{Review} Sick by Tom Leveen

Sick
Series: none
Author: Tom Leveen
Release Date: October 1, 2013
by, Harry N Abrams
*An ARC was provided for review purposes*

Breakfast Club meets The Walking Dead as a group of unlikely allies tries to survive a deadly outbreak.

Brian and his friends are not part of the cool crowd. They’re the misfits and the troublemakers—the ones who jump their high school’s fence to skip class regularly. So when a deadly virus breaks out, they’re the only ones with a chance of surviving.

The virus turns Brian’s classmates and teachers into bloodthirsty attackers who don’t die easily. The whole school goes on lockdown, but Brian and his best friend, Chad, are safe (and stuck) in the theater department—far from Brian’s sister, Kenzie, and his ex-girlfriend with a panic attack problem, Laura. Brian and Chad, along with some of the theater kids Brian had never given the time of day before, decide to find the girls and bring them to the safety of the theater. But it won’t be easy, and it will test everything they thought they knew about themselves and their classmates. {Goodreads}

I...really liked this book. Yes, I found it surprising and I really shouldn't have doubted it. Though, I'd have to admit it wasn't until around the 80th page it really hooked me and I feel that's why I ended up being surprised I liked it. At the beginning I found while the banter was realistic for high school kids, there were just a few things I found off. At first, the main character, Brian, came off a little girlish in his dialogue. I had to back track and see if it was a girl or guy author and to my surprise it was a male author. I also knew that this was a zombie book so I knew gore should be soon. I had no problem with the lead up to all the action. In fact, I found it was really well foreshadowed without being too cliche. Obviously I knew what was coming because of the synopsis stating it was "Breakfast Club meets Walking Dead" (both of which I love and peaked my interest) but I wasn't rolling my eyes at its leading up to the zombie surprise.

Anyways, sorry. Got a little off track. I knew it was a zombie book so I figured there'd be a lot of gore and death and yeah, of course there was. My problem in the beginning with it being a zombie book was that there wasn't a realistic reaction from Brian once shiz started going down. I mean come on, when you start seeing "melting" humans with jaundice eyes, running after kids and ripping throats out...would you not be initially shitting yourself? If you started seeing your friends/classmates die left and right would you not be feeling scared and sad? Even hella confused and just well, scared? Yeah, you would think. But initially I did not feel this from Brian. In fact, I felt a bit of nothing from him. Sure, it was mentioned he was worried about his friends, his sister and his ex girlfriend but...it was more descriptive than it was emotional. Then he became very sarcastic about it and I was like "okay, well this I can deal with. A sarcastic/parody take on the zombies where its not necessarily meant to be taken serious is cool with me! I can dig it. It would lighten the mood on a very scary topic and make it fun and enjoyable!" I also wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt that maybe this is a normal reaction: delusional and then denial but, it didn't quite give me that feel. Though again this was literally only the first 50-80ish pages.

I have so many props coming.

I have only read two other zombie books in the past and neither of them were the gory zombie lore most commonly known to man. So, I can't say I've every been a huge fan of zombie books but I also can't say that I ever hated them either. I can say that I really enjoyed Leveen's take on the zombie topic. Again, haven't read a lot of zombie books so I'm not knowledged on what is right/wrong or what is correct lore or not but I found Leveen took a stance that for those who haven't read a lot of zombie books, they would understand. I was completely convinced that this seemed completely possible. It was scientific and therefore realistic to me which just allowed me to dig into the book in more force. See, I've also seen The Walking Dead TV show and to me, the zombie lore is not as realistic but still enjoyable--people die and because of a disease they come back to life. Yet, you see in Sick there is a sickness that causes the body to start morphing/decay. Yeah, same thing as always but no! So, the flesh eating is kept to a minimum its basically a means to an end. See, Leveen got scientific (to my knowledge, didn't necessarily research it) and explained that bone marrow is used to fight off diseases...therefore! These "zombies" were really just after the bones--in so much pain and diluted to basic instincts in order to help heal themselves that they were essentially trying to cure themselves. Loved it. Made sense to be and I ran with it!

Now, the characters, I pretty much immediately loved. Brian, gosh sometimes its so nice getting a guy's POV as it seems they are so freaking rare! (Leave a comment below on books with male POVs if you have them. Would love to explore more!) Yes, at first he was off to me but I became more comfortable with him over time and really just enjoyed the character--sarcasm and all--for what he was made to be and transformed into. He's a normal guy with a will to live and take care of those he loves. The characters that were later introduced I enjoyed as well. Trying to survive a zombie apocalypse will do many things to a person and I feel Leveen captured the transformations of different personalities extremely well. Also, have to give props to him consistently (without being annoying) commenting on each characters appearance. I feel too often a characters appearance will be touched on in the beginning and then waaayyy later be commented on and I will be lost, have to go back and find the original description and then feel like an idiot. It's small but important in my eyes and thank you, Leveen for this.

Sick was full of enough obstacles and detail description to keep the reader interested. Yeah, theres lots of gore. It was well described and often enough for an appropriate zombie book. The sounds, smells, blood and aftermath were all included. I enjoyed this new strain of zombies, again much more realistic than the common "undead" which I feel makes Leveen's book stand out amongst the others. Honestly, Leveen kills it. This book is a standalone. Yeah! There is no sequel. There is no series! Again, rare! Unless its a contemporary novel, chances are its a series. Trust me, I love my series as much as the next guy and honestly I understand why non contemporaries are sequels more often than not. It's hard to contain so much in one little book without the ending being hated on for feeling "incomplete". I will say, Leveen does an excellent job on ending this book with enough heartbreak deaths and hope to make a reader content. I don't know why this book doesn't get more hype. I don't understand why Leveen isn't acknowledged more than he is. Did you know he isn't even an official Goodreads author? After completing this book I clicked on his author name on Goodreads and found this  out and was shocked! (I also found out he has a love for stand-alones which explains this book.) I highly suggest you check this one out. Sick has everything you want in a zombie book--heartlessness, gore, and a fast paced rhythm that has you turning each page, stressing out a little with the characters themselves. Well done!

