{Review} The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa

The Eternity Cure
Series: The Blood of Eden #2
Author: Julie Kagawa
Release Date: April 30, 2013
by, Harlequin Teen
Source: bought
Pages: 434

Allison Sekemoto has vowed to rescue her creator, Kanin, who is being held hostage and tortured by the psychotic vampire Sarren. The call of blood leads her back to the beginning—New Covington and the Fringe, and a vampire prince who wants her dead yet may become her wary ally.

Even as Allie faces shocking revelations and heartbreak like she’s never known, a new strain of the Red Lung virus that decimated humanity is rising to threaten human and vampire alike.{Goodreads}

~Trailer:

asdfghjkl!!!!!!!!!!! <3 ;D

~Review:
  Holy Shit...Just...just wow. I understand shit can't be holy but this shit is holy. Hahaha jkjk!! I can't even associated shit and any piece of Julie Kagawa's work in the same sentence. Its offending. Let's start over shall we?                                                     *Rewinds*

  Wow! Has Julie done it again or no? No, she has exceeded! If you knew me well and someone asked who my favorite author was it'd be so easy to answer. Answer: Julie Kagawa. Hands down. No competition. She has the remarkable way with words. She has one of those gifts that are so natural. Some people are good authors. Some are great. Some are so good that you know that's what they live and breathe. The talent just oozes out of them *rewinds* (I hate the word oozes). The talent just flows so easily. Its effortless. For them to do anything else would be absurd. I mean she is very talented in other things as well but what I am trying to say is that there are some people who are born to do a certain thing. Julie was born to write, to steal our breaths and hearts with every word she puts to paper, every character she creates, every plot, every story.

  She is extremely talented. Her writing is flawless. The ability she has to capture readers attention from the very first page is incredible. It's what miracles are made of ;D Too cheesy? Too bad. ;P I seriously have trouble with each review I do of one of her books. It's hard to find the right words. No matter what I do I can't seem to bring justice to her books. I can't explain just how amazing her and her books are. I end up just saying to read it for yourself and find out. To experience it for yourself because that's the only way you will truly understand.

  This book was like a maze. You never knew what was lurking around the corner. Was it going to be sudden death? A trap? A dead end (there is no such thing in Julie's book mazes)? A fountain of fortune? A home free run? Every page amazed me more than the last. I was hooked. No, I was transfixed. There would be little to no action at one point and then BOOM! There is action galore and your brain can't process is so you have to go back just to make sure you didn't miss anything or make it all up in your head. One part in particular made me double...triple my steps back. It happened so quick and the catastrophe was so catastrophic I was like wth!? What the hell just happened and what did I miss? It was seriously in the blink of an eye and everything went to hell. My goodness!!! I couldn't help be taken back by the genius that Julie Kagawa produced sometimes.

  The characters are awesome. I love Allie. She is cool and that katana of hers is the definition of kick-ass. I even enjoyed Jackal's presence. I love the snide remarks, wit, and all around comic relief he blesses us with. I bet he would completely enjoy that statement. Allie and Jackal's conversations were hilarious. I am not convinced that Jackal is on the good side. Why? Because he isn't plain and simple. He is on the side that has the upper hand. What he does is for himself. If he sees it benefiting him he will jump in. If he sees it as sudden death he won't. Don't let him full you. Kanin. Man that was some rough stuff. Sarren *shivers* Now THAT is an evil character. The amount of goosebumps and shivers he managed to draw from me is ridiculous. That guy is seriously creepy, insane, morbid, and did I mention...evil!!? Zeke. *sighs* Oh Zeke. I love you like I love pizza...and that is a lot. Man this boy is totes adorbs ;P He is so pure and loving you can't help but be attracted and swooned.

  That ending. Sweet baby Jesus. I died. That was one of the worst endings you could possible have! I knew it. I knew that was going to be the case because of who Sarren is and he doesn't give you what you want....sometimes death is too easy. He will give you exactly what you don't want. The thing you would rather die than have. Goodness....I can't believe Julie actually followed through. I have no hope for the next book because it has nothing going for it but tragedy. Julie Kagawa is finally going to rip my heart out. Seven books later of hers and I am finally going to have nothing left. She keeps stealing piece after piece of my heart and with this final book in the Blood of Eden series it's all going to be gone. I am going to be a zombie: emotionless, starved, and depressed. ;P That's the thing. Her writing is so incredible that she leaves you so vulnerable. She holds your heart, mind and emotions in the palm of her hand. Every book of hers does that. She is a cruel cruel mistress that you can't help but love. *sings* And I hate how I love you so...*stops singing* (Ne-yo and Rihanna)

  I can only complain about one thing in this series: the book cover switch. I have a major reading pet peeve. Well I have a few but one is the following: when half way through the series they decide to change the covers. I like my books to match. They don't match when you go and redesign the rest of the freaking series. I like the new cover (its cooler when you can see it all. When you take the book jacket off it has Allie and her katana, same with the book flaps) but I would have preferred they made up their minds before releasing the first book!

  In a world over stocked on vampire books Julie throws her piece into the mix and shakes it all up. There is no going back once you read this series. The Blood of Eden trilogy is sure to out shine every vampire book in the Young Adult genre today. It's refreshing, riveting and ravishing. (Don't judge the word choice I needed three "r" words) ;P I'm not joking. This is a series sure to sweep you off your feet. I tend to like the more realistic books and this is as real as vampires get. No "shining in the sun light" vegetarian crap. It's creepy, thrilling and heart-throbbing. These books got it all: romance, action, blood and gore, heroism, all of it! Read this book. Then read all her other books. They are all amazing. I will swear up and down on Julie Kagawa and all her series. They are what greatness is made of. Plain and simple.

~Rating:

 

Need-In-Order-To-Breathe (5 stars times a million)

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a wonderful day,

~Jaiden

Follow Friday #50

Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read.

~This Week's Features:

~This Week's Question:
What is your preferred reading format? Hardcover, eBooks, paperback etc? 

~My Answer:

My favorite format is hardcover. I am very aware how technology is taking over. Everything is at the touch of a screen. You can download any book in seconds...SECONDS! It's crazy! And even though I find it very convenient its just not the same as a hardcover copy! The joy of opening a brand new published book with its smell, touch and the awesome sound of the cover's turning. I know my apple devices have the page cover thing too but its just not the same and will never be. I like the kindle because you can read in the dark without light but.....you don't need to worry about your book running out of battery ;P

I like paperbacks too I just like hardcovers better because they are more durable therefore being more immortal. They last longer. I swear if they take away all physical copies and transfer everything to device I will start a rebellion! It would be one more step into the dystopia format going on today. *shivers* I may not be one kick ass girl with bad ass combat skills but I will die fighting that cause ;D

What about you?

Leave your links below! :)

Happy Friday! Have a great weekend!! 

~Jaiden

{Waiting on Wednesday} #39 Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm waiting on.....

