Review: The List - Siobhan Vivian

Author: Siobhan Vivian
Series: N/A
Pages: 332
Publisher: Push
Release Date: 4/1/12
ISBN-10: 0545169178

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An intense look at the rules of high school attraction -- and the price that's paid for them.

It happens every year. A list is posted, and one girl from each grade is chosen as the prettiest, and another is chosen as the ugliest. Nobody knows who makes the list. It almost doesn't matter. The damage is done the minute it goes up.

This is the story of eight girls, freshman to senior, "pretty" and "ugly." And it's also the story of how we see ourselves, and how other people see us, and the tangled connection of the two.

What to say, what to say? I was surprised that I liked this book as much as I did. I was expecting some kind of superficial fluff, but what I got was a very real story about the horrors that can plague people in high school. Thankfully this isn't exactly what my high school was like thankfully, it makes you realize, hey it could have been worse. 

One of the best parts of this was we of to see and get to know each girl on the list and we got to see there friends and in some cases family's. We got a very clear look at where the girls start this story, and a clear look at there journey and there ending. We got to see how the list effected the girls close friends, and families. And trust me when I say that each of these girls went on a journey. Being on the list changed each of them.

When I finally found out who wrote the list I was kinda surprised. Although I do see how it makes sense and it gave this whole story, a rounded feel. I'm not sure there was anything here for me to complain about, this was well written, and thought out. In the end I was moved by parts f this story and I truly enjoyed this one. This book gets 5 stars from me!

Review: Destined - Aprilynne Pike

Author: Aprilynne Pile
Series: Wings #4
Pages: 307
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: 5/1/12
ISBN-10: 0061668125

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The conclusion to the bestselling Wings series. Laurel now knows the truth: Yuki is a rare Winter faerie, the most powerful--and deadly--of all, and she is working with Klea to conquer and destroy Avalon. With Tamani, David, and Chelsea by her side, Laurel prepares for a fight she never thought she would have to face.

I am a jumble of emotion right now, on one hand I loved this book. It was everything I hoped it would be and more, but at the same time I am so sad that this series is over! I wasn't a huge fan of book 1 but I do plan on re reading them, and I'm pretty sure that will change. But I am a huge fan of this series as a whole, I loved laurel, Tamani, Chelsea and David. The extended cast of characters even have a piece of my heart.


I'm not sure how to go about discussing this book without spoiling anything but I'm going to try very hard to cover some of my favorite things. This book started on a bang and never stopped, once the action started it never stopped. Right up to the end there was anger in the air. One of the things that I loved whole heartedly is the loyalty between laurel and her friends. No matter what they always had each others backs.


Another thing I loved was seeing Avalon again. I loved all of laurels time spent there, even in this book. The fae and Avalon always came to life for me in this series, I don't know he Mrs pike did it but it seemed to just dance off the page for me. I as much as I will miss having a new story featuring this world I am glad that I can always go back for a visit.


Again this whole book was bittersweet for me, but I still loved the ending, I felt closure, and happy with the resolution. I felt that everyone who needed to be touched upon. I finished this book with a smile on my lips and a tear in my eye. Thank you Mrs pike for sharing this world, it's characters, and their story's with us. I give this book 5 stars, and I strongly urge everyone to give this series a try!

Review: Spells (Book 2)

Review: Illusions (Book 3)

Review: Unraveling - Elizabeth Norris

Author: Elizabeth Norris
Series: Unraveling #1
Pages: 445
Publisher: Blazer + Bray
Release Date: 4/24/12
ISBN-10: 0062103733

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Sixteen-year-old Janelle Tenner is used to having a lot of responsibility. She balances working as a lifeguard in San Diego with an intense academic schedule. Janelle's mother is bipolar, and her dad is a workaholic FBI agent, which means Janelle also has to look out for her younger brother, Jared.

And that was before she died...and is brought back to life by Ben Michaels, a mysterious, alluring loner from her high school. When she discovers a strange clock that seems to be counting down to the earth's destruction, Janelle learns she has twenty-four days to figure out how to stop the clock and save the planet.

I'm not sure where I truly stand on this book, there were things I absolutely loved, and things that I really didn't like. I guess the best place to start is the beginning, and I'll start with what I loved.


This story doesn't take long to get going, right after we meet Janelle she dies. But there is a twist, she is brought back to life. From there we spend some time trying to get answers or how, and why and we meet Ben. I liked Ben, he wasn't stalker obsessed with Janelle, but he wasn't a jerk either. From there we dive deeper into our story which at its peeks had me dying for more. There isn't much I can say without spoiling something, so I will say this go read it and figure it out hehe. Janelle's relationship with Alex made me smile, true and genuine best friends. They always had each others backs. I also liked the relationship she had with her father, brother, and Struz. They were a family and they cared about each other.


