Waiting on Wednesday - March 27, 2013

 

 Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme from Jill at Breaking the Spine. To join in, share the book or books that you are currently drooling over as you await their release and report back to Breaking the Spine with the link to your post. The gorgeous badge above is brought to us by Lindsay at The Violet Hour!

The grand finale to an amazing series from one of the most gracious authors I have met. There are so many questions left to answer and lines to wrap up in this one. I can't wait to get back in touch with Kate and Vincent and just see what happens with this "Champion" thing... ;) 

If I Should Die by Amy Plum

Hardcover, 405 pages

Expected publication: May 7th 2013 by HarperTeen

From Goodreads:

I will not lose another person I love. I will not let history repeat itself.

Vincent waited lifetimes to find me, but in an instant our future together was shattered. He was betrayed by someone we both called a friend, and I lost him. Now our enemy is determined to rule over France’s immortals, and willing to wage a war to get what they want.

It shouldn’t be possible, none of it should be, but this is my reality. I know Vincent is somewhere out there, I know he’s not completely gone, and I will do anything to save him.

After what we’ve already fought to achieve, a life without Vincent is unimaginable. He once swore to avoid dying—to go against his nature and forsake sacrificing himself for others—so that we could be together. How can I not risk everything to bring my love back to me?

Waiting on Wednesday - March 20, 2013

 Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme from Jill at Breaking the Spine. To join in, share the book or books that you are currently drooling over as you await their release and report back to Breaking the Spine with the link to your post. The gorgeous badge above is brought to us by Lindsay at The Violet Hour!

Love the concept of this one! Especially since the incidents happen to the males instead of females. That's a nice change from the "damsel in distress" books. :)

Taken by Eric Bowman

Hardcover, 352 pages

Expected publication: April 16th 2013 by HarperTeen

From Goodreads:

There are no men in Claysoot. There are boys—but every one of them vanishes at midnight on his eighteenth birthday. The ground shakes, the wind howls, a blinding light descends…and he’s gone.

They call it the Heist.

Gray Weathersby’s eighteenth birthday is mere months away, and he’s prepared to meet his fate–until he finds a strange note from his mother and starts to question everything he’s been raised to accept: the Council leaders and their obvious secrets. The Heist itself. And what lies beyond the Wall that surrounds Claysoot–a structure that no one can cross and survive.

Climbing the Wall is suicide, but what comes after the Heist could be worse. Should he sit back and wait to be taken–or risk everything on the hope of the other side?

Review: Dreamless by Josephine Angelini

Dreamless by Josephine Angelini

Hardcover, 487 pages

Published May 29th 2012 by HarperTeen 

Source: Own
Buy the book: Amazon : B&N : Goodreads

From Goodreads:

Can true love be forgotten?

As the only scion who can descend into the Underworld, Helen Hamilton has been given a nearly impossible task. By night she wanders through Hades, trying to stop the endless cycle of revenge that has cursed her family. By day she struggles to overcome the fatigue that is rapidly eroding her sanity. Without Lucas by her side, Helen is not sure she has the strength to go on.

Just as Helen is pushed to her breaking point, a mysterious new Scion comes to her rescue. Funny and brave, Orion shields her from the dangers of the Underworld. But time is running out--a ruthless foe plots against them, and the Furies' cry for blood is growing louder.

As the ancient Greek world collides with the mortal one, Helen's sheltered life on Nantucket descends into chaos. But the hardest task of all will be forgetting Lucas Delos.

Josephine Angelini's compelling saga becomes ever more intricate and spellbinding as an unforgettable love triangle emerges and the eternal cycle of revenge intensifies. Eagerly awaited, this sequel to the internationally bestselling Starcrossed delivers a gritty, action-packed love story that exceeds all expectations.

 Angelini continues to impress me. Reading through her books are like watching a vivid movie: all encompassing and surreal. The writing is as superb as Starcrossed and she takes the story to a whole new level this time around. 

