Review-Struck

When I saw on Jenn's twitter that her book was coming out soon, and when I saw her awesome book trailer, I realized I had to get my butt in gear and read the  ARC I got.  Jenn is also coming to my city with a group of other authors for the Fierce Reads tour, and I really want to have read all of the books featured in the tour.  I read Struck in three days and was very pleased with the book.  Mia is such a strong character and her abilities are unlike anything I've ever read about (yes, I do realize she isn't actually a real person).  I've read some reviews of this book on goodreads, and they didn't like the religious aspect of the book, but I think that it was a very important part of the book.  I myself am not religious, and there were times I wanted to punch Prophet and his followers in the face (just ask Jenn, she knows) I still think it was a really important part of the book that couldn't have been left out.  The action was really well played out, and I loved the way that she talked about the lightning scars and what it felt like to be struck.  I assume that Jennifer has never actually been struck by lightning but when she described it I could almost feel it.  I also feel that underneath the whole plot there's a great message about learning to embrace who you are, and how even if you're just one person you can change things.  Jenn left it open so that she could write a sequel, and I would really like to see where she went if she ended up going ahead with writing one.  This debut isn't like anything else out there at the moment, and I think that it's a really good edition to the YA world.  I can't wait to see what Jenn comes up with next, and I myself would love to see a little more of Jeremy (finally, a YA guy who's sexy AND smart, and not an ass).

Out May 8, 2012

4/5

Review-Something Like Normal

Trish is my debut author to interview for June so I wanted to read her book before it came out. I think she's the only contemporary author I have in the line-up so far but it really doesn't matter. You know those books that pull you in and make you go "Woah"? This was one of those books, and the more amazing part of it is the fact that Trish is a debut author and she's writing a contemporary novel. Travis was SO great, because he wasn't too over the top. He wasn't extraordinary and he wasn't perfect,but that's what made him all the better. If you've read any of the Perfect Chemistry books then I think you'll really enjoy this one, because it has that same style.  The other part I loved was that it was told entirely from Travis' POV.  There are not enough books out there that are told from a Male POV, and even though this book is a little girly I still think that guys could enjoy it.  I read this book in less then 24 hours, and I was so pleased with it.  Yeah, there were vulgar parts (I mean, we're inside a teenage boy's head [no offense to all the teenage boys out there]), and yeah, there were war parts, and yes there was kissing (squee), but there was also depth to it.  It made me think about all of those teens coming back from the war and how they have so much to cope with.  Part of this book is about love and finding something normal in your world when it's been turned upside down, but the book is also about grief and about being a solider who has to come back to the real world for a while.  The book was so real and so good.  Those last few pages almost made me cry, and I can't wait to see what Trish comes up with next.  I'll be buying myself a finished copy of this book and I suggest that you all do the same.  Trish is yet another debut author I'll have my eye on from now on, and I hope that that book she teases us all with on Tumblr will be her next book on the shelves.

Out June 19, 2012

5/5 dust spirits

Review-The Last Echo

First let me tell you that even though the title of this book has the word "last" in it, it is not the last book in the series.  There will be at least one more book, for which I am thrilled.  Now, onto the review.  I read Kim's first novel, The Body Finder, back when it was out in hardback and Borders was still alive.  I picked it up because of the title and ended up reading and loving it.  When it comes to my subjects of interest serial killers are actually high up there, with crazy diseases that kill people in strange ways, and cannibals (I can't be the only one who finds them fascinating), but unfortunately all of those things are rather...sparse in YA fiction.  Derting, to my great pleasure, doesn't shy away from the first (and maybe in the future the last) and that's what I love about her novels.  That and the fact you get to see into the killers mind.  Her books are like a written version of the show Criminal Minds (on CBS) more geared towards teenagers, with a touch of Medium (that's just an assumption, I've never actually seen that show).  Sometimes when authors write more them one book about something that doesn't exactly have a series feel to it it can seem like they're just trying to make money (can anyone say House M.D.?) but Kim is not one of people.  Yes all these books are about a girl who can find dead people, and yeah, poor Violet usually ends up in some sort of trouble, but it's not boring!  That's the thing that makes those other books bad, is that they're boring because everything happens the same exact way, but when you're an author coming up with ways that people can die the great part is there is no limit to the imagination (well...Final Destination my have gone a LITTLE too far, but as far as killers go there's always another crazy out there that wants to be noticed).  Kim's third Body Finder novel is still as fresh as the first one was (and there's kissing, YAY!) and the way it ends leaves you with a tingly feeling (if you've read the book you'll get the joke) and makes sure there is no doubt about another book on the way.  With heart stopping action, some good kissy scenes, and a few parts that make your heart race The Last Echo is everything I hoped it would be and more.  I'm very excited for the next book, I really loved this book, and if you like creepy things give this series a chance.  I'm almost tempted to re-read the series because I love it so much, but unfortunately I have other books I need to read.  When book four comes out I'll be pining for it just like I was with this one, and pretty much the only thing that could make it better would be cannibals.  Got that Kim, add people eating other people and we're good. 

