Because I need to explain....

THIS WEBSITE IS CURRENTLY

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

So, first and foremost all of you deserve to know why I haven't been reviewing/making videos for the past few months. Not to be cliche, but Fall 2013 was the hardest semester of my entire life. I wish I was exaggerating. College is hard enough, but God almighty, it was awful. To put worse on top of worse, I have a seriously stressful job at which I put in around 30 hours a week. I had no time for anything.

And then my grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to have surgery. It seemed once the grief of that was beginning to pass and she was doing better, they thought my 5 year-old niece had cancer. Turns out luckily, they were wrong, but she also needed surgery. Two days later, I was in a car accident that resulted in me going over a 60ft embankment into a creek. I came out with a concussion and the middle tendon on my right hand cut in half. A few days later was Thanksgiving, Finals, Christmas, and New Years. Oh, and more work. I was running myself into the ground. I literally couldn't review books, because I hadn't actually read an entire book the whole semester. I would start one, put it down, start another, put it down. I couldn't focus.

Luckily, everything is going smoother so I'm simply praying this time I can be consistent and have time to do what I love: read and review books.

I'm taking 3/4 English classes this semester, so even if I'm not reviewing YA, I'll be reviewing SOMETHING. ANYTHING.

I also had surgery on my hand, and I went to my last physical therapy appointment yesterday. My hand is exactly what it used to be, but it's getting better everyday. I was extremely blessed.

I'm going to be working on this blog a lot over the next week: making changes, fixing tabs, creating lists, etc. I'll inform you as they come.

But until then, happy reading!

I've missed you, guys.

xoxo, VF

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.