~Rating:

{Review} Goodbye Rebel Blue by Shelley Coriell

Goodbye, Rebel Blue
Series: none
Author: Shelley Coriell
Release Date: 2013
by, Harry N Abrams
*given for review*
Pages: 320

Rebecca Blue is a rebel with an attitude whose life is changed by a chance encounter with a soon-to-be dead girl. Rebel (as she’s known) decides to complete the dead girl’s bucket list to prove that choice, not chance, controls her fate. In doing so, she unexpectedly opens her mind and heart to a world she once dismissed—a world of friendships, family, and faith. With a shaken sense of self, she must reevaluate her loner philosophy—particularly when she falls for Nate, the golden boy do-gooder who never looks out for himself. Perfect for fans of Jay Asher’s blockbuster hit Thirteen Reasons Why, Coriell’s second novel features her sharp, engaging voice along with realistic drama and unforgettable characters. {Goodreads}

I'm one of those gals who prefer more excitement in my books. You know, the horror, mystery, ass kicking sort of excitement. It doesn't have to be a specific genre--vamps, fae, nephilium, dystopia...all and more. That being said, sometimes something soft and sweet can be a nice filler book. One that I can enjoy, smile and gush over helps clean the pallet when their has been a little too much ass kicking back to back.

Rebel Blue is one of those cute "clean your pallet" type of books I couldn't help but love. With its soft love interest, rebel attitude, and journey of adventure and living life more full, Coriell gave a great coming of age book. While this book has its reference to Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why, I didn't find it as heavy (this was read before the Netflix series came out). Again, I found this to be a very refreshing read. I felt like I kept letting go of breaths for Rebel, like she was holding her breath just as tight as she was holding who she thought she needed to be. As the story progresses I found it nice to read from Rebel's POV as she started shedding layers and breathing easier.

Then there's the list. The bucket list that runs this book. The bucket list is definitely where I can understand the comparison to Ash's book. A chance encounter between Rebel (Rebecca) and a more popular girl at school after a day in detention leads Rebel on a chase of life after the girl dies and leaves behind her bucket list. The list becomes Rebel's main priority and through it her character blossoms leaving the reader happy and warm inside by the end. Her character development was lovely. Even better, I was enjoyed in how Coriell decided to slowly release each girl's bucket list they were forced to write in detention--Rebel's by chapter names.

This book didn't having my dying at the fact that it was over nor did it have me adding it to my most coveted book shelf but it did leave me content. I would recommend this book to any one who is looking for a quick, fun read between book releases or just looking for something old that's new to read. Give it a shot!

Rating:

*a copy was provided for review purposes*

{Review} Otherbound by Corinne Duyvis

Otherbound
Series: none
Author: Corinne Duyvis
Release Date: June 17, 2014
by, Amulet Books
Pages: 387

Amara is never alone. Not when she's protecting the cursed princess she unwillingly serves. Not when they're fleeing across dunes and islands and seas to stay alive. Not when she's punished, ordered around, or neglected.

She can't be alone, because a boy from another world experiences all that alongside her, looking through her eyes.

Nolan longs for a life uninterrupted. Every time he blinks, he's yanked from his Arizona town into Amara's mind, a world away, which makes even simple things like hobbies and homework impossible. He's spent years as a powerless observer of Amara's life. Amara has no idea . . . until he learns to control her, and they communicate for the first time. Amara is terrified. Then, she's furious. All Amara and Nolan want is to be free of each other. But Nolan's breakthrough has dangerous consequences. Now, they'll have to work together to survive--and discover the truth about their connection.  {Goodreads}

This one might be a little quicker. I applaud Duyvis for her idea. It is unique and ingenious. The story has two POVs, two main characters--Nolan and Amara. I have never read a book that has taken on POV change in this way. You see, Nolan lives on Earth and Amara in an entirely different world. The problem is with Nolan. Poor Nolan has a ton of troubles. Every time he closes his eyes, he is transported to those of Amara's. This is the most interesting part of the book and what really captures you from the beginning.

That being said, I didn't finish it. Somewhere along the lines she...lost me. I understood that in reality, Amara was our main character as Nolan served as a commenter but I wanted...more. Then as I began to think Nolan would become more of a character, it kind of just shifted to him being more apparent in Amara. Then there is Amara, I liked her. She was strong willed and well, strong. Though, maybe a bit too strong like, Katniss Everdeen strong--you know, the heroine that is so strong she can't show emotion. This is perhaps why I decided to drop it. It took too much effort for me to read. It dragged on a little too much in the same way--cat chases mouse, mouse loses someone close to them, a new love interest is found in the unthinkable, and...poor Nolan still can't get a blink of sleep. No, in fact poor Nolan is basically losing himself and is closing in on the edge that will quite possibly put him into a coma.

I wanted to like it, I wanted to love it. Sadly, it was just a little lacking for me. That being said, I wouldn't give it too harsh of a critique. I would't NOT suggest someone to try it out as I think it is such a great concept and would hope someone will find it and love it more than I. Personally I was just lacking connection and for that, I give it:

Rating:

{Giveaway} The Celebration of a Relaunch!

Yay! I did it. 

I finally successfully relaunched my blog.

You guys don't know how many times I redesigned my blog...

then never posted.

But, I did it!

And I'm so excited!!

How excited?

So excited I feel the need to celebrate.

So, how you ask?

How am I going to celebrate this wondrous occasion?

I'm giving away some books.

Yeah, you heard me.

Free

Books

You 

Can 

Win!!!!

Okay, okay. Enough with the memes. Now, to the good part: Yes. I am indeed going to be throwing a huge giveaway! And yes...this does include some of you international book lovers out there! I couldn't forget about you. I love you too!

So what is going to be given away? Well there are three chances to win. Yes, you are still hearing right. Three!

1. My blogging and book obsession started with the most wonderful series by Julie Kagawa, The Iron Fey Series. What better way to celebrate than by sharing my favorite series and the one responsible for me being here in the first place?! I can't think of one. So,

Giveaway# 1: A paperback copy of book#1 in the series: The Iron King 

This is international, provided through the book depository.

