, but also fame!
This is The Hunger Pains.

When Kantkiss Neverclean replaces her sister as a contestant on the Hunger Games—the second-highest-rated reality TV show in Peaceland, behind Extreme Home Makeover—she has no idea what to expect. Having lived her entire life in the telemarketing district’s worst neighborhood, the Crack, Kantkiss feels unprepared to fight to the death while simultaneously winking and looking adorable for the cameras. But when her survival rests on choosing between the dreamy hunk from home, Carol Handsomestein, or the doughy klutz, Pita Malarkey, Kantkiss discovers that the toughest conflicts may not be found on the battlefield but in her own heart . . . which is unfortunately on a battlefield.

Taschima's POV:


I finally made it through that. It was hard to make myself read till the very end, but I managed it! I give myself props for that, and I will tell you why.


First off, this was supposed to be a parody am I not correct? Well, where is the funny? I can count the amount of times I CHUCKLED while reading this book with one of my hands. I have a sense of humour, I am not one of those readers who gets offended if someone makes a joke about a book I like, but if it's not a funny joke I'm not gonna laugh! This book was just written because The Hunger Games is all the hype now and they wanted to take a stab at it. They did it with Twilight (and that one was actually kind of funny) but this one? They couldn't get a funny angle on it! Some of the "funny" points of the book include:

• Peeta (in the book Pita) is super fat, loves to eat, and can't move from point A to point B without needing assistance. First off, why would this be funny? With better writing I could see someone making a joke out of Peeta being SO IN LOVE with Katniss (her name in the parody is Kantkiss, ha ha... not). But no, they decided to play on the fat jokes, and trust me they don't make you laugh at all.

• Gale (in the book his name is Carol... why again?) is super into himself and is always plaguing Kantkiss' thoughts. Again with better writing I could potentially get into this, but it really had no comic effect in the story. None what so ever.

• Rue (Run in the book) is a baby. LITERALLY. She is a freaking baby (quite deadly at that; she manages to kill a couple of people). I just... no. What's even badder (if that is even a word) is that they use the farts jokes with her. Please just stop it, you are making it worse.

• Kantkiss is just a narrator throughout the story with no original voice of her own. She is incredibly naivee and holds more of her share of stupid stocks. You are killing me book. 

At least if you are going to poke fun at a book (which I am totally for) do it in a funny way! With GOOD writing! This book seems like someone scrambled to put it together at the very last minute with a lot of bad outdated jokes (much like Cinna does in the book with Kantkiss's dresses- at one point she was a mummy made out of toilet paper, sounds funny in theory but in the book is torture). And god it took me so long to finish, I had to make myself sit down and finish it because I wanted to have the right to say to you guys that I finished this book in its entirety and it sucked. The most enjoyable part of The Hunger Pains in my opinion was when the hovercraft people collected the dead bodies and we got a glimpse of what they were talking about, which was their boring day to day lives. By the end of the book I even wanted Kantkiss to die to know how Dave was doing (the last convo he wanted to open his own fish restaurant but needed help in getting money for said opening, I hope everything works out for you Dave). 


And because I don't want to seen as being completely negative (even though this is the first book I have given a one star to in over 2 years) here is one of the parts that made me chuckle:

"Just as I'm realising how difficult it will be to dig a hole with my bare hands, a parachute drops down containing a metal shove. Great, another brainteaser from buttitch. What could it mean? 

... 

That's when I understand the meaning of the shovel, and with a quick smack on the back of the head, Pita is out like a light." 

I would have looked for the other one that made me chuckle, but I don't want to go through it again. Please don't make me.

