Thursday, September 29, 2011

The Struggle by L. J. Smith

The Struggle by L. J. Smith
Released: June 26, 2007
Publisher: HarperTeen
Series: The Vampire Diaries, Book 2
Edition: Bind-Up of Books 1&2
Preceded By: The Awakening
Followed By: The Fury
Page Amount: 238
Pages in Bind-Up: 492
POV: 3rd Person
Buy it here: Barnes & NobleAmazon

OVERALL:
Plot-17/20
Characters-17/20
Creativity-19/20
Writing-18/20
Pace-8/10
Ending-10/10
=89/100  B
★/5



This is the second book in The Vampire Diaries series, I will not post any intentional spoilers but please do not contnue reading if you have not read The Awakening

SUMMARY:
Elena: the golden girl, the leader, the one who can have any boy she wants.
Stefan: brooding and mysterious, he seems to be the only one who can resist Elena, even as he struggles to protect her from the horrors that haunt his past.
Damon: sexy, dangerous, and driven by an urge for revenge against Stefan, the brother who betrayed him. Determined to have Elena, he'd kill to possess her. 

Collected here in one volume for the first time, volumes one and two of The Vampire Diaries, the tale of two vampire brothers and the beautiful girl torn between them. -Goodreads.com


REViEW:
After the major cliffhanger at the end of The Awakening, I could not wait to sink my teeth into The Struggle (no pun intended). I really wasn't disappointed. The plot in this book seemed far more developed than the first. The plot was realistic and made a ton of sense. This book went very fast too. I was more interested in what Elena had to say in this book and I really enjoyed her role in the plot. 

I enjoyed the characters a lot more than I had previously. Elena is popular and acts like it, but she seemed a little more down to earth to me in this book. Being a huge Stefan fan, I wish there was more of Stefan in this book, but I'm sure he's going to star in the next installment. Damon was just as I had expected. I personally think he has a heart and a motive for everything he does. I'm really interested to get to know him better. 

Ohmigosh... the ending was AH-MAZING! I was completely shocked. About 20 pages from the end, I was thinking that the ending was going to be lame and nothing would really happen. I couldn't have been more wrong. On about the last page the ending comes with a big BANG! It was great and totally unexpected. I sooo want to run out and buy the next book now!

My Favorite Part: The ending, no doubt.

ALL iN ALL:
Do I recommend this book? Yes, it was interesting to read about Damon and Stefan after watching the show.

Thank you for reading! I love your comments! Thank you to all my followers! I absolutely love that you like my blog enough to follow it. Thanks!!

It's a Book Thing
Review by Macy ♥

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday (1)

Crossed by Ally Condie
Release: November 1, 2011
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Series: Matched, Book 2
Preceded By: Matched
Page Amount: 384, US Hardback


In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky - taken by the Society to his certain death - only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.

Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander - who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart - change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever. -
Goodreads



Why? Who doesn't want to read this book after reading Matched? Matched created such an intriguing dystopian world and I cannot wait to dive back into it! I love Ky and Xander and expect a very interesting story revolving around who Cassia is meant to be with. Matched left me with a lot of questions about the Society so I am very excited to see what's in store in this next installment.


Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme that is hosted by Breaking The Spine, where we can feature books that we are excited to be released.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Top Ten: Books I Want to Reread

Top Ten is a weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish
Top Ten Books I Want to Reread

1. Pretty Little Liars. I wish I hadn't spoiled the ending for myself. I really would have liked to know if I could have figured it out on my own. This series is so suspenseful, I just want to feel the thrill again.

2. Twilight because I ♥ it! I love the way it was written and I don't think I could make a list without it.

3. House of Night. It's my guilty pleasure. I also want to read Dragon's part again, now that I have a better understanding of him (Dragon's Oath).

4. The Hunger Games. I love this series! It is so action packed and awesome! 

5. The Summer I Turned Pretty. It was a great book. It was nothing like what I expected it to be like. 

6. Beautiful Creatures. This book was amazing! I loved it! It was so intriguing and kept me guessing the entire time.

7. Thirteen Reasons Why. This book really makes you think about people in your life. It was so good and made me feel connected with the story. I would love to reread this.

8. Lock and Key. It talks so much about family and really touched my heart. I want to be a part of this story again.

9. The Lonely Hearts Club. Penny is an awesome girl and I absolutely loved when she stood up to Nate. GIRL POWER!

10. Blue Bloods. I really don't remember it that well and I really want to read the sequel.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Dragon's Oath by P. C. Cast & Kristin Cast

Dragon's Oath by P. C. Cast & Kristin Cast
Released: July 12, 2011
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Series: House of Night Novella
Followed By: Lenobia's Vow
Page Amount: 145, US Hardback
POV: 3rd Person
Buy it here: Barnes & NobleAmazon

OVERALL:
Plot-19/20
Characters-19/20
Creativity-17/20
Writing-19/20
Pace-10/10
Ending-9/10
=93/100 A
/5



SUMMARY:
In early 19th century England, long before he’s a professor at the Tulsa House of Night, Bryan Lankford is a troublesome yet talented human teen who thinks he can get away with anything… until his father, a wealthy nobleman, has finally had enough, and banishes him to America. When Bryan is Marked on the docks and given the choice between the London House of Night and the dragon-prowed ship to America, he chooses the Dragon – and a brand new fate.
Becoming a Fledgling may be exciting, but it opens a door to a dangerous world.... In 1830’s St. Louis, the Gateway to the West, Dragon Lankford becomes a Sword Master, and soon realizes there are both frightening challenges and beautiful perks. Like Anastasia, the captivating young Professor of Spells and Rituals at the Tower Grove House of Night, who really should have nothing to do with a fledgling…
But when a dark power threatens, Dragon is caught in its focus. Though his uncanny fighting skills make him a powerful fledgling, is he strong enough to ward off evil, while protecting Anastasia as well? Will his choices save her—or destroy them all?  -Goodreads.com

REViEW:
The plot of Dragon's Oath was amazing. I really enjoyed getting to better understand Dragon and his relationship with Anastasia. This is a very, very short book and a very fast read. It did have a lot of depth to it. Just note that if you haven't read Awakened of the House of Night (HoN) series, you might want to do so before reading this novella. It starts out on a major spoiler and ends on a spoiler too.  


The characters were very well done. They came to life on the page. There were also some gorgeous illustrations of Dragon and Anastasia that really added to the book. To be honest, I really didn't like Dragon because of some events that surrounded him in Awakened. Reading this novella gave me an understanding of what he was going through. I actually feel bad for him and the pain the feels. Anastasia was two-dimensional to me before reading this book. She was mentioned in the HoN series, but we never were able to get to know her. I really enjoyed her personality. Everything she felt and everything she did made sense to me. Anastasia became lifelike. 


The ending left me tears. I just felt so much sympathy for Dragon and was hurt alongside him. I never thought I would actually feel so much for two characters that were only briefly mentioned before reading this book. This book was short, but it brought two names come to life. 

My Favorite Part: Ooh probably Dragon and Anastasia's relationship. It explained his later actions and made me better understand him.  

ALL iN ALL:
Do I recommend this book? Yes, especially if you like House of Night! If you haven't read any HoN books, go read them NOW! 

Thank you all for reading! 
It's a Book Thing
Review by Macy ♥ 

Friday, September 23, 2011

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Released: October 18, 2007
Publisher: Razorbill
Page Amount: 288, US Paperback
POV: 1st Person (Clay)
Buy it here: Barnes & NobleAmazon

OVERALL:
Plot-20/20
Characters-18/20
Creativity-20/20
Writing-17/20
Pace-9/10
Ending-10/10
=94/100  A
★/5




SUMMARY
:


Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers thirteen cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker, his classmate and crush who committed suicide two weeks earlier.
On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list.
Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.-Goodreads.com


REViEW:
This is a very emotional book that really makes you think. I read a sample of this book on my kindle was absolutely intrigued. I wondered, alongside Clay, why he was on the list. I would not recommend this book for anyone younger than 14 because of the tough issue that it is primarily about. This book had a very past pace and was so interesting I could not put this book down. The only problem I had with the writing was that it was hard to distinguish Hannah's voice from Clay's. The writing would be in italics for Hannah's voice and after about very sentence, the point of view would switch abruptly to Clay. I enjoyed his comments, but I wish it would be easier to tell when each character was speaking.  


I really enjoyed Clay. He was realistic and wondered why he would be on the tapes. I felt for him throughout the book, I could not imagine listening to a dead girl's voice explaining why she did what she did. It's really heartbreaking. Asher did a terrific job of making Hannah's experiences relatable and realistic. I can understand why Hannah committed suicide, but I still think she should've reached out a little bit more. Her experiences were unique but not so outlandish that I could not believe that they could occur. I applaud Asher for making so many characters stories come to life. It must have been hard to come up with 13 reasons why, but he did a stellar job and turned them into mini stories. 


The ending was just... breathtaking. Hannah's story was so interesting that I wanted to explore her life more. I really enjoyed this entire book. It really made me remember certain times in my life that made me feel low, but I also remembered how I overcame the feelings. I just wish Hannah (although fictional) could have overcome hers.

My Favorite Part: The whole concept with the cassette tapes and 13 reasons. This book was simply breathtaking.

ALL iN ALL:
Do I recommend this book? Yes it makes you think and teaches you that every move you make affects others around you.

Thanks for reading! 
It's a Book Thing
Review by Macy ♥

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Top Ten: Books I Feel As Though Everyone Has Read But Me

Top Ten is a weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish
Top Ten Books I Feel As Though Everyone Has Read But Me

1. Harry Potter... I know, please don't hate me. I read the first book but I just wasn't intrigued. I have watched the movies though, and they are pretty good. I'm sorry, I'm just a Twilight fan...

2. Shiver, I know a lot of people love this series, but I just couldn't get into it. The book seemed so slow.

3. Divergent. I really, REALLY want to read this book. I need to buy this super soon!

4. Catching Fire of the Hunger Games. You'd think after reading the Hunger Games I would immediately start reading Catching Fire...nope. Don't get me wrong, I love The Hunger Games, and  I do want to finish the series very soon.

5. The Iron King. I have this book, but haven't read it yet. It sounds good and a lot of people have said great things about it.

6. Wicked Lovely. Really want to read it!

7. Hush, Hush. I read a lot of mixed reviews on it.

8. The Summoning. I've had this book and series recommended to me many times.

9. Maximum Ride. A close friend of mine really wants me to read this series.

10. Treasure Island. All of my friends have to read it for school, but I don't have to! 

Saturday, September 17, 2011

The Lying Game by Sara Shepard

The Lying Game by Sara Shepard

Released: December 7, 2010
Publisher: HarperTeen
Series: The Lying Game, Book 1
Followed By: Never Have I Ever
Page Amount: 308, US Hardback
POV: 1st Person (Sutton)
Buy it here: Barnes & NobleAmazon

OVERALL:
Plot-20/20
Characters-18/20
Creativity-19/20
Writing-17/20
Pace-9/10
Ending-8/10
=91/100  A
★/5



SUMMARY:

I had a life anyone would kill for.
Then someone did.
The worst part of being dead is that there’s nothing left to live for. No more kisses. No more secrets. No more gossip. It’s enough to kill a girl all over again. But I’m about to get something no one else does—an encore performance, thanks to Emma, the long-lost twin sister I never even got to meet.
Now Emma’s desperate to know what happened to me. And the only way to figure it out is to be me—to slip into my old life and piece it all together. But can she laugh at inside jokes with my best friends? Convince my boyfriend she’s the girl he fell in love with? Pretend to be a happy, carefree daughter when she hugs my parents good night? And can she keep up the charade, even after she realizes my murderer is watching her every move?
Let the lying game begin.-Goodreads.com

REViEW:
This book was another one of Shepard's thrilling reads. I was intrigued by the very synopsis. This book keeps you guessing from the first page onward. Once I started reading, I really could not put this book down. It seemed to go pretty fast. The writing was a little bit weak to me. It didn't have a lot of structure and designer labels were constantly added. The narrator of this crazy tale is Sutton, who is dead. The book was harder to understand because it constantly changed from third person and then abruptly back to Sutton's first person. Overall this book read like a movie, which was a very exciting experience. 

The characters are hard to relate to, but were very well thought out. This book mainly consists of stuck-up girls in designer clothes. We all know the type. I did like Emma though. Being a foster kid, she had a lot of background that helped to explain her personality. I wished I could've gotten to know Sutton better, but I have a feeling there's going to be more of her in the next book. Although we don't get to get to know him that much in this book, Ethan was a likable character. He fit into the story beautifully. 

The ending was a teeny tiny bit disappointing. I was expecting a full confrontation but it did not happen. I have a TON of unanswered questions, which makes me want to read the next book right now! Although the ending wasn't as jaw-dropping as I would have liked, it was still pretty good.

My Favorite Part: Every piece of evidence making you guess who the culprit is.

ALL iN ALL:
Do I recommend this book? Absolutely! If you haven't already, read the Pretty Little Liars series too!

Will I be reading the next book? I was smart enough to buy the first two books at the same time. I knew that I would be very excited to read the sequel the minute I finished the first book.

Thank you for reading! I would love to hear your thoughts on The Lying Game show or book series. Right now I think I'm liking the TV show a little bit better than the books.

It's a Book Thing
Review by Macy ♥
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...