Waiting on Wednesday [#21]

Hosted by Breaking the Spine

Gilt by KATHERINE LONGSHORE

In the court of King Henry VIII, nothing is free- and love comes at the highest price of all.

When Kitty Tylney's best friend, Catherine Howard, worms her way into King Henry VIII's heart and brings Kitty to court, she's thrust into a world filled with fabulous gowns, sparkling jewels, and elegant parties. No longer stuck in Cat's shadow, Kitty's now caught between two men--the object of her affection and the object of her desire. But court is also full of secrets, lies, and sordid affairs, and as Kitty witnesses Cat's meteoric rise and fall as queen, she must figure out how to keep being a good friend when the price of telling the truth could literally be her head.(less)

Hardcover, 398 pages
Expected publication: May 15th 2012 by Viking Juvenile

Why I'm Waiting: Okay so the book came out yesterday. Whatever. I STILL WANT .I've always loved all things Anne Boleyn so I think it's time for me to move on to Henry's other unfortunate wives. I especially love that this is told from the bestie point of view!

Musing Mondays [#1]

I've decided that I don't give memes enough love, so I'm starting another one! :) I hope all of the mothers had a fabulous day yesterday!

Hosted by Should Be Reading

Do you tend to read to the end of a chapter or can you stop anywhere?

I make it my goal to get to the end of the chapter, but I have this nasty habit of falling asleep while reading. I don't know when it happens, I just know that I wake up with my nook/book on the ground. LUCKILY, I have a really good memory so if I didn't put a bookmark, I can usually remember the exact page I was on. 

Pandemonium Review

Pandemonium (Delirium #2) by LAUREN OLIVER

I'm pushing aside the memory of my nightmare,
pushing aside thoughts of Alex,
pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my old school,
push,
push,
push,
like Raven taught me to do.
The old life is dead.
But the old Lena is dead too.
I buried her.
I left her beyond a fence,
behind a wall of smoke and flame.

Lauren Oliver delivers an electrifying follow-up to her acclaimed New York Times bestseller, Delirium. This riveting, brilliant novel crackles with the fire of fierce defiance, forbidden romance, and the sparks of a revolution about to ignite (goodreads).

1/2

Review: 


In the sequel to Delirium, Lena is stronger than ever before, and ready to start loving again.

Lena has spent several months in the Wilds. Months learning how to grow stronger and how to survive. And now she is ready to walk among the "Zombies" once again. On a special mission, Lena has to keep tabs on a pro-Cure group that is fighting to have the Cure required starting at a younger age. This organization is not the only thing that catches Lena's eye, she also can't seem to stay away from the founder's son, Julian.

Hm. I wanted to like this book. I wanted to love this book. But....I don't. Like Delirium, there isn't a lot of action but a lot happens. Lena grows into her own person and soon she is ready to infiltrate New York under a new guise. The story is told from the past and the present until the past meets up with the present. This allows the reader to watch Lena's transformation.

I was disappointed that none of the characters from Delirium were present in this book, I really wanted to see Lena's reaction to them after she discovered the true meaning of love. The characters that we are introduced to are just as strong and interesting though. We first meet the ever strong Raven who really pushes Lena to be all that she can be-and more. Their interactions were interesting and endearing; I think Raven was my favorite secondary character in this book. She is so head strong but also so vulnerable with the most heart-wrenching story.

Now.....I have to address something that I wish I could ignore. Julian. He is the poster child for the pro-Cure group Lena is trying to destroy from the inside. As fate would have it, they fall in love and their relationship starts to mirror that of Alex and Lena. Now because I know and love Alex I cannot accept the possibility of another boy who can hold a light to him. Because Alex and perfect. And the story seems to hint at a future love triangle which...I could definitely do without. So that's really all I have to say. It's upsetting to write about.

The writing is akin to poetry. Oliver describes everything beautifully and romantically. Lena's first person point of view helps show her progression into a strong and independent woman who is taking the role of her first love.

Pandemonium is not what I was expecting but Oliver never fails to create a beautiful story. I am curious to see how this will all end.

Mockingjay Review

Mockingjay (The Hunger Games) by SUZANNE COLLINS

My name is Katniss Everdeen. Why am I not dead? I should be dead.

Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.

It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plains--except Katniss.

The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay--no matter what the personal cost (goodreads).

1/2

Review: 

Katniss never wanted to stand for something, everything she has done has been to protect a loved one, never did she dream of being the poster child of a Revolution. Now with Katniss out of the Arena for good and the war against President Snow raging on, Katniss has no choice but to be the symbol of hope for all twelve (er, thirteen) districts. 

The final installment to The Hunger Games and it does NOT disappoint. Not at all. While I thought that there would be more action than there was (you know...there being a Revolution going on and whatnot), emotions still flared and the death count continued to rise. Some deaths and actions downright took my breath away. 

We learn more about some of the characters, a lot more. This book nicely wraps up everyone's story (unless...you're Gale) and history. Along with further developing her characters, Collins introduces a new world, District 13. Besides all of the great characterization....something changed. By the end of the book I couldn't help but think "man, Katniss is a total bitch." Which I still stand by. She makes some decisions that have me wanting to scream "no no no! this is madness" but! I understand. After all that Katniss and Peeta have gone through, it is safe to say that they are not the same people we met during the first Hunger Games. They have seen tragedy, they have killed, and all before they turn 18. Katniss is progression to instability is almost beautiful.... because it happens to subtly. 

I am still not Team Peeta or Team Gale, frankly I wouldn't have a problem is Katniss ended up alone, but I completely understand what Suzanne Collins did (well not the Gale part). Quite personally I'm a bigger fan of Finnick/Annie than I am Katniss/anybody.

I think the writing is at its strongest here. Collins creates so many crazy twists and turns and accompanies them with beautiful songs. Collins really outdid herself, especially with the epilogue. The voice and so pained that it fits the story nicely. 

Mockingjay is an incredible conclusion with an amazingly comnplex female lead. If you're ready to cry your eyes out, read this book. 

Catching Fire Review

Catching Fire (Hunger Games #2) by SUZANNE COLLINS

Sparks are igniting, flames are spreading and the Capitol wants revenge.

Against all odds, Katniss has won the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family and longtime friend, Gale. Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has turned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol-- a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create.

Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she's afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she's not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can't prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying.

In Catching Fire, the second novel of the Hunger Games trilogy, Suzanne Collins continues the story of Katniss Everdeen, testing her more than ever before... and surprising readers at every turn (goodreads).

Review: 

After touring all twelve districts with co-victor Peeta, the two realize that the districts are not as controlled as the Capitol makes them think they are. There are riots, escapees and somehow Katniss has become the face of the Revolution. In an attempt to squash the Revolution for once and for good, he sends Katniss back into the arena, in hopes that she won't come back. 

This book picks up right where The Hunger Games left off. Katniss and Peeta are preparing to tour the districts as victors of the 74th Hunger Games while dealing with their personal demons. The story flows well with Katniss are narrator and more of the Districts being revealed. When I first read the book, I was kind of annoyed to find out that Suzanne Collins was throwing Katniss, Peeta and ten other tributes back into the Arena; it felt kind of cheap. Upon reflection, I LOVE how it was handled (one line that comes to mind is, "there is no room for a Girl on Fire) and I loved the set-up of this Arena. I think I liked this arena more than the one of the 74th Hunger Games. I also liked that Katniss gave the audience a history of The Hunger Games which helped her understand her new enemies, as well as our beloved Haymitch. What made Catching Fire so memorable are the introduction to new characters. 

Finnick. Joanna. They are awesome and I am so happy that Collins created them. With the start of a new Hunger Games, comes new tributes and Game Masters. I felt more connected to these tributes (well...besides Rue and Thresh obviously) than I did for the previous book's tributes (there is a scene with a District 6 tribute that had me BAWLING). Katniss is still a strong heroine fighting a battle she didn't sign up for, Peeta is....there, we find out more about Gale, and we are given clues regarding President Snow's past. I also adored Madge, the old lady with a mean hook...literally.

I still love Katniss's point of view. She is so strong, so committed to helping others, and she is so REAL. Everythign Katniss feels, the reader feels, there is never a moment where Katniss knows more than the reader which I love. Suzanne Collins writing is still fabulous and un-put-down-able.

