Review: OPAL by JLA

Review:

I have literally been staring, dumbfounded, at my keyboard for what seems like forever. Why, you ask? Because I'm absolutely speechless at the hands of OPAL by Jennifer Armentrout. I still cannot even begin to process how any one book in a series as unbelievably fantastic as the LUX SERIES can surpass its unbelievably fantastic predecessors. When I first read OBSIDIAN, if someone had told me that it wouldn't be the peak of the series, I would have thought it a crazier notion than having my own personal pen-poking Daemon, or having a blizzard in Dallas. But OPAL exceeded my expectations beyond anything I could have imagined in my wildest dreams...which, by the way, after just finishing OPAL, are guaranteed to have some steamy Luxen sightings. As the story kicks off, we pick up at Kat's house, where she has just returned from her rather unpleasant visit with Mr. Michael's, her mom's sadistic, twisted boyfriend. Did I mention she was tortured...and held
captive in a cage? All seems well when OPAL begins, however, and with Dawson finally home and safe,if not a bit dour as a result of his imprisonment, the readers are given an almost false sense od security. The normal heated banter continues with Kat and Daemon's relationship, but in this installment of the LUX series, there is a bit more emphasis on the, ah, heated part. Though some relationships need healing after everything that caused so much pain in ONYX, theirs is one that only seems to progress. We are privy to a sweeter, more vulnerable Daemon, but one who still knows how to pull out the charm and the smoldering looks. When an unsuspected character returns--no way will you see this one coming--the romance steps up even higher. With Dawson back and with the grief over Adam's death hanging over them like a black curtain, there is not much time for Daemon and Kat to focus on their relationship...So, every second they do have alone makes op for time
lost....if you get what I'm saying. Amidst the drama that the unsuspected visitor brings with him, a plan forms to rescue those held captive that they love the most--namely, Beth. To prepare, we witness a stronger Kat and even get to meet some hysterical new characters, who hang out in some INTERESTING places. The new and improved Kitten develops her kick ass/ ninja / Jedi/ superhero/ Luxen hybrid powers. But is it enough? The ending of the book will leave you just as speechless as i was. But then you won't be able to stop blabbing about it, just like this! OPAL is literally the perfect blend of romance and action, and I can hardly wait to get my hands on the next installment!!!!

Review: Reached, by Allie Condie

Summary: 

Cassia’s journey began with an error, a momentary glitch in the otherwise perfect façade of the Society. After crossing canyons to break free, she waits, silk and paper smuggled against her skin, ready for the final chapter.

The wait is over.

One young woman has raged against those who threaten to keep away what matters most—family, love, choice. Her quiet revolution is about to explode into full-scale rebellion.

With exquisite prose, the emotionally gripping conclusion to the international–bestselling Matched trilogy returns Cassia, Ky, and Xander to the Society to save the one thing they have been denied for so long, the power to choose.

Review:

Going into REACHED, by Allie Condie, I was expecting a lot. I'm sad to say my expectations were far from filled. In fact, this book took me over a week to read, which is really rare when I have time to sit down and read. I found myself rereading old books and watching movies instead of sitting down and getting through this one. I thought the story was very exciting, but the execution of telling the story was lacking in interest-peakers. It's sad, really, because REACHED has SO MUCH potential. Xander's character was wholly disappointing, and Cassia's even more so. Ky was stagnant and didn't change at all from the last book...which makes for boredom. The love triangle was spread so thin over different communities that there is hardly any romance or action between its members at all. Cassia actually made me really mad, because she didn't continue on her path of strong heroine and had a few too many weaknesses in there. Don't get me wrong--no character should be unstoppable. A character should have flaws, vulnerabilities, and strengths. Cassia seems to have lost her strength and disregards everyone and everything except for Ky. I know this all sounds really harsh, but it's just so frustrating when a story could be sooo amazing...but just, isn't. I'm still a big Allie Condie fan, but for me, REACHED was a hit and a miss. I give it 6 out of 10 stars.

