Review - The Elite (The Selection #2) by Kiera Cass

Title: The Elite

Author: Kiera Cass

Series: 2nd (The Selection)

Pages: 323

Published:  April 23rd 2013 by Harper Teen

ISBN: 9780062059963

Source: Exchanged ARC

Description: Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea.  America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.  Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending. I Give This ...

I've never been a big fan of the reality shows The Bachelor or The Bachelorette.  But who doesn't love the idea of the chance to become a princess and find true love all in the same process.  I was captured by the idea in the first book and knew that I would be reading this one.  In many ways it did not disappoint.

I truly think the only fault I found with this book was with America herself.  I understand that she has feelings for both Maxon and Aspen, (although for me there is only one clear cut winner).  I also understand that she really needs to work out the possibility of being a princess and one day becoming the Queen.  But, what I disliked was how she didn't hold herself to the same standards that she seemed to hold to Maxon.  She really seemed to want him to be this perfect prince all wrapped up with no faults.  She would get insanely jealous when she learned about his time spent with the other girls, forgetting that she was going behind his back as well.  She never would let him explain his actions, preferring to jump to conclusions.  

Poor Maxon, he's basically given his heart to America and she's so hesitant to give hers in return.  I don't blame him for finding condolence in somebody else.  I'm glad he went to bat for America in the end, because I'm not sure I would have.  I think he sees in her the Queen he needs for the idea he has for when he takes the throne.  However, she needs to realize that change does not happen over night.

I think all these misgivings were sorted out in the end.  It seems America may have made a decision on where her heart lies.  Maxon may have as well, but there is major roadblock in the way...the King himself.   I'm curious how much say he will have in the selection in the end.  America may have made the most powerful enemy of all.

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!

Read Last Week:  

 

• Tempest Revealed by Tracy Deebs
• The Princess of Egypt Must Die by Stephanie Dray
• Truck Stop by Anne F. Rockwell  

Currently Reading:  

• The Girl With the Iron Touch by Kady Cross
  

Up This Week:  

• The Boleyn King by Laura Anderson
• Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Meads  

 

In My Mailbox!

For Review:  

• Because I'm Your Dad by Ahmet Zappa
• Resist by Sarah Crossan
• Once We Were by Kat Zhang

Stacking The Shelves is all about the books we are adding to our shelves each week, sharing with you our excitement for our newest titles and maybe have you discover a new book in the process!  It's hosted by Tynga's Reviews!

 

 

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

Review - Cliff of the Ruin by Bonnie McKernan

Title: Cliff of the Ruin

Author: Bonnie McKernan

Series: Stand Alone

Pages: 416

Published: November 20th 2012 by Abbott Press 

ISBN: 9781458206701

Source: Sent for Honest Review

Description: There are three good reasons why dashing Civil War hero and New York lawyer William Teague cannot tell artist Mae Kendrick he's in love with her. One, she told him he was dull. Two, she is the niece of an important client. Three, she just hired him to find the man she doesn't remember marrying. As Will manages this peculiar case, the search for Mae's husband unveils a shocking discovery about her childhood, one that shifts the investigation to the place of her birth--Ireland. But on the voyage overseas, circumstances become increasingly bizarre. Mae suffers ghost-like visions and further memory loss, and Will is seduced by a beautiful stranger who just might be trying to kill him. When Mae suddenly vanishes like her husband, Will is forced to enter a thin place, an ancient monastic ruin leading to Ireland's Celtic otherworld, in what becomes a race against time to find her. But are Will's war-honed instincts any match for the alluring forces of Irish legend? Can he distinguish friend from foe? Can he protect Mae from the apparitions of her past? And how far beyond the breaking point can his secret love be tested.

I Give This ...

I was really excited for this book.  The setting of America, Ireland, and add in a touch of folklore just sounded so promising.  I'm happy to say this was a fantastic book.

I wasn't sure what to think of Mae at first.  When we are first introduced to her to her she's an aging spinster with very little hope of marrying.  I always find that intriguing and wanting to know circumstances indicating why. When she meets Will, I knew we had a potential match but that it was only a portion of the story.  When we learn that she basically disappears off the map and eloping, it seems completely out of character.  She returns weeks later with no real recollection of what has happened.  The few pieces of information Will manages to get indicate that her husband has returned to Ireland...back the the place of her birth that her father that wants nothing to do with her.

