Review: Fever

Fever by Lauren DeStefano

Book: ★★★★★
Cover:  ★★★★☆

• Reading level: Ages 14 and up
• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers (February 21, 2012

 Rhine and Gabriel have escaped the mansion, but they’re still in danger. Outside, they find a world even more disquieting than the one they left behind.

 Determined to get to Manhattan and find Rhine’s twin brother, Rowan, the two press forward, amid threats of being captured again…or worse.
    
 The road they are on is long and perilous—and in a world where young women only live to age twenty and men die at age twenty-five, time is precious. In this sequel to Lauren DeStefano’s harrowing Wither, Rhine must decide if freedom is worth the price—now that she has more to lose than ever.

 After reading Fever (multiple times), naturally I was super excited to read Fever. This book certainly did not disappoint. Like Wither, Fever is absolutely, heart-breakingly beautiful. I felt like I was reading a long poem. While this book is definitely darker than Wither, it would not have felt right if it wasn't. With most books in a series, to me it seems like the books are completely separate. While I usually like that, in this case, I would not have. Wither and Fever feel like what they are, sister books. They go together perfectly, like two heartbeats. I cannot wait until the last installment of the trilogy, to see where it takes the story.

 Fever is much more frightening than Wither. In Wither, you knew there was danger, but it was easy to ignore because Rhine was sleeping in between silk sheets, being waited on, and had her husband wrapped around her finger. In Fever, Rhine is thrown out into the real world, and things aren't exactly as Rhine remembers them. You can feel the tension rising and shifting; this was one of those books that makes your heart beat a little bit faster.

 You really see the characters start to grow and change during Fever. Rhine is put under incredible pressure, having to keep herself, Gabriel, and Maddie (a little girl they meet along the way) alive. Gabriel is accustomed to life in the mansion, so he's not of much help. I like that, because it's something you don't see very often. Usually, the girl is the weak one, the damsel in distress, relying almost completely on a boy, the only thing that can make her life complete. But in this book, you see Rhine become the stronger one, the one getting things done. It's actually not so much of Rhine leading as the two leaning on each other to survive which made it so much more believable.

 The supporting characters are part of what makes this book fantastic. All of them are so realistic it's scary. Many new characters popped up, and every single one of them were deliciously intriguing. Some of my favorites include Claire, the kind and funny head of an orphanage; The Madame, a character that is not, well, nice, but you love to... kind of hater her?; and finally, Silas, a sexy orphan who gives Rhine his guidance and seems like he will play a big part in the next book. I really cannot describe to you how real these characters seem; I've never read anything like it in a book. I think that the characters in this book make it shine like the star that it is.

 Overall, a scarily beautiful, elegant books that will set your hair on end and enchant you with every word. If you haven't read Wither, the first book, or have and just haven't gotten around to Fever, I reccomend you do so now. You definitely won't regret it. 

eBook Giveaway: Between The Land and The Sea

 So, a few days ago I got an email from one of my favorite authors, Derrolyn Anderson, about the conclusion of her series, Marina's Tales. I have absolutely loved this series from the beginning, with it's beach-side setting and enjoyable plot. While I'm sad that the series is coming to an end, I'm super excited to read  the final book, The Turning Tides. 

 

 Derrolyn was also kind enough to me offer me a Smashwords coupon for a free eBook for the first book, Between The Land and The Sea. If you want to check out my review, you can do so here. So, on to the giveaway! (Remember, this is ONLY for Between The Land and The Sea, not the whole series.)

Between The Land and The Sea by Derrolyn Anderson

 Something extraordinary is lurking in the deep ocean waters off the coast of Aptos, California. In just a few weeks after moving to the small beach town, sixteen year old Marina has nearly drowned twice, enchanted the hottest guy in high school, and discovered a supernatural creature. If she can only manage to survive her increasingly dangerous encounters with unpredictable mermaids, she might just be able to unlock the mystery of her past to learn how to appease the mysterious forces that seem to want something from her...and maybe even find true love along the way. 

  Guidelines:
-Contest ends April 1st at 12 p.m. Est.
-One entry per person.
-This is, of course, international, since it is an eBook.
-Once I email you and receive a confirmation, I will email you again with the coupon code.
 
 That's it! Enter away!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Waiting on Wednesday #15

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine.

