What I'm reading: Appolyon by JLA

Review: Chosen at Nightfall by C.C. Hunter (9/10)

Summary:

Don’t miss this magnificent final chapter in the breathtaking Shadow Falls series!  Kylie’s epic journey is about to lead her exactly where she belongs…

     When Kylie Galen entered Shadow Falls Camp, she left her old life behind forever and discovered a world more magical than she ever imagined. A place where you’re two best friends can be a witch and a vampire…and where love doesn’t happen the way you’d expect.

     When Kylie’s most powerful enemy returns to destroy her once and for all, there’s only one way to stop him—to step into her full powers and make a stunning transformation that will amaze everyone around her.  But her journey won’t be complete until she makes one final choice…which guy to love.  Should she choose to the werewolf who broke her heart but will give anything to win her back, or the half-fae who ran from their attraction before they had a chance?  Everything she’s learned at Shadow Falls has been preparing her for this moment—when her fate will be revealed and her heart claimed forever.

     From author C. C. Hunter comes Chosen at Nightfall, the final book in the New York Times bestselling Shadow Falls series about a camp for paranormal teens.

Review:

     If you had to pick between Lucas, the über sexy were with a jealous streak, or Derek, the sensitive fey who you would literally can comfort you with a single touch, who would you pick? The better question is, HOW could you pick? Along with boy troubles, Kylie Galen has had to deal with ghosts, family drama, and a sociopath bent on ending her. In Chosen at Nightfall, the action heats up even more. Lucas and Kylie's relationship is a roller coaster. Te goods are really good, and the lows are pretty darn low. Struggling with stereotypes, tension between species, and traditions that Lucas has to break to be with Kylie are just a few of the problems that put walls between them. After all, he may or may not have married a werewolf behind Kylie's back...Nonetheless, I found myself rooting for him the entire time, especially when he started fighting hard for her. The chemistry between Derek and Kylie is different, closer to a friend relationship, but he's not a member of he love triangle that I wanted gone. He's still an awesome character, and there's some twists in this installment that I swear you'll love. Boy drama is always fun to read about, but the action in Chosen at Nightfall kicks some major booty. Mario and Kylie finally have to battle it out in a scene that will rock your socks off! Chosen at Nightfall can be summed up as a deliciously brilliant read that will have your eyes dry from the lack of blinking as you read from cover to cover. It's a must read in my book!

$aver $aturday

HEY THERE!

I'm introducing $aver $aturday, which is pretty self explanatory. I'll post the title and link to a fantastic book that lets you save money too! There are a lot of great titles out there, but sometimes I tend to pick the ten dollar best seller over the ninety-nine cent read because I just assume that if it isn't as sought after then it isn't as good. That's definitely not true! I'm starting this because I want you to give all books a chance, even the ones that don't show up first on the popular page.

$aver $aturday #1

                    

Flat Out Matt 

by Jessica Park: $2.99      

Dream Chaser by Angie Stanton: $0.99

Saved at Sunrise 

by C.C. Hunter:

$1.99

Review: The Prince by Kiera Cass

Summary:

Review 9/10:

Review: Sever by Lauren DeStefano

Summary:

With the clock ticking until the virus takes its toll, Rhine is desperate for answers. After enduring Vaughn’s worst, Rhine finds an unlikely ally in his brother, an eccentric inventor named Reed. She takes refuge in his dilapidated house, though the people she left behind refuse to stay in the past. While Gabriel haunts Rhine’s memories, Cecily is determined to be at Rhine’s side, even if Linden’s feelings are still caught between them.

Meanwhile, Rowan’s growing involvement in an underground resistance compels Rhine to reach him before he does something that cannot be undone. But what she discovers along the way has alarming implications for her future—and about the past her parents never had the chance to explain.

In this breathtaking conclusion to Lauren DeStefano’s Chemical Garden trilogy, everything Rhine knows to be true will be irrevocably shattered.

