Friday, December 27, 2013

The "Hush, Hush" Series: Book Review by Andrew


 


Hush, Hush

By: Becca Fitzpatrick


Published: October 13, 2009













"Romance was not part of Nora Grey's plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how hard her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch comes along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Patch draws Nora to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is and seems to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For she is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost Nora her life."



REVIEW:  First of all, the title I wrote is a perfect lie. I have only read "Hush, Hush" and a small portion of "Crescendo", and here is why. I'll keep this review short, because I don't want to be too mean. Hush hush has to have been the worst book I have ever read. Becca has almost no logical continuity in her writing, creates loopholes in the plot, and is so emotionally driven that all sense of realism is knocked out and replaced by a teenage wasteland of hormonal nonsense. The ONLY redeeming quality of her writing is the character Patch, the romantic interest of Nora. Patch has a mysterious presence about him that is indeed alluring and intriguing, but it only goes so far. While Patch's mysterious presence was able to keep me reading throughout "Hush, Hush", the overbearing fallacies of the plot became too much for me and I couldn't bear to continue reading through "Crescendo". Do not read this series, it is a waste of valuable time you could be spending on staring at a wall; at least that'd be more entertaining and stimulating. I am sorry for being so blunt, but it is the God honest truth; I was very disappointed. 

Monday, December 9, 2013

Apologies...

Hello, it's Andrew. I have to apologize for the lack of reviews lately. As of now the computer which I typically use is getting repaired, so I will not be able to post my reviews for a while. But I promise I am working hard to deliver! I have recently read the first book of the Hush, Hush series, and the first of the Unremembered trilogy. I also will be reviewing my favorite series - The Seven Realms Series by Cinda Williams Chima. There are also plenty of other books that I'll be reviewing as December rolls along, so make sure you keep coming back so you don't miss any of the upcoming reviews and giveaways!

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare 
City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments, #2)Released: March 25, 2008
Publisher: McElderry Books
Series: The Mortal Instruments, Book 2

Preceded By: City of Bones
Followed By: City of Glass
Page Amount: 453, US Paperback
POV: 3rd Person
Buy it here: Barnes & NobleAmazon


OVERALL:
Plot-19/20
Characters-18/20
Creativity-20/20
Writing-19/20
Pace-9/10
Ending-10/10
=95/100 A
/5




SUMMARY:
Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go — especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil — and also her father. To complicate matters, someone in New York City is murdering Downworlder children. Is Valentine behind the killings — and if he is, what is he trying to do? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor arrives to investigate and zooms right in on Jace. How can Clary stop Valentine if Jace is willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father?-Goodreads.com


REViEW:

If you read my City of Bones review, you're probably wondering why I picked up this book and why I loved it after tearing apart City of Bones. Well, what can I say? This book is 100x better than the first book. From the start, this book knocks out powerful plot turn after plot turn. It was intriguing because I never knew what twist was going to happen next. There is some more romance and a love triangle in this book, which also helped move the plot along. The writing, although in the third person, made this long book feel as if it was 100 pages long. I still felt attached to almost all the characters and really liked to see the action unfold. Shadowhunters are such a unique concept and I absolutely love how that sets this series apart from other paranormal YA.


I had mixed feelings about the characters in this book. Clary, who I liked more in the first book, really got on my nerves at times throughout this installment. I'm sorry, but she just acted stupid at times. She won't listen to those who clearly have more experience and knowledge than her and ends up ruining and almost killing them all. Every. Single. Time. On the other hand, I loved all of the other characters. Alec and Magnus were adorable as always. Simon's story I had a little bit of trouble enjoying because I really liked him as a mortal and don't really like the werewolf and vampire incorporation into this series. I miss Isabelle. She's my favorite and I wish there was more of her. Jace was also one of my favorites, but like Clary, I had some issues with him. City of Bones portrayed him as a sarcastic, excuse my language, smart ass, which I personally loved. This book showed him all moody and lovey, which really made me want to gag. Yes, I am a hypocrite, because in my City of Bones review I talked about how much I hated the book because there was a minuscule amount of romance. Well, that doesn't mean I want Clare going overboard either. Jace needs to remain a witty bad boy. He just has to.

The ending made my heart pound. Clare describes the action with such descriptive and vivid details that make it read like a movie. Valentine I despise with all my heart because he is so evil. Clare played out those ending battle scenes with Valentine with such flawlessness that I was left amazed. I can't give much away, but let's just say I cannot wait for Christmas because I have a strong feeling that City of Glass will be under my tree!

