Jul 31, 2012

Heist Society

Ally Carter
Heist Society (Heist Society, #1)
When Katarina Bishop was three, her parents took her on a trip to the Louvre…to case it. For her seventh birthday, Katarina and her Uncle Eddie traveled to Austria…to steal the crown jewels. When Kat turned fifteen, she planned a con of her own—scamming her way into the best boarding school in the country, determined to leave the family business behind. Unfortunately, leaving “the life” for a normal life proves harder than she’d expected.
Soon, Kat's friend and former co-conspirator, Hale, appears out of nowhere to bring Kat back into the world she tried so hard to escape. But he has a good reason: a powerful mobster has been robbed of his priceless art collection and wants to retrieve it. Only a master thief could have pulled this job, and Kat's father isn't just on the suspect list, he is the list. Caught between Interpol and a far more deadly enemy, Kat’s dad needs her help.
For Kat, there is only one solution: track down the paintings and steal them back. So what if it's a spectacularly impossible job? She's got two weeks, a teenage crew, and hopefully just enough talent to pull off the biggest heist in her family's history--and, with any luck, steal her life back along the way.
I'm not sure what it was exactly about this book that I loved so much. It was written a little cold and unfeeling, and yet I still fell in love with the characters. I got caught up in the suspense of the cons and fear that Kat might not be welcomed back into the family. I adored the con artists. They were brilliant. It was unlike any other YA book out there. I suppose that because of it's difference, Heist Society is officially one of my new favorite books.


Katarina Bishop is a con genius. She's 15, with the brain of a man who has been conning for years. The book starts off with Kat being wrongly accused of "destroying" the headmaster of the Colgan School's car. She gets kicked out, and finds herself in a limo with her old partner-in-crime, the gorgeous Hale. She learns that a powerful guy is accusing her father of stealing 5 of his paintings, and he wants them back in 2 weeks. So, Kat & Hale assemble a "crew" to get these paintings back. The story is fraught with danger and emotion and stealing. It's kind of like Robin Hood- they steal from others to give things back to their rightful owners. I loved the world of these con artists. They had oddly high morals for thieves, if you ask me. I mean, they wouldn't think twice about stealing the Mona Lisa, but they are incredibly loyal to each other. I also don't think they would willingly kill anybody. I dunno about that last one, though. They were one big family, even if they weren't all blood relatives. 


I adore Kat. I want to be her. She's so smart and cunning, it's hard not to be envious. She's incredibly brave, and loyal to her friends and family. Even her cousin, Gabrielle, who was kinda mean to her. In my opinion, she only messed up once in the whole book, and fixed her mistake perfectly. She's just fantastic. And then there was Hale. W. W. Hale, to be exact, but no one knows what the W's are for. He's caring and smart and funny and gorgeous and sweet, really sweet. He's a bit of a flirt, but it works for him, because we know that he only really cares about Kat. He's also ridiculously rich. I do really want to know the exact story of how he and Kat met, because it isn't explained in the book. He's just all around awesome.
 "Of course the only downside of attending a fictional school is that our lacrosse team sucks."
Did I mention I really love it when guys go only by their last name? No? Well, I do. Anyways, the rest of the characters were awesome, too. There were Bagshaw brothers, Angus and Hamish, who were just hilarious. They weren't twins, but they certainly acted like it. And then there was Simon, the tech geek without social skills. And Gabrielle, Kat's beautiful cousin who flirted with everyone and wasn't exactly kind to Kat, but they were sort of make-shift sisters, so Kat put up with it. And lastly, there was Uncle Eddie, the con legend. They were all so unique and brilliant. It was awesome.


Lastly, I wanted to say I just adore that cover. Cover-Kat is so pretty, and the shades are cool. It just really suits the over all feel of the book. I love it.


Seeing as this is now one of my favorite books, I definitely give it 5 stars. It was really different and interesting, and I highly recommend it. :)


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Jul 30, 2012

Pure

Jennifer L. Armentrout
Pure (Covenant, #2)
There is need. And then there is Fate...
Being destined to become some kind of supernatural electrical outlet isn't exactly awesome--especially when Alexandria's "other half" is everywhere she goes. Seth's in her training room, outside her classes, and keeps showing up in her bedroom--so not cool. Their connection does have some benefits, like staving off her nightmares of the tragic showdown with her mother, but it has no effect on what Alex feels for the forbidden, pure-blooded Aiden. Or what he will do--and sacrifice--for her.
When daimons infiltrate the Covenants and attack students, the gods send furies--lesser gods determined to eradicate any threat to the Covenants and to the gods, and that includes the Apollyon... and Alex. And if that and hordes of aether-sucking monsters didn't blow bad enough, a mysterious threat seems willing to do anything to neutralize Seth, even if that means forcing Alex into servitude... or killing her.
When the gods are involved, some decisions can never, ever be undone.
Wow. Just wow. I really, really love Jennifer Armentrout's writing style. Every book of hers that I've read (4 now) sticks in my head and makes me need the next one. Her books are just incredibly addicting!!