~Anna

Review: The Goddess Legacy by Aimee Carter

I'm usually not a huge short story kind of gal, but THE GODDESS LEGACY gives you so much insight into the lives of the characters you only get to glimpse in the other installments of this incredible series. You get to venture into the life of Hera, or Calliope, where we witness a soft, vulnerable, and maternal side to her. Though my opinion of her hasn't changed completely--I still categorize her as a selfish beyotch--I at least understand the motive behind her murdering madness now. I also saw the life of Persephone, who was forced into a life she didn't want by her parents. She was made to love all things bright and lively, as we see with her love for first humorous Hermes and then shining Adonis. Instead, Demeter and Zeus didn't even take this need for life and light into regard when they arranged a marriage with Hades, king of the Underworld. Though Hades is devoted, loyal, and admirable, he was a choice Persephone never had, and for that she resents him and his dark kingdom. I absolutely loved her story, because when we meet Persephone for the first time, we are shown a somewhat haughty girl who seemingly doesn't care about Hades' tormented heart. THE GODDESS LEGACY lets us see that her hear is tormented, too. Along with these stories, we are also privy to the lives of Hades, Hermes, and Aphrodite. THE GODDESS LEGACY is a MUST READ. Go forth, and buy it immediately!
Latah,
Anna

Top Ten of November

Hey Kiddos,

I am really excited for this month! Check out my top ten picks for November reads!

Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor: November 6^th

Reached by Ally Condie: November 13^th

Deity by JLA: November 6^th

Renegade by J.A. Souders: November 13^th

Luminosity by Stephanie Thomas: November 13^th

Bitter Blood by Rachel Caine: November 6^th

Middle Ground by Katie Kacvinsky: November 20^th

Sacred by Elana K. Arnold: November 13^th

Black City by Elizabeth Reichards: November 13^th

Touched by Corrine Jackson: November 27^th

The Elite

So sorry this is so late! My friend from Viva La Books showed me this and I completely forgot to blog about it! Although I really like this cover, it just doesn't compare to its predecessor. The red makes it border on cliché, unlike the blue cover of THE SELECTION, the first book in Kiera Cass' trilogy, which personifies elegance and absolutely stunning. I like how THE ELITE cover kept with the theme, but I'm just not digging it. I guess my standards were just really high...*sigh*...Any who, tell me hat y'all think of this beaut.

What I'm reading:

What I'm reading:

Commencement: review and mini-interview

Review:

I have always dreamed of the supernatural, of magic, and of other worldly powers. What Emma possesses may seem like a super awesome gift at first glance-I mean, being able to feel others' emotions? No anxiety over your boyfriend's feelings for you, or knowing if a parent is angry pre-yelling session? Sounds preee-tty cool...not. Emma feels her "weirdness of being able to feel other people’s emotions like they’re [her] own" is "awkward", and she doesn't view her ability much as a gift. Bottom line, the girl is not normal. Throughout the novella, which is a 99 cent prequel to the Hellsbane series by Paige Cuccaro, the readers are shown Emma Jane's yearning for the one thing she is not: normal. Though the writing and technique was superb, I felt the plot was lacking in originality. I have yet to have seen a freaky supernatural girl who hasn't sobbed over being different...However, the characters were amusing.One of my favorites, a character named Mihir, is an adorable 15 year old boy who crushes on Emma Jane and insults her boyfriend, Justin. Too cute. Even with the awkwardness of Emma feeling his feelings of, um, let's say excitement. This part in the novella was rather amusing. Both Emma and Mihir had skipped grades because of their outstanding academics, but poor little Mihir was a college junior in a fifteen-year old boy's body...What can a guy do? He's got hormones. None the less, he is still a sweet kid who helps Emma through her troubles with possible druggy/maybe possessed boyfriend Justin, who Emma is desperately worried about when she senses a dark hatred from his emotions. When a mysterious ring seemingly causes this change in Justin, and then later is connected to tales of jenni's, Emma has to fight a powerful darkness. At this point, I was reminded of that Disney movie, Now You See It? with all the magicians and the dark magic and the ring and all that jazz. When further events occur, and Justin is connected to a death, more questions arise, and Emma Jane must use her abilities for the good of everybody. Though the story was a bit cliche and predictable, I was interested enough to want to know where Emma Jane's path will take her. It is a short read, and to make it even better, it's less than a dollar! I mean, that is most certainly a plus. I hope you enjoy the mini interview that I have conducted with the author, Paige Cuccaro.

Bye bye, 

Anna

Mini-Interview:

What is the backstory to your writing career?

