In My Mailbox!

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren and she was inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie! 

So I'm really nervous about this.  This is my very first vlog.  I hate speaking in public so ignore how nervous I sound.  Also, ignore the cleavage lol.  I had to shoot this thing 5 or 6 times and this was the best one.


 

For Review:   

• The Hidden by Jessica Verday
• Indelible by Lani Woodland
• Drink, Slay, Love by Sarah Beth Durst

Purchased:  

• Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer
• Deadly Little Games by Laurie Faria Stolarz
• The Haunted by Jessica Verday

Borrowed: 

• The Last Queen by C.W. Gortner 
• Moonglass by Jessi Kirby
• Want To Go Private? by Sarah Darer Littman

Library: 

• Forever by Maggie Stiefvater
• Awakened by P.C. & Kristin Cast

Book Blogger Hop and Follow My Blog

 

The Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Crazy-For-Books.

 Highlight one book you have received this week (for review, from the library, purchased at the store, etc.) that you can’t wait to dig into!

 

I'm really excited to read Indelible by Lani Woodland.  I loved the first book in the series, Intrisical!   I received this ebook as part of a blog tour for Teen Book Scene!  Can't wait to dig in!

 

Hosted by Parajunkee & Alison Can Read 

Q. Let's step away from books for a second and get personal. What T-Shirt slogan best describes you? 

 

		Really, it's probably my defining characteristic.  Yes, I have red hair.  It's not flaming red that most people think of.  When I was younger it was more of a strawberry blonde.  Now that I'm older (and since having children), it's darkened to almost and a light auburn color.  And I think having red hair can really label a person in many ways.  I can't tell you how many times I've been asked something that people think is typical of redheads :)

Review: Girl vs Ghost (Misdirected Magic Trilogy #1) by Marie August & Kate McMurry

Title: Girl vs Ghost

Author: Marie August and Kate McMurry

Series: 1st in Trilogy

Pages: 242

Published: April 10, 2011 by Blazing Star Press

ISBN: 9781613400005

Source: Author sent for honest review

Description:  Isabel Lindley doesn’t believe in magic, but her best friend is obsessed with witchcraft. Strictly as a favor, Isabel agrees to help with a spell and is shocked when the ghost of a teenage boy splat-lands in her bedroom. Her friend is thrilled—even though only Isabel can see or hear the ghost—but Isabel is horrified. She’s the most ordinary sixteen-year-old girl on the planet. What is she supposed to do with a ghost who doesn’t know his own name, how he died, or why the heck he’s tied to Isabel with a psychic chain? Her only hope to take back her life is to help him solve the mystery of his demise so he can go to the Light. Or wherever. She’s not particular, as long as the ghost is gone. 

I Give This ...

 

I really wasn't sure when the author contacted me about this book.  But, having had good luck with this type of book in the past, I decided to give it a try.

Isabel was an alright character.  I get the impression that she's smart.  So while she comes off as really self absorbed, I would be willing to bet that she actually just really shy.  She's also really set in her ways.  So, it's more than a little inconvenient when she's saddled with a ghost who is literally chained to her.  I wasn't sure that her anger at Tripp was justified.  For someone who is so grounded in reality, I think it was the shock that her friend managed to accomplish something that she really wasn't expecting.  I like the way she handles being chained to ghost that no one else can see.

I really wasn't overly fond of Tripp.  She's dabbling in magic that she really knows nothing about.  Worse, when she admits she might need help getting rid of the ghost she asks Isabel to lie to her grandmother about really happened.  As it turns out, she's also lying to Isabel about the spell she was really trying to perform.  She's a little overconfident in her own abilities and knowledge.

There's some twists in the book that I wasn't expecting.  Turns out the spells Tripp has been using are from a book that don't belong to her.  And the owner is a little unhappy about her use of them.   His involvement makes the story a little more interesting.

Overall, an ok book.  It's well worth the $0.99 for the ebook formats.

Review: Ingenue (Flappers, #2) by Jillian Larkin

Title: Ingenue

Author: Jillian Larkin

Series: 2nd in Flappers

Pages: 351

Published: August 9, 2011 by Delacorte Books

ISBN: 9780385740364

Souce: Around The World Tours

 

Description: Bobbed hair. Short skirts. Cool jazz. Dark speakeasy. Anything goes. Meet the flappers, Gloria, Clara, Lorraine . . . and the rich young boys who love and loathe them. 