With my J. L. Armentrout love out of the way, let's talk about the plot. I really liked this one better than Half-Blood, only because there weren't any similarities to VA. It really was all it's own, and I loved not being able to compare it to any other book. In Pure, we delve into the whole "Half-bloods can be daimons now" thing, and it's a massive (very scary) issue. And then the threat of Alex being put in servitude is even more prominent, because they (meaning Alex, Lucian, Marcus, Seth, Aiden, etc.) end up at the New York Covenant for Alex's hearing about the events with her mother, and those who run the NY covenant are very old school and they don't particularly approve of Alex's behavior/attitude. While there, Alex is still training, but this training is more centered on her learning to be the second Apollyon. It's very fast-paced and I couldn't put it down until I was done reading it. When I finished, I was so shocked and I just needed Deity so bad. Unfortunately it hasn't come out yet :/


So, the plot was very good, and I loved it. Now we can talk about the characters. I still adore Alex. She's reckless, crazy, and witty (the best traits in a great YA heroine). She can kick butt, and has a thing for sharp objects. I wanna be her. There's not much else to say on her awesomeness. There is also a lot of Seth in this one. In Half-Blood, he seems like the cold and aloof guy who's totally full of himself and could care less about anyone else. And he kind of is. But there is a soft side of him that I think only Alex sees, and it's kind of nice. I mean, he's certainly no Aiden St. Delphi, but I don't think he's a bad guy. He and Alex together are a little scary (freaky Apollyon connection junk) and they fight constantly, but he takes really good care of her. I personally think Aiden is and always will be the better candidate, because he is incredibly thoughtful and sweet and caring, while Seth is reckless and doesn't really think a whole lot. And then Aiden is even a good guy while he's being a jerk. He's that great. When Seth is a jerk, he's just a jerk.


I definitely give Pure 5 stars for Alex's sheer awesomeness and the way the story completely captivated me. It's just so amazing, and I do suggest that people read this series. Especially those who liked Obsidian, because Jennifer's writing is just as good in these.


Speaking of Obsidian, Onyx comes out in like 2 weeks. TWO WEEKS, GUYS. I'm like so insanely excited, it's crazy.


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Jul 27, 2012

Half-Blood

Half-Blood (Covenant #1)
Jennifer L. Armentrout
Half-Blood (Covenant, #1)The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi-pure-bloods-have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals-well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures. Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1:Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden. Unfortunately, she's crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn't her biggest problem--staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck.
I can't figure out exactly how I held off on buying this book for so long. I mean, I love Jennifer Armentrout's writing style from Obsidian, why on Earth wouldn't I like her other series?! Anyways, I'm insanely glad I finally got it, because this book was great. It starts off with Alex fighting for her life against some daimons (evil bad guys). They've already killed her mom. After one of the daimons bites her, and you think "Dear God, this book is going to start off by killing the heroin?!" Aiden St. Delphi (sexiness incarnate; pure-blood) and some other Sentinels (good guys) show up. They fight off the daimons, and rescue Alex. From there, the book is largely about Alex training back at the school for the half bloods and pures, the Covenant. And then there's some romance and some crazy plot twists and it's all very good. 


There were definitely some similarities between Half-Blood and Vampire Academy. The heroine was snarky with a general disrespect for any and all authority. The hero was older and an instructor. Both heroines had left school and had to get caught up. Both were incredibly reckless. However, while there were a lot of similarities, they were not the same at all. 


With that out of the way, I wanted to say I absolutely adored Alex. I loved how sarcastic she was! Holy crap, it was like she could never say anything seriously. She challenged those above her, and she never, ever backed down from a challenge. She also liked to fight. A lot. She fought dirty, too. I was kind of jealous of her fighting skills, actually. And she had a complete disregard for almost every rule. I loved it. And then there was Aiden. He was patient and smart and kind of zen. I liked him from the very beginning. He was caring and a little too serious all the time. I really loved the way he and Alex interacted. She really got under his skin, and I think they both kind of enjoyed that.


I give it 4 stars, because, while I loved it, it wasn't quite as good as Obsidian. And that's kind of what I was comparing it too the whole time. I loved the characters and the world that they lived in. It was a very good read, and I do recommend it to anyone who likes sarcastic heroines. I will most definitely be reading Pure next! 


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Feature & Follow (2)

Gain New Blog Followers

Hey guys! It's Friday, so it's time for another Feature & Follow post (this is quickly becoming my favorite meme). The rules are simple ( and copied from Alison Can Read):

  1. (Required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Hosts {Parajunkee & Alison Can Read
  2. (Required) Follow our Featured Bloggers 
  3. Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts. 
  4. Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say "hi" in your comments and that they are now following you. 
  5. If you are using WordPress or another CMS that doesn't have GFC (Google Friends Connect) state in your posts how you would like to be followed 
  6. Follow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don't just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don't say "HI" 
  7. If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love...and the followers 
  8. If you're new to the follow friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!
So, today's question is:

Q: Summer Reading. What was your favorite book that you were REQUIRED to read when you were in school?

A: Well, in the 8th grade I had to read Jane Eyre, and I really loved it. And in the 9th, I loved Romeo and Juliet (I dig the classics). And then 10th, my favorite was Dante's Inferno, but we only read a couple of the cantos, so I'd really like to go back and finish it one day. :)

Jane Eyre Romeo and Juliet Inferno

Y'all know how this works! Just follow & comment and leave me a link to your post, and I'll follow and comment back :D Happy Friday!

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Jul 26, 2012

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

Michelle Hodkin
Pages:  452
Publisher: Simon & Schuster 
Format: Hardcover
Source: Library
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer (Mara Dyer, #1)Age Group: Young Adult
Date Published: September 27, 2011

Mara Dyer doesn’t think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there. It can. She believes there must be more to the accident she can’t remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.There is. She doesn’t believe that after everything she’s been through, she can fall in love. She’s wrong.







Yeah, this is my second time reading The Unbecoming, and it is my second review for it. I don't think I did it any justice in my first review, and I just love it so much, I had to fix that. (Plus Michelle Hodkin is having a contest for an ARC of The Evolution of Mara Dyer, and I didn't remember exact details from The Unbecoming) Anyways, I love this book and wanted to talk about it some more.

So, Mara's friends are dead, she ends up in the hospital with no idea how she got there, she is diagnosed with PTSD, the Dyer family moves to Florida. There Mara and her brothers start school at Croyden, a fancy private school. At Croyden, Mara meets Noah, the sexiest man on the face of the planet, who just might understand what's happening to her, if she can let him in (he has kind of a bad reputation). The majority of the story is filled with scary, confusing plot turns, and some amazing romance, and then a lot of death. It has this sad, dark feel to it the whole time, and it makes everything really interesting. I loved it. Oh, and then there's this heart-wrenching cliffhanger that hooks you into needing to read the next book. I think I nearly cried both times I read this book.