Out April 17, 2012

5/5 dust spirits

Review-Pandemonium

If you've been with me since the beginning you'll know how much I enjoyed Delirium, so when I got an ARC of this book I was very happy.  Delirium was so amazing, whenever I describe it to someone I call it "lyrical" and that's really what it was, and as excited as I was to get the sequel I was a little afraid to read it.  Because the first one was so good I was afraid this one would let me down, but it definitely did not.  Yes, it was different from the first one, and it wasn't exactly lyrical it was still such a good book.  The formatting was also different, switching between present time and right after Delirium ended, and you think that would be a confusing but I actually liked it.  Oliver uses such grace and has so much skill it doesn't seem like there's a difference, and it really doesn't matter which time you're in the story is gripping either way.  There was also some worries about having a new boy in the series, but I like the new boy as well.  As a sequel this book really doesn't disappoint in any way.  The new Lena is even better then the old one, and the new characters are perfect for the setting.  The lies run even deeper, and the stakes are even higher as things spiral out of control for Lena again.  There was more adventure in this whole book, it really starts out from the beginning, then there was in Delirium but given the circumstances and where she is I think that this was the perfect thing to do.  The ending will leave you screaming for more, just like the first one did.  I can't wait to see how Lauren will end the series, but this is a worthy sequel if I've ever read one.  If you've read Delirium you should pick this book out when it comes out, and if you haven't read the series I highly recommend it. 

Out March 28, 2012

5/5 dust spirits

Review-Born Wicked

I was rather reluctant about this book at first because of the fact that it was set in the past.  Yes, it was an alternate past, but I am generally not a fan of novels set in the past because they don't hold my interest.  This one was very different though, I was highly intrigued, even with all of the fancy dresses and the frippery.  I'm not a fancy person nor am I one for fancy things but Jessica manages to make even fancy things fascinating to someone like me.  The story was so original, especially in the setting. I was intrigued by how she managed to craft such a great world that was so real and as well as being different from what really happened.  The characters were really great.  Three head-strong sisters who are hiding a secret that could get them killed.  Two guys, one of whom is hotter then the other.  Jessica has managed to craft a magical novel with a plot that will have you riveted until the last minute even if you don't like period novels.  It was elegantly written and reminded me of Cassie Clare's Infernal Devices Trilogy.  There were twists and turns (I saw most of them coming) and very steamy kisses that would not have been acceptable had anyone found out about them.  The spells really reminded me of those in Harry Potter because the names seemed magical but easy enough to remember that anyone could hold onto it.  I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes period novels, enjoys books with magic, and really likes the kissy scenes.  I know I really like the kissy scenes and the ones in this book were great.  This whole book was just fantastic, I can't wait to see what happens next in the series (and I really hope there will be more kissing in books two and three!).  Jessica is a debut author to look out for, and she really shows that women can get things done!

Released February 7, 2012

5/5 dust spirits

Something Fancy

If you like the facebook page you all know that yesterday I decided to do something fancy today, and for me fancy means a giveaway.  If you follow the facebook page you also know that recently I went to see Andrea Cremer (she was awesome) and before the event I had acquired a hardback copy of her first book for $3.00.  It's not in perfect condition, and by that I mean the previous owner appears to have spilled a little on it (nothing serious though), but it has that pretty ORIGINAL cover that you can't buy anymore and it's signed, which makes it doubly as rare.  And to make this giveaway extra fancy I'll throw in an ARC of an upcoming 2012 release.  So there will be two winners. Just fill out the form here and you're set.  Due to time constraints of counting there will be one entry per person and to enter all you have to do is follow me in some way. On twitter, on facebook, or on the blog here.  Easy peasy.  The contest will end on Sunday at 12:00 noon Pacific time. Winners will be notified then.  has ended.  Good luck, and happy Friday the 13th.

Review-Bloodrose

I'm always sad to see a series end, it marks the end of a great adventure and the story of characters I've grown to know and love, but I'm also glad when they end right.  Bloodrose was one of those books that ended right, and not because it was all happy squishy endings but because there was pain.  Calla is such a strong heroine and I think that Andrea wrapped up her whole story perfectly.  I must give her a huge round of applause for crafting such a great trilogy with such steamy romance and nail-biting action scenes.  Her idea was fresh and new, taking a whole new level to the idea of werewolves.  I have to say, I think this was my favorite book because this is where it all ends, and even though endings make me sad Andrea did so well at ending it I couldn't help but love it.  All of my favorite characters were back and Calla was even more powerful then she had been in the past two novels.  I love a good female lead and Calla fit that bill to a T.  I can't imagine putting myself in her shoes and having to do everything that she did, she is a true heroine as well.  The other thing I loved was how fast paced the story was, while at the same time it didn't seem too rushed so as the book was a jumble of action that made no sense at all.  It took me a long time to read the book, but not because it was bad, but because I had so many other things to do.  If you've read the first two books you should pick this one up right away.  It may break a few hearts but I think the end has to be told, and if you don't read it you will be forever left wondering.  If you haven't started the series I suggest you do that because this is not a series to be missed. You know that old saying "not with a bang, but with a whimper"? Bloodrose ends with a bang, and it's a big one.

5/5 dust spirits

Happy Holiday Super Giveaway Winners

I thought that there would be more entries for these contests, but none of them got over 50 entries.  Anyway, here are the winners. I'm sorry that they're a little late, but I was at my Grandparent's house and then it was Christmas, but the winners are here now. 

The winner of the book pendant is isabella who wanted the Catching Fire pendant.
The winner of the personalized pendant is Susan Light.
The winner of the 2012 ARC is Tristen Calnan who wanted Under the Never Sky.

Thanks to all who entered and hopefully I'll do another contest like this soon.

Review-Under the Never Sky

I recently made friends with the amazing author of this amazing book so I decided that since the book is coming out in 11 days, YES ELEVEN, I should read it because I received it for review.  This book has been pitched for people who loved both Graceling and The Hunger Games, neither of which I have actually read (although I've started them both) but now I might need to give them a second chance.  Veronica's book was so good, the world building was amazing, and what made it even more amazing was the fact that she managed to make a whole new world and most of the story took place in a space that wasn't like the world we live in today.  I admire her great skill at the art she has ended up calling her profession.  This book had it all, adventure, danger, some blood thrown in, a cute boy, a strong girl, a super power or two (you'll understand what I mean when you read it), some kissy scenes, and cannibals (and you all know how much I love that last one!).  There's a clear villain in the book, even though he's not in play most of the time, and the choices Aria has to make are life changing.  There have been mixed reviews about this book, and I can understand that because some people could say it starts out slow.  I think for me it wasn't that it started out slow but that we were thrown into the story with no background so I was rather confused, but I just pushed through it (with a little help from Veronica every now and then).  So to clear this up a little for those of you who read the book (so you don't give up and miss out on the awesomeness) there is the sun and then there is the Aether.  The Aether, according to Veronica is "a new layer of atmosphere that sort of acts like electricity, but it moves like water, up in the sky."  And those are her words, not mine, so now you know why they sound so much better then anything I could have come up with.  Be warned, there are a few hot scenes in the book so it's probably not a good gift for someone under the age of 14 (probably a lot like The Hunger Games, which some people say are good for 5th graders, but really, I don't think so.).  If you like dystopian novels definitely give this one a try, and keep in mind, the future may be closer then you think.  Also, GOD that tag line, isn't it great!?

Released January 3, 2012

4.5/5 dust spirits

Happy Holiday Super Giveaway!

I've been terrible at keeping up the blog. No reviews, no posts, no giveaways, bad me!  So let's fix that. I will have a review up by Monday at the latest and here's a giveaway!  This giveaway has 3 parts, because...well, it's better then one, and two is just an odd number for giveaways in my mind. Let's start with rules, because, well, we all hate them, but they make up our society and keep things in order.  One entry per person per each contest. You MUST be a follower in some way, aka blog or facebook, to enter.  If you want to tweet/facebook/blog about the contest feel free to do so, but for the sake of my sanity one entry per person (that means no extra entries).  Now, I'm sure you're all wondering what you can win, right? Right.  So, three prizes, three winners (or in the case someone is REALLY lucky two winners, or just one [I want to be that person right there]) and they're ALL book related. Shocking right, I mean, this is a BOOK blog, but a giveaway for book related things (books included), CRAZY!  So, prizes.

Prize #1: 1 Pendant (Necklace not included)! It has to be one of these covers, but please note that not all of them are available.  This contest is INTERNATIONAL

       

*Please note that these are not specific ones, although if you want one of these I would be happy to make you one with one of these images on it.  This one may also take a few days (a week or so) to create, seeing as I have to make them by hand.

Enter here

Prize #2: A pendant with a picture of your choice on it (Necklace not included). But please note that you might have to give me a few options because the pictures have to fit on these small tiles, and not all pictures can do that without looking weird. (see above pictures only you can put whatever you want on them).  This contest is INTERNATIONAL.

Enter here

Prize #3: A 2012 ARC.  You can choose one ARC that comes out in 2012 that I have an extra copy of.  Some of the choices include the following;

*Please note that this contest is for US residents only because the ARCs are all US ARCs.

Enter here

Winners will be announced later today or early tomorrow morning!

Review-Legend

With dystopian novels becoming the new trend in YA there are bound to be some flops out there, but Legend is not one of them.  As a debut novel Lu knocks the socks off my feet, and I'm so glad that she is a new edition to the YA world.  Her characters are fierce and her plot is nothing short of awesome.  The world she created is completely new, but I could see it happening one day.  The images in her books are so startling, and the interaction between characters is so perfect that it makes you not want to put the book down when you pick it up.  With some of these books everything is packed into the very end, and while it's true the end is a good punch to the gut there are also some good jabs in the middle and the very beginning.  And there's a plague in the book, which, if I would have known sooner I would have been ALL OVER it the moment I got it in the mail.  If dystopian is the new vampire I can't say I'm upset with the trend.  Legend is fast paced and well written, and the fact that Day's chapters are in gold print makes it that much cooler.  Day is also now one of my favorite dystopian boys because, I mean, who doesn't want a boyfriend who would do anything for his family, is really smart, incredibly agile, and the corrupt government's number one enemy?  And I secretly wish I could be June sometimes too, because even though she's been through so much she's still so strong, and even though she could easily become a bad guy, she has the courage to do what's right in the end, even though it costs her so much.  If you are a fan of any dystopian novel out there, or if you just want a change you should definitely pick up this debut. I'm sure that by the time you finish you'll want the second one just like me.  And just so you know, I want the second one now. ;)

5/5 dust spirits

Review-Crossed

I was very excited when a friend of mine sent me an ARC of this book because I just loved the first one.  It was supposed to be the new Hunger Games, and although I've never finished those books I don't think it's anything like them.  I liked Crossed more then Matched but then I also liked Matched more then Crossed. Does that make sense? No, probably not, but I think that when you read it you will understand.  I loved the fact that we got to see half of the book from Ky's point of view.  I know there are some people who hate alternating points of view, but I think that Ky's point of view is such a huge part of this book it wouldn't have worked if it was all from Cassia's point of view.  We learn lots of new secrets, some bigger than others.  Thankfully the ending isn't a HUGE cliffhanger, I mean, yeah, there is some suspense as to what's going to happen next, but it's not one that will leave you tossing and turning in bed trying to figure out what's going to happen.  There was adventure, kissing, and some suspense and Ally wrapped it all up perfectly.  There were just a few things that bugged me, namely the fact that it took over 100 pages for Cassia and Ky to finally find each other.  Yeah, I know, that was a little spoilery, but I mean, really, how many of you seriously thought they wouldn't find each other again?  All of the secrets we learn the answers to in this book are definitely leading up to something bigger that better be explained in the last book.  Again Condie writes a beautiful novel that I think everyone who enjoys a good dystopia should read, and if you read and liked the first one this one won't disappoint.  I also have to comment on the covers, the first one was Green, this one is blue.  I love both covers and Ally has said that they are rather symbolic of the story, and I definitely get that.  I have a sneaking suspicion that the last one will be red, because of the tablet colors. Green to calm down (and calming down helps you figure everything out, which is what Cassia did in the first book), blue to survive (what Ky and Cassia both had to do in the second one), and red to forget (or maybe to prove how different Cassia really is).  But then again I would like it if it were purple.

4.5/5 dust spirits

Review-The Scorpio Races

This review is really hard to write, not because I didn't like the book, I really did, but because I feel it hasn't had the time to sink in even though I finished it about three hours ago.  Maggie calls this her favorite book, which she says is dangerous because her other books may come and murder her in her sleep, and I can't say that I don't agree.  It's different from her bestselling series Wolves of Mercy Falls series but not in a bad way.  I felt that this book was a lot like the movie Hidalgo and although I'm not a fan of horses I was plesently surprised.  When I read that the book was about flesh-eating horses I was game, and Maggie really portrays them well.  The ending, without giving anything away, was perfect in all the right ways and leave things to the imagination, which is really something I feel Maggie does well, in this book especially.  The action is there from the first page and even though the race doesn't begin until about 50 pages from the end of the book it still seems to keep you interested the whole way through.  I also enjoyed the fact that it stood up for women in a way, and that there was still that small hint of romance and friendship that makes you warm and fuzzy inside.  I'm sure that this is a stand alone novel (granted I thought that about Shiver as well) although I would love to see into the world again, because Thisby was such a beautiful place.  It had that feel where you weren't quite sure what time period it was set it, but some how that didn't really matter.  I can't wait to see what Maggie cooks up next because all her novels are magical with a sort of twist that only she can pull off without being killed in her sleep by a crazy fan.

Released October 18, 2011

4.5/5 dust spirits

Review-Name of the Star

When I first read the premise of this book I was really excited, and when my blogger friend Sarah said she had a review copy and that I could borrow it I was thrilled.  I'm all for books about serial killers because, honestly, I love the idea of a good one.  No that doesn't mean I like when they're at large, but I love watching shows about them.  For some reason I'm facinated with them, books that have to do with crime in general.  I'm also rather fond of the idea of Jack the Ripper so when I heard this book was ABOUT Jack the Ripper I was all for it.  Now that I've finished reading it I'm not really sure how I feel about it.  It wasn't a bad book by any means, it just wasn't amazing.  Maybe it was because I was SO excited about the whole idea of this book that when it finally came down to reading it I found that something was lacking.  The idea was really fresh, it wasn't something that had been re-done hundreds of times in the teen section and although there was some romance it didn't overpower the story, because the story wasn't really ABOUT romance.  I really liked the main character Rory.  She was independant, didn't end up falling in love with a guy and falling all over herself to impress him, and she really did hold her own.  If you're a fan of books with some romance, some thrill, a few near death experiences, and some history then I definetly suggest you check out this book.  I'll be reading the next book in the series just to see what happens (and because there are very few times when I don't continue a series) and will definetly check out her Thirteen Little Blue Envelopes series because I've heard they're really good.

Out now!!!

4/5 dust spirits

Impromptu ARC Giveaway Winner!

Wow, you guys REALLY want this ARC. There were 73 PEOPLE who entered and 242 entries.  I wish I had more to give away, but I only have two and one of them is for me so unfortunetly only one person can win.  Maybe I'll have this as one of the books you can pick for the October book giveaway?  Let me know what you guys think about that in the comments.  First let's look at the pretty cover first, because, you really can't look at it enough, it's just so pretty.



Now, onto the winner, the winner is LadyVampire (Number 234)!!! Congrats, I've emailed you and you have 72 hours to respond or the ARC goes to someone else.

Review-Shatter Me

Here's another book that people have been talking about recently, saying it's really good, they can't wait to read it, etc.  Believe all of these things because they are all true.  The pitch of this book is "The Hunger Games meets X-Men" and I think that's really what you get.  I will say there are going to be some people that won't love this book.  I'm sure there are going to be some people who hate it because of the way it's written, but in my mind the way it was written only made it better.  It was almost lyrical in a way, kind of like a poem but at the same time a novel as well.  A very unique style of writing that I personally just loved.  Tahereh was descriptive and somehow even made the ugliest things sound enticing.  Just the idea of this book was new and fresh, and the story really doesn't disappoint either.  Juliette is such a great character and I think she's someone that ALL girls can relate to.  No not on every level, because obviously no one has the problem of hurting people with a touch, but I feel that there's so much more to her story then just that.  With Juliette I also saw something deeper, a self loathing and a wanting to be different and normal.  She was SUCH a great character because of her imperfections, and because she refused to give into the immense pressure she was put through, which is more then I can say for some characters.  The romance is so sweet and there are passages in it that take your breath away.  I have no doubt that if you are a fan of books in verse and dystopian novels you will just eat this book up.  And all the twists and turns, it's like a WELL WRITTEN action movie, when they make this movie they better do it justice or I will hurt them all.  I can't WAIT for the next one to come out but in the mean time I will most likely feel the need to re-read this book, which is something I don't say very often.

Released November 15, 2011

5/5 dust spirits

*Note; when you read the book make sure you read the parts that are crossed out or you may miss something.

Impromptu ARC Giveaway

So today when the mail came there were two packages in it.  One was a copy of Sweet Venom that was SUPPOSED to get here YESTERDAY, thank you very much Amazon. The other you ask? It was an ARC of Dearly, Departed that I won from Dark Faerie Tales but I already HAVE a copy that I got from the publisher to review, so now I have 2.  I've yet to read the book but I see no need to have two copies of the same book, so what does one do with it? Well, if you're a blogger you trade it or give it away!  I do sometimes wish that I could say "I'll give you this book for $x." but seeing as that doesn't give the author any money and they're "Not For Sale" that's not going to happen.  Any who, I asked the author, the lovely Lia Habel, if I could make the giveaway international and she said why not, so.  So that means the giveaway is INTERNATIONAL!  YAY!!!  Although depending on where you live (aka international) I might ask you to pay for shipping because shipping can be REALLY EXPENSIVE!  All you have to do is fill out the form.  Since the book comes out on October 18th and you probably want to at least be able to read the ARC early (cause you know, that's what they're for, to read early) the contest will end on September 27th, exactly three weeks before the book is released out into the wild in the US.  The UK version is released on the 29th of September which is a poo, cause you know, Lia LIVES IN THE US, but still. Now, go forth and fill out the form!  See the winner here.

But first, look at the pretty cover!!! Yes, the ARC does have the cover on it, so it's almost like the real thing.

Review-Daughter of Smoke and Bone

This book, THIS BOOK!!!  People have been raving about this book and NOW I see why.  Laini crafts an AMAZING story that's just so...so...there are really no words to describe this book, but I'll try my best.  Let's start with the beginnings of each section, goodness I could read those over and over again, so beautiful.  The characters? Exotic. No really, their names, I think I pronounced almost all of them wrong, but do I care, NO! Although I will be asking Laini how to ACTUALLY pronounce them, then I'll let you guys know.  Karou, oh Karou, she's amazing.  I mean, there are some great female characters out there, but Karou is right up there with Clary from The Mortal Instruments series.  And THE WRITING!? *dies*. Basically what I'm trying to say is that I LOVE this book.  Did you get that, I LOVE it.  It almost seems lyrical in a way, beautiful and harsh at the same time.  Somehow it just hits you right in the middle of the chest and leaves you speechless.  You think you know how it's gonna end? Yeah, no, think again.  Taylor has crafted such a beautiful world it's almost ugly...I SAID ALMOST!  Think The Mortal Instruments meets Hush, Hush meets The Sky is Everywhere and then you'll have a small idea of what this book is going to be like.  Take my word for it this book is DEFINITELY gonna be the next big thing.  Yes, there are going to be a FEW of you who don't like it, and in my head I'll just be going "yup, can't talk to them anymore, they're crazy." (only not really, don't worry, I'll still talk to you even if I think you're nuts) but I'm pretty sure 99% of you who read this book are gonna look like this at the end O.O .  Personally I can't WAIT for the second one, which Laini said she's working on RIGHT NOW because I'm sure it's gonna be EVEN BETTER, if that's even possible.  Now excuse me while I go out and find Laini's other books, because I must read them ASAP because, well, I mean, they're her books, and she wrote THIS BOOK so they MUST be AMAZING too.  Go read this book!  That is all.

Released September 27, 2011

I need more dust spirits for this book, but I only have five so 5/5

*Please excuse my insanely long rant about how amazing this book was but if you go out and buy it and read it, I think you will see why I sound so crazy.  Now go read!

Review-The Eleventh Plague

The Eleventh Plague is, at it's core, a novel about the end of the world and what happens next, but it's also a book about the basic instincts of human nature.  Most of the time I don't dive deep into book because, in all honesty, it bores me.  I know, you have to do it in school, but whenever we have to I want to shoot myself.  With this book though I think it's really had not to.  Maybe my take on the book is not at ALL what Jeff wanted to convey when he wrote the book, but we all see things differently so that's okay, right?  Right.  Stephen, the main character was really great.  Not in the sense that he was hott (although he didn't sound too bad looking) but that he was a teenage boy and was really trying to find himself.  This book is definetly gonna be a hit with boys becase, well, let's face it, there aren't many books for teenage boys and this one just really does a great job at grabbing your attention, especially if you're a boy (I mean, just LOOK at that cover, what boy WOULDN'T want to read it?).  The book gives us a shocking look at what could very well happen to our society, on some level it really hits that deep fear that we all have about a plauge being  unleashed upon the US.  The premise of this book is, in my mind, "hell is other people".  When you take humans and put them into dire situations you see who they really are, and maybe all it takes is the end of the world.  I really enjoyed this debut novel because it's really different from most of the YA book on the market because, in the end, you don't get a nice bow, you get life, as in, things don't generally end up nice a neat, they're ugly and broken, but there's room for improvement in life, and that's really what I enjoyed most about this book.  I will admit, it took some time for me to get into it, and I didn't always want to read it ALL the time, but I think we could all learn a little something from this book.  When your life is turned upside down and nothing is like it was maybe the only thing you can do is adapt.

4/5 dust spirits

Review-After Obsession~Blog Tour

I loved Carrie's Need series and I was so thrilled when I got an email asking if I wanted to participate in the blog tour for her new book After Obsession there was really only one answer I could give; YES!  Both Carrie and Steven craft a great YA novel that, in reality, is very different then anything out on the market at this time.  Yes, there is a girl on the cover, but that doesn't mean that this book only appeals to the female gender.  In my opinion both genders will find this book interesting.  For the girls there's some romance (and kissing, yay for kissing), but there's also demons and a boy's point of view.  This book was a lot of fun, but it was also somewhat creepy and had a great creep factor to it.  The lines were witty and it really does keep you hooked until the last page.  I loved the fact that Steven included parts of Native American folklore.  In some instances this could detract from the story but in this instance that is not the case and it really helps move the story along and makes it more...real.  If you're a fan of the TV show Supernatural I think that you'll really enjoy this book.  I have to say that this is my favorite book that Carrie has written and hopefully she and Steven will write something in the future just like this.  The thing I enjoyed the most was that Aimee was independant and she was part of the solution as well.  That and the fact that the villian wasn't really something you could touch, because how do you stop something you can't touch?  My hope is that Steven branches out into the YA genre as well and writes his own novel, because based on this book it will be very enjoyable.  If you like Carrie's novels you should definetly pick this book up.

Released September 13, 2011

5/5 dust spirits