Poor Helen has already been through so much and isn't even half way where she needs to be in life. Now she has to battle walking through Hades every night on top of everything else.Due to her journeys to the Underworld, Helen is pushed to her breaking point, physically and mentally, because of lack of sleep and rest. Sadly, I can understand where she is coming from. (Basically, she's going through the worst grad school experience ever, except with better purpose. :D) However, during her escapades she brings in a brand new character to the mix, Orion. He has an entrance to Hades as well, but he comes with more mysteries. I won't give away too much, but he is my favorite character thus far. Orion's perspective on life and particular situations is sometimes hilarious, but correct and informative too. And dear Lucas. It kills me to see what he has to go through just to keep everything going and keep people alive. The intricate web of character interactions lays a solid foundation for an amazing plot.

Get ready for a thrill ride with the storyline and plot in this one as well. If it wasn't steady paced and rolling, you were reading and flipping pages as quick as you can to see what happens next. It is simply. that. exciting. Sometimes it is simply the bad luck of the characters of course, but a good chunk of it was plot essentials and came at you from every angle. During the culminating events you will be holding your breath one minute and crying the next. And that ending...talk about leaving me wanting more. One word describes it all and it is what you will say when you finish the book: "Wow." 

Waiting on Wednesday - February 6, 2013

 Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme from Jill at Breaking the Spine. To join in, share the book or books that you are currently drooling over as you await their release and report back to Breaking the Spine with the link to your post. The gorgeous badge above is brought to us by Lindsay at The Violet Hour!

The grand finale of the Starcrossed series! This series has been a page turner since the beginning and I can't wait to see what Angelini has decided to put us through next!

Goddess by Jospehine Angelini

Hardcover, 432 pages

Expected publication: May 28th 2013 by HarperTeen

From Goodreads:

After accidentally unleashing the gods from their captivity on Olympus, Helen must find a way to re-imprison them without starting a devastating war. But the gods are angry, and their thirst for blood already has a body count.

To make matters worse, the Oracle reveals that a diabolical Tyrant is lurking among them, which drives a wedge between the once-solid group of friends. As the gods use the Scions against one another, Lucas’s life hangs in the balance. Still unsure whether she loves him or Orion, Helen is forced to make a terrifying decision, for war is coming to her shores.

In Josephine Angelini’s compelling conclusion to the masterfully woven Starcrossed trilogy, a goddess must rise above it all to change a destiny that’s been written in the stars. With worlds built just as fast as they crumble, love and war collide in an all-out battle that will leave no question unanswered and no heart untouched.

Review: Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Hardcover, 525 pages

Published: May 1st 2012 by HarperTeen
Source: Purchased
Buy the Book:  Amazon : B&N : Goodreads

From Goodreads:

One choice can transform you--or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves--and herself--while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable--and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

"New York Times" bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian "Divergent" series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

     Of course the anticipation for this book was high with everyone that had read Divergent last year. After that stunning debut, many were hoping the magic could be repeated with its sequel. Thankfully, hopes and dreams do come true occasionally and Roth knocked it out of the park again.
      We get to know the characters a lot more this time around. Tris and Four are really dynamic in this installment and their interactions were sometimes hit or miss with me. Their relationship has to go through several hurdles and they grow in their personalities as a result. Is it for the best? Eh, we will see next time around probably. I loved getting to know the other factions better this time. It was great learning some of their intricacies and downfalls within them. All this builds around a very hurtful betrayal by a character that might have been thought to be steady as a rock. Roth keeps the intrigue going as the character list evolves and digs deeper into turmoil.
     There was no lack of action in Insurgent, very much like Divergent. It is deeply entwined with the characters and the roller coaster of emotions that they go through, and subsequently you as well. Roth is clever with the situations that emerge and confront our heroes. She always provides a few events that make me stop and think, "Wait, what?!" Ugh, the ending though. It's sad that the book had to end, let alone leave you walking off the page like that. It only builds the anticipation for the next book which, by the way this is building, should be astronomical in proportions!

Review: Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini

Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini

Hardcover, 496 pages

Published May 31st 2011 by HarperTeen
Source: Borrowed from friend
Buy the book: Amazon : B&N : Goodreads

From Goodreads:

How do you defy destiny?
Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history.
As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart.