I freaking love Mara Dyer. She's snarky and funny, but she can also be sweet and loving, especially when it comes to her family. And then she and Noah made the book with their amazingly funny banter all the time. She will do whatever she has to do to get things done, but she needs to be rescued sometimes, and she allows that. She's terrified that she's actually crazy, and she will do anything to protect those she cares about from herself. I loved that the book was written in her voice, because it completely made the book a thousand times more interesting. And then there was Noah Shaw. I love Noah. He really is the most amazing YA hero I've read about in a long time (seriously, I think he might be above Jace in my book). He's gorgeous and tortured and funny and sweet and I just love him! He even has a British accent (I read all of his lines in an accent the second time around and fell in love with him even more). He wears skinny ties and listens to Death Cab for Cutie (both of which I love). He is protective of Mara, and really isn't afraid to fight for her (and the guy can fight). I just... I adore him. Lots. I loved the minor characters, too. Especially Mara's brothers, Daniel and Joseph. They were cute and protective of Mara, and Daniel was just like the amazing big brother poster child. She had an amazing family.

Don't even get me started on how gorgeous that cover is. I even love the font. I love Mara's dress and the underwater-ness and I love how dark it is. It suits the book so perfectly, I just love it. It's what made me pick it up a couple months ago when I first read it.

I can't resist adding a couple quotes from the book here:

"You're distracting," I said truthfully.
"I won't be. I promise," Noah said. "I'll get some crayons and draw quietly. Alone. In a corner."

Finally Daniel spoke. "Wow, Mara. You look like... you look like..." His face scrunched as he searched for words.
[...] "Like a model," Mom said brightly.
"Uh, I was going to say a lady of ill repute." I shot Daniel a look of pure poison. "But, sure."

"My God, you're like the plague."
"A masterfully crafted, powerfully understated, and epic parable of timeless moral resonance? Why, thank you. That's one of the nicest things anyone's ever said to me," he said.
"The disease, Noah, not the book."
"I'm ignoring that qualification."

"I find it hilarious that whenever I light up, Americans look at me like I'm going to urinate on their children..."

My mouth fell open. "Did I just see you litter?"
"I'm driving a hybrid. It cancels out."

I narrowed my eyes at him. "You're evil."
In response, Noah smiled, and raised his finger to gently tap the tip of my nose.
"And you're mine," he said, then walked away.

"Grounded likely means no phone or computer," Jamie said. "But if I encounter an owl, I'll try to smuggle a message to the outside, okay?"

I should probably stop there, but I'm guessing you are starting to see the genius that is The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer. Obviously, seeing as this is one of my favorite books ever, I give it five stars. It's brilliant and funny and scary and amazing and I highly suggest reading it.

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Jul 25, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday (10)


Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by 
Breaking the Spine, where we book bloggers talk about upcoming releases we are excited for. *bounces excitedly* I'm feeling childish today, so I picked a book my 10 year old sister & I are dying for:

Mark of Athena (Heroes of Olympus #3)
By: Rick Riordan
Publication date: October 2, 2012
The Mark of Athena (Heroes of Olympus, #3)
In The Son of Neptune, Percy, Hazel, and Frank met in Camp Jupiter, the Roman equivalent of Camp Halfblood, and traveled to the land beyond the gods to complete a dangerous quest. The third book in the Heroes of Olympus series will unite them with Jason, Piper, and Leo. But they number only six--who will complete the Prophecy of Seven?
The Greek and Roman demigods will have to cooperate in order to defeat the giants released by the Earth Mother, Gaea. Then they will have to sail together to the ancient land to find the Doors of Death. What exactly are the Doors of Death? Much of the prophesy remains a mystery. . . . With old friends and new friends joining forces, a marvelous ship, fearsome foes, and an exotic setting, The Mark of Athena promises to be another unforgettable adventure by master storyteller Rick Riordan.
*smiles* I'm a really geeky kid at heart, and I've always loved Rick Riordan's books (seriously I think I've read The Lightning Thief at least 18 times...), so I'm psyched for this to come out this year! And my sister is going to buy it, so I won't have to worry about waiting to read it! :D

So, what are you guys waiting on this week? Links, comments, whatever :D

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Jul 24, 2012

Cinder

Marissa Meyer
Pages: 387
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Format: Hardcover
Source: Library
Age Group: Young Adult
Date Published: January 3, 2012


Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, the ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.


This book was incredible. I read it in one sitting, and nearly cried at the end (out of frustration). I'm dying for the next one now. Just, ohmygosh, I love fairy tale retellings, and this was certainly no different. I never much cared for Cinderella, but I loved Marissa Meyer's Cinder. I just... WOW.

With my incoherent babble out of the way, I'll talk about the plot. It starts off with Cinder, a mechanic, working at her booth, where she fixes things mechanical-like. Prince Kai comes and asks her to fix his android, and she agrees to, but it might take her a while. She goes home, and we meet her step family (not so nice, except for Peony). Then Peony gets sick with this plague, Peony's momma (Cinder's stepmother) goes a little off her rocker and gives Cinder away to be tested on with this plague. And then there's lots of interesting discoveries about herself and the people she thought she knew. And there's some romance, and intergalactic threats of war. And lots of sci-fi things (cyborgs, androids, aliens, ya know). It's all threaded into the classic tale of Cinderella (except this Cinder is kick-butt). It's amazing. I love the part her being cyborg plays into everything (Cinderella was a servant, and therefore looked down upon. Cinder is a cyborg, and therefore looked down upon). Marissa Meyer also put quotes from the original Cinderella before each "section" of the book, and they let us know what that part would correlate to, and that was really neat.