(so you must have the ability to be shipped to via^^)

2. I have been gifted some copies from publishing companies before my blogging break and I want to share some of them with you! I have a few from you to choose from, yes your pick! 

Giveaway #2: Your choice from the following stack:

Send by Patty Blount
Incarnate by Jodi Meadows
Altered by Jennifer Rush
Water in May by Ismee Williams
The Cure for Dreaming by Cat Winters
The Haters by Jesse Andrews

This one is USA only.
Will run all month long!

3. A book of your choice from the book depository! Again, your choice! (Up to $12)

Giveaway # 3: Your dream book from the Book Depository

This one is international. Again shipping from BD 

needs to be available to you!

Well there you have it folks! Get applying!

Don't know what this giveaway is really for? Missed the relaunch? Check it out here.

Please refrain from commenting personal information on the blog. Just insert what the widget asks of you and sit back and hope, pray, and wait! If your status is applicable for more than one giveaway you may enter in each you can but only one entry per giveaway (There are ways to add more entries but only once per entry per person). 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Please double check your information so if you win I can get in touch with you. 

Please be honest with following other outlets of mine! This giveaway will be open for a full week! Tell your friends, shout it from the rooftop. 

Have fun! Good luck! 

{Review} Between by Kerry Schafer

Between
Series: The Between #1
Author: Kerry Schafer
Release Date: January 29, 2013
by, Ace
Source: *a copy was provided by the author for review purposes*

Vivian Maylor can’t sleep. Maybe it’s because she just broke up with her boyfriend and moved to a new town, or it could be the stress of her new job at the hospital. But perhaps it’s because her dreams have started to bleed through into her waking hours.

All of her life Vivian has rejected her mother’s insane ramblings about Dreamworlds for concrete science and fact, until an emergency room patient ranting about dragons spontaneously combusts before her eyes—forcing Viv to consider the idea that her visions of mythical beasts might be real.

And when a chance encounter leads her to a man she knows only from her dreams, Vivian finds herself falling into a world that seems strange and familiar all at once—a world where the line between dream and reality is hard to determine, and hard to control…{Goodreads}

~Review:
  Where to begin....Well, first off this was my first adult fantasy book. I have read different adult books but nothing with the fantasy aspect to it. Even if I had I would have to imagine that after this book, it would be like reading adult fantasy all over again for the first time. It was that good and that standout. I will admit that I was a bit confused the first couple of chapters just trying to get into the rhythm of Kerry's writing and trying to distinguish what was dreams and what wasn't. Especially when Vivian entered the Dreamworld. I was a bit confused on whether she was there or just dreaming which in a sense I guess she was?? I don't know, maybe I am still a bit confused on how exactly it all works ;)

  Once I got into the swing of Kerry's writing I had to admire it. The way she describes the Dreamworld and paints the big picture was spectacular! I could see what she wanted me to see and what I saw, was incredible! I think the plot and characters were also very nicely written. The fact that she didn't do much research other than for the dragons for this book is impressive (how do I know? I interviewed her, check it out in the interviews if you want to know more).

  I thoroughly enjoyed Between. It was unique and magical. I can't wait to read what happens next! The ending was dramatic and left me wanting the next one. I was pleasantly surprised with this book. I liked it more than I thought I would! If you like fantasy, family drama ;), and cute little penguins...you will enjoy this book. Ok, so that seems unfair. This book isn't just family drama and penguins. It is so much more. It is action, adventure, love, loss, self-discovery, intense, magical, spectacular and amazing! The characters, side and villains, only make the book more attractive. Between has lots of things that just draw you in. It took me awhile to get into it but it wasn't because of lack of interest. Once I was finally able to sit down and get into it fully I didn't want to put it down. It had this quality that transfixed you. I do suggest this book. If you haven't read adult before I think this would be a good starter. It has enough magic and other things going on to distract you from the age factor. There is one scene in the book that may be a little unsuitable for readers 13 and younger but even that part wasn't graphic. It had enough to know what was happening but it didn't go into detail. Parental and self discretion is what I suggest.

~Rating:

4 of 5 stars! 

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a great day! :D

~Jaiden

{Review} Dare You To by Katie McGarry

Dare You To
Series: Pushing the Limits #2
Author: Katie McGarry
Release Date: May 28, 2013
by, Harlequin Teen
Source: Netgalley

Ryan lowers his lips to my ear. "Dance with me, Beth."  

"No." I whisper the reply. I hate him and I hate myself for wanting him to touch me again....  

"I dare you..."

If anyone knew the truth about Beth Risk's home life, they'd send her mother to jail and seventeen-year-old Beth who knows where. So she protects her mom at all costs. Until the day her uncle swoops in and forces Beth to choose between her mom's freedom and her own happiness. That's how Beth finds herself living with an aunt who doesn't want her and going to a school that doesn't understand her. At all. Except for the one guy who shouldn't get her, but does....

Ryan Stone is the town golden boy, a popular baseball star jock-with secrets he can't tell anyone. Not even the friends he shares everything with, including the constant dares to do crazy things. The craziest? Asking out the Skater girl who couldn't be less interested in him.

But what begins as a dare becomes an intense attraction neither Ryan nor Beth expected. Suddenly, the boy with the flawless image risks his dreams-and his life-for the girl he loves, and the girl who won't let anyone get too close is daring herself to want it all.... {Goodreads}

~Review:
  Asdfghjkl!!!!!!!!! Where do I even start!!? Ok how about how I jumped up and down squealing like a little girl and dancing like an absolute freak when I got approved on Netgalley for this? Ya, I totally went fan girl crazy on this and let me just say....I wasn't in the privacy of my own home so I earned a few weird "is she ok?" Looks! ;P

  You guys have no clue how much I loved Pushing the Limits (the first book in this companion series). It was absolutely till isn't and gut wrenching and ya I think you get my point. It was definitely one of my top five contemporaries of 2012! Katie McGarry quickly became one of my favorite contemporary authors. Hands down. She just has this amazing way with words. She takes whats so broken and fixes it with love. Her stories are so touching. Katie has got talent that we oh so thankfully get to take a look at. Her characters, writing, word choice, story plotting, everything of Katie's books are a little slice of heaven. And I am not exaggerating at all.

  Dare You To may have just beat my love for Pushing the Limits. Do you know what that means? It means that my love for this book would have to be freaking HUGE!!! And it was. This book was impossibly great! Ryan, Isaiah, Beth, the little bits we got to see of Noah and Echo, it was all brilliant. Katie just has this way of reaching into your hearts through her characters. If you have read Pushing the Limits you know that Beth has a pretty messed up life and we get to see every inch of just how messed up it is. It's your typical story of broken girl meets seemingly perfect boy. The match that seems so unlikely but ends up being so perfect.

  How many stories like that do we get in YA contemporary? How easy would it be to create a replica and it not stand out at all? To just be a blah story? Let me tell you...easy. Way to incredibly easy. I have read many and none of them stand out as much as Katie's. Dare To You will blow you away and steal your heart. If you have yet to read Pushing the Limits I suggest you read it first. It's not necessary but you will thank me. It just gives you a look at where it all began I guess. Either way. Which ever way you choose to read these companions....it's a must. I want every young adult reader to read these books. They truly are some of the best contemporaries you will ever read. Don't hesitate for a moment when you are browsing through your local book store and see one of the two. Buy it. You need these books k? ;D

~Rating:

5 of 5 stars!!!!!! <3

Thanks for stopping by!!

Have a great Wednesday!! :D

~Jaiden 

{Review} The Collector by Victoria Scott

The Collector
Series: Dante Walker #1
Author: Victoria Scott
Release Date: April 2, 2013
by, Entangled Teen
Source: *a copy was provided by the publisher for review purposes*
Format: PDF/Kindle
Pages: 352

He makes good girls...bad.   

Dante Walker is flippin’ awesome, and he knows it. His good looks, killer charm, and stellar confidence have made him one of hell’s best—a soul collector. His job is simple: weed through humanity and label those round rears with a big red good or bad stamp. Old Saint Nick gets the good guys, and he gets the fun ones. Bag-and-tag.

Sealing souls is nothing personal. Dante’s an equal-opportunity collector and doesn't want it any other way. But he’ll have to adjust, because Boss Man has given him a new assignment:

Collect Charlie Cooper’s soul within ten days.

Dante doesn't know why Boss Man wants Charlie, nor does he care. This assignment means only one thing to him, and that’s a permanent ticket out of hell. But after Dante meets the quirky Nerd Alert chick he’s come to collect, he realizes this assignment will test his abilities as a collector…and uncover emotions deeply buried.{Goodreads}

~Trailer:

*Fans self* Asdfghjkl...man is everything about this series HOTT!!? Not sure bout the kitty but...que cute! ;D

~Review:
  Asdfghjkl!!!!! Where do I even start!? Ok the hit hunk on the cover?? Ya. I think so. We got no face but hell with a body like that...I'm all good with what we are shown ;) Am I right or am I right? The cover is simple but I still love it. The color scheme is perfect and the little slogan "He makes good girls...bad". That my friends has every bit of reason to draw you into this book and if that's not enough just read the premise. When I saw this book (it didn't even have a cover yet!!) I knew I would do whatever it took to get this book!! I needed it like I need pizza. (Both are very delicious). So when I got a little email from Scott's publishers...yes....I did a little jig ;D And I scored bonus when I got the chance to interview the one and only Victoria Scott which you can find HERE!!

  Now enough with my fan girling about the cover and interview and blessing of receiving an ARC and on to fan girling about the book!! ;D Number one, Victoria Scott has a magical hand. Her writing is splendid! I just fell into the pages. The way she writes is hypnotic and not just because she decided to have the POV from Dante. In fact I give her so much props for writing Dante. He is such a unique character and obviously to have a unique character you need one awesomesauce author to create said character.

  Now to talk fully about these awesome characters. Dante. Oh my beloved Dante. Holy crap you guys...Dante. Haha he had me from page one. It's not too often you get a guys POV in YA now a days. So when you actually do it's a little piece of heaven. It's nice to read trough the other genders eyes. I don't know if it's just cause I'm a girl and girls are constantly trying to figure out what goes on in their heads but I find it extra special when we get a guys POV. Now just so you guys know...Dante isn't your typical bad boy type. He is truly a villain. You here so many people say that but it's true. Now don't let that fool you into thinking this boy has absolutely no soft side to him....cus he does. But it's only reserved for certain people. Anyways Dante is so hot and an absolute blast to read from. His personality is so like able no matter how bad he is.

  Now Charlie, Charlie was not what I was expecting at all. I was amazed by how in attractive Victoria made her (physically). I mean that was kinda the point of the book in some ways but I don't know I wasn't expecting that I guess. I felt so bad for her but at the same time I truly respected her. She was SO SO gorgeous in character/personality/morals/all-that-good-stuff. ;P No matter how many jabs she got she took ever blow with a smile an positive attitude. She was the sweetest and one of the best main girls I have ever read about. I loved her with a passion. And ten I loved her friends Abigail and Blue. They were the best. Oh and same as Dante's BFF.

  The collector was...how should I put it??...intoxicating. I was hooked from beginning to end. I didn't want it to end and when it did I had to just take a deep breath and exhale from the best freaking roller coaster I have ever read. The ending was freaking terrible and I can't believe how long I have to wait for book two. Victoria is a genius and I love her through and through!! So a quick shout-out to our genius...Thank you Victoria for having the wonderful skills you have and blessing us with Dante...ermm I mean The Collector. ;D This is a very hyped book. Everyone and their moms dog is talking about it. So my advice?? Follow all the hype, get the book, enjoy it and love it. You will thank me later (seriously if you read this book because of this review come back and tell me you loved it...ok even if your not buying it because of my demand come back and tell me just how much you loved it k? K.)

~Rating:

4.5 of 5 stars!!!!!!!1 :D <333333

Thanks for stopping by!!

