Oh. My. Gods. : A Book Review

"'A fairy tale,' he says, 'is a story we wish were true.'"

I loved this book! It was quirky and girly and a nice break from witches/werewolves/etc. While I adore my normal genre of books, I enjoy the girlier side as well. It did bother me a bit that I had a history in the study of greek mythology, thus some "surprises" were obvious to me but the characters hadn't figured it out yet.  Aside from that, I really really enjoyed it.

Phoebe is just a normal girl. Track team girl, but normal. She lives alone with her mother in California and has her whole life planned out. That is, until her mother goes to a family reunion to visit Phoebe's late father's family and brings home an engagement! Once school is out Phoebe is pulled from all she knows and taken to a pricate island in Greece. On the island is the academy that her new step-father runs, but the students are... special. They are all the desendants of greek gods. Her only hope to continue on the path to the life she had planned is to gain scholarship to her dream college, but that is only possible if she runs excellently on the track team. She has to be better than everyone else, better than demi-gods. And you thought your high school was hell.

I've said it before, and I say it again, I love this book! It was clever and sweet and not too serious. It's a wonderful read if you like greek mythology, super humans, etc. I, personally, cannot wait to get my hands on the sequel, Goddess Bootcamp.

Balefire : A Book Review

"The thing about unrequited love is that it doesn't tend to go away."

"Darkness is in everyone... In me, in you, in [them] and everyone. And so is light. Darkness is a choice, a path. Every day we all have to make the choice, to choose good, choose light. We make the choice against darkness, against evil, every day, a thousand times a day, our whole lives."



This is a good, but long book by Cate Tiernan. Granted it is four books in one volume, it reads like one book. I really wish I had read them as four different books. I got kind of bogged down in the length simply because my attention span is horrible. I really did love the twins and the characters. I liked the plot and really loved that Tiernan changed points of view between first person (Thais) to first person (Clio) to third person. It did help keep my attention and thought it was neat to see all sides.

Clio is beautiful, popular, and powerful. Living in New Orleans with her grandmother, she's grown up knowing she was a witch and learning to use her magick. Que Thais. Thias's father dies unexpectedly while she is away on vacation. When she is returns she's swept into the courts and is put in the custody of a woman she's never heard of, as were her father's orders. Axelle is abnormal and whisks Thais off to New Orleans, away from all she's ever known. There she gets enrolled in school and the first day, she finds herself staring into her own face on another girl. From there, Thais is rushed into a world where she has a twin sister, powerful magickal abilities, and a group of witches who need her. The girls have to learn quickly who to help, who can be trusted, and most importantly how to help eachother.

I greatly enjoyed this book. I really think anyone who likes stories of witches will enjoy this. It's really nice if you like New Orleans or know some about it. I especially adore seeing Thais's view on summer and live in the deep south after coming from northern states. Like I said, I think most people who love witches will love Cate Tiernan's take on them.

Secret Society : A Book Review

I actually read this back around the time of The Two Princesses of Bamarre, but, liek the other, it got lost in my jump drive. But here it is! Better late than never, no?

“Nothing is easier than self-deceit. For what each man wishes, that he also believes to be true.”

       qtd. by Tom Dolby

“The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist.”

       qtd. by Tom Dolby

This is one of those books you cannot put down! It may take a few pages but the reader learns to love (or hate) the four main characters: Pheobe, Lauren, Nick, and Patch. This is an excellent debut novel and I expect to see amazing things from him. I’m eagerly awaiting to get my hands on the sequel.

Pheobe just moved to town with her mom. She doesn’t quite fit in at Chadwick, but she’s determined to make her New York life exactly what she dreamed it to be. Lauren is a girl thrust into the life a socialite by her mother. Definite Fashionista , Lauren is positive and loves a good time, or she used to. Nick is a little rich boy who is always in the spotlight because of his family. But the spotlight comes with responsibilities, ones he may not be quite ready for. Patch is nothing like the others. He’s an aspiring film maker, but not blessed with wealth. He’d do anything for his chance to shine. These four seem to have nothing in common but their school, but they have one thing in common: The Society.

I really adored this book. Especially towards the end I refused to put it down! I grew to love and hate various characters and some of then turned out to be nothing I expected. I suggest this book to everyone! Especially if you like conspiracy, rebellion, secret society type books.



The Two Princesses of Bamarre : A Book Review

I actually read this before Princess Academy, but the review got lost in the world of my flash drive. So here it is!

 

“Tarry with me, my love, at my side.”

-Gail Carson Levine

I haven’t enough words to put the praise I have for Gail Carson Levine into. Until now, I had only read her most well-known novel, Ella Enchanted, and it was my favorite. Recently I was lucky enough to find two of her other books at a used bookstore. I got decent copies of Fairest and The Two Princesses of Bamarre. The later I read first and absolutely loved it!

Princess Adelina is a shy, timid little princess. Princess Meryl, Adelina’s sister, is more of an adventure loving, courageous, strong willed princess. Princess Meryl always planned to find the cure to the Gray Death and to protect her sister. When the tables are turned and Meryl gets the Gray Death, it’s up to Adelina to leave the warmth and safety of her castle home in hopes to save her sister. Can a shy little princess become a hero? Or with Bamarre lose both the princesses?

I absolutely loved the fairytale way Levine tells this story! Such a beautifully spun new tale for the ages. It’s so wonderful to read a standalone novel and it’s even better that it was amazing. While Ella’s story still remains my favorite, this book is certainly towards the top of my list of favorite full novel fairy tales.

Bad Girls Don't Die : A Book Review

"Preps are like cheerleaders, only with less jumping."
       -Katie Alender

"In case you haven't noticed, my whole existence is one big flaw."
       -Katie Alender

All I have to say about this book is Oh. My. God! This book is absolutely fabulous! I read it in about 24 hours. I absolutely could not put it down. Mrs. Alender has such an excellent way of writing. It's easy to follow but still manages to draw you in. It had me jumping at every little noise and nearly screaming to warn or help the characters.

Alexis isn't popular, in fact, she's kind of anti-popular. Every one at school is either afraid of her or constantly, but secretly, mocking her. At home Alexis's parents are a bit preoccupied with anything but their daughters. That just leaves Kasey, Alexis's baby sister who is so timid, shy, and unique. Kasey collects dolls. Did I collects? More like she hoards them. That's all fine and dandy until timid little Kasey starts becoming a more secretive, angry girl. Then things start happening in their old house. Doors close by themselves, water boils on burners that have yet to be turned on, cold air blows from an air conditioner that's turned off leaving the house in near arctic temperatures. That's just the beginning. Alexis starts to notice Kasey is changing too, more than just secretive and angry (which can be attributed to early teens). Kasey's eyes, usually a beautiful blue, sometimes are a deep green. Kasey also starts using strange, old-fashioned language. Something is definitely wrong and Alexis (with the helps of an unlikely friend) is the only one who can save her sister, but is the bond of sisters stronger than whatever has the house?

I recommend this book to everyone! Well, everyone who enjoys paranormal fiction, ghosts, creepy doll collections, etc. I absolutely can't wait to get the next in the series, From Bad to Cursed. With the amazingness of this book, the sequel can only be brilliant as well. This is definitely a 5/5!

My bookshelf expands.

Well, I'm off to tumblr for a bit and then to read!!

I went out today and bought two new books! I was so excited. Now I've too many to read though!! My next few books to read are:

*Which I'm starting tonight!!!

Just a glimpse into my near future! (The first two are the ones I bought today) I'm also still reading Eat, Pray, Love. I only really read it when I need inspiration or a smile.

I'm also well on my way into moving into my mothers house. Most of my things are down here, but certainly not unpacked. I've spent from about 4:30 or 5 this afternoon until now (9:44pm) unpacking and cleaning and dusting and placing and organizing and boxing. I'm rather happy with the progress. I'll have pictures up soon. I'll hopefully have my laptop fixed next week but I won't be back on it (aka have free time AND internet at the same time) most likely until the 4th or 5th (maybe as late as the 8th or 9th) of next month. Once I have my computer back I'll be able to get back to my dirt and grime post and book reviews and all that fun stuff.

Well, now I'm off to tumblr then to read!!

Princess Academy : A Book Review

"No wolf falters before the bite
So strike."
       --Shannon Hale

"Look no farther than your hand
Make a choice and take a stand."
       --Shannon Hale

This is a sweet book about a young girl faced with a new environment bent on changing her. It's a good book, but not really exciting. There are a few scenes when you worry for the girls' safety, but mostly it's about the girls at school. I personally was able to put it down and walk away no problem. I certainly didn't  want to abandon it, but I wasn't dying to see how it would end either.

Miri is a young girl who doesn't feel she quite fits in her mountain village home. Down in the Lowlands is a prince ready to marry, and the Priests will declare where she is to come from. The entire kingdom, and the province itself, we're surprised to hear Mount Eskel would produce the next princess. With this announcement, an academy is set up, per the King's orders, and all girls age 8-16 are forced to attend. Learning to read, write, curtsy, and survive. When trouble comes to Mount Eskel's academy, only Miri, the outcast, can save them all.

Shannon Hale has won a Newbery Honor award for this novel. It's a good relaxed reading. I suggest it if you like strange but not overly active or exciting novel. I think it's a good summer read for under a tree.

Little (Grrl) LOST : A Book Review

“Have you ever seen a fairy?”
“Oh, sure. Duncan’s father is supposed to be one.”
“Really?”
“That’s what Melissa told me. But you shouldn’t call them that. Just say they’re gay.”
                --Charles de Lint

Language is the oldest of magics.
                --Charles de Lint

If you’re looking for a neat story about often forgotten creatures Charles de Lint’s Little (Grrrl) LOST is perfect for you. I greatly enjoyed reading it. It was an excellent break from the books I usually read. De Lint truly did a wonderful job on this one.

It’s the story of a friendship like no other. T.J. (the Big) moves into a new house from the country and thinks she has mice. Imagine her surprise when a door in her wall opens and out steps, not a mouse, but a 6 inch tall girl. Elizabeth (the Little) is dreadfully misunderstood by her parents and so positive she doesn’t need them. Despite being so small, Elizabeth is courageous, even if she does have an attitude problem. Their friendship is troubled and that’s just the beginning!

I highly suggest this book to anyone who enjoys books about friendship, outcasts/misunderstood people, or various mythical creatures. Charles de Lint is an excellent YA novelist. The story isn’t at all hard to read and makes for great leisure, easy reading. I personally can’t wait to read another of his wonderful novels.

Shadowland : A Book Review

“We are all connected, all of us made of the same vibrating source. But while some energy leaves you cold & some leaves you lukewarm, the one that you’re destined for? It feels like this.”
                --Alyson Noёl

“Fate is nothing but the deeds committed in a prior state of existence.”
                --Ralph Waldo Emerson

The second quote above basically sums up Alyson Noёl’s third Immortals book, Shadowland. As always Noёl does an amazing job with this new mini-mythology she’s invented. If you have not read the first two books (Evermore and Blue Moon) I highly suggest them. (Also don’t read my synopsis if you haven’t read them.)

Ever’s been through a lot recently. Losing her parents, moving in with her aunt, new friends, and, of course, Damen and all that comes with him. Since meeting her soul mate, she’s learned so much. One major thing is to never trust Roman or any rogue immortal. Thanks to him, she can now never touch her love, lest he will perish. Not only is Roman causing problems, but Haven and Sabine are both suspicious. Sabine is insisting Ever get a job. Cue Jude, a sexy surfer boy, and Ever’s new boss. Still having to protect herself and those she loves from Roman, Ever also has to find a way to fix the trouble Roman tricked her into causing. The drama continues!

I absolutely love this book! Of the three I’ve read, this has to be my favorite (or at least tied with the first). Noёl carries the story on and leaves much open for a promising continuation! I cannot wait to read the next : Dark Flame.

Demon from the Dark : A Book Review

“My enemies have deemed me fearless. ‘Tis no compliment. The only males who know no fear are the ones who have nothing to lose.” – Malkom Slaine (by Kresley cole)

“If these people execute me, I’m going to be sooo pissed.” – Kresley Cole

“I think I just fell into like with him.” – Kresley Cole

“Two things that can never be contained? Velociraptors and Zombies.” – Kresley Cole

Mmmm, this is yet another of Kresley Cole's sexy paranormal fictions. The main male, Malkom, is rough and handsome. The main female, Carrow, is an independent, party girl witch. Fantastic, as always! Well done Ms. Cole!