The Selection- Kiera Cass

 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 a palace and compete for the heart of 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.

This looks so good! I love the plot that things like competitions create, so I know this one will be great. What are you looking forward to?

Re-reading

 I don't often re-read books. I know some people who say they can't re-read books, at all. When I re-read, it's always a book that I found particularly wonderful and whose world I can't wait to return to. Heck, sometimes I don't even know why I pick books back up. Below is a list compiled of the books I have re-read most often.

  To Kill A Mockingbird  by Harper Lee

 I love everything about this book. It is one of my all-time favorites. I love Scout's voice, still a kid. Atticus is one of my favorite characters. I like the fact that the main plot is sewn through the book, while most of the book focuses on Scout's life, just as it would be if a child was telling you this story. While that would bug the crap out of me in any other book, it fits seamlessly into this wonderful piece of literature.

 This book isn't for everyone. Most kids my age complain that it's boring, or that they don't get the meaning. However, I think this book perfectly portrays human nature and what comes with it.

Percy Jackson and The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

 I adore all of Rick Riordan's books, but this is definitely my favorite, probably because this is the book where it all began.I love Greek mythology and I love boys who wield swords, so naturally, I love this book. It's also kind of refreshing to read middle grade books every once in a while.

 I can't really describe to you why I love this book. It's just one of those books that draws you into it, with it's wonderful characters and entertaining world.

Distant Waves by Suzanne Weyn

 I have always found the event of the Titanic a heart breaking yet captivating one. When I first saw this book, I knew immediately that I wanted to read it. Since then, I've read it multiple times and enjoyed every second of the re-reading. It takes place in my favorite time era, I learned about a billion things that I hadn't known before, and the characters are absolutely swoon worthy.

 I love Jane's (the main character) voice, and, of course, the love interest, Thad. Romance has a lot to do with this book, and it's beautifully done. The rest of the characters are all wonderfully diverse and interesting.

Wither by Lauren DeStefano

 *sigh* This book is so stunningly elegant and beautiful. It's like nothing else I've ever read before in the way that it makes me feel like the world is absolutely real. The story is electric, with labyrinth like turns and twists. I fell in love with this book the first time I read it, and even more so the second, and third. This will be a book that I know I will enjoy for years and years to come.

 The supporting character's found in this book are all wonderfully wrought. There is no black and white in your feelings for them. You find yourself both loving and despising Cecily, the young and overeager sister wife to Rhine. Loving Linden and sort of hating yourself for it. And you find yourself absolutely disgusted with Housemaster Vaughn, the twisted doctor who will stop at nothing.

So, do you re-read books? If so, what calls you to them? The world, the characters, or even the writing style? Let me know!

5 Excuses

 So. I've been slacking.
 I know, I know. I could schedule posts in advance. But I'm not a planner. I'm the person who realizes they needed to be somewhere two hours ago and is still sitting on their bed, cruising tumblr. Anyway, I'm slacking off right now, mainly because it's February, I'm sick, and I just really, really need a break.
 Don't get me wrong, I adore blogging, but I feel like I've been plowing through my work so fast that I;m not enjoying it. So I'm slowing down a bit. Posting will be back at a steady pace very soon, but I need a few more days to be a useless human being.
 So, the five out of many excuses I have been telling myself and others include:

 1. I'M BUSY. No, not really. I'm actually just really good at procrastinating, so the work keeps piling up and up, but I'm really only busy thinking about how busy I am.

 2. I HAVE A LOT ON MY MIND. Read number one. I have a lot on my mind because I' thinking a lot about how I don't want to do anything.

 3. I JUST NEED A BREAK. This one is actually true. I've worked really hard all year, and now I just need some time to return to my room and lay on my bed all day without thinking about anything.

 4. THE INTERNET IS SHINY AND I WANT TO TOUCH IT. Once again, very true. I've recently discovered the majesty that is tumbr and can't seem to not be on tumblr. Now every time I see something funny, I immediately scream that it should be a GIF.

 5. MY BRAIN IS REALLY SCARED AND NEEDS TO SLEEP. Obviously, I'm going crazy. I need a vacation, or possibly a cloak of invisibility so that I can hide in my basement peacefully.

 So. I promise to return to blogging soon. Don't expect anything big for the next few days. In the meantime, you can look at this picture I drew for you.

My current train of thought, apparently.

Waiting on Wednesday #14

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine.

 Thumped by Megan McCafferty

  It's been thirty-five weeks since twin sisters Harmony and Melody went their separate ways. Since then, their story has become irresistible to legions of girls: twins separated at birth and living different lives, each due to deliver sets of twins . . . on the same day! In a future where only teens can "bump," or give birth, babies mean money, status, and freedom.
  Married to Ram and living in religious Goodside, Harmony spends her time trying to fit back into the community she once loved and believed in. But she can't seem to forget about Jondoe, the guy she fell in love with under the strangest of circumstances.
  To her adoring fans, Melody has achieved everything she always wanted: a big, fat contract and a coupling with Jondoe, the hottest bump prospect around. But this image is costing her the one guy she really wants.
  Cursed by their own popularity, the girls are obsessively tracked by their millions of fans, who have been eagerly counting down the days to their "Double Double Due Date." Without a doubt, they are two of the most powerful teen girls on the planet, and there's only one thing they could do that would make them more famous than they already are:
Tell the truth.

Review: An Abundance of Katherines

An Abundance of Katherines

Book: ★★★★☆
Cover: ★★★★☆
 (I'm aware that this isn't the new cover. I just like this one better.)

Reading level: Ages 12 and up 
Paperback: 272 pages 
Publisher: Speak; Reprint edition (October 16, 2008)

 When it comes to relationships, Colin Singleton’s type is girls named Katherine. And when it comes to girls named Katherine, Colin is always getting dumped. Nineteen times, to be exact. On a road trip miles from home, this anagram-happy, washed-up child prodigy has ten thousand dollars in his pocket, a bloodthirsty feral hog on his trail, and an overweight, Judge Judy–loving best friend riding shotgun—but no Katherines. Colin is on a mission to prove The Theorem of Underlying Katherine Predictability, which he hopes will predict the future of any relationship, avenge Dumpees everywhere, and finally win him the girl. Love, friendship, and a dead Austro-Hungarian archduke add up to surprising and heart-changing conclusions in this ingeniously layered comic novel about reinventing oneself.

  This book was written by John Green.


  Oh, what? You mean you need more initiative to read it? After reading The Fault in Our Stars, a book that I found myself at a complete loss, (Let me leave it at this: I believe that if you do not read TFiOS, you are truly missing one of the best works of literature of this time.) I knew I wanted to read all of John Green's books. I picked up An Abundance of Katherines at the library, and I'm SO glad I did.

First of all, the writing is wonderful, hilarious, and so, unbeliveably real. There is no sugar-coating, or over-dramatizations. I can;t really describe to you how very realistic this book is, mainly because I cannot comprehend how life was so flawlessly converted into words, printed on pages, and trapped between a cover.

  Reading this book was just so enjoyable. It's like reading summer. While it was definitely a quick read, I enjoyed every second of it, and the sentence to laugh ratio was about 1:1. Not to mention, I actually learned a lot while reading this book, including my new favorite vocabulary word, sitzpinkler. (Sitzpinkler: German for a man who sits to pee.) Actually, my teacher took this book away from me in class because I kept laughing obnoxiously loud. One of the funniest books I've read in a long while.

  The characters in this book have to be some of my all-time favorites. But I must say, Hassan (Colin's best friend) is just amazing. Most of the reason this book was so funny was because of Hassan. Colin is hilarious in a different way, when he wants to be. All the characters in this book have become real to me. Honestly, out of all the books I've read (excluding TFiOS), this book has the realest characters. Ever. I was left completely in awe in the character department.

  My only complaint is that the plot is a teeny, tiny, tiny bit slow. However, the writing is so good that you hardly notice. I was so in love with the characters, setting and writing that the plot was sort of less important. While I do wish it had been a bit more driven, this doesn't really affect my love of this book.

Overall, a really good book. I totally recommend it. DFTBA!

Waiting on Wednesday #13

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine.

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

 

  One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.
  Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.
  New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

 Honestly, after reading Divergent, I don't know who couldn't be dying to read this book! I am so ridiculously excited.

Review: Daughter of Smoke and Bone

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Book: ★★★★☆
Cover: ★★☆☆☆

Reading level: Ages 15 and up 
Hardcover: 432 pages 
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (September 27, 2011)

 Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.

In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.

And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages--not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.

When one of the strangers--beautiful, haunted Akiva--fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

 The pure imagination in this book took my breath away. This is the most original story I've read in a while. The story started off a little slow, but once you get into this book, it won't let you go. While reading this book, I felt like I was being sucked into an epic fairytale world, which is what I've been longing for in a paranormal. I'm happy to say this this book completely lived up to the hype.

 I absolutely adore Karou. She fits the story so well. I can't really describe how wonderfully crafted she is, along with all of the other characters. The only word I can think of to almost-adequately describe them is vivid. So vivid it seems that they're really out there, living and breathing as you read. My favorite character has to be Akiva, and for reasons other than him being gorgeous. He's haunted and supernatural but also so real. For once, an angel with flaws. To be frank, I'm pretty tired of the perfect heroes, because that is just so terrible unrealistic. I know it's fiction, but it is also a story of emotion. This book has emotion packed into every word, some of it vibrant and fast-paced, others slow and foreboding.

  Truth be told, this book just felt like something whispered over campfires or found in an attic, leather bound and falling to pieces. This book brings storytelling back to life. While you can sort of see how it is going to end, through out the entire book you are entranced. Every aspect about it holds something mystical and beautiful. I think that the true story-like way in which this book is told is something really special.

  The plot of this book was addictive. You find yourself asking over and over again, What? But it's such a delightful confusion. Throughout the book, Karou struggles with who she is. She thinks she is flawed, scared by the things she has done. When really, she is one of the most innocent people in the entire book. I like that about her. I don;t mean that I like that she's down on herself, but rather, she doesn't think she's perfect. Anyway, when she finds out who she really is (which I will not tell you), she becomes happier. She discovers the truth about her and her past, something that has always felt hollow inside her. I loved to see that growth in her. But before she discovers herself, the idea that she could be something bad is so ver daunting, keeping you on the edge of your seat.

 Overall, a fantastic book. I loved every second of it. I completely recommend it for those of you who liked The Iron Fey series.

5 Books I Loved But Didn't Review

5. Delirium by Lauren Oliver

 This book was simply beautiful. Every line was like poetry. The entire idea for this book, that love is a disease, drew me in immediately.  It carries a heart-wrenching message, and I have to admit that I cried my eyes out at the ending.

 

 Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing.

 They didn’t understand that once love -- the deliria -- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the government demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.

  But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.

 4. The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab

This book was so haunting and beautifully written. Every second of it was electric and alluring. Just a great story that feels as if it's from another world, and as old as time.

The Near Witch is only an old story told to frighten children. 
 
If the wind calls at night, you must not listen. The wind is lonely, and always looking for company. 
 
And there are no strangers in the town of Near.

These are the truths that Lexi has heard all her life.

But when an actual stranger—a boy who seems to fade like smoke—appears outside her home on the moor at night, she knows that at least one of these sayings is no longer true.

The next night, the children of Near start disappearing from their beds, and the mysterious boy falls under suspicion. Still, he insists on helping Lexi search for them. Something tells her she can trust him.

As the hunt for the children intensifies, so does Lexi’s need to know—about the witch that just might be more than a bedtime story, about the wind that seems to speak through the walls at night, and about the history of this nameless boy.

  3. Across the Universe by Beth Revis

 I love the stars, and I love books that have to do with being trapped in a hostile territory. And this book is all over that, not to mention just being amazing.

  A love out of time. A spaceship built of secrets and murder.

Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.

Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone-one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship-tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.

Now Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.

 2. My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent

  This is one of my all-time favorite books, not to mention, one of the books that got me into YA. I love the romance, the humor, the characters, the story....  it's all just so good. If you haven't read this book, that means you also do not know Tod. And, believe me people, you want to know Tod.

  She doesn't see dead people, but…
She senses when someone near her is about to die. And when that happens, a force beyond her control compels her to scream bloody murder. Literally.
Kaylee just wants to enjoy having caught the attention of the hottest guy in school. But a normal date is hard to come by when Nash seems to know more about her need to scream than she does. And when classmates start dropping dead for no apparent reason, only Kaylee knows who'll be next…

1. The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

 This is my all-time favorite series. The setting is gorgeous. The faery lore is intriguing. The characters are so realistic you feel as if you could touch them. And the romance? Let's just say, I fell right along with Meghan.

And, um, also Puck. Forever Puck.

 Meghan Chase has a secret destiny—one she could never have imagined…
Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school…or at home.
When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change.

 But she could never have guessed the truth—that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face…and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.

Waiting on Wednesday #12

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine. 

Pure by Juliana Baggott

  We know you are here, our brothers and sisters . . .
Pressia barely remembers the Detonations or much about life during the Before. In her sleeping cabinet behind the rubble of an old barbershop where she lives with her grandfather, she thinks about what is lost-how the world went from amusement parks, movie theaters, birthday parties, fathers and mothers . . . to ash and dust, scars, permanent burns, and fused, damaged bodies. And now, at an age when everyone is required to turn themselves over to the militia to either be trained as a soldier or, if they are too damaged and weak, to be used as live targets, Pressia can no longer pretend to be small. Pressia is on the run.

Burn a Pure and Breathe the Ash . . .
There are those who escaped the apocalypse unmarked. Pures. They are tucked safely inside the Dome that protects their healthy, superior bodies. Yet Partridge, whose father is one of the most influential men in the Dome, feels isolated and lonely. Different. He thinks about loss-maybe just because his family is broken; his father is emotionally distant; his brother killed himself; and his mother never made it inside their shelter. Or maybe it's his claustrophobia: his feeling that this Dome has become a swaddling of intensely rigid order. So when a slipped phrase suggests his mother might still be alive, Partridge risks his life to leave the Dome to find her.

When Pressia meets Partridge, their worlds shatter all over again.

 While I already have a galley, oh my goodness, I just want to touch this book! The cover is gorgeous, and, from what I've read, the book is just plain amazing.

Review: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Book:  ★★☆☆☆
Cover:  ★★★★★

• Hardcover: 464 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster (September 27, 2011)
• Language: English

 Mara Dyer doesn't believe life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there. It can.

 She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her strangely unharmed. There is.

 She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love. She's wrong.

  To tell you the truth, this book just really, really disappointed me. The beginning was so eerie and foreboding, and I was hooked. At first. After reading further, however, I quickly became confused. At first, it was a good confused. Then I was just sort of bewildered. At the end of the book, I was still confused, left staring that the acknowledgements page and trying not to scream. Many, many questions were raised during this book, and only a few were answered. I know that there is going to be a sequel, but I feel like all of the stuff that happened in this book could have been wrapped up in this book. I would have liked it better as a stand alone.

  One major thing that was disappointing to me is that, as soon as Mara meets Noah, the mystery goes to the back burner. Everything becomes about the romance. While I do love romance in my books, the romance isn't the only thing I wanted this book for. I wanted an eerie, creepy mystery, and I got that, at first. But soon, all attention was focused on Noah. I feel like the mystery and plot in this book had so much potential, but instead, the whole book went to the romance.

  Another thing is that I found myself skimming through paragraph after paragraph and finding that it was just filler and fluff. Now, I do think that filler and fluff is okay, if in the right place and not frequent. But in this book, it occurred way too often, and there was more of it than actual substance to the book. That really frustrated me, as I hate skipping because I feel like I'm missing things, but also hate having to dig myself out of a pile of filler.

  (Spoiler alert!) One thing I remember being off, though, is when Mara sees her earrings at the bottom of the tub, and then later finds them in her ears, well, that's not a symptom of her power. Maybe I wasn't paying attention, but that sort of seems like the author was trying to play Mara off as very insane, and while doing that, forgot what Mara actually was. I don't know. Like the whole book, that was very confusing to me. Thoughts?

 Overall, this book wasn't my cup of tea. But, remember, this is my opinion, not yours. I know lots and lots of people have absolutely loves this book. I would maybe pick it up at the library and give it a try. Maybe you'll love it.
 
  However, even though I didn't really like the book, this trailer is AMAZING. Watch it.

IMM #8

In My Mailbox is a post where, basically, book bloggers get to make other bookish people drool over their newly acquired awesome stuff. And this awesome little meme is hosted by Kristi, over at her epic blog, The Story Siren.

Bought:

Two Signed Copies of The Fault in Our Stars by John Green 

A Million Suns by Beth Revis

 Crossed by Ally Condie

Received through NetGalley:

Pure by Julianna Baggott

I am super excited to read all of these! What books have you gotten this week?

Waiting on Wednesday #11

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine. 

Fever by Lauren DeStefano

Rhine and Gabriel have escaped the mansion, but they’re still in danger. Outside,they find a world even more disquieting than the one they left behind.
 Determined to get to Manhattan and to find Rhine’s twin brother Rowan, the two press forward, amidst threats of being captured again . . . or worse.
The road they are on is long and perilous-and in a world where young women only liveto age 20 and men die at age 25, time is precious.
 In this sequel to LaurenDeStefano’s harrowing Wither, Rhine must decide if freedom is worth the price-now
that she has more to lose than ever.

Who isn't looking forward to this book? I read Wither last spring, and I aboslutely adored it. I hope (read: know) Fever will be just as amazing!

Review: Under The Never Sky

Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Book: ★★★★☆
Cover: ★★★☆☆

• Reading level: Ages 14 and up
• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (January 3, 2012)

 Aria is a teenager in the enclosed city of Reverie. Like all Dwellers, she spends her time with friends in virtual environments, called Realms, accessed through an eyepiece called a Smarteye. Aria enjoys the Realms and the easy life in Reverie. When she is forced out of the pod for a crime she did not commit, she believes her death is imminent. The outside world is known as The Death Shop, with danger in every direction.

As an Outsider, Perry has always known hunger, vicious predators, and violent energy storms from the swirling electrified atmosphere called the Aether. A bit of an outcast even among his hunting tribe, Perry withstands these daily tests with his exceptional abilities, as he is gifted with powerful senses that enable him to scent danger, food and even human emotions.

They come together reluctantly, for Aria must depend on Perry, whom she considers a barbarian, to help her get back to Reverie, while Perry needs Aria to help unravel the mystery of his beloved nephew’s abduction by the Dwellers. Together they embark on a journey challenged as much by their prejudices as by encounters with cannibals and wolves. But to their surprise, Aria and Perry forge an unlikely love - one that will forever change the fate of all who live under the never sky.

  In one word, this book was beautiful. I loved the alternating POV, which I usually do not, but Aria and Perry were both absolutely delightful characters to read. The writing is in third person, which, yet again, I usually do not like, but this book did much more than pull it off. All of the characters are crafted wonderfully, each of them with their own opinions, feelings, and thoughts. While you don't always agree with their choices, you do understand why they did it. I have to say, though, my favorite thing about this entire book was the world.

 I'm really not sure whether to call this book a post-apocalyptic or a dystopian. Really, it's both. In the pods, life seems perfect, but it becomes obvious very quickly that there are sharks in the water. But outside, the world has been reduced to villages and tribes that constantly destroy eachother. And the threat that ruined the world so long ago? It's still hanging around. Aether, swirling currents of water and lightning, still writhe in the sky. Even worse, a new madness is brewing in the pods- making "Dwellers" go completely postal. Which is, you know, kind of frightening.

However, the writing style was, to sum it up, electrifying. Throughout the whole book, there is a sense of urgency and suspense. Both Aria and Perry experience loss and pain. At first, both of them hate the other. Aria thinks Perry is like a caveman, ruthless and volatile. Perry sees Aria as a fragile, useless dweller. But after traveling with each other for a while, they realize that the other isn't half bad. And so their epic love story begins.

 Another thing I always love in a book is action, and lots of it. I'm happy to say that this book was full of the stuff, plus a little Aether mojo. The action was perfectly paced, unlike my heartbeat when a Cannibal came out of nowhere and tried to EAT EVERYONE. (Yes. Cannibals. How's that for a kick ass enemy? Although, believe me, there are plenty of other enemies who are just as scary.)

 I've been trying to decide who my favorite character in this book is and I just cannot do it! I'm torn between Cinder, Roar, and Liv. If you've read the book, you know what I'm talking about when I say Cinder is officially one of the coolest and most mysterious characters ever. Then again, Roar is handsome, brave, kind, and will go to all lengths to save the one he loves. And, well, you know, his name is Roar. Roar! Finally, Liv. You never actually meet Liv in the book, but you feel like you do. Liv is Perry's sister and Roar's girlfriend. The way everyone speaks of her, she is very courageous and kind. She seems like a very interesting character to me. Thoughts?