There were a few things that bothered me though. Janelle spends time snooping through FBI files, and even stealing a few with out any major repercussions. I find that to be totally unbelievable! My only other complaint is that at times the pacing seemed to really slow down, it's not something that would make me abandon a book, but it just seemed to rev up and go, the hit a lull where nothing really happened.


Overall this was an original story, it had good characters that I could connect to, and it kept me entertained. I'm going to give this one 3.5 stars and I do recommend it to you guys!

Review: Dark Frost - Jennifer Estep

Author: Jennifer Estep
Series: Mythos Academy #3
Pages: 336
Publisher: Kensington
Release Date: 5/29/12
ISBN-13: 9780758280039

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I've seen so many freaky things since I started attending Mythos Academy last fall. I know I'm supposed to be a fearless warrior, but most of the time, I feel like I'm just waiting for the next Bad, Bad Thing to happen. Like someone trying to kill me--again.

Everyone at Mythos Academy knows me as Gwen Frost, the Gypsy girl who uses her psychosymetry magic to find lost objects--and who just may be dating Logan Quinn, the hottest guy in school. But I'm also the girl the Reapers of Chaos want dead in the worst way. The Reapers are the baddest of the bad, the people who murdered my mom. So why do they have it in for me? It turns out my mom hid a powerful artifact called the Helheim Dagger before she died. Now, the Reapers will do anything to get it back. They think I know where the dagger is hidden, but this is one thing I can't use my magic to find. All I do know is that the Reapers are coming for me--and I'm in for the fight of my life.

The more of these books I read the more I love them. They re so rich in mythology and a solid story with great characters to back it up. I'm not sure how Mrs Estep does it but I hope she keeps it up.

There wasn't much that happened here that I didn't enjoy. Daphne and Carson were still with us and they both had a few interesting things happen to them. Logan of course was still here and the tension between him and Gwen is perfect. Our professors are all still with us, and we even got o learn a little more about Nicomedeas, which I enjoyed very much. I love how these characters all have depth they aren't just filler on the page.

Our villains were also creepy and very well written. I had my guesses at who our bad guy was in this one a for once I turned out to be right, but getting to that part in the story was a bumpy ride that had me a little stressed out for Gwen. One thing I will say is hat these books pull no punches. Our bad guys are truly bad and nasty, and while they will dish it out, they also get it back sometimes in spades. 

This story really lays it all out on the line for Gwen. The stakes can't get any higher, or the pressure much heavier. Everyone stands to lose something, and some stand to lose everything. This was an amazing addition to his wonderful series. I give this book 5 stars and am willing to go out and give this whole series 5 stars. Please, go read these books if you haven't already

Review: The Girl in the Clockwork Collar - Kady Cross

Author: Kady Cross
Series: Steampunk Chronicles #2
Pages: 416
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: 5/22/12
ISBN-10: 0373210531

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In New York City, 1897, life has never been more thrilling - or dangerous.

Sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne and her "straynge band of mysfits" have journeyed from London to America to rescue their friend Jasper, hauled off by bounty hunters. But Jasper is in the clutches of a devious former friend demanding a trade-the dangerous device Jasper stole from him...for the life of the girl Jasper loves.

One false move from Jasper and the strange clockwork collar around Mei's neck tightens. And tightens.

This series has solidified my love of the steam punk genre. There is something about these books don't intimidate me like most other steam punks do. I'm not sure what it is that has me hooked but I am.


Finley and the gang are an awesome group of characters. They remind me of the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen which I loved. Finley is my kinda girl she will run off half coked to try to help the people she cares about. She is also pretty kick ass, if I was in a tight spot and needed some muscle I would call her. Griffin, Emily, Sam and jasper all have there own strengths an weaknesses and they all work so well together. Part of what makes them so special is that they are like a family and all care about each other.


This story picked up where the other ended, the gang is coming from London to America to help jasper. It isn't until they get there that they find out that jasper isn't with the police. From there they enter a world of scientists, gangs, social events, and criminals. There is always something happening here. It was impossible to get bored with this book. My favorite part though was getting to know jasper, and his past. I was also happy to find out who the chick on the cover was and where this clockwork collar came into play.


This was definitely a great installment in this series, and really as long as these books keep coming out I will keep reading them. This is a great intro into the team punk genre and I would suggest these books to anyone who is on the fence with it. I give this one 4 stars!

The Strange Case of Finley Jayne Review (Book 0.5)

The Girl in the Steel Corset Review (Book 01)

Review: The Selection - Kiera Cass

Author: Kiera Cass
Series: The Selection #1
Pages: 327
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: 4/24/12
ISBN-10: 0062059939

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For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself--and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

I was prepared to hate this book, after all the controversy and negative reviews I saw. What I wasn't prepared for was to absolutely love this book. I was wowed from the start. I'm not sure where to start with this review, but well give it a try.

