Wake by Lisa McMann (Book Review)

Book: Wake

Author: Lisa McMann

Pages: 225

Published: March 4, 2008

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Obtained: Checked out of library (audio book)

Started: July 25, 2013

Finished: July 27, 2013


Summary (Courtesy of Goodreads):
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1661957.Wake

For seventeen-year-old Janie, getting sucked into other people's dreams is getting old. Especially the falling dreams, the naked-but-nobody-notices dreams, and the sex-crazed dreams. Janie's seen enough fantasy booty to last her a lifetime.
She can't tell anybody about what she does they'd never believe her, or worse, they'd think she's a freak. So Janie lives on the fringe, cursed with an ability she doesn't want and can’t control.
Then she falls into a gruesome nightmare, one that chills her to the bone. For the first time, Janie is more than a witness to someone else's twisted psyche. She is a participant.

Cover: To be frankly honest, I hate this cover. There's nothing original about it. At. All.

Plot: I checked out the audio book from my library. After listening to The Prince of Mist I found myself loving audio books all the more. The plot at first is confusing. There's a lot of lapsing into the past and discovering when Janie's dream participation began. Finally when we hit present day on a steady basis, things begin picking up. There's not really a lot of action. It's mostly Janie falling in love with Cabel, and their trials with that. There's a little bit of action at the end but not really. I still liked it though. There was.... something.. about it. I liked her relationship with Cabel. ALOT. That's probably definitely what it was.

This is for a mature audience. There's is a lot of sex and a lot of cursing.

Characters: To me, the character development stops at Janie, Cabel, and Carrie.

Janie at points frustrated and annoyed me. At other times, I was totally sympathetic for her. She has an amazing ability/curse that she is trying to learn to control. Her relationship with her friend, Carrie, is a comic relief on the situation. I applaud Carrie for not dropping Janie because she's poor. Everyone else deserted Janie except Carrie. And of course, Cabel. I love Cabel. He seems to be mixed in a shady business, and Janie isn't sure she can handle that. But as much as she tries, she just can't let go of the only boy who knows her secret and brings a smile to her face. Cabel is honestly my favorite character. He's sweet, caring, and independent.

Series: This is the first book in a trilogy.

The second book, Fade, was published on February 10, 2009

The third book, Gone, was published on February 9, 2010.

Rating: 3.4 out of 5 stars.

Next Review: TBA

Happy Reading!

VF, xoxo

The Prince of Mist by Carlos Ruiz Zafon (Book Review)

Book: The Prince of Mist

Author: Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Pages: 218

Published: May 4, 2010

Publisher: Little Brown Books

Obtained: Checked out of library (audio book)

Started: July 15, 2013

Finished: July 19, 2013


Summary (Courtesy of Goodreads):
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7128341-the-prince-of-mist

A mysterious house harbors an unimaginable secret. . . .

It’s wartime, and the Carver family decides to leave the capital where they live and move to a small coastal village where they’ve recently bought a home. But from the minute they cross the threshold, strange things begin to happen. In that mysterious house there still lurks the spirit of Jacob, the previous owners’ son, who died by drowning.

With the help of their new friend Roland, Max and Alicia Carver begin to explore the suspicious circumstances of that death and discover the existence of a mysterious being called The Prince of Mist—a diabolical character who has returned from the shadows to collect on a debt from the past. Soon the three friends find themselves caught up in an adventure of sunken ships and an enchanted stone garden, which will change their lives forever.

Cover: I liked the cover, but it wasn't anything to die for. It wasn't what even attracted me to the book. The title caught my eye while I was browsing for an audio book for BookTube-A-Thon.

Plot: The plot was slow at the beginning. Luckily, since I was listening to the audio book, this wasn't near as painful to have to bear through. The man who voiced the book did an amazing job. This is a short, easy book to read/listen to. I originally thought this book would be about Jacob's ghost, but I was WRONG. It took such a different turn. It was a delightful approach.

The three friends try to unravel a mystery involving a young boy named Jacob who previously lived in Max's and Alicia's house. Jacob drowned when he was very young, and now strange things are happening to Max's family. Harmful things.

Characters: The characters are incredibly brave. There's not much character development as I like, but they do have a little depth. I love Max's and Alicia's relationship as brother and sister. At first Alicia was bratty and princess-ish, but that's because she didn't want to move. She left a lot behind. After she has sometime to adjust, the relationship she has with her brother blooms. As well as her relationship with Roland. They are so sweet together.