I adored Cinder. Like, she was the princess who didn't need to be saved from her tower. She could hold her own in the world, and against those who were cruel to her. She was resourceful, and kind, and intelligent, and awesome. And she did everything she could to help those who were important to her. Gosh, she was just such a great heroine. And then there was Prince Kai. He was a little arrogant, but I liked it. He was caring and kind, and handsome. He kind of just an all around good guy. And then there's this doctor guy, Dr. Erland. And he is so awesome. He's a little loony, but it works for him. He was like the cool grandpa we all wish we had.

I loved the cover. A lot. It's so different from what I've seen recently, and it's gorgeous. It's what originally drew me to the book. I love the shoe and the gears you can see through the leg and I even love the font of the title. It's all just so pretty! And it does cast the air of Cinderella, and that's so neat.

So yeah, 5 stars because it was awesome. This is another one of those books that I believe all literate people should read. It was fascinating and gorgeous and amazing. Now I need Scarlet!!!


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If I Die

Rachel Vincent
If I Die (Soul Screamers, #5)
The entire school's talking about the gorgeous new math teacher, Mr. Beck. Everyone except Kaylee Cavanaugh. After all, Kaylee's no ordinary high-school junior. She's a banshee—she screams when someone dies.
But the next scream might be for Kaylee.
Yeah—it's a shock to her, too. So to distract herself, Kaylee's going to save every girl in school. Because that hot new teacher is really an incubus who feeds on the desire of unsuspecting students. The only girls immune to his lure are Kaylee and Sabine, her boyfriend's needy ex-girlfriend. Now the unlikely allies have to get rid of Mr. Beck…before he discovers they aren't quite human, either.
But Kaylee's borrowed lifeline is nearing its end. And those who care about her will do anything to save her life.
Anything.
Can I just say that I LOVED THIS BOOK. Like, really, really loved it. There was lots and lots of Tod, and Kaylee trying to do her whole "save the world" thing, and the plot was scary and fascinating and I loved it!!!

So, yeah, it does kind of start off with Kaylee finding out she's gonna die. SO that makes the whole book kind of depressing and urgent. She's trying to get everything in that she can before she dies (only eating junk food, not doing her homework, etc.). To distract herself she's found a mission- to get rid of her incubus (not the band) math teacher. She wants to remove him, so that Emma will be safe(ish) after Kaylee dies. There's lots of romance, and even some help for Sabine, and lots and lots of Tod. I like Tod... Anyways, I adored the plot, because it really kept me on my toes the whole time. I read the book in a day, because I just had to know what was gonna happen.

Now can I talk about how much I love Tod? Yes? OK so he's amazing. Like flat out, hands down, I love him, amazing. He's protective and he will do anything to help Kaylee. He even made sure her dad was safe. How sweet is that? Especially considering Mr. Cavenaugh doesn't really like Tod. And Kaylee. She just can't pass up the opportunity to help others. She hates hurting people, even if she has to. She's kind of like goodness personified. However, she can stand her own when people (Sabine) are cruel to her. It's pretty awesome. I still love Emma, and I hate Sabine just a tiny bit less (I do still hate her, though). I adore Harmony Hudson (Nash & Tod's mom), but I think Nash is kind of a disaster. I'm really not sure why Tod got all the "good guy" genes in the family.

Again, I love the cover!!! Soooo pretty. Even though cover Kaylee kind of has a weird look on her face...


I'm obviously giving this one 5 stars, too. I love Tod the Soul Screamers series. I highly recommend it to all people who are literate. 


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Jul 23, 2012

In My Mailbox (10)


In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren, (for more info click on the picture) where we book bloggers talk about the books we have received/borrowed/bought for the week. I went to Atlanta this past weekend & found a really cute used book store & found 2 awesome books at a Goodwill. Crazy, right? I've only got one library book, so I put all bought and borrowed books in the same pic.


If I Die: Rachel Vincent

I couldn't not get this!! I mean, after My Soul to Steal (which I reviewed earlier) I had to know what happened next!! I'm a little over halfway done with it now, so you can expect a review sometime around tomorrow morning (if I get my act together). I also have a strange feeling that I am going to be buying Before I Wake in the very near future.

Heist Society: Ally Carter

I got this in a Goodwill in Atlanta (and it may or may not be signed but Ally Carter, it depends on how sadistic the person was who gave it up "Hehehehe I think I'll fake sign this to make some chump get all excited," but who knows?) Anyways, I've been meaning to read this for a while, and the cover is just so cute, I really couldn't pass it up!!

Along for the Ride: Sarah Dessen

I got this at the same Goodwill (really Atlantians? These are good books!), and yeah I've already read it, but I love Sarah Dessen and I don't own any of her books, and I really needed to own it. Plus it adds very nice color to my drably colored bookshelf.

This Lullaby: Sarah Dessen

I got this one at the used bookstore (I'm broke!), and I've also already read this one. But, come on guys, it's one of my very favorite books ever, and I just had to own it!!!

So, yeah, less books than I usually have... I do have The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, Scarlet, and Cinder on hold at the library right now, though. I'm gonna reread The Unbecoming so I can make better fanart for Michelle Hodkin's arc contest (http://michellehodkin.blogspot.com/2012/07/arcs-things.html), and then I never got around to reading Scarlet, and AC Gaughen is having a giveaway, and in order to enter, one has to take a pic of her book with a woman who has inspired me, and for every entry she's gonna donate $5 to Teen Voices (http://www.acgaughen.com/blog/2012/7/19/win-arcs-help-teen-voices.html)... and I just want to read Cinder. :) 

So, how was everybody's week? Good? Good books? Links and whatnot are appreciated! I will go read and comment on your posts!

Oh and BTW one of my blogging buddies, Anna from Sonorous Words is giving away a copy of Endlessly, so go enter!!