The World - this was not your typical dystopian. It wasn't the Hunger Games. This was a light dystopian. The caste system was something that I couldn't help but question. Why? How did the world become so segregated? I do hope to learn more about the how's and whys in the next book. Other than my questions this is something that I think could happen if we aren't careful, people labeled by there skills or money. I enjoyed the fact that it was a lighter dystopian, not everything has to be death and war. I think being on the light side left room in the story for other aspects to shine.

The Girls - we didn't get to know each and every girl in the selection, but we got the general idea of the different personalities and outlooks. I for one adore Marlee, and desperately want to know her secret! Celeste infuriates me, I would love to see her be sent home and have that I'm better than you attitude destroyed. One of the things I liked was the girls were a mix of castes, but the choices of the prince don't seem to be based on a number. I feel that how things were portrayed for this group of girls is probably very accurate, especially when the stakes are so high, to win a prince and a crown how far would you go?

Maxon - I love you! He always came off as sweet and kind. America does things that make you think that she should be going home, but for some reason he keeps her around. Maxon also appears to be an honest man, not wanting to get the girls hopes up if he knows hey aren't a good match, while some might see it as cruel I see it as a small mercy. Being sent away must be heart breaking, but. The longer you are lead on, given hope that he truly cares for you the harder it would be. I also really loved how be listened to what America said about the starving people and immediately tried to come up with a way to help. 

America - oh little lady there is so much to say. One of her best qualities is she stats true to herself, she refuses to be made over into someone she isn't. She is brutally honest even with the prince. And all around she comes off as a good caring person. She worries and tries to help her family, even while the palace she doesn't stop thinking about them. She refuses to abandon her maids drying a time of danger. When I think of America, I can see her as a princess, she goes through the selection looking for certain qualities in the other girls, but overlooks them in herself. 

Aspen - you my friend are an idiot. I get why you did what you did and yes that sacrifice might be the truest form of love, but you are still an idiot. I don't think you are a bad guy, I just don't think that you are the one for America. Actually that is the worst part of this triangle, both our men are good men. There's no good guy versus the rebel bad boy. I do have to agree if I was America I would have trouble choosing too.

The Romance - this was my favorite part. Watching what I truly believe was these who falling love. You can see clear as day that he cares very deeply for America, but she denies her feelings, or writes the off as an unknown feeling. But I feel that this is what I saw. There was chemistry, flirting, fun, and happiness. They are good together and the balance each other out. I lied every part f this book that they were together. This was a sweet story of friendship and attraction. 

I give this book 5 stars, and strongly urge you guys to give this a try, you may be pleasantly surprised. You my want to go in expecting a light dystopian feel with a romance to it. I open you guys try it and enjoy it!

Review: Thumped -Megan McCafferty

Author: Megan McCafferty
Series: Bumped #2
Pages: 304
Publisher: Blazer & Bray
Release Date: 4/24/12
ISBN-10: 0061962767

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It's been thirty-five weeks since twin sisters Harmony and Melody went their separate ways. Since then, their story has become irresistible to legions of girls: twins separated at birth and living different lives, each due to deliver sets of twins . . . on the same day! In a future where only teens can "bump," or give birth, babies mean money, status, and freedom.

Married to Ram and living in religious Goodside, Harmony spends her time trying to fit back into the community she once loved and believed in. But she can't seem to forget about Jondoe, the guy she fell in love with under the strangest of circumstances.

To her adoring fans, Melody has achieved everything she always wanted: a big, fat contract and a coupling with Jondoe, the hottest bump prospect around. But this image is costing her the one guy she really wants.

Cursed by their own popularity, the girls are obsessively tracked by their millions of fans, who have been eagerly counting down the days to their "Double Double Due Date." Without a doubt, they are two of the most powerful teen girls on the planet, and there's only one thing they could do that would make them more famous than they already are:

Tell the truth.

I loved bumped and couldn't wait to get my hands on thumped! I had to know what would happen to the girls.  There was not a moment during this story that I was bored or that felt slow. It flowed and while it wasn't a terrifying nail biter it makes you think. What would our world be like if this happened? Could you live in a society like that? I think Mrs McCafferty bravely tackled a topic in our society that has many up in arms, and I feel that she did it very well.

Melody and harmony came a long way from the start of bumped. They grew closer and truly cared for each other. I also liked the changes we saw in Johndoe. I'm a little sad to be saying god bye to this story and it's characters. But they got an ending that was touching, heartfelt, and which wrapped up this story in a great way. 

I don't want to discuss the meat of this story because I think it should be experienced as you read the book, but I can say that I hope all of you who have enjoyed Bumped carve out some time to give this a read, and any of you who have been weary to read this series I truly hope you change your minds and give it a try.  I give this one 5 starts and strongly recommend this one to all of you!