Review:
When we left off in the Chemical Garden Series, Rhine was back in the mansion, Vaughn was creepy and manipulating, Linden was vulnerable and sullen, Gabriel was far away, and Rhine's twin brother, Rowan, has been on a rampage while he's blinded by the pain Rhine's disappearance caused him. Rhine has been through hell and back time and time again, but now it seems like she's so far stuck in its fiery depths that there's no escape. She is in the hospital in Sever's beginning, recovering from harsh experiments conducted by her dear father in-law. The hospital is owned by Vaughn, so no safe haven seems so have appeared for her. It's sad to think about having no alternatives. In most of our lives, if something is bad, we can make a phone call or two and all will be resolved. We can run away from our issues so easily. What if , like Rhine, you couldn't run, but instead were just stuck? If your eyes couldn't stare at anything but a sterile white ceiling and you couldn't move your appendages because of the straps that bound them? Rhine showed the readers a really valuable point, I think. That is that a person who is stuck in something bad cannot always run, but instead can only resolve their issues and replace the bad with good if they face asperity straight on. Rhine is being tied down by threats from Vaughn and annoyance and, if you believe it, love for now-preggers once more Cecily, who I personally think gets on my nerves at moments more than any other character in the book. Anyway, Throughout the book the dynamic changes between many if the characters, including some that we haven't seen or gotten to know before this point. One of those is Vaughn's quirky and hilarious brother, Reed, who is a character I know every reader will adore. He is an inventor, an entrepreneur, and a misfit. For this, he is pretty much awesome. In some unusual circumstances--Linden helping Rhine run away again to find Rowan-- Rhine's and Reed's paths cross, and he treats her like the daughter he never had and never knew he wanted. Their personalities mesh in an endearing way that will captivate the readers. As the story progresses, Rhine has to deal with a lot of emotions. On one side, Gabriel is out there, some where, an still dear to Rhine. On the other hand, Linden is the epitome of sweetness an vulnerability, and without Gabriel there, Linden seems like the easy choice. But Rhine is nothing if not stubborn, doing anything to get what she wants. She finds Rowen against all odds and even helps him back to the brother she knew. I'm obsessed with the idea of twins, so seeing more twin action was fun. With some surprising twist and turns, the two reunite and have to make more crazy decisions. I won't give away the ending, but let me just say this: you will not see it coming. I give this read a 10/10 for going beyond my expectations and showing the readers a different side of the characters.

What to read tonight:

HARKEN by Kaleb Nation


http://www.kalebnation.com/

Giveaway Options!

Hey dudes.
I'm thinking about doing a giveaway either this week or next week and I need some input as to what book I should GIVEAWAY! It's kind of important for the whole process...;) Here are the options I'm most interested in, but let me know if you have other ideas! Also, please comment with your top couple picks!!!

Through the Ever Night (Under the Never Sky #2) by Veronica Rossi

Splintered by A.G. Howard

Just One Day by Gayle Forman

Everbound (Everneath #2) by Brodi Ashton

Shadow Lands by Kate Brian

Review: Onyx by JLA

Just realized I never posted and ONYX review....so here I go:

What to read tonight:

HARKEN by Kaleb Nation


http://www.kalebnation.com/

What to read today: Freak of Nature by Julia Crane

Review and Author Interview: Impossible by Komal Lewis

Review:

