Matched by Ally Condie

Matched by Ally Condie

Released Date: November 30, 2010
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Pages: Hardcover (366 pages)
Age Group: Young Adult
Series: Matched #1
Genre: Dystopian Society
Author Website: http://www.allysoncondie.com/
Overall Rating: (4 out of 5 stars)

Description:  Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.
The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

Book Trailer:


Memorable Quotes:

"Every minute you spend with someone gives them a part of your life and takes part of theirs."

"Ky can play this game. He can play all their games, including the ones in front of him that he just lost. He knows exactly how to play, and that's why he loses everytime."

"Once you want something, everything changes."

"I came up on the screen, too, Cassia. But he was the one you chose to see."

My Musings: Before I purchased this book, I read many mixed reviews that had me going back and forth on if I even wanted to waste my time reading this. Many people seemed angered that the author received a million dollar deal for this trilogy that seems to be a rip off of the highly acclaimed "The Giver" by Lois Lowery. Being a big fan of "The Giver", I wasn't sure how I was going to react to Ally Condie's version of a dystopian society. After finishing, I arrived at some interesting thoughts.

There are definite similarites, but there are also different variations to "The Giver". I wouldn't discredit this book, because she really has some interesting thought provoking quotes weaved through out the book. Though there are any major battles and steamy romance scenes, I still felt satisfied with alot of the plot. I don't think this is a total rip off of Lois Lowery's book.

Cassia was a very interesting character to follow. She has this burning passion for freedom to have her own thoughts and choices. This passion is the driving force to everything she does. For instance, when she betrays the Society and embarks on her own adventures.

Another favorite element in the book was the strong family unit that Cassia is a part of.

Overall, I can't wait for the next book to become available. I wish there were so more intense scenes to push my emotions over the edge, but I only pray they will be made so in future books.

Cover Art: The front is very simple, but I love how the vivid color stands out.

Reading Order:
Matched
Crossed
Unnamed matched #3

"Waiting On" Wednesday- (13)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine. The purpose of this event is to get bloggers to spotlight and share the books they are anticipating on coming out.

On my wishlist this Wednesday is: Darkest Mercy by Melissa Marr

Description: The Summer King is missing; the Dark Court is bleeding; and a stranger walks the streets of Huntsdale, his presence signifying the deaths of powerful fey.
Aislinn tends to the Summer Court, searching for her absent king and yearning for Seth. Torn between his new queen and his old love, Keenan works from afar to strengthen his court against the coming war. Donia longs for fiery passion even as she coolly readies the Winter Court for battle. And Seth, sworn brother of the Dark King and heir to the High Queen, is about to make a mistake that could cost his life.
Love, despair, and betrayal ignite the Faery Courts, and in the final conflict, some will win . . . and some will lose everything.
 
The thrilling conclusion to Melissa Marr's New York Times bestselling Wicked Lovely series will leave readers breathless.


Release Date: February 22, 2011

Teaser Tuesdays- (13)

Hey guys its another wonderful Tuesday...if you don't know what Teaser Tuesday is about here is a refresher:

Teaser Tuesdays are a meme hosted by Mizb of Should be Reading. Here are the rules if you wish to participate.

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Here is my teaser for this week:

"And I'll tell her that I don't want my life to be samples and scraps. A taste of everything but a meal of nothing. They have perfected the art of giving us just enough freedom: just enough that when we are ready to snap, a little bone is offered and we roll over, belly up, comfortable and placated like a dog I saw once when we visited my grandparents in the Farmlands."

-"Matched" by Ally Condie

"Waiting On" Wednesday- (12)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine. The purpose of this event is to get bloggers to spotlight and share the books they are anticipating on coming out.

On my wishlist this Wednesday is: City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

Description:  City of Fallen Angels is the fourth book in the bestselling series The Mortal Instruments.

“City of Fallen Angels takes place two months after the events of City of Glass. In it, a mysterious someone’s killing the Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine’s Circle and displaying their bodies around New York City in a manner designed to provoke hostility between Downworlders and Shadowhunters, leaving tensions running high in the city and disrupting Clary’s plan to lead as normal a life as she can — training to be a Shadowhunter, and pursuing her relationship with Jace. As Jace and Clary delve into the issue of the murdered Shadowhunters, they discover a mystery that has deeply personal consequences for them — consequences that may strengthen their relationship, or rip it apart forever. Meanwhile, internecine warfare among vampires is tearing the Downworld community apart, and only Simon — the Daylighter who everyone wants on their side — can decide the outcome; too bad he wants nothing to do with Downworld politics. Love, blood, betrayal and revenge: the stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels.”