Have a great day!! :D

~Jaiden 

{Review} Wicked Kiss by Michelle Rowen

Wicked Kiss
Series: Nightwatchers #2
Author: Michelle Rowen
Release Date: February 26, 2013
by, Harlequin Teen
Source: Netgalley
Format: Kindle
Pages: 448

My kiss can kill.  
I used to be ordinary Samantha Day, but that's changed. Now, after one dark kiss from a dangerous boy, I can steal someone's soul…or their life. If I give in to the constant hunger inside me, I hurt anyone I kiss. If I don't…I hurt myself.

Bishop is the one whose kiss I crave most, but if I kiss him, I'll kill him. Then there's another boy, one I can't hurt. One whose kiss seems to miraculously quell my hunger. They're both part of a team of angels and demons that's joined forces in my city to fight a mysterious rising darkness, an evil that threatens everyone I know and love. I just wonder if I'll be able to help Bishop—or if I'm just another part of the darkness he's sworn to destroy….

NIGHTWATCHERS: When angels and demons must work together, something beyond evil is rising…{Goodreads}

~Review:
  Ok so for starters I wasn't a HUGE fan of book one (Dark Kiss). I really liked it but I just didn't love it. There was something just missing for me. One thing I did know after I finished it was book two was going to be flipping fantastic. It was a great lead up I should say. Was I right?

  Hell yes I was right!!! Oh gosh I was so excited to get this one because of how book one ended. I knew. I KNEW!!!! Wicked Kiss was going to be great and again it totally was. I loved this book so much! I wasn't at all disappointed. It was everything I knew it would be. Again not one of my favorite series but it was very good. It's possible to have a favorite non-favorite. I liked seeing all the characters again and then getting to meet new ones. You got so much more in this book and it was amazing.

  The only thing I was disappointed in was Kraven. I wanted a love triangle in this one. Normally I hate them because I love one boy and seeing anyone else in the way is torture especially when the one I like doesn't get the girl. I guess I didn't really want a love triangle I just wanted Kraven. He is one hot demon. I like Bishop and I guess he could be her better match but.....nah I think Kraven should have been the one but whatevs!! I liked that we got Kraven and Bishops story and how it all went wrong. That was a rather tragic story. And made me love Kraven one thousand times more. *growls*

  Anyways this book was delightful. It fed my every need and was absolutely wonderful. The writing was great. The conflict was crazy...crazy good ;D and the ending was terrific. I'm not sure if there is going to be a third one or not (of anyone knows comment the detes for me k??) but I don't think there will be one. The way it ended was kin of final but some books do that. I have no clue where it would go but id love to see it if it comes to a third book. All in all Wicked Kiss was a wonderful sequel to Dark Kiss. Better than the first! A series with unique demon and angel lore sure to capture your attention! If you haven't read it yet go and give it a try and don't stop with book one. It is so worth it!! Trust me then thank me later ;P

~Rating:

4 out of 5 stars!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a wonderful day!! :D

~Jaiden

{Review} Dance of Shadows by Yelena Black

Dance of Shadows
Series: Dance of Shadows #1
Author: Yelena Black
Release Date: February 12, 2013
by, Bloomsbury USA Children's Books
Source: *a copy was provided by Netgalley for review purposes*
Format: Kindle
Pages: 447

Dancing with someone is an act of trust. Elegant and intimate; you're close enough to kiss, close enough to feel your partner's heartbeat. But for Vanessa, dance is deadly – and she must be very careful who she trusts . . .

Vanessa Adler attends an elite ballet school – the same one her older sister, Margaret, attended before she disappeared. Vanessa feels she can never live up to her sister's shining reputation. But Vanessa, with her glorious red hair and fair skin, has a kind of power when she dances – she loses herself in the music, breathes different air, and the world around her turns to flames . . .

Soon she attracts the attention of three men: gorgeous Zep, mysterious Justin, and the great, enigmatic choreographer Josef Zhalkovsky. When Josef asks Vanessa to dance the lead in the Firebird, she has little idea of the danger that lies ahead – and the burning forces about to be unleashed . . . {Goodreads}

~Review:
  First...is this book really 447 pages?? Well, I guess that's one way to start off a positive review...This book flew by so fast I had no clue!! I completely submerged in this book not paying attention to the pages (or i this case, percentage finished). I just kept reading until I was done or needed to fangirl or vent on goodreads through status. Second...look at that fantabulous cover!! I don't care what anyone says or thinks...this cover has blown my mind. Its absolutely stunning and fits the story so wonderfully. I mean...I want to BE that cover just so I can be that pretty haha xD

  Now, when I started this book I was really really excited! This is one I have had my eye on forever. When I got it on Netgalley I did a little jig ;D Then I started reading and BA-BAM!!! I was hit with the love-bug again haha So here I am enjoying this amazing book when I go to Goodreads and...and see negative reviews. *Mind blown* Seriously. I couldn't wrap my brain around the fact that ANYONE would dislike this book. I mean it was SOOOO good! I fell hard for this book. I was literally lost in its pages and it was agony to stop reading it and do what I was supposed to do.

  I will admit that I did start to find Vanessa annoying towards the end. I was screaming at the book for her to grow some sense and freaking listen to what she was being told. Seriously...she pissed me off at times but from the beginning and all other times I really enjoyed her character. She was strong and determined, loyal. I liked her. I especially loved the side characters. I think they were extremely well developed. The story was clean. No profanity or any real steaminess. There is romance intermixed with this delicious mystery but nothing seriously sexy and where I do like things to heat up from time to mind I found it refreshing and it wasn't something that needed to be missed. The story and mystery filled everything up!

  (People are crazy on Goodreads people. Do NOT listen to what they say..listen to me ;D hahaha If you like a good mystery, some creep factor, humor, and a unique story line then listen to me and give this book a chance. I found the writing well done despite what people have said. The story, again, was extremely enthralling and interesting. The whole concept was so unique. I was glued to Dance of Shadow's pages. A beautiful and wonderful debut. I am looking forward to book two. There is so much I am hoping for from it.

  I loved this book to pieces. I seriosly don't think I can stress the greatness of this book any further. After I finished I was determining whether or not to start another book but I decided against it because I wanted to think about everything I had just read all night long. I wanted to obsorb it all. Dance of Shadows is a gorgous, dangerous and hauntingly beautiful piece of work. I am so in love with (content must be kept secret for it could be vital to all the mystery) now. The end made me sure of my love for him. All my doubts were swept away. I highly and I mean HIGHLY recommend you give it a try no matter what others are thinking. Read the bad reviews. Proceed with caution but TRY IT!!! Please. *begs* ;P

~Rating:

Now, I couldn't determine between a 4.5 and 5 after finishing this book and starting this review. Vanessa pissing me off in those few chapters would be the .5 deduction. I knew though whether it was 4.5 or 5 this book was a NEED book. But, while writing this review I got all these sparks back and all the genius and beauty it was came back and I finally made my decision (which is completely deserved).
 

5 of 5 wonderful stars!!!!!!! <3

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a great day!! :)

~Jaiden

{Review} Dualed by Elsie Chapman

Dualed 
Series: Dualed #1
Author: Elsie Chapman
Release Date: February 26, 2013
by, Random House Books for Yound Readers
Source: Netgalley
Format: Kindle
Pages: 304

You or your Alt? Only one will survive.  

The city of Kersh is a safe haven, but the price of safety is high. Everyone has a genetic Alternate—a twin raised by another family—and citizens must prove their worth by eliminating their Alts before their twentieth birthday. Survival means advanced schooling, a good job, marriage—life.

Fifteen-year-old West Grayer has trained as a fighter, preparing for the day when her assignment arrives and she will have one month to hunt down and kill her Alt. But then a tragic misstep shakes West’s confidence. Stricken with grief and guilt, she’s no longer certain that she’s the best version of herself, the version worthy of a future. If she is to have any chance of winning, she must stop running not only from her Alt, but also from love . . . though both have the power to destroy her.

Elsie Chapman's suspenseful YA debut weaves unexpected romance into a novel full of fast-paced action and thought-provoking philosophy. When the story ends, discussions will begin about this future society where every adult is a murderer and every child knows there is another out there who just might be better.{Goodreads}

~Review:
  This book drawed my attention from the very start. From its total kick-ass cover (props to the cover designer!!) and its even awesomer synopsis/book blurb...I knew I had to read it! The whole fighting to the death..with yourself blew my mind. The concept! Could you imagine?

  From the beginning Dualed hooks, lines, and sinkers you. I was fully enthralled in its pages not wanting to put it down. Elsia Chapman is an amazing and talented writer. Not only is her imagination genius to produce a book like this but her writing is very well done. I will admit that at times I had trouble following along. There seemed to be things missing every now and then. At points it wasn't smooth like books should be and I don't know if that's because of the ARC or the writing. The things that did make sense and flowed were writing wonderfully and had my full attention.

  I think I would have liked more background. More history and facts. At the beginning I had a hard time understanding the Alt business. I had questions like "So is one a clone with no real personality?", "Do they have the same families and it just be like them in an alternate life?". I kind of had to make my own assumptions after awhile and I would have liked it all just better explained I guess. Other than that and the piece parts at times...AMAZING! I trully loved this book!

  I enjoyed West. She was a rock solid girl from the beginning that slowly unraveled showing a more vulnerable side but at the same time she never truly unraveled. She just had minor setbacks which in the end made her even stronger. She had to go through some self-finding issues along with grief and trust. West had to obstacle after obstacle and her past haunted her. I liked how she got stronger the weaker she became. (If that can make any sense). I really liked Chord too. Well...ok I really really loved Chord. ;D He was persistent and protective. He is the only stable thing West has throughout the book and as much as she tries to push him away, literally running from him at times...he stays and he follows and he protects. They drove me absolutely bananas cause you could literally feel the attracted tension seeping through the pages and I was yelling at them to hurry up and freaking kiss!!! Then of course when everything went well...it was worth the wait! ;D

  Dualed is a wonderful debut you are not going to want to miss this 2013 year! Edgy, action packed and motivational this book has some awesome factors tied in. I honestly don't know where book 2 is going to go but I guess we will have to wait and see. I highly recommend this book to all you dystopian lovers! It kicks butt for sure! I wanted to give it a full 5 star rating but because of the time-to-time pieciness and the lack of more explaining I will give it a 4.5 but hell...only .5 got deducted. It was seriously good no doubt about it!
~Rating:

4.5 of 5 stars!

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a great day! :) 

{Blog Tour} Dark Return by Taryn Browning

Dark Return
Series: Seeker #2
Author: Taryn Browing
Release Date: November 27, 2012
Source: *a copy was provided by the tour host for review purposes*
Format: Kindle

Janie Grey is dedicated to hunting the undead, an inherited duty passed down from her Cherokee ancestors and generations of powerful Seekers before her. Then, there's Kai. He's like no one she's ever met - cocky, fast, skillful, infuriating and gorgeous. Not only has he become a valuable asset in her fight against the growing population of the vampire/demon hybrid known as Daychildren...


She's unwittingly fallen for him.

Just when Janie thinks she's learned everything there is to know about Kai's mysterious past, there's a newcomer to Baltimore. Someone who will do anything to make sure Janie loses Kai forever.

Darkness returns in Fall, 2012...{Goodreads}

~Tour Fun:

Character Bio's:

-Janie Grey- 

Experienced Seeker in Baltimore, who quickly learns that the training lessons she’s always followed don’t always apply. Especially when she meets Kai. 

-Kai Sterdam- 

“Daychild” or not! (I don’t want to spoil the story by revealing too much). Kai is an experienced fighter who has golden-blonde hair with white highlights, bright green eyes, and scars on his forearms and chest - all markings from his tortured past. Kai is sarcastic and cocky, but loyal to those he cares for. 

-Matt Baker- 

Star high school wrestler who inadvertently finds himself caught in the middle of a war between the undead. 

-Leah A- 

newcomer, and dark presence from Kai's past. One of the first Daychildren created by the vampire king.  

