Thursday, January 31, 2013

The Fault in Our Stars (Review)


I did a buddy review with Megan over at  The Book Babe you can check out her awesome review of the book here.


The Fault in Our StarsBook: The Fault in Our Stars
Author: John Green
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 313
Source: Purchased

Blurb:
Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 13, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now.

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.
 
My Rating:
3.5
 
I expected this book to be so much better than it was. The hype is what killed it for me. I went into it expecting some life changing book and it just didn't live up to it. I liked this book. I didn't hate it or love it but I was left disappointed and mostly unsatisfied. I'm not saying the book wasn't beautiful because at parts it truly was. And then others just sort of fell flat.
 
Hazel at times was a good character but for the most part she seemed to be in a different universe. I'm sure she was meant to be a very likeable, strong character but at times her character just fell flat. Augustus on the other hand was extremely charming and charismatic. He wanted to leave a mark in the world and was always living his life to his fullest.
 
There were parts of this book that made me laugh and I admit that I cried at a few parts. There are moments where the romance is absolutely swoon worthy and others where the book just infuriates you to point where you want to smack some sense into the characters.
 
I had some issues with the way things were done in this novel as well. Hazel's parents just let her go to the house of some boy she's known for less than 2 hours. Which is strange since her mother hovers over her constantly whenever she's at home so why is she so lenient all of a sudden? And another thing is in the beginning of the novel her mother pushes her to get out of the house and make friends but when she does her mother complains that she's never home and makes it seem like Hazel is just doing it on purpose even though her mother told her to.
 
This book had me really excited but turned out to be a major let down for me. It was alright but not the wonderful novel that everybody made it out to be. This book is a tear-jerker there is no doubt about that but I believe that it could have been done in a way that would have brought out the full potential that this novel could have had.
 




Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Timeless Chapter Sample AND Timekeeper Book Trailer

I don't know about you guys but I haven't had a chance to read this series by Alexandra Monir. It sounds wonderful and I am just dying to read it now. So for all of you who haven't read the first book Timeless here is a chapter sampler provided by Random Buzzers.




And for all of you who have read the first book, here is the book trailer for Timekeeper, the second book in the series. The author actually wrote and sung the song in the trailer (How cool is that?) So if you're excited for this book check it out!


Monday, January 28, 2013

Darkness Becomes Her (Review)

Darkness Becomes Her (Gods & Monsters #1)Book: Darkness Becomes Her
Author: Kelly Keaton
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 273
Source: Purchased

Blurb:
Ari can’t help feeling lost and alone. With teal eyes and freakish silver hair that can’t be changed or destroyed, Ari has always stood out. And after growing up in foster care, she longs for some understanding of where she came from and who she is.
Her search for answers uncovers just one message from her long dead mother: Run. Ari can sense that someone, or something, is getting closer than they should. But it’s impossible to protect herself when she doesn’t know what she’s running from or why she is being pursued.
She knows only one thing: she must return to her birthplace of New 2, the lush rebuilt city of New Orleans. Upon arriving, she discovers that New 2 is very...different. Here, Ari is seemingly normal. But every creature she encounters, no matter how deadly or horrifying, is afraid of her.
Ari won’t stop until she knows why. But some truths are too haunting, too terrifying, to ever be revealed.
 
My Rating:


Like the last book I reviewed I picked this book up during vacation back in July of 2012 and it sat on my shelf until recently (I really should stop doing this) and once again I really wish I had started it right away. This book had mystery (well if you don't know Greek Mythology very well it's a mystery) and a little bit of romance and even some kick-butt fighting.

This book takes place in New Orleans, only it isn't the New Orleans we know. After the hurricanes that destroyed the city the rich families of the city bought it from the United States and created their own place where they had control which was then renamed New 2. Only this isn't a normal city anymore.