Overall, Catching Fire is a strong follow up to The Hunger Games and anyone who was a fan of the initial book will definitely love this one!

Waiting on Wednesday [#20]

Hosted by Breaking the Spine

Hemlock by KATHLEEN PEACOCK

Mackenzie and Amy were best friends. Until Amy was brutally murdered.

Since then, Mac’s life has been turned upside down. She is being haunted by Amy in her dreams, and an extremist group called the Trackers has come to Mac’s hometown of Hemlock to hunt down Amy’s killer: A white werewolf.

Lupine syndrome—also known as the werewolf virus—is on the rise across the country. Many of the infected try to hide their symptoms, but bloodlust is not easy to control.

Wanting desperately to put an end to her nightmares, Mac decides to investigate Amy’s murder herself. She discovers secrets lurking in the shadows of Hemlock, secrets about Amy’s boyfriend, Jason, her good pal Kyle, and especially her late best friend. Mac is thrown into a maelstrom of violence and betrayal that puts her life at risk.

Kathleen Peacock’s thrilling novel is the first in the Hemlock trilogy, a spellbinding urban fantasy series filled with provocative questions about prejudice, trust, lies, and love (goodreads).


Why I'm Waiting: You know, I'm still on the fence when it comes to werewolf novels but everyone seems to LOVE this one so I have to!




What are you waiting on? Link me! <3

Netgalley Month!

Hey loves, Happy May! With a new season comes a new challenge, NetGalley Month! From May 1-May 31 you have to READ the books that you have requested. No specific number, just read, review, and get that depressing "books not yet reviewed" number down!

Want to join?

Top Ten Tuesday [#3]

Hosted by The Broke and Bookish

Top Ten Books I'd Like to See Made into Movies

1) The Iron Fey Series by Julie Kagawa: The world is so beautiful and all of the characters are memorable, I think this would look amazing on the big screen!

2) The Restorer (The Graveyard Queen Series) by Amanda Stevens: I was reading the sequel last night and I couldn't help but imagine how this would look with special effects and a A list cast. The mood to this book is so wonderfully mysterious and creepy I think that a director would have fun with. 

3) Entwined by Heather Dixon: The entire time I was reading this I was thinking how awesome this would be as an animated movie! The humor is charming, the characters are adorable and lovable. It would be the perfect summer blockbuster for kid's movies!

4) Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver: This book made me feel so many things! It's such a good story with a great narrative, I think it would be a hit with young movie goers. Parents too!

5) Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman: This is by favorite Neil Gaiman book and I would love to see this as a movie. Not a television series, a movie. No reason necessary, It's Neil motherloving Gaiman. 

6) A Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux: This is one of my favorite romance books ever. Although this plot has already been done (Kate and Leopold), I think the love story will leave the other "copy-cats" in the dust!

7) The Dark Hunters series by Sherrilyn Kenyon: This might be cheating because I don't want a movie, I want a TV series. I would prefer a TV series because THERE ARE SO MANY BOOKS AND I CAN'T JUST CHOSE ONE and also because the sex. This would be a FABULOUS HBO series!

8) Angelfall by Susan Ee: BADASSERY. That is all. I just want to cry in the theatres I think. 

9)  Remembrance by Jude Deveraux: I would prefer this to be a like a two or three part TV series. Regardless I want to see this! I want to cry millions of tears and yell at my boyfriend about why we aren't soulmates like Talis Callie. 

10) The White Cat (Curseworkers series) by Holly Black: I just recently finished the first book and I think this would make for an awesome action movie! I really do think this would bring in the crowds! 

And you guys? 

The Hunger Games Review

The Hunger Games by SUZANNE COLLINS

Could you survive on your own, in the wild, with everyone out to make sure you don't live to see the morning?

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before-and survival (goodreads).

Review: 


Katniss Everdeen has a lot on her shoulders. She has to provide for her family, avoid harsh punishment by her totalitarian government and now she has to fight 23 other kids to the death. The Hunger Games weaves an emotional novel full of heartbreaks, small smiles and hope.

