TBR Intervention Challenge (3)

Welcome to out 3rd TBRIC! How's your reading commitment last week? How many books are still there gathering dust on your bookshelves? Too many too count? Well, do you realized that we managed to pull out (at least) three books now? And hopefully, one or two more books by the end of this week! YAY! Congratulations!

TBR Intervention is a weekly challenge hosted by 

Dani@RefractedLight , 

Ayanami@Whatever you Can Still Betray,  

and April@Books4Juliet 

The goal of this challenge is to help each other (fellow readers and bloggers) manage our enormous and constantly growing TBR (To-Be-Read) List. The rules are simple and everyone is encouraged to participate. It does not force you to commit to more than what you can manage to read in a week or so, but participants are encouraged to read at least one book within a week. You are free to choose the book you want to read and commit to this challenge. You may post your entry every Saturday, at the frequency of your choice--EVERY WEEK or EVERY TWO WEEKS. However, we will sponsor this event regularly every Saturday. 

Here are the rules:

1. Post the book(s) you committed to read in your last TBR Intervention post and tell us something about it. Did you finish it? Did you enjoy it or not? Post the link to your review (if you have one). 

2. Post a book that you want to read and already own. Pick something that has been sitting on your shelf for too long now (6 months or longer). Commit to read the book in the next couple of days or week.

3. Grab the TBR Intervention Button and post it on your blog sidebar so you will be constantly reminded of the challenge, making it easier for you to commit. This will also encourage other readers/bloggers/visitors to join the challenge.

4. Add the link to your post in the Linky below and make sure to visit the other blogs. Comment, encourage, and spread the love to our fellow readers. 

MY LAST WEEK'S TBRIC:

FIRE (The Seven Kingdoms Trilogy #2)

By Kristin Cashore

I finished Fire yesterday morning (two books down, yipee!). It was a good read but Graceling is still my favorite between the two. The pacing of the story is too sloooow, and it's hard to get into it. I'll post my review soon.

THE BOOK I COMMIT TO READ THIS WEEK:

Nightshade (Nightshade #1)

Author: Andrea Cremer

Publication Date: October 19, 2010

Published By: Philomel

Genre/Category: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy

Summary on Goodreads:

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?

ON MY SHELF SINCE: April 18, 2011

WHY I CHOOSE THIS BOOK: I accidentally bought this from Amazon Kindle while I was browsing for new books. I didn't notice the email notification... so two days later, I was shocked to see it on my kindle. I didn't intend to buy it but too late for a refund. I already started this book before but I couldn't get into the story... I think it's a bit slow for me. I'm going to give it another try. Wish me luck!

P.S. My last two books for TBRIC didn't turned out to be "that good" :( I gave Dreamhunter 2/5 and Fire 3/5. It's hard to enjoy my old books now. Do you think that our tastes in books improve over time?

I shouldn't let the books sit on my shelf and gather dust... I think I really need to control my buying indulgence! *sigh

TGIF, Follow Friday & Book Blogger Hop (10)

TGIF is a weekly meme hosted by 

Ms. Ginger @GReads . Anyone can participate. 

If you want to join, just do the following:

Re-cap your posts for the week

Answer the weekly question

Make sure to link back at the bottom of GReads TGIF Post. 

Please check this week's posts on Books4Juliet: 

Book Review: Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Book Review: Dreamhunter by Elizabeth Knox
Waiting On Wednesdays (8)
TBR Intervention Challenge (2)

This Friday's Question: 

Spooktacular Reads: Which books do you consider festive Halloween reads? Which stories have chilled you to the bone?

My Answer: 

Wake Trilogy by Lisa McMann. It's not that SPOOKY but kinda creepy when you read them during the night. I get scared easily... I'm such a chicken when it comes to spooky books.

 

Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Rachel @Parajunkee and Alison @Alison CanRead. If you want to join and see how this meme works, be sure to click the image above. Happy Follow Friday!

Check out this week's Feature Blogs:

Reading in the Corner

In Which Ems Reviews Books

This Friday's Question: 

If you could have dinner with your favorite book character, who would you eat with and what would you serve?

My Answer: 

Since it's almost Halloween, I guess Logan Keeley would be an awesome choice. He's a ghost now so I don't think I can serve him food, unless he turns solid. :) I love SHADE boys!

Book Blogger Hop is a weekly meme hosted by Crazy for Books. This is where book bloggers and book readers connect and support each other or just chat about books. This is super crazy fun and all readers and bloggers can join! If you want to know how to participate, just click the image above to visit Crazy for Books Blog.

This week's topic:

What is your favorite Halloween costume?
Even if you don’t celebrate, what kinds of costumes do you like?

My Answer: 

I always wanted to celebrate Halloween just like how they celebrate it in the U.S. And since I like sexy and flowy dresses, I'll dress up like a witch.. or maybe a goddess just like these women in the pictures! :) I can dream, right? lol.

Waiting On Wednesdays (8)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Obsidian (Lux #1)

Author: Jennifer Armentrout

Publication Date: December 6, 2011

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

Genre/Category: Young Adult, Fantasy

Summary on Goodreads:

Starting over sucks.

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I’d pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring…. until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something…unexpected happens.

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon’s touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I’m getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.

If I don’t kill him first, that is.

Book Review: LOLA AND THE BOY NEXT DOOR by Stephanie Perkins

Lola and the Boy Next Door
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Published Date: September 29, 2011
Published By: Dutton
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit

Summary from Goodreads:

Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.

When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

I have three simple wishes. They’re really not too much to ask.
The first is to attend the winter formal dressed like Marie Antoinette…
The second is for my parents to approve of my boyfriend. They hate him.
And my third wish?
To never ever see the Bell twins ever again. Ever. -Lola

My Thoughts:

Do you remember your childhood buddies? your first crush? or your first kiss? Ask Lola.

For Dolores "Lola" Nolan, there is nothing more painful (and oh-so-exciting) than seeing (again) her neighbors--the Bell Twins--the beautiful Calliope Bell and her super nice twin brother Cricket Bell. Cricket is her first crush, her first kiss, and the guy who broke her heart. 

I can't tell you how much I LOVE and LOVE and LOVE this book (ok, that's too much, but that's exactly how I feel). Stephanie Perkins knows perfectly how to captivate her readers with her stories. Anna and the French Kiss totally blew my heart away and she did it again with Lola and the Boy Next Door! It's amazing how she had written such a wonderful story blended with a beautiful setting, an amazing plot, and awesome characters that you will definitely love and adore! If you love Anna, you'll love Lola! If you love Etienne, you'll love Cricket! Maybe even more! (I'm confused here! I can't even choose!). How could Stephanie crafted such WHOLE AWESOMENESS into these characters especially to these two irresistible guys? Etienne St. Clair and Cricket Bell are nothing but hotness! Lola and Anna may not be the same, but you'll love Lola just as you love Anna. She's cool, funny, bubbly and always a sunshine! She doesn't believe in fashion and she wears a costume every single day! Lola is as colorful as her wigs, as shiny as her accessories, and as dazzling as her dresses. She loves to create and wear costumes that makes her personality so unique and interesting. Cricket is the smart and super nice BOY NEXT DOOR who will sweep you off your feet! He has good taste in fashion and he's incredibly astonishing! Cricket is like a galaxy of stars whom you wish to reach and not just to look up to. Lola and Cricket has the striking qualities that made them adorable and lovable. They're aware of their imperfections, and their flaws made them perfect for each other. They are so fun and exciting to read about. No boring moment at all. The flow of the story is carefully written, not too slow, never too fast. It's just perfect! 

If you think that you had enough of Anna and St. Clair, then you're wrong! Seeing them with Lola and Cricket is totally overwhelming! I didn't realized how much I missed these two until I get to read them again in this book. They are as fun and exciting as ever and seeing them together makes me want to read Anna and the French Kiss again... and again.

What more can I say, this book is just pure awesomeness! There are heartbreaking moments which are balanced with funny ones. It's deliciously romantic without being cheesy. I love everything about it! Anna and the French Kiss gave me the whole Paris, Lola and the Boy Next Door gave me the stars and the moon! Stephanie Perkins' writing is brilliant and splendid as ever! You'll never ask for something different at all, you'll want more of them! 

Think of upstairs window overlooking your neighbor's bedroom window. Think of the moon, and the stars, and rubberbands... and colorful costumes and wigs... and think of the "boy next door". This is Lola's world. Beautiful and engaging, this book will take you to a romantic journey that will remind you of your sweet and unforgettable teenage memories. I can't help but SMILE every time I look at this book. Anna and the French Kiss and Lola and the Boy Next Door are two delightful books that I will always hold close to my heart.

"I know you aren’t perfect. But it’s a person’s imperfections that make them perfect for someone else." -Cricket Graham Bell

My Rating:

Book Review: DREAMHUNTER by Elizabeth Knox

Dreamhunter (The Dreamhunter Duet #1)
Author: Elizabeth Knox
Published Date: February 17, 2009 (first published 2005)
Published By: Square Fish
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Summary from Goodreads:

Laura comes from a world similar to our own except for one difference: it is next to the Place, an unfathomable land that fosters dreams of every kind and is inaccessible to all but a select few, the Dreamhunters. These are individuals with special gifts: the ability to catch larger-than-life dreams and relay them to audiences in the magnificent dream palace, the Rainbow Opera. People travel from all around to experience the benefits of the hunters' unique visions. Now fifteen-year-old Laura and her cousin Rose, daughters of Dreamhunters, are eligible to test themselves at the Place and find out whether they qualify for the passage. But nothing can prepare them for what they are about to discover. For within the Place lies a horrific secret kept hidden by corrupt members of the government. And when Laura's father, the man who discovered the Place, disappears, she realizes that this secret has the power to destroy everyone she loves . . .

My Thoughts:

This book has been on my shelf for a very long time, and I'm glad that I've finally finished it. This book is about Laura and Rose, cousins and daughters of the two best Dreamhunters in the world next to the Place. They're cousins, and they are finally ready to take the qualifying test for future Dreamhunters. But when Laura's father disappeared, she is determined to find him. And as she search for traces and clues, she'll soon discover the horrible secrets that is hidden in the Place, something that is connected to her father's disappearance. 

Dreamhunter is the first book in the Dreamhunter Duet, and I'd say that the premise is really good and intriguing. It has a beautiful setting and the story is quite unique. Two years ago, I was very excited to read this book. I started it before but somehow I couldn't get into it. I'd already put a lot of effort in this book but just like before, I couldn't invest myself into the story no matter how much I tried to. I actually re-read a couple of pages while hoping that I could still enjoy it. But the plot dragged on... it was very slow and I was left confused all the time. The characters are not that impressive, I couldn't feel the emotions and it was hard to connect with them. They don't seem real to me. I'd say that it was a struggle to finish this book, and I ended up even more confused when I'm done. The writing is deep and strong, but it didn't worked out for me. Sadly, I can't tell you more about it, because I honestly didn't understand the story.  This book is not for me and I don't think I'd be eager enough to read the sequel (which I already own).

My Rating:

TBR Intervention Challenge (2)

TBR Intervention is a weekly challenge hosted by 

Dani@RefractedLight , 

Ayanami@Whatever you Can Still Betray, 

and April@Books4Juliet

The goal of this challenge is to help each other (fellow readers and bloggers) manage our enormous and constantly growing TBR (To-Be-Read) List. The rules are simple and everyone is encouraged to participate. It does not force you to commit to more than what you can manage to read in a week or so, but participants are encouraged to read at least one book within a week. You are free to choose the book you want to read and commit to this challenge. You may post your entry every Saturday, at the frequency of your choice--EVERY WEEK or EVERY TWO WEEKS. However, we will sponsor this event regularly every Saturday. 

Here are the rules:

1. Post the book(s) you committed to read in your last TBR Intervention post and tell us something about it. Did you finish it? Did you enjoy it or not? Post the link to your review (if you have one). 

2. Post a book that you want to read and already own. Pick something that has been sitting on your shelf for too long now (6 months or longer). Commit to read the book in the next couple of days or week.

3. Grab the TBR Intervention Button and post it on your blog sidebar so you will be constantly reminded of the challenge, making it easier for you to commit. This will also encourage other readers/bloggers/visitors to join the challenge.

4. Add the link to your post in the Linky below and make sure to visit the other blogs. Comment, encourage, and spread the love to our fellow readers. 

Hello again fellow readers and bloggers! Today is the second week of TBR Intervention Challenge. Thank you to all who participated last week. If you're new to the challenge, I welcome you with open arms!

So, how's your TBR list today? Were you able to finish your book/s that you committed last week? Are you ready for your next TBRIC book? Let's hop!

MY LAST WEEK'S TBRIC:

Dreamhunter (Dreamhunter Duet #1)
By Elizabeth Knox

I am relieved to have finally finished this book. Sadly though, I didn't enjoy it. I had a hard time reading this book, and I just want to give up most of the time. The writing style didn't work out for me and I can't get myself into the story. I already have the book 2: Dreamquake, but I'm not yet ready to read it. I'll post my review soon.

THE BOOK I COMMIT TO READ THIS WEEK:

Fire (The Seven Kingdoms #2)

Author: Kristin Cashore

Publication Date: September 24, 2009

Published By: Gollancz

Genre/Category: Young Adult, Fantasy

Summary on Goodreads:

Beautiful creatures called monsters live in the Dells. Monsters have the shape of normal animals: mountain lions, dragonflies, horses, fish. But the hair or scales or feathers of monsters are gorgeously colored-- fuchsia, turquoise, sparkly bronze, iridescent green-- and their minds have the power to control the minds of humans. 

Seventeen-year-old Fire is the last remaining human-shaped monster in the Dells. Gorgeously monstrous in body and mind but with a human appreciation of right and wrong, she is hated and mistrusted by just about everyone, and this book is her story.

ON MY SHELF SINCE:  May 15, 2010

WHY I CHOOSE THIS BOOK: I loved GRACELING (The Seven Kingdoms #1) and I love the characters the author created. I enjoyed that book so much that's why I eagerly bought FIRE. This was a companion novel (a prequel) to Graceling. I think that it wasn't originally a series, but I learned recently that Graceling and Fire are two in The Seven Kingdoms novels by Kristin Cashore. BITTERBLUE is the 3rd book that will be released on 2012.

P.S.

I'm going to be away today until tomorrow. I'll be on the road most of the time, so this means NO INTERNET for me =( I won't be able to reply/comment as early as I want to, but I promise to visit your posts once I get back =) Enjoy the TBRIC today! Good luck!

Book Review: THE DEATH CURE by James Dashner

The Death Cure (The Maze Runner #3)Author: James Dashner
Publication Date: October 11, 2011
Published By: Delacorte books
Genre/Category: Young Adult, Dystopian, Sci-fi

Summary on Goodreads:

Thomas knows that Wicked can't be trusted, but they say the time for lies is over, that they've collected all they can from the Trials and now must rely on the Gladers, with full memories restored, to help them with their ultimate mission. It's up to the Gladers to complete the blueprint for the cure to the Flare with a final voluntary test. 

What Wicked doesn't know is that something's happened that no Trial or Variable could have foreseen. Thomas has remembered far more than they think. And he knows that he can't believe a word of what Wicked says. 

The time for lies is over. But the truth is more dangerous than Thomas could ever imagine.
Will anyone survive the Death Cure?

My Thoughts:

I've waited for this book ever since I finished The Scorch Trial and it was definitely worth the wait. The first two books has always been on my top favorite list and I wish I could put into words the thoughts and the emotions I had when I read this final book. I expected a lot from it and James Dashner did not disappoint. Welcome back to the maze!

The Maze Runner and The Scorch Trials put me on the edge of my seat. They're so hard to put down and I would say the same thing about The Death Cure. It's totally gripping, full of action and suspense. You will keep turning the pages up to the very end. And when you think that you had figured everything out, think again... The brilliant twists and the unexpected turn of events will leave you wanting for more and you'll be surprised by how the author pulled everything together to create a satisfying finale.

The Death Cure picked up what the second book left off. Once again, the Gladers and the other survivors are back--Tommy, Minho, Newt, Frypan, Teresa and Brenda. The world that awaits them is even more frightening than the life in the maze... or the scorch... The horrible cranks are everywhere, they have nowhere to turn to, no place to hide... it was a terrifying world. Expect more death and more sacrifices. Be ready to shed some tears as you witness some heart-breaking moments. I can't tell you how much I loved and enjoyed this book. It was amazing and I loved every part of it. I was hooked from the very first page up to the last one. It was intense and it's like a roller coaster ride kind of feeling.

I just have a few concerns that I want to honestly point out. Though the ending is satisfying and I find it really good, you might find some questions that hasn't been answered completely and this might leave confusion in the end. There are also some important characters that remained a mystery to me and I keep thinking about them until now. I wish there was some explanations about the past lives of the Gladers especially Tommy, Minho, Newt, Teresa and Brenda, and how they all ended up in WICKED. It didn't answer those questions. Nevertheless, it doesn't change the fact that this is an amazing book, and it's a good finale for a remarkable series.

If you haven't seen the maze and you haven't met the Gladers, I urge you to read The Maze Runner Trilogy. It's a series of heart-gripping, heart-wrenching, and heart-throbbing novels that will undoubtedly put you at the edge of your seat. With the engaging plot, terrifying setting, and a whole pack of amazing characters, you wouldn't be able to put down this book. You will never be disappointed.

I will always remember the maze and the Gladers I've grown to love. I'm going to miss those awesome shuck-faces!

My Rating:

TGIF, Follow Friday & Book Blogger Hop (9)

TGIF is a weekly meme hosted by 

Ms. Ginger @GReads . Anyone can participate. 

If you want to join, just do the following:

Re-cap your posts for the week

Answer the weekly question

Make sure to link back at the bottom of GReads TGIF Post. 

Please check this week's posts on Books4Juliet: 

Book Review: Saving June by Hannah Harrington

Waiting On Wednesdays (7)

Teaser Tuesdays (12)

In My Mailbox (8)

Book Review: Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

TBR Intervention Challenge (1)

This Friday's Question: 

Book Blogs That Make You Smile: Pick 5 book blogs you visit often & think others should, too.

My Answer: 

When I saw this question today, 4 blogs immediately popped into my head (so, sorry if I chose only 4). What makes me smile when I see these blogs? Simple. The girls behind these beautiful blogs are close to my heart. They're my FRIENDS, not just here in the blog-o-sphere, but they're my Facebook BFF too. We talk every single day, and they never fail to cheer me up. These girls and the rest of my FBBFF are amazing! I hope you can meet them too!

alphabetically:

IB Book Blogging by Bailey

Dazzling Reads by Natalia

Nox-Invictus by Lee Seth

Reading Angel by Angela

Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Rachel @Parajunkee and Alison @Alison CanRead. If you want to join and see how this meme works, be sure to click the image above. Happy Follow Friday!

Check out this week's Feature Blogs:

The Bursting Bookshelf

Book Savvy Babe

This Friday's Question: 

What superhero is your alter-ego?

My Answer: 

This is a tough one. Hmm... But I always liked Rogue of X-Men in the animated series, not in the movie. She can be complex and withdrawn at times. When her confidence is high, she can be wild and fun too. I think I'm a little like that. I'm not sure though, I told you this is tough!

Book Blogger Hop is a weekly meme hosted by Crazy for Books. This is where book bloggers and book readers connect and support each other or just chat about books. This is super crazy fun and all readers and bloggers can join! If you want to know how to participate, just click the image above to visit Crazy for Books Blog.

This week's topic:

What is your favorite type of candy?

My Answer: 

Today's question is unique and fun! I remember being a child once more... Anyway, I love chocolate candies, chewy or not. Also likes Gummy Bears! =)

Book Review: SAVING JUNE by Hannah Harrington

Saving June

Author: Hannah Harrington

Publication Date: November 22, 2011

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Genre/Category: Young Adult, Family

Summary on Goodreads:

'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:

Saving June is a gripping and heart-wrenching story about a girl's journey to find answer and peace after her sister's mysterious suicide. June's death left Harper and her family devastated, and what Harper needs is to get away and bring her sister's urn to California, a place that June has always dreamed of going when she was still alive. It seems to be the last thing she can do for her sister, thinking that somehow she could save June.  She embarked on a road trip to California, with her best friends Laney and a mysterious boy named Jake.

The author created a story that feels so real, it will make your heart ache. It was beautiful and overflowing with emotions. The characters are amazingly crafted. They seem so real to me, and I was easily drawn to them. The characters are fun and interesting to read about. Harper is funny and quirky, and despite her situation, she's not at all whinny and annoying. You can see and feel how devastated and broken she really is but she's trying to be strong. Laney has her own problems to deal with but she's truly a good friend to Harper. She's the kind of person you'll want to hang out with especially during the time of crisis. Someone who is unselfish enough to think about her friend's sake before her own. And Jake made the story even more interesting with his good looks and mysterious personality, his bad boy image and his deep passion for music. You will cry and laugh with these amazing characters. 

There are lots to like in this book. The story is good, the setting and the characters are well-developed.  The mystery about June's death plus the secret which Jake seems to be hiding will keep you turning the pages up to the very end. It's sad and fun to read at the same time because it's full of humor and witty conversations which makes it more enjoyable. But why did I gave this a 3/5? I have reasons:

I understand that this book isn't a religious kind. There's nothing wrong about the story that is centered on grief, loss, and feeling of abandonment as long as they were properly addressed. But somehow, I find this book a little offensive with regards to my religious belief. I know that the author tried to illustrate the story as real as possible, and I know that there are people who doesn't believe in God, and there are some who actually mocked Him. I'm just not comfortable with any book that talks about God like He doesn't exist at all. It bothers me so much that two important characters deny His existence. They believe in what music can do in their lives but they questioned God's love. For me, this book is implying something like "music can heal" rather than "God can heal". I know that it's not a big issue to a lot of people, but it really matters to me. I don't question anybody's belief but I want to be honest on what I feel and think about this book. It was a good story but I think it could have been much better.

Over all, I still recommend this book. I believe that it's an inspiring story of emotional recovery, forgiveness, and finding hope amidst of the painful situations. But I just want to emphasize that even though music can change us and give us comfort, God is the only one that can heal and give lasting peace and salvation. 

My Rating:

Thanks to Author Hannah Harrington for this beautiful story, and to Harlequin Teen and Net-Galley for the copy of the book.

Important: What I've written is based on my personal views and opinions about the book. I don't intend to judge or offend anybody. The copy of this book was provided by Net-Galley in exchange for an honest review.

Waiting On Wednesdays (7)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

I just discovered this book a few days ago while browsing my book recommendations from Goodreads. It has an enticing cover and the premise is really good. I can't wait to get my hands on it!

When the Sea is Rising Red

Author: Cat Hellisen

Publication Date: February 28, 2012

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Genre/Category: Young Adult, Fantasy

Summary on Goodreads:

In sixteen-year-old Felicita’s world, magic is strictly controlled—or so those in power like to believe. After her dearest friend, Ilven, kills herself to escape an arranged marriage, Felicita chooses freedom over privilege. She fakes her own death and leaves her sheltered life as one of Pelimburg’s magical elite behind. Living in the slums, scrubbing dishes for a living, she falls for charismatic Dash while also becoming fascinated with vampire Jannik. Then something shocking washes up on the beach: Ilven’s death has called out of the sea a dangerous, wild magic. Felicita must decide whether her loyalties lie with the family she abandoned . . . or with those who would twist this dark power to destroy Pelimburg’s caste system, and the whole city along with it.

Teaser Tuesdays (12)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.

Anyone can play along. You just have to:

Grab your current read.

Open to a random page.

Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page.

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!). Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My teaser for today is from the third book of the The Maze Runner Trilogy by James Dashner.

My Teaser:

“Awwww,” Minho said. “That’s almost as sweet as that time she slammed the end of a spear into your shuck face.”

“True love indeed.” This from Frypan, followed by his deep bellow of a laugh. “I’d hate to see what happens when these two have their first real fight.”

p.18, The Death Cure by James Dashner

Have you read this book yet? What's your teaser?