Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

Author: Laurie Halse Anderson

Pages: 288

Series or Standalone?: standalone

Buy This Book:

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Amazon

Borders

IndieBound

“Dead girl walking,” the boys say in the halls.
“Tell us your secret,” the girls whisper, one toilet to another.
I am that girl.
I am the space between my thighs, daylight shining through.
I am the bones they want, wired on a porcelain frame. 

Lia and Cassie were best friends, wintergirls frozen in matchstick bodies. But now Cassie is dead. Lia's mother is busy saving other people's lives. Her father is away on business. Her step-mother is clueless. And the voice inside Lia's head keeps telling her to remain in control, stay strong, lose more, weigh less. If she keeps on going this way—thin, thinner, thinnest—maybe she'll disappear altogether. 

Wintergirls is the kind of novel that, when you turn the last page, you just sit there thinking. And thinking. And thinking.

This novel deals with girls being ashamed of their image and how they look, and the lengths they will go to change themselves. The things that a person will do to make themselves “thin” or “pretty” can be fatal if it goes too far, as Lia herself learns.

BUT, while this novel deals with those problems, it’s not about them. Anorexia and bulimia were not the disease, only the symptoms. When people describe this book, they often say “Lia suffered from anorexia.” No, she didn’t. She suffered from a crappy life, she suffered from her own fears and insecurities. Lia suffered from herself. Anorexia and cutting were how she escaped. I’m not saying those are right by any means, but this novel isn’t about that. It’s really about coming to terms with yourself, and learning to accept who you are is who you will always be. There are just some things you can never change, and some things you’re not supposed to change.

This novel, for me, was scary as hell, but completely amazing. It delved right into Lia’s mind, into her problems. It really made me think about myself and all of my insecurities, and it helped me accept some things.

Anderson writes with such stark, vivid, dark tones that there were some parts where I had chills running through me. I read this book in one sitting because I just couldn’t stop reading.

I absolutely recommend this book to teenage girls, especially those that have doubt about themselves or who they are.

Add Wintergirls on Goodreads and Shelfari.

Darklight by Lesley Livingston

Author: Lesley Livingston

Pages: 336

Series or Standalone?: 2^nd in trilogy

Buy This Book:

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Amazon

Borders

IndieBound

Much has changed since autumn, when Kelley Winslow learned she was a Faerie princess, fell in love with changeling guard Sonny Flannery, and saved the mortal realm from the ravages of the Wild Hunt.

 Now Kelley is stuck in New York City, rehearsing Romeo and Juliet and missing Sonny more with every stage kiss, while Sonny has been forced back to the Otherworld and into a deadly game of cat and mouse with the remaining Hunters and Queen Mabh herself.

When a terrifying encounter sends Kelley tumbling into the Otherworld, her reunion with Sonny is joyful but destined to be cut short. An ancient, hidden magick is stirring, and a dangerous new enemy is willing to risk everything to claim that power.
Caught in a web of Faerie deception and shifting allegiances, Kelley and Sonny must tread carefully, for each next step could topple a kingdom . . . or tear them apart.

**Beware, if you have not read Wondrous Strange, DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW!**

Wow, where do I possibly begin with Darklight? I adore this series so much. The premise is so enthralling: Kelley is actually the daughter of the Winter King and the Autumn Queen, stolen away when she was a baby by a mortal woman whose son was also stolen by the fey. That son just so happens to be Sonny Flannery, the boy that Kelley is madly in love with.

Fun, right?

Not just that, but Kelleys’ father, Auberon, has taken his side of Kelley’s birthright from her, leaving her with only her mother’s very potent, darker magick. At the Samhain gate is cracking, letting creatures through and making more work for the Janus guard.

This book was a perfect continuation of Wondrous Strange. It picked up slightly after WS ended, and immediately threw you into action. Kelley takes a trip to Central Park, which she should be avoiding, and from there things go bad.

