{Review} The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa

The Lost Prince
Series: The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten #1
Author: Julie Kagawa
Release Date: October 23, 2012
by, Harlequin Teen
Source: bought
Pages: 377

Don’t look at Them. Never let Them know you can see Them. 

That is Ethan Chase’s unbreakable rule. Until the fey he avoids at all costs—including his reputation—begin to disappear, and Ethan is attacked. Now he must change the rules to protect his family. To save a girl he never thought he’d dare to fall for.

Ethan thought he had protected himself from his older sister’s world—the land of Faery. His previous time in the Iron Realm left him with nothing but fear and disgust for the world Meghan Chase has made her home, a land of myth and talking cats, of magic and seductive enemies. But when destiny comes for Ethan, there is no escape from a danger long, long forgotten.{Goodreads}

~Review:
  I wasn't so sure I was gonna love this book like I loved The Iron Fey-Ash, Megan, and Pucks story. Truth is? I didn't. I couldn't. It may be the same world but it is not the same series and once I accepted that I was blown away. I never once doubted Julie and her talents. I doubted my ability to let go of the characters I had grown so find of. I didn't think I could see the world of the far without thinking of Megan and Ash and Puck. It took me some time to get over but it didn't take that long.

  Julie has this uncanny ability to draw you and and submerse you in the pages. It's pretty freaking ridiculous because I always feel so vulnerable and out of control while reading her books. I think I've said this before but Julie Kagawa has your heart and emotions in her hand while you read her books. You're like putty that she just molds and breaks. She throws you into these worlds and holds you down in them. You no longer have control over yourself. She brings these characters in that steal you from the beginning. She's got her claws deep in your heart as after words...it all lingers. Footprints of each story--each character, are imprinted there forever.

  I was so surprised with Ethan. I was like "Uhmm...who is this and where did Ethan go?" I was a bit sad that this is where Ethan came. Te world of the Fae haunts him. He now has a bad boy rep. While I was kind of sad I couldn't complain...Ethan is well, hot. I feel kind if weird saying it because the last time I had seen him he was only a little boy but well...he is no little boy anymore! Even though Ethan gives us this bad boy act, he is still the sweet boy he always was just minus the stuffed animal. He seems standoffish because he doesn't want to get close to anyone. Being close means bringing them right down with him into the Fae world.

  Keirran was funny and a total free spirit. I loved him. In many ways Ethan and Keirran were the new Ash and Puck. Ethan was brooding like Ash and Keirran was the lively Puck. It was nice having the banter from these two. It was like Ash and Puck before the enemies. They weren't Ash and Puck but there were similarities. Again, it was super hard not seeing my beloved characters again but I enjoyed Keirran and Ethan's story.

  You do get a special visit from the young adult worlds best fictional boys and that made me extremely happy! We even get a visit from grim, razor, and Megan. I love Julie's story telling. It's amazing! And now she is taking the Iron Fey series to a whole other level! Some serious shit is gonna go down. It's bigger than the iron fey. We get a call from the forgotten. Dang these thugs are creepy! I'm so excited that she decided to make a spin off on my favorite series. It's action packed, heart warming and thrilling! The new characters that enter the story are great and like able. Everything was done well. Julie Kagawa never disappoints. No. She always ends up exceeding our expectations. She is what authors hope to be!

  If you haven't read the Iron Fey series (The Iron King, The Iron Daughter, The Iron Queen, The Iron Knight) I suggest you read it first. You don't HAVE to but one, it's flipping amazing and my uptime favorite series and two, you might understand the fey world a bit better and Ethan. You get to see the Ethan before it all. The sweet little innocent boy who started it all. These books are one of the best books I have ever read. Julie is my favorite author because she brings all cards to the table. She is so talented. Her books are cinematic! Basically, all her books will be the best books you have ever read. Each one will capture you. Read each one! You will not be disappointed. If you were to ask me what to read Julie's books will always be my first suggestion. There is a reason and that reason is greatness.

~Rating:

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

{Review} Boundless by Cynthia Hand

Boundless
Series: Unearthly #3
Author: Cynthia Hand
Release Date: January 22, 2013
by, HarperTeen
Source: Bought
Pages: 438

The past few years have held more surprises than part-angel Clara Gardner could ever have anticipated. Yet from the dizzying highs of first love, to the agonizing low of losing someone close to her, the one thing she can no longer deny is that she was never meant to live a normal life.

Since discovering the special role she plays among the other angel-bloods, Clara has been determined to protect Tucker Avery from the evil that follows her . . . even if it means breaking both their hearts. Leaving town seems like the best option, so she’s headed back to California - and so is Christian Prescott, the irresistible boy from the vision that started her on this journey in the first place.

As Clara makes her way in a world that is frighteningly new, she discovers that the fallen angel who attacked her is watching her every move. And he’s not the only one. . . . With the battle against the Black Wings looming, Clara knows she must finally fulfill her destiny. But it won’t come without sacrifices and betrayal.

In the riveting finale of the Unearthly series, Clara must decide her fate once and for all.{Goodreads}

~Trailer:

 ~Review:
  So even though there has even a significant amount of amazing 2013 debuts...there have also been some let downs. Especially in the finishing department. Finishing department?