I Give This ...
  

I really wish there was a  better description for this book. I obviously liked Vixen enough to read the sequel, but I was hoping that this would be better than the first.  I got so much more than I bargained for.

Gloria and Jerome are trying to make it on their own in New York City.  But, it's not easy for any young couple trying to make ends met.  Add in the fact that they aren't they same race in a time when frowned upon doesn't even begin to describe their relationship.  Their living on the edge of black harlem, and Gloria has to sneak in through the fence and into the building everyday.  But, their devotion is what sees them through the day.  But when Gloria gets a job first, Jerome feels like he's failing at his promise to take care of her.  That's were my only real disappointment was in the book.  At the first real test of their love, they both seem to take the easy way out.  Granted it makes them both miserable in the process.

I think I enjoyed Lorraine's story the most.  I was worried at how vindictive she had become at the end of the first book.  And she doesn't start out on a positive note here either.  She's been hired by the mob to head a club in NYC.  Her chief job is to lure Gloria and Jerome with jobs as the club's singer and piano player.  She thinks they just want to ruff them up a little bit, and in her opinion they both desire it.  But, along the way she learns the truth about what happened that night and what the mob really wants to do to her former best friend and boyfriend.  I really truly wondered if she could put aside her grudge and help them in some way.  I did feel bad for her in the end because she's seems to get burned a lot.   But, I'm hoping she's seen the error of her ways.

I was a little disappointed in Clara.  I think she fell back into her flapper girl ways to easily.  I don't know why she couldn't see that the thrill she got off writing anonymous articles about the extravagant parties she went to was a poor substituent for she could really be doing in her life.  I did think that Marcus was a little hard on her, but that's what happens when you get caught in a lie as big as the one Clara was telling him.  I'm really hoping that they can make up in the end.  I think they are good for each other.

Overall, a massive improvement over the first book.  It still has all the intrigue, the parties, and the gossip that makes this time period interesting.  Add in the mob, romance, and the illegal club scenes and you have a really good book.  I can't wait for the next in the series, Diva!

Review: Glow (Sky Chasers #1) by Amy Kathleen Ryan

Title: Glow

Author: Amy Kathleen Ryan

Series: 1st in Sky Chasers

Pages: 307

Published: September 27, 2011 by St. Martins

ISBN: 9780312590567

Source: Around The World Tours

Description: What if you were bound for a new world, about to pledge your life to someone you'd been promised to since birth, and one unexpected violent attack made survival—not love—the issue? Out in the murky nebula lurks an unseen enemy: the New Horizon. On its way to populate a distant planet in the wake of Earth's collapse, the ship's crew has been unable to conceive a generation to continue its mission. They need young girls desperately, or their zealous leader's efforts will fail. Onboard their sister ship, the Empyrean, the unsuspecting families don't know an attack is being mounted that could claim the most important among them... Fifteen-year-old Waverly is part of the first generation to be successfully conceived in deep space; she was born on the Empyrean, and the large farming vessel is all she knows. Her concerns are those of any teenager—until Kieran Alden proposes to her. The handsome captain-to-be has everything Waverly could ever want in a husband, and with the pressure to start having children, everyone is sure he's the best choice. Except for Waverly, who wants more from life than marriage—and is secretly intrigued by the shy, darkly brilliant Seth.  But when the Empyrean faces sudden attack by their assumed allies, they quickly find out that the enemies aren't all from the outside.

I Give This...

 

This must be the new thing, dystopian fiction set in space.   I've enjoyed what I read with this set-up and I was hoping this one would just add to that pile.  There were things I liked about this book, and things that I think weren't explained very well.

I really liked the our main characters at first.  Kieran seems like the golden boy.  He's the oldest of the first generation of boys born on the Empyrean, and set to become the next captain.  He seems genuinely in love (or close to it) with Waverly.  Although, I think his emotions sometimes get mixed up with duty and what others think he is suppose to do.  He tries to take charge when the need arises, but since he's young and inexperienced you can't really fault him for his mistakes.  