     Picture Regina George from Mean Girls. Imagine her perfectly glossed lips saying something like, "You're so pathetic," or, "Get in, loser, we're going shopping." That's pretty much every single one of Ashton Summers' friends, and even Ashton herself in the beginning. While I don't know if I am personally a fan of Ashton's character right off the bat, but I readily admit that I admire the risk Komal took with that. Nowadays, the main female character is always somewhat shy, beautiful in an non-obvious way, a little hot tempered on occasion, but unfailingly nice--which is something that perky, popular, too-good for drama geeks, fatties, nerds, and emo band freaks Ashton, is most certainly not. She has put up so many masks showing people what they want to see and being who she needed to be in order to achieve something that she holds very, VERY dear to her heart: popularity. At times I got annoyed with her character, as Ashton's cattiness was so ridiculous I almost thought it far stretched. But again, I do like that the main character in Impossible doesn't seem to fit the main character mold. About halfway through the book, Ashton's childhood friend and neighbor, Luca Byron, starts to peel away the masks and reveal a more vulnerable, caring "Ashy". Though Ashton had shown signs of veering from her mean girl path, she didn't really revert from her mean ways until midway through the book. I like the nice version of Ashy wayyyy better. Speaking of Luca--I LOVE HIM! He is one of the sweetest, most loyal dudes you will ever read about. What I like most about him, a close second to his hotness, is the way he loves so unconditionally, be it Ashy or his Mama. That's right, bad boy Luca is an adorable Mama's boy. Overall, Ashton and Luca's relationship is rocky and a little confusing at times, since I didn't understand completely why he stuck with her through the drama, but Luca is just so loyal. He's an awesome character to read about. Throughout the entire book, the flow of the writing was great, and it's a good read for whenever, wherever. It seems shallow at first glance, but the themes of the struggles of life like dealing with death and bullying have an impeccable depth to them. At the same time, it doesn't seem like you're reading a bullying pamphlet. Impossible takes us into real life circumstances, and for that, it is a must-read!

Interview with Komal Lewis:

1. What is your favorite place to curl up and read?

I do most of my reading just before I fall asleep or when I’m curled up on the sofa. But I love reading so much that I’d curl up to read anywhere, like on a rock or a cactus.

2. What book are you currently reading?

I’m actually not reading anything at the moment which is weird for a book addict like me. I did finish reading FALLEN TOO FAR by Abbi Glines a few days ago, and I might read WALLBANGER by Alice Clayton next.

3. What book has most inspired you in your lifetime?

It’s really hard to name only one book so I’m going to mention a few that have inspired me throughout the years at specific ages. At 7-years-old, the Narnia Chronicles; at 10, The Lord of the Rings; at 11, A Series of Unfortunate Events, and Deltora Quest; at 12, His Dark Materials; at 14, Wuthering Heights, Anna Karenina, and Cat’s Cradle.

4. I find, when talking to authors, that they most always identify with at least one character in their book. What character in Impossible do you most identify with?

I think there are bits of me in a lot of the main characters. I can relate to the whole absent father thing that both Luca and Ashton deal with. I do see a lot of myself in Eddie because he gives great advice—the kind of advice that deserves an emotional soundtrack playing in the background.

5. Luca is awesome. Have you ever had a neighbor/ coworker/ friend who has the effect on you that Luca does on Ashton?

Thanks for saying that Luca is awesome! I have never known anyone in my life who is like Luca. It would be great to meet someone like Luca and be friends with him. I wrote Luca, wanting girls to see that you don’t need to be with a guy who’s possessive, obsessive, jealous or dangerous. Luca is different, but he’s genuinely a nice guy who cares about other people. He does screw up at the end of the book, but that was my way of saying that even Luca isn’t perfect. No one is perfect.

6. At times I felt like I was walking through Mean Girls when I was first reading Impossible. How did you come up with so many snarky one liners!?

Oh, awesome! I love Mean Girls and I was flattered when some reviewers compared Impossible to Mean Girls because I never made that connection. As I was writing, I was like, “I’m too old to mimic the teenage vernacular,” or “Would a teenager really say this?” even though I was a teenager, like, two years ago. My husband says that I have an endless fountain of witty one liners, so I guess I just channeled that into the story.

7. What's your favorite part of writing?

When I cry. I’m not much of a crier, but when I hit a particularly emotional scene, I just sit there and bawl my eyes out. My family thinks I am insane.