The synopsis alone begged me to read this one. I love books that include Greek mythology and that author's take on it. I am a purist by heart, but I love the fresh perspectives that the alternative stories take. Now granted, there have been a few that I have read or did not finish because it just felt...wrong. Fortunately for me, this book was not one of those. Starcrossed brings to life the story of Helen Hamilton and Lucas Delos, a demigod lifestyle with the twists of being a teen.

The book drew me in from page one. Immediately I met the main character and got a great, but not too extensive, view of her life. I could relate in many ways since I come from small town setting as well. Everyone knows everyone's business, half the time before you do yourself. I could tell through her actions and feelings that she has always been different and restraint has always been a constant battle for her in many aspects of her life. And then Lucas Delos walks into the scene. I can't say much due to possibly giving too much away, but this is NOT your typical relationship. If you are expecting the typical teen "he-walks-in-and-we-are-in-love" romance setting, you are going to be disappointed. It is for this reason I love their relationship. Demigod issues aside, it feels like a real relationship and not one girls just dream of. Combined with a story line that flows well and has the right amount and balance of drama and twists, it will leave you intrigued until you put it down. I really liked the perspective Angelini takes on Greek mythology and how she incorporated it in their lives. It was very entertaining and thought inducing. There are some of their powers that I honestly wish I could have. With Angelini's writing, it felt like I could actually be part of that world because it really did exist.

The characters in this book are very genuine, what you see is what you get with them. Helen goes through many typical teen issues about feeling accepted personally and academically. Add in the demigod problems and it is a very overwhelming mixture for her. However, she takes this in bounds and leaps and trudges through the challenges with determination. Lucas shakes this quite considerably in many ways. The path they ride is explosive, but it fuels the reader into wanting more. I could even say this book supports family and friend values. Their supporting family and friends play intricate rolls in their lives, and like family it can be either good or bad. This is a little unusual for me, but I like it. I am used to seeing a few main supporting characters, but I have not seen this amount in a while. Each has a different part to play for Helen and Lucas and they affect the storyline just as much as the main characters.

This will be a book that I keep on my shelves and re-read later, it is that good. I occasionally do this, but it usually takes a really outstanding book. I cannot wait to see where this story goes and what the outcome for our heroes will be!

Review: Firelight by Sophie Jordan

By Sophie Jordan
Published: September 7th 2010 by HarperTeenFormat: Hardcover
Pages: 323
Source: Borrowed from friend
Buy the book: Amazon : B&N : Goodreads


From Goodreads:

A hidden truth.
Mortal enemies.
Doomed love.
Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life. Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki—a descendant of dragons whose greatest defense is her secret ability to shift into human form.
Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. The only bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life. Although she is irresistibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will's dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away—if it dies she will be left as a human forever. She'll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.
Mythical powers and breathtaking romance ignite in this story of a girl who defies all expectations and whose love crosses an ancient divide.

The concept in this book is pretty good. I loved the world of the draki that Jordan created, but there were a few things that brought the book down for me.

This book is one of those that I think of as "easy to get along with." The characters are likeable from the very beginning and just about anyone can relate to at least one or more of them. While the plot may include Draki and other supernatural situations, it was also one that included many situations that everyday teens have to deal with. It did start out kind of slow for me but mid-way through it picked up and finished very nicely.

Likes: The draki and their world. It's different than a lot of the dragon ideas that I've read and I'm really happy to see some change.
The strong, determined characters. Regardless of what was happening they seemed to always push and go for what they want.
The ease with which the book flows. One could actually read this while doing anything. The plot flows simply from one point to the next and there's nothing too elaborate to figure out. The writing is very simple as well; one has no doubt what the author is trying to say.

Dislikes: Very, very predictable. I guess this may come from the plot and writing style, but it did not feel very original at all to me. It was like I was reading a book for the second time and just discovered that there's draki in the mix. The best part for me was the ending and where the next book is headed.
The high school drama. In this type of book some is expected. However, this one is overloaded with it. Imagine every kind of scenario in a high school teen movie and know that they occur in this book.

Overall, the book really is a good read. Especially if you are just looking for something to pass the time and escape for a little while. It won me over well enough that I will definitely read Vanish when it comes out. If the plot continues as is, I think it will be even better.