Friday, April 27, 2012






This Friday's Question:

Reading Blues: We all get them from time to time. What helps you overcome those reading slumps when nothing seems to grab your attention?
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Well, when this happens to me that's when I take a bit of a break. I find that if I distance myself from searching and scrounging for a new book; one will appear on it's own. Like for example, after I read Pure from Jennifer L. Armentrout I mainly focused on writing a review for it. I did have the urge to go look for a new book but I stopped myself. After a week or so a comedy mystery series caught my eye. You may have heard it it's the Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz. I actually bought two books from the series and currently reading them. Check it out if your intrested! 

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Book Review #21 [Storm by Brigid Kemmerer]




Earth, Fire, Air, Water – they have more power than you dream.

Ever since her ex-boyfriend spread those lies about her, Becca Chandler is suddenly getting all the guys—all the ones she doesn't want. Then she saves Chris Merrick from a beating in the school parking lot. Chris is different. Way different: he can control water—just like his brothers can control fire, wind, and earth. They’re powerful. Dangerous. Marked for death.

And now that she knows the truth, so is Becca.

Secrets are hard to keep when your life’s at stake. When Hunter, the mysterious new kid around school, turns up with a talent for being in the wrong place at the right time, Becca thinks she can trust him. But then Hunter goes head-to-head with Chris, and Becca wonders who’s hiding the most dangerous truth of all.
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Today I will review Brigid Kemmerer's debut YA novel "Storm"!

OMG.

no.

HOLY BATMAN THE MERRICK BROTHERS!


In Storm, we are introduced to the Merrick brothers. We have eldest Michael, the twins Nick and Gabriel and the youngest Chris. These brothers are nowhere near ordinary, they have the ability to manipulate the natural elements of the earth. (hence elementals..hehe). Now, each brother has their own element. Mike - earth ; Nick- air ; Gabe - fire ; and Chris is water. Storm is an introduction to the Elemental world, to the Merrick backgrounds and the boys themselves.

It is told from the youngest - Chris - point of view.One thing I loved about Chris's POV whenever he was around his brothers is that you get the sense of the indecisiveness the youngest of a group of siblings would feel if they were put into a tense situation. Say, like if they fight and argue. Now, I can't say what it feels like exactly because I'm not the youngest of my family; I'm more middle/eldest. But, Brigid wrote it so well, that you understood and felt what Chris was going through.

Like for instance the scene in the yard with the four brothers..(don't worry; no spoilers) and how Chris didn't know what to do or who to back up. He was confused and helpless. And, I LOVED it. It was so good; it's one of my favorite scenes. I have to give up for Brigid she wrote the voice of a teenage boy so well. And, not many people can do that.

Okay, okay. I'm going on and on about the boys. Which trust I can continue to do. But, I have yet to introduced the other lead. Becca Chandler. Becca has some tough times at school, she's a pretty tough girl. She held her own when the time came, and never back down. She refused to become the victim again. I won't say much about the "victim" comment because it will just give away too much. We also have Hunter, the mysterious new kid and also Chris' competition for Becca's attention.

I'll be honest. I found myself at time skimming through Becca's POV, and no not because she didn't interest me. It's because the boys interested me ALOT more. (lol). I just couldn't wait until the story went back to them.

Now, for the baddies. We have an organization called the Guides. And, their kind of the people who keeps the Elemental society in check. The boys and Becca go through some problems with them, that lead to a good handful of action packed moments.

The next book of the Elemental series is Spark. And, it's told from hot headed fire-starter Gabriel's POV.

AND I CAN'T WAIT. MY FAVORITE MERRICK BROTHER! And, with Gabe's POV that means we'll also get some Nick. And, I just love the twins. O-O

Rating: 5/5

Quote: 

"Inch by Inch, Hunter lowered the gun into Michael's palm, finally letting go.
Michael didn't move. "You all right?"
Hunter nodded.
"Good." Michael wrapped his hand around the hilt.
Then he lifted it, cocked the hammer, and put the barrel against Hunter's forehead. "Now, where the fuck are my brothers?""

I did a combination of aww-oh shit go Mikey-hell yeah fist pump moment at this scene. LOL

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday: Gunmetal Magic by Ilona Andrews




Gunmetal Magic by Ilona Andrews
Publication Release: July 31, 2012

Some people have everything figured out — Andrea Nash is not one of those people. After being kicked out of the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid, Andrea's whole existence is in shambles. All she can do is try to put herself back together, something made easier by working for Cutting Edge, a small investigative firm owned by her best friend, Kate Daniels.

When several shapeshifters working for Raphael Medrano — the male alpha of Clan Bouda and Andrea's former lover — die unexpectedly at a dig site, Andrea is assigned to investigate ... and must work with Raphael. As her search for the killer leads her into the secret underbelly of supernatural Atlanta, Andrea knows that dealing with her feelings for Raphael might have to take a backseat to saving the world ...


Oooooh! I can't wait for this to be released. I'm a HUGE fan of the Kate Daniels series. Ilona and Gordon are one of my favorite authors. This story is mainly based on Kate's best friend - Andrea (the gun wielding marks-woman) and Raphael her hot on again off again lover....hopefully soon to be officially mate. It takes place around the same time of Kate and Curran's story in the short e-book - Magic Gifts. Ilona and Gordon are hosting ARCs giveaways on their blog (click here), they only a few so go sign up if you want one!

Monday, April 23, 2012

Book Review #20 [Pure by Jennifer L. Armentrout]

There is need. And then there is Fate...

Being destined to become some kind of supernatural electrical outlet isn't exactly awesome--especially when Alexandria's "other half" is everywhere she goes. Seth's in her training room, outside her classes, and keeps showing up in her bedroom--so not cool. Their connection does have some benefits, like staving off her nightmares of the tragic showdown with her mother, but it has no effect on what Alex feels for the forbidden, pure-blooded Aiden. Or what he will do--and sacrifice--for her.

When daimons infiltrate the Covenants and attack students, the gods send furies--lesser gods determined to eradicate any threat to the Covenants and to the gods, and that includes the Apollyon... and Alex. And if that and hordes of aether-sucking monsters didn't blow bad enough, a mysterious threat seems willing to do anything to neutralize Seth, even if that means forcing Alex into servitude... or killing her.

When the gods are involved, some decisions can never, ever be undone.

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 (reviewing this book because it made me way emotional)

I bring you the second book in the Covenant series - Pure. Following the first book of the series Half Blood (I will be very emotional with this review, excuse me.)
 

We have Alex our hot-head heroine - Aiden, the loyal warrior - Seth our arrogant, playful second lead.
Pretty much starting off where the last one started, things get very tense between the Pures and the Half-Bloods. And, Alex gets caught in the middle of it.

She's still pretty much the same hot-headed and reckless chick she was in Half-Blood. A surprise was that we got ALOT of Seth in this book. When he was first introduced in the first book he came off as very stoic and cold. But, I loved that in this new one we see different sides to him. (and just so you know I'm totally Team Seth. >.>)

Aiden. *sigh* Aiden. What can I say? Dude, you were so wishy-washy here that I was just a bit turned off. I mean it's either this or that. I MEAN MAKE UP YOUR MIND!  See, Pures and Half Bloods together is a big no-no. Aiden is a pure; Alex is a H.B. I understood the consequences (if they were to really get together) as it was shown in a certain scene. But, even so Aiden you can not do what you constantly did to Alex all up and down this book. Push and pull, push and pull.....I mean, EITHER MAN UP OR SHUT UP.


*deep breath* 
 

*warning Seth-induced fangirling beginning*

I LOVE SETH. THE POOL SCENE. AND THE CUDDLE BUNNY SCENES. /faints  Seth was absolutely perfect in this book, I don't care what anyone says. Hmph.

I'll be honest I'd love it if Alex and Seth end up together. But, let's be real, hmm? Since when do the main girls EVER end up with the second lead guy -- who by the way is usually the one always there for her, but noooo yet she picks stoic oh-I-can't-be-with-you-but-I-love-you-so-I'll-confuse-you-here-and-there guy....LOL



Anyway, the next book is Deity and we will see the consequences following closer to the reveal of everyone's destiny/secrets. Now, as a certified Seth-lover I feel like I'm setting myself up for pain and heartbreak when this ride is over. And, I fucking hate it.



Sunday, April 22, 2012

Book Review #19 [Cassidy Jones and the Secret Formula (Cassidy Jones Adventures, #1) by Elise Stokes]

Fourteen-year-old Cassidy Jones wakes up the morning after a minor accident in the laboratory of a world-renowned geneticist to discover that her body has undergone some bizarre physical changes. Her senses, strength, and speed have been radically enhanced.

After exploring her newfound abilities, Cassidy learns that the geneticist, Professor Serena Phillips, is missing and that foul play is suspected. Terrified that her physical changes and Professor Phillips' disappearance are somehow connected, Cassidy decides to keep her strange transformation a secret. That is, until she meets the professor's brilliant and mysterious fifteen-year-old son, Emery. An unlikely duo, they set out to find Emery's mother, who is key in explaining Cassidy's newly acquired superpowers.

Their lives are put at risk when they find themselves embroiled in a dangerous, action-packed adventure. Soon they are forced to confront a maniacal villain willing to do anything - including murder — to reach his own ambitious goals.

----

 Besides Percy Jackson and another book series that I can't remember right now, Cassidy Jones Adventures is another middle-grade series that I really enjoy. It's a nice fluffy read when you want a break from the YA books drowning in a vampire/werewolf/witch, etc pool.

We join Cassidy Jones and Emery Phillips on a mission to save Emery's mother and to discover the secrets of Cass's newfound powers. Cass and Emery go through a lot together from breaking and entering to engaging in crazy fights with ninjas! I love the dynamic to Cass and Emery as their friendship starts to grow. Cass, even without her ablities, is sort of a person who runs on her emotions without exactly thinking first; which is exactly where Emery steps in. He helps Cass ride through this change talking her step by step on how to control it in her everyday life. And, of course how to have some fun with it.

There is a slight romantic interest in the story but nothing too important, which is something else I appreciated. Stokes focused more on Cass and Emery's friendship and adventures, than Cass using her new abilities to take advantage of her social life in school. Even so, there are some adorable moments between Cassidy and Emery as they learn about each other.

Besides, are two main leads we also get introduced to Cassidy's family. Her mother, television star dad, family friend Ben, her twin brother Nate and the adorable Chazz (her baby brother). Besides Casmery (lol my couple name for Cassidy and Emery. Lame, I know.) Chazz is my favorite. He's sooo adorable. He's completely immersed in the comic book/superhero world. One day's he's the Hulk, the next he comes downstairs dressed in black as a ninja. I can not wait until he finds out his own big sister is one of them.

The next book is Cassidy Jones and Vulcan's Gift. I will be reading that and I will be doing a review Look out for that!

Rating: 5/5

Friday, April 20, 2012




This Friday's Question:

Book Blogger Influences: Has there been a particular 
book blogger who's influenced what you read? Share with us a review/book blog 
that convinced you to pick up a certain book.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 
Pretty much almost all of my choice readings these days comes from inspirations and raving reviews of other readers and of course fellow bloggers!
 
 
Vicky @ Books, Biscuits, and Tea  is a HUGE fan of the Agatha Christie novels. So much so that's she inspired me to check them out.


Now, I haven't quite gotten to read them yet but I'm very excited. Who doesn't love a good mystery? The one that I will (hopefully soon) start reading is: 

"And Then Their Were None"

I have the e-book too it, so it's definitely on my TBR pile!
 

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday : Storm by Brigid Kemmerer

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted Jill @ Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. (pss. my first one)


 Storm by

 Release date: April 24th 2012
Earth, Fire, Air, Water – they have more power than you dream.

Ever since her ex-boyfriend spread those lies about her, Becca Chandler is suddenly getting all the guys—all the ones she doesn't want. Then she saves Chris Merrick from a beating in the school parking lot. Chris is different. Way different: he can control water—just like his brothers can control fire, wind, and earth. They’re powerful. Dangerous. Marked for death.

And now that she knows the truth, so is Becca.

Secrets are hard to keep when your life’s at stake. When Hunter, the mysterious new kid around school, turns up with a talent for being in the wrong place at the right time, Becca thinks she can trust him. But then Hunter goes head-to-head with Chris, and Becca wonders who’s hiding the most dangerous truth of all.

The storm is coming . . .


I've been waiting for this. As you can see by the countdown widget I have on my pageOnly a couple more days until this comes out, I can't wait!

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

To Get or Not to Get? THAT is the Question.

There are so many books that I've told myself, written down on some flimsy piece of paper that I would get. I mean you know how when you read a book, and it's just so good! Or even an e-book and you want it physically, you want the physical hardcover book? I get this feeling on so many occasions, you wouldn't believe.

But, there are reasons why I've kept myself from getting the SEQUELS to those books. Of course besides the whole "money problem". (college students are just meant to broke, you know?) Anyway, two main reasons:

1. If it's a sequel, it's mostly because I'm afraid to read it. If I've read non-spoiler reviews on said book and something about one of my favorite characters was mentioned..something bad. Then, I don't want to read it but then again I do. I have a tendency to become attached to some characters, you guys know what I mean right? And, if something tragic or whatever happens to him/her then I don't want to read that. I refuse to get my heart broken. (lol)

2. The second reason is more mainly towards the "second book curse". When the sequel becomes overridden by unnecessary additions to the plot, that it well....sucks compares to the first one. This mostly applies to YA books.

So here are a list of  sequel books I'm on the fence of getting:

  • Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare. (Sequel to Clockwork Angel)
  • Vanish by Sophie Jordan (Sequel to Firelight)
  • Crossed by Ally Condie (Sequel to Matched)
  • Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver (Sequel to Delirium)
  • Hallowed by Cynthia Hand (Sequel to Unearthly)

And, well you get the idea. I'm more worried about Clockwork Prince; someone told me I'd shed tears for a certain person in this one. ;~~~~;

What do you think of this? Are there any sequels you are/were worried about reading?

Friday, April 6, 2012




This Friday's Question:
Book Series Finales: Which book, from any series has been your favorite ending? What about your least favorite ending?

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The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan is my favorite ending from a series. Riordan cleaned everything up so well. The characters  developed a lot. Especially Percy. Seeing how this was the moment of the war between The Gods/Demi-Gods and the Titans, it was really good. I also liked the twist of the prophecy in the end, I was completely sure that Percy was the hero it kept talking about but he wasn't. And, I won't spoil it say who it really was. However, it was a really good pick and made a lot of sense.

A close second would be Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows  by J.K Rowling.

My least favorite ending is definitely Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer. That book was just all over the place..and yeah.



Book Review #18 [Out Of Sight Out Of Time by Ally Carter]



The last thing Cammie Morgan remembers is leaving the Gallagher Academy to protect her friends and family from the Circle of Cavan--an ancient terrorist organization that has been hunting her for over a year. But when Cammie wakes up in an alpine convent and discovers months have passed, she must face the fact that her memory is now a black hole. The only traces left of Cammie’s summer vacation are the bruises on her body and the dirt under her nails, and all she wants is to go home.

Once she returns to school, however, Cammie realizes that even the Gallagher Academy now holds more questions than answers. Cammie, her friends, and mysterious spy-guy Zach must face their most difficult challenge yet as they travel to the other side of the world, hoping to piece together the clues that Cammie left behind. It’s a race against time. The Circle is hot on their trail and willing stop at nothing to prevent Cammie from remembering what she did last summer.

----

I bring you the recent adventures of Cammie Morgan in Ally Carter's -- Out Of Sight Out Of Time.

Similar from my Goodreads review -- You know, I was a bit worried about how Carter was going to pull off this one, seeing how Cammie upped and left in the last book but she did it and IT WAS FANTASTIC.
Cammie grew up immensely in this book. I mean to think about how she was in the first book to now?!


Cammie went through a lot in this book, fighting to regain her lost memories. These books are just in first person so we always know what's going on with Cammie and her thoughts. But, this time Cammie was in the dark and so were we. You had no idea what she'd remember or what she do. Cammie most of the time in this book worked on auto-pilot; so it wasn't until someone had to scream her name that she realized she was holding a gun...

There was a moment in the book dealing with Bex that had me VERY WORRIED. I had to stop reading for a moment and I said to myself  "Let's not go there, Ms. Carter. PLEASE?" Thankfully she didn't. Loved Zach, weird how he was the sane person in this book, because usually he's "mister brooding in the corner let me be mysterious over here" guy. (lol) We got to see a different more vulnerable side to Zach and Carter did it so well that it wasn't too mushy or didn't deviate from the type person Zach is. 

A little short on Cammie and Zach's relationship. PERFECT. You know how in some YA books the guy and the girl are in danger and they decide to make-out or something in the middle of that? UGH! Doesn't that make you mad? It does for me. Zach and Cam? These two knew that there's a time and a place. And, that's what makes me love them so much. While everyone else, even her friends, questioned Cammie's sanity. Zach never did. He went along with her.


Towards the end we found out a lot of answers, and it tied up a lot of loose ends. There's only one book left in the series. ;~~~; I'm not ready for this to end. I'm not. But, it will be the final battle between Gallagher/Blackthorne v.s The Circle.




Rating: 5/5

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