Waverly seems like the "it" girl on board the ship.  You know the one who has everything.  Her life seems set for her and she doesn't really mind because she also has goals that she knows she can accomplish.  She's the one all the girls turn to when the New Horizon overtakes their ship and basically kidnaps all the girls.  From there, her character takes a turn, and I'm not sure if it was for the better.  She seems to sit and contemplate their situation a lot and when she does take action, it very spur of the moment.  Which often lives her injured and unable to do anything.

This book really has a dark and sinister undertone.  After the New Horizon leaves the Empyrean on the verge of blowing up, the adults sacrifice themselves to repair the ship.  From that point on, the few adult left are sick with extreme radiation and the ship is run by boys 17 and under.  It had a real Lord of the Flies fell to it.  Seth basically turns all the boys against Will for his own personal gain.  Will manages to convince a few to lead a revolt in his name and gains his place back.  I thought he was doing a good job.  That is until the girls aboard the New Horizon lead a revolt of their own.  The leader of that ship is harvesting their eggs against their will and impregnating the women aboard.  They manage to escape, although not without casualties, and make their way back to the Empyrean.  Waverly doesn't like what Will has become and goes down to the brig to chat with Seth.  Turns out Seth has some interesting viewpoints on what Will has been doing.  Which left me questions who Will really was.

So, really this book had me all over the board.  I didn't enjoy the religious undertones, especially when the girls were aboard New Horizon.  I disliked the push for the girls to perform their "duty" to help keep the human race survive in space.  But, it was really a key plot point.  I did like the struggle the boys go through aboard the Empyrean.  I think it really showed how people can function in a do or die scenario.  I was intrigued with the casual mention of what the crews went through during their training before boarding the ships.  I would especially like to learn the truth.  I have a feeling it might play an important part in what happens.  I want to know why these two ships were sent out to habit a new planet.  It's not really explained.  I think I'm most intrigued in what Will has possibly become with his new found power as captain of the ship.  

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list. Click on the picture to be taken to Sheila at One Person's Journey Through A World of Books!

 

We've had an stressful week in this household.  We found out last Friday that my dad's carotid artery was 70% blocked.  He was having vision problems which lead to this discovery.  Thankfully they caught it before he had a heart attack or stroke.  He had an carotid endarterectomy on Thursday.  Basically they cut into his neck, opened up the carotid artery and scraped the plaque out.  Amazingly he only had to stay in the hospital one night and in the medical center's guest house another night.  He came home yesterday and seems to be doing great!

Read Last Week: 

• Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan
• Siren's Storm by Lisa Papademetriou
• Ingenue by Jillian Larkin
• Girl vs Ghost by Kate McMurry & Marie August

Currently Reading: 

• Touch of Frost by Jennifer Estep

Up This Week:

• Supernaturally by Kiersten White
• Always a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough
• The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab

Review: Siren's Storm by Lisa Papademetriou

Title: Siren's Storm

Author: Lisa Papademetriou

Series: Maybe series?

Pages: 288

Published: July 12, 2011 by Knopf Books

ISBN: 9780375842450

Source: Publisher for Tour

Description: Nothing has been the same for Will ever since what happened last summer. One day, on an ordinary sailing trip with his brother, there is a strange accident. When Will wakes up, he learns his brother has disappeared, presumed drowned. Worst of all, Will can't remember what happened—his family finds him unconscious, with no memory of the accident.  Now Will and his best friend and neighbor, Gretchen, are starting a new summer. Gretchen seems troubled—her sleepwalking habit is getting worse, and she keeps waking up closer and closer to the water. Will is drawn to Asia, the exotic new girl in town. Nobody knows where she's from—all Will knows is that her beauty and her mesmerizing voice have a powerful effect on people.  Then there is another mysterious drowning, and Will and Gretchen begin to wonder: Is Asia just another beautiful, wealthy summer resident? Or is she something entirely more sinister . . . and inhuman?

I Give This ...

 

This is one of those books that I really wish I could give it a higher rating.  I really liked parts of it.  But, there's always that one things that hold it back.  And really, for me a 3 isn't a bad rating.  It's just that I think there are better books out there.

