Review: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Author: Leigh Bardugo
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Page Count: 356 pages, Hardcover
Date Published: June 5th 2012
Find it on Goodreads: Shadow and Bone
Source: Won (Thanks Brad @ BookYAReview!)

Alina Starkov doesn't expect much from life. Orphaned by the Border Wars, she is sure of only one thing: her best friend, Mal--and her inconvenient crush on him. Until the day their army regiment enters the Fold, a swath of unnatural darkness crawling with monsters. When their convoy is attacked and Mal is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power not even she knew existed.
Ripped from everything she knows, Alina is taken to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling. With Alina's extraordinary power in his arsenal, he believes they can finally destory the Fold. Now Alina must find a way to master her untamed gift and somehow fit into her new life without Mal by her side. But nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. As the threat to the kingdom mounts and her dangerous attraction to the Darkling grows, Alina will uncover a secret that could tear her heart--and her country--in two.

GUYS. GUYS. GUYSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS.

OH. MY. GOD.

You know that feeling when you're in a reading slump and it seems like nothing can get you out of it? That's how I was before I read Shadow and Bone. I could not pick up a book and stay interested, until I picked up this one. Right from the start, with the haunting "Before" scene that then leads into full on epicness,  I was hooked. I could. not. put. this. book. down.

Right off the bat, we are thrusted into a world of magic and intrigue as we read the short introduction that shows Alina and Mal in the orphanage, waiting to be tested by the mysterious Grisha. And then we jump several years forward, to the pair travelling with their army regiment into the dark and terrifying Shadow Fold. When a book starts off with a crazy amount of awesome like that, all I can say is:

Shadow and Bone was thrilling and captivating and it absolutely blew my mind. I was amazed at the way Bardugo executed her story in such a way that kept me wanting more and more, while her characters were so well-rounded and had me feeling so much for them. I loved Alina. She was a brilliant protagonist, with a bad-ass attitude, but she wasn't hard. She had feelings and she cried and she swooned... I felt like she was someone I could relate to, even though her world and situation was wholly different from my own. She got scared and sad and yet she also fought hard and stuck to what she believed in. Definitely a top protagonist on my list.

Then there was the Darkling...

I KNEW SOMETHING BAD WAS GOING TO HAPPEN BUT I TRIED TO CONVINCE MYSELF NOT TO AND YET IT DID AND AHHHHHHHHHHH HE IS SUCH AN EPIC VILLAIN OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND YET I DON'T EVEN KNOW IF HE'S BAD OR GOOD OR JUST SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN AND HE JUST NEEDS TO GET HIS ACT TOGETHER OR WHAT. I JUST AHHHHHHHHHHGHHHHHHHH

Okay, sorry about that. Ahem.

Usually with villains, I despise them. I don't feel much for them, because of their despicable behaviour and yet, with the Darkling... I just can't decide. I mean, I hate him. I do. His plan is horrible and he's not a nice person, at all. AT ALL. But at the same time, he just.... ahhh. I can't decide on how I feel about him! He had me swooning one minute and then freaked out the next and I just...

Okay, I'm going to move on before I combust.

Finally, there was Mal.

The thing with Mal was, at first, I didn't like him. He was just kind of... there. But then, BUT THEN he all of a sudden redeemed himself for me and I was hooked. Mal was a really interesting character for me and I'm so excited to see more of who he is and what his story will be like in the next book!

Okay, enough about the characters.

This review is getting pretty lengthy, but I'll just conclude by saying that this is one of the best books I've read in a long time. Shadow and Bone kept me guessing the whole way through and had me captivated from the very beginning. I was impressed by the detail and the history that Bardugo put into the story and the fact that the world was so well developed made me very happy. This was a well rounded story, filled with action, fantasy, romance and mystery. The Shadow Fold  sounds like my ultimate nightmare and that intrigued me. Darknesss... as a place? With scary creatures running around inside? CREEPY.

Shadow and Bone surpassed my expectations and I would highly recommend it to anyone who hasn't read it. Now, I'm going to tuck myself into bed and start Siege and Storm! YAY!

Also, I just want to shout out a huge thank you, again, to Brad and Macmillan Kids for the awesome giveaway!

Happy reading!
~Kristy

Swoon-Worthy Story Crushes

Happy Valentine's day everyone! I'll get straight to the point: I'm one hundred and two percent single. BUT I am one hundred and four percent ok with that, because well, I'm in high school, I'm busy getting good grades, chilling with my friends, and well.... who needs a real life boyfriend at my age when BOOK BOYFRIENDS?