My Favorite Part: The Jace-Simon-Clary love triangle angst.

ALL iN ALL:
Do I recommend this book? Yes, this is an amazing series.
Will I be reading the next book? Yes, I'm even excited to.

Thanks for reading!


It's a Book Thing
Review by Macy ♥

Friday, December 6, 2013

Fantasy Prize Pack Christmas Giveaway

Come on and be merry!
   It is almost Christmas, and, as promised, today begins the first of many Christmas giveaways! This week, I am giving away a brand new ARC of Blowback by Valerie Plame and Sarah Lovett, an autographed Mari Mancusi bookplate and swag, as well as two signed Witch Eyes by Scott Tracey bookmarks! All you have to do to be entered to win this fantasy prize pack is follow my blog and fill out this quick and simple form! The winner will be randomly chosen on the 17th. I wish you all the best of luck and please pass this giveaway on to your friends!


Enter for Your Chance to Win 
A Christmas Fantasy Prize Pack



Official Giveaway Rules:
• to enter please follow the instructions in the rafflecopter form
• you must be following this blog to enter (GFC, Bloglovin', or by Email) 
• entrants must be 13 years of age or have parental permission before entering this contest
• this giveaway is only available to those who live in the US
• I will announce the winner shortly after this giveaway is completed
• I will notify the winner by email and will have 72 hours to reply before a new winner is chosen
• please do not leave your email in comment section


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Thursday, December 5, 2013

Allegiant by Veronica Roth

Allegiant by Veronica Roth
Allegiant (Divergent, #3)Released: October 22, 2013
Publisher: Katherine Tegen
Series: Divergent, Book 3

Preceded By: Divergent & Insurgent
Page Amount: 526, US Hardback
POV: 1st Person (Tris or Tobias)
Buy it here: Barnes & NobleAmazon


OVERALL:
Plot-19/20
Characters-20/20
Creativity-20/20
Writing-18/20
Pace-9/10
Ending-9/10
=95/100 A
/5




SUMMARY:
The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories. But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love. -Goodreads.com


REViEW:
Well, this is the last Divergent book, and because of it, I will never be the same. I had mixed feelings about reading this book because I didn't want this series to end, but this book is the most amazing conclusion ever. One thing I have always enjoyed about Roth's writing style is how thought out it is. Everything came together in this book. My only complaint about the writing is that Tris and Tobias' point of views were written the exact same way, making it difficult to tell the two voices apart. I know they are a lot alike, but it was confusing at times. Other then that, I thought that the plot was very well executed. I loved the incorporation of science and genetics. The dispute over "pure genes" and "damaged genes" was quite fascinating and I could sadly see that happening in the future. This book, as like all of the Divergent books, is really long, but the story moves so fast that half of my friends have been able to read it in one day. This intense story is definitely worth the time. 

Oh man. I feel like crying just thinking about the characters. I miss them so much. Tris was just as likable as in the first two installments. She is one of the strongest, likable, and most realistic girl protagonist that I have ever encountered. Her voice is enjoyable and the feelings she displays allows the reader to connect with her on a personal level. Let's not forget how witty and smart she is. Her relationship with Tobias is beautiful. I loved those two together. Unfortunately, they think that a simple kiss will solve all of their issues. Yes, there was kissing and a lot of it. Not so much to detract from the story, but enough at the worst times to make you want to smack Tris to not get distracted by Tobias' smexiness. That being said, Tobias is like the man of all men. He's realistic in that he does not believe he is good enough, yet he still is strong and determined. His relationship with his family really hit at my heartstrings too. All of the other minor characters were back too along with some new ones. I loved how even the tiniest of  characters could have such vivid backstories. Amar, Christina, Uriah, Zeke, Cara, Caleb, they all made this book come together and blossom into my heart. 

No matter how sad the ending was, Roth had it planned from the very first book. That took thought and guts. I applaud her for making such a decision that would crush many reader's hearts. Veronica Roth's saying is "be brave." I think that she truly demonstrated what that means by writing the ending that this story called for. Please, if you read this book, do not ruin the ending for anyone else. I know how tempting it is to tell someone so you can cry your eyes out together, but please refrain because it will spoil the surprise for them. Anyway, this book and series is amazing. There is something in it for everyone. 