-Abram Mitchell-

Abram is a former Seeker and Janie’s mentor. Read about Abram’s life as a Seeker in the prequel short story, Dark Beauty.

-Isabelle Grey- 
Former Seeker and Janie’s mom. Read about Isabelle’s time as a Seeker in the prequel short story, Dark Beauty.

-Tanya- 
Vampire leader who becomes an asset in Janie's fight against Daychildren.

-Albania- 
Witch and friend of Kai’s. She is also instrumental in the fight against Daychildren.

-Ava- 
Janie’s best friend and one of the only people who know she’s a Seeker.

~Review:
  What can I say? I am a HUGE Taryn Browning fan! Not only is she nice and an all around great person, she is one fantastic writer! She made a favorite out of me with her first book Dark Seeker, Seeker #1. The Seeker series is a unique vampire book. It has all sorts of different lore intermixed which gives it its unique quality! There are the Daychildren who are the most unique thing out of the bunch and I absolute love them...and are scared a little I will admit! ;D Book one was so amazing and I quickly fell for the characters (ahem...Kai!!!!!!!!!). It was a kick butt book to a kick butt series and Dark Return didn't let the kick-butt quality down.

  Dark Return was just as great as the first if not better. I don't think there was as much action and mystery but it was more deep. It got further into Kai's past and his secrets. I loved that we got to see more of his POV as the book switched from his to Janie's. Now, saying that there wasn't as much action is not saying that there wasn't. Because, there was...and it was awesome! There was a couple of times I wanted to jump in the book and kick Leah's little tooshy myself and it would have been one heck of a beating, just sayin! She was one villian you didn't love to hate..you just simply hated. Grrr ;D

  Like I said, Kai's past comes up and kind of serves as the main plot in this book. So his past literally comes to haunt him bringing that prissy b Leah into the whole mix and causing the turf to get rocky between Janie and Kai. Oh! And then it gives you this major scare about half way through the book! (I almost died!!) Then not only does it spring one on you during the middle but it leaves you with a killer ending :( I seriously didn't think the book was over and sure as hell didn't want it to be. I turned the last page....not knowing it was the last page. I literally back tracked and skipped forward thinking that maybe my copy was just faulty and somehow the Emanare teaser accidentally split the story somehow...but alas...it was not and Taryn is now labeled as an evil genius ;D

  This book was great and a wonderful installment to the Seeker Series. I enjoyed it thoroughly from beginning to end..or not so end ;P I can't wait till the next one! If you haven't read this series yet I HIGHLY recommend that you do. Especially if you have a thing for the vampires. Also, if you don't really care for vampires because those are not the only paranormal creatures in this book. You just might find yourself falling in love with Daychildren *shrugs shoulders* you never know.... ;D

This review was part of the Dark Return Blog Tour hosted by SupaGurl Tours.

~Rating:

4/3.5 of 5 stars!!!

~Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~Author:

Taryn Browning writes novels for young adults. She's also an avid reader and dreamer with a crazy imagination. Her debut urban fantasy is Dark Seeker. The sequel, Dark Return, will be available Nov, 2012. You can also check out the prequel novella, Dark Beauty. Her newest paranormal romance, Whispering Hills, and urban fantasy, Emanare, were also released this year.   

Taryn graduated with a BS in Education from Towson University and went on to earn a MS in Reading from Hood College. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading, spending time with friends and family, music, movies, and the beach. Some of her favorite TV shows growing up included Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Charmed and Angel. For as long as she can remember she's loved all things fantastical, paranormal and magical.

Visit her at www.tarynbrowning.com. Follow her on her blog www.yafictionauthor.blogspot.com, on twitter (@TarynBrowning), and facebook (Dark Seeker & Taryn Browning). 

Thanks for stopping by! :D

Have a great day!!

~Jaiden

{Review} Pantomime by Laura Lam

Pantomime
Author: Laura Lam
Release Date: February 5, 2012
by, Strange Chemistry
Source: Netgalley
Format: Kindle
Pages: 392

R. H. Ragona’s Circus of Magic is the greatest circus of Ellada. Nestled among the glowing blue Penglass—remnants of a mysterious civilization long gone—are wonders beyond the wildest imagination. It’s a place where anything seems possible, where if you close your eyes you can believe that the magic and knowledge of the vanished Chimaera is still there. It’s a place where anyone can hide.

Iphigenia Laurus, or Gene, the daughter of a noble family, is uncomfortable in corsets and crinoline, and prefers climbing trees to debutante balls. Micah Grey, a runaway living on the streets, joins the circus as an aerialist’s apprentice and soon becomes the circus’s rising star.

But Gene and Micah have balancing acts of their own to perform, and a secret in their blood that could unlock the mysteries of Ellada.{Goodreads}

~Review:
  Quick note: the cover!!! Love. Love. Love it!! I totally want that mask too..major jelousy right here! The circus tent in the back ground...the everything! Really like this cover! Fits the book like a glove! <3

  More serious matters: Pantomime was a book I was much anticipating. The premise just spoke to me saying "You must need this book Jaiden! MUST!!". So, naturally, I just needed to have it! I was a bit confused at first but I quickly caught on with the different time and POVs. Little did I know though that Micah and Gene were more closely linked than I thought....major shocker when I saw how their paths crossed. Really. There was a few things in the book that had me cautious and wary but all in all this book was fantastic! Also, the only real thing I can complain about this book is the lore and history of the world in the book. I wish the author would have gone into further detail explaining the different towns and history and mythology. I was super confused when it came to that. Maybe I missed something but I literally had no clue what made Byssia people Byssia people and who the Couple was and more. I kinda just had to skim those parts and pretend to know I knew.

  Other than those few hiccups like I said...fantastic! The writing style of Laura Lam was so enticing and wonderful. I felt as if every word had its own magic behind it! The circus was most definitely my favorite part of the book. It was described so wonderfully I felt as if I was there and experiencing the circus through Micah's eyes and truly feeling the awe and magic he felt for it. The imagination ran wild in this book. (even though some of it I didn't understand) Then the time...the era this book was set in was beautiful. I love the time of parasols, extravagant dresses, balls, courting, circus entertainment, etc. And again, Laura did it all perfectly. I felt as if I was truly there smelling the smells, seeing the sights, experiencing the protagonists experiences! Laura used words that described the situation, description, and severity of the subject on hand perfectly. She made me use the dictionary but I didn't find it tiring.