Cruel Beauty

Author: Rosamund Hodge

Release Date: January 28, 2014

by, Balzer & Bray

Since birth, Nyx has been betrothed to the evil ruler of her kingdom—all because of a reckless bargain her father struck. And since birth, she has been training to kill him. 

Betrayed by her family yet bound to obey, Nyx rails against her fate. Still, on her seventeenth birthday, she abandons everything she’s ever known to marry the all-powerful, immortal Ignifex. Her plan? Seduce him, disarm him, and break the nine-hundred-year-old curse he put on her people. 

But Ignifex is not at all what Nyx expected. The strangely charming lord beguiles her, and his castle—a shifting maze of magical rooms—enthralls her. As Nyx searches for a way to free her homeland by uncovering Ignifex's secrets, she finds herself unwillingly drawn to him. But even if she could bring herself to love her sworn enemy, could she refuse her duty to kill him? 

Based on the classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast, Cruel Beauty is a dazzling love story about our deepest desires and their power to change our destiny.{Goodreads}

Woah, first things first. Can you believe the last WOW post I had on the blog was in February!!? Freaking February!! Sorry guys! I am trying!! D:

Now....HOLY FREAKING COW!!!!!!!!!! Look at that lovely cover!! I would be lying if I said that the cover wasn't what drew me into putting this lovely on my TBR. Nope...the cover is so pretty!!! It is so gorgeous! I mean LOOK! I could seriously stare at it all day. Its designers like that I hope to be like one day! 

So, the cover...absolutely breathtaking. The synopsis (after I could finally peel my eyes away from the cover and actually read what the book was about) hooked, lined, and sinker-ed me! Wow. Belle is my favorite princess (who wouldn't love a princess who had a *uhem* IN HOUSE LIBRARY THE SIZE OF GODZILLA!!). ;D I love the tale of Beauty and the Beast. (even if the Disney prince isn't as appealing as the others)...that WAS kind of the whole point! This spin on the classic tale sounds absolutely amazing! I SO can't wait to get my paws on this one! 

What about you?

  What are you waiting on this week?

      Leave your links in the comments!

  Have a great day!! Happy Wednesdays!!

~Jaiden

{Blog Tour} Blood Moon by Teri Harman

TA-DA!!!!!!!!!!! Today I get to be a part of the Blood Moon Blog Tour!

I get to share my review, an interview with Teri Harman, and there is also a giveaway at the end!

So, stayed tune for all the awesomeness going on today yes!!? ;D

~The Author:

Teri Harman has believed in all things wondrous and haunting since her childhood days of sitting in the highest tree branches reading Roald Dahl and running in the rain imagining stories of danger and romance. Currently, her bookshelf is overflowing, her laundry unfolded, and her three small children running mad while she pens bewitching novels. Utah is her home, but she often imagines living in the wild landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. 

Come share in the magic and chaos at teriharman.com.

Find her at: ~Facebook~Twitter~Website~Goodreads~

~The Interview:

1. Dystopia, vampires and contemporary fill book shelves over abundantly these days in the Young Adult genre, What made you want to write about witch lore? 

I have always been fascinated by magic, witches and the supernatural. One of the most important things about writing is to write what you love. So I see the popularity of this kind of book as a fortuitous thing; Blood Moon is one more great addition to the trend. The wonderful thing about books is readers always need more. 

2. It was practically love at first sight with Willa and Simon. Do you believe in love at first sight? 

I do. I think we can feel a connection to someone the first time we meet them. I felt a connection with my husband the first time we met and we were only twelve years old. 

3. When do you know you've found your "soul mate"? 

I think your soul mate is the person you feel at home with, feel most like your true self with. Together you are better, stronger than you are alone. Together you make everything better. A soul mate is the person you can’t imagine living without. 

4. If you were a witch, which of the Six Gifts would you want? 

The magical powers in Blood Moon are known as The Six Gifts: Earth, Air, Wind, Fire, Dreams and Mind. Each witch is born with one dominate Gift, but can work magic of all kinds. I’d love to have the Gift of Dreams, like Willa, and see the future in my dreams and talk to ghosts. 

5. What attributes makes Willa and Simon strong both together and apart? 

Together they are strong because they complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Simon is very logical, very reason driven, whereas Willa is more willing to take a leap of faith. Sometimes they need logic and other times faith. Both are intelligent, kind and honest. They ground each other as well as lift each other up. It’s a balance of sharing the strangeness of who they are and being open to the discovery of what comes next. 

6. If you could combine any paranormal being into your book what would it be and why? 

If I was going to introduce another kind of paranormal being into these books it would probably be an immortal creature from another world. Something powerful, like a god, and mysterious. 

7. What can we expect for book two? :) 

Book 2, Black Moon, throws into question all the decisions Willa and Simon made in Blood Moon. Evil abounds in expected and unexpected places. The story has taken some exciting turns and I can’t wait to hear what readers think.

~The Book(s):

Blood Moon

Series: The Moonlight Trilogy #1

Release Date: June 22, 2013

by, Jolly Fish Press

Buy: ~Amazon~B&N~

Willa dreams of true events and her best friend is a ghost. Simon can heal any wound with a touch and senses others’ emotions, intentions. All their lives they’ve felt alone in their bizarre abilities, hiding behind a facade of normalcy, wondering why and how. The night Simon walks into the Twelve Acres Diner and meets Willa face to face, in a swirl of electric heat, they are bound to one another and glimpse the magic of who they are.

Across town a witch is held prisoner in the derelict basement of an old Victorian house. One night as it rains, she dares to reach her filthy, scarred hand out the window. Willa, walking home from work, recognizes the pathetic hand from a recent, terrible dream.

After a daring rescue of the witch, Willa and Simon are catapulted into the alluring but dangerous world of witchcraft and the magic of The Six Gifts. Answers to all their questions are within reach, but they’ve stepped into the middle of a deadly fight for the Powers of the Earth. Do they stay, risk their lives on the promise of power, or walk away?

Teri Harman's groundbreaking debut novel, the first installment in The Moonlight Trilogy, completely reinvents the modern concept of witches and magic. With its authentic translation of the history of witches into a fresh and entertaining package with unprecedented characterization, Blood Moon is sure to capture readers from the first page.{Goodreads}

~My Review:

  I can't say right off the bat that I was completely wowed or fell absolutely head over heels in love. I will say that I didn't find it horrible and completely unappealing. There wouldn't have been a review here if that was the case. Not only because this is a blog your but because on my blog I like to think that my reviews help people find new books. How would you find new books to LOVE if all I gave you guys was bad reviews? Ya not really possible.

  Blood Moon was good. My three star rating stands for "This book was good! Not great, but not horrible. At the least, worth the read." That was exactly the case in this book. I didn't love it. I didn't hate it. It was worth the read and I think book two has more potential. I think Blood Moon had a lot going for it and I'm not exactly sure what it was that turned me off. What caused me not to love it.