This whole book we follow a girl named Aristanae around. She gets into a lot of trouble while trying to find out information about her mother and her father. People are after her, extremely powerful people who she doesn't even know and all she wants to do is find out why she's so different from everyone else, with her silver hair and teal eyes. When she goes to New 2 she meets a whole cast of interesting characters from the swoon worthy Sebastian Lamarliere to little Violet with her pointed teeth who carries around an alligator named Pascal and Crank who is 12 years old and drives a mail truck.

The characters are all very likeable. Ari was kick-butt and while her search for who she really is took a paranormal turn, she is a very relatable character. Sebastian Lamarliere is distant and aloof at first but quickly opens up and we discover that aside from his obvious attractiveness he is a really caring and intelligent person. Violet was my absolute favorite character, she was so quirky from the alligator who is her friend to the fact that she wears mardi gras masks all the time. She trusts Ari completely and even fights to save her.

If you're a fan of Greek Mythology then this book is definitely for you.  Even if you know the myth this story is based on you will have a quick, fun read that will leave you wanting the next installment in this series.





Saturday, January 26, 2013

Stacking the Shelves #7

Stacking The Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews as a way to share all the books we got during the week!


Bought:

Trylle Trilogy Boxed Set
  • The Trylle Series box set by Amanda Hocking
    • Switched
    • Torn
    • Ascend

Library:
Masque of the Red Death (Masque of the Red Death, #1)Every DayLips Touch: Three Times
  • Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin
  • Every Day by David Levithan
  • Lips Touch: Three Times by Laini Taylor
Won (Sorry no pictures for these):

What did you guys get this week? Leave me a link in the comments and I'll be sure to stop by.

Friday, January 25, 2013

Anatomy of a Single Girl Excerpt at Random Buzzers

Okay guys, there's this really awesome excerpt over at Random Buzzers for Anatomy of a Single Girl by Daria Snadowsky. If you're interested in checking it out here is the link, (Anatomy of a Single Girl). If you read the first book, Anatomy of a Boyfriend and want to read the next in the series go check it out!




Monday, January 21, 2013

The Alchemy of Forever (Review)

The Alchemy of Forever (Incarnation, #1)Book: The Alchemy of Forever
Author: Avery Williams
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 246
Source: Purchased
My Rating: 5 stars
Blurb:
In the first novel of the Incarnation series, the immortal Serephina grapples with a wrenching truth: Falling in love might mean succumbing to death.People say “love never dies”…but love might be the death of Seraphina.

Seraphina has been alive since the Middle Ages, when her boyfriend, Cyrus, managed to perfect a method of alchemy that lets them swap bodies with any human being. Sera ran away from Cyrus years ago, when she realized that what they were doing—taking the lives of innocent people—was wrong. Yet she doesn’t want to die, so she finds young people who are on the brink of death, and inhabits their bodies.

Sera has just landed in the body of a girl named Kailey who was about to die in a car accident. For the first time, Sera falls in love with the life of the person she’s inhabiting. Sera also falls for the boy next door, Noah. And soon it’s clear the feelings are returned. But she can never kiss Noah, because for her to touch lips with a human would mean the human’s death. And she has even more to worry about: Cyrus is chasing her. If she stays in one place for long, she puts herself—and the people she’s grown to care for—in great danger. Will Sera have to give up the one thing that’s eluded her for centuries: true love?
 
 
I bought this book in July of 2012 at Books-A-Million during a sale for $3 and it sat on my bookshelf untouched until recently. I really wish that I had read this one sooner since I absolutely loved it.  Everything about this book drew me in, from the plot to the settings and the characters themselves.
 
I've never read a book anything like this one. The idea of Incarnates taking over new bodies every time they are about to die was a completely new thing for me and I am suprised to say that I found it very enjoyable. Plus this novel uses alchemy for these people to be able to do this and the topic of alchemy is cool to begin with before you throw in centuries old immortals jumping from body to body.
 
The characters were so well developed and had such unique personalities and I found myself being pulled into the struggles of Seraphina and hoping she found a way to make everything work out. I wanted her to find her happy ending, she deserved it. I hated Cyrus, he was such a mean guy. Sure he claimed to love Seraphina and maybe he really did but he was so controling, he wanted to regulate every part of her life and he quickly got on my nerves. Noah on the other hand I simply loved, he was such a caring and sweet boy and I really loved the dynamic he brought to Seraphina's life.
 
The story opens up in London in the middle ages and we are introduced to Seraphina while at a ball. This opening chapter was lovely and I just loved the whole masquerade theme to it even though the end of this chapter isn't quite so lovely, you will just have to read to find out what happens. The rest of the book takes place in present day California and the world is one we know all too well where everything seems normal but little do the unsuspecting people know there are centuries old being walking among them.
 
I loved the suspense this book brought, it had me on the edge of my seat a few times just praying the characters found a way to make things work and this book also brought a hint of romance that was simply adorable. I cannot wait for the next installment in this series, I hope it is every bit as exciting as The Alchemy of Forever

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Know Me Better #2

 
This weekly meme is hosted by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer. Each week she will pick 5 questions to answer and invites us to do the same.
 
This week's Questions:
 

10 words that describe yourself?
Favorite TV Shows?
If you could take over the world, would you?
Who was the first boy you kissed?
How do you unwind?

 
 
10 words that describe yourself?
Happy
Quiet
Quirky
Procrastinator
Perfectionist
Calm
Easy-going
Smart
Caring
Thoughtful
 
Favorite TV shows?
I am totally in love with Criminal Minds, I watch it every week when the new episodes air as well as any time I come across reruns on tv. I also really like Pretty Little Liars, CSI and NCIS. A guilty pleasure show I watch all of the time is Amish Mafia, I'm not sure why but I find it entertaining.
 
If you could take over the world, would you?
I definitely would not. I would not want to have to take care of that many people, my life is busy enough.
 
Who was the first boy you kissed?
His name was Chris and I was 12 or 13 at the time. It's not really memorable since he turned out to be not a nice person.
 
How do you unwind?
I mostly read to unwind. I will also either watch Criminal Minds, a movie or play with my Yorkshire Terrier (he's great at making me unwind).
 
It's your turn now! Share one or more answers to these questions in the comments or post on your own blog and link them up here!
 


Saturday, January 19, 2013

Stacking the Shelves #6

Stacking The Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews as a way to share all the books we got during the week!
 
Bought:
 
The Fault in Our StarsSplintered
  • The Fault in Our Stars(Exclusive Collector's Edition) by John Green
  • Splintered by A.G. Howard
 
 
 
Arcycling:
 
Racing CaliforniaAbsolute Midnight (Abarat, #3)
  • Abarat: Absolute Midnight (Book Three) by Clive Barker
  • Racing California by Janet Nichols Lynch
 
 
What did you guys get this week? Leave me a link in the comments and I'll be sure to stop by.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Cover Reveal: Bewitched (The Thaumaturgy Book 1) By Mark Jay Harris


"Bewitched is spell-binding! A highly-unique page-turner that hooks you from the first paragraph. With complex characters and unexpected twists and turns, Harris delivers and leaves you hoping for more!" - Stephanie Keyes, author, The Star Child series


 


Title: Bewitched (The Thaumaturgy Book 1)
Author: Mark Jay Harris
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Age Group: Young Adult
Publisher: Inkspell Publishing
Release Date: March 1st 2013

 
 
 
Blurb:

 Is it love or is it witchcraft? He’ll never find out if he kills her first.

 The first time Darren saw Samantha, she was floating above his high school gymnasium during a basketball game, invisible to everyone but him. Next time he sees her, she's sitting in front of him in class, wowing his friends and causing unexplainable things to happen that only he seems to notice. But things really get strange (and complicated) when his dying grandfather tells him that he is part of an ancient order, the “Pessum Ire,” whose duty is to destroy witches. What does he do now, since he’s almost positive Samantha is a witch…and he’s crushing on her pretty hard?

 
About the Author:

Mark Harris lives in Smithfield Utah, a small town located in a beautiful valley in Northern Utah. His wife, Shaundale, and he have four terrific children, two girls and two boys and a fifth one due to arrive in November of 2012. Mark has taught English and Special Education and currently works from home teaching English to people from all over the world. Writing has always been his true passion since he was a grade schooler writing about mushrooms. "Bewitched" will be his debut novel. He has two others underway and will soon start on the sequel to "Bewitched," called "The Return of the Familiar." He hopes you enjoy his work because he is working on several series geared toward younger audiences.
You can find Mark on his website



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, January 14, 2013

The Fallen (Review)

Fallen (Nine Lives of Chloe King Series #1)Book: The Fallen (The Nine Lives of Chloe King #1)
Author: Liz Braswell writing as Celia Thomson
Format: Paperback
Pages: 250
Source: Purchased
My Rating: 4 stars

Blurb:
Chloe King was a normal sixteen-year-old girl.
She did her homework and got good grades, but she wasn't afraid to ditch class sometimes to hang out with her best friends. She slept at home, but otherwise avoided all human contact with her mom. The usual stuff.
Then she fell from San Francisco's highest tower, and her life changed. For starters, she died. And then, she woke up.
Now Chloe's life is anything but normal: Suddenly guys are prowling around her, she's growing claws, and someone's trying to kill her.
Luckily for Chloe, she still has eight lives to go.


So unlike most people who had read this book I never watched the television show so I had no bias going into it. I actually picked this book up on vacation for $3 and for that price I couldn't pass it up seeing as it was cheap AND sounded interesting. Well I was right about it being interesting, I really enjoyed this book.

This book is fast paced and there are a couple twists that I never saw coming. It was extremely hard for me to put this book down seeing how I wanted to know what happened next. The plot is what really drew me in; a girl falling off a tower and dying but waking up and walking away like nothing ever happened but only to find out she's changing into something else by growing claws. Oh and somebody is trying to kill her.

I enjoyed some of the characters like Brian. He was so sensitive and he listened as Chloe complained about everything. Oh and he wore a hat that he knitted himself which had kitty cat ears on it, how awesome is that? Chloe was alright, she got on my nerves for a little while with her complaining about how her friends are dating and not paying attention to her and how Brian wouldn't kiss her etc. After he whiny period though she evolved into a likeable character, one who is kick butt and knows how to defend herself.

The only issue I had with this novel is that there were alot of references to sex and cursing but the actual writing style seemed more appropriate for a younger audience and not older teens.

Overall, this book was a light enjoyable read and I highly recommend it for people who are fans of the supernatural that like tons of action and some romance. I will definitely be checking out the next two books in the series.

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Calling All Bloggers! You Are Wanted for The List!

A list is being made by Kate over at Kate's Blog and one of the publicists at Entangled Publishing. It's the blogger list!If you're interested, you can check out Kate's post on the subject here.

You should join. Here's more info:


Calling all bloggers!

Calling all bloggers!

Entangled needs you! *points at you*

Be part of The List.

Here's what you need to know:

One of my awesome publicists at Entangled is compiling a list of bloggers.

Here are the requirements:

Do you have a blog?

Do you love to review books?

Do you want access to books before they release?

If your answers to these questions is a resounding "YES" then you're the right blogger for the job.

We want you! Now's a great time to join The List.

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Know Me Better #1

 
This weekly meme is hosted by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer. Each week she will pick 5 questions to answer and invites us to do the same.
 
This week's Questions:


Where is your favorite spot to read?
Are you a fast or slow reader? (you can test your reading speed here)
Fanfition - Love it or Hate it? Have your ever read/written it?
Summer or Winter?
Truth or Dare?
 
 
1. Where is your favorite spot to read?
I love to read while curled up on the couch but I tend to read wherever I am.
 
2. Are you a fast or slow reader?
I think I'm a pretty fast reader. It really depends on the book though. I go through books I really like quickly but it takes me forever to finish a book I don't really like.
 