Bumped Review

Review: The Goddess Hunt - Aimee Carter

File Size: 256 KB
Print Length: 75 pages
Publisher: Harlequin Teen (March 1, 2012)

A vacation in Greece sounds like the perfect way for Kate Winters to spend her first sabbatical away from the Underworld...until she gets caught up in an immortal feud going back millennia. Castor and Pollux have been on the run from Zeus and Hades' wrath for centuries, hiding from the gods who hunt them. The last person they trust is Kate, the new Queen of the Underworld. Nevertheless, she is determined to help their cause. But when it comes to dealing with immortals, Kate still has a lot to learn....

This was a pretty great novella, it was nice to ease back into Kate's world after being away. I also enjoyed getting to meet new people Castor and Pollux was a story that I always felt close to since I am a Gemini. So getting to see a bit more of there story was great. It was also nice to see Kate missing Henry. I was worried that maybe the 6 months away would wear on there new and fragile relationship. It was also fun to see some of the other gods, Ella and Ava are two of my more favorite Greek goddesses and the way the gods all interact kinda makes me chuckle. I enjoyed this story and the quick peek into Kate's world. I look forward to starting goddess interrupted soon. I give this novella 5 stars.

Review: Monstrous beauty -Elizabeth Fama

Age Range: 12 and up
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) (September 4, 2012)
ISBN-10: 0374373663

Fierce, seductive mermaid Syrenka falls in love with Ezra, a young naturalist. When she abandons her life underwater for a chance at happiness on land, she is unaware that this decision comes with horrific and deadly consequences.

Almost one hundred forty years later, seventeen-year-old Hester meets a mysterious stranger named Ezra and feels overwhelmingly, inexplicably drawn to him. For generations, love has resulted in death for the women in her family. Is it an undiagnosed genetic defect . . . or a curse? With Ezra’s help, Hester investigates her family’s strange, sad history. The answers she seeks are waiting in the graveyard, the crypt, and at the bottom of the ocean—but powerful forces will do anything to keep her from uncovering her connection to Syrenka and to the tragedy of so long ago.

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This wasn't your typical mermaid story, but yet it was an amazing story. The story of Syrenka and Ezra will wrap itself around you and hold you close until the end. This wasn't a happy tale, it was a tale of love, betrayal, heartbreak and loss. Yet with all this sadness it was beautiful. 

Syrenka and Ezra had a rough time of it, he was a human and she was a mermaid. Through unhappy circumstance Syrenka became a human and for a while they were happy. When her past catches up with her tragedy strikes and sets in motion a curse that will last for generations.

Hester lives a kind of lonely life she has friends but will never get closer. She doesn't want to fall in love or have children, for if she does she fears she will die a few days later like her mother and grandmother and so on. There is so much that goes into this that to say much more might spoil something. Just know that this is a beautifully written tale that will suck you in. 

I would recommend this to everyone even if you don't like mermaids, for this isn't your typical mermaid tale. I give this one 5 stars!

Review: Pandemonium - Lauren Oliver

Publisher: HarperCollins ebooks (February 28, 2012)
Pint Length: 337 pages
Language: English

After falling in love, Lena and Alex flee their oppressive society where love is outlawed and everyone must receive the "cure" - an operation that makes them immune to the delirium of love - but Lena alone manages to find her way to a community of resistance fighters. Although she is bereft without the boy she loves, her struggles seem to be leading her toward a new love.

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I feel compelled to start this by saying Lauren Oliver is evil! I was hooked by Delirium, it grabbed me a wouldn't let me go, I thought there is no way pandemonium could be any better, if I'm lucky it might be just as good. Well let me tell you I don't know how she did it but, wow! Just pure simple wow! 

Lena was totally kick ass in this book. Like the reference between old Lena and new Lena, you could definitely see the difference. While there were times where he was scared she faced it all down head on. She fought like crazy for her life and for the ones she cared about. I also loved that at times she didn't just do what others told her to she followed her heart and her gut and did what she felt was right. 

The one thing I thought I was going to hate was how things with Alex were handled. I fell in love with him in Delirium, and didn't thing I would enjoy a book that didn't have tons and tons of Alex. Again...I was wrong, there was enough action with Lena to make up for it. I also kind of maybe fell in love with Jillian. He really surprised me, there were times where I thought that things would end badly, but he surprised me and captured my heart. 

There was so much going on in this book. We got to meet the scavengers, the resistance, and we got an awesome look at Lena's life in the wilds. There was action, suspense, and betrayal. This book had everything that you could possibly ask for and then some. I have no clue how I am going to wait for the next book to come out because that ending was killer! I'm giving this one 5 stars and strongly urge anyone who hasn't read this series yet to go and do so very quickly!