  It may have been Simon and Willa's instant love. I believe that there can be some sort of spark or connection when you first meet. I mean there has to be something that goes on when you first see the person that interests you in getting to know each other and becoming more than acquaintances...right? I just think that meeting, feeling the spark and all of a sudden THAT night the guy comes to your HOUSE again, in the middle of the NIGHT waiting outside your WINDOW and her coming out and them kissing after they JUST MET is uhm a little far fetched and if I might add a little creepy!? Then her mom saw it all and I don't know about you but my parents wouldn't have just stood by and just watched thinking "awe how cute! There's my daughter in the middle of the street kissing a boy I don't know." Sorry but I think that whole thing was a little crazy and way too fictional. I love fiction, that's all I read really but I like my fiction believable too. I mean it kin of goes away from vampires and werewolves and witches and dragons. How the hell do you make those unrealistic things...realistic? Trust me it's possible. I just wish I would have seen some more believable (not so much realistic I guess) attributes in Willa and Simons relationship and also with other parts of the book.

  Looking back while writing the review I do really have to give credit to Mrs Harman. This book had some really good things going for it. She had some really great ideas and I can really see the potential for this series! I'm thinking that this could have first book syndrome where it is just the spark to the flame. It's the opening to something great. I definitely want to read book two to see where Willa and Simons adventures are gonna take them. What kind of struggles await them. I would definitely love to see what happens next and maybe I will enjoy book two more. There have been two series where that has happened. Where I didn't particularly love the first and felt as if it was just a starter book and then the second blew me away. I definitely see the potential for the Moonlight Trilogy! It's there I know it's there!! ;D

  As far as writing goes I think Teri has a wonderful writing style. She simplifies. So many times these days authors try to show how genius there writing can be by too much dazzle. They try to complicate things way to often. There is beauty in simplicity. Teri Harman showed us just what that meant. Where she could have made a big show of The Six Gifts and make this big complication of it with many details she kept is simple and straight to the point. No huge network of underground tunnels with so many twists and turns you are sure to get lost forever. She explained everything rather well. I didn't have to back track to make sure I got it all down like I sometimes have to with other books. She gave the main points and the history behind it all nicely. It was well done. I think the side characters were a little undeveloped. I mean they are side characters but some had a big enough role where is like to have had less simplicity and more detail. I think Teri did a wonderful job with Blood Moon. I think her writing was great I just feel as if she had all this she wanted to accomplish and had a bit of trouble carrying it all out. Like she wasn't sure how to put all these ideas into one book. I felt as if there was a bit of struggle to get the series started. Now, that the series has started and is out there I have no doubt she will find her rhythm and make this series as great as it can be.

  Again I have high hopes for this series and the potential I see in it and other works from Mrs Harman are incredible! I think that if you have the time read it. If you have the patience to read a good starter book and wait for a great sequel do it. It's worth the chance trust me. I mean really, sometimes a start up is better than a kick off first book and a sucky sequel. Take the chance and enjoy it. You never know if you will encounter the same problems as I.

This review was a part of the Blood Moon Blog Tour.
*a copy was provided for review purposes*


3 of 5 stars!! :D

~The Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Good luck!!
Hope you enjoyed this blog stop! :D
Have a wonderful day!!
~Jaiden

{Review} Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi

Unravel Me
Series: Shatter Me #2
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Release Date: February 5, 2013
by, HarperCollins
Source: Bought
Pages: 461

tick
tick
tick
tick
tick it's almost
time for war.

Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. It is a place for people like her—people with gifts—and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance.

She's finally free from The Reestablishment, free from their plan to use her as a weapon, and free to love Adam. But Juliette will never be free from her lethal touch.

Or from Warner, who wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible.

In this exhilarating sequel to Shatter Me, Juliette has to make life-changing decisions between what she wants and what she thinks is right. Decisions that might involve choosing between her heart—and Adam's life.{Goodreads}

~Review:
  Ding-Ding-Ding!!!! We have another winner!! So many great books in a row you guys!! I'm just going to start off by saying: yes, this book has a "need in order to breathe" rating. Now, in case you are new to my reviews, the highest ranking in stars you can get is a 5. A five star rating means that I am absolutely in love and obsessed. To get a five star rating is pretty rare. Because I tend to love all the books I read and it is even rarer to get a 1-2 star rating, a lot of my rates are between 3 and 4.5. I try not to give 5 stars out to many books because...greatness needs to be rewarded and if you use the term "greatness" too loosely it begins to have no worth right? Right. So five star ratings are rare. Do you know what is even rarer? A "need in order to breathe" ranking. That ranking means that not only am I in love and obsessed but that this is one of those miracle books. The ones that have everything in it. The ones that can be greater than great. Ones that I will keep with me forever, read over and over again without getting tired of them. The ones that over take every emotion and thought in me. Steal my breathe, heart and mind. So, when I give a "need in order to breathe" ranking....you know its good and you know its more than a favorite.

  Ok, so with that said...Unravel Me is one of those books that stole my breathe, heart, and mind. I had a few problems with this book but quite frankly, the good completely out weighed the bad. It obviously had to be pretty spectacular stuff to make the top rate right? Yes, so first thing...

  Tahereh Mafi's writing. Wow-oh-wow! I thought she was good in the first one! This second book she completely shined. She showed off her talent beautifully! I don't think I have ever read a book so beautiful before. Writing that is. Tahereh breaks all the rules and it works. She has a way of looking about things so differently it really opens your eyes. She makes you look at things in a way you never thought of! This book was a masterpiece in itself because of Miss Mafi's artistic hand. She has such an amazing voice that demands to be heard. (ok not voice really but well...her author voice. The one that she turns from sound to ink on paper.) Sometimes I would just read a certain passage and have to just stop, read it again, sit back, and admire the genius she just shared with us all. I was so pleasantly surprised by her talent over and over and over again! And its not just the words that she writes but the way she writes them. She will separate sentences in certain ways that make an emphasis on certain things. Its incredible! Tahereh Mafi is on superb author who knows what she is doing and who's talent exceeds and shines! She might as well add an "i" to the end of her last name making it Mafia. Why? Because she kills and tortures us!! ;D

  Now. Juliette. *dead pans* My-oh-my. I am sorry but Juliette bugged the absolute shit out of me this book. She is so whiny and its always "poor me! poor me!". I seriously felt like slapping her 3/4 of the book. I hated her with a passion. I wanted someone to slap her and yell "get the f over yourself. Yes, it's a pitty what happened with the child. Yes, it's probably hard to have a touch so lethal but you know what? Change! Embrace your power and use it for good! You could be one kick-ass heroine but you are ruining it with all your mopey soap opera shit!" And do you know what? Someone did...kind of. Let's just say Kenji is one of my all time favorite side characters. He is flipping hilarious and the man knows what to say when its needed to be said. I will say that at the end of the book...I was left happy. I know Juliette can be one of the greatest YA heroines ever. It just sucks that we will have to wait till the final book to get her there.

