Wishlist Wednesday (1)

Wishlist Wednesday is hosted by Pen to Paper. It's a weekly meme where you show and talk about one book you've had on your wishlist for ages, or a book you're excited about.

Synopsis:
My name is Gwen Frost, and I go to Mythos Academy — a school of myths, magic and warrior whiz kids, where even the lowliest geek knows how to chop off somebody's head with a sword and Logan Quinn, the hottest Spartan guy in school, also happens to be the deadliest.

But lately, things have been weird, even for Mythos. First, mean girl Jasmine Ashton was murdered in the Library of Antiquities. Then, someone stole the Bowl of Tears, a magical artifact that can be used to bring about the second Chaos War. You know, death, destruction and lots of other bad, bad things. Freaky stuff like this goes on all the time at Mythos, but I'm determined to find out who killed Jasmine and why—especially since I should have been the one who died. . .

Why?

Every time I read the synopsis of this book from Goodreads I ask myself why I haven't purchased this book series yet. I love books about boarding schools, and magic. I've read mostly good reviews, and I could use a fun, humorous, light read. The cover is pretty cool too with her violet eyes, and mysterious castle. I'm really looking forward to reading Touch of Frost, and I'll snatch it up next time I'm in Barnes and Noble. 

Leave a comment to your blog posts below. :)

                                                                   

Tithe (The Modern Faerie Tales #1) by Holly Black

Title:Tithe

Author: Holly Black

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Release Date: October 1, 2002

Genre: YA Urban Fantasy/Faerie

Pages: 331

Format: Paperback

Source: Library
Goodreads | Amazon

Sixteen-year-old Kaye is a modern nomad. Fierce and independent, she travels from city to city with her mother's rock band until an ominous attack forces the sixteen-year-old back to her childhood home. There, amid the industrial, blue-collar New Jersey backdrop, Kaye soon finds herself an unwilling pawn in an ancient power struggle between two rival faerie kingdoms -- a struggle that could very well mean her death.

My thoughts:

This was the first book I had ever read about the fay, and I really enjoyed it! We follow a girl named Kaye who is independent, strong, and can handle herself. While out late one night she saves a man from near death, and is then swept up in the faerie world. This book surprisingly reads more as an adult novel, as it's very dark, and gritty. There's drinking, curse words, and drugs. If you can't handle those types of situations then I wouldn't recommend this book to you. There isn't too much romance in this novel, which is refreshing, but Robin the faerie who Kaye has her eye on reminds me a lot of prince Ash from the The Iron Fey series. Except he's a little sweeter and more understanding. I wouldn't say this is my all time favorite book by any means, but it was worth reading, and I'd like to read the companion novel, and sequel eventually. So if you are looking for a darker faerie tale with a realistic twist I'd say go for it. 

                                                                     

Happy reading,

Amelia.

TGIF (1) Supporting Characters

TGIF is a weekly meme hosted by the blog GReads.

This week's question is

Supporting Characters: We tend to gush over those main characters the most, but what about those supporting roles? Who are some of your favorites?

1. The character that instantly came to mind was Grimalkin from The Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa. I seriously disliked the main character Meghan, so Grim made it all worth reading for me. For being a cat his personality was sarcastic, witty, and always kept the rest of the characters on their toes. I'd always find myself laughing whenever he disappeared, and then reappeared in the nick of time. Also, deep down I could tell he was actually a caring creature who loved his friends, but I'm sure he'd never admit to that. ;)

2. I loved the Harry Potter series when I was younger, and still do. A favorite supporting character of mine is Draco Malfoy. You can't have Harry Potter without him, and with me I think most fans love to hate him. What set him apart for me was the fact that deep down he could be a pretty nice guy, and he was just trying to please his family. 

Those are just a couple of my all time favorites, I'd love to know yours as well if you'd leave you links in the comments below. 

Fever (Chemical Garden Trilogy #2) by Lauren DeStefano

Title: Fever

Author: Lauren DeStefano

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Release Date: February 21, 2012

Genre: YA Dystopian

Pages: 341

Format: Hardcover

Source: Bought (Amazon)

Goodreads | Amazon

Rhine and Gabriel have escaped the mansion, but danger is never far behind.

Running away brings Rhine and Gabriel right into a trap, in the form of a twisted carnival whose ringmistress keeps watch over a menagerie of girls. Just as Rhine uncovers what plans await her, her fortune turns again. With Gabriel at her side, Rhine travels through an environment as grim as the one she left a year ago - surroundings that mirror her own feelings of fear and hopelessness.

The two are determined to get to Manhattan, to relative safety with Rhine’s twin brother, Rowan. But the road there is long and perilous - and in a world where young women only live to age twenty and young men die at twenty-five, time is precious. Worse still, they can’t seem to elude Rhine’s father-in-law, Vaughn, who is determined to bring Rhine back to the mansion...by any means necessary.

In the sequel to Lauren DeStefano’s harrowing Wither, Rhine must decide if freedom is worth the price - now that she has more to lose than ever.

My thoughts:

Okay. Wow. I absolutely loved Wither, but Fever completely went above and beyond my expectations! The story of Gabriel and Rhine picks off right where the first books leaves you, on the run from evil housemaster Vaughan. 

I was surprised because Fever was a lot more face passed in my opinion, but also was a lot more dark and brutal, if possible. I mean this was some bleak stuff, even when Rhine never lost her hope I felt depressed and sad for every character in this book, not that it was a bad experience. I think it just made the story feel more real, and that life isn't always rainbows, and sunshine. So like I said a lot more events happen Fever. We are introduced to a sketchy couple, trapped in a demented carnival, at an orphanage, and back to Rhine's home. There is no shortage of undiscovered places. I also thought Rhine really grew as a character, and we were shown not only her strong side, but her more venerable side, as every human should have one! There were just so many discovered secrets and lies, I don't know where to start! I had to keep flipping the page. 

The only slight problem I had with this book was that I felt Gabriel never lived up to his full potential, and we still don't know too much about him. It also would have been nice to see the relationship between Linden, and Cecily throughout. Otherwise an amazing second book, the cliffhanger at the end was killer, and I can't wait for the final installment! 

Happy Reading,

Amelia.

Top Ten Tuesday (2) Favorite Quotes From Books

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

I couldn't remember any quotes off the top of my head so I used Goodreads to find these, they truly are some of my favorites, especially the ones that make me laugh out loud.

1. “Is this the part where you start tearing off strips of your shirt to bind my wounds?"

"If you wanted me to rip my clothes off, you should have just asked." - City of Bones, Cassandra Clare.

2. “Oh, we're playing nice now? Shall we have tea first? Brew up a nice pot of kiss-my-ass?”  - The Iron King, Julie Kagawa.

3. "If I've learned one lesson from all that's happened to me, it's that there is no such thing as the biggest mistake of your existence. There's not such thing as ruining your life. Life's a pretty resilient thing, it turns out." - The Undomestic Goddess, Sophie Kinsella.

4. "He who controls the past controls the future. He who controls the present controls the past." - 1984, George Orwell.

5. "Peter would probably throw a party if I stopped breathing." "Well," he says, "I would only go if there was cake." - Divergent, Veronica Roth.

6. “I don't like him," I explained. "He annoys the hell out of me ninety-six percent of the time, and sometimes I'd like nothing better than to strangle him to death. But at the same time I... I want him to be happy. I think about him way more than I should, and I -"

"You love him.”  - The Duff, Kody Keplinger.

7. “I realize now that dying is easy. Living is hard.” - If I stay, Gale Forman.

8. “He raised an eyebrow, which made me totally jealous. I've never been able to do that. I always just end up raising both of them and looking surprised or scared instead of sardonic.”  - Hex Hall, Rachel Hawkins.

9. “It's like people you see sometimes, and you can't imagine what it would be like to be that person, whether it's somebody in a wheelchair or somebody who can't talk. Only, I know that I'm that person to other people, maybe to every single person in that whole auditorium. 

To me, though, I'm just me. An ordinary kid.”  - Wonder, R.J. Palacio.

10. “I always knew I was an excellent liar; I just didn't know that I had it in me to fool myself.” - Wither, Lauren DeStefano.

Those are my top ten quotes this week, leave your links in the comments for me to read yours. :)

Happy reading, 

Amelia.

In My Mailbox (2)

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It's a weekly meme that allows everyone to show what books they purchased, got for review, gifts, etc during the week.

This week I only got two books, because Insurgent is taking forever in the post! I'm very excited to read both.

• Kill Me Softly by Sarah Cross (won in a contest from The Story Siren!)
• Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard (received from RandomBuzzers & am currently reading.)

Thank you! :)

Please leave your links to you imm, or haul below, I'd love to see what you got.