I felt like I didn't really connect with Will.  At times, I felt like his character was all over the place.  Granted with the tragedy in his past, I kind of understand.  Especially when you factor in the idea that he has no idea what happened.  He also has a lot on his plate dealing with his best friend, Gretchen.  Her sleepwalking habits often left me agitated.  Her obsession with Asia also felt forced.  She just sort of shows up in town and he can't help but wonder about her.  I also wanted to him to wake up and see what his obsession was doing to Gretchen.

 I really did enjoy the mermaid/siren folklore in this story.  It includes the story of Calypso, and her obsession with Odysseus.  When he left her, she was overcome with need for revenge.  It was an interesting twist to the story.  I enjoyed Asia's connections with Calypso and what she's required to do. 

For some reason, I found the overall story extremely slow moving.  It felt like there was hardly any action to drive the story forward.  It wasn't until Asia tells Will the complete story of who and what she is that the story felt like it was going anywhere.  And then it was over.  It left me with some unanswered questions and the thought that there will be a sequel. 

Lisa Papademetriou's Teenage Garage Sale

For those who are unfamiliar with this post, it's a list of things we’d find if an author were to have a garage sale of items from their teenage years.  Today we have Lisa Papademtriou, author of Siren's Storm!

Welcome to my disorganized yard sale of incredibly desirable possessions! Honestly, I wish I still had most of these things. Especially the Howdy Doody lamp.


Boombox (Suitable for listening to Cyndi Lauper, The Breakfast Club (the band, not the movie soundtrack) and 10,000 Maniacs) $5

 
Bowler hat (Found in vintage store, excellent for all sorts of costumes and general hat-wearing) $10

Ratty old coat that looked like it came from grandma’s closet (Purchased in New York City, this hideous, lightweight coat was perfect for Houston winters) $8

Lamp in the shape of Howdy Doody that glowed eerie Satanic red when lit up (A gift from my best friend, I have no idea why she thought I would like it, but I did) $15

Battered old trunk spray-painted purple and many other colors (Lisa Papademetriou original artwork) $7

Shark jaws (Perfect for attaching to wall and intriguing friends) $2

Feather boa, long black gloves and Morphing black formal dress (Accessories and simple dress suitable for numerous Houston formal dances. For the girl who can’t afford a different dress for every occasion and has only a few sewing skills, this single outfit can take you to four parties!) $15/ set

Some Like It Hot poster (Reproduction poster of the most hilarious movie of all time.) $4

Lisa Papademetriou has worked in an editorial capacity at Scholastic, HarperCollins, and Disney Press. She has written or adapted over thirty books for young readers, including Sixth-Grade Glommers, Norks, and Me; The Wizard, the Witch, and Two Girls from Jersey; How to Be a Girly Girl in Just Ten Days, and the New York Times bestselling Disney Fairies novel, Rani in the Mermaid Lagoon.

Lisa lives in Massachusetts with her husband, daughter, and dog, playing guitar, dancing around the house to 80's music, and eating at the vegetarian cafe (even though she isn't vegetarian).

In My Mailbox!

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren and she was inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie! 

For Review:

• Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan (I forgot about this one last week from Around The World Tours) 
• Ingenue by Jillian Larkin (Around The World Tours)

Purchased: 

• Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris
• Graveminder by Melissa Marr
• Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

Review: Wildefire (Wildefire #1) by Karsten Knight

Title: Wildefire

Author: Karsten Knight

Series: 1st in Wildefire series

Pages: 400

Published: July 26, 2011 by Simon Schuster

ISBN: 9781442421172

Source: Galley Grab

 

Description:  Every flame begins with a spark. Ashline Wilde is having a rough sophomore year. She’s struggling to find her place as the only Polynesian girl in school, her boyfriend just cheated on her, and now her runaway sister, Eve, has decided to barge back into her life. When Eve’s violent behavior escalates and she does the unthinkable, Ash transfers to a remote private school nestled in California’s redwoods, hoping to put the tragedy behind her. But her fresh start at Blackwood Academy doesn’t go as planned. Just as Ash is beginning to enjoy the perks of her new school—being captain of the tennis team, a steamy romance with a hot, local park ranger—Ash discovers that a group of gods and goddesses have mysteriously enrolled at Blackwood…and she’s one of them. To make matters worse, Eve has resurfaced to haunt Ash, and she’s got some strange abilities of her own. With a war between the gods looming over campus, Ash must master the new fire smoldering within before she clashes with her sister one more time… And when warm and cold fronts collide, there’s guaranteed to be a storm.

