Weighted.

Weighted

Ciara Knight.

Publication Date:August 2012.

Genre:YA Fantasy.

Format|Pages:E Book|42.

Source:Recieved ARC from Author, for review.

5 STARS

I knew that I had to read Weighted when I came across it on Goodreads. Actually, the cover was what attracted me first, it’s completely stunning. However, once I read the summary, I knew that it was my type of the book, and I needed to read it, to see what happens, right after reading the summary. I was happy when I emailed author about ARC copy, glad she was able to provide me with copy, for review. Thank you Ciara, for providing me with opportunity of reading an early copy. I had enjoyed every aspect of this novella. It got me curious and excited for Neumarian Chronicles. I want to know what happens with the characters next, especially the way this story ended, I’m eager for more.

Weighted, is a Prequel to Neumarian Chronicles.

GOODREADS SUMMARY

The Great War of 2185 is over, but my nightmare has just begun. I am being held captive in the Queen’s ship awaiting interrogation. My only possible ally is the princess, but I’m unsure if she is really my friend or a trap set by the Queen to fool me into sharing the secret of my gift. A gift I keep hidden even from myself. It swirls inside my body begging for release, but it is the one thing the Queen can never discover. Will I have the strength to keep the secret? I’ll know the answer soon. If the stories are true about the interrogators, I’ll either be dead or a traitor to my people by morning

This is first ARC I received, so it’s pretty exciting for me. What I enjoyed about this novella, was the way it was written, it was unique and unlike any other book that I read before. It was fascinating for me to read. Ciara captured my attention right from the beginning of the book. I wanted to see what would happen to Raeth next. I was hoping that she would find some way to escape; actually I was hoping that Princess Semara would find a way to help her. The emotions, the descriptions in Weighted were beautifully written, filled with a lot of images. While reading it, I found myself imagining everything that was going on, what Raeth was going through. It made me cringe every time that she was tortured.

My favorite part in Weighted was the bond between Raeth and Princess Semara. I found it interesting that she found interest in her, that she wanted to help her. I was happy that at least Raeth had someone there to help her, to be her friend. The way she took care of her after she was tortured, made me smile. Even though she knew that the Queen would hit her, she still helped her. I did wonder what would happen, if she was able to help her more than she did, if an actual friendship would form between two of them.

I loved fact that some part of Novella was from Princess Samara’s Point of view, I felt like I got to know her more than before. I even felt sorry for her. I knew she got hit but I didn’t know how much till her version. I felt angry towards the Queen, for treating her own daughter that way. I just wish there was some way that she could stood up to her. The ending, that was amazing, it actually made me eager for the book to come out. Ciara Knight did an amazing job and I can’t wait for the series to come out.

Die For Me, Revenants, #1.

Die For Me.

Amy Plum.

Publisher:Harper Teen.

Publication Date:May 10,2011.

Genre:YA Fantasy, Romance.

Series:Revenants,#1.

Format|Pages:Hardcover|341.

Source:Library|Goodreads.

4.7 STARS

I have been wanting to read Die For Me when I came across it on Goodreads. Actually the cover was actually what attracted me first, it’s stunning. I love how the cover has the girl looking out into Paris, makes such beautiful image. I read the summary and saw a lot of good reviews about Die For Me, so I decided to check it out. I’m glad I did. I wasn’t sure how much I was going like it, because I’m not biggest fan of Zombies but it wasn’t what I was expecting, it was better. It was engaging, and got to the point where I had hard time putting it down. I found myself spending hours, reading the book. I was curious what was going to happen with characters next. Amy Plum’s, of Revenants was unique and unlike any other books I read. I’m looking forward to reading the next book, in series.

 GOODREADS SUMMARY

When Kate Mercier's parents die in a tragic car accident; she leaves her life--and memories--behind to live with her grandparents in Paris. For Kate, the only way to survive her pain is escaping into the world of books and Parisian art. Until she meets Vincent.

Mysterious, charming, and devastatingly handsome, Vincent threatens to melt the ice around Kate's guarded heart with just his smile. As she begins to fall in love with Vincent, Kate discovers that he's a revenant--an undead being whose fate forces him to sacrifice himself over and over again to save the lives of others. Vincent and those like him are bound in a centuries-old war against a group of evil revenants who exist only to murder and betray. Kate soon realizes that if she follows her heart, she may never be safe again

First, what I loved the most about this novel, was the fact that it was set in Paris, the most romantic city. I been there once, when I was little but I’m hoping to go back one day. Not many of the books I read are set in Paris, I liked that this was different from any other books. It made more romantic, especially when Vincent & Kate went on their dates, and end of the book which I think was most romantic scene between the two of them, made me smile. I could tell by the end of book, which Vincent didn’t only care about Kate, but loved her too. I was happy that Kate was able to find someone she could be happy with.

The one thing that I didn’t enjoy about this book, and reason for me giving the book 4 stars instead of 5, was Kate’s constant crying, that actually annoyed me. I understand that she was upset because she lost her parents, but it seemed constantly crying, if not over her parents but over Vincent as well. Even Georgia didn’t cry nearly that much. To be honest, I wasn’t sure what to think of Kate and Vincent relationship, at first. I felt like their relationship moved a little bit too fast. First, he’s rude to her and then they going on date together, it just didn’t seem too realistic to me. However as book progressed I found myself loving the relationship between two of them. I was hoping for something to occur between Kate & Jules, I actually liked him slightly more than Vincent. I have a feeling that a love triangle will be approaching.

I loved the relationship between Kate and her sister, and her grandparents. It seemed to me that they all had a trusting relationship among each other, and that isn’t something that happens among families, especially not in the books I read. I could tell that Georgia and Kate loved one another, the way two of them were always there for each other, way Kate tried protecting her sister. I was kind of hoping she tell her sister the truth. So, in general, this book is worth check it out, you won’t be able to put it down.

Angel Evolution, Evolution Trilogy, #1.

Angel Evolution.

David Estes.

Publisher:Smashwords.

Publication Date:October 17,2011.

Genre:YA Fantasy,Romance.

Series:The Evolution,#1.

Format|Pages:E Book|366.

Source: Author provided me with free copy, for review.

5 STARS

I have always enjoyed stories about angels, especially after reading Hush, Hush this past year. I came across Angel Evolution on Author’s page, the moment I read the description; I knew that I needed to read the book. I was happy when David Estes provided me with free e copy of the book, for review, so I want thank him for that. I was glad that he provided with that opportunity because I loved every aspect of the novel. It’s one of the books that I know I will end up reading multiple times, in the future. I loved the fact, that this novel was unlike any other I read, the fact that roles of angels and demons were reversed. It was unique. Each page, each chapter grasped my attention more, eager for me to find what was going to happen next. I found myself not wanting to put the novel down. It was engaging from beginning to the end. I would highly recommend this book.

Taylor notices something off about Gabriel, the moment she meets him in college. She notices a glow that nobody else seems to notice, not even her best friend, Sam. For a while, she has a negative feeling about him, that there something that scares her about him. Then Gabriel befriends her, even revealing what he is.

Within days, Taylor finds herself growing closer to him, and even falling in love with him. When the two of them fall in love, he reveals his ‘mission’ to her, at least his ‘mission’ and mentions that she’s the one who can help them win the war against demons. He convinces her to help them. However, then Christopher comes into picture, a demon who starts dating Sam.

The four of them become close friends and soon Gabriel realizes that he truly cares about Taylor. Now Question is, if he really should portray his mission and risk betraying Taylor. While Taylor needs makes decision to make on her own, who to trust?

  I loved the different take on Angels & Demons. I wasn’t expecting for Angels being the bad ones actually, at least in the beginning I didn’t. I knew there was something off about Gabriel from beginning, and I didn’t trust him but I didn’t know that he was angel, which was a surprising twist. I was hoping that Taylor would find out the truth, before she fell for him, I did kind of wonder what would happened if she came in contact with Chris first. The more Gabriel lied to her, the more I got worried for Taylor and angry with Gabriel. I found myself loving Gabriel, by middle of book once I realized that he truly cared for her.

Sam, Christopher was the other two characters I loved. Mostly because of their personality, and fact that both of them cared about Taylor. Way, Christopher looked out for her, to make sure she was okay, and when he realized that she was missing, instantly went to Sam to reveal everything. Sam is true friend, because she went with Christopher without hesitation. The relationship between Christopher and Sam was cute. Even though not much of it was shown till almost the end. I found myself smiling when the two of them confessed their love to one another. How they stood by each other. I’m curious what’s going to happen to them next.

Angel Evolution was beautifully written, portrayed with emotions from each of characters, I found myself imagining being right there with them. David brought the story to life for me; I could even imagine the battle, Taylor’s anger, and love towards Gabriel. I found like I got to know each character more since it was written from different character’s point of view from time to time. I even felt sad for Gabriel, Taylor when Gabriel got captured. I’m hoping that they will be able to save him, before time runs out.

This was enjoyable read, I can’t wait to get the next 2 books in trilogy, I’m eager to find out what happens with everyone next.I also loved the cover, beautiful. Thanks to David, for giving me opportunity to start this amazing series. I’m looking forward to his future works.

The Castaways.

The Castaways.

Elin Hilderbrand.

Publisher:Little Brown & Company.

Publication Date:July 7,2009.

Genre: Realthionships,Drama.

Format|Pages:E Book|359.

Source:Owned|Goodreads.

5 STARS

The Castaways was the first novel I read, by Elin Hilderbrand. I have wanted to read something by her, for few years now because I heard good reviews about the author. However I haven’t had a chance to read anything by her, till recently. I’m so glad that I did, it had me hooked from beginning right to the end. There was always something going on. I found myself rooting for some characters, while angry or frustrated with others. The Castaways was an emotional book to read because of subjects it deals with, death, and grief. Even though I found myself tearing up, more than once, I enjoyed everything about it. It was one of the books I’m glad I picked up.

The Castaways a story about six friends, who has deal with death of two of their best friends Tess & Greg MacAvoy who died, while sailing. However, there are some questions if it was an accident, or murder. Questions arise if there is someone to blame, for the accident. As each couple, each friend tries to comes with terms of their death, some secrets are revealed.

  What I found most interesting about this novel, was different point of view of each of Tess & Greg’s friends. I felt like I got to know each character bet, I got to see what each of them were feeling, what they were feeling about their friend’s death. Besides that, through reading the novel, I got to see how each of character changed through the book. The most change I saw was in Phoebe and Andrea. To me, it seemed like the reversed roles. While Phoebe became happier, more confident with herself, with her life, Andrea became depressed one. I had though she was the strong one, but then I saw how much the death affected her. I got say, I was proud of Phoebe though, for changing, for stopping taking all that medication. I could tell that Tess’s death hit Addison & Andrea hardest, for different reasons but out of entire group, seemed to affect them the most.

I enjoyed reading, about different things that each of friends, though about both Greg & Tess. The way Greg acted with Delilah actually made me curious if what he told others about April was the truth or not. Even after April confessed what had happened, before he died. I still wasn’t too sure how I felt about him. To me, I felt like there was something about him, that wasn’t quite, right. Even though Addison was married to Phoebe, I loved the relationship between him and Tess, I could tell that Addison truly loved her, it’s not often a grown man cries, unless he loves someone. Even though, Tess told him she loved him, I wasn’t sure how much she actually did love him. If she really did, she wouldn’t go sailing with Greg, but that’s my opinion.

In general, this was a very well written book, I found myself crying, holding my breath at times and each page made me eager for more. Actually, I didn’t want the book come to end. This book deals with meaning of true friendships, as well as relationships. Worth reading it. After reading this book, i plan reading other works of Elin Hilderbrand.

Exposure.

Exposure

Therese Fowler.

Publisher:Ballantine Books.

Publication Date:May 3,2011.

Genre:Romance,Drama.

Format|Pages: Hardcover|384.

Source:Library|Goodreads.

4.8 STARS

I came across Exposure accidently, while surfing Goodreads for some books. I’m glad that I did, it was one of most powerful realistic novels that I read. It deals with issues that had happen, and can happen out in real world. The story, the language was beautifully written and filled with so much emotion, action. For me, it got hard to put down the novel, I wanted to see what would happen with Amelia & Anthony next; I needed to know if they will make it through this. I think this is type of novel, which both adults and teenagers should read.

  Amelia Wilkes & Anthony Winter, high school students who are in love, and plan in starting in Broadway together. However, their relationship is only known to Kim Winter, Anthony’s mother who is also teacher at their school. While, Amelia is keeping her relationship a secret from her strict parents.

  Amelia & Anthony plan to reveal to her parents, of her relationship to her parents as soon as she turns 18 and her plans with Anthony. Their relationship is discovered sooner than Amelia wants to, when Amelia’s father discovers naked pictures of Anthony on her laptop. Against Amelia’s pleading, he contacts 911, saying that Anthony was prying on his daughter. After that everything, their plans fall apart for both Amelia & Anthony.

I think that Exposure is one novel everyone should read, especially teenagers and parents with teenagers. It’s the issue that both should be aware of, because it something that can happen to anyone. In way, a novel got hard to read at times, because it seemed like things got worse for both Anthony and Amelia. However, the fact that they were always something going on, and is one of things that kept me on reading, because I wanted to see what would happen next, how it will turn out for Anthony and Amelia. As I read the book, I got a feeling that it wasn’t going end well for them.

What I found interesting about novel, was that it was told from Amelia, Anthony and Anthony’s Mother and Amelia’s Point Of View, it got me to see into each character and get to know what they were feeling. Even though I knew why Amelia’s father did what he did, I wasn’t fond of him, I think he should at least listened to his daughter, but anytime she tried tell him something, he brushed right away, refused to believe it. Also keeping her away from Anthony wasn’t the best move. I kept waiting for him to come to sense, to see how much they love another. I got say I was surprise by his actions, towards the end. Now, Kim, Anthony’s mother, I loved and loved the way she supported Anthony. Way she tried keep positive attitude even after how she started being treated after Anthony’s arrest.

Now my favorite was Anthony & Amelia’s relationship. Even, with everything falling apart around them, I could see how much they truly loved one another; it made me sad for them that they couldn’t see each other. I was glad they at least had Cameron so they could see each other from time to time. In way, I was happy when they ran away together but then another part of me, knew that things would get worse for them, especially when they got caught. However, their love was filled with so much passion, and it felt real. I was so happy to find out that they ended up together at the end, it was the ending I wasn’t expecting, especially since Anthony was on verge of death.

Be sure to check it out, It’s worth it.

The Story Of Us.

The Story Of Us

Deb Caletti.

Publisher:Simon Pulse.

Publication Date:April 24,2012

Genre:YA Drama,Romance.

Format|Pages:E Book|390.

Source:Owned|Goodreads.

Challenge:Stand Alone.

4.7  STARS

Story Of Us was the 2nd Deb Caletti novel I read, and found myself that I discovered this author. She has a way of connecting with reader, catching the reader’s attention that will keep on reader keep on reading. Originally what captured my attention is cover of the novel which I think is absolutely beautiful. After reading the summary, I knew that I had read it; I was curious what’s going to happen just from reading the summary. I needed to know what would happen with Cricket, her mother, Dan. Way Calletti portrayed the characters, was striking, I found myself loving almost all of them.

Even if it’s only 2nd book I read, after reading Story Of Us, Deb Caletti became one of my favorite authors. Her writing is beautiful, well written. I look forward to reading rest of her novels.

 It's  supposed be a time, for celebration when her family comes together for her mother’s wedding. However the timing for Cricket is anything but worth celebrating. Cricket and her longtime boyfriend, Janssen are taking a break, after Cricket does something she wishes she could take back. Janssen walked away, and this time possibly for good.

Cricket had always feared of chance, but now she’s forced to make a decision that might change her life. During her week with her and Dan’s family, Drama unfolds, fearing that Dan will be Husband number 3 to be left at altar. However she’s more frighten by her desires when she finds herself attracted to Ash, while still having Janssen on her mind, making her decision even tougher.

Caletti’s writing is beautiful, and more realistic that some of other novels I read. Caletti doesn’t only focus on romance like most of books these days seem to, but she also focuses on real life decisions, family issues, and to keep on going. That’s what most of this book focused on. Even though there was romance in it, it mostly focused on family issues especially when Dan’s daughters showed and clearly showed that they weren’t happy about the wedding, or her. Especially Amy. When Cricket meets Ash, and finds herself attracted to him. It deals with decisions that Cricket has to make, and also making sure that her mother won’t leave Dan before the wedding.

  My favorite in story was the emails that Cricket wrote to Janssen while she was away. All those emails were filled with a lot of emotion. I thought it was unique how we found how they met, how they got together through emails. I loved the relationship of Cricket and Janssen before they even got together. It made me wonder what went wrong between two of them, for longest time it seemed like they had the best relationship. When answer came, I found myself in shock, that wasn’t what I expected. After that, I couldn’t blame Janssen for asking Cricket to decide. I found myself smiling when he came to see Cricket, after her dog died. However I was hoping they work it out then, I wasn’t too happy of ending.

  I found it interesting, the relationship between Ash & Cricket, because it was filled with tension most of the time. I actually thought that she would end up going back to him. I was sure it would happen, at the end when Janssen walked away. To me, the ending didn’t feel complete, it was only what I wasn’t fond in the book. Story Of Us is worth checking out, it’ll make you smile, make you cry and it always keeps you on wondering what’s going to happen next.

Article 5, Article 5,#1.

Article 5.

Kristen Simmons.

Publisher:Tor Teen.

Publication Date:January 31,2012.

Genre:YA Dystopian,Romance.

Series:Article5,#1.

Format|Pages:Hardcover|364.

Source:Library|Goodreads.

Challenge:Debut Author.

5 STARS

I had always enjoyed Dystopian novels, but I began to get more into them ever since I read The Pledge & Shatter Me which I got for Christmas. Out of the Dystopian novels I read over the past few months, Article 5 was my favorite, I couldn’t put this book down, I actually had force to put this book down so I could finish my homework. Article 5 was different from other dystopian novels I read, which made it unique. Actually the title was what captured my attention to begin with, and once I saw the cover and read the description, I knew it be a novel I would enjoy. It was one of most intense novels I read, filled with drama, action. I found myself thinking about book when I wasn’t reading it, wondering what was going to happen next. I can’t wait for the next book in series.

  Article 5 takes place right after a major war has devastated the United States, which caused many cities to be evacuated. Now, new government has taken over and replaced the Bill Of Rights with strict Moral Statues that everyone must follow or be faced with death. Seventeen year old Ember Miller had been living quietly with her rebellious mother for past 3 years, till soldiers show up at her doorstep, arresting her mother for Breaking Article 5 Statue. What makes it even worse is that one of arresting officers is only guy she ever loved, Chase.

Ember tries to fight the officers, to get to her mother, only to get arrested and put into Reform School for Girls. Ember finds herself living under strict rules. All that Ember knows is that she has find way to escape, have find her mother and see if she is all right. That’s when Chase comes to her rescue, and two of them go on run, together.

  Ember was a great main character. Even though she broke down few times but with everything that she’s gone through, I would to. No matter what happened, she didn’t give up on finding her mother. Ember had a lot of courage, strength ever after watching her mother being taken away, getting beaten at the school, she kept on going, and that’s a strength that not everybody had, I know I wouldn’t. It made me admire her. I loved her right from beginning, right after I saw way she was fighting for her mother; she got herself in trouble, for her. I saw how much she changed through the book, through her journey with Chase. I loved fact how Ember still saw good in Chase even if he wasn’t the nicest person to her in the beginning. I found myself rooting for her, through the entire novel.

Chase, now that’s another character I loved. Even thought in beginning I wasn’t too fond of him, but that’s mostly because of the way he treated Ember. I mean, I understood why he did what he did but I felt like he wasn’t being fair to Ember. I did found their relationship interesting; due to fact that there was so much tension between two of them and that Author didn’t have them fall in love after first page. The fact that the two of them had a history, made even more entertaining and it did make me wonder why Chase was acting so harsh towards her. I did enjoy way they kept going back and forth, one minute kissing, the next fighting again; it made the story more interesting to read. Even though they had their moments, I knew they cared about one another. I had a feeling; from moment Chase came to rescue her.

  In conclusion, I was hooked from the end, to very end. Each chapter was always filled with some sort action, drama if it was Chase & Ember trying to escape, fights, and Romance. It had just the right ending, but it made me even more excited for the next novel, I’m not sure if I can wait a year to read, I need know what happens next with Chase & Ember, right now. Be sure to check this book out, it’s one of the best YA Dystopian novels of this year, you won’t regret it.