-Happy Reading,

Amelia

The Duff by Kody Keplinger

Title: The Duff

Author: Kody Keplinger

Publisher: Little Brown/Poppy

Release Date: September 7, 2010

Genre: YA Contemporary

Pages: 280

Format: Hardcover

Source: Bought (Amazon)
Goodreads | Amazon

Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn’t think she’s the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She’s also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her “the Duff,” she throws her Coke in his face. 

But things aren’t so great at home right now, and Bianca is desperate for a distraction. She ends up kissing Wesley. Worse, she likes it.

Eager for escape, Bianca throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with him.

Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out Wesley isn’t such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she’s falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone.

My thoughts:

I firstly love the cover, I think it fits perfectly with the story. I don't read contemporary very often, if at all usually during the year, so it would really have to catch my attention, and sound unique for me to read one. This book was so funny, and real to me that months later I'm still thinking about it. Bianca had a sarcastic, negative (funny) personality, without the cliched teenage angst, which I appreciated. One thing I can't stand are whiny characters who can't go a page without complaining, The Duff had no one like that.

Omg, Wesley was such a jackass, but a complete lovable, smoking hot guy! When reading I really craved Bianca, Wesley scenes. Normally in young adult you get a couple glances, a few innocent kisses. This was so much better, and more realistic, they didn't really waste any time if you know what I mean. ;)

Besides the "sex" scenes and witty banter, The Duff deals with real problems everyone can relate to. It's more than just a casual, fun read. Bianca's mother is never home, her dad is a recovering alcoholic, her friends just don't seem to get her, and she's wondering what she has to offer other people. Wesley's family is never around, and he is basically living on his own, taking care of himself. Anyway, I ended up reading this book in just a couple hours, I only put it down once, and that was because I was laughing so hard! Kody Keplinger has such a fun, casual writing style with perfect pacing, and I'm looking forward to getting more novels by her. The Duff is one of a kind. 

This passage totally emulates their relationship:

“Spanish, huh?" he said, glancing down at the scattered papers as he grabbed them. "Can you say anything interesting?"
"El tono de tu voz hace que queria estrangularme." I stood up and waited for him to hand over my papers.
"That sounds sexy," he said, getting to his feet and handing me the stack of Spanish work he'd swept together. "What's it mean?"
"The sound of your voice makes me want to strangle myself."
"Kinky.” 

-Kody Keplinger, The Duff.

-Happy Reading,

Amelia.

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer(Mara Dyer #1)by Michelle Hodkin

 
Title: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer
Author: Michelle Hodkin
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Release Date: September 27, 2011
Genre: YA paranormal
Pages: 452
Format: Hardcover
Source: Bought ( Barnes and Noble)

Mara Dyer doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.

It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.

There is.

She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love.

She's wrong.

-Goodreads Summary

My thoughts:

Before I begin what I thought of the actual story I have to talk about the cover, it is absolutely breath taking. It just doesn't do it justice unless you see it in person. What's cool about it, is the the velvet touch, and that you can only see the cover title in certain lighting's . Even if you have no plans to purchase, or read the book I suggest checking out the cover if you happen to be in a book store. 

In my opinion this is a very difficult book to review. There's just so much craziness that went on. Let's start with the plot, or what the story is supposed to be about. The story focuses on Mara Dyer who has an average teenage life. Within the first couple of pages we are drawn into her world of mysteries surrounding who she really is, and some pretty tragic, and down right creepy things begin to unfold. The reader really never knows if something Mara is experiencing is real, or if she is crazy. With that, I don't want to say much else without giving away the major points in the book. 

We are introduced to a good amount of interesting characters. Mara Dyer the main protagonist, whom I really liked! She was independent, had a sarcastic, snarky attitude, and stood up for herself when needed. She was also vulnerable, and kind. Mara was perfectly well rounded, but managed to have a few human flaws like the rest of us. Noah the love interest is the quintessential bad boy.  He dressed like a slob, but still managed to look hot. I thought they really balanced each other out. There's also some side characters that stood out to me. Jamie you becomes Mara's best friend. He's a really nice, genuine guy. Daniel, Mara's older genius brother, and Anna the mean girl. 

The writing style was something I had to get used to as I continued through the story. It was sometimes overly descriptive which irritated me at times, and I thought some passages really didn't need to be there. Though it was easy to imagine, I just felt like I didn't benefit. The other thing that bothered me was the romance. The first quarter of the book was amazing! We learned a lot, got mystified, and I was ready for the nightmares! As soon as Noah is introduced it's like everything I was promised from the vague synopsis was thrown out the window. The story becomes more about their relationship, and Mara's struggle to figure out her feelings. So basically the middle portion of the book was a miss for me, and I was asking myself when is something going to happen again?

The last portion of the book really made that up to me. It was intense, some questions were answered, and you began to question Mara's sanity again. The cliffhanger at the end was intense, and now makes me eagerly await the second installment. 

I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance, humor, and loves a small paranormal twist. I'm still seriously asking myself if anything in this book was actually real. For all we know Mara could be a mental patient in the middle of know where feeding us her crazy. Hopefully that answered some of your questions whom have not read it yet considering all the hype. 

-Happy Reading

Amelia.

Bella & Daph's Epic Review Month

                  This event hosted by Bella & Daph from Loving Books and Cheezyfeet Books (both really lovely bloggers I've recently discovered!)

I'm really looking forward to starting, and think it's a fun, awesome idea! I'm fairly new to the blogging community, but have loved reading books for many years. Though non of the books I will be reading are technically for review it will help dwindle down my tbr pile. I have an addiction to buying more books than I can read! I'm hoping it will also improve my reviewing skills, and get a chance to meet some new people. 

I'll post a link to my tbr pile below that I'd like to get through this month. 

MAY TBR

I'm terrible at explaining things so anyone who wants more info, or who wants to join in there should be a button linked to the guidelines somewhere on my side bar. XD

Happy reading and reviewing!

-Amelia.

May TBR

This month I hope to read a total of twelve (12) books. Normally this would be an easy goal for me, but for the last couple months I've really been slacking sometimes reading less than five. Most of these I have either had for a while, or are new and I'm dying to read! I will also be doing reviews on all of the books listed upon completion.

The Books: (in no particular order)






If I manage to finish those I'll add on these two as well:


I hope everyone has a good reading month, let me know what you plan to read in the comments!

W.W.W Wednesdays (1)

WWW Wednesday is hosted by MizB @ Should Be Reading

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions...

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish?
• What do you think you'll read next?

1. I'm currently reading The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

I've had this book on my shelf since its release date last year! I don't know why I'm only reading it now especially with all the hype about it. Currently I'm about half way through, the first 50 pages were a bit slow for me, but now I have trouble putting it down. The only thing I'm not sure about is the writing style, but I love Mara, and her snarky attitude. :)

2. I recently finished Fever by Lauren Destefano

Great book, I'll have a review coming soon.

3. I have a couple of books I'm wanting to read next.

Insurgent by Veronica Roth, and The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa. 

I would love to know what you've been reading and what you'd like to! Leave your link in the comments and I'll be sure to check it out. :)

Top Ten Books You'd Like To See As A Movie

Top Ten Tuesdays is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

I love when my favorite book are made into movies, it's awesome to see what I imagined come to life, so needless to say choosing ten books I'd wish would be movies is easy. These are in no particular order, I love them all the same.

1. The Duff by Kody Keplinger

This is one of my favorites of 2012 so far, and could think of so many kick ass females to play Bianca. I don't think many teen movies these days have a strong message behind their story, and this one does. I could almost see this turning out to be the next mean girls. :)

2. Across The Universe by Beth Revis

This could probably turn out to be a blockbuster if the right visual team is involved. Their's romance, action, mystery, and tender moments, everything that makes a great movie. 

3. The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

This is such an incredible mystery book! This got me into research about Vlad the Impaler, and "real" vampires. Every time I think about it I wish I was traveling around the world looking for a secret society, and constantly in danger. xD

4. I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella 

Actually I wish all of her books were made into movies, but this is my most recent favorite. It would make an awesome adult comedy!

5. Divergent by Veronica Roth

I mean need I say more? The only thing that could ruin Divergent would be bad casting.

6. Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Gosh I would love to see Archer on the big screen. :o

7. Wither by Lauren Destefano

I'd love to see this world come to life, with the mansion and the weird holographs. Sometimes I'd like a dark, gritty world. 

8. Just Listen by Sarah Dessen

I'm a true fan girl for this book, I read it a couple years ago, and still can't get it out of my head. Please make it a movie! OWEN!

9. Legend by Marie Lu

Another great dystopian with a focus on the military, and inner cities this could be a stand out.

10.  The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

Though I wasn't the biggest fan of the The Iron Fey series I liked it enough that the movie I feel like would be even better! I'd especially be excited to see Puck, and Grim. 

Those are my top ten! I'm sure some people won't agree with all of them, because of the chance of getting ruined, but it's just a thought!

What are your top ten? Comment with your link, and I'd love to see!

-Happy Reading

Amelia. :)