  The final books to series. Is this one of them? In some ways yes, sadly. The Unearlthy series was one of my first loves. Tucker one of my first boy loves and Cynthia Hand being one of my first Author loves. It was seriously amazing!!! The writing of Cynthia was so fresh and lovely it was hard not to fall in love with the books!

  Now I can't complain too much. The book was full of action, turns, pieces being out together, love!! It was all fantastic! I was so into the book I had trouble putting it down! I forgot the talent of Cynthia. Her ability to just draw you in with the easy flow of her writing. So if it was so great....why is it a disappointment in some ways?

  It left me disappointed for one reason and one reason alone. The absence of Tucker and the abundance of Christians presence. I started to fall out of love with Tucker and in love with Christian. I was routing for Tucker the entire time while reading it. In my mind set I was going to throw a hissy fit if Clara didn't end up with Tucker.

BEWARE OF SPOILER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  I hated the way she ended the book. I found the way she got Tucker with Clare was childish. I almost would have been ok with him dying and Clara ending up with Christian after her heartbreak. My emotions weren't hit as hard as they probably should have. When he died and she saw him in his death before walking into the light I did. I was heart broken. But the after felt as if she needed a reason to keep Tucker alive so she did the first thing she thought of. Wth!!? Tucker is now part angel? That I felt was stupid. And not to mention she left a lot of loose ends. She kind of gave a well this and this so because of that they got a happily ever after. What about Jeremy? Angela!?Christian? I mean poor dude. It wasn't the way I saw it all ending.

END OF SPOILER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  Like Requiem by Lauren Oliver I was left disappointed because of the cliche endings and the lack of tying the last ribbon. I felt as if it was incomplete. Everything up to the ending was absolutely amazing! It was everything I hoped it to be! That was the stuff I know Cynthia is capable of. The stuff I love her for. I wasn't completely disappointed but I was never the less. It is still a series I hold dearly to me but...I don't know. The ending was just off. I mean I was happy about it but not as happy as I thought I'd be. It's just this jumble of feelings I have. In the end the good out weighed the bad I think.

  If you haven't read this series yet I insist you do. It's beautiful and wonderful. Don't let me get in the way of you starting it. I encourage you to. Even though I had a slight disappointment it didn't completely ruin the series for me. This last book to the Unearthly series is alike with Requiem, the last of the Delirium series by Lauren Oliver. Both series that I love dearly and both with endings that left me feeling it didn't end. Try it out! You may feel completely different than I did with the ending. Again the ending was my only disappointment everything was wonderful! I can't wait to get something new from Cynthia Hand. She is an incredible author!

~Rating:

4 of 5 stars!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a wonderful day,

~Jaiden

{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

{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} Defiance by C.J. Redwine

Defiance
Series: Defiance #1
Author: C.J. Redwine
Release Date: August 28, 2012
by, Balzer + Bray
Source: Bought
Format: Hardback
Pages: 403

Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city's brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses and obey their male Protectors, Rachel knows how to survive in the wilderness and deftly wield a sword. When her father, Jared, fails to return from a courier mission and is declared dead, the Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector, her father's apprentice, Logan--the same boy Rachel declared her love for two years ago, and the same one who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but a fierce belief in her father's survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself. But treason against the Commander carries a heavy price, and what awaits her in the Wasteland could destroy her.
At nineteen, Logan McEntire is many things. Orphan. Outcast. Inventor. As apprentice to the city's top courier, Logan is focused on learning his trade so he can escape the tyranny of Baalboden. But his plan never included being responsible for his mentor's impulsive daughter. Logan is determined to protect her, but when his escape plan goes wrong and Rachel pays the price, he realizes he has more at stake than disappointing Jared.
As Rachel and Logan battle their way through the Wasteland, stalked by a monster that can't be killed and an army of assassins out for blood, they discover romance, heartbreak, and a truth that will incite a war decades in the making. {Goodreads}

~Trailer:

~Review:
  Well, for starters...how cool is that trailer? And! How amazingly beautiful is that book cover!? Ya, I have some crazy book accessory love here ;) The trailer totally fit the kick-ass defiant feel to it! And that cover...the city in the cloak, the girl on the cover with brilliant red hair and idk my favorite thing is the forest and the cloak...and the city in the cloak! Awesome. And then the cover has this pretty metallic feel to it in person...beautiful!

  This book was one of my most sought after releases! Then I scored an interview with the author! (Coming later on in the week!! Keep your eyes peeled! A giveaway comes along with it!!) What can I say? I am a sucker for anything that has defiance, rebellion, and kick-ass heroines! Power to the women! ;) And then of course everyone has been loving the dystopians right!? So, yes this was dystopian but it was also post-apocalyptic. It had this medieval feel to it too. I loved the world building! This book was very creative and inventive...just like Logan ;)

  I loved Logan! He was smart, charming, and a tad awkward which made him completely and entirely adorable!! I loved his heart and his way of thinking. He was always one step ahead! What can I say...I like my boys smart! ;) I liked Rachel as well. She was an amazing fighter...and I am not just talking about her skills in battle/combat. The things this girl had to go through were tough...something no ordinary girl could cope with. Rachel is strong, loving, and a pain in the ass...what can I say! Her and Logan were cute to see...after awhile. Quick not...if you did not know this (I didn't until I started reading) the book takes place alternating between Rachel and Logan's POVs.

