Top Ten Tuesday (1)

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish, where bloggers make a "Top Ten" list based on that day's theme. I've been meaning to get in on this, and today's is "Top Ten Characters Who Remind Me Of Myself Or Someone I Know In Real Life" and I kind of had to do it! 

So, these are the characters that remind me of me:

1. Nora from Hush, Hush because she's super careful (or tries to be) and is pretty smart and knows exactly what she wants in a guy. She's also about my age, and she has problems with people telling her that her hair is a different color, when really it is brown. She also has slightly curly hair. 

2. Katy from Obsidian because she's super sarcastic and can come off as a little mean (but she's not!). She has a book blog and is kind of a geek. She does not like to be told what to do, and kind of likes to be contrary.

3. Arden from Eve because she's also kind of crass and a little mean but she's not really a bad person. She's loyal to her friends and will do anything as long as she knows it's right.

4. Isabelle from City of Bones because she's very guarded when it comes to guys and won't take crap from anybody. She just says exactly what she thinks of people and doesn't really care what they think of her.

5. Astrid from Gone because she's a total nerd. And she loves it. She's also kind of a control freak. 

6. Tessa from Clockwork Angel because she just loves to read and says exactly what she's thinking. She puts people in their place when they talk down to her and she refuses to take no for an answer when she needs to do something. 

7. Rose from Vampire Academy because she's kind of crazy and super protective of her friends. She is like majorly sarcastic and totally mean when she wants to be. She also cares about other people, a lot, but she doesn't like to be hurt or put down.

These are the characters that remind me of other people:

8. Jocelyn from City of Fallen Angels & City of Lost Souls reminds me of my mom, because she's so overprotective (in the nicest way, mom) of Clary and she will just go to the ends of the earth to protect her daughter. 

9. Lissa from Vampire Academy reminds me of my best friend, Monica, because she is super sweet and caring and puts everyone else before herself. She is quiet, but still very powerful, and everyone likes her.

10. Dee from Obsidian also reminds me of Monica, because she is super sweet and is kind of like a puppy dog. She's a little bit of a pushover, and very rarely has anything bad to say about anyone. Her family is her first priority, and she'll do anything for them.

So, yeah, that was fun(: Who reminds you of you? (or, ya know, someone else, but that just isn't as fun)

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In My Mailbox (6)

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 got a lot of these right after my last IMM post, and I've reviewed a couple, but I'm gonna talk about all of 'em here, too. Here goes:

At the library I got:

Vanish: Sophie Jordan

I loved Firelight and desperately need to know what happens next!!

Unwind: Neal Shusterman

This kind of just looked really cool. I dig sci-fi, and it just looks good ya know?

Anna and the French Kiss: Stephanie Perkins

I read a review of this from The Fascinating Life of a Teenage Bookworm, and she made it look really good, so I got it?

Nevermore: Kelly Creagh

Kinda already read and loved this one. Wrote a review for it, too.

Unraveling: Elizabeth Norris

Also read and didn't really like this one. No review for it though.

The Boyfriend List: E. Lockhart

This looked light and fluffy and fun to read, so I got it.

Under the Never Sky: Veronica Rossi

(it's that one you can't really see in the pic, in case you are extremely unobservant and have yet to notice I go in order) Another sci-fi romance sorta thing. It looked interesting and it's fairly new.

Babe in Boyland: Jody Gehrman

Another teen girl book. It looked really really cute and I couldn't help myself.

Tankborn: Karen Sandler

More sci-fi. Again, it looked really interesting.

And then I bought a book (at a used book store, but, whatever):

Strange Angels: Lili St. Crow

Had high hopes for this one. I read and reviewed it already.

So yeah, a lot of books. I was a little lazy and didn't say much for each one, but that's as good as it's gonna get! So, what did you guys get this week? Links or you can just tell me (if you don't have a blog, or don't do anything IMM-like) in the comments.

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Strange Angels

Strange Angels (Strange Angels #1)

Lili St. Crow

In Strange Angels, Dru Anderson has what her grandmother called “the touch.” (Comes in handy when you’re traveling from town to town with your dad, hunting ghosts, suckers, wulfen, and the occasional zombie.)

Then her dad turns up dead—but still walking—and Dru knows she’s next. Even worse, she’s got two guys hungry for her affections, and they’re not about to let the fiercely independent Dru go it alone. Will Dru discover just how special she really is before coming face-to-fang with whatever—or whoever— is hunting her?

Alright, well, I had been extremely excited for this book and I was just a teensy bit disappointed. I got kind of confused, a lot, about exactly what was going on (though, I have an extremely short attention span and tend to skip stuff). However, I still really liked the story. The mythology and folklore and junk was all super intriguing.


So, plotwise, this book was just kind of OK. Almost all of the plot is given away in the little summary up top, and I didn't really like that. One of the guys doesn't show up till near the end of the book (mind you, he was my very favorite) but, seriously don't tell everybody what's gonna happen! Let them read it!!! Otherwise, I liked it.


I liked Dru (what the heck does it stand for?!), but she swore way too much. I mean, the book was like 1/4 swearing!! (Unraveling was exactly the same) And that really really bugged me. I mean can't she get her point across without dropping an f-bomb every time she opens her mouth?? Aside from that, she was cool and fairly good at what she does. And then there was Graves (what's his real name?). He was OK, but he had a unibrow, so uh not really book crush material. He was funny, though. Christophe was my very favorite character in the whole book. He was sexy and aloof and fantastic and he was the one that made me start paying attention and like the book. Seriously, if he & Dru don't end up together, I'm gonna cry. He's just fantabulous.


The cover is hot. Like, it's so insanely fantastic that it gave me extremely high hopes for the book. It makes Dru look totally cool and kick butt and it makes you think that the book will be all cool and action-flick-y. Unfortunately, Dru wasn't anything like the chick on the cover, and that made me sad. 


Overall, it was a fairly interesting book, and I do want to read the next one, so I'll give it 4 stars. It wasn't my favorite book ever, but it was interesting and I am in love with Christophe.


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Demon Princess: Reign or Shine

I finished this book a couple days ago, but then I got into Nevermore and put reviewing it on the back burner. Anyways:


Demon Princess: Reign or Shine
Michelle Rowen

As if trying to fit in at a new school isn't stressful enough, sixteen-year-old Nikki Donovan just found out that her long-lost father is, in fact, the demon king of the Shadowlands—the world that separates and protects us from the Underworld. When she is brought there by the mysterious—and surprisingly cute—messenger Michael, she learns that her father is dying, and he wants her to assume the throne. To complicate matters, a war is brewing between the Shadowlands and the Underworld, her half-demon qualities are manifesting, and her growing feelings for Michael are completely forbidden. Ruling a kingdom, navigating a secret crush, and still making it home by curfew—what's a teenage demon princess to do?

Alright, well, you know how in my In My Mailbox I'd said that it looked very teen girly? I was right. I mean, really, it was all supernatural & junk, but is was still largely about Nikki dating. I mean this one guy she hardly knows asks her out and he kisses her immediately in the hallway at school & she's cool with it?! Dude. Come on. Okay, sorry ranting. I'll review it now:


The plot wasn't terrible. I didn't have any trouble following it, but there was a lot that was extremely predictable. It just... wasn't for me. It was full of high school drama and it wasn't the good kind. It focused a lot on who she was dating and going to the dance with and who she couldn't date. I mean, that's fine and all, because it was balanced out by some interesting demon stuff. I liked the way the Shadowlands were described, but I didn't like that they were next to the Fairy Realm. That felt like a little too much mythology crammed into one book. I'm cool with demons. And I love fairies. But, uh, together? Not so much. 


I did, however, really like Nikki as a character. (Aside from her lack of discernment between who to kiss and when to kiss them) She was really funny and brave and kinda loveable. I liked her friend Melinda, but I wish the author could have gone more in detail into her self-esteem issues and just let us get to know her better. And I really did adore Michael. Minus the boring name, he was like ever book dude I love. He protected Nikki and he was cute and sweet and caring and all that jazz. 


I kinda don't really like the cover. It's about demons. Not being prom queen.


Anyways... I'll give it 3 out of 5 stars, since it was enjoyable to read. The writing was funny and the demons were interesting and Nikki was mostly pretty cool, but I struggled to get over the other stuff I didn't like.


So, yeah.


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Liebster Blog Award

This was fairly unexpected, but Amanda of Vivalabooks tagged me for the Liebster Blog Award. Never heard of this thing before, but it totally made my morning anyways (seriously, I woke up, checked my email, found a comment, and she was like "Hey! I tagged you for this blog award, come check it out!") So, yeah, kind of a happy camper.

