July 18, 2018

Review: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1) 
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Publication Date: August 7, 2012
Pages: 404
Source: Kindle/Own

After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin.

Her opponents are men-thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she'll serve the kingdom for four years and then be granted her freedom. Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilarating. But she's bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her ... but it's the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best.

Then one of the other contestants turns up dead ... quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.

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October 25, 2017

Review: Isolation by Dan Wells

Isolation (Partials #0.5)
Author: Dan Wells
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Publication Date: August 28, 2012
Pages: 75
Format: Ebook/Library

Two decades before the events of Partials, the world was locked in a different battle for survival: a global war for the last remaining oil reserves on the planet. It was for the Isolation War that the American government contracted the ParaGen Corporation to manufacture the Partials—our last hope in reclaiming energy independence from China. And it was on these fields of battle that the seeds of humanity's eventual destruction were sown.

Isolation takes us back to the front lines of this war, a time when mankind's ambition far outstripped its foresight. Heron, a newly trained Partial soldier who specializes in infiltration, is sent on a mission deep behind enemy lines. What she discovers there has far-reaching implications—not only for the Isolation War, but for Partials and humans alike long after this war is over.

A powerful take of our world on the brink, Isolation gives readers a glimpse into the history from which Partials was born—as well as clues to where the Partials Sequence is heading next.

Review: I thought this was a great little short story. I thought it was incredibly interesting finally getting a first hand look at how the partials were "born" per se. We got to see how they learned to live outside the vat much like a baby learns to live outside the womb. I enjoyed finally knowing how each group was trained differently than the others. We got to see the Theta's first hand from Herons view. It was intense the training they went through. I've been in college a few years now and I haven't even taken classes as intense as those described were. I also found it awful how the humans treated the Partials. Such as Herons trainer trying to have his way with her just because she was supposed to obey her human superiors no matter what. That was incredibly wrong and I'm glad Heron stood up for herself. 

I also enjoyed finally getting to read about the Isolation War first hand. We've heard so much mention of it in the series, but never a lot of detail. We got to see Heron infiltrate the Chinese. We got to see strength and cowardice in the Chinese ranks. We also got to see how the handlers for the spy's refused to ever give full information on what to do and when to do it. Heron always felt like they were never giving her complete information. And she trusted her gut and called the handlers on it. Thanks to her not only were a lot of partials saved from being sacrificed but I can also see where the intense distaste of humans came from for the partials. 

5 Stars!

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September 10, 2012

Review: Rift by Andrea Cremer

Rift (Nightshade Prequel #1)
Author: Andrea Cremer
Publisher: Philomel
Publication Date: August 7, 2012
Pages: 431
Source: Hardcover/Library

Chronicling the rise of the Keepers, this is the stunning prequel to Andrea Cremer's internationally bestselling Nightshade trilogy!

Sixteen-year-old Ember Morrow is promised to a group called Conatus after one of their healers saves her mother's life. Once she arrives, Ember finds joy in wielding swords, learning magic, and fighting the encroaching darkness loose in the world. She also finds herself falling in love with her mentor, the dashing, brooding, and powerful Barrow Hess. When the knights realize Eira, one of their leaders, is dabbling in dark magic, Ember and Barrow must choose whether to follow Eira into the nether realm or to pledge their lives to destroying her and her kind.

With action, adventure, magic, and tantalizing sensuality, this book is as fast-paced and breathtaking as the Nightshade novels.

Review: This book was fantastic! A great start to her prequel series! While this series was connected to the Nightshade series, it was also a fantastic story on its own! I loved how Ms. Cremer created another fantastic, strong lead female character! I loved Ember! She would not let anyone control her life and I loved her so much for that. She knew what she wanted to do and didn't let anyone stand in her way, even her own family. Ember is such a strong girl! She did not choose the easiest road when it came to how she would serve Conatus! In fact, I'm pretty sure she chose the hardest. Lol. But she showed just how much she wanted to be there and just how valuable she can be to them. I couldn't believe the battles she fought without that much experience under her belt, but what surprised me more was how she managed to succeed so well in those battle even with her limited experience. It showed just how strong her will to fight was and how she was exactly where she needed to be.  

Alistair... At first I liked him because he seemed like a good friend to Ember. But my feelings toward him quickly changed when he tried to push himself onto Ember even when she pushed him away. After that I started to dislike him and that dislike only grew from then on. He would not take the hint that Ember seriously didn't like him that way and he just kept pushing and pushing. It was like how many times do you have to be rejected by her until you get it though your head that she doesn't want you like that. And then after he joined Eira in her alliance with *will be mentioned in later paragraph, as not to spoil yet* I was certain I was definitely not gonna like him then. 

Barrow. This guy. I like him. He acts like a tough guy on the outside, but he's actually got a heart under all that toughness. I loved how he took Ember under his wing to train her. Despite him being tough on her sometimes he was definitely a good teacher. And she definitely learned a lot from him. I do wish he would have admitted his feelings for Ember earlier though, because it definitely became obvious that he had feelings for her. I loved the two of them together when he finally maned up and kissed her! I was waiting so long to see it happen and I was so happy when he did. Those two are really good together (from what I've seen of them together so far)! I can't wait to see more of them!

I cannot believe Eira. She entered into an alliance with BOSQUE MAR. Yes, you saw that right. The same Bosque Mar who was a big bad guy in Nightshade. Guess it goes to show he never changes right. Once a bad guy always a bad guy. Ok, I'm pretty sure Eira is not blind and can see that what he's doing is wrong. Yet she agreed to aline with him anyways. She did it for herself, so she could have power. Definitely not a fan, though I definitely cannot wait to see exactly where this goes and how it causes the Rift between the Searchers and the Keepers! And I can't wait to get more into Bosque Mar's history so we can maybe learn why he's the way he is! 

5 Stars!

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September 07, 2012

Review: Wake by Amanda Hocking

Wake (Watersong #1)
Author: Amanda Hocking
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Publication Date: August 7, 2012
Pages: 309
Source: Hardcover/Library

Fall under the spell of Wake—the first book in an achingly beautiful new series by celebrated author Amanda Hocking—and lose yourself to the Watersong.

Gorgeous. Fearless. Dangerous. They're the kind of girls you envy; the kind of girls you want to hate. Strangers in town for the summer, Penn, Lexi and Thea have caught everyone's attention—but it’s Gemma who’s attracted theirs. She’s the one they’ve chosen to be part of their group.

Gemma seems to have it all—she’s carefree, pretty, and falling in love with Alex, the boy next door. He’s always been just a friend, but this summer they’ve taken their relationship to the next level, and now there’s no going back. Then one night, Gemma’s ordinary life changes forever. She’s taking a late night swim under the stars when she finds Penn, Lexi and Thea partying on the cove. They invite her to join them, and the next morning she wakes up on the beach feeling groggy and sick, knowing something is different.

Suddenly Gemma is stronger, faster, and more beautiful than ever. But her new powers come with a terrifying price. And as she uncovers the truth, she’s is forced to choose between staying with those she loves—or entering a new world brimming with dark hungers and unimaginable secrets.

Review: I had no idea what to think of this book when I picked it up. I've heard mixed reviews on it and I decided to just read it for myself and form my own opinion. This is the first book I've read about Sirens. I had mostly good feelings about this book. I really enjoyed reading about the little background story on how the girls became Sirens. I do want to know more about the Sirens in general though. I know there was things the girls held back from Gemma about being a Siren after they turned her and I really want to know what those things are! I found the Siren girls creepy at first with how they kept trying to convince Gemma to hang out with them. I also thought it was just rude that the girls just thought they could turn anyone they wanted into a Siren without them fighting back. Really? Lol. I've kinda warmed up to the Sirens though because they are obviously a big part of the book. My fave out of them though is Lexi because she seems to be the nicest and most considerate of Gemma's feelings. 

I felt really bad for Gemma! She didn't ask to become a Siren, but somehow she gets stuck with being one. She had to leave her whole life behind because of that and that's so unfair to her. The Sirens may have thought they were giving her everything by making her one of them with how much she loved swimming but they never took into consideration her feelings. And Alex! I really liked Alex! He was such a good boyfriend to Gemma and to have to put them both through the pain of losing each other just sucks! I don't know if I believe that stuff about if how Alex really loved Gemma he would have been able to overcome the Sirens powers. You don't know if they were lying or if they can do something that would make it where he cant overcome their powers even if he tried. We just don't know that. It's not like the girls have been exactly forthcoming with information. 

Harper. She tried so hard to take care of Gemma and then all of a sudden Gemma just starts rebelling. If only Harper had known what happened to Gemma she might have understood it. I felt so bad for her. She was constantly worried about her sister and she couldn't do anything to help her. She was right to have bad feelings about the Sirens. They are just bad news all around. I just hope Harper is able to do something to save Gemma in the upcoming books. I loved Harpers little thing with Daniel. It was so cute and funny. It's like she was determined to avoid him even when she knew she wanted to see him. I was seriously like "just admit you like him." It was so obvious! And Daniel seems like a good enough guy, I can't wait to see more of him in the upcoming books as well. 

I did really wish we learned more about the Siren girls though. We learned a ton about Gemma and her family but I feel like we know just the basics about the girls and their Siren background. I hope we learn more about them in the upcoming books as well!

4 Stars!

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September 03, 2012

Review: Enshadowed by Kelly Creagh

Enshadowed (Nevermore #2)
Author: Kelly Creagh
Publisher: Atheneum
Publication Date: August 28, 2012
Pages: 429
Source: Hardcover/Own

True love takes a twisted turn in the second book of this modern gothic romance trilogy channeling the dark brilliance of Edgar Allan Poe.

While Varen remains a prisoner in a perilous dream world where the terrifying stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life, Isobel travels to Baltimore to confront the dark figure known throughout the world as the Poe Toaster. This man, the same man who once appeared to Isobel in her dreams and abandoned her in Varen’s nightmare world, holds the key to saving Varen.

But when Isobel discovers a way to return to this dream world, she finds herself swept up in a realm that not only holds remnants of Edgar Allan Poe’s presence, but has also now taken on the characteristics of Varen’s innermost self. It is a dark world of fear, terror, and anger.

When Isobel once more encounters Varen, she finds him changed. And now Isobel must face a new adversary—one who also happens to be her greatest love.

Review: I'm not even sure what to say about this book. I really enjoyed it, but I felt like it fell flat in certain areas. Lets start with what I enjoyed. I loved Isobel's dedication to saving Varen from the Dreamworld. She really wasn't the same without him and you could see it. All she thought about was him, and saving him. I also loved how she didn't let anything get in her way! No matter how scared she was she didn't let that stop her from getting to Varen. She took on whatever was tossed her way. I also LOVED Gwen in this book! Despite her initial freakout at the beginning of the book, she overcame that and stuck my Isobels side and helped her in anyway she could. She even helped with the plan to save Varen even though she didn't exactly think it was the best idea to go confronting a demon. Gwen really showed her true colors in this book and proved to be a fantastic friend to Isobel (which is more than you can say about Izzy's other so called friends.) 

I also loved how even though the link to the dreamworld was supposedly severed in Nevermore when Isobel burned Varens journal, things were still getting through. It made me wonder how they were doing it, and how it could be stopped if the initial link didn't stop it. I was also still confused at what the people who were still connected to Isobel in the dreamworld were saying to her. I've never been one to understand poetry that well, but it seemed like the things she was being told were extra confusing. Lol. I also loved how Isobel took it upon herself to try and question the heck out of any of the people to come out of it and talk to her (like Pinfeathers). I couldn't blame her. She was confused about what they kept telling her and trying to question them about it was about the only way she could get some clarity. I really enjoyed how the dreamworld seemed to flow into the real world. Sometimes you couldn't tell which was which and the action involved in those scenes were great! So intense and you just didn't want to stop reading!

What I didn't enjoy in the book however was that there was seriously no Varen. There was small little bursts here and there, but that was it. The blurb made it seem like there would be this big face-off with him and Isobel when she finally finds him and it just didn't happen. That part totally fell flat for me. There wasn't much of a scene with the two of them and it kind of made the build up of everything else in the book disappointing. I still don't know what to make of the ending. But besides that I loved the book!

4 Stars!

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August 15, 2012

Review: Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Onyx (Lux #2)

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Publication Date: August 14, 2012
Pages: 366
Source: Kindle Book/Own

Being connected to Daemon Black sucks…

Thanks to his alien mojo, Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarro connection. So I’ve sworn him off, even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But we’ve got bigger problems.

Something worse than the Arum has come to town…

The Department of Defense are here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we're linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And there's this new boy in school who’s got a secret of his own. He knows what’s happened to me and he can help, but to do so, I have to lie to Daemon and stay away from him. Like that's possible. Against all common sense, I'm falling for Daemon. Hard.

But then everything changes…

I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. And I have to tell Daemon, even though I know he’s never going to stop searching until he gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me?

No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies…

**Review has SPOILERS! So definitely don't read if you haven't read Obsidian or Onyx yet!**

Review: HOLY HOT ALIEN BABIES!!!!! This book was seriously fanfreakingtastic!!!! I loved this book for so many reasons!!! Lets start off with the most obvious! DAEMON!!!!! EEEPPP! Ok, lets get this out of the way first. He like seriously got even hotter in this book! Ok, now that that's out of the way... I loved Daemon so much in this book! He seriously matured a lot towards Katy in this book! He wasn't trying to play the hot and cold game with her much, he was seriously trying to prove his feelings for her. And he went over the top at times just to prove it and it was so dang sweet! Smoothies, cookies, flowers... I'd love to be getting all of those from Daemon! Just saying!!! He also showed how much he really cared about her with trying to protect her all the time and just how much he was actually there for her. I understand why Katy was hesitant to believe he really had feelings for her, but in all honesty, you could really tell it wasn't just because of their connection. You could see he really did have feelings for her. I was getting annoyed with Katy a little because she was being to blind at points to notice that and that she had real feelings back and that it wasn't again because of the connection. I must say though, I am very happy with the outcome of them realizing they want to be together no matter what the cost and that they have real feelings for each other! It took almost the entire book but finally even Katy admitted it!!!!!! 

Ok. This guy Blake. I thought his showing up and knowing about what Katy was and knowing how to help her was a little to convenient. So I was completely on Daemons side about not trusting him. Then after we get farther into the book and learn more about Blake, it came to find out Daemon (and me) were right about not being able to trust the guy! And then Will (the guy dating Katy's mom). I liked him at first, but after certain things happened, I started getting suspicious of him. I thought he definitely had something to do with the DOD and watching Katy & Daemon, but I just couldn't place my hand on what exactly it was he was doing with them. But seriously, what a tool for using her mom like that. Katy herself! I honestly had no idea what her connection was to Daemon until they brought up the whole mutated thing. Then it clicked and everything made sense! And OMG! What happened to Dee and Adam at the end!!! AHHH! I was seriously upset reading a few things in Onyx because it was like ripping your heart out! Man, and then this whole thing we learn about how both Bethany & Dawson both are still alive thanks to the connection this as well! Gosh, just so much happened and changed in this book! It was amazing!!! I seriously cannot wait for Opal!!! Can it hurry up and come out already???

And just a nice little teaser from Onyx:

"My brain clicked off as my fingers dug through his sweater, and...and oh, God, his kisses were deep, scorching my lips as his hands tightened on my waist, pulling me against him."

5 Stars!

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August 06, 2012

Review: Glitch by Heather Anastasiu

Glitch (Glitch #1)

Author: Heather Anastasiu
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Publication Date: August 7, 2012
Pages: 371
Source: ARC from NetGalley/Publisher

In the Community, there is no more pain or war. Implanted computer chips have wiped humanity clean of destructive emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network.

When Zoe starts to malfunction (or “glitch”), she suddenly begins having her own thoughts, feelings, and identity. Any anomalies must be immediately reported and repaired, but Zoe has a secret so dark it will mean certain deactivation if she is caught: her glitches have given her uncontrollable telekinetic powers.

As Zoe struggles to control her abilities and stay hidden, she meets other glitchers including Max, who can disguise his appearance, and Adrien, who has visions of the future. Both boys introduce Zoe to feelings that are entirely new. Together, this growing band of glitchers must find a way to free themselves from the controlling hands of the Community before they’re caught and deactivated, or worse.

In this action-packed debut, Glitch begins an exciting new young adult trilogy.

Review: So I know this has got mixed reviews but I personally enjoyed the book! Though after seeing some reviews of the book and then reading it for myself, I have to question something other people have said because I couldn't see it.  A few people have said they didn't like the insta-love. What insta-love? I can see how Max could be considered someone in insta-love; but even that, he was thinking about Zoe for a while before she even knew about him being a Glitcher. So he had time to think about his feelings for her (even though I think his overly raging guy hormones had a good part in what he thought he felt.) But I didn't see insta-love in Adrien and Zoe. I mean, yes Adrien obviously had strong feelings for Zoe based on his visions but I didn't really see his love for her really show and become obvious until way later in the book. And Zoe, well, she was just struggling to get a hold on her emotions now that she was finally able to feel them. I saw her being more curious about the explanations of emotions than actually feeling them. And if I was her, I wouldn't blame her! If I was feeling a whole bunch of emotions that were completely new to me I'd love to know what they are and what they mean. And while trying to deal with these emotions, also trying to stay invisible to regulators so she doesnt get deactivated or repaired. I was so scared for her sometimes when she Glitched and had a hard time controlling it. I desperately didnt want her to get caught!

I really felt for Zoe! She got so much thrown her way throughout the entire book. But the worst offender of throwing stuff her way was Max! Ugh! I seriously didn't like him, at all! Sure he was a fellow Glitcher, but the way he acted was seriously messed up. I really didn't like reading about him with Zoe! The way he tried to force himself on her, force her to love him and got angry at her for telling him the truth about not wanting him the way he wanted her, ugh!!!! I just didn't like him because of all that! I do like Adrien though, he tried to help Zoe with the things that were thrown at her. And he also tried to help her learn about emotions, how to better control them and how to use her gift. Adrien was a lot better of a guy than Max was in my book. I was really shocked by the ending but was still mostly happy with the way things turned out. I really can't wait until Override comes out!

I can't even imagine having the government control my emotions, and on top of that, everything else about my life as well! And then at that, you know the government is doing something shady to undermine its citizens (which I totally had a feeling about in this book.) I really enjoyed this book!

5 Stars!

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July 04, 2012

Waiting On Wednesday [#45]

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

Rift (Nightshade Prequel #1)

Author: Andrea Cremer
Expected Publication: August 7, 2012

Chronicling the rise of the Keepers, this is the stunning prequel to Andrea Cremer's internationally bestselling Nightshade trilogy!

Sixteen-year-old Ember Morrow is promised to a group called Conatus after one of their healers saves her mother's life. Once she arrives, Ember finds joy in wielding swords, learning magic, and fighting the encroaching darkness loose in the world. She also finds herself falling in love with her mentor, the dashing, brooding, and powerful Barrow Hess. When the knights realize Eira, one of their leaders, is dabbling in dark magic, Ember and Barrow must choose whether to follow Eira into the nether realm or to pledge their lives to destroying her and her kind.

With action, adventure, magic, and tantalizing sensuality, this book is as fast-paced and breathtaking as the Nightshade novels.

I'm so excited to read this! I loved the Nightshade series and I'm really interested in reading the prequel series about the rise of the Keepers! And I'm even more excited because I'm getting to borrow this from a friend soon! AHHHHHHH!!!!! I hope this book is as good as the nightshade series (and I'm suspecting it will be!)

What are you waiting on this week?

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June 12, 2012

Waiting On Wednesday [#42]

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

Onyx (Lux #2)
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Expected Publication: August 14, 2012

Being connected to Daemon Black sucks…

Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarre connection. I’ve sworn him off even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But against all common sense, I’m falling for him. Hard.

Our relationship issues aren’t out biggest problem…

The Department of Defense is here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we’re linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And when a new boy shows up a school with a secret of his own, things get complicated fast. I need to choose between my own instincts and Daemon’s.

But then everything changes…

I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. Daemon’s never going to stop searching until gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me?

No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies.

OK, so my friend Kim loaned me Obsidian on the kindle so I could read it finally and OMG! I am loving it so far! I can already tell I'm going to be wanting this! I am very excited for this!!! 

What are you waiting on this week? 

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April 11, 2012

Waiting On Wednesday [#34]

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

Glitch (Glitch #1)
Author: Heather Anastasiu
Expected Publication: August 7, 2012

In the Community, there is no more pain or war. Implanted computer chips have wiped humanity clean of destructive emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network. When Zoe starts to malfunction (or "glitch"), she suddenly begins having her own thoughts, feelings, and identity. Any anomalies must be immediately reported and repaired, but Zoe has a secret so dark it will mean certain deactivation if she is caught: her glitches have given her uncontrollable telekinetic powers. As Zoe struggles to control her abilities and stay hidden, she meets other glitchers including Max, who can disguise his appearance, and Adrien, who has visions of the future. Together, this growing band of glitchers must find a way to free themselves from the controlling hands of the Community before they’re caught and deactivated, or worse. In this action-packed debut, Glitch begins an exciting new young adult trilogy.

Ok, I stumbled upon this book about 2 months ago and from the moment I read that nice little blurb up there I knew this was a book I'd definitely want to read! Computer chips wiping away everyone's destructive emotions. And then some of those chips malfunctioning causing those people to have feelings again! This book definitely sounds good!

*Also, make sure to check out my 300 Followers Giveaway!*

What are you waiting on?

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