  Anyways! Like I was saying...I didn't quite feel the love between them as much as I would like to have. They were cute...towards the end. They were in an awkward place. Rachel had admitted she loved him when she was 15 and he....didn't love her back. Ouch. So when the book picks up Rachel is stand-offish to Logan and vice versa. She claims to not love him anymore and then all of a sudden...they are in love...but they both don't show it. Ok, this happens...but normally there are stuff that happens that makes that little light bulb click on...not here. Just one day they realize it. I don't know...to me something was just...missing. But again they were still cute and they grew on me. I think I enjoyed reading from Logan's POV more though.

  Defiance is an unique book that all dystopian/post-apocalyptic lovers will enjoy. I enjoyed the world and story line Mrs. Redwine created. Also I loved her characters..side and main a like. And her evils...loved them!! I loved hating the Commander. The Cursed One was awesome to fear. And quite frankly...gave me the chills! The ending was incredibly sad and I felt for Rachel and Logan. The writing was so real. I felt as if I was there along side Rachel and Logan! At times I felt a little lost at who and what was going on but other than that I loved it! Not my favorite dystopian/post-apocalyptic but I still enjoyed it. The ending left me only wanting more. This is a series I will most definitely keep track of. The ending truly saved it. It was feeling just ok to me but after the ending...I do want more. I want to see where this is all going to go. Unfortunately ..because of the lost feelings and the lack of true love between Rachel and Logan I felt I give this book the following rating but beyond that I adored the book and would still recommend it to all readers!

~Rating:

3.5 stars!!

Thanks for stopping by!! 

Have a great and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

<3 Jaiden

{Review} Easy by Tammara Webber

Easy
Author: Tammara Webber
Release Date: May 25, 2012
Source: bought
Format: ebook
Pages: 304

A girl who believes trust can be misplaced, promises are made to be broken, and loyalty is an illusion. A boy who believes truth is relative, lies can mask unbearable pain, and guilt is eternal. Will what they find in each other validate their conclusions, or disprove them all?
When Jacqueline follows her longtime boyfriend to the college of his choice, the last thing she expects is a breakup two months into sophomore year. After two weeks in shock, she wakes up to her new reality: she's single, attending a state university instead of a music conservatory, ignored by her former circle of friends, and failing a class for the first time in her life.
Leaving a party alone, Jacqueline is assaulted by her ex's frat brother. Rescued by a stranger who seems to be in the right place at the right time, she wants nothing more than to forget the attack and that night--but her savior, Lucas, sits on the back row of her econ class, sketching in a notebook and staring at her. Her friends nominate him to be the perfect rebound.
When her attacker turns stalker, Jacqueline has a choice: crumple in defeat or learn to fight back. Lucas remains protective, but he's hiding secrets of his own. Suddenly appearances are everything, and knowing who to trust is anything but easy.
(Mature Young Adult/ New Adult) {Goodreads}

~Review:
  So I bet you have heard all the corny stuff about this book being so "easy" to fall into its pages and fall in love with every last word. Well truth is....its true. It is SO easy to fall in love with every page, every word, every. single. thing. this book has to offer. It is a little older in the Young-Adult genre making it Young/New Adult. And I loved it! I loved the college atmosphere, the maturity and the plot of it all.

  Now be for-warned when you read this. This might not be something people younger than 15. It depends on your maturity level and what exactly you have been exposed to. Because you know the stories of college. The late nights, the crazy parties, the alcohol, the drugs and yes...that three letter words some of use love to hate...S-E-X. I have heard several things about sex in young adult books. Do you know what? This isn't young adult...its Mature Adult. I know people get uncomfortable with sex in books but it also depends on the author. Its all in the discretion of the reader and writer. Some people think its too much, too little, I don't know but for me this was fine. Yes, it got a bit descriptive at times but nothing uncomfortable. My tolerance level might be different for mine. So, going into this book...be warned. Use discretion.

  Now....that's over. I just wanted people to know. No one likes to be surprised with something and then ruin the book for them. It so didnt for me though. I loved this book with a passion! I liked Jacqueline. She was sweet and down to earth. She was normal and relateable. I like that in my protagonist. Someone who someone else can find something in common with. She was heartbroken and she was in need of love...but then one dark night...she needs a savior and TADA!! Savior and love come in one tidy package! :D Gah!! I loved Lucas! Like soo much!! He is the perfect bad boy with the twisted past (I wanted to cry when that was revealed!!) and the nice, considerate side that we all love our bad boy to have. *swoon!*

  This book was purely perfection! I loved, swooned, teared up, and laughed my butt off! Especially this one scene involving defense class, and the lawnmower! OMG...I died!!!!!! And will forever keep that in mind if I ever need it..hopefully never will but its noted! ;D There was humor, love, heartbreak, and the all important lesson of finding yourself and the one you love. I have so many thoughts and feelings for this book...its too much! What do I suggest? BUY! BUY! BUY!! You will not regret it! This book will forever hold a favorite spot in my Kindle! But I would prefer to own it in physical form...so when Penguin publishes this baby in November?? (yes it got publishing rights!! Congrats!!) buy it! I loved with a love so hard for this book! Did I mention that already?? Haha seriously you guys this is a book you don't want to miss! <3

~Rating:

 

4.5 of 5 wonderful stars

Thanks for stopping by! 

Have a great day! :)

~Jaiden

The Weekly Throwback & Stacking the Shelves #5

~The Weekly Throwback:

Here's all that happened this week:

Sorry guys! Not much happened this week but my weekly memes.

I totally failed on reviews this week but next week should be better promise! :)

BUT!!! 

Enter to win a SIGNED copy of The Forsaken by Lisa M Stasse by checking out my interview with her here.

Giveaway ends 9/19 so hurry and enter now! :D

Don't miss out on this awesome book guys!! 

~Stacking the Shelves:

This is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews.

Here's what I got this week....

hehehe I always have the most ridiculous faces on this! xD

Books Mentioned:

-For Review- 

*Dante's Girl by Courtney Cole (ebook)
Thanks to Netgalley!! :)

-Bought-
*Monstrous Beauty by Elizabeth Fama
*Throne of Glass by Sarah  J Maas
*Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols
*The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Thanks to my paycheck ;D

Bloggers Mentioned:
*Giselle at Xpresso Reads

What about you? What'd you get this week?
Leave your link below! :)
Have a great weekend!!
~Jaiden

{Review} Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins

Sweet Evil
Series: Sweet Evil Trilogy #1
Author: Wendy Higgins
Release Date: May 1, 2012
by, HarperTeen
Source: bought
Format: paperback
Pages: 453

Embrace the Forbidden

What if there were teens whose lives literally depended on being bad influences?

This is the reality for sons and daughters of fallen angels.

Tenderhearted Southern girl Anna Whitt was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She's aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but Anna, the ultimate good girl, has always had the advantage of her angel side to balance the darkness within. It isn't until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage and her willpower is put to the test. He's the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.

Forced to face her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns? {Goodreads} 

~Trailer:

Hell yes!! I gave in! ;D Awesome trailer! <3

~Review:
  Woah! I had hear a lot of great things about this book: how amazing the writing style, how amazing the angel lore, how amazing the story was and uhemmm...how AMAZING Kaidan was. Now, I'd be lying if I said I didn't buy this book because of Kaidan, cus that is exactly why I bought it. I was feeling the need of a hot steamy romance with a bad boy to fill the plot and guys....I got that and SO much more!

  First off...teens that lives depend on being bad...literally?? Dude...that is awesome! So so wrong but totally awesome haha The characters in this book are all well written and even though these guy's souls are damned...they are sweet and naturally good people...I have my doubts on evil twin but in some parts even she shined through. I loved each character and Man! I really don't know what to say. This is one of those reviews that the book is so good you can't help but your review to be a bunch of "!!!!"'s, "OMG"'s, and "LOVE"'s. Wendy Higgins did a fenominal job with creating a book that enthralls readers from the very begging and keeps them reading until the very last word. I didn't want this book to end...especially with the way it did. She created a fun, seductive, but utterly clean...to a point ;D...book that I loved! I am going to want to read this book over and over!

  Plus! I loved the true morals an Biblical stuff she put into it. I loved Anna's pure heart and what she was willing to do for the ones she loved. She is so sweet and I loved her! And Kaidan!! Holy sh** peoples!! Goodness was this boy hot?? Ya, he was hotter than Hell itself! Dang!!! And I also loved Kope!! He is...*sighs* I was voting for him even though I knew I shouldn't have but he is so nice and sweet and .....Idk I wanted him to....but Kaiden.....Ya, I'm screwed when it comes to those boys! I loved the ...well I just loved everybody and everything! There is seriously no ending to the level of love and awesomeness this book oozed!

  Sweet Evil is a great debut from Wendy Higgins. This book will have your blood boiling, heart racing, hormones out of control ;D and your mind boggling from the pure amazingness! I loved this book so hard its not even funny. This book indeed have great writing and a story that is so great you are left only wanting more. And seriously!! Book two hasn't already been snagged by a publisher? HELLO!!! *smacks every publisher alive* What the hell are you guys doing? You people are dumb bunnies if you don't see the talent. You all should be begging on your hands and knees and fighting it all out to have a chance of putting your publishing name on this book! (Please do not be offended my dear publishers....I am only hugely surprised. I do not mean what I said about dumb bunnies and smacking you in offense) hahaha

  Seriously you guys! If you haven't read this yet...please do so! You will love it from beginning to end! With amazing characters, a steamy romance with pure heart, bad ass teens, and the most awesome fallen angel lore around.....you have no choice but to love it!

~Rating:

Eep! 4 bright and wonderful stars to this book!! <3

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a great day!! :)

~Jaiden 

{Review} What a Boy Needs by Nyrae Dawn

What a Boy Needs
Author: Nyrae Dawn
Release Date: June 2012
Source: Bought
Format: ebook
Pages: 124

A companion novel to WHAT A BOY WANTS.

Jaden Sinclair knows he'll never amount to anything...so why would he deserve a girl like Priscilla Mendoza?

Since last summer, things have been screwed up between Jaden and Pris. He knows it's his fault, but that doesn’t stop him from wanting to go a few rounds with her new boyfriend. He also knows he’s the loser his dad calls him, but it doesn’t stop him from wanting her.

After getting a huge bomb dropped on him, Jaden lashes out and lands himself in jail. Everything in his chaotic life is turned upside down and to make it worse, his mom kicks him out in order to side with his dad. Yeah, he’s totally a prize for a girl like Pris.

Sebastian, Aspen, and Pris are all going places in their lives...and he knows he can't keep tagging along for the ride.

The group has one last chance for The Epic Adventure they've been looking for: a road trip to New York, where Jaden's friends will be going to college. Unfortunately, the more time Jaden hangs around Pris, the harder it is to keep the carefully constructed walls between them so she doesn't find out what a train wreck he really is.

When the trip ends, Jaden has to decide if he's ready to say goodbye to his friends, and the girl he loves. He knows what he needs, but will he be man enough to go for it?

Contains mature themes. Some sexual situations and language. {Goodreads}

~Review:
 Where to begin....I absolutely fell in love with book one to this companion, What a Boy Wants, and I fell just as in love with What a Boy Needs. Man oh man did I miss these bunch! Nyrae Dawn does a perfect job capturing the meaning of friendship, loyalty, love, and the struggles of finding you are and what you will fight for. I don't know how many times I choked up, laughed my freakin face off and smiled! There is so much love between each character. They practically scream family and their loyalty to each other is heart warming! Sebastian and Jaden had to be my favorite part(s) of this book (besides the love! DUH!!) ;D

  I loved getting to know Jaden on a deeper level. It was nice and also very very sad to see behind the scenes in his life. I felt so bad for him ad was costantly ruiting for him throughout the book. Also...I was ready to punch him too ;D Stupid boy wouldn't open up!! Haha but I totally didn't blame him. I love Jaden! Ant not just because we share a name haha I think I like Sebastian more but I tend to be attracted to the funnies and my friends...Sebastian is the definition of funny!

  This book was so cute and it totally had me from page one! If you are looking for a cute, funny, and all around really good quick read, this book is for you! And if you have yet to read What a Boy Wants.....go out and buy it ASAP! Then go and read Nyrae's recently released books! I sure know I will!! :D

~Rating: 

4 wonderful stars!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hope you have a great day!! :)

~Jaiden

{Review} Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Tiger Lily
Author: Jodi Lynn Anderson
Release Date: July 3
by, Harper Collins Children's Books
Source: Bought
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 304

Before Peter Pan belonged to Wendy, he belonged to the girl with the crow feather in her hair. . . .

Fifteen-year-old Tiger Lily doesn't believe in love stories or happy endings. Then she meets the alluring teenage Peter Pan in the forbidden woods of Neverland and immediately falls under his spell.

Peter is unlike anyone she's ever known. Impetuous and brave, he both scares and enthralls her. As the leader of the Lost Boys, the most fearsome of Neverland's inhabitants, Peter is an unthinkable match for Tiger Lily. Soon, she is risking everything—her family, her future—to be with him. When she is faced with marriage to a terrible man in her own tribe, she must choose between the life she's always known and running away to an uncertain future with Peter.

With enemies threatening to tear them apart, the lovers seem doomed. But it's the arrival of Wendy Darling, an English girl who's everything Tiger Lily is not, that leads Tiger Lily to discover that the most dangerous enemies can live inside even the most loyal and loving heart.

From the New York Times bestselling author of Peaches comes a magical and bewitching story of the romance between a fearless heroine and the boy who wouldn't grow up. {Goodreads}

~Trailer:

I love this video! Simple and beautiful!! <3

~Review:
  One, Woah! Look at that cover you guys! And it's even prettier in person! Let's just say I really really like seeing this on on my shelf! ;D Now..Let me just say: I wanted to fall in love with this book. Like crazy-head-over-hills-I-need-it-in-order-to-breath love it..like so many did. But sadly I can not say I did. I loved it but not as much as I hoped I would. Problem one: my expectations were way to high. And not just because of all of the hype this book was getting. I have an undying love for Disney's Peter Pan. I absolutely love Peter Pan! He is like my favorite childhood story and movie. 