3. Fanfiction - Love it or Hate it? Have you ever read/written it?
Fanfiction doesn't bother me. If you want to write stories about characters from other tv shows/books/movies etc it is your own business. I've read a few fanfictions but I've never written any.
 
4. Summer or Winter?
I will definitely have to say Summer. I can't stand extreme cold and I would rather be hot over freezing to death outside.
 
5. Truth or Dare?
Um, Truth. I don't really like people daring me to do things..too many slumber parties while in elementary and middle school that resulted in embarrassing dares.
 
It's your turn now! Share one or more answers to these questions in the comments or post on your own blog and link them up here!
 




Liebster Blog Award

This is just plain awesome ^.^ My blog has only been around since about October 14th of last year so being nominated for this award is just a ridiculously huge suprise.

I would like to thank Sophia @ for nominating me! I really appreciate it ^.^. You can find her on her blog: Bookwyrming Thoughts. You can also find her on Goodreads, Facebook, and Twitter.


Rules of the Liebster Blog Award:


1. Thank your Liebster Blog Award presenter on your blog and link back to the blogger who presented this award to you.

2. Answer the 11 questions from the nominator, list 11 random facts about yourself and create 11 questions for your nominees.

3. Present the Liebster Blog Award to 11 blogs of 200 followers or less who you feel deserve to be noticed and leave a comment on their blog letting them know they have been chosen. (No tag backs)

4. Copy and paste the blog award on your blog.
 
Questions from Sophia:
1. Because I'm a fairy tale person (LOL), if you were retelling a fairy tale, which one would you retell?

Well, I would love to do a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. There are just so many awesome things you can do to make that story your own.
2. If you could have a superpower, what power would it be?
I would love to have the ability to slow down time. That way I would have more time to read ^.^
3. Who or what inspires you to blog?
My love of reading is what first inspired me to start blogging and the really friendly people I've met are what keeps me doing it.
4. What types of books do you enjoy reading?
I really love to read Young Adult books. Any genre inside of that is alright by me but I also really enjoy Urban Fantasy books as well.
5. If you were stranded on an island and can only have 3 things, what would you have? (assume there's food, water and shelter already provided... miraculously)
Hmm, I would want to have books with me (obviously) as well as my iPod and finally I would love to have a journal with me so I can keep track of my adventure on the island ^_^.
6. What's your favorite childhood story that you would still enjoy today if you read it again?
Probably The Lion King. I had all of the disney books growing up and The Lion King was always my favorite. I'm really just a big kid at heart so I would still find myself drawn to the story.
7. Sorry for making anyone hungry, but random question: What's your favorite food?
My dad's chicken Parmigiana. It's the best, seriously.
8. If you could be any villain from a book, who would you be and why?
I really don't know. Maybe Lord Voldemort from Harry Potter? Just because Harry Potter is AWESOME.
9. What would you do if you had a million dollars?
I would donate most of it to charities that help homeless and abused animals as well as ones that help save endangered animals. If I had anything left I would probably buy a book..or ten...
10. What do you enjoy most about blogging?
I love that I get to put my opinions out there for people to see and that I get to help promote authors and books. I also really enjoy the blogging community, I've met so many wonderful people.
11. Any tips for new bloggers?
Don't be afraid to put yourself out there. Make connections and get to know people, you're part of a community now who support and help each other. Oh and don't start blogging just to get free books ^.^

Random Facts About Me.
1. I always order the same thing from Starbucks. Venti Carmel Macchiato. It never changes, ever.
2. When I was younger I truly believed Hogwarts had to exist somewhere, I was a huge Harry Potter fanatic if you couldn't tell.
3. My favorite band at the moment is Black Veil Brides, they are just so awesome.
4. I played the violin for 7 years in school but gave it up because I could not stand my Orchestra teacher in highschool.
5. I love the TV show Criminal Minds, I have a huge crush on Matthew Gray Gubler (Dr. Reid) and I own seasons 1-4 on DVD.
6. I hate tomatoes. I don't really know why but I do.
7. I still play the Pokemon video games. They're fun.
8. If I really like a book I will try to read it really slowly to make it last but it never works.
9. It's really easy to make me laugh.
10. I prefer to keep my emotions to myself.
11. I am a perfectionist..and a procrastinator. They don't work very well together.
My Nominees:
1. Stephanie @ In Wonderland
2. Kelly @ Paper Fantasies
3. Jules @ The Otaku-Bookworm
4. Tiffany @ The British Book Nerd
5.Ankita @ Booklok Coffee
6. AJ @ In the Land of Books
7. Lily @ Lily Pond Reads
8. Sadie @ Lyrics
9. Marie @ Marie's Bookworm Blog
10. Emily @ Read It and Geek
11. Melissa@ This is Your Brain on Books
 
My Questions:
1. Why did you start blogging?
2. If you could meet any author alive or dead who would it be and why?
3. What is your favorite novel that you were forced to read in school?
4. If you could travel to any world from a book which would it be and why?
5. If you could be friends with any book character who would it be?
6. What is your favorite color?
7. What is your favorite thing about blogging?
8. What is the one thing that bothers you most in books (pet peeve)?
9. What was your favorite book of 2012?
10. Have there been any books that you have read recently that have suprised you? Which ones?
11. Who is your number one book boyfriend?

Friday, January 11, 2013

Blog Tour: The Circle of Tivedon. Review, Excerpt and Giveaway

Tour Sign-Ups: The Circle of Tivedon by Ryan Shorten
 
 
The Circle of TivedonBook: The Circle of Tivedon
Author: Ryan Shorten
Format: Paperback
Pages: 251
Source: Provided by the author for the blog tour
My Rating: 4 stars
 
Blurb:
 
Attending Tivedon should have been the most exciting time in Jayl's young life. However, when inexplicable things begin to darken the hallowed halls of of the school and he's accused of murder, Jayl finds himself thrust into a quest to save himself, his home, and ultimately all of Tiertyn itself.

~Taken from the back of the book.

Review:
I am not a huge fan of fantasy but I really enjoyed this book. The world it was set in was really well built and the characters were very likeable.
 
The story starts off with a teenager and his sister going to a school to learn politics and diplomacy but they end up learning far more than what they imagined. The lessons that these students are taught were extremely interesting and I enjoyed the professors who taught them.
 
I loved the adventure that these students set out on, it was full of danger and these teenagers had a huge weight placed on their shoulders. Saying this, they did not loose their silly ways and their humor, which is one thing that I really enjoyed throughout the story.
 
I really liked the main character Jayl, he was a shy person and I found myself really connecting with his character. He liked to spend most of his time in the library reading books and hung out with a close circle of friends. Then we had his sister Myah, she's the complete opposite of her brother, she's outgoing and isn't soft spoken. We're also introduced to the students who become their friends throughout the story, there is Heret who is strange at times but extremely funny and then there is Calum who is a logical person who spent his youth fighting alongside the soldiers in his home country.
 
The plot of this novel was extremely interesting. A dark force that is threatening to take over and destroy the world and it is up to teenagers to save the day just makes for a great story line. The fight scenes in this novel were fast paced and full of action and there was never a dull moment.
 
The only thing that bothered me about this novel was that the characters were supposed to be older teens but they came off as a lot younger than they really were. I imagined them being in their younger teens as opposed to their late to older teens.
 
I never found myself getting bored with this story, when there wasn't fast paced action to keep you on the edge of your seat there was mysteries going on and interesting discussions on the history of the land that these characters live in. If you are a fan of fantasy and adventure you should definitely check this book out!
 
 
 
 
 
Book Links:
Goodreads
Amazon

Author Links:
Amazon Author Page



Excerpt:
Lady Halwenth looked past Toamus and let out an anguished cry before slumping into the outstretched arms of Sir Salvren. Jayl took a long look at the slain man, easily visible now that the guards had spread out. A streak of red ran down the side of his head and his neck seemed slightly askew. The hands were balled into fists, one of which clutched a torn piece of black cloth. Jayl thought instantly of the black-robed figure he had been chasing. .His eyes then recognized the long, silvery white hair of the figure on the ground.
Sir Palynt Wytund.
 
 
 
Giveaway:
We are giving away ONE paperback copy of The Circle of Tivedon by Ryan Shorten. This giveaway is for US/CAN only.

 
RULES:
-US/CAN ONLY
-Entries will be checked prior to prize being awarded.
-Winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to reply with their shipping/mailing address or another winner will be selected. Please check your SPAM folders.
-The Author is the one shipping out the book. 
 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

**The Circle of Tivedon is free for Kindle download on January 15th and January 21st**

Monday, January 7, 2013

New Layout!

So since it's the new year I decided that I wanted a whole new background/banner for my blog! I am completely in love with it., the color is so light and pretty and I love the bow on the banner. I found it on The Cutest Blog on the Block, what do you guys think about it?

In Your Dreams (Review)

In Your Dreams (In Your Dreams #1)Book: In Your Dreams
Author: Amy Martin
Format: Paperback
Pages: 253
Source: Won in a contest hosted by the author
My Rating: 4 stars

Blurb:
Sixteen-year-old Zara "Zip" McKee lives for three things: basketball, books, and bailing out of tiny Titusville, Illinois, where the junior high and high school are in the same building and everyone's known everyone else since birth. But when Kieran Lanier moves to town and passes out on her desk on his first day at school, Zip's life gets complicated in a way she never dreamed.

Kieran has narcolepsy, and although he sometimes struggles to stay awake, he has no trouble capturing Zip's heart and trusting her with his most guarded secret--he sees bits and pieces of the future in his dreams.

But just when Zip thinks that maybe she can handle having a boyfriend who sees things before they happen, her budding relationship with Kieran gets a jolt when Kieran's parents reveal that his sleeping disorder is not what it seems and may be putting them in harm's way. And when Zip begins to have unsettling dreams, she must decide if she can live with knowing the future in advance when she's afraid of what might happen.

*Recommended for Young Adult readers 13 and up (mild cursing, some adult situations)
 
 
I was so excited to find out that I had won this book from the author since the description of this book sounded fantastic. I haven't come across too many books in the Young Adult section that deal with the topic of narcolepsy (then again not much in the adult fiction sections either) and I became very interested in finding out what this book was about.
 
When you read the description you think "Oh there will be some paranormal twist seeing as Kieran can see bits and pieces of the future." Well there was no paranormal element to this book, at all and I think that because the author didn't take the easy route out the book ended up being much more interesting and likeable (Don't get me wrong I LOVE paranormal books, it just wouldn't have worked too well with this story).
 
I loved how the story takes place in a small town, it creates a story where the people involved all know each other and care about one another as well as the fact that the characters have to try hard to keep a very big secret because in a town that small everybody knows everyone else's business.
 
Zip was an interesting character. She was funny and spunky and loves to read. I found myself hoping that she gets her happy ending and that everything turns out alright for her. We also have Kieran the new boy in town who has narcolepsy. He's funny and loves to read as well. I immediately loved him seeing as he makes jokes about most things. Then we have Kayla who is Kieran's sister. She starts off distant and anti-social but you get to see another side of her and I found myself liking her as well.

While the main character loves basketball and it is discussed many times throughout the book I found myself able to keep up with the information and it was delivered in a way that made it very easy to understand, even for someone like me who knows absolutely nothing about basketball.
 
I never imagined this book would take the turn it did. I was suprised and I found myself hurrying through the pages just so I could find out what happened next. This book was a quick read and I will definitely be checking out the next in the series when it is published.