I didn't start out wanting to be a writer. I actually went to college to be an elementary teacher. But they want you to actually TEACH the kids stuff and I just liked taking care of them. I decided it was probably better than I have a few of my own and the change suited me. But I've always enjoyed writing and after reading a series of books by an author who is now my hero, Anne Rice, I knew that I wanted to do what she could do. I wanted to tell stories that would transport the reader, suspend reality and bring them into a world of my making. I started seriously writing when I moved from Pennsylvania to Ohio 13 years ago. In Ohio I discovered a local writing group, Central Ohio Fiction Writers and through them I joined Romance Writers of America. They're both wonderful organizations filled with awesome people. I've learned so much and am still learning. I never would've gotten as far in my career if not for these groups and their members.

What books have inspired you throughout your life?

Anne Rice's Interview with a Vampire is the book I point to as the inspiration to my writing addiction. This woman has such an amazing gift and I would count myself blessed to have half her talent.

What are you currently reading?

I'm reading Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris. I'm probably the only person on the planet that hasn't read them. But I love the HBO series and I just had to check out the books. So far, they ROCK!

What input did you have in the cover of COMMENCEMENT?

Not a lot. I told them what Emma looked like and what her personality was like. I filled them in on what Commencement was about, setting, genre. And then I shut my mouth and let the artist do her thing. I like to think the more artists are allowed to flex their creative muscles the better the end result will be. So far, I haven't been proven wrong.

If you had a paranormal ability, would you choose the ability to feel other people's emotions as well? If not, what would you choose?

No way would I choose Emma's ability. It's one thing to know what people are feeling, it's something totally different to actually FEEL what they're feeling. I mean, can you imagine having that ability as a teenager and your parents are...getting close in the room next door? Ewww... If I could pick an ability I think I'd go with mind reading or, telekinesis. Much more fun, with a lower ick factor.

Thanks again, Anna!!
Paige :)

Giveaway!!

http://sonorouswords.blogspot.com/2012/10/giveaway-gone-girl.html

ENTER MY GIVEAWAY FOR A COPY OF GONE GIRL BY CLICKING THE LINK ABOVE!

Throne of Glass Playlist

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas Playlist:

Drops of Jupiter by Train

I Miss the Misery by Halestorm

Headstrong by Trapt

How to Save a Life by The Fray

Every Rose Has Its Thorn by Poison

Under the Bridge by Red Hot Chili Peppers

How Far We’ve Come by Matchbox Twenty

Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys

Good Girl by Carrie Underwood

Sweet Dreams are Made of This by the Eurythmics

Wild Ones by Flo Rida

We Are Young by Fun.

What Do You Want From Me by Grant Scot

Battlefield by Jordan Sparks

I Am Not a Robot by Marina and the Diamonds

Can’t Be Tamed by Miley Cyrus

Bless the Broken Roads by Rascal Flatts

Girls Lie Too by Terri Clark

The Sound of Silence by Simon and Garfunkel

Enchanted by Taylor Swift

Review: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

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• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
• Hardcover: 416 pages
• Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens; 1 edition (August 7, 2012)
• Rating: 10/10 stars

I am literally in love with this book. Every possible concept and factor that I think make the perfect YA book are compiled skillfully and wonderfully into 416 pages. Every fairy tale notion of princes, every little girl's dream of balls and gowns, every independent young woman's inspiration in feisty heroines, all of these things are woven into the magical pages of THRONE OF GLASS by Sarah J. Maas. It's a story that you can't put down, but it is also one that if you do put down, the moment you pick it back up it will feel as if all the time in between had been the story, and only when you entered Celaena's world were you in reality. THRONE OF GLASS transcends the bounds of reality and yet, when you are in its spell, it is the only thing that even exists. To say that I am obsessed is an understatement, and I CANNOT STRESS ENOUGH THE IMPORTANCE OF READING THIS BOOK! Unlike many of its YA counterparts, the love triangle, if you can even call the intense and passionate relationships between Celaena and Dorian and Celaena and Captain Westfall such an idle name, does not dominate every page in the book. Celaena is plagued with deeper and more important struggles than such a thing as a love triangle. Even a dispute with her beautiful friend, Nehemia, does not phase her from the important matters at hand. The magic is not contained in this story, and as soon as you open the page, you will be transported into a world of magical symbols, conniving kings, glorious princesses and charming princes, and most of all, a heroine whose scars don't make her any less beautiful.

Giveaway: GONE GIRL

On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne’s fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick’s clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn’t doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife’s head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media—as well as Amy’s fiercely doting parents—the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter—but is he really a killer?