I Give This ...

 

I'm not really sure were to start with this book.  I was really hoping to enjoy it.  It even started out well.  But, it sort of fizzled in the middle and I'm not sure it every regained the ground it lost.

I was pulled into the beginning of this book.  Ash was totally kick ass.  I loved the whole parking lot of fight that was basically over a boy.  While it seems juvenile, it was just fun to watch a girl get her butt kicked for not knowing when to stop.  My thoughts on Ash never really changed.  I loved her personality, her sarcasm, her devotion to her friends, and her relationship with her sister.  I liked watching her realize what her powers were and what it might mean.  

I was equally intrigued by Eve.  Her powers are intense are so is her personality.  She does as she pleases and manages to warp.  She swoops in and out of Ash's life causing pain and destruction every time she does.  She's seems to think she's has some sort of pull over Ash and gets angry when Ash finally stands her ground.  

So what fizzled for me?  Mainly it was all about the mythology.  I didn't feel it was explained very well.  Why was this group of teenagers called?  I didn't really understand what Eve had to do with it?  What exactly are the Cloaks?  And what does Blink have to do with the entire thing?  I felt like too much was done in this book and not nearly enough was explained.  Too many elements working against each other.  The story felt choppy at times as well.

I am willing to read the next one though.  There is a glimmer of a storyline and really do like Ash's character.  I want to know what the purpose is.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list. Click on the picture to be taken to Sheila at One Person's Journey Through A World of Books!

 

It's been a fantastic week.  Sadly, I hardly got any reading done.  My mother-in-law came in from Chicago.  She also brought our two oldest nieces who we have not seen for 2 years.  We had a fantastic visit with them.  Took them to the mountain and had a snowball fight in July (they thought this was great), visited Shoshone Falls, went swimming.  Basically we wore ourselves ragged.  The hubby and I also managed to go to the midnight showing of Harry Potter!  First time doing that!  I really loved the movie, even if there are things that I would have done differently.  Now, we settle down for the week!

Read Last Week: 

• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
• Wildefire by Karsten Knight

Currently Reading: 

• Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan

Up This Week:

• Siren's Storm by Lisa Papademetriou
• Girl vs Ghost by Kate McMurry & Marie August
• Always a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough

In My Mailbox!

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren and she was inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie! 

For Review: 

• Siren's Storm by Lisa Papademetriou
• The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

Swapped: 

• Flying Blind by Deborah Cooke

Review: Cryptic Cravings (Vampire Kisses #8) by Ellen Schreiber

Title: Cryptic Cravings

Author: Ellen Schreiber

Series: 8th in Vampire Kisses

Pages: 211

Published: May 17, 2011 by HarperTeen

ISBN: 9780061689451

Source: Won on Goodreads

Description: The morbidly monotonous Dullsville has finally become the most exciting place on earth now that Raven is madly in love with her hot vampire boyfriend Alexander, and a crew of vampires has taken residence in Dullsville's old mill. Raven discovers Jagger's plan to open a new club, The Crypt, right here in Dullsville. But is it her dream come true, or her worst nightmare? Raven and Alexander have to figure out what the nefarious vampire has in store for Dullsville's teen and vampire population. Can Raven convince Jagger to listen to her plans to make the Crypt the morbidly magnificent dance club it could be? Will it be safe for mortals and vampires alike?And as Sebastian and Luna's relationship heats up, Raven wonders about her own amorous fate: Will Alexander ever turn her? Does he crave her and does he want to spend eternity together? And what does she really want? 

I Give This ...

 

This series really is a guilty pleasure for.  For a teen vampire book, it's really very immature at times.  I doubt it has very much cross over appeal and think it better fits pre-teens, etc.