On my giveaway celebrating one year of blogging, I've asked you guys to comment telling me what sorts of posts you'd like to see more of and I've seen a couple people ask for stuff like Book Boyfriends! WELL WHAT BETTER DAY THAN VALENTINE'S DAY? I decided I would post SOME of my top most swoon-worthy story crushes and a quote or two from them/about them that makes my heart beat a little faster or plant butterflies in my stomach. If you scroll down to the end, I will have a little explanation of what I am planning one doing with this list afterwards! :)

 Finn Belastra - Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

"My hands slide up his chest. My mouth reaches for his. Our noses bump in the dark, but Finn tilts his head sideways until his lips touch mine. They brush back and fourth, testing. Tasting. He waits, but I only press closer, and he reads that for the invitation it is."

 Kaidan Rowe - Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins

“What do you want from me, Kai?”
“For starters?” His voice lowered to sexy, dangerous depths. “I want to introduce myself to every freckle on your body.” 

 Augustus Waters - The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

"I am," he said. He was staring at me, and I could see the corners of his eyes crinkling. "I'm in love with you, and I'm not in the business of denying myself the simple pleasure of saying true things. I'm in love with you, and I know that love is just a shout into the void, and that oblivion is inevitable, and that we're all doomed and that there will come a day when all our labor has been returned to dust, and I know the sun will swallow the only earth we'll ever have, and I am in love with you.”

 Noah Hutchins - Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

“I gazed into her beautiful green eyes and her fear melted. A shy smile tugged at her lips and at my heart. F**k me and the rest of the world, I was in love.”

Wesley Rush - The DUFF by Kody Keplinger

“I think about you much more than any self-respecting man would like to admit, and I'm insanely jealous of Tucker - something I never thought I'd say. Moving on after you is impossible. No other girl can keep me on my toes the way you can. No one else makes me WANT to embarrass myself by writing sappy letters like this one.
Only you.”

Adam Kent - Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

"You have no idea how much I've thought about you. How many times I've dreamt"-he takes a tight breath- "how many times I've dreamt about being this close to you." He moves to run a hand through his hair before he changes his mind. Looks down. Looks up. "God, Juliette, I'd follow you anywhere. You're the only good thing left in this world.”

Etienne St. Clair - Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

“I'm saying I'm in love with you! I've been in love with you this whole bleeding year!”

Vincent Delacroix - Die For Me by Amy Plum


I want to thank you for giving me a chance. When I first saw you, I knew I had found something incredible. And since then all I've wanted was to be with you as much as possible.

Noah Shaw - The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

“Mara, I have never felt about anyone the way I feel about you. And when you're ready for me to show you," he said, brushing my hair to the side, "I'm going to kiss you." His thumb grazed my ear and his hand curved around my neck. He leaned me backward and my eyes fluttered closed. I breathed in the scent of him as he leaned in and kissed the hollow under my ear. My pulse raced under his lips.
"And I won't settle for anything less.”

I kind of just realised that this was very similar to the TTT of this week, but oh well! Okay, so what I'm thinking is that every so often I'll do a full post about ONE of these guys, or one of the ones that are missing from this list. Sound okay? Okay. There are too many swoon-worthy guys in YA and these are just a handful of them. I'd love to feature more and maybe that will spice up my blog a bit? Yay or nay? Let me know!

I also would like to know: Do you have a couple book boyfriends that you cannot get out of your brain? Or do you have a huge list of story crushes like me? Let me know!!!

Happy Valentine's Day!
~Kristy

Review: Saving June by Hannah Harrington

Author: Hannah Harrington

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Page Count: 322pages, Paperback

Date Published: November 22nd 2011 (first published May 1st 2011)

Find it on Goodreads: Saving June

Source: A copy was sent to me from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Rating:  4.5/5

‘If she’d waited less than two weeks, she’d be June who died in June. But I guess my sister didn’t consider that.’

Harper Scott’s older sister has always been the perfect one so when June takes her own life a week before her high school graduation, sixteen-year-old Harper is devastated. Everyone’s sorry, but no one can explain why.

When her divorcing parents decide to split her sister’s ashes into his-and-her urns, Harper takes matters into her own hands. She’ll steal the ashes and drive cross-country with her best friend, Laney, to the one place June always dreamed of going, California.

Enter Jake Tolan. He’s a boy with a bad attitude, a classic-rock obsession and nothing in common with Harper’s sister. But Jake had a connection with June, and when he insists on joining them, Harper’s just desperate enough to let him. With his alternately charming and infuriating demeanour and his belief that music can see you through anything, he might be exactly what she needs.

Except June wasn’t the only one hiding something. Jake’s keeping a secret that has the power to turn Harper’s life upside down again.