When I was ignorant as to what this series was about, I asked a trusted friend of mine to give me the quick run down. Her response? "It's like Battle Royale, but in America." Now I"m sure we have all heard this tired argument of "Hunger Games is just a Battle Royale rip off and blah blah blah" and I'm not about to get into it. I just wanted to acknowledge that that comparison was my first introduction to the series and now that I have completed all three books, the arguments need to end. While both have the general idea of "kids killing kids for a brighter future," each novel reaches it's end point through very different means.

The Hunger Games moves at a very steady pace in order to create long lasting bonds, create world development, and enough hints at future plot points that will make you go "OOOOHH" when it all comes together. When the premise of a book is a bunch of kids fight to the death in an arena, you come in somewhat prepared for the horror and gore but...I really don't think anything can prepare ANYONE for the horror that is the 74th Hunger Games. There is one death in the book that ruined my day with how graphic and disturbing it was.

I think The Hunger Games' strongest point is the characters. Katniss is so ridiculously complex. It was hard for me to agree with her thought process, or hell even LIKE her, but I respected her. I loved her relationship with her sister, questioned her harsh judgment of mother and adored her love for one little tribute. All of the interactions pulled at my heart strings and made me FEEL something. To be quite honest, I didn't like Peeta, but I liked his interactions with the other characters. I understood why Collins created him, even if I didn't like him myself; that could be said for Katniss as well.

The Hunger Games is told from the first person point of view and I must say, I LOVED being in Katniss' head. She is so original and just so different. Her thoughts, her descriptions, and her feelings are addicting and I think this novel would have been a bit flat if Collins chose to tell the book from the third person.

Overall The Hunger Games is a must-read novel for anyone who can stomach the idea of innocent kids being forced to kill each other for the entertainment of a dominating government. Then only reason why I did not give this book a full five stars is because I could not get into the love story.

Recommended to everyone who likes an edgy and violent book! 

The Night She Disappeared Review

The Night She Disappeared by APRIL HENRY

Gabie drives a Mini Cooper. She also works part time as a delivery girl at Pete’s Pizza. One night, Kayla—another delivery girl—goes missing. To her horror, Gabie learns that the supposed kidnapper had asked if the girl in the Mini Cooper was working that night. Gabie can’t move beyond the fact that Kayla’s fate was really meant for her, and she becomes obsessed with finding Kayla. She teams up with Drew, who also works at Pete’s. Together, they set out to prove that Kayla isn’t dead—and to find her before she is (goodreads).

1/2

Review:                                                      ARC provided by the publisher

April Henry's young adult thriller is exciting and will have you sitting at the edge of your seat until the very last page!

Gabie, Drew and Kayla all work together at a pizzeria. When Kayla goes missing one night, Drew tells Gabie that the kidnapper let it slip that Gabie was his first choice and her world is turned upside down. While the rest of the town thinks that Kayla is dead, Drew and Gabie fight to find clues to prove that she is still alive. 

This book had me hooked from the opening line. The plot was rather straight forward but it moved at  a rapid pace with clues and revelations happening in almost every chapter. Nothing ever dragged, it seems that April Henry has perfected the art of giving the readers just enough information to have them begging for more. 

All of the characters were central to the plot. The book follows the perspective of a different character each chapter so it's easy to get into his or her head and follow how this character can aid in Kayla's recovery. Drew, the last person to see Kayla before her disappearance, was an admirable character and Gabie's loyalty to Kayla was touching. I loved all of the characters, their interactions, and how they played a role in the plot. Henry also adds tidbits of information to make the characters more interesting, like the scuba diver explains his process and his history as a diver, and Drew explains how pizzas are made and what the ingredients are like. Little things like that made the novel seem more real and inviting. 

The writing style is what made me give this book such a high rating, not only is writing absolutely flawless, the style captures the reader's attention. Like I stated earlier, each chapter follows the actions or thoughts of another central character which makes the novel more interesting than just following one character throughout the novel. Also, Henry includes fun tidbits like Kayla's latest fortune cookie, transcripts between the police and suspects, and evidence lists. Henry's ability to play with the format of the book and how she revealed some information made the book more fun to read!

The Night She Disappeared is extremely fun novel that will keep you on your toes until the mystery is solved. I dare you to NOT devour this book in one sitting!

Recommended: I recommend this book for fans of thriller mystery novels told from various perspectives.