At this point certain Irish folklore are introduced.  I don't know much about this area, but I enjoyed the stories mentioned a lot.  I liked how they are worked into the story as such a seamless chain of events.  The mythical characters feel very real.  They have certain powers that they can wield over humans which were interesting to read about.  

I particularly enjoyed the connection between Mae's new husband and her father.  I hadn't imagined there would be one at first, but once it starts to play out it wasn't hard to figure out who was who.  Sometimes revenge is sweet.  I enjoyed how the story takes us to another realm of beings.

I really enjoyed the combination of historical fiction mixed in with traditional folklore and a little bit of fantasy.  I'll be looking for other works by this author!

 

Virtual Tour for Young Readers + Guest Post - Truck Stop by Anne F. Rockwell (Illustrated by Melissa Iwai)

Title: Truck Stop

Author: Anne F. Rockwell

Illustrator: Melissa Iwaii

 Pages: 40

Published: May 16th 2013 by Viking Juvenile 

ISBN: 9780670062614

Source: Sent for honest review

 Description: Early each morning,  before the sun is even up,  the Truck Stop opens for breakfast,  and the trucks start pulling in.  Eighteen wheeler,  milk tank, moving van, and flatbed!  Their drivers order eggs and bacon, pancakes with syrup, and a blueberry muffin. For the boy who helps his parents at the counter, there is nothing better than seeing all the trucks roll in; he knows every single one . . . and can tell when one is missing!

I Give This ...
 

I had a hard time reviewing this book.  Not because I didn't like it.  But, I feel it has a somewhat limited audience.

I have 2 children, both happen to be girls.  My oldest is kind of past picture books but my youngest loves them.  This book never caught her interest.   However, she's not into trucks at all.  So, I took it to school to read to my preschoolers.  I read it to my younger class who I felt the book was maybe a little bit more geared towards.  I should have taken into account that that class has one boy.  I don't think the girls really cared.   But that one little boy LOVED this book.  He kept commenting on the pictures.  I'm not sure he grasped the concept of the story though.

I liked the story.  I thought it had a good message on working as a family and helping your community.  These people that the little boy saw everyday were as much a part of his family and his mom and dad.  It really showed when the one truck didn't show up in the morning and he kept his eye out for it all the way to school.

A book I would definitely recommend for younger boys.  

Happy Breakfast to All

Anne Rockwell

As an author of over 100 picture books, I'm often surprised to see the finished product. A picture book is a perfect union of words and pictures as seen by a young child. A lot can go wrong between dream and reality. But I loved Truck Stop when I saw it as a book with Melissa’s illustrations. Melissa’s interpretation of my words fit seamlessly, and I saw not my words or her pictures, but a finished book. And the book once illustrated is about friendship, comforting and predictable routine of getting together at their truck stop. The boy narrator/hero looks out for his pals, and even finds the one who’s missing.

Since my book is about breakfast at a truck stop café, Melissa and I thought it would be fun to share our favorite morning meals. Mine is café au lait in a French rural café, France’s version of a truck stop. I mean café au lait where the café owner pours hot milk from a pitcher in one hand, black chicory flavored coffee from a pitcher in the other hand, into a bowl, not a cup. He brings a fresh baked baguette, a bit of butter, and jam. (Breakfast is the only meal in France where butter is offered with bread.) You might even be able to get a jus d’orange pressée.

But that’s a dream breakfast. My favorite substitute at home in the States is a homemade blueberry muffin, or blueberry pancakes. As well as black coffee please! And don’t forget the orange juice!

You can check Melissa’s blog www.thehungryartist.wordpress.com. That’s where she gives a great and healthy recipe (http://thehungryartist.wordpress.com/2013/05/19/truck-stop-giveaway-and-mini-blueberry-muffins/) for flatbed’s driver’s blueberry muffin. You can see her portrait of this driver her illustrations in our book Truck Stop, published by Viking May 16. Yes—muffins right out of the oven, and a picture book right off the press.

Melissa Iwai

When I was first offered to illustrate Anne’s story, Truck Stop, I was thrilled because I was already a fan of her work, and I loved the story. The setting—a truck stop diner—is very unique. In fact, when I was doing research for the book, I found there were no other truck stop books out there! I also love the way Anne wove together elements of family, friends, and food in Truck Stop. In my illustrations I wanted to communicate that warm feeling one has when eating a hearty breakfast among loved ones—the perfect way to start the day!