My Thoughts: Completely exceeded my expectations. Loved it. 

It's 4am right now and I just finished Saving June. I was utterly blown away by this book. It was brilliant and beautiful and sad and funny and made me feel so much. There was a large presence of music in the novel, which I so appreciated. It added to the imagery, and I felt as if I was wholly immersed inside the story.


For a while, it felt as if all I was reading were dead sibling books. They were really getting me into a reading slump, therefore I was extremely hesitant about picking up this book. I didn't want to read another book that would make me sad. While this one was sad in a sense, it was so much more. I laughed, I teared up, I swooned, I got mad, I felt so, so much for the characters. June, Jake, and Laney will hold a special place in my heart now.


There's something about road trip books that make me love them. I think it's the fact that we get to learn so much about a small amount of characters, as we are with them for their entire journey. I felt like this with The Disenchantments as well. These books always make me want to go on a road trip with my friends. I just want to get my license, and GO.


Anyway, back to the book. I had a love-hate relationship with Jake and June. They aggravated me to the max with their some of their comments to each other and to other people, but they also made me smile and laugh. I related to both of them in different ways and yet am so opposite from them in others. I liked Laney a lot and found her to be a fantastic third character. She wasn't just a comic relief. She was complex and had her issues as well. All three of them had their dysfunctions and those were the things that made me love them. They felt like my friends when I put down the book, and that's a feeling I can never get enough of.


Although the book started out a bit slow, and had some parts that irritated the crap out of me, all in all it was fantastic and beautiful and I can't wait to see what Harrington comes up with next. There were some wonderful lines in this novel that I want to make into artwork! Thank you to HarlequinTeen for the copy of this beautiful book!

Happy reading,
~Kristy

Review: Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

Author: Katie McGarry

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Page Count: 384 pages, Hardcover (I read the Paperback edition, 392 pages-Mira Ink)

Date Published: July 31th 2012

Find it on Goodreads: Pushing the Limits

Source: Purchased

Rating:  4.5/5

No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal.But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.

Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

My Thoughts: I can't really describe how I feel about this book... I loved it way too much!

This is a fantastic book. The writing was delightful and the story addicting. It's not just a fluffy contemporary... This book is filled with subjects not often touched in YA but are deep and important. Filled to the bone with a beautifully simple writing style and a romance that fans of Simone Elkeles will swoon over, this was a book that will keep you reading t'ill early morning. 

Echo and Noah were equally amazing characters. They both have their own issues and personalities.They were never flat. I really liked Echo, because she was both so strong and yet had this huge vulnerability to her, which I find to be the best types of characters. She was very sheltered and naive, but that was something she did to herself in a way. Echo has gone through something so terrible and horrible but she can't remember any part of it. When she begins to go see a therapist to try and bring back these memories,  she meets Noah. Noah is visually your typical bad boy who couldn't have a care in the world, but he's only like this because society has labeled him after one incident. He plays the part well, until he meets Echo. She and him meet and though they might not really get along right away, there is a connection and they can't seem to stay together. Their relationship was both sweet and steamy. There were moments where I could not stop smiling because they were so cute together, and other moments where I felt like screaming "GET A ROOM!" but then realized that they're in a book...  Maybe that's a bit over exaggerating, but you get my drift? Noah and Echo were a couple that I really enjoyed reading about. They understood each other better than anyone else, and they didn't have to change for the other person, but they were able to show their true, better sides. It was really nice to read about a relationship like this. Yes they had their problems and trials, but that was all part of the voyage.

Filled with emotion and tension and secrets, the story was amazing. It was not an instaluv story with cliche teen problems. This book was filled with issues that are rarely touched so deeply in YA. But the great thing about this book was the fact that it also had a light touch to it with tons of humour and reasons to make you smile, made the book not so draggy and depressing. The way it was written was really neat, because like Echo getting her memory back, you find out information throughout the story, not right away. I wasn't left with missing information at the end. While reading, be patient. Your question will be answered sooner rather than later. The story was a tad predictable, but at the same time had me guessing at random what was going to happen next. The story is told in alternating chapters between Noah's and Echo's point-of-views, and the author did that really well. We get to read about how everything is working out on either side of the relationship, as well as what is happening in their own lives. It absolutely aided the way the story flowed and went about. All of the characters were very much there, within the story, and they all had a contributing factor within the story. Noah was probably my favorite character, just because he's so complex and different. He cares so deeply for his little brothers, and doesn't seem to know how to give them what's best for them, but he's trying. He definitely makes mistakes and has flaws, but that made him real. He deals with his demons and he figures out schemes to get what he wants, but he also cares so deeply for the people that he loves, and is still trying to come to terms with his parents' death. 