  Now for the good...the other good. The good that was not Tahereh's writing. The good that has all us girls swooning 99% of the time in all YA books. The boys. Ah, yes the boys. Let's start with...Adam! I love Adam. He is adorable, charming, sweet, and one hell of a looker right? Yes. Yes indeed he is. I just have one problem...Him and Juliette. Now, now! Don't go sending me hate mail just yet all you #TeamAdam girls. Did I not just compliment the heck out of the guy!? Yes I believe I did. I think he is amazing and totally swoon worthy. I would be lying if I said I wasn't #TeamAdam from the beginning. In fact I hated Warner! I thought he was a bloody psychopath and so was anyone who could hold love for a murderer! A twisted psychotic EVIL guy! But, I indeed traded teams. I read Destroy Me and fell head over heals for Warner and then I read Unravel Me and about exploded from all the love I was having for him.

  Again, I like Adam I just don't think he belongs with Juliette. He hinders and baby's her. Warner is a better fit. He sees the power she has and knows she can be unstoppable. He doesn't wish for her to be any different (neither does Adam but let me finish!!) he truly accepts her for who she is. He strengthens her. He brings out the best in her. He gives her a backbone. I think Adam babies her WAY too much. He wants to protect her...Warner wants her to be safe but he knows that she is strong enough to not need the assistance. He would do anything for her but he can see the strength in her that others can't. So bottom line Warner should be with Juliette. I truly only liked her when she was with him. She could put all her petty insecurities and mopey thoughts away when she was with Warner. Seriously. When Juliette was with Warner all those things that pissed me off about her disappeared. Now, I want a happy ending for Adam. I wouldn't be able to deal with him unhappy. So, Tahereh..hear me loud and clear...Juliette is a better Juliette when she is with Warner. Let the series end with them together and give us an awesome chick to be with Adam! :) Thank you!!

  Warner!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh my gosh this book was filled with nothing but sexy Warner parts! It was heaven. I had to put the book down sometimes and remember how to breathe. I think I have reread certain passages more than once...twice...five...ya. I lost count ;D

  If you have not started this series please do! It is amazing. Tahereh Mafi gives us a phenomenal sequel. This woman knows what she is doing! Her writing is superb and her characters are shining stars. This series will capture the hearts of all dystopia loving readers! Don't wait till the third one comes out...or maybe do and read them all together so you aren't dying like the rest of us are now. Bottom line...Warner is a sexy beast. Wait, woah. hahaha well that is embarrassing. That kind of just slipped out on its own. *shrugs* Can you blame me? ;D What I meant to say is...WARNER IS THE SEXIEST BEAST ALIVE...(Well written). Ok ok...in all seriousness....Bottom line is, you need to read this series. (and then swoon over just how sexy of a beast Warner is hehehe) (seriously in my top 5 favorite guys...just saying!!) ;D

~Rating:

Need-In-Order-To-Breathe!!!!! (5 stars times a billion)

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a great day!! :D

~Jaiden

{Review} Smashed by Lisa Luedeke

Smashed 
Author: Lisa Luedeke
Release Date: August 21, 2012
by, Margaret K. McElderry Books
Source: *a copy was provided by the author for review purposes*
Pages: 336

A field hockey star grapples with addiction in this riveting debut that will appeal to fans of Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak. 
Stay out of trouble for one more year, and Katie Martin can leave her small town loneliness behind forever. She is a field hockey star on the fast track to a college scholarship, but her relationship with alcohol has always been a little questionable. Then trouble finds her. Alec is the most popular guy in school, and also the biggest bully—with his sights set firmly on Katie. When Alec turns on the charm, Katie thinks she must have been wrong about him.

Except that she wasn’t. On a rain-soaked, alcohol-drenched night, one impulsive decision leaves Katie indebted to Alec in the worst possible way. This debut novel is a fast-paced and compelling story of addiction, heartbreak, and redemption.{Goodreads}

~Review:
  I've read my fair share of contemporary books with the theme being a broken girl thrown into a mix of lies, broken family, etc. It's easy for these kind of books to merge together, each one becoming a replica and nothing outstanding. I have to say that Lisa did a great job at creating Smashed so that it does not blend in with the background but instead, stands out!

  Upon reading some reviews of this book I was wary to start it. I heard things about way too much foul language, explicit sexual description, etc. I even read this one review where it said just this:

"I am now going to tell you what happens and save yourself the embarrassment of having read something so awful.

Guy attracts alcoholic (pretty, successful, and needy) girl, who is dumb enough to coerce herself into his groping hands.

Alcoholic girl parties with guy for half the book.

Alcoholic girl drives drunk with guy and crashes them into a tree, disfiguring said guy. 

Guy takes the blame for the crash so she will owe him sex. 

Guy stalks girl for half the book.

Guy rapes girl.

Girl has PTSD and then beer is found in guy's school locker. 

THE END.

oh yeah, there was supposed to be something about her dad...? Yeah there was, but it was so irrelevant and stereotypical I have forgotten..."

  Ok, I am not even the author by I'm offended. There was so much more to this book than that!! I don't know but I like the broken stories the best. The ones about the girl with so many problems she is practically drowning in them. Where the girl is so strong that she can pull through from all her problems. I think those protagonists are the strongest ones of all. They have more courage, faith, and strength than the ones fighting the government in resistance, trekking through a forest filled with demons and other scary stuff. Why? Because they hold truth. These could be the stories that help a girl or boy out because they are going through the same things.

   "Dumb enough to coerce herself into his groping hands"!!??? Excuse me!!? It is so far beyond that!! Did you not read any of her thoughts? It wasn't a fact of being dumb it was the fact of being a decent human giving someone a benefit of the doubt. She liked him. She thought he was a nice sweet guy. She didn't expect him to attempt rape! Haven't you ever been in love? It can be frighteningly true when they say "love is blind". No girl wants to be raped. No one wants to think someone they know and care about is capable of it. To be honest. I probably might have thought those thoughts before but then I read Knee Deep by Jolene Perry and it kind of opened my eyes a little more to these things that happen. It gave me a different way of thinking about girls that struggle through alchohol addictions, lying, being raped, staying in abusive relationtships, etc. You would think it'd be so easy to just turn away. I mean you'd have to be stupid to stay in an abusive relationship right? Wrong. It is so much more than that and I feel as if whoever is quick to judge is the stupid one. Now, please take note I am not calling the author of the quoted review stupid. I was just deeply offended by it and felt as if I needed to explain something.

  Now, enough with that rant, on to the book. Please, completely disregard any reviews like that. Read it for yourself and see if you agree or disagree. Take head. Don't read it. Read it. You may do as you please. The problem now a days is we see something, hear something and we are too quick to believe it. Instead of finding the facts out ourselves and thinking "Well, based on all the data I have gathered, what do I think?" and do get all sides of the story. Don't read a good review and think "Oh I am going to love it"...you may as well just hate it! Don't read a bad review and think "Oh, well that's not worth it. Might as not read it ever!"....because you very may just have loved it...found a favorite book of yours. Would you know that? No. Why? Because you took someone else's word way too easy and too much to heart. You didn't find out yourself so you lost the chance of falling in love with a book. Heed this warning. Don't. The choice is up to you.