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My Soul to Steal

My Soul to Steal (Soul Screamers, #4)Rachel Vincent

Trying to work things out with Nash—her maybe boyfriend—is hard enough for Kaylee Cavanaugh. She can't just pretend nothing happened. But "complicated" doesn't even begin to describe their relationship when his ex-girlfriend transfers to their school, determined to take Nash back. See, Sabine isn't just an ordinary girl. She's a mara, the living personification of a nightmare. She can read people's fears—and craft them into nightmares while her victims sleep. Feeding from human fear is how she survives.And Sabine isn't above scaring Kaylee and the entire school to death to get whatever—and whoever—she wants.


My goodness, that was depressing. I just finished My Soul to Steal (it took me a really long time to actually get through it), and there were several points in the book that I thought my heart was going to shatter into little pieces. It had the same "I want you, but I can't have you" feel as City of Ashes (although, Kaylee and Nash don't think they're related). It starts off with Kaylee meeting this new girl, who kinda gives her the creeps. Enter Nash, and we learn that said new girl was an old girlfriend of his. The rest of the book is spent largely with Kaylee trying to fight Sabine (new girl) off. Unfortunately for Kaylee, Sabine has the ability to give some nasty nightmares, and she does use it for her advantage. There's also some more demon activity and threats and whatnot. And some very scary possession. My Soul to Steal was interesting as well as heartbreaking, but you just have got to continue the series.

I love Kaylee. I mean, I always love Kaylee, but she really toughened up and held her own against Sabine and other evil things of Netherworldly origin. She found her courage, and her wit, and did pretty well on her own. She still fights for what she thinks is right, no matter how much danger she ends up in. She's very human (no pun intended) and very easy to relate to. And, I really like that about her. I adore her little BFF, Emma, largely because she is really funny. And, she's always there for Kaylee, no matter what. She'll show up with a couple pints of Ben & Jerry's for them to eat and chat over, and it's awesome. Nash is still a little bit of a work in progress. I just... like his brother way better. *spoiler for My Soul to Keep* I loved it when Tod punched Nash for not protecting Kaylee better at the end of My Soul to Keep. I just love how Tod is always there and always helpful (more or less). He's just an all around good guy. I hate Sabine, but I think that's understandable once you read the book.

The cover is gorgeous as always. I love that they added the boy (Nash?), and it's just really gorgeous. Love it!

I give it 5 stars, for a really great (heart-wrenching) plot and loveable characters and a gorgeous cover. This is definitely one of the best series I have read in a while, and I like that it was able to make my heart hurt.

Have you guys read the Soul Screamers series? Do you like it? Did My Soul to Steal break your heart as well? Just curious! :)

Jul 20, 2012

Feature & Follow (1)


Gain New Blog Followers
Hey guys! Feature & Follow is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee of Parajunkee's View and Alison of Alison Can Read. I decided to try this one out, because it looked really fun! 

Q: Christmas in July! Someone gives you a gift card for two books (whatever that costs). What two books will you buy?

A: I would definitely get Insurgent by Veronica Roth! I loved Divergent but never managed to get the next one! And then I think I'd get Tiger Lily, because I'm just dying to read it (I love Peter Pan).

Insurgent (Divergent, #2) Tiger Lily

Just tell me you were here, and leave a link in the comments & I'll hop over to your blog and follow you, too!

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Jul 19, 2012

My Soul to Keep

My Soul to Keep (Soul Screamers #3)
Rachel Vincent
My Soul to Keep (Soul Screamers, #3)Kaylee has one addiction: her very hot, very popular boyfriend, Nash. A banshee like Kaylee, Nash understands her like no one else. Nothing can come between them.Until something does. Demon breath. No, not the toothpaste-challenged kind. The Netherworld kind. The kind that reallycan kill you. Somehow the super-addictive substance has made its way to the human world. But how? Kaylee and Nash have to cut off the source and protect their friends—one of whom is already hooked. And so is someone else…

This series is insanely addicting. With Hellions, the Netherworld, creepy soul-eating demon drugs, romance, and a new "mystery," this one was probably the darkest and most sad yet. I loved it. I also totally get the whole "Team Tod" thing now...


OK so, Kaylee & Nash go to a party at Nash's friend Scott's house (who is dating Kaylee's evil little cousin, Sophie). Emma's new boyfriend (Doug) smashes into Kaylee's car, and Kaylee figures out he's got a ton of Demon's Breath in his system (which is bad, but very addicting) and is completely high. The whole story is largely focused around Kaylee trying to rescue the people who are already on this demon drug, and to prevent others from getting their hands on it- because (as we learned in My Soul to Save), Demon's breath eats little bits of your soul until there's nothing left. It's not good for one's health. Unfortunately for our lovely heroine with a hero complex, this problem is way bigger than she thinks, and she might not be able to solve it. This was most definitely the creepiest, most frightening Soul Screamers book yet. I absolutely loved it (yeah, I said that already, but really). 


I really like Kaylee. We learn in this next installment in the series that she is incredibly loyal, but she's not stupid. She always knows when she's being played, and finds a way around it. She's cautious, but she'll do anything to save the one's she loves. She's pretty awesome. And then there's Nash. I really do feel bad for the guy, but he's kind of an idiot. Thus, the sudden understanding of the "Team Tod" advocates. Speaking of- Tod is amazing. He's kind and understanding, yet sarcastic and hilarious, and very protective when he needs to be. And he's gorgeous (even if he is dead). I love it. He's actually kinda great, and I love it when he pops in randomly to annoy Kaylee's dad and Nash. Death certainly did not kill his sense of humor. 


I know I say this every time I review one of these, but I just love the covers and the constant theme throughout them, it's so cool and so pretty!!