Roland is my favorite character. He's strong, caring, and extremely loyal. His parents died when he was a baby, and he lives with his grandfather who runs the lighthouse. His grandfather is a perplexing character as well. He's probably my second favorite. His life has not been an easy one. His tales of the Prince of Mist will make your skin crawl. Speaking of the Prince, he's a frighteningly great villain. On second thought, he might be my favorite. I love a good villain.

Series: This is a stand-alone book.

Rating: 3.8 out of 5 stars.

Next Review: Wake by Lisa McMann

Happy Reading!

VF, xoxo

Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick (Book Review)

Book: Finale

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

Pages: 454

Published: October 23, 2012

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Obtained: Purchased from Wal-Mart

Started: July 17, 2013

Finished: July 17, 2013


Summary (Courtesy of Goodreads):
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12751687-finale

Will love conquer all?

Nora and Patch thought their troubles were behind them. Hank is gone and they should be able to put his ugly vendetta to rest. But in Hank's absence, Nora has become the unwitting head of the Nephilim and must finish what Hank began. Which ultimately means destroying the fallen angels - destroying Patch.

Nora will never let that happen, so she and Patch make a plan: lead everyone to believe they have broken up, and work the system from the inside. Nora will convince the Nephilim that they are making a mistake in fighting the fallen angels, and Patch will find out everything he can from the opposing side. They will end this war before it can even begin.

But the best-laid plans often go awry. Nora is put through the paces in her new role and finds herself drawn to an addictive power she never anticipated.

As the battle lines are drawn, Nora and Patch must confront the differences that have always been between them and either choose to ignore them or let them destroy the love they have always fought for.

Cover: This is my least favorite cover out of all of them. I like the back of the book, but I do wish they would have chosen a different man to represent Patch. No offense to the guy they chose, but he just doesn't do Patch justice.

Plot: This story throws you into the Nephilim/Fallen angel war. Nora is the leader of the Nephilim army against the fallen angels, thus against her true love, Patch. Together, the two of them try to find a way to end this before they lose each other in the process.

The plot throws twists at you that keep you reading, but that battle scene just felt so rushed to me. I wish Fitzpatrick would have drew it out a bit longer. But the very very ending made me extremely happy *squealswithdelight*.

Characters:

Nora - Nora in the book is well, faltering, at times. She gives into addiction, begins keeping secrets, and uses her Nephilim power for wrong-doing. The power of the situation goes to her head. As I said in my blog pertaining to when I was reading the book, I knew she would get herself into a situation that she couldn't come out of without Patch's assistance. But when she is paired with Patch, the two of them are virtually invincible. To me this proves that Nora is a part of Patch, and that Patch is a part of Nora. That's a perfect type of love.

Patch - Patch has decided to take neither side in this battle. He is on Nora's side, whatever she may choose. I respect Patch for this decision. He holds true to Nora the entire book, just as he has the whole series. I truly love his character. WHY ISN'T HE REAL? *sobs*

Scott - Scott has completely 180-ed since the 2nd book. I respect his character, but I also miss the spunky, sassy Scott I grew to love. He'll do anything for Nora and has made a promise to protect her no matter what. It's just weird to me that he went all brother mode in this book when before in the previous two, he kissed her. Who. Knows.

Dante - "I knew [he] was trouble when he walked in... *goatnoise*" Sorry. I had to. :) But really. He Dante has some serious character development going for him. I admire the way Becca wrote him. He's strong, intelligent, determined, and has a way with words.

Vee - There's a big twist with Vee. Very big. But it felt kind of, oh, I don't know, put in there for reader closure. It felt unrealistic with the situation. I still very much love her character. ALSO: Vee and Scott are perfect for each other.

Marcie - Going to be honest, Marcie isn't near as deceitful and bitchy in this book. She kind of grew on me, but old habits die hard.

Series: This is the final book in the saga.

The first book, Hush, Hush, was published on October 13, 2009.
Link for my review: http://vivaciousfiction.blogspot.com/2013/07/hush-hush-by-becca-fitzpatrick-book.html

The second book, Crescendo, was published on October 19, 2010.
Link for my review: http://vivaciousfiction.blogspot.com/2013/07/crescendo-by-becca-fitzpatrick-book.html

The third book, Silence, was published on October 4, 2011.
Link for my review: http://vivaciousfiction.blogspot.com/2013/07/silence-by-becca-fitzpatrick-book-review.html

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Next Review: The Prince of Mist by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Happy Reading!

VF, xoxo

Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick (Book Review)

Book: Silence

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

Pages: 448

Published: October 4, 2011

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Obtained: Purchased at BAM

Started: July 16, 2013 (reread)

Finished: July 16, 2013


Summary (Courtesy of Goodreads):
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10637766-silence

WHEN SILENCE IS ALL THAT'S LEFT, CAN THE TRUTH FINALLY BE HEARD?