  Not seeing the problem? Here it is: I fell more in love (from childhood love for the story to young-adult fictional boy obsession...ya that's right. I have a crush on Peter Pan. haha) Laugh all you want! But this is why....Julie Kagawa! Funny how she always finds her way into my posts hah? ;) Anyways, she re-invented Puck. In her Iron Fey series she described the reason for the fae's immortality because of the stories. As long as stories are still being told about them, they live! So Grimalkin is also known as the cat from Alice in Wonderland and many more talking cats stories. Wolfe is the Big Bad Wolf and many other terrible wolf stories. Puck is the infamous Puck from A Midsummer's Nights Dream AND!!! I believe, Peter Pan. It fits 100%! Peter Pan and Puck both share these traits: the red hair (duh!!), the lack of being able to take much seriously, the constant need to be childlike, the need to pull pranks and keep into mischief, the devilish grin that screams trouble!! Think real hard and you will see the similarities and possibly share the same thoughts!

  Anyways, because I loved Puck SO MUCH and decided that he was also Peter Pan...I had a high expectation for Peter in this book. An expectation for him to be Puck-like. And because of that...I didn't like the book as much. I know, it is my fault. Nothing to do with the writer or the book at all. Just me and my thoughts that failed the book. This is a re-telling and things are changed. And a lot of the original story was changed. The ending! OMG! Ya, so not how I remembered Disney's movie going!!! I got choked up. So sad!! :( 

  Now, Puck let-down aside, this book was amazing! Jodi did a wonderful job re-telling a price-less classic. And one of my most favorite things: Tink's POV. I will be honest, it took me awhile to get into the swing of it. But, I have problems with third person POV's. I really don't like them. You don't get the character's full thoughts or emotions. Sure, you get a glimpse. But it's not the same. It's not that characters personal emotions it's a take on it. But I grew to like Tink's version. There was many things I loved about this book. MANY! 

  I am officially #TeamTigerLily! After this book...I hate Wendy! HATE!!! I know, strong word but strong word needed! She..grrrr! Even though Tiger Lily bugged me at times because of her lack to show emotions and her too strong headedness, I came to peace with that's just who she was. And Peter still loved her for it. Again, different Peter but I still loved him too! And Pine Sap! Dudes! I loved him! From the very beginning. Yes I did. EEP! And I love how Jodi tied in stuff from the original story too but gave them a perfect twist. Like the ticking crocodile, and the boat ride with Hook and Tiger Lily. And then Smee! I loved the take on Smee! AND!!! The lost boys!!! <3

  Tiger Lily is a an exotic and beautiful re-telling of the love story we all failed to know. A heart warming (and breaking) story that left me breathless at the end. It's true. The last chapter I failed to breath. It was devastating!! I easily fell in love with Tiger Lily and Peter's love story. Their love was so innocent and touching! I found myself lost in the pages of this book at times One moment I was on page 22 and then before I know it I was on 220! Even though I didn't get my Puck-Peter, this book was great! I highly recommend it. 

~Rating:

4 of 5 wonderful stars!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a great day!! :)

~Jaiden

{Review} Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready

Shade
Series: Shade (#1)
Team: Switzerland (Both boys are way to totally amazing for me to choose!) D:
Author: Jeri Smith-Ready
Release Date: May 4, 2010
by, Simon Pulse
Source: Bought
Format: Paperback
Pages: 309

Best. Birthday. Ever. At least, it was supposed to be. With Logan's band playing a critical gig and Aura's plans for an intimate after-party, Aura knows it will be the most memorable night of her boyfriend's life. She never thought it would be his last.

Logan's sudden death leaves Aura devastated. He's gone.

Well, sort of.

Like everyone born after the Shift, Aura can see and hear ghosts. This mysterious ability has always been annoying, and Aura had wanted nothing more than to figure out why the Shift happened so she can undo it. But not with Logan's violet-hued spirit still hanging around. Because dead Logan is almost as real as ever. Almost.

It doesn't help that Aura's new friend Zachary is so understanding--and so very alive. His support means more to Aura than she cares to admit.

As Aura's relationships with the dead and the living grow ever complicated, so do her feelings for Logan and Zachary. Each holds a piece of Aura's heart...and clues to the secret of the Shift. {Goodreads}

~Trailer:

~Review:
  Shade was...amazing. I seriously don't know what took me so long to read this book, this series! It is oh so unique and I fell head over heals for the book and well...both boys! ;) First point of mind blowing uniqueness: The Shift. Cool or not so cool? Uhmm..both. The Shift is a time. Everyone born after the Shift has the ability to see and communicate to ghosts. For high school junior, Aura (btw awesome name!!), its a curse. But it pays well right? Ya, she works as a translator for her lawyer aunt. But most of the time, she just likes to pretend she can't see or hear the ghosts. That is until her boyfriend Logan dies. O my!! That...I didn't think it was going to be that sad when he died..how he died..not so sad...a little steamy and high?? ;)...but the aftermath was devastating!

  I loved Logan! He was so awesome, caring, and totally into both Aura and his music! And uhm...HOT! Then there is Zachary, the new foreign exchange student. Guys, let me tell you now, I am a huge sucker for accents. I love them! Except German..no offense I just kinda..don't. And to be honest...Scottish accents didnt really interest me..then I met Zachary. Holy shiz you guys! This boy is hot to the capital H!! And he is super sweet and absolutely adorable!! Both boys are purely amazing and..I can't decide. Too hard! But, lets see how book 2 and 3 goes for me.

  Then there is Aura. She was pretty cool. I really liked her! She has a hard life. Logan was what made it better for her. Then he died. Leaving her broken and empty. I am so excited to keep reading 1.) for her relationship status and 2.) to see where this "first" stuff goes! That really interested me and I totally need the last books ASAP! I loved every character Mrs. Smith created and the cool world she built up! Normal, with a paranormal twist. But the twist didn't totally eat up the normal ya know? I hope that makes sense haha

  Shade is an amazing read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Incredibly unique from the writing, the ghostly twist and the love that breaks your heart and manages to survive even death. The love is truly beautiful and I can't wait to go out and buy the last two books! If you haven't yet read these books get on it. Don't wait any longer. My mistake: waiting this long to read it!

~Rating:

4.5 of 5 wonderful stars!

See it. Buy it. Love it!!

Thanks for stopping by! 

Have a great Day!!

~Jaiden

{Review} Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel

Dearly Departed
Series: Gone With the Respiration (#1)
Author: Lia Habel
Release Date: October 18, 2011
by, Del Rey
Source: Bought

Love can never die.

Love conquers all, so they say. But can Cupid’s arrow pierce the hearts of the living and the dead—or rather, the undead? Can a proper young Victorian lady find true love in the arms of a dashing zombie?

The year is 2195. The place is New Victoria—a high-tech nation modeled on the manners, mores, and fashions of an antique era. A teenager in high society, Nora Dearly is far more interested in military history and her country’s political unrest than in tea parties and debutante balls. But after her beloved parents die, Nora is left at the mercy of her domineering aunt, a social-climbing spendthrift who has squandered the family fortune and now plans to marry her niece off for money. For Nora, no fate could be more horrible—until she’s nearly kidnapped by an army of walking corpses.

But fate is just getting started with Nora. Catapulted from her world of drawing-room civility, she’s suddenly gunning down ravenous zombies alongside mysterious black-clad commandos and confronting “The Laz,” a fatal virus that raises the dead—and hell along with them. Hardly ideal circumstances. Then Nora meets Bram Griswold, a young soldier who is brave, handsome, noble . . . and dead. But as is the case with the rest of his special undead unit, luck and modern science have enabled Bram to hold on to his mind, his manners, and his body parts. And when his bond of trust with Nora turns to tenderness, there’s no turning back. Eventually, they know, the disease will win, separating the star-crossed lovers forever. But until then, beating or not, their hearts will have what they desire.

In Dearly, Departed, romance meets walking-dead thriller, spawning a madly imaginative novel of rip-roaring adventure, spine-tingling suspense, and macabre comedy that forever redefines the concept of undying love. {Goodreads}

~Review:
  Zombie book number two....my reaction...HOLY FREAKING MOTHER OF PEARLS!!!!!! This book is so different from the first zombie book I read: Die For Me. While Die For Me is still a zombie book...it is better classified as a revenant book. Yes, they are zombies but not the flesh-eating-corpse-looking-mindless zombies that you normally imagine when you hear the word..."zombie". Now with Dearly, Departed....that is exactly what you get and exactly what I wanted...but 100x better!

  I don't even know where to begin on the list of things that made this book so good. First off, I guess, would have to be what the book is. Ya, like, its genre. It is a dystopian, steampunk, paranoramal romance, action, thriller...all wrapped up into one! Woah. I know! It blew my mind too. This book being all that was said above..made it absolutely amazing! I am forever in love with the Victorian Age. Zombies with manners...ya mind blown twice already I know! ;D Yes, some of those zombies aren't so bad they have manners! They have normal thoughts. feelings, emotions. This book just continued to blow my mind. Page after page, after wonderful page!

  I loved everything from each character: zombie and human, the witty humor between those characters, the awesome butt-kicking zombie lore, the cool gadgets and goodness..everything! I especially loved the different POV's as vast as they were. Yupp! Not just Nora's POV, not Nora and Bram's POV but also Victor's, Pamelah's, and Wolfe's!!! I loved getting to see the world throught there eyes!! This book was well thought out and ingeniously writin out!

  Dearly, Departed  was oh-so unique, captivating and just plain out awesome. This is a book I will never forget and look forward to reading over and over. While it gave me goose-bumps at some parts it also gave me butterflies with Bram and Norah's unique love. You understood the new world and how it came to be without being dragged through a boring and long history. She made it simple. sweet. but yet understandable and in a neatly disguised way not a BAM! Let me give you a run down of all that happened. I enjoyed how the history of the New Victorian era came to be. I am soo excited to read the second book! Both cover's are absolutely gorgeous! I am now a great fan of both zombies and Lia Habel. Can't wait to see what she has in store!! :D Wonderfully amazing!! I really loved this book! ..Can you tell? ;)

~Rating:

4.5 of 5 stars! 

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a great day!! :)

~Jaiden

{Review} Keep Holding on by Susane Colassanti

Keep Holding On
Author: Susane Colasanti
Release Date: May 31, 2012
by, Viking Juvenile
Source: Bought
Pages: 224

A romantic and empowering book about bullying
Noelle's life is all about survival. Even her best friend doesn't know how much she gets bullied, or the ways her mom neglects her. Noelle's kept so much about her life a secret for so long that when her longtime crush Julian Porter starts paying attention to her, she's terrified. Surely it's safer to stay hidden than to risk the pain of a broken heart. But when the antagonism of her classmates takes a dramatic turn, Noelle realizes it's time to stand up for herself--and for the love that keeps her holding on. {Goodreads}

~Review:
  So, apparently I have been on a contemporary kick..idk just have! One contemporary after the other. And the good news? They have all been absolutely fantastic!! But this one isn't a cute love story. Yes, there is Julian but there is far more important things going on than just Julian. I have only read one other book that deals with bullying and that was Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher. That book was amazing and really impacted me. The whole snow ball affect...wow. But I'm not hear to talk about that book today..I already did my review on that one ;)

  I don't think we as teenagers...or even grown adults know the impact we have. How one word, one gesture, one look can hurt far worse than we can imagine. We all know bullying is a problem. Millions of dollars have gone into programs for anti-bullying. But honestly, are those programs going to be what stops bullying? No. And if we are honest, we will never be able to stop it...we can try and strive...but the choice is in the people. Those people are the bullies...sometimes those bullies don't even know they are the bullies...another problem. And we can't fully understand it all at times because we don't know. Plain and simple. Those who aren't bullied can't even begin to understand. And that goes for those who aren't the bullies.

  This book, though, gives us a small insight into the lives of those being bullied. What it might feel like, the thoughts that go on, the lives those victims live. And it hurt. It really hurt emotionally to read about what Noelle had to go through. But through it all she was strong. And I think that is where we can help. To give the people who are bullied by giving them hope. To give reassurance just with a simple smile, a simple "have a good day", or an invitation to go to the movies or what not. But like in this book...it is easier said than done.

  Keep Holding on is a hard hitting emotional read with real life characters and real life instances. This book will impact you in more ways than one. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Susane Colasanti's writing was believable and likeable. Some books just tend to leave little impacts on your life...and this was one of them. Honestly, sometimes there were parts I felt like it was missing something but not enough times to where I was willing to put the book down..for good. Do I recommend this book? Yes. :) And as far as rating goes....

~Rating:

4 out 5 wonderful stars!

Thanks for stopping by! :)

Have a great day!

~Jaiden

{Review} If I Stay by Gayle Forman

If I Stay
Series: If I Stay (#1)
Author: Gayle Forman
Release Date: April 6, 2010
by, Speak
Source: Bought
Pages: 234

A critically acclaimed novel that will change the way you look at life, love, and family. 
In the blink of an eye everything changes. Seventeen ­year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall what happened afterwards, watching her own damaged body being taken from the wreck. Little by little she struggles to put together the pieces- to figure out what she has lost, what she has left, and the very difficult choice she must make. Heartwrenchingly beautiful, Mia's story will stay with you for a long, long time. {Goodreads}

~Trailer:

There is one other video if you want to check it out but...I liked this one better! :)

~Review:
  I had heard many great things about this book so when I got the chance I bought it. Along with book two, Where She Went, they were a package deal. ;) I really got to say and brag....best decision ever. Don't borrow the book. Don't rent it from the library. Buy it. You need it. From page one I was completely consumed. The pages just flowed. Before I knew it, I was half way done and then...finished! I actually got to paying attention to see just how consumed this book got me. My average turned out to be 1 page per minute. I literally lost myself in this book's pages!

  Between the music and the characters, I don't know which was more of my favorite. Gayle just had this perfect way with words. Words that captured your attention. Words that described the scenery of Oregon gorgeously. Words that made you feel the sorrow, hurt, confusion, and love of the characters. Words that made every character unique. Words that gave each piece/reference to music, beauty. Perfection!

  Maria was a strong character. She gave insight to things you never would think of. She has such passion for both her music and her loved ones that made me respect her. She was different from those around her but that just made her standout that much more..in the best possible way. I loved her character! Her friend Kim was awesome...I loved the flashbacks throughout the book. OH! And the no chapter thing: brilliant. I loved that the book was separated by time rather than Chapter 1. Chapter 2. etc. Then, Adam. Man...I love this boy. He is the sweetest thing ...ever!! And the fact that he and Mia are such opposite sides of the spectrum make their love that much more cute! They don't have the perfect relationship. They have their problems but their love is real and true. There is no question about it.

And I can't resist this...so here is a present from me to you...My favorite quote of the whole book:

(Provided by Adam) <3

"You didn't really get those tickets from a family friend, did you?' I asked.

 .... He shook his head. 'that was two weeks of pizza delivery tips'"

And that. was when I fell in love with Adam Wilde. 

  If I Stay is breathtakingly beautiful. It will blow your mind, crush your heart, and completely consume you. Yes, beautiful is often associated with this book but it's true. I can't think of any better word to give this book but "beautiful". It is all sorts of beautiful. If you haven't gotten your hands on this book yet, you better. This is not a book to prolong.


~Rating:

Infinite Stars!! This book is a MUST!! 

Thanks for stopping by! 

Have a great day! :)

~Jaiden