Release Date: April 5, 2011

Teaser Tuesdays- (12)

Hey guys its another wonderful Tuesday...if you don't know what Teaser Tuesday is about here is a refresher:

Teaser Tuesdays are a meme hosted by Mizb of Should be Reading. Here are the rules if you wish to participate.

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Here is my teaser for this week:

"Clary wondered if there were any ugly vampires, or maybe any fat ones. Maybe they didn't make vampires out of ugly people. Or maybe ugly people just didn't want to live forever.

-pg. 273 "City of Bones" by Cassandra Clare

Giveaway ~ Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

In celebration of my blog reaching 50 followers, I will be giving away one of my favorite books "Vampire Academy" by Richelle Mead. Thanks you to everyone who supports and comments on this blog.

Description:  St. Vladimir's Academy isn't just any boarding school—it's a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They've been on the run, but now they're being dragged back to St. Vladimir's—the very place where they're most in danger...Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy's ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world's fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever.



to enter, please fill out the form below

entrants must be 13 years of age or older

contest deadline is January 5, 2011

contest open to residents of US & Canada*

ONE ENTRY PER PERSON!

"Waiting On" Wednesday- (11)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine. The purpose of this event is to get bloggers to spotlight and share the books they are anticipating on coming out.

On my wishlist this Wednesday is: Starstruck by Cyn Balog

Description: When Gwendolyn “Dough” Reilly’s boyfriend and best friend Wish moves away in seventh grade, the only consolation she can find is in her family bakery’s donuts. Now, it’s sophomore year, and Wish is coming back. But in only three years, they’ve both changed—drastically. She’s seriously overweight, and suddenly Wish is the most popular guy in school, and girls everywhere want him. Dough has doubts that appearances don’t matter and that Wish can love her as she is, so she launches into a plan designed to keep them together. That is, until she discovers that Wish’s gorgeous looks and charm might not be all they appear to be.

Release Date: July 12, 2011

Teaser Tuesdays- (11)

Hey guys its another wonderful Tuesday...if you don't know what Teaser Tuesday is about here is a refresher:

Teaser Tuesdays are a meme hosted by Mizb of Should be Reading. Here are the rules if you wish to participate.

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Here is my teaser for this week:

"You said you were a victim. That's why...that's why ultimately, you and I aren't matched for each other. In spite of everything that's happened, I've never thought of myself that way. Being a victim means you're powerless. That you won't take action. Always...always I've done something to fight for myself...for others. No matter what."

-page 580 "Last Sacrifice" by Richelle Mead

Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

Released Date: December 7, 2010
Publisher: Razorbill
Pages: Hardcover (594 pages)
Age Group: Young Adult
Series: Vampire Academy #6
Genre: Fantasy
Author Website: http://www.richellemead.com/
Overall Rating: (5 out of 5 stars)

Description: Murder. Love. Jealousy. And the ultimate sacrifice. Now, with Rose on trial for her life and Lissa first in line for the Royal Throne, nothing will ever be the same between them.

Book Trailer:
There is currently not a book trailer available.

Memorable Quotes:

"What the hell? I asked. Is this daring escape being sponsored by Honda?"

"Rose, I'm an addict with no work ethic who is likely going to go insane. I'm not like you. I'm not a super-hero."

"Sex had been amazing, but it wasn't a magical cure for everything. Damn. Somewhere along the way, I'd picked up common sense."

"A gun. I had been brought down by a gun. It was pratically comical. Cheaters, I thought."

My Musings: OMG, OMG, OMG!!!!! When I finished the last sentence in this amazing series, I felt a huge, dark void. I can't believe its over. We finally have a resolution to all of Rose Hathaway's problems. The only bright glimmer is that there is a VA spin-off coming in the near future. The downfall is it will no longer be from Rose's point of view. But never fear because we get a well deserved ending to the woes of Rose. I usually try to keep my reviews spoiler free, but for this one I am not going to hold back. So if you have not read this book, and you don't want to know what happens then please stop reading this now and go with the comfort that this book was an awesome read.

***********SPOILER ALERT*************SPOILER ALERT***********

***********SPOILER ALERT*************SPOILER ALERT***********

If you have read my past reviews for this series, then it should be no secret that I am a huge Dimitri-Rose fan. Team Dimitri all the way (*squeal). I'm just glad that Rose and Dimitri finally had their happily ever after. With all the crap the two of them went through, it is about damn time they realize that they need each other. Dimitri stopped being stubborn and Rose came to her senses that she is not meant for Adrian.