Carrow is captured by an organization set out to destroy, or at least figure out, immortals. To gain her freedom, Carrow is convinced to go into a Hell-like realm to capture a demon, vampire mix. Sure she can do it without a problem, she goes and attempts to lure him in with her body. Little does she know things about this impersonal, selfish mission, with quickly change.
Malkom is an outcast demon-vampire mix, forced to live his lifei n the mountains, feared by all. Suddenly, out of no where, this poor male's mate is dropped dead in the middle of his territory, vulnerable and weak. He has an undying need to protect her, while she is nothing but distrusting. She doesn't recognize him! He must now convince his fated mate to love him and accept him.

I highly suggest this book to anyone who likes adult romances, paranormal fantasies, and is mature enough for it. It does have some intimate scenes that may not be comfortable for many people, but the plot itself is excellent! If you're up for it, check it out.

Rumors : A Book Review *Spoilers of first book*

“Then he drew her in, folding her small body into his arms, making her forget that there had ever been any other place.” – Anna Gobersen

“Wouldn’t she just let herself in? That’s what I did, and I’m not even related….” – Anna Goberson

“Good girls hold their heads high by daylight,
Their grace and their virtue soaring with kites,
While bad girls slink along in their shame -
Everyone stares at then, everyone blames.
But those bad girls sleep soundly at night
Ne’er do their consciences wake them in a fright,
While our good girls toss and they turn -
They lay awake for those who will burn.
-A Seamstress’s Verses, 1898 (Anna Goberson’s – Rumors)

“That was the way love was, she guessed – it left you always unsteady on your feet.” – Anna Goberson

I love the Luxe series. The scandal, the love, the betrayal, the clothes! they're set at the turn of the 20th century. The lives of three society girls entertwined by friendship, love, and hatred. I loved the first book (Luxe) and this one did not disappoint!

Starting with Will and Elizabeth in California, everything seems great. Back in New York, everyone is mourning Elizabeth's death, and preparing for the marriage of her once-fiance and once-friend, Penelope and Henry. Once Elizabeth hears of her mother's fading health from Diana, she rushes back to town and trouble ensues.

The summary is so short because it's so difficult to summarize without giving away the awesome things! I love this book, and this series! This is a must read for anyone who loves scandal, the turn of the 20th century, or even the Victorian era!

Blue Moon : A Book Review *Spoilers into first book!*

The heart and mind aren’t always friendly. – Alyson noel

“The weird thing about saying good-bye is that it never gets easier.” – Alyson Noel

In this one Alyson does a good job continuing the story of Ever's trip into the world of immortality. I absolutely loved the first book (Evermore), this one was a bit of a let down simply beacause I didn't personally like this story AS MUCH, but I still enjoyed it.

After meeting Damen and killing Drina everything in the eternal love story of Ever will be easy, right? Not at all. Enter Roman, a clever, cute, and charming immortal. Everyone instantly love him, Stacey and the in-crowed, Haven and the outcasts, teachers, and even Damen. Ever is all alone on the outside watching on with suspion as everyone she knows and loves buddys up with those she knows and hates. A story of betrayal and heartbreak. Now she has to fix everything, if there's even anything to fix. Her whole life is falling apart, how will it end? Or is all this just the beginning of a new story?

As for a continuing story, the end leaves you eager for the next and dieing to know what happens. Noel is a great YA author and I suggest this book to anyone.

Sunshine : A Book Review

“This was on par with, say, finding out the president of the global council was a [vampire], the moon was made of green cheese, and the sun only rose in the morning because of this complicated system of levers and dials overseen by an encampment of the master race from Antares settled on Mars.” – Robin McKinley

“I was dinner, and when I was finished being dinner, I was dead. But it was like: okay, that’s the way it goes, bad luck, damn.” – Robin McKinley

“It’s pretty amazing what you can not think about.” – Robin McKinley

Robin McKinley is one of my absolute favorite authors! I've read a few of her books and this one was exquisite! Ms. McKinley weaves a fantastic and unigue vampire story in a world at war with the creatures!

Sunshine, or Rae, is just a baker. Get up at 4am, make cinnamon rolls, bake, read books about the Others, bubble bath, sleep, wake, bake. That's her life and she's ok with that. Working in the family cafe as the head, of two, bakers is the life she's settled happily into. A sweet boyfriend, kind land lady. One day, to relax, she decides to go out to the old lake house. There hadn't been trouble down there in years except for the occasional bad spot, so it should've been safe. But it wasn't . Now Sunshine is being held captive by a group of vampires with only a fellow prisoner for company. This fellow prisoner is a vampire too. And let the race begin. Sunshine must escape or die trying, but what about the poor pitiful vampire she's locked up with? Oh dear, and the plot thickens.

I highly suggest this book to EVERYONE. I got it out of the YA section, but they have it in the adult novels with a different cover. I'm not sure if they changed the story or just the cover, but I suggest either, or both. I love vampire tales, especially ones as unigue as this. Thumbs up Ms. McKinley! Keep it up!

Once a Witch : A Book Review

"You're not going to do anything stupid, are you?"
"You mean intentionally?"
- Carolyn MacCullough

"Do you know what it's like to grow up knowing that you were meant to be something else, something so very different from all the ordinary filth you see in the in the streets around you?"
-Carolyn MacCullough



Above are a couple of quotes from Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough, an amazing first of, what I believe will be, a two part story. I absolutely love the characters in this novel. They're so easy to fall in love with and fear for the life of! Tamsin Greene is out heroine, an un-Talented girl in a famly of magic handlers with many Talents. Tamsin was supposed to be powerful, wonderful, a "beacon", but she has no magic in her. She feels out of place at home but find sanctuary at a boarding school in the city. That is until a man comes asking for the help of her sister, Rowena. Tamsin, playing the part of her sister to prove her worth, agrees to help this seemingly distraught professor, but the professor and the item are nothing they seem and soom Tamsin, the unmagical, un-Talented girl finds herself lost in a a quest to find some unknown object and herself. MacCullough does an amazing job bringing these characters to life. She puts a wonderful twist (or eight) into the plot. You'll never guess what happens next. This is certainly up there on my recommendations. If you like witches, mystery, adventure, sisterly love, family loyalty, and magic with a slight undertone of romance, this is the book for you.

Ascension: A Book Review

"Why take a vow, when all the vows are broken?" - Caris Roane

"That makes sense. I suppose it's nice to have notice before someone diappears." - Caris Roane



Above the photo are a couple of cute quotes I liked from Ascension by Caris Roane.This is the first in the Guardians of Ascension series, an adult romance series about ascended angel like vampires.
In this book, Alison Wells is just a human, but she's never been normal. Plagued with powers she doesn't understand, she's forced to hold everything back and pretend to be someone she not. But everything changes when she accidenatally meets the sexy, Guardian of Ascension Kerrick. With Kerrick's help Alison learns about her power, his world, and her possible place in it.
I really loved this book. There are so many characters and you learn to love and hate each of them in due time, especially the warriors. Each character is distinctly different from the others, but alike in the fact that they all share the burdens of life we all do. One of my favorite characters is Endelle, Her High Supremness, is quirky, rude, deamanding, but realistic. She give good comic realif in tense situations because she is in control and takes very little without a joke or snark remark.
I highly reccommend this book to anyone who likes adult romances, but remember this is an adult romance, it is definately not for anyone under 18 (perhaps 16 depending on maturity level and such.) As far as the love scenes, as I know many are wondering, they're well written. Hot, sexy, but not trashy.
If this is your kind of book, read it! It's definately worth it!

My Passion.

photocredit

My two persistant (inanimate) passions are reading and writing. Today, I drove around for no reason, going no where, and found myself at Books-A-Million here in my mother's town. So in I went, knowing I couldn't buy anything if I intended to have gas and food for the ride home tomorrow, but I went anyway. Notebook and pen in hand I started a "Must read" list for myself. Due to my intense love of books I got a list three and a half pages long! I know where all my extra money will be going! <3
Definately be expecting review and quote posts!
To see the list CLICK HERE or go to my Listography page.