8. Bullying is a serious theme in Impossible. What message are you trying to put out there with your book?

Bullying is one of those sucky things that some people go through as they grow up, like measles or chicken pox. And there’s different levels of bullying. Some people don’t realise that they’re bullies and some people do it because they enjoy it. I guess the message I’m trying to send is: bullying sucks and if you’re doing it to someone, you need to take a good look at yourself and stop doing it. You don’t know how your words or your actions are going to affect another person and it could be to their detriment.

9. Have you ever changed your appearance like Luca does, first when his dad dies and then when he is with Ashton?

When I hit 14, I went through a huge punk rock phase. I had blue streaks through my hair, got a lot of piercings in my ears, dressed primarily in black, and was adamant on getting a tattoo when I turned 16. Thank God, I never got that tattoo. My first tattoo is going to have a lot more meaning than the initials of the lead singer of my favourite band.

10. How has publishing a book changed you?

Not a lot actually. I still sing 90’s songs out of tune until my husband politely asks me to stop embarrassing myself. I still think and talk like I’m a hormonal, teenage boy to get into the mindset of the male characters I write about. And I still spend 90% of the day conversing with my imaginary characters. So, yeah, everything’s still normal.

I want to thank you for interviewing me, Anna. The questions you asked were terrific! 

Check out more about Komal below:

http://www.komal-lewis.com/

The Immortal Essence by RaShelle Workman

Buy the first two installments in the series for less than $2.00!

Review: Entangled by Nikki Jefford

REVIEW: 

     Entangled....is a storyline fit for a Disney movie-in the good way. Like Twitches or The Luck of The Irish, it's filled with magic and fun, not omitting a serious morale to be learned. The twin witch shtick might be a teensy bit overdone, the good sister/ evil sister concept a bit weary, but I actually really enjoyed reading about identical twins Charlene and Graylee Perez. Gray is the "good" twin, a simple, intelligent girl who works hard and has a good head on her shoulders. Though she seemingly struggles with her magical powers--the powers "gifted" people have--Gray is really a very talented witch. Her other half, evil beyotch drama queen Charlene, has secretly been sabotaging her sister and getting away with it, too--along with some help from her annoying friend, Ryan. I actually thought Charlene's character was too cliche and therefore a little annoying, but her relationship with Ryan was intriguing, and her obsession and desire for popularity and school hottie, Blake foster gave me chills. When Stacey Morehouse (Whorehouse to the angry locals) moves in on Blake, Charlene shows her true colors. At this point in the book I started to enjoy it more, which excited me since I was sort of confused by the beginning and was doubting I'd even tolerate Entangled. But as the intro concluded, the drama really picked up and I felt I was looking at a magical version of The Clique. The bad boy character of Raj Mckenna helped me, too. Like most Good Girl Falls for The Wrong Boy Who Is Really The Right Boy scenarios, Raj sheds his hard exterior and shows a caring, sweet side who loves his little sister and has secrets that make him vulnerable. That relationship had happened again, and again, and again....and again, and again, and again. I saw it coming before I turned past the title page. Nevertheless, it seems readers will never get tired of the feeling when the good girl falls for the bad boy, because in reality, all of us good girls secretly yearn to let loose and fall for a pair of big brown eyes in a leather jacket. Raj Mckenna has the same effect. Entangled also hosts the tradish love triangle with a boy named Nolan, who I personally couldn't stand from the beginning. Any guy that can't hold a gaze or a real conversation is not worth my time...especially not in a book. So it's safe to say Nolan took annoying to an extreme, even showing a twisted side when he sides with Charlene to try to um, take care of a little problem called Graylee Perez. When the book begins to end, I was disappointed that the female heroine didn't exemplify the justice I've come to expect from said female heroines. If I'm being honest, I don't see Entangled being the next Hunger Games. I still think it's a good read though, and I encourage you all to read it and tell me what you think. One note: there are hints of sexual encounters on a few occasions.

You might also like: 

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: