Book Review: REBEL HEART by Moira Young

Rebel Heart (Dust Lands #2)

Author: Moira Young

Published: October 30th 2012

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry

Genre: YA, Dystopian

Summary | Add to TBR

It seemed so simple: Defeat the Tonton, rescue her kidnapped brother, Lugh, and then order would be restored to Saba’s world. Simplicity, however, has proved to be elusive. Now, Saba and her family travel west, headed for a better life and a longed-for reunion with Jack. But the fight for Lugh’s freedom has unleashed a new power in the dust lands, and a formidable new enemy is on the rise.

What is the truth about Jack? And how far will Saba go to get what she wants? In this much-anticipated follow-up to the riveting Blood Red Road, a fierce heroine finds herself at the crossroads of danger and destiny, betrayal and passion.

My Thoughts:

You couldn't find nobody more pig-headed if you tried. An she's always thinkin she knows best, even when she don't, especially when she don't. She's prickly an stubborn an everythin you'd put at the bottom of a list if you was makin a ... a list of that kind. Which I ain't. I didn't. but ohmigawd... she shines so bright. The fire of life burns strong in her. I never realized till I met her... I bin cold my whole life... - Jack

I couldn't even say any other word that would fit Saba's personality other than Jack's description of her. She's fierce, she's intense, she burns, she's Saba. I liked her more in this book than in Blood Red Road. I appreciate how Saba grow as a woman from being the immature Saba I met in the first book. She didn't irritate me like in Blood Red Road, and I loved how determined she was in proving that Jack  didn't betrayed them. She believed in him and even if it means hurting his brother and and her friends feelings, she knows what she needs to do and she's doing it no matter what.

Keys ain't her style. She kicked the door down. - Jack

I have mixed emotions about this book. I loved Blood Red Road so much that it became one of my most favorite books. Rebel Heart is good but I don't think it's as good as the first book. BRR is more action-packed, more thrilling, more exciting, more touching and romantic than RH. I only had Jack at the beginning and at the end, that's it. I wanted more of him, more of him and Saba together and I wanted romance too. So much had happened in this sequel but it felt like something is missing. And once again I was heartbroken and torn apart because one of my favorite characters just died. I got annoyed with Lugh more than anybody else in this book but I'm glad that Saba isn't as irritating as she was in BRR. Many characters died, but there are new ones that will touch your heart. I wanted to see the Free Hawks soar high again, I wanted them alive not dead. I don't want to give away anything but believe me, this book knows how to tear up a heart. It's not a light read and definitely not a happy one. It's for those who wants adventure in Dust Lands, a journey to fight for peace and for what is left of the world. It's a story full of losses, deaths, pains and harshness. But more than that, there's the story of friendship, family, companionship, love and survival.

There are some people... not many, who have within them the power to change things. The courage to act in the service of somethin greater than themselves. - Auriel

Emmi. When everybody seems down, she's the one left standing... for Saba.

Maev. What more can you ask for in a friend? You need her, she's there.

Lugh. The one I want to strangle from the very beginning. Tie him and throw him into the lake! Reeeeaaaaally!

Jack. I don't need a heartstone to find him. Loved this guy.

De Malo. Oh. My. Shocking. Goodness. I smell a love triangle brewing. (Or as my friend Jenny calls it, A LOVE SQUARE brewing.)

Molly, Tommo, Slim, Bram, Ash, Creed, Nero and Tracker. These amazing characters deserve more than a pat in the back. 

I still loved this book even though I didn't get exactly what I really hoped and wanted. It's worth reading and I will certainly read the next book or books to come no matter what.

What happens to you changes you. Fer good or ill, yer changed forever. There ain't no goin back. No matter how many tears you cry. - Saba

Blog Tour | Review & Giveaway: Reaping Me Softly by Kate Evangelista

Welcome to Reaping Me Softly Official Blog Tour hosted by AToMR Tours. Special thanks to the lovely author Kate Evangelista for letting me participate in this tour. Once again, I got the awesome opportunity to join. Thanks to ATOMR Tours for including me in the stop even in the last minute. Thanks to everyone of you for being here today and joining me in this tour stop. If you are all looking for a good read this Halloween Season, Reaping Me Softly, published by Omnific Publishing will be a perfect choice! It's available now, October 30th! 

About the Book:

REAPING ME SOFTLY by Kate Evangelista

Publisher: Omnific Publishing

Published Date: October 30, 2012

Genre: YA Paranormal Romance

Add to TBR

Ever since a near-death-experience on the operating table, seventeen-year-old Arianne Wilson can see dead people. Just as she’s learned to accept her new-found talents, she discovers that the boy she’s had a crush on since freshman year, Niko Clark, is a Reaper.At last they have something in common, but that doesn’t mean life is getting any easier. All while facing merciless bullying from the most powerful girl in school, Arianne’s world is turned upside down after Niko accidentally reaps the soul of someone she loves. This sends them both into a spiral that threatens to end Arianne’s life. But will Niko break his own Reaper’s code to save her? And what would the consequences be if he did?

About the Author:

When Kate Evangelista was told she had a knack for writing stories, she did the next best thing: entered medical school. After realizing she wasn't going to be the next Doogie Howser, M.D., Kate wandered into the Literature department of her university and never looked back. Today, she is in possession of a piece of paper that says to the world she owns a Literature degree. To make matters worse, she took Master's courses in creative writing. In the end, she realized to be a writer, none of what she had mattered. What really mattered? Writing. Plain and simple, honest to God, sitting in front of her computer, writing. Today, she has four completed Young Adult novels. (Find her in the following sites: Website | Goodreads | Twitter)

MY REVIEW:

The first word that came to my mind when I first heard about this book was "reaper". I was intrigued and I was hoping that I'd be able to get a copy as soon as possible. This book did not disappoint. From the time I started to read it, I was hooked. It wasn't something I'd expected either and I appreciate a bit of surprise. I enjoyed it and I'm happy that I got the chance to be one of the first people to read this book.

Arianne can hear and see the ghosts of the dead eversince her traumatic experience inside the operating room. This wasn't fun at all and seeing them naked doesn't help either. Crushing on the gorgeous boy in school, Arianne doesn't know that Nikolas is a reaper of Georgia. Actually one of the best reapers Death has in his care and command. Learning about Nico and his world doesn't help things about her ill sister either. Not when Nico is the reaper assigned to reap her sister's soul when she die. 

Reaping Me Softly is a fast read that is exciting and gripping. A good start for an interesting paranormal romance series. The pacing is good, not boring and it doesn't drag. The characters, though I can't say that I loved then just the same as I loved Phoenix and the gang in Taste, Arianne and Nikolas are both likable enough. Plus, the story has some unexpected twists that made me appreciate it more. I can't say that it's particularly a unique story but this book is actually good, and I know that those of you who likes to read paranormal romance will likely enjoy this one too. I also liked the ending of this book because it didn't feel like I was left hanging. But there was a sudden turn of event that makes me anxious to see what will happen to the characters. I loved how the author pulled everything together to create such memorable ending. It was touching, heartbreaking yet beautiful. The next book will surely be something to look forward to.

THE GIVEAWAY (International):

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Here's the list of the other blogs who are participating in the tour or you can also visit AToMR Tours.

Book Review: EMBERS & ECHOES by Karsten Knight

Embers & Echoes (Wildefire #2)

Author: Karsten Knight

Published: August 28th 2012

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Summary | Add to TBR

Fan the flames: A teen goddess fires up her search for love and family in this sequel to Wildefire.

Ashline Wilde may have needed school to learn that she is actually a reincarnated goddess, but she’s ready to move beyond books. She leaves her California boarding school behind and makes for Miami, where she meets a new group of deities and desperately seeks her sister Rose, the goddess of war. But she’s also looking for love—because even though her romance with Cole had to be snuffed, Ash is a volcano goddess—and she doesn’t get burned.

My Thoughts:

You can't run someplace new and not fill up the new space with the old stuff. The things you want to leave behind are the very things you can't. - Ash 

I'm indestructible, Ash. That doesn't mean I'm incapable of feeling. I still experience love, and I can still experience pain. - Colt 

When we reached the ending of Wildefire, the first book in the series, we learned that Colt isn't someone we thought he was. He isn't human. He isn't the same Colt. With this horrible realization, Ash ran away from him and decided to find her sisters--Rose, the youngest of the Wilde sisters who is known to be very dangerous and whom she never met, and Eve whom she learned isn't dead but in Nether, held captured by the Cloak. In the process of finding her sisters, she met Wes, the hot and gorgeous Aztec God of Night, and Aurora, the Roman Goddess of Dawn. 

Embers & Echoes started exactly where the first book ended, and with that huge cliffhanger ending in Wildefire, expect another thrill ride, lots of suspense, actions, mysteries and of course romance. 

This was the second time recently she'd saved a boy from being chained and tortured. 

"Let's hope I don't regret saving this one," she whispered to no one at all. 

The looks that you and Wes have been exchanging the last forty-eight hours are so hot that I'm surprised you don't need sunglasses to keep from getting pregnant. - Aurora 

What I loved about Karsten Knight's books is the humor and wit. This book doesn't lack of those. It balances the story especially when the book is full of suspense and heart-throbbing actions. There are old enemies, old foes, new friends--all these characters are amazing and very well-developed. You just can't help but love and care for them. So when a character died, well… of course it wasn't pretty, and it was absolutely not fun at all. I have to say that this book is even more heartbreaking for me than Wildefire 'cos once again I lost my favorite characters. The author isn't afraid to kill his characters--characters that I loved ever since Wildefire and I think it was a brave move. I just hope Karsten will continue to create beautiful Gods and Goddesses in the next books--characters that I will love as much as I love the others (may they rest in peace *wink). And please… oh dear Author, please, can you at least spare me some pain and heartache by not killing any more of my favorite characters?

Not as much as I loved Wildefire, but this one is really good. More suspenseful than the first. The mysteries and twists are even more intriguing. I am not fully satisfied with the ending because for me it's tragic. But overall, this book is amazing. The secrets and the revelations aren't what I expected either. There are more secrets from the past that are yet to unfold and I'm excited to see them revealed on the next book. Yes, sometimes I got frustrated because I didn't know who to trust anymore--the characters are unpredictable! So expect betrayal, revenge, and murders. I enjoyed it and I am eagerly anticipating the third. Full of actions, mysteries, suspense, wit and even drama, this book will put you at the edge of your seat. 

You make a decision whether you want to spend your life staring at the dark horizons…Or whether you want to spend it catching every sunrise that you can. - Wes

My Rating:

Blog Tour | Book Review & Giveaway: BRIGHTEST KIND OF DARKNESS by P.T. Michelle

Welcome to the next stop in the Brightest Kind of Darkness Official Blog Tour! I welcome you to my site today as much as I am honored to be part of the awesome lineup of bloggers for this amazing tour. I want to thank my Starbooks friend Dani and RLR Tours for letting me become part of this tour. And thanks to the very talented author of Brightest Kind of Darkness and Lucid--Ms. P.T. Michelle.

As part of the tour, I did a book review of the first book in the series, plus there is a giveaway somewhere in this post. Be sure to enter. Good luck and enjoy!

Brightest Kind of Darkness (Brightest Kind of Darkness #1)

Author: P.T. Michelle

Published: June 27th 2011

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance

Summary:

Nara Collins is an average sixteen-year-old, with one exception: every night she dreams the events of the following day. Due to an incident in her past, Nara avoids using her special gift to change fate…until she dreams a future she can’t ignore.

After Nara prevents a bombing at Blue Ridge High, her ability to see the future starts to fade, while people at school are suddenly being injured at an unusually high rate.

Grappling with her diminishing powers and the need to prevent another disaster, Nara meets Ethan Harris, a mysterious loner who seems to understand her better than anyone. Ethan and Nara forge an irresistible connection, but as their relationship heats up, so do her questions about his dark past. 

 Add to TBR 

Read an excerpt

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

My Thoughts:

To every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

I didn't know what to expect when I started this book. All I know was that it is said to be good. Well... this book isn't just good. It's really good! The concept reminds me a bit about Final Destination since it deals with cheating death or fate. Have you seen the movies yet? Yeah? Well, I think this book is a bit similar to that, minus the gross and the super horrible deaths, and then add a big dose of romance. I know that lots of us are suckers for good love stories and this book has it! More than anything, Brightest Kind of Darkness deals with Fate with a capital F. It is a story about a girl named Inara who has this extraordinary gift of seeing her future through her dreams. But she sees only what will happen to her the next day after she dreamed of it. This actually gives advantage to her during exams and soccer games until she challenged fate and tried to change the outcome of one of her dreams. When she saw what would happen to her school when she dreamed about a bomb planted in one of the student's locker, she didn't hesitated to call 911 and report the attempted bombing. She knew that she has to do something about it to save the school and the students. But then, one attempt and everything changes. Still, Nara believes that she has this gift for a reason and so she tried to save everyone from those horrible things that were supposed to happen. Then she met Ethan and later she realized that her dreams began to disappear, and she suspects that maybe this mysterious loner has something to do with it.

Ethan. The swoon-worthy Ethan who--rumor says--was expelled from his last school by beating up a guy. But Nara strongly feels that Ethan is a good guy despite the bad rumors she heard at school. There is something about him and his past that he isn't telling anyone, and though Nara have doubts, she still feels that he's the only one she can trust. He's the only person who remained solid to her when her bestfriend couldn't even stand up for her. With their growing attraction to each other, their journey in defeating Fate begins and no one knows how things will end for both of them and for those people they mostly care about...

This book takes the reader to a journey that is both dark and thrilling. It kept me guessing the whole time! Sometimes it was frustrating when I cannot tell what's "really" happening, but then it's the reason why I was rooted in the first place. It made me even more excited to see what comes next and I found myself flipping the pages until I reached the end of the book. The mystery that surrounds Ethan is very suspenseful, and most of the times I just wanted to jump into the book and investigate it myself. The flow of the story is very well executed, and though I got irritated with Nara a lot, I'd say that the characters remained strong and effective thus making them likable. 

With it's gripping storyline, beautiful plot, and interesting characters, this is surely a great start for a remarkable series. It was an exciting read, something you shouldn't want to miss. 

My Rating:

And now for the GIVEAWAY, just enter in the Rafflecopter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

P.T. Michelle’s Brightest Kind of Darkness

Tour Schedule

September 24th

Confessions of a Bookaholic – Review (Lucid)

Nothing Better Than a Book – Review (BKoD)

Jelly Loves Books – Review (BKoD)

Deea’s Journal – Review (Lucid)

Some Like it Paranormal – Featured Post (Random Trivia about the BKoD series)

Beauty & the Bookshelf – Excerpt

The Bookish Babe – Guest Post + Review (Lucid)

Better Read Than Dead – Review (BKoD)

Hope, Faith & Books – Review (BKoD)

I’m a Book Shark – Featured Post (All about Parkour)

September 25th

The Bookish Brunette – Featured Post (Ethan & Nara character interview)

A Buckeye Girl Reads – Review (BKoD)

I Read Indie – Review (Lucid)

Readers Live A Thousand Lives – Review (BKoD)

Vendea’s Dream World of Books – Review (BKoD)

Seeing Night Reviews – Review (Lucid)

Fictional Distraction – Review (Lucid)

Creative Reads – Review (BKoD)

K-Books – Review (Lucid)

A Book Vacation – Featured Post (Ravens)

Stories of My Life – Excerpt

Winter Haven Books - Review (Lucid)

September 26th

Mundie Moms – Review (BKoD)

I Heart YA Books – Review (Lucid)

Serenity’s Lovely Reads – Review (Lucid)

Book Nerd – Review (BKoD)

Simply Infatuated – Review (BKoD) + Excerpt

Books Over Boys – Featured Post (Playlist)

Step Into Fiction – Review (Lucid)

Nomalicious Reads – Review (Lucid)

Reader’s Antidote – Review (BKoD)

Primrose Musings – Featured Post (BKoD: The Movie)

Panda Reads – Review (BKoD)

September 27th

Kindle Fever – Review (Lucid)

Always YA at Heart – Review (Lucid)

A Dream Within A Dream – Review (BKoD & Lucid)

Rampant Readers – Review (BKoD)

Book Briefs – Featured Post (Top 10: Little known facts about Nara)

Michelle Chew Writes – Review (BKoD)

Into the Hall of Books – Review (Lucid)

Book Passion for Life – Excerpt

Rhi Reading – Featured Post (Building a World)

Shortie Says – Featured Post (How Dreams Can Inspire…)

Jean BookNerd – Review (Lucid)

September 28th

Refracted Light Book Reviews – Featured Post (The RL girls discuss Ethan & Drystan)

Once Upon a Twilight – Review (BKoD)

Vamps and Stuff – Review (BKoD)

Young Adult BookReviews – Review (Lucid)

Sparkles and Lightning – Review (Lucid)

Books With Bite – Featured Post (Top 10: Little known facts about Ethan)

Little Hyuts – Review (Lucid)

Books 4 Juliet – Review (BKoD)

Rants ‘N Scribbles – Review (BKoD)

The YA Sisterhood – Excerpt

Random Acts of Books – Review (BKoD)

Book Review: IMMORTAL BELOVED by Cate Tiernan

Immortal Beloved (Immortal Beloved #1)
Author: Cate Tiernan
Published: September 7th 2010
Publisher: Little, Brown Books
Genre: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy

Summary | Add to TBR

Nastasya has spent the last century living as a spoiled, drugged-out party girl. She feels nothing and cares for no one. But when she witnesses her best friend, a Dark Immortal, torture a human, she realizes something's got to change. She seeks refuge at a rehab for wayward immortals, where she meets the gorgeous, undeniably sexy Reyn, who seems inexplicably linked to her past.

Nastasya finally begins to deal with life, and even feels safe--until the night she learns that someone wants her dead.

Cate Tiernan, author of the popular Sweep series, returns with an engaging story of a timeless struggle and inescapable romance, the first book in a stunning new fantasy trilogy.

My Thoughts:

...time itself was like a river, moving steadily forward, and you got to be in a new river every day, every hour. All my life I'd felt like--a lake. A lake where everything was contained, forever.

This book surprised me in many ways. I didn't know exactly what the story is about until past half-way through the book. It was nothing I've expected before I started this book but I'm glad that after what seems to be months or so, I finally abled to read it. The first half of the book was a bit slow for me and I've been waiting for something exciting to happen. I didn't get that until I reached the second half where it became hard for me to put down the book. Honestly, I don't like Nastasya at all, since she's so immature and selfish and spoiled-brat. She always rants about things around her and she seemed to see all the bad things and not the good things. It was irritating to hear her thoughts especially during the early part of the story. Thank goodness, her character developed (a little and slowly) as the story continue to unfold. There's also too little romance in this book, but I can see that there will be more in the next installments. I didn't get to see more of Reyn as much as I wanted but somehow their love-hate relationship is something that kept me rooted. I was so anxious to see the two let their emotions out and it was driving me crazy in a good, exciting way. I want to see them together but I think I still need to read the rest of the series to find out.

The very memories and experiences I'd tried to block out of my mind for the last four hundred years were sixteen feet away from me, in living color. It was like confronting the monster under my bed, only amped up a thousand times. There he was: the monster. My worst nightmare was wearing a dark green plaid flannel shirt and jeans and smelled like laundry detergent and fresh autumn air. 

The characters are good, though not all of them are very likable. Each of these characters has their own secrets and stories that are interesting enough. I love the teachers and the other wayward immortals that adds flavor to the story, except Nell who irritated me the whole time and who I want to send flying off across the Atlantic Ocean! 

Even though the plot was a little slow for me in the beginning, I appreciate how the second half was done. I liked how the story was written, including the flashbacks which made me shuddered most of the times. The story is really good and there is no doubt that it was written with depth. I enjoyed it and I recommend it to readers who love paranormal/fantasy stories.

My Rating:

Book Review: EVERY DAY by David Levithan

Every Day
Author: David Levithan
Published: August 28th 2012
Publisher: Knopf Books
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy/Paranormal Romance

Summary | Add to TBR

Every day a different body. Every day a different life. Every day in love with the same girl. 

Every morning, A wakes in a different person’s body, a different person’s life. There’s never any warning about where it will be or who it will be. A has made peace with that, even established guidelines by which to live: Never get too attached. Avoid being noticed. Do not interfere.

It’s all fine until the morning that A wakes up in the body of Justin and meets Justin’s girlfriend, Rhiannon. From that moment, the rules by which A has been living no longer apply. Because finally A has found someone he wants to be with—day in, day out, day after day.

With his new novel, David Levithan has pushed himself to new creative heights. He has written a captivating story that will fascinate readers as they begin to comprehend the complexities of life and love in A’s world, as A and Rhiannon seek to discover if you can truly love someone who is destined to change every day.

My Thoughts:

Every relationship has a hard part in the beginning... It's not like a puzzle piece where there's an instant fit. With relationships, you have to shape the pieces on each end before they go perfectly together.

Every Day is an interesting book. The story is about A, who wakes up everyday in a different body of a sixteen year old, regardless of the gender. Sometimes he's a boy, sometimes she's a girl. A deals with the person's memories, family, and life for one day. And just when midnight strikes, A leaves the body and wakes up to a different one. 

Honestly, I find this book very intriguing. I haven't read anything like this before and it was truly a unique story that David Levithan created. No doubt that he's a talented writer. At first I didn't know where the story was heading and there are parts of the book that I find a little slow. Nevertheless, I can't deny the fact that the whole story is something that will stay in your mind for a very long time. It was remarkable. All the while I thought it was a 3 star book for me, but something in the last part made this book surprising and I've decided to give it a 4 star rating. I know from the beginning that this is a kind of book where I shouldn't expect a happy ending and I was right. The ending is sad and bittersweet,  and a little heartbreaking... I didn't expect to end it like that but for me it's really good. This may not appeal to everyone but I think it's a book worth reading. It's not a story that is full of rainbows and sunshines, but it's nice to read a book that makes you think and contemplate and feel something like sorrow and hope for the characters.

I wanted love to conquer all. But love can't conquer anything. It can't do anything on it's own. It relies on us to do the conquering on its behalf.

A isn't the typical fictional character we love and cheer for... I can't say I love him because I can't imagine what he really looks like and his personality isn't very well clear to me. There was no description whatsoever (as far as I remember) but I like him as a protagonist. On the other hand, I find it a little hard to connect with Rhiannon. She's the girl who captured A's heart, but I can't see what A sees in her. I see her as a girl who can't figure out what she wants and what she needs. Maybe it's just me, but I'm really not fond of characters who are not sure of themselves and her relationship with others. Though I felt that something is missing in the story, I really enjoyed it. David Levithan crafted a story that is unique, sad, heartbreaking, and remarkable. It will stay in your mind ( and in your heart) for a very long time just like what it did to mine.

When first love ends, most people eventually know there will be more to come. They are not through with love. Love is not through with them. It will never be the same as the first, but it will be better in different ways.

My Rating:

Book Review: LOCK AND KEY by Sarah Dessen

Lock and Key
Author: Sarah Dessen
Published: May 14th 2009 (1st published April 22, 2008)
Publisher: Speak
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

Summary | Add to TBR

"Ruby, where is your mother?" Ruby knows that the game is up. For the past few months, she's been on her own in the yellow house, managing somehow, knowing that her mother will probably never return.That's how she comes to live with Cora, the sister she hasn't seen in ten years, and Cora's husband Jamie, whose down-to-earth demeanor makes it hard for Ruby to believe he founded the most popular networking Web site around. A luxurious house, fancy private school, a new wardrobe, the promise of college and a future—it's a dream come true. So why is Ruby such a reluctant Cinderella, wary and defensive? And why is Nate, the genial boy next door with some secrets of his own, unable to accept the help that Ruby is just learning to give?

My Thoughts:

It's never something huge that changes everything, but instead the tiniest of details, irrevocably tweaking the balance of the universe while you're busy focusing at the picture.

Not even once did Sarah Dessen disappoint me with her stories. Her books aren't always the happily-ever-after kind of thing, but there's always hope and they are open to possibilities. I love how she made me feel when I read her books and mostly it's a mixture of emotions. She always made me cry, if not, teary-eyed. She doesn't fail to touch my heart with her beautiful writing. She writes with depth and delicacy, and her characters are very relatable, her stories are very realistic. This may not be my most favorite of all her novels but I still won't hesitate to recommend it. If you love Sarah Dessen, I'm sure this book will somehow make its way into your heart too.

The best gifts come from the heart, not a store. 

Ruby lives with her mom in a small yellow apartment until her mom abandoned her and left her to fend for herself alone. Her sister who left and whom she hadn't seen for ten years came and took her under her wings. Ruby should have been grateful in the fact that she will now study in an exclusive school, wear branded clothes, has her own beautiful room in a huge, gorgeous house in an expensive neighborhood. But she doesn't feel like she belong, and she kept looking back and coming back to her old apartment, her old friends, her old life. 

You get what you give, but also what you're willing to take.

The best thing I liked about this book is the relationship of Ruby to her older sister Cora. It's the closest thing in my heart with regards to the story. It's very emotional to see how she and Cora struggles to catch up with the lost times. It's a good thing but also a sad one. I liked Ruby because she is so easy to relate with. I understand her wants to run away from her sister and from the new life she's offering her. I understand Cora, for all the things she and Ruby had went through all their lives. And I adore her for all the things that she's trying to do for Ruby and to save her relationship with her sister. It's so fun to read about Cora's husband Jamie, too. I think he's perfect as a husband, as a man. He is so kind and forgiving, loving and very supportive. He's the life in the story and so is Nate. I liked Nate for being a really good friend, what can you asked for? He will always be there for you if you need him, though he has his own secrets and problems to deal with. 

"'You swim' is a philosophy?" 

He shrugged. "Better than 'you sink,' right?"

I think that when it comes to Sarah Dessen's book, you don't need a lot of encouragement or endorsement to make. They're just that good. This book is another reminder why I love Sarah Dessen. But if there is one thing that I wish I can get more from this book, it's Nate. I'm not really satisfied with the ending because I don't get my perfect love story or something close to that. And since I don't want to spoil anything, I'd just rather say this: I wish there was more of Nate and Ruby in the end of the story. And I wish I could see a life of Ruby and Cora with their mom. It was an issue that I don't think was addressed perfectly in the book. Other than that, everything is good. From the characters, setting and plot... really good.

I guess there is nothing more for me to say other than this: if you love other Sarah Dessen's books, go get Lock and Key! If you haven't read any of them yet, I hope you'll try to check her books out. Maybe it's about time to read her stories. I'm sure that at least one of them will deeply touch your heart. I read different kinds of book genre depending on my mood, but whenever I finish a dystopian book or a paranormal/fantasy book, I always seek for a contemporary read afterwards. And most of the time I  come back to Sarah Dessen's books. It's like coming home and it's nice to feel something like that.

...we can't expect everybody to be there for us, all at once. So it's a lucky thing that really, all you need is someone.

My Rating:

Book Review: THE FOREVER GIRL by Rebecca Hamilton

The Forever Girl: Sophia's Journey (Forever Girl #1)
Author: Rebecca Hamilton
Published: January 26th 2012
Format: Kindle Edition

Summary | Add to TBR

Sophia's family has skeletons, but they aren't in their graves.

At twenty-two, practicing Wiccan Sophia Parsons is scratching out a living waiting tables in her Rocky Mountain hometown, a pariah after a string of unsolved murders with only one thing in common: her.

Sophia can imagine lots of ways to improve her life, but she'd settle for just getting rid of the buzzing noise in her head. When the spell she casts goes wrong, the static turns into voices. Her personal demons get company, and the newcomers are dangerous.

One of them is a man named Charles, who Sophia falls for despite her better judgment. He has connections that might help her unveil the mystery surrounding her ancestor's hanging, but she gets more than she bargains for when she finally decides to trust him. 

Survival in his world, she learns, means not asking questions and staying out of the immortal council's way. It's a line she crossed long ago. If Sophia wants to survive the council and save the people she loves, she must accept who she is, perform dark magic, and fight to the death for her freedom.

The Forever Girl is a full-length Paranormal Fantasy novel that will appeal to lovers of paranormal romance, urban fantasy, witches, vampires, ghosts, paranormal mystery, and paranormal horror.

My Thoughts:

"Faith, Sophia. Life isn't always going to give you the answers to the questions you're asking. Sometimes you have to make do with the answers you get."

Witches, vampires... you'll find them here in Rebecca Hamilton's novel "The Forever Girl: Sophia's Journey". When I started this book, I didn't know exactly what to expect. I didn't read any reviews prior to my reading and I was incredibly surprised by what it has to offer. Rebecca Hamilton is a talented writer. She knows how to draw her readers to her book, and she knows how to craft a story with depth.

If I was scared of anything, it was for him, not of him--scared of the pain he had to endure with every shift. And if I cared about that, I had to admit I cared about him. Somehow, some way, he was working his way into my heart.

The book tells a story about a girl who is being treated differently just because she practice Wiccan. Trying to live a normal life isn't even an option when she's hearing voices and seeing things she couldn't understand. Not until she cast a spell that seemed to have gone wrong and met a mysterious, gorgeous man she can't help falling in love with. Complications, risks and consequences... Sophia has no choice but to deal with them now, for real.

Amidst all the things that happened to Sophia, she remained strong. I think that's why I've grown to like her. She's witty, independent, and strong-willed. I easily connected with her and it felt like I've known her. Sophia has the qualities of a good protagonist and that made me appreciate this book even more. And I know, too, that everyone loves a gorgeous, hot male leading character. What can I say? Charles is definitely one type of a guy. He's funny and snarky and interesting to read about. It's been a while also since I've heard a vampire who can actually transform into animals. It used to fascinate me when I was little but as I grow up and read different versions of vampires and other-wordly creatures, this one ability of vampires were slowly forgotten or let's just say that vampires in books were created differently by different authors--they evolved. I don't know, maybe it's just me, but I find it fascinating to read something like that again. 

"You're not so interesting that I came to watch you sleep, darlin'."

Seriously, this book surprised me in many ways. The plot, the setting, the characters, the writing itself.  It was eerie and dark, touching and romantic at the same time. The mysteries surrounding Sophia will keep you engrossed in the book. The twist and the revelation are something to look forward to. The time it was revealed, the way the story suddenly took a spin... It was beautiful. It was really good.

It's a fast-paced book with an interesting plot and intriguing set of characters, beautifully written and surprisingly good. It will definitely appeal to those who love mysteries and paranormal story that has a bit of scare factor. Don't miss Sophia's Journey... it's worth the read.

"I'm not going to turn away from the only person I've ever trusted to accept me. Not for anything. You belong to me. If for a moment, then for eternity."

My Rating:

Book Review: WHAT HAPPENED TO GOODBYE by Sarah Dessen

What Happened To Goodbye
Author: Sarah Dessen
Published: May 10th 2011
Publisher: Viking
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

Summary | Add to TBR

Who is the real McLean?

Since her parents' bitter divorce, McLean and her dad, a restaurant consultant, have been on the move-four towns in two years. Estranged from her mother and her mother's new family, McLean has followed her dad in leaving the unhappy past behind. And each new place gives her a chance to try out a new persona: from cheerleader to drama diva. But now, for the first time, McLean discovers a desire to stay in one place and just be herself, whoever that is. Perhaps Dave, the guy next door, can help her find out.

Combining Sarah Dessen's trademark graceful writing, great characters, and compelling storytelling, What Happened to Goodbye is irresistible reading.

My Thoughts:

You could just tell when a person belonged somewhere. That is something you can't fake, no matter how hard you try. -Mclean p13

Amazing how you could get do far from where you'd planned, and yet find it was exactly where you needed to be. -Mclean, p279

Of all Sarah Dessen's books that I've read, What Happened to Goodbye is the first one that made me cry. All her books are emotional, sad, thought-provoking, and they all deals with realities in life. But this one has touched me the deepest. Of all her characters that are crafted with delicate care--making them the imperfect, flawed, and most of all real--it was Mclean Sweet who captured my heart the most. This might not be my most favorite of her books, but surely this one will forever be in my heart. I don't know what it is that makes Sarah Dessen's books very touching that it makes me appreciate the people in my life after I read them. It makes me appreciate life itself, or my life to be specific.

I think it's important that it really have meaning to you if it's going to be part of you forever. -Deb, p129

Mclean's life isn't easy. She was once been happy, and that was before his parents got divorced. Before her mom cheated her dad with the university's basketball coach. Before her mom got pregnant with the twins, before her dad sold their restaurant and decided to be a consultant instead--the reason why they are traveling and moving every six months. She's been in four different schools during the last two years, avoiding making friends, making attachments, living a life. Every time they move, she takes it as a new beginning...every time. She starts a new life that isn't hers, not Mclean, but a new girl with a different personality. She feels that she doesn't belong anywhere, and I think that what makes this book achingly sad. To feel that you are alone and that you have no place to really call home... I think that's the saddest part.

What I really appreciate about Sarah Dessen's books, are the stories of life--disappointments, struggles, painful past, but always with a hopeful future. I always love the settings and the characters that she created... it make me feel connected to them in some ways I couldn't explain. Maybe because they all felt real to me--they're ordinary people dealing with normal issues in life. I love every bit of the story, because for me, it's giving me something true and something good to think about and hold onto.

Two a.m. You know. The person you can call at two a.m. and, no matter what, you can count on them. Even if they're asleep or it's cold or you need to be bailed out jail...they'll come for you. It's, like, the highest level of friendship. -Dave, p216

This is a story of girl who is trying to forget her real self but ends up finding herself in the process. With the help of her funny, weird, and amazing friends and a smart guy who live next door, she will realize that a home isn't actually a place...

This book is emotional but blended with just the right amount of humour and wit. I enjoyed it and I am grateful that I've read such a good story. I recommend What Happened to Goodbye. I recommend Sarah Dessen. 