Though I love Adrian as a character, I really didn't find him compatible with Rose. I definitely wanted to cry when he finally confronts Rose at the end of the book about her cheating on him. My heart just went out to him.

Reading Oder:
Vampire Academy
Frostbite
Shadow Kiss
Blood Promise
Spirit Bound
Last Sacrifice

"Waiting On" Wednesday- (10)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine. The purpose of this event is to get bloggers to spotlight and share the books they are anticipating on coming out.

On my wishlist this Wednesday is: Cryer's Cross by Lisa McMann

Description: The community of Cryer’s Cross, Montana (population 212) is distraught when high school freshman Tiffany disappears without a trace. Already off-balance due to her OCD, 16-year-old Kendall is freaked out seeing Tiffany’s empty desk in the one-room school house, but somehow life goes on... until Kendall's boyfriend Nico also disappears, and also without a trace. Now the town is in a panic. Alone in her depression and with her OCD at an all-time high, Kendall notices something that connects Nico and Tiffany: they both sat at the same desk. She knows it's crazy, but Kendall finds herself drawn to the desk, dreaming of Nico and wondering if maybe she, too, will disappear...and whether that would be so bad. Then she begins receiving graffiti messages on the desk from someone who can only be Nico. Can he possibly be alive somewhere? Where is he? And how can Kendall help him? The only person who believes her is Jacian, the new guy she finds irritating...and attractive. As Kendall and Jacian grow closer, Kendall digs deeper into Nico's mysterious disappearance only to stumble upon some ugly—and deadly—local history. Kendall is about to find out just how far the townspeople will go to keep their secrets buried.

Release Date: February 8, 2011

Teaser Tuesdays- (10)

Hey guys its another wonderful Tuesday...if you don't know what Teaser Tuesday is about here is a refresher:

Teaser Tuesdays are a meme hosted by Mizb of Should be Reading. Here are the rules if you wish to participate.

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Here is my teaser for this week:

"She had never imagined that the kiss would be so brief and desperate and wild. Or that it would taste of holy water. Holy water and blood."

-pg. 293 "Clockwork Angel" by Cassandra Clare

Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

Released Date: May 18, 2010
Publisher: Razorbill
Pages: Hardcover (489 pages)
Age Group: Young Adult
Series: Vampire Academy #5
Genre: Fantasy
Author Website: http://www.richellemead.com/
Overall Rating: (5 out of 5 stars)

Description: Salvation has its price.
The words stunned Adrian for a moment, but he kept going. "You're lying. What you're describing is impossible. There's no way to save a Strigoi. When they're gone, they're gone. They're dead. Undead. Forever."

Robert's next words weren't directed at Adrian. They were spoken to me. "That which is dead doesn't always stay dead...."

After a long and heartbreaking journey to Dimitri’s birthplace in Siberia, Rose Hathaway has finally returned to St. Vladimir’s—and to her best friend, Lissa Dragomir. It's graduation, and the girls can’t wait for their real lives outside of the Academy’s cold iron gates to finally begin. But even with the intrigue and excitement of court life looming, Rose’s heart still aches for Dimitri. He's out there, somewhere.

She failed to kill him when she had the chance, and now her worst fears are about to come true. Dimitri has tasted her blood, and she knows in her heart that he is hunting her. And if Rose won't join him, he won't rest until he's silenced her...forever.

But Rose can't forget what she learned on her journey—whispers of a magic too impossible and terrifying to comprehend. A magic inextricably tied to Lissa that could hold the answer to all of Rose's prayers, but not without devastating consequences. Now Rose will have to decide what—and who—matters most to her. In the end, is true love really worth the price?

Book Trailer:


Memorable Quotes:

"He has no right to threaten my boyfriends. I'm eighteen. An adult. I don't need his help. I can threaten my boyfriends myself."

"I gave up on you. Love fades. Mine has."

"Dreams, dreams. I walk them; I live them. I delude myself with them. It's a wonder I can spot reality anymore."

"I, had an excellant instructer. One that you currently have locked up. If you want to talk about skills going to waste, then go look in your own jail."

My Musings: So finally Rose has become a guardian. You would think things would get better for her, but only new problems seem to be brought up to the fore front.