What really surprised me about this book is the not-so-subtle hinting at Team Fennrys!!!!!! WHOA. From the moment that he started getting some major air time, I couldn’t stop thinking, “Okay, this is going somewhere. But where?” I’m also slightly chagrined to say that I can totally see Kelley with Fenn… But I don’t think it would be right. She belongs with Sonny.

If you liked Wondrous Strange, you’ll love Darklight. I was turning pages frantically, needing to know what happened next. In fact, I started at finished this book in just over 2 hours. I give this novel 5 out of five stars.

Read my review of Wondrous Strange here!

350 Page Challenge BUTTONS!

Here are some buttons I made that you can put up on your blog to link back to here.
What's the 350 Page Books Challenge? Find out HERE!

Will probably update with more soon. ;)

Until then, remember to sign up!

350 Page Books 2011 Challenge

I’ve noticed that, while I love thick books, I tend to avoid those unless absolutely necessary. So, while I force myself to read the big books, I figured I would make it fun and include you guys too.

And so the 350 page books challenge was born. The objective is to read as many books as possible that contain 350 pages.

The challenge will last from January 1^st, 20110- December 31^st, 2011.

The Guidelines:

·      *This challenge does not have to only include YA, but it should be predominantly YA that means at least 75% of the books you read should be young adult fiction.

·     * Each book MUST contain 350 pages or more.

·      *Only physical copies and e-books will count toward the challenge. (Sorry, but audio books don’t have pages!)
Y  YES, e-readers DO count! :) 

·       -You can add each book as you read them. You do NOT have to make a list.

One randomly picked participant will receive a massive prize pack with BOOKS and ARCs and SWAG!

So, if you’re willing to join, please fill out the form below!

 Good luck! Have fun reading!

Go HERE for some challenge buttons you can put on your blog

People Participating:

Abducted By Books

Aries R. Smith's Official Blog

A Reader With a Voice

Annette's Book Spot

Book Lovers Blog

Book Noise

Book Fanatics

Books of Amber

Book Geek Central

Books Like Fairytales

Booklady's Booknotes

Bibliophilic Monologues

Books for Company

Braiden's YA Concontion

Brittany

Bewildered by Books

The Bookworm is Here

The Book Nymph

Books for Company
Bookworm Reviews

The Cover Reviews
Colleen Write Now

The Darcy Review

DanaDoesRead

Erin

Fishing For Diamonds (Gems and I)

Heather

Inside the Mind of Holly Savannah

I Heart Books

Just Another Book Addict
Journal One Twenty

Katie's Amazing Book Reviews

Kayla's Book Chat
Kiwi

The Little Bookworm

Loves To Read

Lucy Was Robbed
Loving Books
Lazy Girl Reads

Moirae (the fates) Book Reviews

Moonstar's FantasyWorld

Mariah

The Mod Podge Bookshelf

OCD About Books

Pages of Forbidden Love

Priscilla
Pretty Deadly Reviews
The Paperback Princesses

Random Ruminations

Resugo

The Reader Room

Rachel

Sherri's Book Blog

Sword's For Fighting

Splash of Our Worlds

Small Review

Sniffly Kitty's Mostly Books

Serious Insanity
Starry Sky Books
SpecialK

Unputdownable Books

The Vintage Bookworm

Quinn

Yanely

YASFF

SIGN UP FOR THIS CHALLENGE IS OVER! 

Legacy by Cayla Kluver

Author: Cayla Kluver

Pages: 464

Source: Purchased from Amazon

Series or Standalone?: 1^st in trilogy

The first boy disappeared on the day of his birth, on a night when the pale yellow moon of the nighttime sky turned red and bathed the heavens in the ghastly color of blood, on the same night the Kingdom of Cokyri abruptly ceased its merciless attack. Across the land of Hytanica, under the shadow of the crimson moon, infant boys continued to vanish. Not until the blood had faded from the sky did the disappearances stop, and the bodies of the murdered infants were found outside the gates of the city, a final word from the greatest enemy Hytanica had ever known. For the next sixteen years, peace reigned, but one mystery remained unsolved. The Cokyrians had abducted forty-nine newborns, but returned only forty-eight bodies. Now, as seventeen-year-old Princess Alera of Hytanica is besieged from all sides by suitors vying for the Throne, a teenage Cokyrian boy, Narian, is encountered within the walls of her Kingdom, a boy who will show Alera a world where women serve a purpose and not just a husband. As Narian helps Alera find her voice, she struggles against an arranged marriage that will shatter the life she has scarcely begun to live. And when Narian's shocking past is uncovered, and war with Cokyri looms once more, he must fight to defy a fate ordained at his birth.

* * *

If I had not already known that Cayla Kluver, the author or Legacy, was fifteen years old when she wrote this book, I would’ve never guessed after reading it. It was written in the tone of an older and more experienced writer, and I commend Kluver for a job done amazingly!

Legacy is set in the fictional land of Hytanica, which years ago had been at war with merciless land of Cokyri. One night, the Cokyrians kidnapped 49 of Hytanica’s male babies, killed them, and left the bodies outside the city walls. Only 48 bodies were found.

Seventeen years later, Alera, Princess of Hytanica, must find a suitable new King. The obvious choice is Steldor, the haughty and conceited son of the military leader. Alera loathes him, though, but this only causes him to try harder. I actually really loved Steldor. And then Narian comes along, the long lost son of a Hytanican baron, who had been raised in Cokyri. Narian changes the way Alera sees the world, and even herself.

Alera’s relationship with both these boys was amazing. She has a love/hate thing going on with Steldor, where one moment she’s pissed beyond reason, and the next, he’s not being so bad. I actually really loved Steldor, and if Narian wasn’t in the equation, I would totally ship Alera and Steldor.

BUT.

Narian. I adored him. He’s strong, hardheaded, and unbelievably sweet. Just as Alera fell in love with him, so did I. I really, REALLY can’t wait to read the next book and see what’s going to happen between them. I mean, with how Legacy ended… Ahh! It’s definitely a nail biter.

Legacy was an amazing read that I simply couldn’t put down. I was delighted to see that it was a large, thick book and kept me entertained for quite some time. Kluver manages to capture you from the very first pages. The plot was well-paced, and wonderfully written. This is definitely on my favorites list.

NOTE: Legacy will be re-released through Harper Teen sometime next year.

Happy Thanksgiving, you guys. What I'm Thankful for...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING. You guys all go out and have fun, and eat all your food. I know I will. Today, I'll be the one with a turkey leg in her hand. Haha.

But I really am thankful for so much in my life. My brothers, my family, my friends, all the new friends I've made this year that I feel such a strong connection to.... That includes all of you.

I'm pretty sure no one realizes just how extremely, EXTREMELY thankful I am to have each and every one of you as a part of my blogging experience. I am the heart behind this blog, and you guys are the soul. 

So I thank you. THANK YOU. 

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Author: Cassandra Clare
Pages: 485
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Genre: YA Paranormal
Source: Purchased
Buy the Book

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder - much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing - not even a smear of blood - to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know...

Cassandra Clare’s City of Bones is a riveting story that I couldn’t put down, and didn’t want to put down! From page one, I was completely ensnared. There was just something in the way Clare set up the opening for us that leaves the air thick with tension, and the reader saying, “Okay, something is going to go down.” I swear, I can’t pinpoint exactly what it was that had me so captivated. This is just one of those books that you either absolutely fall over loving, or you puke your guts out hating. I fell hard.

CITY OF BONES begins in a club in New York named Pandemonium. There we meet Clary, short for Clarissa, and her best friend Simon. Clary is witness to a brutal murder, although she seems to be the only one who CAN see this killing out of an entire club packed with sweating dancers. This event is a catalyst that sends her life spiraling into a territory she never knew existed, and she will be surprised to find she is a major part of it. I thought that the pacing of the novel was amazing. It created an action-y atmosphere, while of course throwing romance and teetering friendships into the mix.

I know, I’ve been reduced to a fan girl.

Jace was (of course) my favorite character. I’m a total bad boy lover, and Jace’s sarcastic wit and humor, as well as all-around badassness just made him irresistible. I actually loved all the characters.

Yes, yes I know this is a gushing review, but to be honest, City of Bones is absolutely one of my favorite books. It’s one of those books that you don’t come by very often, and that you didn’t really have any issues with after reading it. Truly, this is a very rare occurrence with me, as I’m a rather large snob when it comes to novels, but I loved CoB.

Anyone who picks up CITY OF BONES is in for a thrill ride, jam packed with obstacles and impossibilities galore. Clare creates a delectable tale full of twists and turns that even J.K. Rowling would be envious of. And, seriously, that cover. Yum. I give this novel 5 out of 5 stars.

Undone by Brooke Taylor

Author: Brooke Taylor

Pages: 320

Source: Purchased at Barnes and Noble

Series or Standalone?: Standalone

When Kori Kitlzer, the “dark angel” of the 8th grade, tells Serena Moore that they are more alike than she thinks, Serena is instantly intrigued.  As their friendship solidifies and their lives entwine, Serena tries to become more like the fearless, outspoken, and ambitious Kori. Soon Serena doesn’t know where she begins and Kori ends. But when a twist of fate yanks Kori away from Serena, she will need to find a way to complete her best friend’s life left undone. 

* * *

This book is one of those novels that really makes you think. It deals with so many important issues such as drugs, sex, teenage pregnancy, parenthood, growing up without a parent, and the true tests of friendship.

Kori was outrageous and a risk-taker. She did everything without fear, but that also included doing some unhealthy, illegal things. But she loved Serena, and deep down she only wanted the best for her. Of course, all the characters in the book do drugs and smoke and drink, and that was the only thing I didn’t like.

I guess I don’t like books like that, because, as a teenager myself attending high school, I think it’s pretty unrealistic. Honestly, I do know people who do drugs, but it’s a very severe minority, and they absolutely don’t do it as openly as the characters in this book. The drug use is so casual. It gives an image that high school kids are all like that.

But I did love the message the story gave. Serena had spent her whole life wishing she had a father, and that played a major role in shaping her personality. And then to lose her best friend, who seemed to be the only thing anchoring her down to earth, it really tore her apart. She then had to rebuild her own life, and find herself as opposed to what she was trying to make herself be.

The writing was fine. It was written more in the tone of a teenager, which was good because it helped get into Serena’s head. Also, the cover is alright.

Plot: 4/5

Cover: 4/5

Writing: 3/5/5

Uniqueness: 4/5

Characters: 2.5/5

Overall: 

Shrinking the TBR Pile #5

Over time, my TBR pile has grown to epic proportions that I can just barely contain. It has many amazing books that I would love to read, but since they’re all so great, I find it so hard to decide.

Soooo.

I have decided to number each book, then put pieces of paper with numbers on them in a bag, and every Sunday, I will pull out 3 numbers and those will be the books that I read that week. Hopefully. Of course, I won’t be confined to those 3 books, I could read more, in which case I would simply pull another number from the bag, and so on.

If you are participating, you don't need to pull 3 books. You can pull as many as you want: 1 book, 4 books. However many you like.

Last week, I pulled the books Undone by Brooke Taylor, Splendor by Anna Godbersen, and Confessions of a Serial Kisser by Wendelin Van Draanen. I only finished Undone, so Splendor and Confessions go back into my TBR pile and back into the drawing.

This week, the numbers I pulled were:

3, 64, and 58.

The corresponding books are:

Darklight by Lesley Livingston

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink

What did you guys pick to read this week? Link to your post in the Linky list below!

In My Mailbox #9

IMM was started by Kristi at The Story Siren.

For Review:

Purchased:

What did you guys get? Link in the comments and I'll head on over! :)

2011 Debut Author Challenge

This year, I'm going to participate in the Debut Author Challenge, hosted by The Story Siren. Go on over and join the fun!

1. Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton
2. A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford
3. The Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Oliver
4.  The Lipstick Laws by Amy Holder
5. Across the Universe by Beth Revis
6. Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton
7. Timeless by Alexandra Monir
8. The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter
9. Countess Nobody by Lynn Bonasia
10. Witch Eyes by Scott Tracey
11. The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton
12. A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies

I plan to read a heck of a lot more debuts than this, but this is a start, right? Right. :)

Link to your challenges in the comments, and I'll go over and check them out! (Maybe get some ideas for more books I can read.)

Soundtrack to My Story Saturday (2)

Soundtrack to My Story is something that I became inspired to do one day when I was listening to my iPod and reading simultaneously, and the perfect song came on to match the story.

STMS is basically matching up any books you've read this week, as well as any books you're in the process of reading, with a song that you know of that matched the storyline or overall theme of the book.

If you're participating, not only include info about the book, but also a some info about the band/musician.  Possibly link to their website, or add a quick bio. But absolutely include the song!



This week, I read Undone by Brooke Taylor:

When Kori Kitlzer, the “dark angel” of the 8th grade, tells Serena Moore that they are more alike than she thinks, Serena is instantly intrigued.  As their friendship solidifies and their lives entwine, Serena tries to become more like the fearless, outspoken, and ambitious Kori. Soon Serena doesn’t know where she begins and Kori ends. But when a twist of fate yanks Kori away from Serena, she will need to find a way to complete her best friend’s life left undone. 

The song that I chose to correspond with it is Boulevard of Broken Dreams by Green Day.

Shrinking the TBR Pile #5

Over time, my TBR pile has grown to epic proportions that I can just barely contain. It has many amazing books that I would love to read, but since they’re all so great, I find it so hard to decide.

Soooo.

I have decided to number each book, then put pieces of paper with numbers on them in a bag, and every Sunday, I will pull out 3 numbers and those will be the books that I read that week. Hopefully. Of course, I won’t be confined to those 3 books, I could read more, in which case I would simply pull another number from the bag, and so on.

If you are participating, you don't need to pull 3 books. You can pull as many as you want: 1 book, 4 books. However many you like.

Last week, I pulled the books Undone by Brooke Taylor, Splendor by Anna Godbersen, and Confessions of a Serial Kisser by Wendelin Van Draanen. I only finished Undone, so Splendor and Confessions go back into my TBR pile and back into the drawing.

This week, the numbers I pulled were:

3, 64, and 58.

The corresponding books are:

Darklight by Lesley Livingston

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink

What did you guys pick to read this week? Link to your post in the Linky list below!

200 Follower Giveaway!

Woo! I've finally reached 200 followers! In honor of this achievement, I've decided to have a little giveaway.

I'll be giving away:

An ARC of Jumpstart the World

An ARC of Teenage Waistland

This giveaway will last until December 5th! It is only open to residents of the US, sorry international bloggers!


To enter this contest, simply fill out the form below:

Evermore by Alyson Noel

Author: Alyson Noel
Pages: 320
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Source: Purchased
Genre: YA Paranormal
Buy the Book

Since a horrible accident claimed the lives of her family, sixteen-year-old Ever can see auras, hear people’s thoughts, and know a person’s life story by touch. Going out of her way to shield herself from human contact to suppress her abilities has branded her as a freak at her new high school—but everything changes when she meets Damen Auguste…

Ever sees Damen and feels an instant recognition. He is gorgeous, exotic and wealthy, and he holds many secrets. Damen is able to make things appear and disappear, he always seems to know what she’s thinking—and he’s the only one who can silence the noise and the random energy in her head. She doesn’t know who he really is—or what he is. Damen equal parts light and darkness, and he belongs to an enchanted new world where no one ever dies.

Evermore was simply another fish in the current of mainstream paranormal romance. Admittedly, the idea of Alchemy is not a great deal common, but there are the unavoidable stereotypes that hold true throughout all of today’s YA Paranormal Fantasy.

The unearthly beautiful boy who captivates the female protagonist with his unique looks and debonair charm that NO other man could ever equate to.
The main female character that is utterly defenseless when it comes to her love interest. (See above example.)
The mundane bitch who’s only goal in life is to see the leading lady fall flat on her love struck little ass.
The inhuman bitch who is out to kill our leading lady, for xyz reasons.

The list goes on. Really, it does.

But, Evermore was a good read. I can’t take that away from Alyson Noel. She knows how to write a captivating story that does leave you wanting more. I can see where the Twilight comparisons come in, but, really, look at Evermore for what it is: A fun read.

Ever was kind of bratty, I thought. She was too stuck in the past, not even trying to move forward with her life. She alienated everyone, even her two best friends Miles and Haven. I understand she lost her family in a car accident, but she won’t even give her aunt the gratitude she deserves for taking care of Ever. And then, of course, classic case of crush on the mysterious hot new guy… I give this novel 3 out of 5 stars.

Princess Academy by Shannon Hale

Author: Shannon Hale

Pages: 336

Source: Purchased from Barnes and Noble

Series or Standalone?:  Standalone

Miri lives on a mountain where, for generations, her ancestors have quarried stone and lived a simple life. Then word comes that the king's priests have divined her small village the home of the future princess. In a year's time, the prince himself will come and choose his bride from among the girls of the village. The king's ministers set up an academy on the mountain, and every teenage girl must attend and learn how to become a princess.

Miri soon finds herself confronted with a harsh academy mistress, bitter competition among the girls, and her own conflicting desires to be chosen and win the heart of her childhood best friend. But when bandits seek out the academy to kidnap the future princess, Miri must rally the girls together and use a power unique to the mountain dwellers to save herself and her classmates.

* * *

So, girls, how many of you have dreamt of being a princess at least once in your life? I know I have, many, many times in my day.  Which is why I really liked this book.

I read this book while my mom was getting her mani/pedi done, and I had nothing else to do but twiddle my thumbs and stare into space. And then I remembered that I had brought a book with me and pulled it out. I finished it that day, just before my mom’s nails finished drying. That’s how much I liked it.

Admittedly, it’s more of a younger girl book, but teenage girls will love it as well. (I should know, I am one.) It was a story of survival and wit, and finding your heart’s true love. A very cute story, and very well written. Shannon Hale is absolutely one of my favorite authors.

The story itself was a little slow and lagging, but the overall premise was enjoyable. A good read to pass the time. : )

Other books by this author:

Goose Girl

Plot: 3/5

Cover: 4/5

Writing: 4/5

Uniqueness: 4/5

Characters: 3.5/5

Overall: 

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Author: Andrea Cremer

Pages: 528

Source: Purchased from Barnes and Noble online

Series or Standalone?: 1^st in Trilogy

Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything— including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

* * *

Whoa.

I’ll say it again.

Whoa.

I was completely blown away by Nightshade. I had read so many great reviews about it, so I had some pretty hefty hopes for it. But Nightshade reached above and beyond, splintering any preconceived notions I had and shattering the standards I set for novels. I haven’t read a book that well written, well paced, perfectly plotted, and wonderfully executed since Harry Potter. And you know I mean business if I’m comparing it to Harry Potter.

At first, I had no idea what was going on. I just knew there was a girl named Calla that was a werewolf, and a boy who got mauled by a bear. But the more I read, the more things fell into place, and the world was spun together around me, thread by thread, until I was lost in it. I would constantly be hiding the book under my text books in class, or whipping it out any time I could get my hands on it.

Calla was a great female protagonist. Being a female alpha, she was forced to remain completely chaste until her union with the male alpha of the other wolf pack, Ren. (*swoons*) She’s seventeen and she’s never been kissed… Until now. The great thing about her was that she was so tough and badass, but inside she was a normal teenage girl that just wanted to be kissed and held and loved. She was loyal to her pack, but she envied her packmates their freedom to love who they wanted, while her mating with Ren was determined at their birth. And then she falls for Shay, and her world is turned upside down. Reading about the process of them getting to know each other was definitely a highlight of the book.

And then, of course, Ren. He was without a doubt my favorite character. Ever since he was first mentioned, I was in love with him. He’s the bad boy who gets all the girls (I’m a major sucker for bad boys.) But underneath that bravado and testosterone, he’s just as insecure as the next guy, especially when it comes to the girl he loves. The ending really just broke my heart. Cremer is much too good of an author. : )

Which brings me to Shay. I actually didn’t like Shay when he was first introduced. In comparison to Ren, Shay was a little… weak, I guess. But throughout the novel he gained strength and a little thing we Hispanics like to call cojones. I fell in love with Shay as quickly as Calla did, but not more than Ren.

{For the record, I totally ship Ren and Calla.}

The history of the Guardians and Keepers was intriguing, and I applaud Cremer for creating a new world in one that’s been written about to death. The best thing about this book, and the entire premise of the Guardians and Keepers, is that you may believe one thing, and then all of the sudden BAM, you’re entire opinion changes with one revelation, or one thing that a character said. Andrea Cremer certainly knew how to keep the reader holding their breath.

I did have a few issues with the book, but they certainly did not outweigh me enjoying it as much as I did. Firstly, how the novel stressed Calla’s unwillingness to be feminine. As a girl, I feel that it’s sort of second nature to want to look pretty and wear cute things. I know very few unfeminine girls, and even they love to go shopping and play dress up once in a while. I think that it was slightly unrealistic how Calla was refusing to wear cute clothes, or makeup.

Secondly, the special connection Calla and Shay felt ever since the moment they met. I’m not one who buys into those things. I actually really dislike when authors describe their characters feeling that way towards each other when the characters don’t know each other. I mean, it’s cliché. I understand the connection once they started talking, and they got to know each other more. But before that? Not a good idea.

This was quote possibly my favorite book of the year. It’s going to be very difficult to top this one. And that cover is to die for.

(This was a loooong review.) *ahem*TeamRen!*ahem*

Other books in this series:

Wolfsbane (UNRELEASED)

Bloodrose (UNRELEASED)

Plot: 5/5

Cover: 6/5!

Writing: 5/5

Uniqueness: 4.5/5

Characters: 5/5

Overall: 

Shrinking the TBR Pile #4

Over time, my TBR pile has grown to epic proportions that I can just barely contain. It has many amazing books that I would love to read, but since they’re all so great, I find it so hard to decide.

Soooo.

I have decided to number each book, then put pieces of paper with numbers on them in a bag, and every Sunday, I will pull out 3 numbers and those will be the books that I read that week. Hopefully. Of course, I won’t be confined to those 3 books, I could read more, in which case I would simply pull another number from the bag, and so on.

If you are participating, you don't need to pull 3 books. You can pull as many as you want: 1 book, 4 books. However many you like.

Last week I pulled the numbers for Eragon by Christopher Paolini, The Last Days by Scott Westerfeld, and The Goblin Wood by Hilari Bell. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to read at all this week, so these three will go back into my TBR pile.

This week, I pulled the numbers:
80
38
22

The corresponding books are:

Undone by Brooke Taylor

Confessions of a Serial Kisser by Wendelin Van Draanen

Splendor by Anna Godbersen

What books will you read this week?? Link to your post below!