 Overall, a wonderful and beautiful read. I totally recommend it.Be sure to pick it up the next time you can! You won't regret it.

Top Five 2012 Covers #2

Once again, there is an amazing amount of beautiful book covers being revealed, and I want to show you my favorites! They say not to judge a book by its cover, but sometimes, it's nearly impossible to resist! These are those covers that are the cherry on top of a great book. 

Keep in mind, however, that these are just the covers that have been released so far. I can't wait to see what other covers are released!

1. Destined by Aprilynne Pike- That flower is so beautiful! I love the way the water looks, and the color of the font perfectly blends with the other colors.

 

2. Mirage by Kristi Cook- I love how the blue contrasts with the purple, and how they brought the butterfly from the first cover into this one too. I also love the mirror.

3. Until I Die by Amy Plum- I absolutely love the swirls! And, once again, the color scheme is amazing. I love the blue hue on the buildings. 

4. Once by Anna Carey-  I've heard a lot of people really bashing this cover, but I really like it. I think the tunnel really has an ominous feeling, and the purple glow adds to that effect.

  

5. Surrender by Elana Johnson- This cover is even more stunning than the first! I absolutely love the simplicity of it. The hummingbird is beautiful, as well as the font, and they are both very striking against the white background.

FAVORITE COVER OF 2012:

Arise by Tara Hudson

 

 This cover is absolutely breathtaking! The dress, the graveyard, the ferns- they all mix together perfectly. It's so eerie and beautiful. Allthough, I feel obligated to tell you that I'm slightly biased on the matter of this book. The first book, Hereafter, was completely and totally amazing. And when I found out this one took place in New Orleans, my favorite place in the world, it was like the world became a better place. When the cover was unveiled, I immediately fell in love.

 What is YOUR favorite?

Curseworkers Series by Holly Black: Redesign?

 So, I was running around the internet today and I saw that the fabulous Curseworkers series had undergone some major facial work.

I know this is rather small, so just click on the image to enlarge it.

 I both love and am a little iffy on these covers. They are gorgeous, but I think their predecessors fit the feel of the books more. What do you all think? Yay? Nay? Tell me in the comments.

Waiting On Wednesday #10

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine. 

Arise by Tara Hudson

 Amelia—still caught between life and death—must fight for every moment of her relationship with the human boy Joshua. They can hardly even kiss without Amelia accidentally dematerializing. Looking for answers, they go to visit some of Joshua’s Seer relatives in New Orleans. But even in a city so famously steeped in the supernatural, Amelia ends up with more questions than answers…and becomes increasingly convinced that she and Joshua can never have a future together.Wandering through the French Quarter, Amelia meets other in-between ghosts, and begins to seriously consider joining them. And then she meets Gabrielle. Somehow, against impossible odds, Gaby has found a way to live a sort of half-life...a half-life for which Amelia would pay any price. Torn between two worlds, Amelia must choose carefully, before the evil spirits of the netherworld choose for her.

 Doesn't it look amazing? And isn't the cover beautiful? So, what are YOU looking forward to today?

Top Five 2012 Covers #1

So, obviously, a list of only ten books cannot cover my excitement for all the lovely new book coming out this year. I've seen so many new and completely gorgeous covers set to come out soon and I can't wait to get my hands on them and see them in person! I'm breaking this post into 2 parts. You can expect to see the next five covers January 10th!

5. Dreamless by Josephine Angelini- I love the pink sky and the texture of the rocks. I also love how her dress sort of looks like flower petals.

4. Everneath by Brodi Ashton- I love the smoke curls and the way the smoke is blended so well with the dress. I also love the color scheme.

3. Endlessly by Kiersten White- I love the purple! Love, love, love it! The clouds in the background add an eerie effect that just makes you want to wrap yourself up in this book.

              

  2. Insurgent by Veronica Roth- HOLY CRAP, YOU GUYS. I freaking ADORE this cover.     The tree, the storm clouds, the cityscape below- its simply gorgeous.

1. Incarnate by Jodi Meadows- Say it with me: Ooooooohh. The butterfly wings are so flawlessly blended in with her eyes. I love the blue and reddish pink hues. It all mixes together to be so, so flawless!

Which is YOUR favorite?