Review: Harbinger by Sara Wilson Etienne

Title: Harbinger

Author: Sara Wilson Etienne

Series: none

Book #: 1

Pages: 320
Reading Level: YA

Book Rating: 

Goodreads Rating: 3.82

Published: Feb. 2nd, 2012

by G.P. Putnam's Sons BYR

Plagued by waking visions and nightmares, inexplicably drawn to the bones of dead animals, Faye thinks she's going crazy. Fast. Her parents believe Holbrook Academy might just be the solution. Dr. Mordoch tells her it's the only answer. But Faye knows that something's not quite right about Dr. Mordoch and her creepy, prisonlike school for disturbed teenagers. 

What's wrong with Holbrook goes beyond the Takers, sadistic guards who threaten the student body with Tasers and pepper spray; or Nurse, who doles out pills at bedtime and doses of solitary confinement when kids step out of line; or Rita, the strange girl who delivers ominous messages to Faye that never seem to make any sense. What's wrong with Holbrook begins and ends with Faye's red hands; she and her new found friends--her Holbrook "family"--wake up every morning with their hands stained the terrible brown of dried blood. Faye has no idea what it means but fears she may be the cause. 

Because despite the strangeness of Holbrook and the island on which it sits, Faye feels oddly connected to the place; she feels especially linked to the handsome Kel, who helps her unravel the mystery. There's just one problem: Faye's certain Kel's trying to kill her--and maybe the rest of the world, too. 

Taschima's POV:

This book is just plain weird. In a good way? I am still on the fence on that. I saw so many excellent reviews on the book, so I thought "ugh, maybe this book will be kick ass (even though the cover isn't my favourite)" but after reading it, I was more looking for the 3-4 star reviews, because to be completely honest I was confused for the most part of the story, with the story line and how the things, like the hallucinations, were taking place, and I just didn't seem to take full enjoyment out of the book.

It has some very good qualities to be sure, but it also has some very annoying and potentially unpleasant features. Let's start with the good and work our way to the bad.

The good: The ending is pretty exciting, and getting to learn what the hell was going with the story was my favourite part (even though after all the explanation I was still a little confused on the particulars, but oh well). I also liked the major twist at the end of the story involving the main two characters, that was interesting. The dangerous sort of connection between the main two characters was exciting to read about, though...

The Bad: I didn't connect with the characters. I didn't connect with Faye, the main girl character, because her thoughts were so fragmented and I just didn't get what the hell was going on in her head or why. There is a line between keeping things hidden and mysterious and keeping them so hidden that you can't connect with your main girl because of it. The guy, Kel, was made to be the bad ass character, but he seemed to have more than 5 personalities at the same time. His past and his present didn't seem to connect that well, and at some point was even discarded and forgotten about (actually, this happened with every character's past). As to the rest of the supporting characters, I liked Nami (the rebel girl) and Damion (the Marine guy with issues and the hots for Nami), they seemed super interesting, too bad we don't get to hang out with them that much. Another interesting character was Rita, a young girl who seems to hang out around Holbrook Academy, but we get to see too little of her at the beginning and then she comes back and she is all changed. So, character disconnect. As I said before, I also had trouble with the plot line. I understood the main point of the story, I just got a bit lost in getting there. There was just so much happening at the same time that I guess getting to the end was like a battle and not a battle I enjoyed.

All in all, I finished it, but it wasn't a fave. The whole story seemed to work for a lot of readers, just not this reader. 

PS; Do you like the new black background? I am trying to slowly make a new layout for Bloody Bookaholic, but I am not good. Just found that pattern and thought it was pretty cool.

Did you Know? Jeaniene Frost writes YA.

So the book's title is The Beautiful Ashes and the series goes by Broken Destiny. This new YA title, which is scheduled to release in 2014, is going to be written by none other than the amazing Jeaniene Frost.

"...a young woman discovers she's the last member of an ancient line with an unwanted destiny; and that her only ally, a mysterious young man is destined to betray her... and doom the world, to Tara Parsons at Harlequin, with Margo Lipschultz editing, in a major deal, in a three-book deal, by Nancy Yost at Nancy Yost Literary Agency."

-Goodreads 

*Pause so that it sinks in*

Jeaniene. Frost... writing YA. HOLY HELL!!!