Obviously, I loved this book and want to give it 5 stars. This series is great and addicting, and if you have yet to start- please do. And if you have started and stopped, you should continue it!! Trust me, these books are so worth reading :D


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Jul 18, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday (9)


Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine, where we book bloggers talk about upcoming releases we are excited for. I made a new image for my Waiting on Wednesday, mainly because Breaking the Spine's didn't go with the look of my blog very well (shallow, I know). I saw a couple other blogs have really cute ones, so I tested it out. Feel free to tell me whatcha think (do you like it, should I change it back, etc.).

Anyways, this week I'm super psyched for:

Endlessly (Paranormalcy #3)
By: Kiersten White
Publication date: July 24, 2012

Endlessly (Paranormalcy, #3)
Evie's paranormal past keeps coming back to haunt her. A new director at the International Paranormal Containment Agency wants to drag her back to headquarters. The Dark Faerie Queen is torturing humans in her poisonous realm. And supernatural creatures keep insisting that Evie is the only one who can save them from a mysterious, perilous fate.
The clock is ticking on the entire paranormal world. And its fate rests solely in Evie's hands.
So much for normal.
I just read the first couple pages yesterday (Kiersten White posted the link on Twitter), and they were AMAZING. I had forgotten how much I love this series, and I am just dying to get my hands on the third book!!! Luckily for us Endlessly comes out in 6 DAYS. I can't wait for more of our pink-obsessed heroine and her invisi-boyfriend. EEP so excited!! This'll be one of those books I splurge on and buy in hardcover (not on my Nook!). Oh, and isn't this just SUCH a pretty cover?

Anyways... What are y'all's picks for the week? Are you guys as excited for Endlessly as I am?! Links, comments, opinions, pictures of artichokes, whatever. I'm pretty accepting. :)

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Jul 17, 2012

My Soul to Save

Rachel Vincent
My Soul to Save (Soul Screamers, #2)
When Kaylee Cavanaugh screams, someone dies.
So when teen pop star Eden croaks onstage and Kaylee doesn’t wail, she knows something is dead wrong. She can’t cry for someone who has no soul.
The last thing Kaylee needs right now is to be skipping school, breaking her dad’s ironclad curfew and putting her too-hot-to-be-real boyfriend’s loyalty to the test. But starry-eyed teens are trading their souls: a flickering lifetime of fame and fortune in exchange for eternity in the Netherworld—a consequence they can’t possibly understand.
Kaylee can’t let that happen, even if trying to save their souls means putting her own at risk...
The second book in the Soul Screamers series blew me away just as much as the first. This dark world full of death and demons (sorry, hellions) that Kaylee Cavenaugh lives in is actually super fascinating. I love the new information that Kaylee learns throughout this book, that she didn't know in the first one. In My Soul to Take, Kaylee is merely learning that she is a bean sidhe and the most basic things she can do (sing for souls, suspend them, make reapers mad, that sorta thing) but in this next one, she's learning more about the Netherworld and the more complex things she can do (and she uses them to help poor soulless girls!). It's awesome. There's romance (er, if you wanna call it that...) and we even get to know Tod better! Oh and there's an awesome new "mystery" thing that Kaylee decides needs to be fixed.


That's all I'm gonna say on the plot... Character time! I genuinely like Kaylee. She has this save-the-world complex, where she'll do anything she has to to help someone else, and I admire that. And, everywhere she went (in the Netherworld, in her world, whatever) she always found somebody who decided they liked her and would help. It kinda showed how truly good her character is. I honestly don't think she has a mean bone in her body. And then there was Nash, whom I didn't like nearly as much as I did in My Soul to Take. He was kinda too much. I mean, I loved that he was so protective and would follow Kaylee to Hell and back (literally), but he just wanted to much from her and he had no problem admitting it- & I didn't like that. I'm starting to see why everyone loves Tod so much. I did actually learn more about him in this book (since he was just sorta introduced in the first book). He is very kind, but he is willing to do anything to help someone he loves, even if that means hurting someone he's friends with. I'm a little concerned that comes with his being a reaper and all.


I like this cover better than My Soul to Take, merely because I like the blue. I love how each book has a similar cover design, and yet they're all just a little different. It's neat.


I definitely give this one 5 stars. I couldn't get it out of my head when I went to bed last night! I just wanted to read the next one so badly and see if Kaylee and Nash's relationship goes south (like I think it's gonna). This is definitely one of my new favorite series!


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Jul 16, 2012

In My Mailbox (9)


In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren, (for more info click on the picture) where we book bloggers talk about the books we have received/borrowed/bought for the week. I did get to go back to my favorite little book story (Yay!), but I also got a bunch of library books:

My Soul to Save: Rachel Vincent
My Soul to Keep: Rachel Vincent
My Soul to Steal: Rachel Vincent

Obviously these three are from the same series (unless you're extremely dim...), so I just decided to lump them together in my little blurb here. I'm most of the way through My Soul to Save, so you can expect a review soon. I'm kind of addicted to this series (Rachel Vincent is brilliant), so I kinda just got all of the ones my library had at once. (And they have If I Die waiting for me *eep*) 

Rules of Attraction: Simone Elkeles
Chain Reaction: Simone Elkeles

These are the next books after Perfect Chemistry (which I read last week, and you can find my review here) and I was told that these two were just as good, so I thought I would finish the series!

And then, I bought:

Before I Fall

Before I Fall: Lauren Oliver

I've heard a lot of good things about this book, and people are so excited about the books after it, that I just needed to know what the hype was about. It also has a really pretty cover. And I think I follow Lauren Oliver on Twitter, and I always feel guilty if I follow an author on Twitter and haven't read their books. Although, my sister did read Liesel & Po (she loved it). And for Shel to like a book, the author must be pretty amazing. 

Soooo yeah! What did you guys get this week? Anything good? If you give me links to y'alls posts, I will read them! And comment. I promise. :)

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Of Poseidon

Anna Banks
Pages: 336
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Format: Hardover
Source: Library
Age Group: Young Adult
Date Published: May 22, 2012
Galen is the prince of the Syrena, sent to land to find a girl he's heard can communicate with fish. Emma is on vacation at the beach. When she runs into Galen — literally, ouch! — both teens sense a connection. But it will take several encounters, including a deadly one with a shark, for Galen to be convinced of Emma's gifts. Now, if he can only convince Emma that she holds the key to his kingdom . . .
Told from both Emma and Galen's points of view, here is a fish-out-of-water story that sparkles with intrigue, humor, and waves of romance.







When I first heard about this book, I knew it was one I really had to read. From the gorgeous cover to the whole "Syrena" thing, I knew it would definitely be interesting. And, while not what I expected, it was definitely worth all the hype it's been getting.

So, the story starts off with Emma and her friend Chloe at the beach in Florida. Emma runs into this guy (literally), and they felt a "connection." Then we learn that this guy (this is Galen, and the book alternates between his POV and Emma's) is a Syrena prince, who heard about a girl who has a "gift" that would a) mean she was one of them and b) be necessary to their kingdom. And, yeah there is a deadly shark attack, and Galen believes the girl he ran into was the girl he had come to find. So, he endeavors to get to know her better, for the sake of his kingdom. And that's largely the plot of the book. Obviously there's some romance thrown in, too, and some arguing, but there wasn't any really big action (aside from said encounter with the shark). But, the characters and their interactions were definitely funny enough to make up for it. It read a little like a contemporary book, but with the whole mythological aspect (and the problems that come with that) added in.

I adored Emma. She was funny and stubborn and so adorable. She had that temper and it made everything so funny! I also loved how she would never take orders from Galen, even though he was a prince. She would actually typically do the opposite of what he told her to do. It was great. And then there was Galen. I seriously wanna scoop him up and keep him in my closet. I'm pretty sure that's love right there. He was just so protective of Emma, and it always killed him to see her hurting. And when he knew what he wanted, he took it. Even if it made petty human boys angry. He was sweet and kind and I loved watching him learn about humans. Now that was funny. And then there was his kinda scary twin sister, Rayna. I really liked her. I mean, she was kind of a total jerk at a couple points in the book, but I don't really think she meant to be. She just couldn't keep her mouth shut. Seriously, according to Galen, she used to tell on herself as a kid. And then there was Toraf. I loved him. He had people skills when Rayna and Galen did not, and it was great. He was really, really funny, too. And then there was Rachel (there's really no way of explaining her relationship with them, without spoiling), she's older and a friend of Galen's, and she was just the funniest character in the book. Seriously, I loved her.

You can't not love that cover. It's definitely one of the most gorgeous I have seen in YA in a really long time. I love cover Emma, and he dress and the lighting and the water and it's so gorgeous. I even love the font of the title. It's so pretty. And I love the purple against the darkness of the cover and it's just so pretty. The cover is actually the main reason I picked this book up. Oh, and I loved how I understood what the title meant when I finished reading. That made me happy.

I think I'll give Of Poseidon five stars, because I loved it and now I am dying for the next one. I loved everything about it, especially the cover. It was fantastic. Go read it. Now.

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Jul 13, 2012

Perfect Chemistry

Perfect Chemistry
Simone Elkeles 

Perfect Chemistry (Perfect Chemistry, #1)
A fresh, urban twist on the classic tale of star-crossed lovers. 
When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created 'perfect' life is about to unravel before her eyes. She's forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for: her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect.
Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more.
In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart.
Okay, well usually I don't do much contemporary YA (yes, I have read all of Sarah Dessen's books, but that's it), so I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this. I can honestly say it was very cute. The whole Romeo & Juliet (and/or West Side Story) thing they had going on was kinda awesome.


It starts off with Brittany Ellis arguing with her mom and trying to put on her "perfect" face for the first day of her Senior year. And then we go to Alex Fuentes' house and he is also trying to put on his "bad boy" act for school, even though that's not really who he is. The two already kind of hate each other, so it really stinks when they get stuck as chemistry partners for the year. (Brittany's boyfriend doesn't like it much either) But, Brittany and Alex realize (slowly) that they don't really hate each other, and that they could be friends (maybe more). As the book goes on they have to face trial after trial, and neither knows whether or not they will ever make it together. The whole story is very sweet, if a little rocky at times.


I really liked Brittany. She was the nice popular girl that everyone loves to hate. (She reminds me of a friend of mine) She really loved and cared for her sister and did whatever she could to make her family happy. She wasn't an idiot, and was kind of funny a lot of the time. Minus the fact that she dated an extremely possessive jock, and has fairly poor judgement, she was a good heroine. And then there was Alex. I didn't always know exactly what to make of him, but I liked him by the end. He was a good guy who really didn't want to be in a gang, but he did it to protect his family, and because his mom kinda made him. Now, I do not condone gangs or whatever, but he always managed to do the right thing, and he really was a good guy. 


I really loved the whole switching perspectives between Alex and Brittany. It made everything interesting, and I always like reading a guy's perspective. It was well written and the characters really seemed human. There were definitely some things I did not like about the book, but for the most part it was good.


I'll give it 4 stars, since it was really good, but (like I said) there were definitely some things I didn't like. And I don't love the cover (it's just not how I pictured Alex & Brittany!!). I do recommend it for people who like contemporary, or even a good love story. 


Sooo yeah! Anyone read anything good lately? I need some suggestions.


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Jul 11, 2012

My Soul to Take


I finished my 5th book!! I completed my goal guys :D I feel so accomplished right now, it's so not funny. My Soul to Take was so amazing, I have got to tell the world how much I loved it! Without further ado:

Rachel Vincent
My Soul to Take (Soul Screamers, #1)
She doesn't see dead people. She senses when someone near her is about to die. And when that happens, a force beyond her control compels her to scream bloody murder. Literally. 
Kaylee just wants to enjoy having caught the attention of the hottest guy in school. But a normal date is hard to come by when Nash seems to know more about her need to scream than she does. And when classmates start dropping dead for no apparent reason, only Kaylee knows who'll be next.
There are very few words that can describe how amazing this book is. I don't even know how long it took me to read it, I know it wasn't long, but I really lost track of time when I was reading. Kaylee's world is scary and haunting, but still kind of beautiful and very, very interesting. Plus, she's got a really hot guy at her side all the time. 

So, the book starts off with Kaylee and her BFF, Emma, sneaking into a club, and Kaylee gets a Coke and dances with one of the hottest guys in her school. Then she freaks because she is insanely sure that this girl she doesn't even know is going to die- and her body wants her to scream. This event kind of kick-starts all the action and whatnot for the rest of the book. She gets closer to this hot guy (Nash) who seems to know a lot about what happens to her, and really wants to help. The majority of the book is spent with them working together to solve a mystery that begins with the dead girl at the club. There are a few plot twists and familial discoveries and some real shocking events, and I loved it. It was an incredibly interesting story, if I do say so myself. I also really loved Rachel Vincent's writing style, because she was really good at showing us who Kaylee really is, without flat out telling us. I loved the way Kaylee's urge to scream was described. It was so vivid, it was nearly palpable. She's brilliant.

I also really adored the characters. Kaylee has a little bit of a hero-complex, in the fact that she feels responsible for every person that dies, that she believes she could have done something about. She was sweet, and funny, and rarely thought before she spoke, and she was just really awesome as a heroine. And then there was Nash. I was in love with Nash from the very beginning, largely because he reminded me of Noah from The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer (whom I am hopelessly in love with!!). Maybe it was the 4-letter N name that ended in an H, but I think the biggest thing was that they both want to help their girls. Nash would do anything for Kaylee, just like Noah would do anything for Mara (I've made a lot of references to The Unbecoming today, haven't I?). I love that whole chivalrous thing, a lot. 

The cover is just so gorgeously dark, and freaky. I mean, the color red usually weirds me out (I'm not sure why), and this was no exception. However, it really worked for the book. And cover-Kaylee was just like I'd picture her (minus the red dress and the floating). Love it.

I definitely give this book five stars, and am very glad I got to read it as my final book for completing my goal! It was so easy to get lost in and I was able to read it fast- making it possible for me to read 3 books today. Now I'm dying for the next one! I want more Nash!!

Final Stats come to:
  • Started and completed 5 books (Cold Kiss, Partials, Almost to Die For, Shatter Me, and My Soul to Take)
  • I did 5 of the 6 mini challenges (mainly because I wasn't interested in the book Stiletto Storytime was giving away, I don't read adult books)
  • I finished my goal! Yay!!
I know the read-a-thon doesn't end till 11:59 tonight, but I'm gonna be hanging out with my family and won't be getting any more reading in. But, that may not be true for you guys! If you are participating in the Once Upon a Read-a-Thon, how's it coming along? Is anyone done with their goals or very close? What have you read? I'm curious! 

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Shatter Me


Aw, it's already day three! I've read 2 books today, and I'm gonna read My Soul to Take next, but first (since I really, really, really loved Shatter Me) I'm gonna write a review.

Shatter Me (Shatter Me #1)
Tahereh Mafi

Shatter Me (Shatter Me, #1)Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days.
The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war-- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now.
Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.
In this electrifying debut, Tahereh Mafi presents a world as riveting asThe Hunger Games and a superhero story as thrilling as The X-Men. Full of pulse-pounding romance, intoxicating villainy, and high-stakes choices, Shatter Me is a fresh and original dystopian novel—with a paranormal twist—that will leave readers anxiously awaiting its sequel.
Oh, I just loved this book!!! I think it only took me like a couple hours to read, I was so into it. It pained me to put it down. I just fell in love with the characters and the story and it was just so good.

So poor Juliette's touch is very dangerous. The book starts of with her locked up all by herself. She'd been that way for 264 days. She kind of has a thing for numbers. Then they toss a roommate in with her, who's a boy. I mean, I thought that was kind of weird, but it makes sense later. Then the boy is kind of the catalyst that really gets the story moving. She's taken to place she doesn't wanna be, asked to do things she really doesn't wanna do. She gets a change of scenery, this one more dangerous, but better for her in the long run. Then more stuff happens, but I've probably already said too much. It was amazing though. End of story.

As for the characters... I adored each and every one of them. Juliette was so sweet and wonderful and I just wanted to maim every single person who hurt her, because she was just too good to be mean to anybody. Seriously, being mean to Juliette would be like kicking a puppy. A poor sad puppy who was constantly blamed for things that weren't her fault. She was so awesome as a heroine. And then there was Adam. I think I love Adam even more than Jace (which is insane, because I love Jace with a passion). He's just so kind and wonderful and cute and observant. I love a guy who pays attention, because I haven't met many. He's just wonderful... He'll be in the YA Sisterhood crush tourney on the 25th (I'm so voting for him.) if y'all wanna check it out.

So, back to my review. I also loved the cover. It's what first got me interested in the book, because it's just so gorgeous. I love the explosion from behind her and that dress is so pretty!! I just... yeah I like the cover. I also really loved the way it was written. There were a lot of crossed out lines, like she was writing in a journal with pen and couldn't erase. In the beginning there was a lot of repetitive statements that really gives the effect of Juliette having lost it a little. Which really worked for the book. I really loved it.

As you can probably tell, I'm so giving this book 5 stars. It's way up there with The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer and Divergent and City of Bones (some of my very very favorite books) for me. It was just such a good book and I recommend everyone read it. NOW.

I'm seriously in need of Unravel Me now. Too bad it comes out in 2013, and I'm too new to score and ARC. Oh well, I shall wait with the rest of the world.

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