  Ok, I did it again. I ranted and now I am already six paragraphs in and haven't talked about the book like I am supposed to!! And it is a rather boring and high on emotional ranting...Oops! ;D Where'd the fun go!? So Katie has her problems. One problem leads to the other and it all kind of just starts snowballing leaving her run over at the bottom of the hill by the huge snowball that has been falling and collecting for sometime. I felt so sorry for her. But then, I didn't. If she hadn't gone through all that stuff I don't think she would be nearly as strong as she was by the end of the book. It's hard to see but all the bad that happens to us happen for a reason. A reason we may not be able to understand at the time but a reason none the less. Isn't that a horrific thought? But its true. What doesn't kill us really does make us stronger. 

  Katie's friends were the true hope in most of the book. I loved Stan and I loved Matt and I loved Cassie. They were her backbone. Katie didn't realize it while she was being plowed but they were. No matter what she did she still had their support. It'd be nice to have those right? We can if we associate ourselves with the right people. That was one of Katie's flaws...one of the things that lead her to her ultimate downfall. She associated herself with the wrong crowd, pushed away the right crowd, then let herself be alone....think she was alone. Those who truly love us won't ever leave us alone. 

  Mr. Luedeke created a wonderful, heart wrenching, inspiring tale that absolutely touched my heart. Her writing was soulful, ugly in truth but beautiful in outcome. She really explored what it means to find love in others, and especially yourself. Life isn't easy...this is what Lisa shows us. The brutal honesty Lisa portrays is exactly what I loved about this book. It had its flaws. But don't we all? Nothing is perfect and nothing will be. I just wanted to show this one last paragraph from the previously quoted review:

Conclusion.
Let us look at the most penetrating, deep questions Katie poses to herself:

"Why did I ever do half the things I did?" (P.76)

"What did I really want?" (P.179)

Sadly, she never quite finds out. At least she apologizes for being an idiot on page 316, but she does nothing to change it.
This book perpetuates the YA lit lie that things improve without personal change. Absolutely despicable. Just think about it. We teens are getting the message from the protagonist that it's OK to smoke weed. It's OK to get hammered every chance you get. It's good in fact, because your life will improve while you do all these things! Just look at Katie! Just look at her and her stupid life and stupid choices and the utter lack of ability she has to control her own actions!

Indeed, if you take a look at all, take a good long look.
And don't forget this terrifying read."

  No. She doesn't find out exactly what she wants. Or why she did what she did. Do you? Do you know exactly what you want and why you did the things you do? If you do, damn. Color me jealous. No. Katie DOES change. She is able to have the courage to face her fears, step away from her past and start over. You can't go back and change the past. Sometimes you have to move one and completely start over. If you are constantly looking over your shoulder, you might miss that you are walking to your own death. Haha not once did it encourage the smoking of weed or to get hammered. No. SHIT! You have got to be kidding me. The hell!? Katie's life did NOT improve because of those....they let to her utter demise! She was DESTROYED because of it. She lost EVERYTHING! Have you never made a stupid decision in your life? If not, well then color me jealous TWICE. We learn from our mistakes.

  I am sorry but I found that completely insulting. We are entitled to our own opinions but if those opinions are insulting, rude, ignorant and disrespectful don't even bother opening your damn mouth. Sorry my feathers are completely ruffled. I do encourage you to read this book. I liked it. I found it inspiring and lovely. It was true. It was honest. It was done right. I don't encourage you to go and do what Katie did. I don't encourage you to make every damn mistake possible so you can "learn from it". Yes, some of Katies decision's were stupid. So are some of mine. Again, not encouraged. I encourage us to make the best decisions possible. To do what is best for you. Will you make the wrong choice sometimes? Yes. Will that cause you trouble? Most likely. Negative outcomes occur. But life doesn't come with a warning "Do this and this will destroy you". Humanity has blessed with a conscience. A conscience some people refuse to use...A conscience some choose to embrace. There is humanity, morals, goodness! Whether we choose to use them is our choice. There is no perfection in this imperfect world. Katie did some terrible things but it cost her. It molded her. It scarred her. It transformed her.

~Rating:

4 of 5 stars!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a wonderful day!!

~Jaiden

{Review} The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

The 5th Wave
Series: The Fifth Wave #1
Author: Rick Yancey
Release Date: May 7, 2013
by, Putnam Juvanille
Source: bought
Pages: 457

The Passage meets Ender’s Game in an epic new series from award-winning author Rick Yancey. 
After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.

Now, it’s the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth’s last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie’s only hope for rescuing her brother—or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up.{Goodreads}

~Review:
  Wowy-Wow-Wow-Wow!!! Wow. I was recommended this book by a friend and because of the amount of trust I have in his choices, I was all for starting it. No questions asked. So, I downloaded the book and began reading. As I began reading I found out that it was an alien-post-apocalyptic book. Only one problem...I am NOT a huge alien book fan. I don't know why but the subjects of aliens in YA just don't please me. I don't like them very often. I have read one series that was about aliens and even though I liked it I didn't particularly care for it. So after telling my friend that I don't like alien books he told me to shut up and read the book ;P He claimed it was good and again because of my trust in his likes I continued to read. Not only that but after looking at my goodreads friend's reviews I decided it might be worth it...the worst that could happen is I hated it right? Right.

  So, the question is...did I end up hating it? Uhm..hell no I didn't! I am so glad I continued to read it. This is one of those rare books that have genius written all over it. Rick Yancey is just that...a genius. It is true without a doubt. His writing is superb. Now this is a well written book. The way he wrote every character is outstanding! I immediately fell in love with Cassie's POV and then Ethan's (even though we only got one chapter from him! Total and only disappointment I had with this book) and her brother's and then well...I better not mention the other one since it is kind of a spoiler. Anyways, point is is that Rick Yancey puts a whole new definition to the word "talented". I am pretty sure that if you look the word "talented", "genius", "creative", and "unique" Rick Yancey's name would be under each and everyone of those.

  I don't even know how to explain his writing. It is something that you have to read for yourself. Its not crazy philosophical or lyrical or anything like that. It is probably so enjoyable because of how true it is. His writing is realistic. The way he thinks it all out. His characters especially. I am sorry but I have a hard time believing that if a post-apocalyptic event like the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th, wave happened no 16 year old girl would go out into the streets without any fear, full combat skills, or all that mumbo-jumbo. Its cool to read about those stuff but it makes the story that much more fictional and as enjoyable as that is it doesn't quite hook you like a more realistic fictional story does. If that makes any sense at all. Cassie is just one teen girl looking to survive for herself, her father and her little brother. She has to make life risking decisions and choices that have ultimate consequences. She is scared and frightened and she keeps this journal where she documents everything that has happened and the war going on in her mind. It was beautiful!