List of things that I absolutely need in order to stay alive:

1. Oxygen
2. H2O
3. This book.
4. Chocolate

*Singing* This book is going to be awesome, this book is going to be awesome, this book is going to be aweeesome... *singing trails off*

There isn't much to go on yet, only a small description on Goodreads, but no matter what this book will be part of my collection. For those unfamiliar with Jeaniene Frost she is the writer of my favorite adult vampire series, The Night Huntress Series. This series will change your life, it has a very powerful independent the motherload of kickass woman lead, a very british and very enticing male counterpart (who is not afraid to take off his enemies heads and play soccer with them... he will do it), and a addictive plot line that is sure to keep you awake waaaay past your bed time. Every single person I have told to read this series has not been disappointed, and usually call to thank me after they finish reading the first book.

Now imagine her writing a YA novel?

Cannot. Freaking. Wait.

I Started reading Harbinger by Sara Etienne

Goodreads

"When Mom saw me standing in the doorway, she was startled into looking me. She started right into my eyes and shuddered. I didn't imagine it. She actually shuddered, and her obvious disgust shivered through me too. 

Before that moment, I'd only ever sensed strong emotions emanating from people. But that day my mother's repulsion was so strong that for the first time, a clear word emerged from the murky surface of her thoughts: "Abomination."

--

"I almost crashed straight into her. She'd blended right into the trees. The girl, frozen in mid-scream, panic engraved into her metal face. 

Her weathered bronze hands were thrown up in front of her. Her eyes hysterical and huge. The girl reminded me of hose statues cast from the ruins of Pompeii. People stuck, for all eternity, watching everything they loved be consumed by the fires of hell."

I am on page 43, and I gotta admit that this girl seems freaking crazy. I have no idea whats happening with her half the time, or why she is having hallucinations, or if they are even hallucinations, I guess it's supposed to keep you at the edge of your seat, but it really is just too much confusion for the beginning. I want some answers pretty soon. Also the setting and how it's written it's pretty creepy, I am liking that, it reminds me a tad bit of Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves.

PS; I already randomized and came up with the winners for the contests!! I just need to make a list out of the books in the pic so that people can choose them and then it will all be done with. The only left contest is for Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver (ends Feb 22), don't forget to enter!

Has anyone read Harbinger yet? Any reviews? I sort of went quickly through the reviews in Goodreads and almost all of them were 4 stars and up, so I sort of have high hopes for this one. Hopefully it will be great!

Sneak Peak, Chapter One: The Forever Song (Blood of Eden #3) by Julie Kagawa

I am so excited for The Forever Song! It's one of my top 5 expected books for 2014. But, April 2014 is a LONG time to wait, so here is a little sneak peak of The Forever Song, a little bite of chapter one, that was at the end of The Iron Traitor review copy (another fantastic addition to the The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten series if I say so myself). 

Goodreads

Release Date: April 2014

"Where were they? It wasn't possible that an entire outpost of mortals would up and disappear without a trace.
And then, as we followed the path around the pasture and up to the huge barn at the top of the rise, we found the townspeople.
A massive, barren tree stood beside the barn, twisted branches clawing at the sky. They creaked and swayed beneath the weight of dozens of bodies, hanging upside down from ropes tied to the limbs. Men, women, even a few kids, swinging in the breeze, dangling arms stiff and white. Their throats had been cut, and the base of the tree was stained black, the blood spilled and wasted in the snow. But the smell nearly knocked me over regardless, and I clenched my fists, the Hunger raking my insides with fiery talons.
"Well," Jackal muttered, crossing his arms and gazing up at the tree, "isn't that festive." His voice was tight, as if he, too, was on the edge of losing it. "I'm guessing this is the reason we haven't found a single bloodbag from here all the way back to New Convington." He growled, shaking his head, lips curling back from his fangs. "This guy is really starting to piss me off."
I swallowed the Hunger, trying to focus through the gnawing ache. "Why, James, don't tell me you feel sorry for the walking meatsacks," I taunted, because sometimes, goading Jackal was the only thing that kept my mind off everything else. He snorted and rolled his eyes.
"No, sister, I'm annoyed because they don't have the decency to be alive so I can eat them."

This sneak peak is so bloody and intense! I can picture that tree so clearly, this book is definitely not for the faint of heart. Men, women, even little kids... Oh gosh, I don't want to be creepy but this is just so dark, I can't freaking wait. Julie Kagawa seems to not be pulling any punches, she is writing it like it is. Vampires are Vampires, and they can be merciless and scary as all hell. What do you think of this sneak peak? Too bloody for you? Not bloody enough? I can't wait for more!!


*Quotes are subject to change.

Divergent Official Trailer is made of awesomeness.

This trailer confirms it, Divergent seems like it's going to be amazing. And I am so glad! With the Vampire Academy trailer leaving us doubtful I am glad that the Divergent movie seems like it's going to be great, and as closely as the book as it can be. It hurts to watch it though, knowing how everything is going to turn out, who is going to die and who will survive. Allegiant left me in a state of depression, all of us really. But watching Divergent might bring back some of the joy I found in the series in it's beginning :)

PS; I cannot wait to see Will, Cristina, etc. I love the side characters as well!

Review: A Visitor's Guide to Mystic Falls: Your Favorite Authors on The Vampire Diaries

Title: A Visitor's Guide to Mystic Falls

Author: A Whole Bunch

Series: Nope

Book #: 1

Pages: 224

Reading Level: For Everybody

Book Rating: 

Published: Oct. 19th, 2010

by Smart Pop Books

Vampires are hot right now, especially among teens, and The Vampire Diaries in a few short episodes became the CW’s most-watched show.

The Vampire Diaries brings together today’s best YA writers of the supernatural to talk about the show’s first season: the characters, the storyline, the magic, the town. From a history of the Salem’s witches from whom Bonnie is descended to family therapy for brothers Stefan and Damon, the anthology is guaranteed to keep Vampire Diaries viewers entertained—and make them see Mystic Falls, and the rest of the show, in a whole new way.

And the webmasters of Vampire-Diaries.net, a popular fansite for both the books and show, also provide a primer on what viewers should know before picking up the books.

Taschima's POV:

A book a la true Smart Pop books fashion. A bunch of author's coming together in a single book, essay format, to talk about the wonders and amazingness of what is The Vampire Diaries, season 1. Being a Vampire Diaries fan myself, TV Show not books (though I did read those before watching the TV show a long time ago), I found this book sooo freaking enjoyable, because as I always say when it comes to Smart Pop Books it's like coming together with your favourite authors (Bree Despain, Alyxandra Harvey, Kiersten White, Claudia Gray...) and just talking about and gushing about Vampire Diaries.

Amazingly, they talk about more than how attractive Ian Somerhaulder is and how his gaze can pretty much make any panties fall instantly to the ground in complete surrender (Team Damon here). They talk about how the history of Mystic Falls is in itself like a character to the series, an essay focuses on who is the true villain of this tale (supposedly Stefan- a judgement I find very appealing), and just basically about a whole bunch of things that if you are a Vampire Diaries fan will find super interesting. I specially enjoyed the end, where they start talking about how the books differ from the series. The only essay I didn't enjoy that much was Claudia Gray's, not because it wasn't greatly written but because I didn't join in her opinion of making the show that much more historically accurate. It is about the history of mystic falls, but not in that fashion.

Anyways, awesome essay book. Only thing I would request now is a follow up book on the second season of The Vampire Diaries, have the authors who made speculations about season 2 see how their argument changes or not, and see if they themselves change in their opinions. I would certainly buy that book! I would also enjoy some pics of Ian shirtless... You know, for the sake of research and what not.