The Liebster Blog Award is given to upcoming bloggers who have less than 200 followers and Liebster is a German word which means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing and welcome. Again, MADE MY MORNING.

Here's How it Works:

1. Each person must post 10 facts about themselves
2. Answer 10 questions the tagger has given you and give 10 questions for the people you’ve tagged.
3. Choose 10 people and link them in your post.
4. Tell them you’ve tagged them.
5. Remember, no tag backs.

10 Facts About Me:

1. I turn sixteen next month!

2. I have a major celebrity crush on Logan Lerman (but I kind of also love Chris Pine, and, yes I do know he is way older)

3. I'm gonna be a Junior next year.

4. I have a 10 year old sister.

5. I also have a dog. His name is Buddy.

6. I love to draw, even though I'm not very good at it.

7. I love traveling, and want to do it more someday.

8. I am painfully tone deaf.

9. My favorite color is pink!

10. My very favorite band (EVER) is Snow Patrol, but my favorite song is It's Time by Imagine Dragons.

My Questions from Amanda:

1. How long have you been blogging?
I started my blog back in April, but didn't really post anything until the end of May.
2. Why did you start blogging?
I started blogging because I love to read, and no one wanted to listen to me go on and on about my books, so I decided to tell the internet. I got back into my blog because I read Obsidian and Katy was a blogger, and I felt guilty for neglecting my blog.
3. Who is your favorite author?
Cassandra Clare.
4. What is your favorite book?
Um I have a lot of favorites, but I guess I'd have to say City of Bones going on how much I can quote it. Or, if I went on number of times read, it would be The Lightning Thief.
5. Do you have any ARCs right now? If so, what?
My blog is just a baby, no ARCs yet!
6. What are you currently reading?
Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris
7. How many books are in your TBR pile?
I'll take that as my literal pile (my mental one is way too massive) which has 4 left I think.
8. If you could be a book character for a day who would you be? Why?
Well, maybe Clary Fray/Fairchild/Morgenstern/whatever in City of Fallen Angels, since she's so kick butt in that one ('cause she's learnin' to fight!). Plus Jace is training her... so.. you know. AAAANNNND she's dating Jace, so I guess I'd be her. (I also love her sarcasm and boldness)
9. What is your favorite place to read? Why?

I guess my mom's office or on the couch downstairs. I have been known to read on my floor and fall asleep in a book, but that always hurts my back.
10. Do you prefer Australian or British accents?

Is that even a question?! British, all the way(:

My 10 Blogs:

1. Beneath the Moon and Stars

2. Chocolate Coated Reviews

3. Princess of Pages

4. Worth Reading it?

5. Young at Heart

6. Book-a-Lishous

7. Sydney's Top Book Reviews

8. Inkstains Reviewed

9. A Little Bit of Lit

10. The Fascinating Life of a Teenage Bookworm

My Questions:

1. How long have you been blogging?

2. What's your favorite book?

3. Do you have any ARCs right now? If so, what?

4. Who's your favorite author?

5. What's your favorite band?

6. Why did you start a book blog?

7. What type of books do you like to review?

8. Where are you from?

9. What is your favorite food?

10. Do you think this is fun?

Hope you guys have as much fun as I did! Thanks for participating(:

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Nevermore

I had been dying to get my hands on this book for a while now, and I found it at my library yesterday, got it, and devoured it. Holy guacamole, it was ridiculously good. Therefore, review time!

Nevermore (Nevermore #1)
Kelly Creagh

Cheerleader Isobel Lanley is horrified when she is paired with Varen Nethers for an English project, which is due—so unfair—on the day of the rival game. Cold and aloof, sardonic and sharp-tongued, Varen makes it clear he’d rather not have anything to do with her either. But when Isobel discovers strange writing in his journal, she can’t help but give this enigmatic boy with the piercing eyes another look. 

Soon, Isobel finds herself making excuses to be with Varen. Steadily pulled away from her friends and her possessive boyfriend, Isobel ventures deeper and deeper into the dream world Varen has created through the pages of his notebook, a realm where the terrifying stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life.

As her world begins to unravel around her, Isobel discovers that dreams, like words, hold more power than she ever imagined, and that the most frightening realities are those of the mind. Now she must find a way to reach Varen before he is consumed by the shadows of his own nightmares.

His life depends on it.

I saw this book on Goodreads a couple months ago, and was hooked immediately by the cover. I don't think I even bothered reading the summary, because my library didn't have it at the time, and I was broke. I knew it would be amazing. So when I saw they had it, I snatched it up and began reading immediately. It's an insanely long book, so it took me about three hours to actually finish it. It was worth it. This book is incredible.

First off, I loved all the detail the author put into everything. The way Varen looked the first day Isobel was paired with him. Isobel's fear as she ran through the woods. Everything was described so intensely, that the characters and their environment were almost palpable. I usually don't like third person, however (like in City of Bones) I forgot it was, and still lost myself in the story. I felt like I knew each character personally, and it was so cool to get lost in a book that is so frightening, it truly could have come directly from Edgar Alan Poe himself. The writing itself was amazing. It all flowed and was thoughtful, yet easy to read. I had a hard time putting it down last night to go to bed (don't judge, I had to get up at 5 this morning). If I don't stop now, I may let out spoilers!

On to the characters. I adored Isobel! She was everything I believe a good heroine should be. She didn't let herself be pushed around by the awful people in her school, or her ex-boyfriend, or anyone/anything that was in her way. She tried her hardest to do what she knew was right, no matter who told her she would fail. I also loved Gwen. When she was first introduced, I thought she'd be some weird, hippie, flower-child. I was so incredibly wrong, it's actually kind of painful. She was pushy and sarcastic and exactly what Isobel needed in her life. She kept her on track and made everything work out exactly the way she needed it to. She was kind of batty, and I could never figure out what she was up to until she did it, and I loved it! Third favorite character (er, well they're all kind of equal, he is just 3rd mentioned). Duh, Varen. Now, boys and girls, I usually don't like the scary, goth type. But, in Varen, he truly did come off tortured and cool. He was kind of a monotone jerk, and it was amazing. He grated on Isobel's nerves like a cheese grater on Parmesan. Luckily (or, you know, unluckily) she grated his, too. That love-hate relationship between the two of them kind of is what really really made me love this book. They made me think of Katy and Daemon from the Lux series, in the fact that you constantly know that they are going to get together, but they think they hate each other.

Oh, and I loved the cover. I mean, who couldn't? It's so intense... and pretty! I even know what part of the book it's from (but I'm not gonna tell you!).

Anyways, I totally adored this book and nearly cried when it was over and I found out the next one isn't out until August 28 (uh, 3 days into my Junior year. 3 days into evil buttloads of homework). I'm really hoping I'll be able to carve out time to read it!! As you can hopefully tell, I'm gonna give this book 5 stars for sheer awesomeness.

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Waiting on Wednesday (5)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine, where we book bloggers talk about upcoming releases we are excited for.

This week I am excited for:

Defiance (Defiance #1)

By: C.J. Redwine

Publication date: August 28, 2012

Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city’s brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses, host dinner parties, and obey their male Protectors, Rachel knows how to survive in the wilderness and deftly wield a sword. When her father, Jared, fails to return from a courier mission and is declared dead, the Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector, her father’s apprentice, Logan—the same boy Rachel declared her love for two years ago, and the same boy who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but fierce belief in her father’s survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself. But treason against the Commander carries a heavy price, and what awaits her in the Wasteland could destroy her.

At nineteen, Logan McEntire is many things. Orphan. Outcast. Inventor. As apprentice to the city’s top courier, Logan is focused on learning his trade so he can escape the tyranny of Baalboden. But his plan never included being responsible for his mentor’s impulsive daughter. Logan is determined to protect her, but when his escape plan goes wrong and Rachel pays the price, he realizes he has more at stake than disappointing Jared.

As Rachel and Logan battle their way through the Wasteland, stalked by a monster that can’t be killed and an army of assassins out for blood, they discover romance, heartbreak, and a truth that will incite a war decades in the making.

I originally heard about this book on my Goodreads recommendations, and it's been on my TBR list for a while now. I was just reminded of it today, so I reread the summary bit I've got above here, and remembered just how good it sounds. I am incredibly excited for this to come out, so I can read it!!

So, what are y'all waiting on this week? Links to your WoW posts would be appreciated, I promise I will read them!!

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