Thinking of breakfast foods, one of my family’s favorites is popovers.  The first time I ever ate a popover was when I was recently transplanted in New York many years ago. It was at an expensive restaurant on the Upper West Side that specialized in—you guessed it—popovers. Fast forward fourteen years to our home in Brooklyn when we discovered how easy it is to make them from scratch! The ingredients are butter, eggs, milk, flour, and a pinch of salt—that’s it. It is amazing the way the popovers expand and “pop over” the muffin tin in the oven. But don’t be tempted to open the oven door too soon or they will deflate and you will have popovers no more…!

Here is the recipe we use for our breakfast popovers (from Pretend Soup, by Mollie Katzen):




Popovers
2 tablespoons melted butter
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1 cup flour
¼ teaspoon salt
1.    Preheat oven to 375 degrees, and melt butter.
2.    Brush the insides of 12 muffin cups with melted butter.
3.    Break eggs into the mixing bowl.
4.    Add milk and beat well.
5.    Add flour and salt and whisk until reasonable well blended – it doesn’t have to be perfect.
6.    Use a ¼-cup measure with a handle to pour batter into each muffin cup. They should be one-half to two-thirds full.
7.    Bake 30 minutes without opening the oven.
8.    Remove muffins from the pan and prick with a fork to let the steam escape.  Spread with butter and/or jam, and eat!
Makes one dozen.

These are delicious eaten fresh out of the oven with raspberry preserves or a drizzle of maple syrup or just a sprinkle of powdered sugar!

Review - Romeo Redeemed (Juliet Immortal #2) by Stacey Jay

Title: Romeo Redeemed

Author: Stacey Jay

Series: 2nd (Juliet Immortal)

Pages: 384

Published: October 9th 2012 by Delacorte Books for Young Readers

ISBN: 9780385740180

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: Cursed to live out eternity in his rotted corpse, Romeo, known for his ruthless, cutthroat ways, is given the chance to redeem himself by traveling back in time to save the life of Ariel Dragland. Unbeknownst to her, Ariel is important to both the evil Mercenaries and the love-promoting Ambassadors and holds the fate of the world in her hands. Romeo must win her heart and make her believe in love, turning her away from her darker potential before his work is discovered by the Mercenaries. While his seduction begins as yet another lie, it soon becomes his only truth. Romeo vows to protect Ariel from harm, and do whatever it takes to win her heart and soul. But when Ariel is led to believe his love is a deception, she becomes vulnerable to Mercenary manipulation, and her own inner darkness may ultimately rip them apart.  

I Give This ...
 

I liked the idea of real life people who may have inspired the Shakespeare tale of Romeo & Juliet.  It's honestly one of my favorite stories and one of those that I'm more likely to read a twist on.  I liked the first one well enough that I was curious how it would play out.

I like that Romeo was given a chance to redeem himself in modern times while Juliet gets to relive her life in her own time.  At first I didn't like the assignment that Romeo was given.  How is making someone fall in love promoting love?  I think it was more the idea of keeping Ariel out of the hand of the Mercenaries.  However, Romeo sees the problem with this scenario and vows to do all he can to protect her.  However, Ariel's life has been so full of turmoils that she has a hard time trusting Romeo.  But, as the cards play out, Romeo learns what love really means.

While, I know this was Romeo's book, I kind of wish we got more of Juliet.  She's sent back to her time with all the knowledge she's obtained over the centuries.  It puts her in a dangerous position were she must fight for her life.  Here is were I felt the story lost me a lot.  I honestly felt the story tried too hard.  The full back story and reasoning behind the Ambassadors and Mercenaries was complicated and sometimes didn't make sense to me.  I felt myself skimming these parts just to get back to the storyline.  

I was glad that I read this story in the end and it tied up all the loose ends.  However, its not really a series that I would recommend you jump up and go buy.  I've never read anything else by this author, so I have nothing really to compare it to.  

Review - The Eternity Cure (Blood of Eden #2) by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Eternity Cure

Author: Julie Kagawa

Series: 2nd (The Immortal Rules)

Published: April 30th 2013 by Harlequin Teen 

ISBN: 9780373210695

Source:  Publisher via Netgalley

Description: Allison Sekemoto has vowed to rescue her creator, Kanin, who is being held hostage and tortured by the psychotic vampire Sarren. The call of blood leads her back to the beginning—New Covington and the Fringe, and a vampire prince who wants her dead yet may become her wary ally.  Even as Allie faces shocking revelations and heartbreak like she’s never known, a new strain of the Red Lung virus that decimated humanity is rising to threaten human and vampire alike.