Reading Order:
Vampire Academy
Frostbite
Shadow Kiss
Blood Promise
Spirit Bound
Last Sacrifice

Blood Promise by Richelle Mead

Blood Promise by Richelle Mead

Released Date: August 25, 2009
Publisher: Razorbill
Pages: Hardcover (503 pages)
Age Group: Young Adult
Series: Vampire Academy #4
Genre: Fantasy
Author Website: http://www.richellemead.com/
Overall Rating: (5 out of 5 stars)

Description: How far will Rose go to keep her promise? The recent Strigoi attack at St. Vladimir's Academy was the deadliest ever in the school's history, claiming the lives of Moroi students, teachers, and guardians alike. Even worse, the Strigoi took some of their victims with them. . . including Dimitri. He'd rather die than be one of them, and now Rose must abandon her best friend, Lissa—the one she has sworn to protect no matter what—and keep the promise Dimitri begged her to make long ago. But with everything at stake, how can she possibly destroy the person she loves most?

Book Trailer:
Currently, there is not a book trailer available.

Memorable Quotes:

"I'd said it before and meant it: Alive or undead, the love of my life was a badass."

"Roza." His voice had the same wonderful lowness, the same accent... it was all just colder. "You forgot my first lesson: Don't hesitate."

"Oh God," I said. "I'm Zmey's daughter. Zmey junior. Zmeyette, even."

"This is very domestic of you," he said."It's kind of hot, really. Giving me all sorts of fantasies about you in an apron vacuuming my house."

My Musings: I am not going to lie. For greater part of this book, I was in complete denial on what Rose had to do. There was no way in my mind that Richelle was being serious. My heart would race with each passing page and I nearly had a heart attack three-fourths of the way in. All I wanted to do was chuck the book into the nearest corner and let it disinagrate before my eyes...lol. Just so you know, it's an amazing book. I commend an author that can get me into a range of emotions in a single sitting.

I know I have probably said this in my other reviews for this series, but I just love Rose Hathaway. She is the ultimate character in my opinion. She is funny and simply a bad ass!!! I turn the pages just to find out what crazy thing she will do next.

The romance is very much a presense in this book, as we engage in flashbacks on things touched upon in past books with Rose and Dimitri. Their love is truly amazing, which is why it made this book so hard to read. How can Dimitri be a strigoi?? Oh...the agony.

Anyways, even though Rose is in Russia on her mission to kill Dimitri, we still get to find out what happens to the other characters through the Rose-Lissa bond. Adrian is still hilarious and pining and after Rose. His one liners are still breathe taking. Christian and Lissa still have a gushy relationship, and some new characters are introduced. But, something evil is brewing on their side...haha, but you need to read this book to find out.

Overall, I could not ask for a better sequal to the heart wrenching Shadow Kiss. If you have not picked up this series than you have been living under a rock. Pick it up!!!

Happy Reading!!

Reading Order:
Vampire Academy
Frostbite
Shadow Kiss
Blood Promise
Spirit Bound
Last Sacrifice

Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead

Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead

Released Date: November 13, 2008
Publisher: Razorbill
Pages: Paperback (443 pages)
Age Group: Young Adult
Series: Vampire Academy #3
Genre: Fantasy
Author Website: http://www.richellemead.com/
Overall Rating: (5 out of 5 stars)

Description: For Rose Hathaway, everything seems out of kilter. Ever since she made her first Strigoi kills, a dark shadow has been creeping over her. Looming in the background, too, is another realization: If she follows her forbidden love for guardian Dimitri Belikov, she might lose her best friend forever. And these sleep-shaking worries couldn't have come at a worse time. The immortal unloving are prowling everywhere, famished for vengeance against her. An adrenaline-laced episode of the teen pop favorite Shadow Academy.

Book Trailer:
There is currently a book trailer available.

Memorable Quotes:

"Wait. You think I'm going to die? That's why you slept with me?"

"You aren't afraid of throwing yourself in the path of danger, but you're terrified of letting anyone in."

"I couldn't stop staring at the cave, back where Dimitri was, back where half of my soul was."

"You're strong-you're so, so strong. It's why I love you."

My Musings: This book is easily my most favorite in the series. I went through a rollercoaster of emotions, and found my self clutching the book when finished. With Richelle Mead continues to keep me surprised and clinging to the pages, which is rare since sometimes series can get progressively worse.

Rose always manages to surprise me, whether is her courage, smart-ass comments, or unwavering love for the ones she cares for. She is one of those people that I would want to be like.

The Dimitri and Rose interactions were my absolute favorite. The love they have for each other is so amazing. Some of the best scenes between them are in this novel. I can only imagine what is in store for them in the future.

Adrian really began to grow on me. Even though I am not a fan of a Adrian-Rose coupling, I found myself enjoying many of his lines and his bantering with the other characters. He is a real interesting character, and I am curious how he will progress in the rest of the series.