Pushing the Limits was a beautiful read that had me in tears, smiling like a madman, and making me tear my hair out. The story was both original, and not, and all of the characters were amazing. I'd suggest this book to any fans of Simone Elkeles, as well as any fans of contemporaries that are a bit darker and not so typical. Or any fans of a romance that is both the sweetest thing in the world, and really, really hot. One of the nice things about this book was that yes, the romance between Echo and Noah was a huge part of the book, because that's what it's about, but the romance didn't completely overshadow the bigger problems that the characters had. I think everyone should read this book, as soon as possible.

Happy reading!!!
Kristy

Review: Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles

Author: Simone Elkeles

Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers

Page Count: 308 pages, Hardcover

Date Published: August 16th 2011

Find it on Goodreads: Chain Reaction

Source: Purchased

Like his brothers, Luis Fuentes is a risk taker; whether he's scaling the Rocky Mountains or dreaming of a future as an astronaut, Luis is always looking for the next thrill. Nikki Cruz lives her life by certain rules -, don't trust a boy who says "I love you", boys lie to get their own way and never date a boy from the south side of Fairfield. Then she meets Luis at his brother Alex's wedding and suddenly she's tempted to break all her rules. Getting Nikki to give him a chance is Luis's biggest challenge, until he finds himself targeted by the head of the gang that nearly destroyed his brothers' lives. Will Luis's feelings for Nikki be enough to stop him from entering a dark and violent world that could prove to be the ultimate risk?

  

My thoughts: These Fuentes brothers are probably the hottest trio of brothers in the entire book-verse! 

It's no secret that I love the Perfect Chemistry books. They're full of everything a girl can ask for in a book! Action, drama, romance, humor. Everything about them tells me that it's going to be an amazing contemporary. The gang activity and violence is incredibly convincing and at times it gets to the point where you wonder  if all of this really happens. Because it feels so realistic. Then there's the romance. The relationships the Fuentes brothers have are amazingly cliche at times, and yet not annoying at all. There's tons of drama involved and lots of hilarious things that happen as well.

Rules of Attraction features Luis, the youngest Fuentes. He's a huge dare devil who loves danger and adventure. Then there's Nikki who has gone through a huge load of heartbreak in the past and has said a big fat no to boys. But obviously when their paths collide, that 'no' changes. I didn't enjoy this book as much as I had the first two, but trust me, I did like it. A lot. I just enjoyed the other two more. I think it was the characters. I liked Luis, but I felt he was too reckless and never thought rationally. There were a lot of incredible revelations in this book about their family, but Luis acted so rashly on the new information and it kind of made me mad at him. He should have just stopped and thought about what he was doing for a second, instead of turning his back on his family like he did. Then there's Nikki. In the very first few chapters we find out something about Nikki that is a bit shocking. When all of that is over and a few years pass, she suddenly changes from a sweet, innocent girl who is trusting and loving to someone who thinks all guys are going to play her and hurt her. She's way too overly cautious around males and that irritated me a bit. Yes, she got hurt badly, but after a few years, she really has got to loosen up a bit!


I did like their relationship though. Luis helped Nikki be a bit more trusting and Nikki taught Luis to not be so risky with his life. There were a few very hot moments between them that will remind you of why Simone Elkeles is so talented in romance novels. Plus, there was all of the gang activity and drama. It was kind of freaky! There was a lot more openness about the drug dealing and we get to read about that a bit. Plus, there were gun fights and initiation and all that great stuff we dealt with in the first two books! But it was also all new because of this new twist. We do get to see more of Alex, Brittany, Carlos and Kiara which is nice. Brittany and Alex end up getting married, of course, and they have a few kids, so it was really nice reading about that in this book, as well as Carlos coming back from the military and moving his relationship with Kiara forward. Nikki fit right in with the two girls, because even though her parents were from Mexico, she was as rich and polar opposite of Luis as the two girls before her with the other brothers. Even though these books have a pattern and you pretty much always know what's going to happen, there's something about them that is so addicting. There are always tons of twists and turns to keep you guessing and I think any contemporary fans will adore these. Plus, to any one who enjoys books with a ton of action, as well as romance, these books would be perfect for you!


Happy reading!
~Kristy

Review: Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles

Author: Simone Elkeles

Publisher: Walker Books

Page Count: 324 pages, Paperback

Date Published: 2011 (first published April 13th 2010)

Find it on Goodreads: Rules of Attraction

Source: Purchased

When Carlos Fuentes returns to America after living in Mexico for a year, he doesn’t want any part of the life his older brother, Alex, has laid out for him at a high school in Colorado . Carlos likes living his life on the edge and wants to carve his own path—just like Alex did. Then he meets Kiara Westford. She doesn’t talk much and is completely intimidated by Carlos’ wild ways. As they get to know one another, Carlos assumes Kiara thinks she’s too good for him, and refuses to admit that she might be getting to him. But he soon realizes that being himself is exactly what Kiara needs right now.

 My Thoughts: SO AMAZINGLY GOOD. 

The follow up to Perfect Chemistry could not have been more perfect. (*cringes* I know, I hate me too...) I absolutely loved the first book in the dramatic, extremely romantic contemporary series and I was hesitant of picking this one up. I wanted more of Alex and Brittany... I couldn't care less about Alex's brothers! Boy was I ever wrong! Rules of Attraction was amazing. I've been reading so many books that in the end had me shrug and say "meh, it was alright," so it was such a delight to read this and adore it. It was another one that I took the beach with me and it was perfect for that. 

Simone Elkeles sure knows how to write her romance. Carlos and Kiara are one of my favorite couples I've read about in a while! Carlos is cocky, a bit of a jerk, and a total rebel. The ultimate bad boy. Then there's Kiara who comes from the perfect family, has excellent grades, and a stutter. They were kind of complete opposites. But this author does the expression "opposites attract" all too well. The relationship between Carlos and Kiara was definitely reminiscent of Brittany's and Alex's, whom we get glimpses of as well. I actually preferred Carlos and Kiara to the older couple's story. There was still quite a bit of gang involvement in it, but not as much as the first book. There was a lot of humor and plenty of steamy moments that had me blushing. Plus, I adored Kiara's family. The Westfords were the most perfect family in modern literature. I thought their relationship with Carlos was so nice and it made me smile every time Carlos would interact with Kiara's little brother. It showed such a great side to the tough guy image he came across as. I didn't like Carlos in the beginning, but in the end, yeah. I liked him. 


Elkeles still has this way of writing that makes you immersed in the story. I couldn't put this book down. It is filled with romance, humor, family, gang-related action, Mexican culture, and cars. I thought the fact that we see into Alex's and Brittany's college lives was so neat, so it really did feel connected to Perfect Chemistry, and it wasn't just a stand-alone novel. They had their own issues and Carlos helps them through their rough patches, too. Yes, the ending was kind of predictable, and yet it so wasn't. I knew what was going to happen in the epilogue, and yet I had no idea what would happen in the final chapters. These books keep you guessing, filled with anticipation. I thought all of the characters were wonderful and felt connected to so many of them. The gang activity in the book felt once again all too realistic and that made it very interesting to read. 


If you haven't read Perfect Chemistry, I'd suggest doing that now! I suppose you don't need to read the first book to read this one, but it would be better if you did. If you enjoy books filled with action and suspense, sweet and steamy romance, plus lots of family, hilarious humor, and a bit of Spanish, this amazing trilogy would be highly recommended. They're perfect for summer time, or really any season!


Happy reading!
~Kristy

Review: Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Author: Stephanie Perkins

Publisher: Speak

Page Count: 372 pages, Paperback

Date Published: August 4th 2011 (first published December 2nd 2010)

Find it on Goodreads: Anna and the French Kiss

Source: Purchased

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris - until she meets Etienne St. Clair: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home. As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near - misses end with the French kiss Anna - and readers - have long awaited?

My Thoughts: LOVED IT, but did I never thought I wouldn't!

Everyone had been telling me that I needed to read Anna and the French Kiss. So can someone tell me why I waited so long? Everything about it screams "Kristy! Read me! You'll adore me!" and yet I hesitated. UGHHH! I always do this! This happened with The Fault in Our Stars as well! It just so happens that I loved both of those books! *facepalm*

To start us off, let me just say, that I have actually asked my parents if I could go to school in Paris. Sure they said I'd have to raise enough money for it, but hey... I tried. It's been a dream of mine to grow up in the City of Lights ever since I knew what it was, so to go to school there would be the best thing in the world. That being said, I was totally bewildered when Anna didn't want to go! I know it's not for everyone, but COME ON GIRL! Boarding school in the most romantic city in the world and you're mad at your parents for sending you!? Forgive me, but yeah, I was a little reluctant at liking Anna at first. But, she grew on me as Paris grew on her. I learned to love Anna's character. She was witty and smart and an all-around teenager. She was real. I love it when an author can create characters who we as the readers can relate to so well, because the characters have their own flaws. They're not perfect. Speaking of perfect, where can I find an Etienne St. Clair for myself? Sure, he's got his faults, which we clearly see within the book, but man, oh man! When Etienne is first introduced in the book, all I could think was swoon! I most definitely couldn't comprehend what Anna was so upset about. I loved Etienne. He seemed like the epitome of flawless, but he's not. But him and Anna were just two of many great characters in this book. I LOVED their group of friends. They reminded me so much of my own group of good friends, that it made me so happy to read about them! We get to see so much of each of them, so we're not left hanging to who they all are. I felt connected to each supporting character. The plot was great too. It wasn't slow, not fast. Just perfect. Every element in Perkins' book had a place and was important in some way. This book captured the wonderful feeling of what Paris is supposed to be like, and when Anna traveled back to Atlanta for the holidays, Perkins did a great job of making the reader feel that. From the little bookstores to the multiple cinemas, the many museums and the crepe stands, it felt like everything I've dreamed of about Paris. That's an incredible thing for an author to do, to make your dreams appear on a page. But Anna was like my ultimate day dream. I never wanted it to end.


Reading Anna made me so much more excited for my trip to Europe this summer! Sure, there's not a huge chance that I'll end up falling madly in love with an English dude during the four days we're in Paris, but hey, you never know! If you're into contemporary or you really want to start reading more, this book is perfect. It's full of emotions and isn't just a silly little love story. It felt real. Anna went through struggles that we can all relate to on some level and her senior year was filled with everything a girl could ask for. AH can you tell I loved this book!? I'm gonna stop now, before I start talking about Etienne again! Don't be like me and hesitate about this book... Read it!!!

Happy reading!
~Kristy

Review: Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins

Author: Wendy Higgins

Publisher: HarperTeen

Page Count: 464 pages, Paperback, 1st Edition

Date Published:  May 1st 2012

Goodreads Blurb: 

What if there were teens whose lives depended on being bad influences?
This is the reality for sons and daughters of fallen angels in Sweet Evil.

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 it isn’t until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage, and her will-power 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?

My Thoughts: OH MY GOODNESS. I usually don't like angel books. They're just not my cup of tea. Other than Unearthly by Cynthia Hand, I can never seem to get through them. But this book... Different story.

 The chilling prologue of Sweet Evil sucked me in and the rest kept me wanting more and more. Like Anna attempting to find a flaw in Kaian's physical appearance, I couldn't find a single thing I didn't like about this book. The entire time I was reading I was half expecting it to suddenly become absolutely terrible and the other half of me was devouring the book as fast as I could. The angel and demon lore that Wendy Higgins has come up with is so unique and interesting and... well... Not boring. This is definitely a book for paranormal lovers, and I'd say read it, even if you don't normally like angel books.

 I'm not entirely sure what lured me into wanting this book, but all I know is that as soon as I saw it in the store, I grabbed it. The cover is absolutely gorgeous and it completely represents the equally gorgeous story inside. I felt so connected with Anna, the main character. She was always the good girl in life, and whenever she did something remotely 'bad' like swear, she'd get gasps and looks of horror from her friends. But then she finds out she's not human... She's half-demon and half-angel. The demon side of her is pulling her towards drugs and alcohol and to survive the wrath of Lucifer himself, Anna must influence other teens to drink. Just like the other nephilim of the twelve sins represented. I'm not saying I'm pulled towards drinking alcohol and doing drugs, but I was so in tune with her 'good-girl' side. She is probably one of my new favorite book characters!

Once again, everything about this book, I loved. NOTHING was wrong with it in my eyes. Maybe because I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did? I don't know. I loved all the characters. I loved the traveling and the paranormal stuff and the romance. EVERYTHING! What is this sorcery? I cannot stop thinking about it! Because of course, there was Kaidan, the son of the Duke of Lust. Duke of Lust. You can practically see his hotness. I feel like such a teenage girl right now, but I guess that's okay, since I am. The fact that Kaidan was literally the ultimate playboy but cared so much for Anna.... EEEEEP! Okay, sorry everyone. Just a little bit fan-girling. I'm not normally so into a book like this. Okay yes I am. Anyhow, all of the supporting characters were done so well. I loved each and every single one of them, even the bad guys. Wendy Higgins has created this incredible angelic tale that I cannot get enough of. It's taken me forever to write about this book, because I am just so in love with it. I'm surprised this isn't more rambly than it already is...

If you don't like angel books, but think you could like one that is actually incredible amazingly awesome.... Pick up a copy of Sweet Evil. I am 90% certain you will love it. Some people won't, I get that. But if you have read it, let me know what you thought! Oh, and finally: Wendy Higgins, welcome to my list of authors of favorite series.

 Have an incredible day/night everyone!
-Kristy

Review: Die For Me by Amy Plum

Author: Amy Plum

Publisher:  HarperCollins

Page Count: 368 pages, Paperback

Date Published: Published April 3rd 2012  (first published May 5th 2011)

 Goodreads Blurb: 

My life had always been blissfully, wonderfully normal. But it only took one moment to change everything.

Suddenly, my sister, Georgia, and I were orphans. We put our lives into storage and moved to Paris to live with my grandparents. And I knew my shattered heart, my shattered life, would never feel normal again. Then I met Vincent.

Mysterious, sexy, and unnervingly charming, Vincent Delacroix appeared out of nowhere and swept me off my feet. Just like that, I was in danger of losing my heart all over again. But I was ready to let it happen.

Of course, nothing is ever that easy. Because Vincent is no normal human. He has a terrifying destiny, one that puts his life at risk every day. He also has enemies . . . immortal, murderous enemies who are determined to destroy him and all of his kind.

While I'm fighting to piece together the remnants of my life, can I risk putting my heart as well as my life and my family's in jeopardy for a chance at love?

My Thoughts: So romantic and suspenseful!

It's always been a dream of mine to have grown up in Paris. Or even just have some of my childhood/teen years living there. So to think that I didn't know about this book until I heard about the sequel, Until I Die, seems crazy. But it's true. Die For Me is a beautifully romantic story with a twist to it that left me thinking about it for days. I admit, I was kind of scared Vincent would end up being a vampire, but when I found out he wasn't... WHOO!

I read this book in a matter of a few hours. It was another simple, quick read which was a nice break from the heavy reading I've been doing for school. Plum's voice is clear and alluring. I was captivated by the romance of Vincent and Kate and also the information we learn about the revenants.The revenants are a unique and wonderful twist on the paranormal genre and I was so enthralled by the way the author has made them exist in her book world. I loved the fact that Vincent was good and he wasn't a terrifying monster that eats people. No. He is actually someone who saves people. Yay, Vincent!

His and Kate's relationship was sweet and hesitant and wonderful. The fact that Kate got over the whole 'no I can't be with him, he's not good for me' act and them avoiding each other with a strain in their romance in this book, instead of the next, (hopefully) made me so happy. Their first kiss was one of those moments where you cannot help but say "awwwww" and the rest of their love within Die For Me is like that as well. WHICH IS AWESOME. I really enjoyed the fact that Jules, Vincent's friend/fellow revenant was so flirty with Kate and clearly liked her, but it didn't turn into a love triangle situation. Once again... Yay!

The action in this story is kind of, sort of MIND BLOWING. It's all BOOM KICK KAPOWEE! Crazy stuff, man. The evil revenant guys are seriously creepo and the way they fight the good revenants is... Woah. I loved everything about the 'battle' scenes. I wasn't confused and overwhelmed as I usually am while reading things like that and I could clearly 'see' what was going on. For that, I applaud Ms. Plum. *claps*

If you're into books filled with everything from swoony romance to kick-butt action scenes, plus crazy awesome paranormal good guys, Die For Me is probably a good choice. It was simply written but not in a juvenile way. Easy to follow along and to fall in love with. Until I Die is probably going to be incredible and I can't wait to read it!
Happy reading!
-Kristy

Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

Author: Kiera Cass

Publisher: Harper Collins USA

Page Count: 352 pages, Paperback (International Edition)

Date Published:  April 24th  2012

                                                       Goodreads Blurb:

 

 For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

 
But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

My Thoughts: Loved it. Loved it! Loved it!!! 

The Selection is quite the simple read, but the book is still amazing. I think I read it in all of 3 or 4 hours... I couldn't put it down! No, I don't watch 'The Bachelor' or any of those shows, so I can't really compare the two, but yes, I did notice some... Similarities between the book and show, (from what I've heard). But that being said, I didn't care one bit about that.This book is definitely one that you will either love or hate. Me? I loved it!!!

When I first saw that we had gotten the international edition (in paperback), I flipped out.  I was so excited! So I bought it right away and started reading it in the car on our way home from the mall. I didn't even look at the other books I was currently reading. The first few pages sucked me in and I was hooked. Like I said, it was a simple read. The vocabulary used wasn't anything magnificent but it was still good. I flew through the novel in about 3 or 4 hours straight, staying up well past my 'bedtime'. 

The plot is quite the interesting one... 35 girls are selected to be in the running for the crown and the title as Prince Maxon's wife. America isn't interested. But when her secret boyfriend practically forces her to enter, (You're probably thinking: 'Dude, what the heck?') she gets in. America is automatically seen as a huge threat to the other girls, with her stunning red hair and the fact that she's Maxon's 'favorite'. The girl drama was really quite amusing. None of them realize that America doesn't want the crown and that her and Maxon are really, only friends. (Or are they? *Wiggles eyebrows up and down*) But obviously, the relationship between Maxon and her is something special and obviously a bit more than an innocent friendship. I loved Maxon from the get-go and I will be rooting for him the whole way through. You'd think the guy who has 35 girls living in his house wouldn't be the one you're hoping wins the girl, but trust me... He is the one. ;)

Though some things that happened within the book are a bit predictable, I was continuously entranced with the romance and the glamor and the political drama. Oh, yes. The Selection is not just some prince-and-princess-matchmaking love story. It's a... Shall I say mild dystopian, as well. I'm hoping in the next books there will be more of a dystopic aspect to the story and we will learn a lot more about the two rebel groups who continuously attack the castle. There is definitely something suspicious about the king, in my opinion. I'm going to guess there's some crazy secret that needs to stay hidden in order for everything to run smoothly. But that's probably not gonna happen. :P

I'd suggest this book to anyone who likes good, swoon-worthy romance. There were some parts that I literally just sighed audibly and said "awww" or something like that. If you're looking for a book to read quickly that's fun and romantic, but still has a bit of that dystopia feel to it, The Selection could be perfect. I am now pining for book two. I bet it will have an equally gorgeous cover and hopefully it will be just as good, if not better than the first. 

Have a great day/night, everyone!
-Kristy

The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg

Lauren Oliver's blurb on the front says exactly what this novel is. "Inventive, funny, beautiful, heartbreaking". Everyone needs to go get a copy of this book ASAP.

Author: Jess Rothenberg

Publisher:  Penguin Young Readers Group

Page Count: 400 pages, Hardcover

Date Published: February 21st 2012

Goodreads Description:
Dying of a broken heart is just the beginning.... Welcome to forever.

BRIE'S LIFE ENDS AT SIXTEEN: Her boyfriend tells her he doesn't love her, and the news breaks her heart—literally.

But now that she's D&G (dead and gone), Brie is about to discover that love is way more complicated than she ever imagined. Back in Half Moon Bay, her family has begun to unravel. Her best friend has been keeping a secret about Jacob, the boy she loved and lost—and the truth behind his shattering betrayal. And then there's Patrick, Brie's mysterious new guide and resident Lost Soul . . . who just might hold the key to her forever after.

With Patrick's help, Brie will have to pass through the five stages of grief before she's ready to move on. But how do you begin again, when your heart is still in pieces?

My Rating: 5/5 ~I can never explain to you how much I adore this book. But.... I can try:

 The Catastrophic History of You and Me is one of those rare books that I instantly fell in love with after the first line. I read this: "There's always that one guy that gets a hold on you." and just like that I was hooked. This novel is a masterpiece and Jess Rothenberg seems to have a key to my very deepest thoughts, because everything about Brie I could relate to myself. Brie was so real and so alive (but, dead...) on the pages. She was everything I have been looking for in a protagonist. Funny, caring, sweet but with a dark side that's almost always hidden. Nothing could have prepared me for how much I adored this book. I was in English class one day, reading of course and honestly, the guy sitting next to me probably thought I was some emotional wreck.. This book will make you laugh and it will make you cry, all on the same page. Having a love for music will be a great thing while reading this story. At every chapter, with each new song for the title I would either be singing it in my head, or those rare ones that I didn't know I would look up and fall in love with. The music-chapters set such a great mood for this book!And of course, where would this review be if I did not talk about Patrick? The boy was hilarious and heart-broken. Absolutely gorgeous and what every teen girl hopes to find in their little slice of heaven when they die of a broken heart. His story is one of the biggest spoilers I can give to this review, so I'll just cut off here by saying that Patrick and Brie are officially on my list of all-time favorite characters. Plus, they're up there with Harry, Ron and Hermione. Wow, is all I can say. Despite the tears I shed over this book, it is definitely not a sad story. It has joy and hope and love and loss and everything else in between. I rarely cry while reading, but this one had me reaching for the tissues at some of the saddest parts, and the happiest. The Catastrophic History of You and Me was not like anything I was expecting, but it was so much better. The story is clearly over, but I am still yearning for more.

If you have not yet read this book, I highly recommend that you do. Rothenberg made this quirky, magical and unforgettable world that I loved  more than I can ever say!

Thanks for reading!
~Kristy