I Give This ...

I've decided that for the time being every subject Kagawa touches turns to gold.  I liked The Immortal Rules, even though I thought I was done with vampires.   This one makes it evident that even a tired subject matter can be given new life and then sustain it.

Allison may be a vampire, but she is trying desperately to hold on to her humanity.  She leaves Zeke because she wants him to have a normal life.  She make a bargain with Jackal because she knows she needs him if she ever hopes to find Kanin and defeat Sarren.  She never stops to think about the fact that her behavior is not typical for a vampire.  Her life is so tied up into others when that is one of the main things that Kanin told her to be wary of.

I really do enjoy the relationship between Zeke and Allison.  It's admirable how they have learned to forgive each other their faults and still find themselves in love with each other.  Something that is hard for both of them to do (I think more so on Zeke's part).  But, I found that Jackal completely enthralled me.  He's got a wicked sense of humor and I never knew which way his loyalties truly lied.  That twist alone gave the story a whole know level of enjoyment.

I love it when an author doesn't shy away from the gruesome nature that comes with certain types of characters.  Kagawa's vampires are what I think they should be.  Add in the twisted nature of Sarren, and you have a completely sadistic vampire.  We don't get detailed scenes thankfully, but we get the idea of what he is capable of.    

I loved this book!  And with one hell of a cliffhanger, I will definitely be reading the next one!  

 

 

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!

 

Read Last Week: 

 

• The Elite by Kiera Cass
• Royal Mistress by Anne Easter Smith

  

Up This Week:  

• The Girl with the Iron Touch by Kady Cross
• Tempest Revealed by Tracy Deebs

In My Mailbox!

For Review:  

• The Love Dare for Parents by Stephen Kendrick & Alan Kendrick
• Dance of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin 
• Just Like My Papa by Toni Buzzeo

Stacking The Shelves is all about the books we are adding to our shelves each week, sharing with you our excitement for our newest titles and maybe have you discover a new book in the process!  It's hosted by Tynga's Reviews!

 

 

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

Review - Imaginable (Intangible #2) by J. Meyers

Title: Imaginable
Author: J. Meyers

Series: 2nd (Intangible)

Pages: 342

Published: April 16th 2013

ISBN: 9781484901960
Source: Sent for honest review









Description: Twins Sera and Luke Raine’s unusual abilities are growing. Sera is healing vampires now, making them human again. And, at times, Luke can actually change the future he Sees.  But Sera’s healing has dangerous consequences, and though Luke is altering the outcome of more visions, he can’t control them yet.  Now Sera is in danger as the dark creatures of the Realm seek to use her. As Luke struggles to master his gift in order to save his sister, he discovers even more about his powers.  And what he learns just may put him in greater danger than Sera has ever been.

I Give This ...

  I really enjoyed the first book by this author and had hopes that it would become a series.  When the author contacted me about this book, I never once thought about saying no.

I like the combination of characters presented in this story.  Having our main character be twins is not really anything new, but I like the dynamics of their relationship.  I love how Sera is always thinking of others above herself.  I admire how Luke is always in denial about his own worth.  He will put himself in danger to protect her never realizing the position that puts others in.   Most of the time those traits are rendering, but they are also what causes most of the problems.

Sera's powers have caused unwanted attention.  We know how it effects vampire, and at first they don't like loosing their eternal status.  But, it turns out there are some  perks to this that has peaked the interest of some other paranormal creatures.  Luke is determined to save her, but what good are his visions of the future if he can't do anything about them.  It turns out he just needed a little more practice and directions with his visions.

I really felt like I got some answers in this book and happy with the directions the story is going.  I don't think this is the end, and I will look for the next book! 

 

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!

 

 

Read Last Week:  

 

• Blood Between Queens by Barbara Kyle
• The Knightmare by Deborah Valentine  (DNF)
• Surrender by Lee Nichols  

Up This Week:  

• The Elite by Kiera Cass
• Royal Mistress  by Anne Easter Smith

In My Mailbox!

Swapped/Purchased: 

• After Dark by Emi Gayle
• Wentworth Hall by Abby Grahame 

Stacking The Shelves is all about the books we are adding to our shelves each week, sharing with you our excitement for our newest titles and maybe have you discover a new book in the process!  It's hosted by Tynga's Reviews!

 

 

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