My Favorite Part: Every little thing about this book is amazing.

ALL iN ALL:
Do I recommend this book? YES, YES, YES! Go read it fast before you get spoiled!

Thanks for reading!


It's a Book Thing
Review by Macy ♥

Sunday, December 1, 2013

25 Days of Christmas: Book Edition

25 DAYS of CHRiSTMAS: BOOK EDiTiON!

  Every day this month will be something new to It's a Book Thing. We are talking reviews, Waiting on Wednesdays, In My Mailboxes, Top Tens, some other surprises and weekly giveaways. Yes, you read that right. Every Friday until Christmas we will be having a giveaway here on the blog! All leading up to a huge a giveaway starting Christmas Day and ending on New Years! That all adds up to 4 giveaways! Please stay tuned for those the first one will be up this coming Friday! This will be the best month for It's a Book Thing and for all of you book lovers who love a chance to win some free books and swag. Please Follow my blog with Bloglovin to prepare for this month's festivities! Thanks guys! I love you all! :D

UPCOMiNG REViEWS FOR DECEMBER
1. Allegiant
2. Shade
3. Just One Day
4. Hidden
5. Fever
6. Pandemonium
7. So Much Closer
8. Revealed
9. Sweet Evil
10. Obsidian
11. The Raven Boys
12. Beautiful Chaos
13. Witches of East End
14. City of Ashes
+ whatever Andrew reviews (he's currently reading the Hush, Hush saga!)

CURRENTLY READiNG
1. Storm

I have my work cut out for me. But you guys are worth it. Happy holidays and stay warm with a good book!


Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Top Ten: Things I am Thankful For

Top Ten Things I am Thankful For
Top Ten is a weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish


1. My Amazing Family who have helped me through all the stress of school, friends and the ever intense mock trial.

2. My Awesome Friends who stand by through whatever. It takes someone special to deal with all of my pointless drama.

3. Books, my life would be a dreary pit of despair without books.

4. Twilight has saved my life so many times by being that reliable friend during those difficult middle school years.

5. An Amazing School Community who, even though i complain a lot about all the work, teaches me a lot and has made me who I am today.

6. This Blog because all of you fellow readers are amazing.

7.  The Opportunities to Meet Super Awesome Authors. Dude, YA authors are the best.

8. For my Partner in Crime, I would never have been able to juggle school and maintaining this blog without him.

9. My Book Club, which is the coolest club evaaaaaaa!

10. Getting to Connect  with Readers Like You

Friday, November 15, 2013

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

  

Purchase at Amazon or Barnes and Noble

                        

Characters 20/20

Plot 20/20

Style 20/20

Technique 19/20   

Ending 18/20

Overall 97/100

A+


Summary: "Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee. Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling. Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha…and the secrets of her heart."


Review: So I am sitting in my room. I just finished another great book, and now think to myself “What should I read next”. I look to my bookshelf, and see Shadow and Bone, and I pick it up. I had bought it about 7 months earlier because my favorite author, Cinda Williams Chima, had reviewed and strongly recommended it. I started reading, and found the first chapter to be just terrible. It was a standard intro to the characters and the setting, but it wasn't very invigorating, and I almost gave up on it. THANK GOD I DIDN’T!!! After that first chapter, the story developed so fluently, with the action rising and the plot thickening, it is the pure form of perfection. But it really isn't the plot or the story that I so admire about this book, it is the narrator. Bardugo has created the perfect narrator in Alina, and it is because in the midst of reading, I can almost imagine sitting down at a table and actually talking to her. She becomes very real in a beautiful way. I have never seen this level of connection between the narrator and the reader, and it is truly an inspiration as writer. And Bardugo is able to create this character while the ongoing conflict between the forces of light and dark go head-to-head in this epic fight of love, willpower, and courage. If there is a book that you should read in your life, it is this one. It will be forever regarded by me as one of the best.


Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Meet My New Partner in Crime

   If you read one of my last posts about a big update, then you might remember that I mentioned that someone else is going to join It's a Book Thing. My blog is my baby, so I wouldn't give just anyone permission to regularly post on my blog. But that was before I found someone who, dare I say it,  loves books as much as me. If you visit It's a Book Thing often, you may have read that last year I started my own book club at my school. My new partner became a close friend of mine through my book club and through a mutual understanding that only I can touch my books. He is not even a stranger to this blog, being my guest reviewer for The Enchanted Heir. Nevertheless, let me formally introduce to you my new partner in crime, Andrew. 

   Andrew and I will be modifying the blog this month (because who am I kidding, the pick is a tad girly). We will also be working on a special new feature for the blog and posting tons and tons of reviews. Andrew will begin posting soon and I cannot wait until you get to partake in his colorful and detailed reviews.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Top Ten: Covers I Want Redesigned

Top Ten Covers I Want Redesigned
Top Ten is a weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish



Darkness Becomes Her (Gods & Monsters, #1)Delirium (Delirium, #1)Shade (Shade, #1)Fever (The Chemical Garden, #2)
These books are some of my all-time favorites, but these covers surely missed a mark. And yes, I do hate covers that only have a girl on it because they are so not interesting. No matter what anyone says, they do judge by the cover somewhat. They're lying if they say they don't, because there has to be something that makes them buy the book.
  Something Strange and Deadly (Something Strange and Deadly, #1)Deadly Little Secret (Touch, #1)Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy, #3)The Summer My Life BeganDevoted: An Elixir NovelJust Listen

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Upcoming Changes

Hey guys!
   I know I haven't been posting much this month, but it is still early, and I have a really good excuse! My blog now has a new partner! I've been away ironing out the details and brainstorming a whole new background/look for It's a Book Thing. Luckily though, that is well under control, which means that I am back. My reviews will start tomorrow as well as a giveaway! Thank you for all your support. I cannot wait to unveil It's a Book Thing's new look and reviewer! 

Currently Reading
Shade
Allegiant

Just Finished
Obsidian 
Sweet Evil

P. S. Don't forget to get If Only We for only 99 cents on Amazon (for a limited time)!

Thursday, October 31, 2013

If Only We Blog Tour




About the Book
   They say all it takes is one wrong move and you lose the game. One false step and you’re trapped. One slip-up in your choice of words and you ruin a friendship forever. That is what they say. They say I lost. I do not believe them. At the end of the summer after graduation, Adrienne wonders what happened to cause her life to be in ruins. She isn’t getting along with her mom, her stepsister isn’t talking to her, and, to top it off, the boy she’s been in love with doesn’t want anything to do with her. She believes the turning point was a choice she made at graduation. When she wakes up the next day, she has been transported back three months to that moment, the one where everything started to fall apart.
        Adrienne realizes she has been given a second chance—and this time she doesn’t want to mess anything up. Reliving the entire summer, though, turns out to be a lot harder than she thought. As the same days and weeks go by, she starts to see how simple decisions can make a huge impact on the world around her. Despite knowing some of what lies ahead, there are some things she didn’t anticipate. She thought she knew what mistake led her to where she ended up the first time. She was wrong. And by the time summer is over, she discovers what was really at stake.


Meet Jessica Sankiewicz
Jessica is the 28-year-old author of IF ONLY WE, a YA contemporary. You can often find her either reading or marathon watching TV on DVD, her favorites being Castle and Veronica Mars. She frequently mismatches her clothes and giggles uncontrollably. She knows almost every Billy Joel song by heart. She collects books and toys, and she has an intense love of cats and lemurs. Currently in the midst of her quarter-life-crisis, she is still takin' names and getting very close to reaching an epiphany.

Want to hear the best part? 
You can get this amazing e-book for only 99 cents! But hurry up because it is only available at this special price for a limited time!
Buy it Now: Amazon & Barnes and Noble




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Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Ask the Passengers by A.S. King

Ask the Passengers by A.S. King 
Ask The PassengersReleased: October 23, 2012
Publisher: Little, Brown
Page Amount: 296, US Hardback
POV: 1st Person (Astrid)
Buy it here: Barnes & NobleAmazon


OVERALL:
Plot-16/20
Characters-16/20
Creativity-17/20
Writing-17/20
Pace-6/10
Ending-7/10
=79/100 C
/5





SUMMARY:
Astrid Jones desperately wants to confide in someone, but her mother's pushiness and her father's lack of interest tell her they're the last people she can trust. Instead, Astrid spends hours lying on the backyard picnic table watching airplanes fly overhead. She doesn't know the passengers inside, but they're the only people who won't judge her when she asks them her most personal questions . . . like what it means that she's falling in love with a girl. As her secret relationship becomes more intense and her friends demand answers, Astrid has nowhere left to turn. She can't share the truth with anyone except the people at thirty thousand feet, and they don't even know she's there. But little does Astrid know just how much even the tiniest connection will affect these strangers' lives--and her own--for the better.-Goodreads.com