My Rating:

Blog Tour | Review and Giveaway: SILENT SONG by Ron C. Nieto

Welcome to the Silent Song Book Blog Tour! I am pleased and honored to be a part of this blog tour. Silent Song has been released and you can grab your own copy now. But if you are lucky, you can win one of the TWELVE (12) e-books that will be given away in the tour. Or if you are luckier, you can even win a SIGNED PRINT COPY of the book! Awesome right? Be sure to check out all the other participating blogs. I also wanna take this opportunity to thank the author herself, Ms. Ron C. Nieto :) and to Ms. Julie @ A Tale Of Many Reviews for making me a part of this tour. Thank you!

As part of the tour, I had the opportunity to read the book in advance. And I'd say that it's totally worth my time. If you enjoy love stories blended with mystery and paranormal stuff, then you must check this out. Please take a look at my review of Silent Song:

SILENT SONG 

by Ron C. Nieto

July 1, 2012

YA Paranormal Romance

Book description | Add to TBR

The princess of the school, Alice, is keeping a secret that could strip her of her high school fame. She is obsessed with the school’s outcast, Keith, but not just him – his music. 

Since the inspiration for the song hit, Keith can’t get it out of his mind. The song must be played; it demands to be played. He knows the music is changing him, but he is unable to stop it. 

Music has the ability to move you, enlighten you, and take you to places you have never dreamed of. And this particular piece? It has a life of its own and makes you forget who you really are. 

As Keith and Alice learn of one another to the notes of that one perfect tune, they can overlook their roles and discover who they could be together. But they also discover someone else is listening and intends on keeping Keith to herself, possibly for an eternity.

My Thoughts:

"I know you're not faking it when you're with me. And that's enough for me, for as long as it lasts." - Keith

I love Keith.

I know that this isn't a proper way to start a review, but...
Okay, well...
Let me start again...

I love Keith.

The time I started this book, I didn't know what to expect. But the first line already got me: Don't look back. Though the first few pages was a bit confusing since I don't have any idea where the story will lead me, it was no doubt an interesting story. It was a surprise to read a book like this, something I haven't encountered in a very long time.

Alice isn't the usual heroine we read in books. She's not the simple-and-just-your-average kind of girl and certainly not a girl-next-door either. Actually, she's considered as the bitch princess in school. And Keith, well, he is the goth-looking guy with long dark hair dyed with silver streaks and nails painted with black nail polish. He's the school's social outcast. He's probably not your typical guy who will sweep you off your feet on the first day of meeting. But lo and behold, this guy is totally someone you will root for. He's caring, kind, a skinny guy with a big, whole heart. I'm not much into goth boys, but Ron nailed it for me. He made me care for him so much and throughout the book I wish nothing for him but see him loved and happy. I want everyone to see how beautiful Keith is. And surely, this book didn't disappoint me. I think there is no other thing that could capture my heart most than the characters in the story. And Silent Song gave me those characters that I'm happy to root for. It's amazing how they were crafted and made vulnerable but exudes strong personalities. Alice and Keith made a great tandem.

I'd always written off the perfect moments and the love at first sight and the alignment of the stars when finally together, assuming it to be the product of the overactive imagination of writers, hip rock stars, and whatever else.
Right then, in Keith's arms?
It made sense.

Don't you love a beautifully written book? I do. Ron's writing is beautiful and touching. Music is a big part of the story and the way the music was described--intricate, detailed-- there is no doubt that the author knows her craft. It's as if you were there, listening to the music as it was being played... By the way she'd written it, she made the story come to life.

Silent Song is hauntingly, interestingly beautiful story of love and sacrifice. Those of you who appreciates music, romance and mystery, I recommend this book to you. Don't forget to pick up a copy. You won't be disappointed.

My Rating:

Buy the book:
Author's Store | Amazon.com | Kindle | Smashwords

Author's Bio:

Ron C. Nieto is a fantasy and romance author who has been writing in her secluded fortress for the longest time. Recently, she had a talk with her cat and decided that she should share her creations, because it was selfish to hoard them all for herself, and so Silent Song was born as her debut novel.

Author's Website | Twitter | Goodreads

If you want to win a copy of the book, here's the Rafflecopter for the Tour Giveaway. Open Internationally. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Silent Song Blog Tour Schedule and List of Participating Blogs

Monday, July 2:
I solemly swear that I'm up to a book ~ Review & Excerpt
A Diary Of A Book Addict ~ Review
A Written Rhapsody ~ Music Related Guest Post
artsy musings of a bibliophile ~ Review
Love of Books ~ The Writer’s Cave Guest Post

Tuesday, July 3:
Nose In A Book ~ Review
Bending The Spine ~ Review
Ja čitam, a ti? (I'm a reader, what about you?) ~ Review

Wednesday, July 4:
Letters Inside Out ~ Review
A Three Way Tie ~ Character Interview with Alice
Books 4 Juliet ~ Review
The Reader Lines ~ Review
Book Haven Extraordinaire ~ Review & Character Interview with Keith
Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf ~ Author Interview

Thursday, July 5:
Book Briefs ~ Review
Just Another Rabid Reader ~ Review
Comfort Books ~ Review
Dreaming Dreams ~ Review & Music Playlist (if available from author)
Refracted Light | YA Book Reviews ~ Excerpt
Waiting on Sunday to Drown ~ Interview
The Autumn Review ~ Review

Friday, July 6:
FireStarBooks ~ Excerpt
Bookshelf Confessions ~ Excerpt
Reader Girls ~ Review & Excerpt
JennReneeRead ~ Review
Chocolate Coffee Books ~ Review
A Tale of Many Reviews ~ 6 Words for Silent Song

Book Review: THE SELECTION by Kiera Cass

The Selection (The Selection #1)
Author: Kiera Cass
Published Date: April 24th 2012
Publisher: HarperTeen
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian

Summary | Add to TBR

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

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

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

My Thoughts:

I've never been a fan of The Bachelor or any other dating game on TV, but The Selection appealed to me so much due to its gorgeous cover and positive reviews. Honestly speaking, I've expected a lot from this book and though it didn't perfectly lived up to my expectations, I could say that it was worth my time. I liked the idea of the story--reality show slash dating game slash "aka The Bachelor" slash Cinderella slash dystopia. Even though I didn't quite taste the dystopian flavor, I still enjoyed the other aromas this book has to offer. 

Living as a Five, America Singer never imagined that her life would suddenly make a drastic change when she was chosen as one of the thirty-five girls who will compete for the heart (or the crown) of Prince Maxon of Illea. All she wanted was to marry his secret boyfriend--beautiful and hardworking boy--Aspen, a Six. Being in the palace with other gorgeous women, and having spent time with the handsome prince, she realized that there's something more at being a prince or a royal. Seems like Prince Maxon isn't someone she thought he was. Feeling suddenly confused of her own feelings, she must decide what she really wants while trying to figure out his feelings for Aspen and the prince. 

I'd say that after reading this book, I didn't expect that it would linger on my mind for so long... I don't know what it is that makes me think about the book so much and care for the characters that I've grown to adore. It isn't one of my favorites but I really enjoyed the story. It was charming and beautiful and sweet in its own way. It is a love story mixed with action and just enough suspense. It was entertaining! 

What I didn't like? Hmm... I can't think of any. Except maybe the ending. It wasn't bad though. I just wanted more--more of America and Maxon. For me, it felt like I was given a book that was half-finished. Something that made me want to know the real ending. I need it and I want it now. I want to know what will happen to America. Who is the one she really cares about? Who will she choose between the two guys? Will Maxon pick her as his princess? Or will America end up with Aspen? I so want to know! Really, does it have to end that way? It's going to be a long wait. 

If you enjoyed The Bachelor or any other dating game like this one, then you might like this book. It isn't just the beautiful cover that makes it good, it's the story, the characters, the world of The Selection as a whole. Grab a copy and enjoy!

"I hope you find someone you can't live without. I really do. And I hope you never have to know what it's like to have to try and live without them." America, p.95

My Rating:

Book Review: BONDS OF FENRIS by S.J. Bell

Bonds of Fenris

Author: S.J. Bell

Publication Date: May 7th 2012

Format: eBook

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Summary | Add to TBR

Talia Thornwood's life ended one year ago, when she became a werewolf. She survived the attack, and the horrifying transformation a month later, but the life she has now is barely worth living. She lurks about in a filthy, run-down house, with too many werewolves crammed into too small a space. Every day is a struggle against the stress of human contact, the romantic prodding of her obnoxious packmate Pierce, and the gnawing hunger for flesh in her soul. 

She's all but resigned herself to a dreary existence on the margins of society when she meets Corwin. Corwin is a werewolf like none other. He walks among humans as if it was nothing, and can keep his wolf under control even when the moon is full. Talia's mind is suddenly opened to the possibilities before her, and the realization of how little she really knows about lycanthropy. 

Corwin claims that he can teach her how to cope as he does, even how to transcend her affliction. But it will not be easy. It is a hard education that requires her to question everything her pack taught her, and confront exactly what she has become. And, more amazingly, what she never stopped being. 

My Thoughts:

Reading Bonds of Fenris is like reading a wolf book but not really a book just about wolves. It was so much more. Honestly, this book surpassed my expectation. It was original, it was captivating, and it made me realized truths that I haven't paid attention to before.

As a child, you can wish for anything. But as you grow up, one by one your wishes slip away from you, becoming unattainable. You pick and choose the most presious to hold on to... then you’re down to only the precious ones. And when life asks you to give up another, what do you do? How do you decide which of your precious wishes is the most important? –Talia, p81

When I started this book I didn't know what to expect except that it's about wolves... a pack of wolves... Probably an action-adventure-suspense kind of story with a bit of romance? I wonder why I thought of that in the first place? Maybe because I was so used with the stories of wolves and vampires and other-wordly creatures that is common in other fantasy and paranormal books I usually read. But then I was surprised that it was actually a story of self-discovery and finding meaning in life. I really liked the beautiful writing and the simple yet powerful story mixed with strong riveting characters.

Talia is a strong girl. Stubborn, maybe. Afraid, maybe. But if you're a wolf and a human at the same time, you'll understand how it is to live, or not to live. The first POV style of writing used in this book made me see clearly Talia's thoughts and understand her actions. It's like feeling her emotions, seeing the world through her eyes. Her relationship with Corwin wasn't like a love-at-first-sight kind of romance, which I really appreciated. It wasn't rushed. It wasn't forced at all. It just developed and blossomed subsequently that made the romance more enticing. The rest of the characters are well developed and likable. Each of them have their own set of personalities that blended well with the story. 

“You were told... Don’t give in... you wanted control more than anything in the world. But you gave in... What was so important that it made you give up a treasure that you thought was worth everything? What was so valuable that it eclipsed all other concerns? What was it that you were willing to forgo every other desire in the world for? When it really comes down to it... what do you want?” –Corwin, p93

The pacing of the story was good and there was no boring moments. I read and watched how the story unfolded... there were parts that made me sad, some made smile, but most parts made me think. It was surprising how this book made me realized that "to live" is actually the thing that man sometimes tend to forget until he face the possibility of "dying".

I really enjoyed reading this book. It's short, fun, easy to read and easy to understand. Don't worry about the action parts (if you're looking for some) because it has enough of that too. When I finished this book, I had a sweet smile on my face because it has a beautiful ending, a hopeful and a satisfying one. I'm glad that I read it and I hope you'll find time to read it too.

And my favorite line:

“Our lives are what we make them, Talia. We have the things that we do because we work for them, or because we fail to work for something better. I mean, take your own example. You want to be in love, so you’re kissing frogs like mad to find it.” – Corwin, p132

My Rating: