Friday, August 30, 2013

New Releases (8/27)


Two Boys KissingThe Infinite Moment of Us
Just Like Fatecrown




      NEW RELEASES: AUGUST 27, 2013
Two Boys Kissing: amazing characters, read my review

The Infinite Moment of Us: perfect and unique, read my review

Just Like Fate: super intriguing, currently reading

Crown of Midnight: sequel to Throne of Glass, Sarah J. Maas is amazing

Origin: really excited to read this series

 



Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday (6)

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell 
FangirlRelease: September 10, 2013
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Page Amount: 405, US Hardback


Cath is a Simon Snow fan. Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan . . .But for Cath, being a fan is her life — and she’s really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it’s what got them through their mother leaving. Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fan fiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere. Cath’s sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can’t let go. She doesn’t want to. Now that they’re going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn’t want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She’s got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words . . . And she can’t stop worrying about her dad, who’s loving and fragile and has never really been alone. For Cath, the question is: Can she do this? Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? Writing her own stories? And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?. - Goodreads


Why? This book seems to sum me up perfectly. For those who don't know, I am the BIGGEST Twilight fan ever. I own 76 Twilight t-shirts, went to two Twilight Conventions. Went to Forks. Own 5 life-size cardboard cutouts. Yes, it's quite the obsession. I am really looking forward to reading this book because I can easily relate to Cath and I love the unique premise of this book. It should be a quirky, fun read. And how adorable is that cover? This is definitely my type of book! :D



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.

Monday, August 26, 2013

Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan

Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan 
Two Boys KissingReleased: August 27, 2013
Publisher: Knopf
Page Amount: 208, ARC
POV: 1st Person (Those Who Lost Their Lives to AIDS)
Buy it here: Barnes & NobleAmazon


OVERALL:
Plot-15/20
Characters-17/20
Creativity-20/20
Writing-16/20
Pace-8/10
Ending-6/10
=82/100 B
/5






SUMMARY:
New York Times  bestselling author David Levithan tells the based-on-true-events story of Harry and Craig, two 17-year-olds who are about to take part in a 32-hour marathon of kissing to set a new Guinness World Record—all of which is narrated by a Greek Chorus of the generation of gay men lost to AIDS.  While the two increasingly dehydrated and sleep-deprived boys are locking lips, they become a focal point in the lives of other teen boys dealing with languishing long-term relationships, coming out, navigating gender identity, and falling deeper into the digital rabbit hole of gay hookup sites—all while the kissing former couple tries to figure out their own feelings for each other..-Goodreads.com


REViEW:
I had really high expectations for this book when I started it. I absolutely love David Levithan but this book didn't really wow me in any way. At first it was really hard for me to get into the story because of the narrator being a group of people who died of AIDS. It's a new and intriguing concept, but it really made this book distracting. The book flipped a lot from the present time to the onlookers reminiscing about the olden age. The old-time references were interesting, but took away from the plot and pace of the novel. I really enjoyed how Harry and Craig were trying to break the world record for longest kiss. That would be so difficult to do and Levithan did an amazing job at describing all that record entails. I also really liked how all the other boys had their own story. Each of their stories were interwoven in such a way that made me fall in love with each of their distinct personalities. 

I did end up really enjoying many of the characters. Harry and Craig, the two sharing the big kiss, had to deal with haters and family during the big event. I found this to be especially intriguing because of their determination to keep going no matter what. I can't believe they weren't even dating. Ryan and Avery just met at a gay prom. Their attraction was adorable! Ryan has blue hair while Avery has pink and that alone made me smile. I just really didn't get some of the attitude changes regarding Ryan and I wish I knew more about what was to come for their relationship. Neil and Peter are dating and I really liked how Neil took control of his situation with his family. I just wish I would've heard more about these two. Conner was also interesting to read about, having just come out to his parents, or rather found out. All of these boys were at different stages of finding themselves and that made for some very different stories. My only grievance is all the loose ends and unexplained features of some of the characters. 

The ending was kind of anticlimactic to me. I was expecting to read more about the end of the kiss or what was going to happen next. I wish I could have known more about what was to come for Neil, Ryan, Avery, and Craig. We are left with some minor idea, but I wanted more because of all the loose ends. All in all, this book was not exactly what I was expecting when I picked it up. I liked the different approach with the group narrator just wished I was able to get more of all the other boys stories. 

My Favorite Part: I thought Ryan and Avery were adorable and I also liked reading about the big kiss.

ALL iN ALL:
Do I recommend this book? Yes, it's definitely unique.

Thank you all for reading!


It's a Book Thing
Review by Macy ♥

Sunday, August 25, 2013

The Infinite Moment of Us by Lauren Myracle

The Infinite Moment of Us by Lauren Myracle 
The Infinite Moment of UsReleased: August 27, 2013
Publisher: Amulet Books
Page Amount: 336, ARC
POV: 3rd Person
Buy it here: Barnes & NobleAmazon


OVERALL:
Plot-19/20
Characters-19/20
Creativity-20/20
Writing-20/20
Pace-9/10
Ending-9/10
=96/100 A
/5






SUMMARY:
For as long as she can remember, Wren Gray’s goal has been to please her parents. But as high school graduation nears, so does an uncomfortable realization: Pleasing her parents once overlapped with pleasing herself, but now... not so much. Wren needs to honor her own desires, but how can she if she doesn’t even know what they are? Charlie Parker, on the other hand, is painfully aware of his heart’s desire. A gentle boy with a troubled past, Charlie has loved Wren since the day he first saw her. But a girl like Wren would never fall for a guy like Charlie—at least not the sort of guy Charlie believes himself to be. And yet certain things are written in the stars. And in the summer after high school, Wren and Charlie’s souls will collide. But souls are complicated, as are the bodies that house them...Sexy, romantic, and oh-so-true to life, this is an unforgettable look at first love from one of young adult fiction’s greatest writers.-Goodreads.com


REViEW:
This book exceeded all my expectations. I am so sick of all the fluffy romances infiltrating the young adult shelves. This book isn't some ideal romance. Myracle didn't shy away from writing about desire and sex. Myracle perfectly describes how every touch, every movement feels. That made this book so realistic. But that also makes this book more mature in content. Do I think that this book should be banned from teens' eyes? No. I just think one should assess the maturity level and decide if they are ready to be reading this book. Honestly, I wish there were more books in the YA world like this. This stuff happens in relationships and it's comforting to know that it's not all bad. This book has so much depth to it between the family struggles and making decisions for the future. I am so in love with this book. The characters, the honest writing, just everything blew my mind.
  
I Instantly fell in love with the characters. Wren is such a sweetie and I love how she learns how to stand up and make her own decisions. Her family life included some struggles and high expectations, but that happens. I know so many of my friends have similar issues with their parents. As for Charlie, well, his life isn't a walk in the park either. Being in foster care and having a disabled brother, Charlie feels as if he is needed at his home. Charlie falls in love with Wren as soon as he sees her. Their relationship took time to grow then sparks flew. It was beautiful seeing these two young lovers fall in love. I only wish that they didn't become so attached to the sexual acts. Same goes for best friend, Tessa, and boyfriend, P. G. They were great friends to both Wren and Charlie and I liked the way they were a big part of the story. Every single one of the characters had a distinct personality that had an impact on the story as a whole. 

The ending was so sweet. I enjoyed how it ended, just wish it wasn't so rushed. I wish this book would never end, but I loved how it ended. Charlie has such amazing foster parents. I really love both of these characters and am really happy that they are able to get through so many obstacles. All in all, this book pushed some boundaries usually off limits by young-adult authors and that was what made this book stand out to me. This book is raw, truthful, and truly beautiful. I absolutely have to check out some more of Myracle's books.

My Favorite Part: How Myracle didn't shy away from writing about real things that happen in relationships.

ALL iN ALL:
Do I recommend this book? Absolutely. No doubt.

Thanks for reading! 


It's a Book Thing
Review by Macy ♥

Monday, August 19, 2013

Deciding What to Read Next






10. Deciding What to Read Next

   Owning more than 200 books that need to be read can cause a huge dilemma when trying to decide what to read next. Not for me anymore! I realize that the more I am drawn to read a certain book the more I'll like it and the faster I'll be able to read it, no matter if it's 200 or 500 pages. I've always believed that books come into your life at precisely the right time. When I suffered through a terrible breakup with my best friend a week before prom, I felt like I should read Delirium, so I did. The ending of that book summed up everything I had been feeling and brought me to tears. It was in that moment when Lena says that a part of her died when she went over the fence and that that Lena is gone, really touched my heart. The old Macy died when my ex-boyfriend asked another girl to prom the day before ticket money was due. I still haven't been the same since, but books are always that constant in my life. So that's why I feel that if you have a urge to read a certain book, don't question it, just read.

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard

Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard 
Something Strange and Deadly (Something Strange and Deadly, #1)Released: July 24, 2012
Publisher: HarperTeen
Series: Something Strange and Deadly, Book 1

Followed By: A Darkness Strange and Lovely
Page Amount: 388, US Hardback
POV: 1st Person (Eleanor)
Buy it here: Barnes & NobleAmazon


OVERALL:
Plot-18/20
Characters-16/20
Creativity-18/20
Writing-16/20
Pace-7/10
Ending-8/10
=83/100 B
/5




SUMMARY:
The year is 1876, and there’s something strange and deadly loose in Philadelphia, Eleanor Fitt has a lot to worry about. Her brother has gone missing, her family has fallen on hard times, and her mother is determined to marry her off to any rich young man who walks by. But this is nothing compared to what she’s just read in the newspaper—The Dead are rising in Philadelphia. And then, in a frightening attack, a zombie delivers a letter to Eleanor…from her brother. Whoever is controlling the Dead army has taken her brother as well. If Eleanor is going to find him, she’ll have to venture into the lab of the notorious Spirit-Hunters, who protect the city from supernatural forces. But as Eleanor spends more time with the Spirit-Hunters, including their maddeningly stubborn yet handsome inventor, Daniel, the situation becomes dire. And now, not only is her reputation on the line, but her very life may hang in the balance.-Goodreads.com


REViEW:
Meeting Susan Dennard was great, but meeting her 3 times? That was positively epic! Dennard is an amazing person with such a fun and upbeat personality. That was what initially drew me to Something Strange and Deadly. When I first started reading it, I couldn't really get into the time era. Because of my hatred to history and everything historical, it was hard for me to fall in love with this book at first. At about the halfway mark though I really got into the story. I couldn't get enough of the story or the characters from that point on. Once I got used to the historical setting of the story, I really enjoyed the premise. The action scenes were pulsating and very well written. I loved the twists involving the Dead and the Spirit-Hunters and how they related to her family and her missing brother. The little pieces of mysteries really kept this book moving.  

The characters were interesting. Eleanor grew a lot throughout the book and became much stronger. In a time where the culture was very much about class, Eleanor really stood up to that and wanted to be involved. I loved that. I really didn't get the whole Daniel/Eleanor relationship though. I felt like I missed all of that. I do love Daniel a lot more after reading the last half of the book. All of the characters had so many connections with other ones it was like a puzzle trying to get the full story for each of these characters.

The ending was pretty crazy. So much action and a lot of twists. I hated the last chapter when the Spirit-Hunters had to go, but it was beautiful. I love Eleanor and I know that she won't let them get away that easily! All in all, I am excited to pick up the next book. I think that it will be even more amazing than this installment.

My Favorite Part: How Eleanor became so strong throughout the book.

ALL iN ALL:
Do I recommend this book? Yes, it's a very intriguing zombie read.
Will I be reading the next book? I think I may have to!

Thanks for reading!


It's a Book Thing
Review by Macy ♥

Monday, August 12, 2013

Fire with Fire by Jenny Han & Siobhan Vivian

Fire with Fire by Jenny Han & Siobhan Vivian 
Fire with Fire (Burn for Burn, #2)Released: August 13, 2013
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Series: Burn for Burn, Book 2

Preceded By: Burn for Burn
Followed By: Ashes to Ashes
Page Amount: 528, ARC
POV: 1st Person (Mary, Kat or Lillia)
Buy it here: Barnes & NobleAmazon


OVERALL:
Plot-19/20
Characters-20/20
Creativity-19/20
Writing-20/20
Pace-8/10
Ending-9/10
=95/100 A
/5




SUMMARY:
Lillia, Kat, and Mary had the perfect plan. Work together in secret to take down the people who wronged them. But things didn’t exactly go the way they’d hoped at the Homecoming Dance. Not even close. For now, it looks like they got away with it. All they have to do is move on and pick up the pieces, forget there ever was a pact. But it’s not easy, not when Reeve is still a total jerk and Rennie’s meaner than she ever was before. And then there’s sweet little Mary…she knows there’s something seriously wrong with her. If she can’t control her anger, she’s sure that someone will get hurt even worse than Reeve was. Mary understands now that it’s not just that Reeve bullied her—it’s that he made her love him. Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth, burn for a burn. A broken heart for a broken heart. The girls are up to the task. They’ll make Reeve fall in love with Lillia and then they will crush him. It’s the only way he’ll learn. It seems once a fire is lit, the only thing you can do is let it burn...-Goodreads.com


REViEW:
When I saw that Fire with Fire ARCs were going to be given out at the Book Expo of America, I knew I had to go. Yes, I trekked all the way to New York City during my finals week (I took them all early in order to go) for the sole purpose of being able to read Fire with Fire early. It was totally worth it! After that cliffhanger at the end of Burn for Burn, I needed to get some inner peace. Once again Han and Vivian have written an intriguing and unique read that is impossible to put down. The beginning of the book focuses on the effects of the Homecoming revenge and then soars right into their next dose of revenge. Sure, the revenge these girl's commit is intense but these two amazing author's pull it off realistically. I loved Burn for Burn and this book has everything I loved in the first book times 100.   

The characters were even better than in the first book, if that's even possible. Lillia is the star and main character of this installment. Her character is more developed in this book and I enjoyed seeing her grow closer to Kat and Mary. Lillia isn't just some popular girl, she has a lot more depth than that. I really liked the drama surrounding Reeve and Lillia. Reeve seems to be just an insensitive jerk but there may be more to him then expected. Honestly, I think he deserves all the revenge he has to undergo, but I am happy about how things ended with Lillia and Reeve. Kat and Mary's stories were not the focus or drive of this book, but they were intriguing nonetheless. Kat has to deal with college application stress and the memory of her mother. Mary has to find out who she really is, and what Aunt Bette and the rest of her family never told her. Then we have popular Miss Rennie, who I have a love hate relationship with. I started to like her towards the end. The authors probably did that to tear at our heartstrings at the end.   

The ending...just WHAAAAAAAT?!?!? My mind is so blown, like how? It doesn't make sense! But the next book will probably explain it all. I just can't get this ending out of my mind. It was so amazing! Definitely not what I expected, that's for sure. At first, I wasn't sure if I liked the direction the series was going with the paranormal aspect, but now I love the uniqueness of the plot. I really cannot stop thinking about what's going to happen in the last book. I feel like the publisher is punishing us with having to wait a whole year for the third book. Don't hesitate to buy this series because it is a unique blend of mystery, contemporary, and paranormal elements. The YA world needs more books like this.   

My Favorite Part: The twists and turns toward the end. Like my mind is blown haha.

ALL iN ALL:
Do I recommend this book? Please preorder it now!!! I need someone to talk about it to!
Will I be reading the next book? I don't think I can a wait a whole year! So excited!!!

Thanks for reading! If any of you have read this book please don't hesitate to email, tweet, comment, ect. because I would love to discuss all the twists with someone!!! :D


It's a Book Thing
Review by Macy ♥

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Top Ten: Favorite Books With a Futuristic Setting


Top Ten Books With a Futuristic Setting
Top Ten is a weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish

1. The Hunger Games: It's now a classic. I shouldn't have to explain myself.

2. Divergent: Probably one of my favorite books ever. Such an interesting way of life with the factions.

3. Delirium: It'd be terrible to live in a world with no love, but the world was so intriguing. I love the idea of the Wilds where people run away to in order to be able to love.  

4. Wither: This world was really depressing with the way the wives were taken. The entire premise of this book captivated me instantly and made for an amazing book. All of the sister wives were such great characters, especially Cecily.

5. Eve: I really enjoyed this book. The journey in this book was so interesting and all of the characters were perfect.

6. Matched: The premise of the Society where people are matched to their spouse, without any input. It's a fascinating series and the rebellion is really intense.

7. Taken: I loved how when boys are 18 they are taken from their homeland. It was such a mystery as to why and now that I found out why the story has become very twisted.

8. For Darkness Shows the Stars: The setting and plot of this book is intriguing and perfect.

9. Legend: This book seems so exciting! I cannot wait to read it! I have heard so many great things about it.

10. Black City: I cannot wait to dive into this world either!
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...