Lissa really matures in this story. Her strong regal, intelligant side really shines through out pivatal Moroi political moments. She can trully be the answer to alot of the Strigoi problems. Its just sad that the other Moroi don't realize it yet.

The ending left me in tears, and I had to go into therapy...lol. It was not what I expected and it has left me in denial that the series was going to end that way. Thank God for three more books!!!

All I know that this book will be a gut wrenching experience from to start to the very last line....and do mean the very last line.

Reading Order:
Vampire Academy
Frostbite
Shadow Kiss
Blood Promise
Spirit Bound
Last Sacrifice

Frostbite by Richelle Mead

Frostbite by Richelle Mead


Released Date: April 10, 2008
Publisher: Razorbill
Pages: Paperback (327 pages)
Age Group: Young Adult
Series: Vampire Academy #1
Genre: Fantasy
Author Website: http://www.richellemead.com/
Overall Rating: (5 out of 5 stars)


Description:  Rose loves Dimitri, Dimitri might love Tasha, and Mason would die to be with Rose…
It's winter break at St. Vladimir's, but Rose is feeling anything but festive. A massive Strigoi attack has put the school on high alert, and now the Academy's crawling with Guardians—including Rose's hard-hitting mother, Janine Hathaway. And if hand to- hand combat with her mom wasn't bad enough, Rose's tutor Dimitri has his eye on someone else, her friend Mason's got a huge crush on her, and Rose keeps getting stuck in Lissa's head while she's making out with her boyfriend, Christian! The Strigoi are closing in, and the Academy's not taking any risks….This year, St. Vlad's annual holiday ski trip is mandatory.
But the glittering winter landscape and the posh Idaho resort only create the illusion of safety. When three friends run away in an offensive move against the deadly Strigoi, Rose must join forces with Christian to rescue them. But heroism rarely comes without a price…


Book Trailer:
There is currently not a book trailer available.
Memorable Quotes:
"You can't force love, I realized. It's there or it isn't. If it's not there, you've got to be able to admit it. If it is there, you've got to do whatever it takes to protect the ones you love."


"There is nothing worse than waiting and not knowing what'll happen to you. Your own imagination can be crueler than any captor."


"Things die. But they don't always stay dead. Believe me, I know."


"In the real world, you can make your own miracles."

My Musings: This was an amazing sequel to Vampire Academy. Richelle Mead doesn't fail to deliver another crazy adventure for the heroine Rose Hathaway

In this book it is fun to watch Rose juggle her best friend Mason's affections for her, while trying to deal with the jealousy issues with Dimitri and Tasha. Its hard not to have a broken heart when Rose has lost all hope of ever being with Dimitri. I will have to admit that at least she doesn't come with the Bella Swan/New Moon syndrome, where she can't seem to function in life with out a man. Though her love life is in a mess, she still continues to fight for her friends and duties. Every girl she look up to this character.

A new character is introduced: Adrian Ivoshkov. He definitely brings a whole new string of humor and problems for Rose (he has a crush *wink *wink). He is the bad boy/rich kid/good guy that we all love to hate but can't. I can't wait to see how he is further developed in the series.

Dimitri never disappoints me. He is the ultimate hot fiction guy fantasy that most girls dream of. Why can't he realize that he and Rose are meant for each other? Boys. They just never get it.

The ending is quite sad, but I am not going to give anything away. All I can say is it made me hungry for the next installment.

Cover Art: This cover is a big improvement from the last one, but it just doesn't look like Rose. The model looks like she is blonde.

Reading Order:
Vampire Academy
Frostbite
Shadow Kiss
Blood Promise
Spirit Bound
Last Sacrifice

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead


Released Date: August 16, 2007
Publisher: Razorbill
Pages: Paperback (332 pages)
Age Group: Young Adult
Series: Vampire Academy #1
Genre: Fantasy
Author Website: http://www.richellemead.com/
Overall Rating: (5 out of 5 stars)

Description: St. Vladimir's Academy isn't just any boarding school—it's a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They've been on the run, but now they're being dragged back to St. Vladimir's—the very place where they're most in danger...
Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy's ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world's fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever.


Book Trailer:
There is currently not a book trailer available.

Memorable Quotes:

"The only thing better than imagining Dimitri carrying me in his arms was imagining him shirtless while carrying me in his arms."

"And than suddenly he was there, charging down the hallway like death in a cowboy duster"

"The greatest and most powerful revolutions often start very quietly, hidden in the shadows.Remember that."

"I had a standing arrangement with God : I'd agree to believe in him, so long as he let me sleep in on Sundays."

My Musings: I am absolutely in love with this book series. Words can not describe the feelings I have each time I read them. I remember picking up this book shortly after finishing Twilight. It was recommended to me by Borders.com and at the time I didn't have any suggests on what to read next. Let me just say that after finishing the first one it blew my mind and I had to rush to the store to pick up the rest (at the time Blood Promise was just being released).

After reading Twilight, I really began to dislike for Bella Swan's lack of a back bone. All she did through out the whole series was play games, and get rescured...Enter Rose. This was not the case for Rose Hathaway. She is funny, clever, and a complete smart-ass: qualities that I absolutely adore. Rose is very refreshing, because she never places herself to play the role of the victim. She would rather die than miss the opportunity to fight back and protect the ones she loves.

The romantic interest, Dimitri, has to be the hottest character I have come across in a long time within any fictional story. Who would not go for a tall, dark, and sexy Russian man, who happens to be slight older and forbidden? He was a great element to throw Rose's world upside, since he must be her mentor.

Lastly, the bond between Lissa and Rose reminds me of my own friendship with my best friend. They are willing to do anything they can to protect each other, even if it means dying or getting into typical high school trouble.

All I have to say is Richelle Mead is an excellant author. She is not the type to talk down to you, and is not afraid to throw in hard topics like sex, self-cutting, and other related topics.

Overall, Vampire Academy delivers everything from humor, action, mystery, suspense, and of course, forbidden romance. What more could a person ask for?

Cover Art: It has a very nice cover. It definitely catches Rose's sneaky smile.

Reading Order:

Vampire Academy

Frostbite

Shadow Kiss

Blood Promise

Spirit Bound

Last Sacrifice

"Waiting On" Wednesday- (9)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine. The purpose of this event is to get bloggers to spotlight and share the books they are anticipating on coming out.

On my wishlist this Wednesday is: Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton

Description: For Nick Pardee and Silla Kennicot, the cemetery is the center of everything.

Nick is a city boy angry at being forced to move back to the nowhere town of Yaleylah, Missouri where he grew up. He can’t help remembering his mom and the blood magic she practiced – memories he’s tried for five years to escape. Silla, though, doesn’t want to forget; her parents’ apparent murder-suicide left her numb and needing answers. When a book of magic spells in her dad’s handwriting appears on her doorstep, she sees her chance to unravel the mystery of their deaths.

Together they plunge into the world of dark magic, but when a hundred-year-old blood witch comes hunting for the bones of Silla’s parents and the spell book, Nick and Silla will have to let go of everything they believe about who they are, the nature of life and death, and the deadly secrets that hide in blood.

Release Date: April 26, 2011

Teaser Tuesdays- (9)

Hey guys its another wonderful Tuesday...if you don't know what Teaser Tuesday is about here is a refresher:

Teaser Tuesdays are a meme hosted by Mizb of Should be Reading. Here are the rules if you wish to participate.

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Here is my teaser for this week:

"Why did you do this for me?" I asked. He pulled away, and the air shifted as the space opened up between us. "Of course you must know," Rhode said, and cocked his head to the side. I shook my head to say that I did not nor could I ever understand what he had done for me. "Because," he continued, "throughout all of my histories I found no one I loved more than you. No one."

-pg. 21 "Infinite Days" by Rebecca Maizel

Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel

Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel

Released Date: August 3, 2010
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Pages: Hardcover (310 pages)
Age Group: Young Adult
Series: Vampire Queen #1
Genre: Fantasy
Author Website: http://rebeccamaizel.blogspot.com/
Overall Rating: (5 out of 5 stars)

Description: Lenah Beaudonte is, in many ways, your average teen: the new girl at Wickham Boarding School, she struggles to fit in enough to survive and stand out enough to catch the eye of the golden-boy lacrosse captain. But Lenah also just happens to be a recovering five-hundred-year-old vampire queen. After centuries of terrorizing Europe, Lenah is able to realize the dream all vampires have -- to be human again. After performing a dangerous ritual to restore her humanity, Lenah entered a century-long hibernation, leaving behind the wicked coven she ruled over and the eternal love who has helped grant her deep-seated wish.

Until, that is, Lenah draws her first natural breath in centuries at Wickham and rediscovers a human life that bears little resemblance to the one she had known. As if suddenly becoming a teenager weren’t stressful enough, each passing hour brings Lenah closer to the moment when her abandoned coven will open the crypt where she should be sleeping and find her gone. As her borrowed days slip by, Lenah resolves to live her newfound life as fully as she can. But, to do so, she must answer ominous questions: Can an ex-vampire survive in an alien time and place? What can Lenah do to protect her new friends from the bloodthirsty menace about to descend upon them? And how is she ever going to pass her biology midterm?