  I think Cassie was a hell of a lot more enjoyable than Katniss! She was snarky and funny. Cassie is brave and strong in ways Katniss can never be. Seriously, Katniss and The Hunger Games better watch out. Rick Yancey has one hell of a series that is going to put both to shame! Sorry. The truth that Mr. Yancey puts behind every character's actions was what hooked me the most. At the end of the book I was left wondering how my actions might be different and how I may or may not be able to survive if something like this were to happen. So in case you haven't gotten the hint yet, The 5th Wave has different POVS. While I love when authors do this I also hate it. Only for one reason though. Reason being, they end each POV at the worst possible moment and I am left wanting to skip the next POV so that I can finish the one I was just reading. It is a torturous method.

  While there was some great action in this book, it wasn't action at every corner. That being said, when there was action I about died every time. There at the end my feels were feeling too many feels that I think I might have almost passed out from the amount of hyperventilating I was doing. No. Joke. And then by the end of the book...this was my reaction (according to my last Goodreads update):

"FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you can't end a book like that!!!!! where the he'll is Evan!!!!?? I want me some Evan!!!!! DAMN IT!!!! Please tell me the sequel is out tomorrow...next week...o wouldn't even mind a month..."

  Ya, I pretty much through an emotional ride hissy fit. ;P What can I say!? Its the effects of reading this wondrous book! There were so many great things in this book you can't even count them individually. You just have to wrap them all up in a pretty bow and call them The 5th Wave. Yes, because the entire book was awesomesauce. So wait? What about the whole alien bit? It didn't faze me? Nope. It was a different kind of alien lore. It was different enough for me to realize it was aliens but not feel as if they were aliens. I know, doesn't make sense. Basically I was able to look over the whole alien bit and enjoy the book for everything it was. I actually really enjoyed the alien bit! Rick Yancey's The 5th Wave was an exception to my "hate alien books" rule.

  I can seriously not complain about one thing in The 5th Wave. It was incredible! I ate this book like it was my favorite pizza! I completely devoured it. I can't wait any longer for book two. I seriously need it ASAP! The way it ended...was cruel. I can't see where Rick takes this series. I am a HUGE Rick Yancey fan everyone. He is a true genius and now a huge favorite of mine! If you are a fan of The Hunger Games then be prepared to have your socks blown off. I honestly think that everyone should go out and buy a copy so they can read the thrilling adventure that is The 5th Wave. This is one of those 2013 books you NEED. If you are looking around and need a book to read this should be your first choice. Once I could put my alien book hate I was hooked. I didn't want to put it down. There is a reason this book is on my "need in order to breathe" shelf. Its one of those rare books I am going to keep around for as long as I live. One that I will snuggle with at night. One that I will re-read till its worn and falling apart. One that will follow me everywhere I go. It is a part of my heart now and it always will be! THAT my friends is where my love of this book exceeds and the amount of amazeballs it is. ;D

~Rating:

Need-In-Order-To-Breath!!!!!!! (5 stars times a billion) 

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a wonderful summer day! :)

~Jaiden

{Review} Ink by Amanda Sun

Ink
Series: Paper Gods #1
Author: Amanda Sun
Release Date: June 25, 2013
by, Harlequin Teen
Source: Netgalley
Pages: 377

I looked down at the paper, still touching the tip of my shoe. I reached for it, flipping the page over to look. 

Scrawls of ink outlined a drawing of a girl lying on a bench. 

A sick feeling started to twist in my stomach, like motion sickness. 

And then the girl in the drawing turned her head, and her inky eyes glared straight into mine. 

On the heels of a family tragedy, the last thing Katie Greene wants to do is move halfway across the world. Stuck with her aunt in Shizuoka, Japan, Katie feels lost. Alone. She doesn’t know the language, she can barely hold a pair of chopsticks, and she can’t seem to get the hang of taking her shoes off whenever she enters a building.

Then there’s gorgeous but aloof Tomohiro, star of the school’s kendo team. How did he really get the scar on his arm? Katie isn’t prepared for the answer. But when she sees the things he draws start moving, there’s no denying the truth: Tomo has a connection to the ancient gods of Japan, and being near Katie is causing his abilities to spiral out of control. If the wrong people notice, they'll both be targets.

Katie never wanted to move to Japan—now she may not make it out of the country alive.{Goodreads}

 ~Review:
  OH MY GOSH!!!!!!!!!! You guys don't even know how flipping amazing this book is! Wow. Just wow. I thought I understood the definition of unique. I thought I had read some pretty unique books but I guess I never truly understood unique or ever read a book as completely unique as Ink is. Ink by Amanda Sun is the true definition of unique. It is a true breath of fresh air for the Young Adult genre. I seriously don't even know where to begin with this review! Should I start with the amazing writing? The amazing characters? The amazing story line? The amazing cover? The..the...the!!! Ya I am going to have a huge malfunction just trying to explain how great this book really is. I am not going to do much justice for this book but I am sure as hell going to try!

  Ok, so I decided I actually wanted to talk about the cover first. Just real quick because please, a cover like that has to be talked about am I right or am I right? I am a person fond of art. I draw and occasionally paint myself. Its a way of expression just like writing. So, being a person who loves art I think I can say that this cover is well...art. Its gorgeous! I am not sure which cover I am most fond of, the one above or this one:

  I don't know. All I know is that both are absolutely gorgeous! I love them. They are beautiful and whoever designed the cover is genius. They go wonderfully with the book and hell, they are just eye candy! I want a copy just to put on my shelf so I can stare at it all day long! Anyways, there is my brief cover obsession.

  The cover art is not the only thing about this book that has grabbed my attention and affection. The cover art isn't the only thing about this book that needs to  be acknowledged. Its not the only thing that is genius and gorgeous! The whole book in itself is absolutely breathtaking! Yes, I found Ink wonderful, splendid, gorgeous and breathtaking! I loved how Ink was set in a foreign country. It allowed me to see teenage life through a different culture's eye. Its crazy how many things differ from here and Japan! I loved how Amanda gave us little Japanese lessons. I learned some Japanese words thanks to her! Now, if I ever go to Japan I can cuss people out ;D Hahaha JK!!! Mrs. Sun didn't teach Japanese cuss words! Well a couple but that wasn't the only thing! ;P

  The setting being in Japan made Ink that more intriguing! And it totally throws the ordinary Young Adult character stereo types off. It was great! Tomo...Tomo, Tomo, Tomo! I wasn't sure I could love you but I did...I fell hopelessly in love with you! Holy crap! Tomo knocks the usual troubled bad boy thing out of the water! Phew! *fans self* This boy is all sorts of sexy! Skilled fighter, creative and absolutely wonderfully skilled in drawing, devilish smirk that can melt your insides...this boy has got it all. To top it all off...underneath that hard exterior is a broken boy with the ability to be mushy and gooshy!! *sighs* Ya, I got Tomo fever!! ;D (he would probably kill me for saying that hahaha) 

  Ok, enough with the love interest lets talk protagonist. Katie was forced to go to live with her aunt in Japan after her mother died. Normally she would have had her grandparents take custody of her but because her grandfather was weak, fighting cancer, she had no choice but to get an ice cold bath of culture shock. And to top it all off her aunt sent her to a traditional Japanese school. Not a foreign exchange one where American kids go but one where most don't know English and well...ya talk about a huge culture shock for poor 'ol Katie. Lucky for her she is a pretty quick learner! Katie wasn't your all skilled fighting heroine. She was a normal...well normalish girl with not much going for her. Not extravagantly pretty, not extremely skilled in something combat worthy, not incredibly bold and courageous but she was strong when she needed to be, smart when she had to be and as helpful as she could be. She was great in my eyes. Sure she dealt with fear and emotions of a normal teenage girl but I found her...admirable.