Nora Grey can't remember the past five months of her life. After the initial shock of waking up in a cemetery and being told that she has been missing for weeks - with no one knowing where she was or who she was with - she tried to get her life back on track. Go to school, hang out with her best friend, Vee, and dodge mom's creepy new boyfriend.

But there is this voice in the back of her head, an idea that she can almost reach out and touch. Visions of angel wings and unearthly creatures that have nothing to do with the life she knows.

And this unshakable feeling that a part of her is missing.

Then Nora crosses paths with a sexy stranger, whom she feels a mesmerizing connection to. He seems to hold all the answers...and her heart. Every minute she spends with him grows more and more intense until she realizes she could be falling in love. Again.

Cover: OMG. I love this cover. Now THIS is what I'm talking about. In my opinion, it's much better than the Crescendo's cover. The water is gorgeous and is definitely what makes the picture so complete.

Plot: This story starts out with Nora coming back from being kidnapped and having absolutely no memory of what has happened to her. Normally, I hate amnesia stories, and at first I didn't like this one because of her amnesia. But in all honesty, her inability to remember helps her love grow stronger with Patch. It shows that NOTHING can keep them apart.

This book also has tons of my two favorite boys, Patch and Scott. This books also adds an incredible twist to Nora's family life. At the end of the second book, we learned that Nora's father is actually Hank Miller, but now he's openly dating Nora's mother, Blythe. This story just continues to thread and wrap that plot line beautifully.

Characters:

Nora - She is so strong in this book. I love her audacity. I love her desire, and her relationship with the other characters. Nora has been missing for 3 months and she can't remember anything after April. That's five months missing from her memory. She can't even remember Patch. She sees glimpses of black. It's as if he calling to her. This book is a test of their love and they conquer through it all.

Patch (aka Jev) - If I thought I loved Patch before, well, I fell hopelessly in love with him after this book. In this book, he proves he would do absolutely anything for Nora even if it meant conspiring with the enemy.

Scott - I have always loved his character. He's so sweet and caring. I feel so much pity for what he has to put up with. That target on his back must be a heavy load to carry.

Vee - In this book, Vee is a downright male hater. At times it's hilarious, others it painstakingly annoying. I missed the flirt-with-anything-male-with-two-legs Vee. I can't say I blame her for turning into this though. She doesn't have a great track record with guys.

Hank - He is such a great villain, and I love him for this. He brings such a great tension to the story. While reading the book, I was questioning his actions the entire time. Let me tell you. He has a dirty plan up that designer sleeve.

Marcie - Conniving and vicious, but at least this time she tries to use her brain this time. Still hate her guts.

Series: This is the third book in a saga.

The first book, Hush, Hush, was published on October 13, 2009.
Link to my review: http://vivaciousfiction.blogspot.com/2013/07/hush-hush-by-becca-fitzpatrick-book.html

The second book, Crescendo, was published on October 19, 2010.
Link to my review: http://vivaciousfiction.blogspot.com/2013/07/crescendo-by-becca-fitzpatrick-book.html

The final book, Finale, was published on October 23, 2012.
Link to my review: http://vivaciousfiction.blogspot.com/2013/07/finale-by-becca-fitzpatrick-book-review.html

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.

Next Review: Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick

Happy Reading!

VF, xoxo

Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick (Book Review)

Book: Crescendo

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

Pages: 427

Published: October 19, 2010

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Obtained: Purchased from BAM

Started: July 15, 2013 (reread)

Finished: July 15, 2013

Summary (Courtesy of Goodreads):

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7791997-crescendo

Nora Grey's life is still far from perfect. Surviving an attempt on her life wasn't pleasant, but at least she got a guardian angel out of it. A mysterious, magnetic, gorgeous guardian angel. But despite his role in her life, Patch has been acting anything but angelic. He's more elusive than ever (if that's possible) and what's worse, he seems to be spending time with Nora's archenemy, Marcie Millar.

Nora would have hardly noticed Scott Parnell, an old family friend who has moved back to town, if Patch hadn't been acting so distant. Even with Scott's totally infuriating attitude, Nora finds herself drawn to him - despite her lingering feelings that he is hiding something.

If that weren't enough, Nora is haunted by images of her murdered father, and comes to question whether her Nephilim bloodline has anything to do with his death. Desperate to figure out what happened, she puts herself in increasingly dangerous situations to get the answer. But maybe some things are better left buried, because the truth could destroy everything - and everyone - she trusts.