I was really hoping that Raven would begin to act her age after the events of the last book.  Within the first couple pages, I saw that I was wrong.  I think no matter what her age, Raven will always been immature.  It's how the author wrote her.  In this installment, she really made me roll my eyes a lot.  She was so wishy-washy on the idea of the club.  It was like it was really hard for her to see all sides of the equation.  I was also amazed that it's book 8 and it's just now being voiced that Trevor might actually like her.  Really...I've know this since book 1.  

I like Alexander, and actually won't mind a book (or even a couple chapters) told from his point of view.  I still wonder how it's possible that there are things that Raven doesn't know about him.  He also extremely patient with her flighty ways.  The rest of the characters are an interesting mix.  Scarlett and Onyx seem a little shallow and I hope that Raven doesn't count on them to much.  Jagger and Luna are up to something, just like always.  Although, I admit, I didn't see that one coming.  And poor Sebastien...I think he needs to stop falling in love with every girl that walks by.

I'm really at the point that I think the story needs to conclude.  I won this one, but I would have borrowed it from the library.  I will continue to do so until I get completely feed up.  Hopefully the series comes to a close before then.  

 

Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II

While, I can not exactly say the I grew up on Harry Potter, in a way I did.   I was 21 when I was first introduced to the series.  One of my roommates was studying to be a teacher, and Harry Potter was a topic covered in her classes.  She of course loved the books.  I had never heard of them.  Never the less, she dragged another roommate and I to see Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in the theater.  

I admit, I was hooked from that moment on.  I asked for the first 4 books for Christmas, which I devoured over my break.  I took them to college with me and read them again.  I waited patiently for book 5 to come out, the first time I ever pre-ordered a book.  I devoured it the day it came out.  I did the same with book 6 and 7 (I never did one of those midnight release parties).  I've read the books more times that I can remember.   I've seen every movie opening weekend and usually more than once.  

I admire the world J.K. Rowling has created. She saw a visions and saw it through until the end.  While there may be discrepancies, for the most part the story is complete and ever loose end neatly tied together.  I was sad when the books were over and now the movies come to a close as well.

 This was my first midnight premiere (alright 12:30), but I've been wanting to go to one for awhile.  My husband finally agreed since they were coming to end.

Was it worth it?  Yes!  While, I'm dead tired today, I'm so glad I went.  I might not be later, but we will see.


I completely enjoyed the movie.  I think this one follows the script the most.  There's lines that are right out of the book.  I thought it looked great visually.  It moved at a nice pace with some key down moments in all the intense actions.  In just a dark part of the entire series, there was quite a bit of humor.  I loved the battle of Hogwarts.  It's gives something I think the book was lacking.  I think one of my favorites is the roll Pro. McGonagall takes during all of this.  She's always been one of my favorites characters and in this movie, she really shines.  And I'm sure you won't see a review without some mention of Neville.  While, I liked his part in the book, in the movie he was fantastic.   Who knew? 

So, overall I would probably give it a B+ maybe an A-.   There were a few key parts that I felt could have been played up a bit more than they wear.   First, for as much as they played up the Grigotts break-in, it felt short and not nearly as dramatic.  Second, I loved seeing Snape on screen.  It was the one the things I was looking forward to most.  But, I felt like they left out some key scenes.  I didn't feel like it adequately showed    the depth of his devotions.

*SPOILERS*SPOILERS*HIGHLIGHT TO READ*

I felt the final battle was was extremely anticlimactic.  I didn't like that Harry and Voldemort battle each other alone.  No one witnesses his final downfall.  I also didn't like that Harry didn't fully explain to Voldemort who was the master of the wand.  I thought it was a key point they missed.  I also didn't like the last little bit when Harry broke the elder wand.  I wanted the whole scene in the headmaster's office.  I was expecting it.  It's always a part I cry during.  And while yes, Harry talks to Dumbledore right after his death, I think the office scene is important as well.

The epilogue was ok.  I knew it was going to be there and I had a feeling for the stories I've read that it probably was going to be a little odd.  I was right.  But, I didn't really care.  I think I would have disliked it more if they left it out just because they couldn't get it just right.

Review: Love Story by Jennifer Echols

Title: Love Story

Author: Jennifer Echols

Series: Stand Alone

Pages: 256

Published: July 19th, 2011 by MTV books

ISBN: 9781439178324

Source: Galley Grab program

 

Description: She's writing about him. he's writing about her. And everybody is reading between the lines.. For Erin Blackwell, majoring in creative writing at the New York City college of her dreams is more than a chance to fulfill her ambitions--it's her ticket away from the tragic memories that shadow her family's racehorse farm in Kentucky. But when she refuses to major in business and take over the farm herself someday, her grandmother gives Erin's college tuition and promised inheritance to their maddeningly handsome stable boy, Hunter Allen. Now Erin has to win an internship and work late nights at a coffee shop to make her own dreams a reality. She should despise Hunter . . . so why does he sneak into her thoughts as the hero of her latest writing assignment?  Then, on the day she's sharing that assignment with her class, Hunter walks in. He's joining her class. And after he reads about himself in her story, her private fantasies about him must be painfully clear. She only hopes to persuade him not to reveal her secret to everyone else. But Hunter devises his own creative revenge, writing sexy stories that drive the whole class wild with curiosity and fill Erin's heart with longing. Now she's not just imagining what might have been. She's writing a whole new ending for her romance with Hunter . . . except this story could come true.

I Give This ...

 

Jennifer Echols has a unique style of writing that I really do enjoy.  So, I was excited to be able to read her latest.  While I enjoyed the book overall, there was a whole lot of unnecessary drama, it made my head spin at times.

I think I might have put the book down if it wasn't for Erin.  I really did like her character.  I admired her determination to do things her way.  She didn't want to be bullied into fulfilling her grandmother's wishes.  She may have really loved horses, but she also didn't want to give up on her dream of being a writer.  I also enjoyed how she may have grew up privileged, but her life was far from perfect.  An absent father and the tragic death of her mother has definitely left it's scars.  I think it's a major part of the reason why she wants to choose her own path.

I enjoyed the included stories in the book for the writing class.  It gave the book an added layer.  I also liked the structure of the class.  I've never taken a writing class, but it intrigued me that they read and critiqued each others works.  I did get a little tired of the way Hunter presented himself in class.  I often thought he was more the jerk and undeserving of Erin's attention.   Which brings in the drama...I guess some people can't just help it.  But, there's a lot in this story.  Does he like me, is he trying to make me jealous, etc.  It all felt like a giant game.  It honestly left me questioning Hunter's true feelings.  But, then I think he was unsure of himself as well.

I still enjoyed the book overall and it's worthy read.  Just be prepared for the romantic drama.  I remember situations like this from when I was younger...and why I hated them.

 

Review: Luminous by Dawn Metcalf

Title: Luminous

Author: Dawn Metcalf

Series: Stand Alone

Pages: 304

Published: Available now from Dutton

ISBN: 9780525422471

Source: Teen Book Scene Arranged Tour

Description: As reality slips and time stands still, Consuela finds herself thrust into the world of the Flow. Removed from all she loves into this shifting world overlapping our own, Consuela quickly discovers she has the power to step out of her earthly skin and cloak herself in new ones-skins made from the world around her, crafted from water, fire, air. She is joined by other teens with extraordinary abilities, bound together to safeguard a world they can affect, but where they no longer belong. When murder threatens to undo the Flow, the Watcher charges Consuela and elusive, attractive V to stop the killer. But the psychopath who threatens her new world may also hold the only key to Consuela's way home.

I Give This ...

 

This was interesting.  It's a story that in all honesty is really hard to grasp.  This might sound odd but it sort of reminds of a twisted dream that the author has somehow been able to capture into words.

Consuela can upzip her skin and have her skeleton step out of it.  A thought that really disturbed me, but really no odder than any of the other talents in the Flow.  V can step through mirrored surfaces, Tender eats pain, etc.  All of their gifts help them save the lives of people on earth.  People who have the greatest capacity to effect the most amount of people in their lifetime.  Which I understood the purpose, just seemed to contradict the idea that when it's your time, well it's your time.  

While I finally began to understand the idea of what these people in the flow could do, I never really cared about them.  To many of them are killed off before you even get a chance to know them.   I wasn't sure what to think of V.  Sometimes it felt like his character we thrown in there to give the story a twist and to give Consuela a love interest.  As for our main character Consuela, I liked her for the most part.  I think my favorite character was Tender.  I really enjoyed his backstory and his place in the flow.

The story was just really hard to get into.  I often felt like it was a metaphor for something and I just wasn't getting it.  An interesting idea though.

Review: Lost Voices (Lost Voices #1) by Sarah Porter

Title: Lost Voices

Author: Sarah Porter

Series: 1st in Lost Voices series

Pages: 304

Published: July 4, 2011 by Harcourt

ISBN: 9780547482507

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

 

Description: Fourteen-year-old Luce has had a tough life, but she reaches the depths of despair when she is assaulted and left on the cliffs outside of a grim, gray Alaskan fishing village. She expects to die when she tumbles into the icy waves below, but instead undergoes an astonishing transformation and becomes a mermaid. A tribe of mermaids finds Luce and welcomes her in—all of them, like her, lost girls who surrendered their humanity in the darkest moments of their lives. Luce is thrilled with her new life until she discovers the catch: the mermaids feel an uncontrollable desire to drown seafarers, using their enchanted voices to lure ships into the rocks. Luce possesses an extraordinary singing talent, which makes her important to the tribe—she may even have a shot at becoming their queen. However her struggle to retain her humanity puts her at odds with her new friends. Will Luce be pressured into committing mass murder?

I Give This ...

 

I've been drawn to mermaid books as of late.  Since The Little Mermaid was one my favorite movies growing up, this is really no surprise.    Yet, I find that I haven't found the perfect mermaid story yet.

Luce as a human had an interesting story to tell.   Her mother died when she was young and she spent a good portion of her childhood years on the run with her father.  As long as she had him, she was happy.  But in an effort to settle down and provide Luce with a normal life, he takes them to a small Alaskan fishing village.  When he dies tragically in a fishing boat accident, Luce is left with her uncle.  Luce is a constant reminder to him of all that her father manged to do wrong.  When his abusive ways take the turn towards the unthinkable, he leave her alone on a cliff.  But instead of dieing, she falls into the ocean and becomes a mermaid.

 Luce as a mermaid, sad to say not as interesting.  It seems that she's so content having escaped her previous life that she has no desire to explore the full depths of her ability as a mermaid.    Granted, I think that this has a lot to do with the mermaids unquenchable desire to cause death and pain to the human race.  They reminded me a lot of the mythological sirens.  They lure ships in and the cause the humans to drown, all with the power of their voices.  There's a good chance that this group of mermaids is why Luce is alone in the first place.  And, Luce has a powerful signing voice that she hates to see used this way.  

I enjoyed the mythology of the mermaids.  Girls and young women turned because of the evils done to them by others.  Paints them into a not so nice and beautiful picture.  I didn't really like the idea of babies and toddlers being turned as well and how the older mermaids treated them.  As for the mermaid themselves, I found that I really didn't enjoy a single one of them as a character.  It made the book really hard for me to read.   They way the could be goaded into turning on their leader was really kind of stomach turning.

The story did have the writing going for it.  I'm just not sure on the sequel to this story.  I might pick it up to see if Luce can change the goal of the mermaids. 

 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list. Click on the picture to be taken to Sheila at One Person's Journey Through A World of Books!

 

The past week seems to have been a recovery week.  With the whirlwind surround the 4th of July and the fact that we have family coming in on Wednesday, we've spent most of the time at home.  I feel like I got some good books read and I'm looking forward to what's to come this week.  Hopefully will have time to squeeze some reading in!

Read Last Week: 

• Lost Voices by Sarah Porter
• Don't Breathe A Word by Holly Cupala
• Love Story by Jennifer Echols
• Cryptic Cravings by Ellen Schreiber 

 Currently Reading: 

• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

Up This Week:

• Wildefire by Karsten Knight
• Girl Vs Ghost by Kate McMurry & Marie August
• Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan

In My Mailbox!

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren and she was inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie!  I also want to mention that all my cover pictures link to Goodreads!

For Review: 

• The Mephisto Covenant by Trinity Faegan 
• Don't Breathe a Word by Holly Cupala 
• Vanish by Sophie Jordan
• The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

Swapped: 

• Mermaid by Carolyn Turgeon
• I'll Walk Alone by Mary Higgins Clark 
• Scars by Cheryl Rainfield