As the cops close in, every couple in town is soon wondering how well they know the one that they love. With his twin sister, Margo, at his side, Nick stands by his innocence. Trouble is, if Nick didn’t do it, where is that beautiful wife? And what was in that silvery gift box hidden in the back of her bedroom closet?

With her razor-sharp writing and trademark psychological insight, Gillian Flynn delivers a fast-paced, devilishly dark, and ingeniously plotted thriller that confirms her status as one of the hottest writers around. (Courtesy of GR)

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October Releases

Hey y'all,
This month is freaking unbelievable in the YA universe! Check out some of the top October releases below!

October 1:

Who I Kissed by Janet Gurtler

Stealing Parker by Miranda Kenneally

October 2:

Forget Me Not by Carolee Dean

After Dark by Emi Gayle

Death and the Girl Next Door by Darynda Jones

Eve and Adam by Katherine Applegate

Breathe by Sarah Crossen

Destroy Me by Tahereh Mafi

Ironskin by Tina Connolly

Live Through This by Mindi Scott

Poison Princess by Kresley Cole

Send Me a Sign by Tiffany Schmidt

Whispers at Moonrise by C.C. Hunter

The Torn Wing by Kiki Hamilton

Through to You by Emily Hainsworth

Feedback by Robison Wells

October 4:

Stealing Crystal by Joss Stirling

October 9:

Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone

Valkyrie Rising by Ingrid Paulson

Mystic City by Theo Lawrence

October 16:

Beta by Rachel Cohn

Crewel by Gennifer Albin

Out of Reach by Carrie Arcos

The Twelve By Justin Cronin

October 23:

The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa

The Crimson Crown by Cinda Williams Chima

Sacrifice by Cayla Kluver

Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick

The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Beautiful Redemption by Kami Garcia and MArgaret Stohl

Ask the Passengers by A.S. King

October 25:

Burning Blue by Paul Griffin

October 29:

Touched by Corrine Jackson

October 30:

Dust Lands by Moira Young

Gravity by Melissa West

Touching the Surface by Kimberly Sabatini

Venom by Fiona Paul

Sapphire Blue by Kersten Gier

Tomorrow: Who I Kissed by Janet Gurtler

She never thought a kiss could kill…
Samantha didn’t mean to hurt anyone. She was just trying to fit in...and she wanted to make Zee a little jealous after he completely ditched her for a prettier girl. So she kissed Alex. And then he died—right in her arms.
Was she really the only person in the entire school who didn’t know about his peanut allergy? Or that eating a peanut butter sandwich and then kissing him would be deadly? Overnight Sam turns into the school pariah and a media sensation explodes. Consumed with guilt, abandoned by her friends, and in jeopardy of losing her swimming scholarship, she’ll have to find a way to forgive herself before anyone else will.  

(Courtesy of GR)

Cover reveal: Just One Day

This read, by Gayle Forman, the amazing author of IF I STAY and WHERE SHE WENT, looks great! The cover is really pretty too!

Review: Hidden by Sophie Jordan

Hidden is so many things. At the end of trilogies that evoke such passion in me such as Sophie Jordan's FIRELIGHT trilogy, I usually am a bit sad for a while, forget about it, then revisit the characters later. While this series still falls under my all time favorites category, I felt a new sense of resolution in the conclusion of HIDDEN. Nobody had to die for the love triangle to cease between Cassian, Jacinda, and Will. Nobody disappeared mysteriously or got abducted by aliens. It was a clean, normal conclusion that left me feeling content with the series rather than distraught at its end. The plot of HIDDEN was fantastic, as expected, and Jacinda's character was as feisty as ever. While I wish there was more romance between Cassian and Jacinda, I understood their relationship and I wasn't, like, traumatized when they don't have little Draki babies together...
It's difficult to successfully introduce a new character in the third book in the trilogy, but the character of Deghan was assimilated into the story line flawlessly, and the depth he conveys in such a limited amount of "page time" is surreal. Every character flourishes into something greater or more interesting in HIDDEN, developing far past it's prequels. We see a sensitive Corbin, a genuine Cassian, a happy Tamra, a jealous Will, a amicable Miram, and an even fiercer and braver Jacinda. Sophie Jordan has written us a flawless finale to an incredible journey.

For fans of HARRY POTTER:

A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

Today's releases:

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

What's Left of Me by Kat Zhang

Click on the link for a chance to win SEVER and more!

http://www.bibliopunkk.net/2012/09/international-giveaway-lauren-destefano.html?m=1