REViEW:
This is one of those books that I got my hopes so high for. I was so excited to read this books because who doesn't love a good gay or lesbian coming of age book? Anyway, it sounded unique, which made me super intrigued to rush into read it. My expectations were so high that I was disappointed. First off, this book does include some girl/girl attraction, but that isn't the only thing in this book. One thing that turned me off was that all of the people around Astrid seemed to have same sex attractions. I mean I'm no expert, but it seemed a little unrealistic. Astrid has to deal with a lot during this book. She has to figure out how to come out and has to deal with her father's abusive side. King is amazing for writing about so many tough issues. Philosophy was a pretty big turn around point for Astrid, but that part kind of lost me because I don't do the whole philosophy thing. My main grievance, however, was that I wish there was more of an emphasis on Astrid sending love to the airplane passengers. It was so spectacular to see how Astrid's love affected the people on the plane. Ever since I read this book I've been sending my love to people too! It's an adorable thing to do.

The characters were creative. Astrid was pretty lost and confused at the beginning, but as she got into asking questions, she found herself and gained confidence and strength. That being said, I did not really have an attachment to her. Her point of view was strong, but her character was not for me and once she got into philosophy I became even more distant. Her friends and girlfriend were interesting (mainly her girlfriend), but they seemed very one-dimensional to me. Her parents were probably the best secondary characters. They ticked me off at times, but I know a lot of my friends with parents like them.

The ending was really enlightening. I loved to see how Astrid grew. It was beautiful to see her strength shine through and I am really glad that I was able to take part in this book. I had too high of expectations and expected more about the whole homosexual attraction (that's probably because of the psychologist in me). All in all, I did enjoy this book, but I expected a more unique story and more relatable characters.

My Favorite Part: Astrid sending love to the passengers.

ALL iN ALL:
Do I recommend this book? Yes, it brought some really good messages.

Thanks for reading!


It's a Book Thing
Review by Macy ♥

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Top Ten: Unusual Character Names

Top Ten Unusual Character Names
Top Ten is a weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish

Let me begin by saying that unusual names are my favorites so this was a really fun TTT for me! I feel bad for my future kid someday who is doomed to have a really unusual name.

1. Celaena from Throne of Glass

2. Cassia from Matched: Always want to pronounce it cass-e-a instead of casha. In my opinion my pronunciation sounds prettier.

3. Ariella from Heartlight

4. Echo from Pushing the Limits

5. Blue from The Raven Boys

6. Marina from All Our Yesterdays

7.  Skye from All I Need

8. Rhine from Wither

9. Aura from Shade 

10. Katniss from the Hunger Games

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Celebrate the Book Event

Celebrate the Book Event
   Yesterday, I had the most amazing experience meeting 9 amazing YA authors. I attended multiple panels where the authors discussed the publishing process as well as some shared some fascinating tidbits about their research for their books. The authors who were in attendance were Brigid Kemmerer (Elemental Series), Zoraida Cordova (The Vicious Deep), Elizabeth Norris (Unraveling), Jeri Smith-Ready (Shade), Maria V. Snyder (Poison Study/Inside Out & many more), Jennifer L. Armentrout (Lux, Covenant, Wait for You), Wendy Higgins (The Sweet Trilogy), Cyn Balog (Fairy Tale, Touched, Sleepless, Dead River), and Shannon Delany (13 to Life, The Weather Witch).


Above: Jeri Smith-Ready, Zoraida Cordova, Maria V. Snyder, Elizabeth Norris, and Brigid Kemmerer

   These authors are super sweet and amazing people! Meeting all of them was totally worth the 4 hour drive to the event! I was given tons of swag to give away on the blog so expect some giveaways for some signed posters and other awesome stuff soon! I got all of my books signed as well as a big snack of signed book plates for the books I have yet to get. Tomorrow I will be sharing some interesting facts that I learned at the panels and then the rest of the week will be filled with some author bios of those that I met and some reviews of those books. Be sure to check this blog regularly because there are a ton of surprises coming soon! Until then, happy reading!  :D


 Below: Zoraida Cordova, Jennifer L. Armentrout, me, Wendy Higgins, and Cyn Balog









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