Book Trailer:


Memorable Quotes:

"Evil be he who thinketh evil."

"Ghosts have a way of misleading you; they can make your thoughts as heavy as branches after a storm."

"Library? That sounded reasonable. As my thoughts revolved around my days surrounded by books, something miraculous happened. My anger subsided. It ebbed away as the thoughts of books, pages, and comfort entered my head."

My Musings: I first heard about this book through the author's blog. I didn't have any expectations before reading it. After finishing I was very pleased to know that the author is going to continue this book with several sequals.

Rebecca Maizel really changed my views on how I visualize vampires. Like most vampire books in the ya genre, they really enjoy being this godlike creature, who encompass extreme amounts of power. In Infinite Days, vampires have the inability to actually feel anything. Everything they touch is numbing and holds no real joy.
I really love the author's style in this book. She carefully weaves scenes from the past and incorporates them with what is happening to Lenah in the modern day. They really help bring depth and mystery to Lenah's journey as she learns how to live again.

I found myself falling in love with Lenah's vampire lover Rhode. His self sacrifice and love for her really touched my heart. I could not wait to learn more things about their shared past. There were moments where I wished he didn't have to die in order to give Lenah's humanity back.


Lenah's best friend Tony is such a great guy. He is funny and has a deep love for Lenah. He enjoys painting and has a crazy kind-of clothing style. I could not help but feel sorry for him at times with his lost puppy love.

I was not the biggest fan of Lenah's human love interest Justin, who is the stereotypical rich, blonde, tanned good looking guy. He always seems to have life go his way. At least he wasn't a jerk turned nice guy. His personality stayed pretty consistant throughout most of story.

Overall, I cant wait to read the next in this three part trilogy.

Cover Art: I really love the close up of the eyes. I have always been a fan of blue eys. Also the cover is really sparkley and it goes well with a certain plot point in the book.

Reading Order:

Infinite Days

Stolen Nights

Blue Bloods by Melissa De La Cruz

Blue Bloods by Melissa De La Cruz

Released Date: May 1, 2006
Publisher: Hyperion
Pages: Hardcover (302 pages)
Age Group: Young Adult
Series: Blue Bloods #1
Genre: Fantasy
Author Website:
Overall Rating: (5 out of 5 stars)

Description: When the Mayflower set sail in 1620, it carried on board the men and women who would shape America: Miles Standish; John Alden; Constance Hopkins. But some among the Pilgrims were not pure of heart; they were not escaping religious persecution. Indeed, they were not even human. They were vampires.The vampires assimilated quickly into the New World. Rising to levels of enormous power, wealth, and influence, they were the celebrated blue bloods of American society.

The Blue Bloods vowed that their immortal status would remain a closely guarded secret. And they kept that secret for centuries. But now, in New York City, the secret is seeping out. Schuyler Van Alen is a sophomore at a prestigious private school. She prefers baggy, vintage clothes instead of the Prada and pearls worn by her classmates, and she lives with her reclusive grandmother in a dilapated mansion. Schuyler is a loner...and happy that way. Suddenly, when she turns fifteen, there is a visible mosaic of blue veins on her arm. She starts to crave raw food and she is having flashbacks to ancient times. Then a popular girl from her school is found dead... drained of all her blood. Schuyler doesn't know what to think, but she wants to find out the secrets the Blue Bloods are keeping. But is she herself in danger?

Book Trailer:


Memorable Quotes:

"Black is the color of night. White is the true color of death."

"He kissed her, and their souls melted into each other in a melody older than time."

"Oliver liked to play the part of disaffected youth, but he liked shopping in SoHo even more."

My Musings: I really didn't know what to think when I picked up this book. Recently, I have read many vampire books, and have become slightly strained against that story line. Plus, I didn't want to read anything that could be compared to Gossip Girl. It's just not my type of style. This book washed away all those pre-conscieved thoughts, and threw me for a total loop.

First of all, this book is very unique in that it ties in fallen angels and vampires into one tale. Never did if figure that this two beings can be side by side, put now I am a believer.

Melissa De La Cruz has created a vivid world, with many complex characters with crazy storylines. They are so complex, that the book is switched from more than four different character perspectives. This is essential to get the big picture. There are some fantastic flashbacks and romance to boot.

Schuyler and Oliver are my two favorites. Schuyler is quirky and doesn't conform to the rich and glamorous. That just makes her more relatable to us normal foke. Oliver is the geeky cute side kick that you just can't help but fall in love with.

I can't wait to continue the series, and find out what happens next to all of Melissa's characters.