  Pantomime was a work of art! The characters were developed just to my liking. There were tons of side characters but you didn't get confused. At first it takes awhile to get to know everyone but not too long. Then of course those characters you end up loving and then the ones you love to hate! Omg. Drystan....I loved him just so you know ;) I also loved Gene's brother Cyril's best friend..and of course Cyril himself. Cyril was so loyal and understanding. He has a big heart and I would love to have a brother like him. Drystan was adorable and handsome and hilarious..he is a clown! ;D  Then that ending! That ending was the best part of the book. It was fast pace, terrible and emotional. I really hope there is a sequel because you can't just end a book like that. I really enjoyed reading Pantomime. It was unique and beautiful. Magic in its self. I recommend this book to anyone who wants a fun, mysterious, magical and intriguing read!

~Rating:

4 of 5 stars!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a great day!! :)

~Jaiden 

{Blog Tour} Review of Doomed by Tracy Deebs

Doomed
Author: Tracy Deebs
Release Date: January 8, 2013
by, Walker Childrens
Source: *a copy was produced by the tour host for review purposes*
Format: Kindle
Pages: 480

Beat the game. Save the world.



Pandora’s just your average teen, glued to her cell phone and laptop, surfing Facebook and e-mailing with her friends, until the day her long-lost father sends her a link to a mysterious site featuring twelve photos of her as a child. Unable to contain her curiosity, Pandora enters the site, where she is prompted to play her favorite virtual-reality game, Zero Day. This unleashes a global computer virus that plunges the whole world into panic: suddenly, there is no Internet. No cell phones. No utilities, traffic lights, hospitals, law enforcement. Pandora teams up with handsome stepbrothers Eli and Theo to enter the virtual world of Zero Day. Simultaneously, she continues to follow the photographs from her childhood in an attempt to beat the game and track down her father, her one key to saving the world as we know it. Part The Matrix, part retelling of the Pandora myth, Doomed has something for gaming fans, dystopian fans, and romance fans alike.{Goodreads}

~Blog Tour Fun:
    Favorite Quote:

"'I really like you Pandora. I don't want to make a mistake with you.'

Life's full of mistakes ?????. And if you don't kiss me now, when are you going to? We're almost out of time.'

'I won't let us run out of time.'"   

Sorry yo! Had to mask the identity of the speaker..it is a love triangle ;P

And because I really like this one too....

  "There's something inside and I strain to see it. Nearly cry out when I can finally read the word. 'Hope.'......We might very well live long, poductive lives. They won't be the lives we had once planned for ourselves but in this place, at this moment, that doesn't matter."

~Review:

  Holy shit you guys!! This book was fantastically amazing! It totally rocked my socks off. ;D I have to admit that I prefer the old cover but the cover has nothing to do with the pure genius of this book. I had the worst time putting this book down…and at times I had no choice because I was reading it during the last two weeks of school before winter break, which meant I had finals to study for, which meant if I wanted good grades, I was going to have to put the book down and do some work. It. Sucked. I wanted nothing more than to sit down and read the book until every single page was gobbled up and digested. (ermm that didn’t sound as good as I hoped haha).

  What would you do if the world as you knew it came crashing down because of a video game. Yupp! You heard that right. A video game. Its Pandora’s seventeenth birthday and to her surprise she gets an email from her dad. The same dad that hasn’t been around for years. The same dad that has her mom panicked telling Pandora that she is never to speak, email, write, or see her dad…ever. There aren’t even any pictures of Pandora and her father…and she was what, five when he left? So twelve years of no communication from her father and she finally gets some. The email has promises of old letters that were written to her and always returned , never before seen photos of them and an explanation to why he left. Never would have Pandora thought that that email, those pictures would be the worm that starts world domination. Domination that is only going to stop if Pandora plays the game.

  Like I said…Holy. Shit. This book was absolutely mind blowing. It was fast paced and completely captivating. I was hooked from page one. Tracy Deebs wove a perfectly unique, action packed story that is sure to take over the hearts of gamers and readers a like..hell, I think everyone should read it but that’s just me. At the beginning I had a little bit of a rough time trying to distinguish between what was going on in the game (especially the talking) and what was going on in the real world but after a while I had no problem easing in to the switch. When I really got into it (which ended up being every time I opened its pages) I had trouble distinguishing the lines between the book and the real world. Tracy is such an amazing writer where that is just the only way to read her book. Its not too often a book completely captures you like that but Doomed does that too you. I literally felt as if I was there every step of the way through Pandora’s journey. The writing for Doomed is clear and imaginative. Tracy definitely doesn’t hold back. 

  The story is told from Pandora’s point of view being that she is the protagonist but Eli and Theo were equally important. O my goodness. These boys! Theo is so smart. He is always one step ahead. He is quick on his feet and always so calm in the toughest situations. Theo is broody and mysterious. Oh! And he is totally hot.  He isn’t the best with jokes and taking things lightly. A smile from him is a rare occurance. He tends to be more in his own thoughts but when he steps out he totally shines. Then there is Eli. The one who can make light on things. He jokes around is more carefree.The one who can tell a joke or make a face to ease the tension...that is why I love him..so much!!! 

  I honestly have no clue what else to say other than you need to read this...like ASAP. I loved this book with a passion. It is something that makes you reflect and wonder. What would you do? Would you be able to survive? How would you act? How would you feel? It was almost scary. I have nothing else to say..I am leaving this review now. Read. Love. You need this book. You will NOT be sorry you read it and you will thank me later ;D

This review was part of the Doomed Blog Tour at Itching for Books.  

 

~Rating:

 

5 of 5 stars..this book rocked my socks! ;D
 

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy New Years!!

Have a great weekend!! 

<3 Jaiden