Cover: As beautiful as this cover is, I still loved the first one more. This cover does however represent the story successfully. I'll let you read and figure that one out on your own. 

Plot: The plot in this story wasn't as gripping to me, mostly due to Patch's less than frequent visits to the story. The first time I read this book, I found myself flipping to find parts of the book where he would make an appearance. After rereading it for the third time, I found myself doing the same thing. Needless to say, this was my least favorite book in the series. However, the more times I've read it, the more I've loved it. What can I say? It grew on me. 

However, one thing does piss me off. It doesn't mention her iron pills not ONE damn time. What happen to her anemia? In fact, it doesn't EVER mention it again in ANY of the books? Mistake? Must be. A damn big one at that. 

However, I do love the new character she introduced and the fact that she gave us an opportunity to get to know Rixon. 

Characters: I love this cast of characters.

Nora - It would be cringing to be Nora in this book. How would you like to see the love of your life caterwauling around with a slut? I definitely wouldn't. All things considered, she doesn't handle it well. In fact, it drives her about crazy. We can honestly say Nora fell too hard too fast for a fallen angel. What kills me most is that I just want Patch to let her know exactly what is going on, and she would understand. It takes FAR too long for him to do this though. Far too long.

Patch - At times, this arrogant prick angered me, and other times, I fell in love with him even more. My feelings, just like Nora's, were on a roller coaster. Up and down, up and down. He does however, redeem himself to me at the end. 

Vee - This lovely lady has sorry taste in men. That ALL I'm going to say.

Rixon - I loved his character. I was very pleased that Becca Fitpatrick finally gave us the opportunity to get to know Rixon on a deeper level. Still not too terribly deep, but more than before. Most of the time, he just makes out with Vee though luckily we don't have to read about that.

Scott - Don't even get me started on how much I love this guy. He is far from perfect, and honestly, he's nothing but trouble in this book. But it's mostly because he's misunderstood, and he doesn't know what's going on with his own life. I love love love him though. If I can never have Patch, I'll take Scott any day.

Marcie - Still a malicious witch. Still want to hit her. But this time, with a iron safe.  

Series: This is the second book in the saga.

The first book is Hush, Hush published on October 13, 2009.

Link for my review: http://vivaciousfiction.blogspot.com/2013/07/hush-hush-by-becca-fitzpatrick-book.html

The third book is Crescendo published on October 4, 2011.
Link for my review: http://vivaciousfiction.blogspot.com/2013/07/silence-by-becca-fitzpatrick-book-review.html

The final book is Finale published on October 23, 2012.

Link for my review: http://vivaciousfiction.blogspot.com/2013/07/finale-by-becca-fitzpatrick-book-review.html

Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars

Next Review: Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick

Happy Reading!

VF, xoxo

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick (Book Review)

Book: Hush, Hush

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

Pages: 391

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Published: October 13, 2009

Obtained: Purchased from BAM

Started: July 4, 2013 (reread)

Finished: July 11, 2013


Summary (Courtesy of Goodreads):
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6339664-hush-hush

Romance was not part of Nora Grey's plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how hard her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch comes along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Patch draws Nora to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is and seems to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For she is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost Nora her life.

Cover: I've always thought this cover was gorgeous. It's what first attracted me to the book way back in 2009 while I was strolling the aisles of Books-A-Million. I remember being perplexed about the idea of reading about angels (fallen angel were a NEW thing in 2009) and this is the first angel book I had ever read (Excluding, well you know, parts of the Bible. But that doesn't count.) The moment I saw it, I knew I had to have it.

Plot: I LOVED the plot. I found it amusing, intriguing, and captivating even though it was predictable. I may, we ALREADY know he's a fallen angel. It is dramatic irony because she has no clue, and at times, it's frustrating. I just want to grab Nora by the shoulders and shake some sense into her. At least that's how I felt at the beginning. But who am I to hold  a grudge against her? At least she figured it out without him having to tell her. 

The book wasn't slow paced and kept me wanting to read more. Especially to get to know Patch. This is probably the 4th time I have read this book. It seems like every time I read it, the more I fall in love with it. 

Characters: I'll be discussing the four of the characters.

Nora - I love her as a main character. She does find her ways of getting into trouble, but most of that really can't be blamed on her. Trouble would find her even if she wasn't looking. She's a goodie goodie and at times, this annoys the hell out of me. Mostly because Nora and I are a lot a like. I'm a geek who stays in Friday/ Saturday nights and does homework. I don't like to get in to trouble, and trouble can be tempting. I think of this level, I understand Nora and her actions. 

Nora doesn't have it easy. Her mom is away 65% of the time, and her father was murdered in cold blood. Vee is pretty much the only person she has in the world. I love their friendship so much. But there's still something missing from her life. And Patch seems to feel like void. I ship their relationship. 

Patch - HESSOHOTIMDYING. But seriously, I do love his character. He's strong, courageous, and doesn't take bull from anyone. He's also amusing, mysterious, and caring. Is he perfect? Eh. Close enough. I love figuring out Patch's story piece by piece. Fitzpatrick has a beautiful way with writing. As Nora falls in love with Patch, the reader also does. You feel every emotion Nora feels and by the end of the book, you're 100% sure you're meant to be with Patch. Don't believe me? Read the book. Still don't believe me? That's fine; I claim him. ;)

Vee - I love Vee in this book. She's so funny and entertaining. She's a major comic relief in the book. She's incredibly loyal and will do anything for Nora. 

Marcie - She's incredibly bitchy malevolent and I would LOVE to slap her across the face. With a chair.

Series: This is the first book in a saga.

The second book is Crescendo published on October 19, 2010.
Link to my review: http://vivaciousfiction.blogspot.com/2013/07/crescendo-by-becca-fitzpatrick-book.html

The third book is Silence published on October 4, 2011
Link for my review: http://vivaciousfiction.blogspot.com/2013/07/silence-by-becca-fitzpatrick-book-review.html

The final book is Finale published on October 23, 2012
Link for my review: http://vivaciousfiction.blogspot.com/2013/07/finale-by-becca-fitzpatrick-book-review.html

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Next Review: Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

Happy Reading!

VF, xoxo.

BookTube-A-Thon (Update 4)

Top of the morning night to ya's! Can you believe we've already made it to day 4 of 7 of this year's annual BookTube-A-Thon? Neither. Can. I. Where has the time gone? I didn't get to read as much today either, but I read more than yesterday. And, that's always a plus! Tomorrow will be a better day of reading for me because I should get home (a little) sooner. 

Now to bring you my reading updates. I finished Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick. All. The. Feels. Mostly because it's over. There's no putting off the last book any more. The mystery of Patch is gone. (I realize he's not gone, because I can always reread the books but YOU CATCH MY DRIFT.) I understand that there are mixed feelings on these books. I love them though. So. Much. I have since 2009 when Hush, Hush was first published. I also heard there's going to be a movie. I'm not sure how I feel about this. I'm one part excited. Another part terrified. So help me if they try to make this another Twilight, I'm going to gouge someone's eyes out. Leave it as it is, ya hear?

I also managed to make it all the way to the final disk of my audio book. Needless to say, I'm disappointed. I'll have to go back to the library ASAP and check out another audio book to keep me company in my car. Not to mention, the audio book is at such a climatic part. I could barely step out of my car. The need to know what happens is relentless!

I'm going to try to read a little bit in Death Watch by Ari Berk tonight and get this ship rolling! So far, I've managed two rereads and finished a series.  Death Watch  is not only over 500 pages but it's been sitting on my shelf for AGES. Time to get it read!

Here's my YouTube vlogy-magigger on this matter at hand:

Happy Reading, love birds!

VF, xoxo

BookTube-A-Thon (Update 1)

I thought I would give a quick update on my BookTube-A-Thon status. I'm currently on page 311 of Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick. As I said in my Youtube video, I had to bring this over from the weekend. I didn't have the time I thought I would to start it.I'll probably just drop Easy by Tammara Webber if I see I don't have enough time for it. Lucky me, I planned for too many pages.

Better than not having enough, right? ;)

But Cresendo has been SO GOOD. Much better than I remember. 

Marcie is as vicious as ever.

Patch is a whole big bowl of eye candy.

Nora is a goodie-goodie as always.

But Vee is much more fun than I remember her in this book. I feel bad for putting her down before.It's funny how rereading a book can change your perspective on it. 

I think the thing that's pushing me through the story so quickly is that I want Patch and Nora (SPOILERSPOILERSPOILER)

to get back together. Damn them and their pride. I still remember how everything goes down, but it's still fun to read about. 

I'm also on Disk 3 of The Price of Mist by Carlos Ruiz Zafon It is FLYING by. I'm loving every second of it. Lucky for me, my drive to work takes a while, so I have extra time to listen to the story. :)

To be honest, when I first started the audio book, I wasn't sure if I would like the story. As I've said before, this audio was a last ditch effort since every other audio book they had in the Young Adult section, I've already previously read.

The more I listen to more intrigued I get, and I was disappointed to get out of my car this evening! I'm dying to know what discoveries they'll make and what will happen to Irina. 

But moving on, I just filmed my blog for YouTube. 

Here's the video for you, darlings:

I'm going to go read more since I don't have to work tomorrow!

*happydancesallaroundmyroomlikeamaniac*

I'll bring you more updates tomorrow.

Happy Reading, my dears!

VF, xoxo

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor (Book Review)

Book: Daughter of Smoke and Bone

Author: Laini Taylor 

Pages: 418

Published: September 27, 2011

Obtained: Purchased off of Amazon for Kindle

Started: June 7, 2013

Finished: June 13, 2013


Summary (Courtesy of Goodreads):
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8490112-daughter-of-smoke-bone?ac=1

Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.

In a dark and dusty shop, a devil’s supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.

And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she’s prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she’s about to find out.

When one of the strangers—beautiful, haunted Akiva—fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

Cover: I love the blue in this cover, but as you all already know I love the color blue. That that mask? Can I just have that? Thanks. And that font. Just. Yes.

Plot: The plot was so unique to most plots that I've read before. It was hard not to fall in love with the way Laini Taylor described the setting of not only our world but also of the world she created. I fell in love with all of the Karou's "family". They all had just unique personalities. 

The writing was fantastic and her friendship with Zuzana was the greatest thing possible. I love Zuzana so much. I love that Karou is an art student. I love Karou's name and it's meaning. I love that her hair grows blue out of her read. I love her humor, her personality, and the errands she has to run.

The plot was great... for the first half. I was getting really involved in the world Laini Taylor was creating and I could imagine Prague as if I was living there. But towards the end it was just backstory backstory backstory backstory. I found myself wishing it would STOP so I could read the present. It just kept going and going and going. It would be different if she pieced bits here and there at the end. But it was so overloaded. And I HATE that. I really loved the first half. I hate that I could predict what happened to her. I also just hate Madrigal. I can't explain why. 

I was really loving Akiva's and Karou's love story in both present and backstory. But that ENDING. I was so frustrated with that ending. I understand where Karou is coming from. I do. But Akiva has a point, as well. I'm just frustrated at the both of them. Damn them. I need a moment. So. Much. Baggage. 

My God, I wanted to love this book more. But if I promise my subscribers anything, it's honesty. And that's about as honest as I could be.

Series: This is the first book in a trilogy.
The second book is Days of Blood and Starlight which was published on November 6th, 2013.
The third book is Dreams of Gods and Monsters which will be published on April 29, 2014. 

Rating: 3.8 out of 5 stars

Next Review: A Tale of Two Cassies by Nick Brown

Happy Reading!

VF, xoxo

In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters (Book Review)

Book: In the Shadow of Blackbirds

Author: Cat Winters

Pages: 387

Published: April 2, 2013

Obtained: Purchased off Amazon ($3.99)

Started: June 17, 2013

Finished: June 18, 2013



Summary (Courtesy of Goodreads): 
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13112915-in-the-shadow-of-blackbirds

In 1918, the world seems on the verge of apocalypse. Americans roam the streets in gauze masks to ward off the deadly Spanish influenza, and the government ships young men to the front lines of a brutal war, creating an atmosphere of fear and confusion. Sixteen-year-old Mary Shelley Black watches as desperate mourners flock to séances and spirit photographers for comfort, but she herself has never believed in ghosts. During her bleakest moment, however, she’s forced to rethink her entire way of looking at life and death, for her first love—a boy who died in battle—returns in spirit form. But what does he want from her?

Featuring haunting archival early-twentieth-century photographs, this is a tense, romantic story set in a past that is eerily like our own time.

Cover: The cover is beyond beautiful. Upon first seeing it, it intrigued a curiosity in me. The ghost luring behind a beautiful, defiant looking girl with googles. The girl's stare made me want to read her story. Though I do find myself wishing it was the photograph she took with Stephen... 

Plot: The plot completely threw me out of the water. I've always loved stories about the beginning of the 20th century, especially when it involves a supernatural element. The plot was so captivating and I hung on to every word. I felt every raw emotion just as if I were the one living it. Mary Shelley Black is the perfect protagonist as she leads us through the dark year of 1918. 

Winters was so descriptive about the sights and the panic of WWI, extreme patriotism, and especially the Spanish Influenza. Dear god was she descriptive with the smells. In attempts to ward off the flu, people boiled onions, bathed in onions, chewed on onions, wore onions. And Garlic. I can still smell all of the onions. I passed on them for dinner the other day. I'm not quite ready to consume them again. Just give me a couple of weeks. 