Cover Art: Love the cover. Classy, but haunting. It really draws you in to want to learn more.

Reading Order:

Blue Bloods

Masquerade

Revelations

The Van Alen Legacy

Misguided Angel

Lost in Time

"Waiting On" Wednesday- (8)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine. The purpose of this event is to get bloggers to spotlight and share the books they are anticipating on coming out.

On my wishlist this Wednesday is: Bumped by Megan McCafferty

Description: When a virus makes everyone over the age of eighteen infertile, would-be parents are forced to pay teen girls to conceive and give birth to their children, making teens the most prized members of society.

Sixteen-year-old identical twins Melody and Harmony were separated at birth and had never met until the day Harmony shows up on Melody’s doorstep. Until now, the twins have followed completely opposite paths. Melody has scored an enviable conception contract with a couple called the Jaydens. While they are searching for the perfect partner for Melody to bump with, she is fighting her attraction to her best friend Zen, who is way too short for the job.

Harmony has spent her whole life in religious Goodside, preparing to be a wife and mother. She believes her calling is to bring Melody back to Goodside and convince her that “pregging” for profit is a sin. But Harmony has secrets of her own that she is running from.

When Melody is finally matched with the world-famous, genetically flawless Jondoe, both girls’ lives are changed forever. A case of mistaken identity takes them on a journey neither could have ever imagined, one that makes Melody and Harmony realize they have so much more than just DNA in common.

Release Date: April 26, 2011

Teaser Tuesdays- (8)

Hey guys its another wonderful Tuesday...if you don't know what Teaser Tuesday is about here is a refresher:

Teaser Tuesdays are a meme hosted by Mizb of Should be Reading. Here are the rules if you wish to participate.

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Here is my teaser for this week:

"He traced a finger on her neck, and she closed her eyes in anticipation. She could feel him kiss her jaw, then underneath her neck, and she pulled him closer, closer."

-Pg. 57 "Misguided Angel" by Melissa De La Cruz

Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr

Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr

Released Date: April 21, 2009
Publisher: HarperCollins
Pages: Hardcover (389 pages)
Age Group: Young Adult
Series: Wicked Lovely #3
Genre: Fantasy
Author Website: http://www.melissa-marr.com/
Overall Rating: (4 out of 5 stars)

Description: Seth never expected he would want to settle down with anyone—but that was before Aislinn. She is everything he'd ever dreamed of, and he wants to be with her forever. Forever takes on new meaning, though, when your girlfriend is an immortal faery queen.
Aislinn never expected to rule the very creatures who'd always terrified her—but that was before Keenan. He stole her mortality to make her a monarch, and now she faces challenges and enticements beyond any she'd ever imagined.
In Melissa Marr's third mesmerizing tale of Faerie, Seth and Aislinn struggle to stay true to themselves and each other in a milieu of shadowy rules and shifting allegiances, where old friends become new enemies and one wrong move could plunge the Earth into chaos.

Book Trailer:


Memorable Quotes:


"I was thinking it was worth the risk if it meant forever with my faery girlfriend."

"Then he kissed her, not just a brush of lips as she'd done, but a kiss a kiss that scalded her tongue. The tree burst into full blooms. The garden fluttered around her. A riot of flowers shot out of the earth. She was mud-covered as he pulled back."


"Were you hoping for a quest? A seemingly impossible task that you could relay to your queen afterward? Would you like to tell her that you found and slayed the dragon for love of her?"


My Musings: I was really happy to continue Seth's journey in this book. In the last book, Ink Exchange, we took a break from the Aislinn-Seth-Keenan triangle mess, but in Fragile Eternity we get right back into it.

This book was a great read, but Aislinn really made me upset in this book. I don't think she fully grasped the struggle that Seth is going through with him being a mortal and Aislinn an immortal. I just wish she would just punch out Keenan and find a way to keep Seth forever as an immortal.

Keenan is the worst character in this series. I just can't get into his smug personality and his deceitful ways. I am tired of him trying to break up Aislinn and Seth so that he can have her all to his self. I have no pity for him, especially after the things he did to Niall in Ink Exchange.

I will have to say that they ending wasn't that surprising, but the way it happened still boggles my mind. I curious how this will all play out in the next two installments of the series.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and I loooooooovvvvvveeeee SETH!!! He is what keeps me going in the series (as well as Niall).


Book Art: I really love the color scheme on this book: frosty blue, pink, purple, etc. Another perfect cover added to the series.


Reading Order:
Wickedly Lovely
Ink Exchange
Fragile Eternity
Radiant Shadows
Darkest Mercy