  The side characters were enjoyable. I liked Katie's friends! I also found the villains enjoyable. Well, as enjoyable as villains could be. It turned out that the villain was more..inner for most of the book. We didn't get a physical villain or opposing force until the very end. It was more like Tomo fighting his inner uhm, demon? Tomo fighting Katie? Ugh. I can't say too much without giving everything away.Sorry guys, you are going to have to read it yourself! Ok, so I'm not THAT sorry because this book is absolutely amazing and you will thank me later for peaking your interest. Seriously. Let your interest be peaked. ;)

  The paranormal aspect in this book was outstanding! Again, Ink takes unique to a whole new level. It takes Young Adult to a whole new level. I found myself so incredibly enthralled with this book! I don't even know what to label this! Is it paranormal? Urban fantasy? Fantasy? Mythology? I'm not entirely sure but whatever the heck it is...its flipping good! The writing was magnificent. The romance was adorable. The action--not being the main thing going on in this book but when there was action--was thrilling. The characters were enjoyable and the whole book experience was incredible! Where things ended....I have no want to finish because I know it is going to be disastrous and heartbreaking BUT!! Who am I kidding I will finish because it is so good. Oh my gosh. The ending you guys...the ending was *tears up* *sniffles* so cute. I did a little jig I will admit. It was also devastating and it left you thinking "what the hell is this author setting into motion?". But the cute part was the last what? 3 pages? Ya, adorbs.

  If you are looking for something refreshing and unique, this is the book you need. Look no further. I think this is a 2013 debut that everyone should be dying to get their hands on. Amanda Sun delivers something so beautiful, thrilling and extravagant that you are not going to want to miss out on. She has made a favorite out of me. I am not going to hold onto my patience for book two. Take notice that I didn't describe what exactly made this unique or go into much detail about the actual happenings of this book. Why? Because I wanted you to be intrigued enough to read it. I wanted to create a mystery out of it so that you can be as blown away as I. Really, go out and buy this book when it comes out. It is so worth it! 

~Rating:

4.5 of 5 stars!

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a great day!! :D

~Jaiden

{Author Interview} Sangu Mandanna, Author of The Lost Girl

Hi everyone! Today I am pleased and honored to have the wonderful Sangu Madanna on the blog today!

Everyone give a warm welcome to the author of The Lost Girl!

We got one awesome interview ahead so read on! :D

~The Author:

Sangu Mandanna was four years old when she was chased by an elephant and wrote her first story about it and decided that this was what she wanted to do with her life. Seventeen years later, she read Frankenstein. It sent her into a writing frenzy that became The Lost Girl, a novel about death and love and the tie that binds the two together. Sangu lives in Norwich, England with her husband and baby son. Find Sangu online at www.sangumandanna.com or on Twitter (@SanguMandanna).

Find her at: ~Website~Blog~Twitter~Facebook~Goodreads~ 

~The Interview:

1. The Lost Girl, your Young Adult debut, came out in 2012. Are you currently working on something else? If so, what can you tell us about it? 

I can't say very much at the moment, particularly because this isn't an official Book yet, but I'm working on a darkish fantasy about a girl who turns vigilante when her mother's memories are stolen. It's full of love and heartbreak and cool things like clockwork horses and skyships (at least I think they're cool!) and I've really loved working on it. 

2. How often do you write? 

Depends on how you define 'writing'! I don't sit down at my Macbook and write or edit every single day. Most days, yes, and usually in several chunks of one to four hours. But there are some days when that doesn't happen. Then there's the other stuff I do. I make notes, scribble things down, type ideas into my phone... and that happens every day. And if I very loosely equate 'writing' with all the scenes and stories that run through my head, I do that ALL THE TIME. 

3. How has today's culture affected your writing? 

Oooh neat question! I'm trying to think about that... I think our culture is fairly fixated on putting off death, so to speak, and prolonging life (everything from anti-aging creams to medical discoveries seems to be geared towards us living as long as we possibly can) and that idea certainly played into THE LOST GIRL. Fear of death and loss is a huge theme there. The question of mental health is also something I write about, especially in the book I'm working on now; there's still something of a stigma attached to mental health (or the lack thereof) and 'madness' is something I've always wanted to explore in my stories. But I would also say that while these cultural things have had an effect on my writing, the story always comes first and these themes come second. I don't think I've ever gone into a book with a fixed idea that I must explore some kind of issue. 

4. How might have The Lost Girl differed if it had been written 100 or so years ago? Why? 

You know, I have no idea! Apart from obvious superficial differences (vocabulary, contemporary settings, pop culture references, etc) I'm not sure it would have been very different. Human beings have always loved and have always been afraid of dying and losing their loved ones, so that core theme would not have changed. Also, given the book is inspired by FRANKENSTEIN (which was written more than 100 years ago) I reckon Eva and the question of 'monsters' would have remained. I do wonder, though, if maybe Eva would have been Evan i.e. a boy. 100 years ago, a female protagonist like Eva might not have gone down so well. 

5. What have been some of your favorite 2013 debuts? 

Oh that's hard! I've read and loved so many books this year, but don't often know whether they're debuts or not. A couple I can think of are IN THE SHADOW OF BLACKBIRDS by Cat Winters (loved that one so much!) and IF HE HAD BEEN WITH ME by Laura Nowlin (I think that's a debut?) 

6. You are a tribute for the Hunger Games. What is your chance of surviving and how do you go about it? 

I would love to believe that I would be all tough and gritty and get through it without a hitch, but I believe the odds of that would be slim. I can't STAND the idea of children being hurt, so I'd have a tough time taking out the younger ones and would probably falter long enough to be killed. I do have some decent survival skills, though, so I think my best bet would be to hide out and go unnoticed as long as possible. Maybe that way, I'd make it to the very end and then the one who has killed all the others would have to come deal with me and I'd turn into a raging Valkyrie and win... 

7. What do you think is the most important thing today to understand as a teen? 

That nothing is impossible. I remember being quite unsure about a lot of things when I was a teenager. I remember thinking that a lot of things were out of my reach or unlikely or impossible. It wasn't true. All the things I wanted as a teen - to be an author, to fall in love, to live somewhere beautiful, to be happy - were entirely possible. I know that now. They're real and true. I just had to hope and try. I think it's important to remember that. Anything is possible. 

8. If you could have put any character into The Lost Girl from any book who would it be and why? 

Jem Finch from To Kill A Mockingbird. I don't really know why! I just love him so much.