The title is pure genius. I will not ruin this for you. I found this to be one of the most interesting concepts of the book and I want you to take your own journey with it as I did. In this way, you'll have your own special understanding. 

This whole book was just secret upon secret leading to more secrets. Absolutely captivating. I loved the communications and flashbacks through letters. It felt so personal and so real. Mrs. Winters also added photographs to her work. The photographs gave an insight and a guide to better imaging Mary Shelley's world. 

Everything ties together in the end expect for her father. I long to know what will become of him. I hate that we don't hear more form him. BUT THAT ENDING. Cat Winters once said that she loved Alfred Hitchcock's work, especially since he always had an ending that you never saw coming. Well, Mrs. Winters, you accomplished that with this book. I. NEVER. SAW. THAT. COMING. It was so much sadder than I expected... I've cried so many tears.

Characters: Her character's were masterly written and extremely well developed.

Mary Shelley Black - She's so strong. I wish I could be half as brave as she is. Her relationship with Stephen is so beautiful and heart-breaking. She's been through so much and she's a hell of a fighter. She's loyal, outspoken, and independent. She's completely unique to her time period. She's enjoys science and technology. She breaks things down and figures out how they work. This is a quality Stephen loved about her. Overall, she's an honest, stubborn, but witty girl who I long to be like.

Stephen Embers - He's a beautiful man inside and out. It's been days since I've finished the book and the idea of him still brings tears to my eyes. I have never mourned for so long and so completely over a character. I ached for him to be alive. Like the episode of Supernatural where Dean is a spirit, but he's not really dead. I wanted Mary Shelley and Stephen to be in each other's arms away from way, plague, and disaster. Stephen is the type of man who wasn't meant for war. He's witty, intellectual, and creative. He's a photographer who captures the beauty in the world and brings to light the true intentions of people. We do not experience Stephen alive except through flashback. Otherwise, he is a lost ghost, torturing over what has happened to him. It is painfully sad to see the struggle of someone as loving as Stephen. Winters wrong their love story so beautifully and so purely. He was truly my favorite character in this book. Excuse me while I cry profusely.

Aunt Eva - She's Mary Shelley's maternal aunt. I have mixed feelings about her. Sometimes I like her, but other times she pissed me off beyond belief. But I imagine it was the same for Mary Shelley and in this way, Cat Winters succeeded. She's a parent figure to Mary Shelley and even though I don't always agree with her (usually never agree with her), I'm happy that Mary Shelley has someone in her life presently who loves her so much.

Julius Embers - He's Stephen's older brother. He's an arrogant prick. He's a spiritualist photographer. Stephen calls him a fake and tells Mary Shelley that Julius scams poor, desperate people out of their money. Not to mention he's an opium user. Julius seems to be extremely jealous of his brother. Julius would beat on Stephen and burn Stephen's photographs. If it was up to me, Julius and Stephen would change states of living pretty quickly. I desperately wanted to believe he was a deep down a good person, especially once he found out Stephen died. But nope. He's still a dick.

Mr. Darning - Along with being a photographer himself, he also exposes fake Spiritualist photographers so that they cannot hurt anyone else. Mr. Darning swears up and down that he cannot find evidence that Julius photographs are fake. His voice reminds Mary Shelley of her own father who is imprisoned for war crimes. He is a very trusting character who seems to have Mary Shelley's best interest in mind.

Series: This is bittersweetly a stand-alone book. I desperately want to know what becomes of her father, but I don't think I can stand to read about Mary Shelley without Stephen. He truly was my favorite.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.

One of my favorite books now. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.

I really hope I didn't leave anything out. My brain is over-flowing with emotion and my fingers can barely keep pace. (And as you can probably tell, I do my BookTube review while flowing my written review ;) )

I'm also trying out a new rating system. In my opinion, if a book is good enough to make you cry then the author succeed in make you, the reader, emotionally invested. This new rating system is based off tears. 5 tears being a real tear-jerker. WELLLLLLL.

Tear Rating: This was totally 5 out 5 tears. I sobbed like I stepped on a Lego. 

BTW, here's my BookTube review on this book if you haven't watched that already:

GUYS, you have to read this book. Go. Purchase. It. Now.

My next review will be on Cinder by Marissa Meyer. This time I'll swear my heart on it. Though that's not a solid promise seeing that this book crumbled my heart and it blew away like ashes in the wind. 

*begins weeping once again*

Happy Reading!

VF, xoxo

The Name of the Star by Maurine Johnson (Book Review)

Book: The Name of the Star

Author: Maurine Johnson

Published: September 29, 2011

Pages: 372

Obtained: Purchased on Amazon for the Kindle

Started Reading On: March 9, 2013

Finished Reading On: March 13, 2013



Summary (Brought to you by Goodreads):
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9802372-the-name-of-the-star

The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago. 

Soon “Rippermania” takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him. Even her roommate, who was walking with her at the time, didn't notice the mysterious man. So why can only Rory see him? And more urgently, why has Rory become his next target? In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities.

Review:

Cover - I loved the cover of the book! It looks so mysterious and was the definitely the aspect that first drew me to the book. The synopsis and the cover definitely walk hand-in-hand. This is definitely a beautiful cover!

Characters - Rory Deveaux is a strong female character who sought to take care of herself, and my favorite character to read about. When faced with the danger of the Ripper, she faced him head on. She handled nicely the large news that was dealt to her. She also talks a lot, especially when she's nervous. This was funny at first, but it grew tiring. She had the opportunity of pizzazz but lacked the fulfillment thereof.

Jazza is so sweet and I loved her spicy, open to adventure side. Her sarcasm towards Charlotte kept me laughing!

Boo had great character development. We first see her as a crazy slacker, but then we figure out what's really going on with Boo. 

Other than those three ladies, I had problems with the characters. They didn't exactly appeal to me. I feel like I wasn't served what I ordered. The character development was not as strong as I had wished it was. There were a few characters I would have loved to learn more about, such as Jerome. Sure Jerome knows his fair share about the Ripper, but what else? This is the same with her "police" friends, Stephen and Callum. We know some back story, but not much else. That is SO frustrating. 

Plot - UGH. The Plot was SO FREAKING SLOW. Especially at the beginning. Let's read about eating, school, news, eating, school, eating. *yawn* And then when it FINALLY did speed up, it sped up way too fast. The End just flew by. I was like, "what?". And that ending. Really? Nothing else could have happened. But I do understand why, I mean that's what will continue the books, but it just wasn't what I was hoping for.

Not to mention, I expected this to be a thrilling, scary novel. No. Just no. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't bad, but it also did not have any real horror aspects to it. *disappointed* That's what had attracted me to the novel. 

I was also hoping to read more about the setting of London, but she only ever remained at the school. Hopefully in the next book, Ms. Johnson will include more descriptive detail about this beautiful city.

All in all, this wasn't the best story I've ever read, and more than likely it will not be a reread for me. 

Series - This book is going to be a part of a series. The next book is The Madness Underneath and it was published on February 26, 2013.

Rating - I would rate this book 3 stars.

My next review will be on Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins!

Happy Reading!

VF, xoxo

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl (Book Review)

Book: Beautiful Creatures

Author(s): Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Published: December 1, 2009

Pages: 563

Obtained: Purchased from Wal-Mart

Started Reading on: February 15, 2013

Finished Reading on: March 1, 2013

Summary (brought to you by Goodreads):  

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6304335-beautiful-creatures

Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power, and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything

Review:

Cover - First of all, I loved this book. Both authors did a fabulous job of bringing their ideas together to create a fantastic storyline. It was hard not to be pulled in to Lena and Ethan's love and their tragic situation. Sadly, the book I purchased had the Movie Cover. This was greatly to my dismay as I really love the original cover.

Characters - The main characters were nicely developed. I loved the three sisters, Macon, Amma, Link, Ethan, and Lena. And let's not forget about Boo Radley! I did have some conflicting thoughts with a certain character towards the end, but I'm not one to give things away.

Plot - The plot was, in all honesty, slow for me. It felt like it took FOREVER to read this book since normally I can read one in a few days. I also understand that the book To Kill A Mocking Bird was a big theme in the story, especially in the beginning, but in one aspect it seemed unrealistic to me. What are the chances that both Macon and Ethan would compare Macon status in Gatlin to To Kill A Mocking Bird, especially to name their dog after the character Macon supposedly represents. Maybe it's just me. 

But there were parts of the plot that were FANTASTIC! I loved how everything links up, and you better understand both of their families as you continue to read. I also love that the story is told from Ethan's perspective. It was quite a relief to take a break from the regular female POV. Though at times he bothered me, I still found him likable.

The writing was beautifully done, descriptive, joyful to read. I loved the southern aspects, and coming from the south, this made the book that much more enjoyable. 

Series - If it is unknown to you, this book is the first book in a saga. The three preceding books are already published and released. 

Rating - Overall, I would rate this book: 4 stars

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read it!

My next review will be on: The Name of the Star by Maurine Johnson

Happy reading!

VF, xoxo