Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday #7


 
Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're can't wait to get our hands on.

So, here's who I'm waiting on.


The Immortal Rules
By: Julie Kagawa
Due Date: April 24, 2012.

Goodreads:
You will kill. The only question is when.
In the dark days since the insidious Red Lung virus decimated the human population, vampires have risen to rule the crumbling cities and suburbs. Uncontested Princes hold sway over diminished ranks of humans: their "pets." In exchange for their labor, loyalty and of course, their blood, these pets are registered, given food and shelter, permitted to survive.
Unregistered humans cling to fringes, scavenging for survival. Allison Sekemoto and her fellow Unregistereds are hunted, not only by vampires, but by rabids, the unholy result of Red Lung-infected vampires feeding on unwary humans. One night, Allie is attacked by a pack of rabids, saved by an unlikely hero...and turned vampire.
Uncomfortable in her undead skin, Allie falls in with a ragtag crew of humans seeking a cure, or cures: for Rabidism and for Vampirism. She's passing for human...for now. But the hunger is growing and will not be denied. Not for friendship—not even for love.

Why?

1: It's written by Julie Kagawa.
2: I LOVED the Iron Fey series.
3: I like vampires.
4. The plot sounds like paranormal meets dystopian. I love both.
5: It's written by Julie Kagawa.

Do I need to go on?


So, what are you waiting on?



Keep On Reading!





Contemporary February #2: The Beginning of After

*CONTAINS SPOILERS*

Goodreads: Anyone who’s had something truly crappy happen to them will tell you: It’s all about Before and After. What I’m talking about here is the ka-pow, shake-you-to-your-core-and-turn-your-bones-to-plastic kind of crappy.
Sixteen-year-old Laurel’s world changes instantly when her parents and brother are killed in a terrible car accident. Behind the wheel is the father of her bad-boy neighbor, David Kaufman, whose mother is also killed. In the aftermath of the tragedy, Laurel navigates a new reality in which she and her best friend grow apart, boys may or may not be approaching her out of pity, overpowering memories lurk everywhere, and Mr. Kaufman is comatose but still very much alive. Through it all there is David, who swoops in and out of Laurel’s life and to whom she finds herself attracted against her better judgment. She will forever be connected to him by their mutual loss—a connection that will change them both in unexpected ways.

Review:
Okay, so when I first saw the book, I was like WHOA! I MUST READ IT! Why you may ask? I love contemporary, and the plot sounded classic and unique all at the same time. Classic--girl falls for bad boy, trouble, blah blah blah. Unique--the reason why they did.

In the book, Laurel loses her family in one single night. To her neighbor. Car + Drunk Driver = Death. And why didn’t anyone stop him?! It sucks. Really, it does. I felt extremely sorry for her. 1) she lost her family. 2) she was stared at like a freak because of what happened. 3) she had some annoying therapist "try" to help her through her grieving. Seriously, I wouldn't want some strange lady talking like she knew all about my parents and what happened! Anyway, the fact that David went on a cross-country road trip was amazing, and I say that all the postcards he sent to her (well, actually his dog, Masher, that Laurel was taking care of) was more therapeutic than any talk with a stranger. In a way, knowing that there was another person out there that was going through the same thing as her made her feel better. I might be jumping the gun, but don't you ever feel that way sometimes? That out there there's that one person who is going through what you are, and yet you have no clue who they are? I do sometimes, mostly when I read contemporary. With contemporary, I'm the character, this is the life I wish I had, the life I want. :) See why I love contemporary so much?

Okay, back to the review, I say, the descriptions of what Laurel did after her parents die were kinda typical. And I loved it. I mean, it does happen: you get wrapped in your grief trying to sort through things and everyone suddenly doesn't seem to meet up to your problems anymore and you distance yourself and that one boy or girl asks you out, and all you can think of is "Is he/she asking me out out of pity?" Honestly, that's what I thought when Joe asked her to prom. But I'm happy he actually did like her.

Now, I had only three problems with this book
1): The way they portrayed drugs and sex. Drugs--smoking. David was part of a group that smoked blah blah blah. And Laurel! OMG! She did it once. Thank God she didn't start. Then the sex part. Well, there was implied sex between Meg and Gavin, friends of Laurel, and I'm fine with that because that's them. My problem was with Joe. At the after party of prom, Joe tells Laurel he wished they were in the limo alone instead of being out on the deck of the house. Really? Is that what all boys think of? And then at the end of the book when David and Laurel actually got five seconds away from the act itself! GAH! Can there be one book that the main character doesn’t just throw herself at the guy all because she depressed?! Well, actually Laurel wasn’t depressed depressed, just wanting comfort in my opinion.

2): Now, it may just be me, but when I read the summary, it said, and I quote:

“Through it all there is David, who swoops in and out of Laurel’s life and to whom she finds herself attracted against her better judgment.”

Where was this attraction? During most of the book, Laurel was flirting with Joe, NOT David. The only time they actually showed interest in each other was when they kissed, were in the woods together looking at a cave from their past, or when they were around Masher. Seriously! Yes, the attraction was there, but not so much. I felt at the end she kinda just decided “Oh, well I’m going to like him and not Joe.” Well, throughout the book she actually did question her feelings for Joe, which led to her leading him on at sometimes, which was wrong, but honest, I’m happy she said to him that they weren’t good.

3): How in the world does a car start on fire after hitting a ditch?!


Characters:

Laurel, our protagonist, when through a lot of change. She was detached and distant after the accident, but later starts to come back to life.

David, well, I think he was on a journey of self-discovery. He didn’t know what he wanted to do after the accident and he just left. During his journey, he made a few discoveries. Or at least that’s what I think.

Nana: Horrible what happened to her. Her son died, her grandson died, and her daughter in law died. And did I mention she lost her husband earlier in life? It sucks. Personally, though she’s a great supportive, but sometimes I think it should have been her in therapy.


Other Characters
1. Laurel’s best friend Meg had problems of her own, as in, her parents fought a lot because Mom was depressed and Dad was sick of it. (How supportive!)
2. Joe just really liked her but I think he knew she couldn’t fully like him back.
3. Eve was a good friend and co-worker, even though she pulled away after learning that Laurel’s parents.
4. The two girls, names forgotten, that try to help Laurel come back to life and her friends, were okay but too perky.

(That’s all I can remember from the book)


Future: Just a stand alone, but I think the author will think about making another book just like it.


Though it wasn’t my favorite, The Beginning of After did leave an impression on me, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves contemporary. :D



 Rating

Cover:

I kinda wish it had something more to it. I like it has a girl on the front and looking into the distance, as if she's thinking about her problem, and I like the sun in the background, but I think there could have been soemthing more to it.

Ending:

I liked the ending. Wasn't totally in love with. I like how everything was resolved, but think there could have been more.



*I won this book without any requests attached. I forget from who.




Keep On Reading!





Up Next:

I can't wait to sink my teeth into this one. I'm so excited!



Saturday, January 28, 2012

In My Mailbox #10



Hosted by the Story Siren to show people new books coming out soon or already have so people can look them up and add them to their ever growing list of 'to-read'


Won:
Thank you Felicia of Livin' Life Through Books
Thank you Asher K. of Paranormal Indulgence
Thank you Savannah of Books with Bite

That's all!|

So, what did you get in your mailbox?



Keep On Reading!


 

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Killing Two Birds with One Stone #11



KTBWOS is all about posting about giveaways that have that extra entry for a blog post or just to let people know about a giveaway. And instead of making one for each one, they're all in one post.
:D


Okay, I've been busy lately, and haven't gotten around to this in a while, so here we go. :D

Up first is........

Over at her blog, P.J. Hoover is giving away this awesome book. You can even see the trailer there!
Only regret about this giveaway: I just traded a book with someone for this one.
Oh well! Two is better than one!


Next........


Okay, don't even say you don't think the wolf isn't cute. He so is! Anyway, over on her blog, Cynthia Smith of Cynsations, author of the Tantalized series, is giving away what you see above and more!
:D I have yet to read Blessed, but I can't wait to get my hands on it!

Oh, and check out the trailer!


As most of you know, there's a blog tour giveaway going around about this book. I really do like the concept of this book. Underwater people (no, not mermaids), unknown creatures, a bit of romance. :D
So, here's where I started: Books Complete Me


Last one..........

Literary Rambles
What's awesome about this giveaway is that they are giving awesome some awesome books. Like Under the Never Sky and A Million Suns. :D


So, head on over to these lovely sites and enter yourself!




Keep On Reading!



 

Monday, January 23, 2012

Review: Catching Jordan (Hundred Oaks #1) by Miranda Kenneally

*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*
Goodreads: What girl doesn't want to be surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out? Jordan Woods isn't just surrounded by hot guys, though - she leads them as the captain and quarterback on her high school football team. They all see her as one of the guys, and that's just fine. As long as she gets her athletic scholarship to a powerhouse university. But now there's a new guy in town who threatens her starring position on the team... and has her suddenly wishing to be seen as more than just a teammate.

FIRST, I know it's not February, but I have a lot of Contemporary novels I'd like to finish before the end of February get here.

Review: Well, I have to say, ever since I started blogging, I think this has been fastest I've ever read a book. 1.5 days! Why the .5? Well, I had to sleep sometime. :D
Anyway, I absolutely loved this book. IT WAS FANTASTIC! Comedy, romance, and teenage drama go so well together. Really, they do. They make the best characteristics for a romantic comedy.
 I think it's awesome someone finally stepped up to the plate and wrote about girls and football. Sure, there are girls that do play, but how many are the QB? Probably none.
The over all plot was kinda lost to me at first, but then it's like: Oh, it's Jordan's journey with her team to State and her dealing with two boys that are incredibly sweet.
Now, the only thing I have bad to say about this book is the way Ty and Jordan's relationship started.
The first thing they did was Ty tried to kiss her and then she got advice from the guys. That's not bad. But when she actually decided to go out with him, what's the first thing they do?
THEY HAVE SEX!
GOD, why can't people just go on dates? Why does sex have to come first? Oh, and then after they had sex, they made it official. Why couldn't they make it official then wait to have sex after a few months of dating. And their dating, yeah: just making out in public or tossing around the football. Sure, they went on ONE date that was utterly romantic, and they did go to the homecoming dance, but still! Making out isn't going out. It's just two people kissing non-stop. Gag me.
One other thing. In the book, Kenneally does point out there are sexist people in the world. That's the reason why Jordan wouldn't have been able to play with Alabama like she dreamed of. Not only was the coach and the team sexist, but so was the Director of Athletics. I hate people that like. Don't let anyone tell you you can't do something because of your gender. Women can do anything men can do.
Characters:
  • Jordan: Kick ass type of girl. The true essance of a toyboy. Awesome football player. And a true represenation of a girl that has no clue that a guy likes her, especially her best friend. Though she doesn't show it, I think if the author did write it, she would have shown up that Jordan has some insercurites, like being a girl in general. But I love it how she over comes the rumors and the drama and the fact she is very tall to come out on top. SPOILER: Towards the end, I'm happy she started to realize her feelings for Henry and finally get it together to try to win him over.
  • Henry/Sam: First, he's actually name is Sam Henry, but some people call him Henry or Sam. I like Henry, since that's what everyone mostly calls him. Anyway, in the beginning, he's a man-whore. Not going to hide it, but he is. I honestly think that using sex as a way out of a breakup is stupid. (at least it was safe sex). And when it came to Jordan, well, he's an idiot. Why not just tell her you like her? No, he, and like everyone else, just assumed she knew and she showed no interest. IDIOTS! At least by the end he gets he's head screwed back on.
  • Ty: Or Tyler, he is the new kid. He's back story is very sad, but that back story (Oh, not going to say what it is) changes him. Whatever he was before, I want to say he is different. In the book, I'm happy that he cares for Jordan, and that he really likes her (though after what? A month, he said he's falling of her. No, after six then you say that type of crap), (SPOILER) but he's really controlling. On the field and off. We've never seen him on the field, but the other guys on the team have told Jordan about him. No boy should try to be controlling of his team or his girlfriend (which he does in some parts of the book).
  • JJ: I really like him. Funny and an idiot. Good player. Cares about Jordan as a sister. But he's an idoit when it comes to women. All he does is look for a good fling. No commitment, no strings attached. I was shocked to hear that he was going with Lacey (cheerleader) for sometime, but of course, he never told her the three words. In a way, I think something must of had happened to him to cause himn to be like he is, or that he's just not ready. :D
  • Carter: LOVE HIM! He's the only one that's not a man-whore it think. Unlike the rest of his friends, he doesn't want to be a professional football player. He wants to play, honoring his dad's wishes, but he also wants to be a chief. Honestly, I wish he got together with Jordan sometimes. He's nice and sweet.
  • Carrie: She is a cheerleader and becomes one of Jordan's closest girlfriends after talking to her a bit. She's the one that broke up with Henry because--SPOILER--she believed he was in love with another person, and he was. Later one, she starts to date Carter, and it's so sweet that he actually really likes her and is NOT looking for a hook-up.
  • Marie: She is a cheerleader and becomes one of Jordan's closest girlfriends too. In the beginning, she and Henry had a thing, but she knew he loved Jordan and tried to get them together. She never gets with anyone, but if there was another character in the book, I'd bet that she would be with him. She's an awesome best friend.
  • Dad (a.k.a. Donovan Woods): Big NFL football player. Doesn't really like Jordan playing football and doesn't support her like her mom does. At first, I didnt' like him. I hate that one parent that doesn't support one child but does the other (Mike, the brother, plays football too), but the only reason he doesn't is because he doesn't want Jordan to get hurt. And I can see where he's coming from. Football is tough, and the guys in it are huge. He's girl, only a 170 lbs. He doesn't want her hurt. SPOILER: Thank God he turns around in the end. It was either that or have a horrible relationship with his daugher for the rest of her life.

Future: As most of you know, the companion to the book, Stealing Parker, is set to come out this far.
Here's the pic and the blurb.
Goodreads: About a 17-year-old girl named Parker who falls for the new 23-year-old coach of the baseball team.
Love the cover, and it's basically like Vampire Academy, but without the vampires. I can't wait!

Quotes: The entire book, especially the chapter titled Jerry Rice. :D

Rating:
The Big Kahuna
I debated about this one. I wanted to give it a 5 because of the sex thing, but the pros outweigh the cons. :D I LOVED THIS BOOK.

Cover & Ending: 


I believe I won this book. Forget from who though. :D



Keep On Reading!



Up Next:


Saturday, January 21, 2012

In My Mailbox #9



Hosted by the Story Siren to show people new books coming out soon or already have so people can look them up and add them to their ever growing list of 'to-read'

So, this week was okay. With no school on Monday, I went shopping with Mom, Kali (sis), and Meg (cousin). it was a good day. :D


Won:
Hereafter by Tara Hudson Thank you Tezza from SpadesHighReads
The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
(Okay, I forget who I got this from. But do know it was from the Best of 2011 hop going around)
Fallen in Love by Lauren Kate Thank you RandomBuzzers
The Pledge by Kimberly Derting Thank you Tynga from Tynga's Reviews
(IT'S SIGNED! *SQUEAL*)
The Dark Elite by Chloe Neill Thank you Teri C from Snarky Mamma

Traded:
Tempest by Julie Cross
Thank you Barbara from Basia's Bookshelf
Turns out she's the closest blogger near me. Wisconsin. And I thought I was the only blogger in the Midwest. :D

Bought:
The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
TJ Max (shocking yes, good, oh yeah.)

Gifted:
THANK YOU MOM!
(She owed me $10 worth of something. :D )
One more thing
Okay, so, i have two copies of The Scorpio Races and The Pledge, and a copy of In Darkness.
In Darkness I have seen reviewed with good reviews.
The Pledge is a little iffy. Some has asked about it, but we'll see.
The Scorpio Races is still with me. :D


So, what did you get in your mailbox?



 
Keep On Reading!


Stained review

Stained


Author's blurb:

A swift outbreak changed Lin Matthew's world forever. A mysterious new student enrolled in Beaver High. And a popular television show brought betrayal hence endangering Lin and his friends' life. Stained is a different take of a zombie tale like no other.
Stained is for fans of Pittacus Lore's I am Number Four, Josephine Angelini's Starcrossed and Jerry Spinelli's Star Girl.


Review:  Okay, first things first: I think this is the first zombie book I've ever read. No, really. I can't remember one zombie book that I have ever read; so, going into this one was like taking my first steps as a baby. I was expecting blood and gore and guts and death.

Surprisingly, none of that was present (much).

In the book, Lin was bitten by a zombie but was able to be cured by some special pill some Scottish doctor made. He had to take the pill so he could stay normal. He and several other people had too. At school, there was designated areas just for the infected people, both in classes, on the bus, and at lunch. Probably in real life too. To determine if you were infected or not, you had special braclet you had to wear that couldn't come off.

I felt sorry for Lin. Same school but you still felt like the new kid. You're old friends won't talk to you because you're infected and you have to sit with total strangers every day for the rest of your life. What fun! Not. Fortunately for Lin, one of his old friends, Alice, still is friends with him, and he met new friends too. :D

Daniel is the new kid actually. While reading, I thought Daniel was a very............um.........what's the word? Sad. That's it. In the beginning, he's a loner, just moving about the world by himself. Then, when Lin and his friends make friends with him, he starts to lighten up. Especially with Alice. Now, I know what you're thinking. LOVE TRIANGLE!!! Well, in a way, yes. Except, with this one, Alice didn't know Lin liked her and Lin didn't know Daniel liked her, but Daniel knew Lin like her. Gah, idiots. I just hate it how Lin was so shy! And then the end........*shakes head*---what an idiot.

Now, where does the name of the book come in to play? Well, Stained is a TV show in the book where people affected by the attack are allowed to compete for money, but have to make it through a maze and find six silver egg type things to win the prize money. Lin and his little sister watch this show and just about everyone else in the nation. But that's not what's interesting about it. When you watch it online, there is a file in the corner that says a boy named Travis Osmore is missing and reward is $3,000,000. That' a lot for just one kid, right? Well, after reading the book and finding out why, I have to say, I dont' blame the guy looking for putting that much money on his head, though I don't think the guy should be looking for him in the first place.

Now the ending. Hmm......it was okay. The author left a cliffhanger. I'm not sure how he's going to do a sequel, but my guess is it has to do with the government and testing to try to cure the infected completely. Plus, a little Alice and Lin and Daniel action in there. All I know is I don't like what happened to Lin in the end. IT'S NOT FAIR! But I will be reading the sequel once it's made. :D

The book itself was an ebook, and I have to say, I did like it. Except for a few grammatical errors, it was good. If you would like to read this book, here is the author's email. Believe me, you won't be disappointed with this book.


Mike Mauthor
Check Mike out here on his blog or twitter too!
Twitter: @mauthor


Rating

Cover and Ending:
Not the best but not the worst.



I receive this book for my honest review . No due date was needed.



Keep On Reading!

 


Up Next for my ebook reviews:

I've already seen two other blogs review this book and they have said it was good. Can't wait. :D
And I really like the cover. Creative.



Friday, January 20, 2012

January Mermaids #4: Forbidden Sea

*MAY CONATINS SPOILERS*
Goodreads: When Adrianne comes face-to-face with the mermaid of Windwaithe Island, of whom she has heard terrible stories all her life, she is convinced the mermaid means to take her younger sister. Adrianne, fierce-willed and courageous, is determined to protect her sister from the mermaid, and her family from starvation. However, the mermaid continues to haunt Adrianne in her dreams and with her song.
Yet, when the islanders find out about Adrianne's encounters with the mermaid she is scorned, for this small and superstitious community believes the mermaid will bring devastation to the island if Adrianne does not give herself to the sea.
A powerful and lyrical story of one girl who must choose between having everything and having those she loves.
Review: Okay, first, I want to say, this book was AMAZING! The book is defined as paranormal, YA, mermaids, but in a way, it's Contemporary combined with Paranormal. In some YAs, the background of the main character is a sad one or it borderlines contemporary.

SPOILER: In this book, Adrianne was once a rich girl with a love of horses. Then one day, while out riding with her dad, her dad's horse bucked him off and he died. Then, because her mom was too depressed to keep running the house, Adrianne had too and since she didn't know what to do, she wasted all the money on the servant's wages and the food. Then they became poor and their mean aunt came to live with them and her aunt hated her and loved her spoiled little sister. And then the other kids made fun of her and the guy she liked drooled over another girl. In the beginning.....well, for most of the book, she was teased and degrated for everything she did no matter what it was. I love characters like this. Why? Because they always come out on top. END OF SPOILER
The plot of this book is very creative. The Legend of Lady Lauretta is unique on it's own, and it's not even the plot of the book! The mermaid was more of a siren in my option, but that's only because she kept trying to lure Adri to the sea.
Characters:
  • Adrianne: Brave, caring, puts other above herself, loving. Determined. All these characteristics and more are what drew the mermaid to her. Though she was the main character, I felt she was the underdog since she felt sad and depressed most of the book. Besides her feelings, she stayed strong and kept up her chores and did whatever she could to make sure her family still had a house over her head. No matter what, she still thought of others first. SPOILER: Even when she went with the mermaid she thought of how her family would be better without her since the whole village hated her. The only problem with her was that she couldn't see her inner beauty beneath what was on the surface. I hate people with low self-esteem.
  • Denn: LOVE HIM! Kind, loyal, funny. Sure, in the beginning when he still fawned over Cora Lynn, but as the book went on, he started to use his brain and realized he really liked her. When she went with the mermaid, he searched for her, and when he couldn't find her, he stayed on the beach because he couldn't face her family. And when she came back, he was so happy! Love this guy.
  • Jendayi, the Sea Queen of the Caribbean Sea (a.k.a., the mermaid): For most part of the book, Jendayi was just know as the mermaid to Adrianne and kids her age. To adults, the Devil's creation. According to the Legend, she stole Lady Lauretta and caused chaos on the island. And she did, but only to get the humans to let Lady Lauretta go. SPOILER: Jendayi has a unique ability. She can see through to a person soul and their inner person. She says that's how she chose Adri to be the bride for the youngest Sea Prince. She saw beneath all the dirt and the hurt to a person strong and caring.
  • Cecily: Though she is the younger sister to Adri, she's a spoiled brat. Went she doesn't get her way, tantrum. I believe it's because of her aunt Minnah, who favors her over Adri. Though Cecily wants to be like Adri, I don't believe she will ever be. She's too spoiled and tempered to.
  • Aunt Minnah: For most of the book, I hated her. I wanted to rip her head off and toss it to the dogs. Then later on I found out why she was so horrible to Adri. SPOILER: she was the older child out of her brother, Adri's dad, and she wasn't liked as well as he was. Especially when he got her grandmother's locket. So, she's projecting her feelings of neglet and saddness onto Adri. Still hate her. I'm happy she left them. She was no help, like Cecily.
  • Giselle (a.k.a, Mama): I didn't like her. No, I mean, I liked her, but I just wish she could've stood up to Aunt Minnah. Ever since her husband died, she's this depresses, submissive woman working hard to make sure her girls are feed. SPOILER: I hated it when she gave the locket to Cecily since she knew that if she didn't and gave it to Adri taht Cecily would have caused a fit. I just wish she had a back bone.
  • Others: The other characters were okay. Most of the kids in the village picked on Adri because she was poor. Lady Lauretta appeared at the end with her husband and she appeared to be very happy.

Future: Just a stand alone. SPOILER: But in the book, it hinted that Adri and Denn got married and had daughters and maybe a son. Cecily married Trey and lived a rich life. That's about it.

Quotes:
  • "Why not?" Jendayi, page 293
  • "'You're not that much of an idiot. Cora Lynn is awfully beautiful.' (Adri). 'So are you. I don't know why I couldn't see it before" Denn, page 294

Read this book!


Rating:
The Big Kahona goes to this lovely book because it moved me so much (the contemporary side of it) and because I could hardly put it down. :D
Cover:
The design for Jendayi is amazing!

Ending:
A happy ending.

I got this book from the author because of a giveaway she was holding. Review was not required.


Before I end, I want to tell you guys that this was the last book in my January Mermaids. Yeah I know, there were only 4 books, but that's all I had that I hadn't read. :D Hopefully more will come.



Keep On Reading


Up Next:


Like the button? Thanks. I made it myself. :D I'm getting pretty good at it.
So, for February, the month of Love, I'm going to try to reall all of my contemporary novels. I'll probably get through 25% of them because there's so many!
And first on the list is........
I love the cover. Barefoot is the best way to go.

January Mermaids #3: Tempest Rising

*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

Goodreads: Tempest Maguire wants nothing more than to surf the killer waves near her California home; continue her steady relationship with her boyfriend, Mark; and take care of her brothers and surfer dad. But Tempest is half mermaid, and as her seventeenth birthday approaches, she will have to decide whether to remain on land or give herself to the ocean like her mother. The pull of the water becomes as insistent as her attraction to Kai, a gorgeous surfer whose uncanny abilities hint at an otherworldly identity as well. And when Tempest does finally give in to the water's temptation and enters a fantastical underwater world, she finds that a larger destiny awaits her-and that the entire ocean's future hangs in the balance.

Review: Okay so, this one took some time to get into. SPOILER: In the beginning and the middle, all it is Tempest going through her change, finding out about her mother and what's going to happen and why this evil chick wants to kill her or make her change sides. Well, that and the author defined her relationship with Mark and then her feelings for Kona.
Now, on the topic of the boys, one thing I didn't like about this book is that though most people would view it as a love triangle with insta-love attached to it, I see it as this:
  • Girl has hot boyfriend.
  • Girl meets hot guy.
  • She goes after him after he gets hurt.
  • She spends a week with the guy.
  • She falls instantly in love with the other guy.
  • She forgets about the other guy.
  • Week later, she goes back to other guy.
  • Girl finds out about the looks he's been giving another girl.
  • They mutally break up.
  • She leaves with the other guy.

THAT IS NOT LOVE!

The way I view some of the love in YA novels is just two people with their hormones on high. I don't know what you guys think, but I truly don't believe in 'love at first sight'. I find it kinda annoying. Sure, makes a great addition to the plot, but I think if an author was going to do a good love triangle, then the author would let them fall in love gratually. But that's the author's decision.

SPOILER: One part of this book I really liked though was how Tempest surfed and she could control storms; hence, her name. And that her dad was a surfer too. I was kinda disappointed that instead of a few chapters about Kona trainning her to use her powers like he said he would, they just went straight into finding her mon and then to the battle scene and then the end.

Characters:
  • Tempest: Tempest has her good sides and her bad sides. Good sides: Her bravery, strength, surfing skills, and her stubborness. It's a common characteristic to see in most YA characters. Their stubborn and determined nature to defeat whomever it is that's trying to kill them. Plus, her ability to control storms. Bad sides: the rage built up towards her mother about leaving (and I understand this. Mom left to do her duty and never came back to help her through her transformations), her instant feelings for Kona and completely forgeting about Mark, and her stupidness when it came to trying to save her mom. SPOILER: Seriously, why not just fake siding with the evil demon hag and then striking her with lightning in her heart?! Tempest isn't one of my favorite characters, but she isn't totally awful.
  • Kona: Well, I like that he's a prince. :D I mean, who wouldn't? His love for his family is wonderful, and the loyalty he display for Tempest showned. What really made me like him was that he wasn't a merman, but selkie: a shapeshifter that shifts into a seal. I never read about a book with a selkie as a nice character, so this book was refreashing.
  • Mark: In the beginning, I thought he and Tempest were going to stay together and the mermaid thing was just going to either complicate things or make him stay by her side even more. But nope. Sure, he shows complete devotion and love towards her, but when I found out that he looked at another girl while Tempest was gone, well.........HE'S A COMPLETE PIG. End of story.
Future: I am looking forward to the next book and learning about Tempest and her trainning and what happens to the evil witch. The only thing I wish is that in the blurb that they would give us more than she goes back up to her injured brother and collides with Mark and Tiamat (evil sea witch) somehow gets involved and Mark and Kona meet blah blah blah. I wish it said Tiamat attacked her home or something. But I'm still looking forward to the book.


Rating:
Not my favorite, but not horrible.

Cover:
Seriously, look at it. The tattoo is amazing!

Ending:
Could have been a bit better


I bought this book from Border during the blowout sale. I miss it.

 


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I have to say, I like the mermaid on the cover to the left, but the cover on the right has my favor.

Saturday, January 14, 2012

In My Mailbox #8


Hosted by the Story Siren to show people new books coming out soon or already have so people can look them up and add them to their ever growing list of 'to-read'.


Okay clams, here's what I got this week. Hope you put these on your lists to read. :D


HOLD UP FIRST!
Okay, in the pic is Lola and the Boy Next Door. I had a stupid moment and forgot I that I got that last week. Ignore it! It's not another copy. Thanks!
Keep on going. :D


 
Won:
Physical copy
Thank you Becky from Bibliognome 
THANK YOU Amanda from Short and Sweet Reviews
She also gave me some awesome bookmarks, pins, stickers, and a keychain. But I didn't take a pic.

Ebook:
Thank you Tiffany from For Those About To Read.... and the author. :D
Thank you Anagha from BookSpark

Traded:

Bought:
Thank you Barnes & Noble and 50% off coupon!



Ghost Town (The Morganville Vampires, #9)

Okay, here's the deal. I never got into this series. Yes, it actually sounds good, and I might read it sometime in the future when i get the chance, but right now, I rather not. So, if any of you want it, email me or message me on goodreads. I would love to trade. :D

So, what did you get in your mailbox?


Oh, listen to this song. It's amazing!






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Friday, January 13, 2012

January Mermaids #2: Ripple


*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

Goodreads: Lexi is cursed with a dark secret. The water calls to her, draws her in, forces her to sing her deadly song to unsuspecting victims. If she succumbs, she kills. If she doesn't, the pain is unbearable. To keep herself and those she cares about safe, she shuts herself off, refusing to make friends or fall in love-again. Because the last time she fell in love with a boy, he ended up dead.
Then Lexi finds herself torn. Against her better judgement, she's opening up agian, falling in love with someone new when she knows she shouldn't. But when she's offered the chance to finally live a normal life, she learns that the price she must pay to be free or her curse is giving him up.

First: I finished this book a while back, but because of all the projects I have, I haven't gotten aroud to reviewing it.
Sorry!

Review:
Okay, What really drew me to this book was the cover. I mean, LOOK AT IT! Hot guy, pretty dress, and mysterious lake in the background. When I read the summary, that gave the book brownie points. Then I read it and I was like:

HOLY CRAP, THIS IS GOOD!

No, seriously. It was. The beginning was my favorite. SPOILER: The beginning is like what you might find in a contemporary novel. Sad feelings, once-friends, that one caring guy. In the beginning, the whole story on how Lexi discovered what she is and what happened the night Steven drowned and the after effects and how everyone hates her and thinks she doesn't care that he's dead when really she visits his grave everyday. Well, it was so emotional, that I NEARLY CRIED. It takes a lot for me to cry, or even to the point of it. The guilt and saddness that Lexi felt was so strong, that I thought she would just opped herself off in the end.
BUT SHE DIDN'T!
The plot of this book was very unique. To me, sirens where mermaids that killed sailors. I liked it how Hubbard kept the fact Lexi was drawn to the sea, and I loved how she had to swim, but I didn't like the effects if she didn't. The back story on how the curse came to be was very clever, but showed how shallow and how low girls would go to get the man they want. And to show how stupid girls can be to trust high classed men who think they can have everything they want.
SPOILER: I'm not sure how I feel about Erik and how he revealed himself and how Lexi told Cole about what happened. I think it might have happened a bit too fast. I think there should have been some dialouge where Cole excepts what Lexi is and he confronts Erik about it. But that's just me.

Characters:
  • Lexi: SPOILER: I liked the concept of her as a siren. Beautiful, alone, and smart. Beautiful because of the curse, alone because she doesn't want to kill anyone again, and smart because she just is. She wants to be a doctor for Christ's sake! :D I didn't like how she offed Cole, but I'm glad she did it to try to break the curse so she could be with him. Her strength to try to fall in love with Erik despite her longing for Cole is inspiring. I have to say, I feel if I was a siren, I'd be like Lexi. And her action scene at the end.....well, I'm not going to say anything but it was KICK ASS!
  • Cole: The Book Boyfriend #4 (I think. Yeah, #4). :D Sweet, kind, and determined. AND ACCEPTING! I loved how despite his three year crush on Lexi, he never went for her because she liked his best friend. And then he still didn't think he could compete with him because she still lovedd him. *Sigh* But the only thing I didn't like about him was that he took the bitch Nikki (or at least I think she is. In the book it's clearly stated that she doesn't like Lexi. I'm guessing it was because she liked Steven too.) to homecoming.
  • Erik: In the beginning, I thought he was really nice. After discovering he was a nyx and could cure Lexi, I really liked him. When he told the story of how nyxes came to be and why he was there, I really really liked him. Then, when I found out what he was after, I really really REALLY hated him. That's all.
  • Sienna: Okay, I get that she's mad in all about her brother's death, but blaming Lexi on it withouth really talking to her about it and just assuming she didnt' try to save him was pretty crappy. The fact she thinks she's the only one that lost something is pretty bitchy of her. SPOILER: Later, when she finds out the Lexi goes to his grave everyday and learns Lexi thinks it was better if everyone hated her, she turns around and starts trying to build up a friendship again. But later, when she learns what really happened, yes, I would be mad too, but I would have listened to Lexi's story and then tried to cool off. But nooo, Sienna blocks her off completely. Least favorite character.
  • Grandma: I have to put her in with the characters. I loved her support of Lexi, wanting her to live her life, get good grades, get into a good college, and to have her friends over. A perfect grandma. :D

Future: I have no clue if there's going to be a sequel. I hope. I think it would be about Sienna getting over Steven's death and trying to make up with Lexi. My guess.
Quotes:
  • "Because you were smiling for him. And I would have had to have been an idiot to get in between taht. And that's why I know whatever you feel for Erik, it's nothing like what you had for Steven. And nothing like what I feel for you." Cole, page 198 *Sigh*
  • "Because even when he was dead, I couldn't compete with Steven." Cole, page 199
Don't you just love Cole?


Rating:
Cover:
Ending:


I won this book in a giveaway thanks to Veronica at Mostly Reviews. :D




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Up Next:

Don't just love the tattoos and the scales?! I do. I'm only in Chapter 5 right now because of all the home I had over the week, so this one will take some time. :D