~The Book(s):

The Lost Girl

Release Date: August 28, 2012

by, Balzer + Bray

Buy: ~Amazon UK~Amazon US~B&N~Book Depository~

Eva's life is not her own. She is a creation, an abomination—an echo. She was made by the Weavers as a copy of someone else, expected to replace a girl named Amarra, her "other," if she ever died. Eva spends every day studying that girl from far away, learning what Amarra does, what she eats, what it's like to kiss her boyfriend, Ray. So when Amarra is killed in a car crash, Eva should be ready.

But sixteen years of studying never prepared her for this.

Now she must abandon everything and everyone she's ever known—the guardians who raised her, the boy she's forbidden to love—to move to India and convince the world that Amarra is still alive.

What Eva finds is a grief-stricken family; parents unsure how to handle this echo they thought they wanted; and Ray, who knew every detail, every contour of Amarra. And when Eva is unexpectedly dealt a fatal blow that will change her existence forever, she is forced to choose: Stay and live out her years as a copy or leave and risk it all for the freedom to be an original. To be Eva.

From debut novelist Sangu Mandanna comes the dazzling story of a girl who was always told what she had to be—until she found the strength to decide for herself.{Goodreads}

Wasn't that interview just great!? I absolutely loved Q&A #'s 1, 3,4,5,6,7...haha well ALL of them!

Sangu has a way of thinking right!!? Ah! I just loved her being on the blog!

If you haven't checked out her debut, The Lost Girl, do so! I've heard its absolutely amazing! 

(yes I have yet to read it but...it is on my very soon TBR!!!) ;D

Thanks for stopping by!

Hope you enjoyed this interview! :)

Have a wonderful day!

~Jaiden 

Follow Friday #47

Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read.

~This Week's Features:

The Book Stop
&
Phantasmic Reads

~This Week's Question:
Activity: Spine Poetry. Create a line of poetry with your book spines (take a picture). Not feeling creative? Tell us about your favorite poem.

~My Answer:

First off...WOW! This is my first #FF in MONTHS!! It's crazy I know...I have definitely been slacking! So sorry guys! :D Same with #WOW's. Those will be starting up again too I promise! Its summer and I have more time on my hands!! :)

I am not a HUGE fan of poetry and I am terrible at it! Seriously. The last poem I wrote was atrocious to say the least. I mean I guess if I put more effort into it I might not be half as bad but its definitely not something that flows easily for me. So, that being said I am just gonna tell you about my favorite poems.
Where I am not talented in poetry, my cousin and best friend is! I love getting to read her poetry. Its amazing and so true to her. Its brilliant!
I do have a favorite poem that is well known but...I can't remember the title or author. Ya, I suck. I could point it out if I saw it but I can't recite it. It has to do with a dark lake and a woman lost. Its darker and a little creepy just because of the setting the author portrays and the words he uses but its rather beautiful. Something about the fluidly and haunting tone gets to me everytime!

What about you?

Leave your links below! :)

Happy Friday! Have a great weekend!! 

~Jaiden

{Review} Triangles by Kimberly Ann Miller

Triangles
Author: Kimberly Ann Miller
Release Date: June 18, 2013
by, Spencer Hill Press
Source: *a copy was provided for review purposes*
Pages: 216

A cruise ship. A beautiful island. Two sexy guys. What could possibly go wrong?

In the Bermuda Triangle—a lot.

Hoping to leave behind the reminders of her crappy life--her father's death years ago, her mother's medical problems, and the loser who’s practically stalking her--seventeen-year-old Autumn Taylor hops on a ship with her sister for a little distraction. When she wakes up in the Bermuda Triangle, she fears she's gone nuts for more than one reason: that loser’s suddenly claiming they're a happy couple... a hot guy is wrapping his arms around her and saying "Happy Anniversary"... and suddenly, she’s full of bruises, losing her hair, and getting IV medication. Autumn visits the ship's doctor, hoping for a pill or a shot to make the craziness go away. Instead, she's warned that these "alternate realities" could become permanent.

She just has to ask herself one question—how the hell is she going to get out of this mess?{Goodreads}

~Review:
  To get started I wasn't one hundred precent in love with this book. It took me a bit to get into. It wasn't the writing, wasn't the plot, was it the characters? Maybe it was just the fact that I had a pile a mile high and I was just trying to get each book done and over with? I think it was the latter. It tends to happen often. Its called procrastination and when it comes to me....I am a HUGE book procrastinator. Anyways, so I had a bit of trouble really getting into it but after the third chapter it became easy. My problem was being itchy. Not physically itchy but itchy to do something else. I had a slight ADHD probably for the first three chapters. Once I finally settled down and started enjoying it..this book was easy. It was splendid!

  The writing style if Mrs. Miller was smooth. She had a way of just letting the words flow. Each sentence glided easy into the other and soon enough you had read four more chapters without even knowing it. The main character was rather snippy but as she grew so did your liking of her. I have to admit I was on one boys team way too easy. With one boy he was easily way too clingy and annoying. I totally got what Autumn was feeling with him. I would know because I have experienced it before. Then the ball started rolling and one life after the other I started to understand and fall hopelessly in love with that one boy. The other took my feelings and drowned them. Ew. Can't believe I ever liked the dude. *rolls eyes* I am not going to name these boys because well...it ruins the story. Moral of this paragraph? Kimberly knows what she is doing with her characters and understands the meaning of character growth like no other. She made each character flawed and with their flaws you came to know each one a bit better. That helped you like as well as dislike each character rightfully.

  Woah, woah, woah. Back up!! Did I just say one life after the other?? What the hell did I mean? Let me tell you. Have you ever heard of a certain place called *announcer voice* The Bermuda Triangle? Yes? Well, thats where this story takes place. Our protagonist, Autumn, takes a cruise which just so happens to enter *announcer voice* The Bermuda Triangle. And when she enters *announcer voice* The Bermuda Triangle. Life kind of turns upside down for her. One minute her life is one way, she wakes up, and life is totally different. So yes, Autumn ends up finding out what her life would be like with different instances. While this in fact amazed me...it also scared the living shit out of me. Not in the creepy scary way but in the "I don't ever want to experience this" way. I could not survive waking up with life being one way and then it being a different way the next. I would officially go crazy and lose myself. Talk about identity crisis! Total insanity!

  Triangles is a unique 2013 Young Adult! With a new paranormal twist that is swarmed with dystopias and vampires...I am so glad that Kimberly introduced us to something refreshing and new! With characters that grow on you and a writing so fluid I can definitely say I enjoyed this book. It is a quick read of only 216 pages but its short pages didn't hinder this book from shining through! Not a huge fan of the cover but who's to judge a book by its cover right? There is more to this book than just its cover. Kimberly takes you on a whirl win adventure staring Autumn, two sexy guys, and a story with more to it than just fiction. With each life Autumn faces she learns more about herself and the importance of seeing past yourself and others. If you got the time do the crime...ok no not right. If you have the time definitely check this out! I found Triangles to be a splendid read!

~Rating:

4 of 5 stars! 

Have a wonderful day!

Thanks for stopping by! :D

~Jaiden