Win a copy of Falling Under by Gwen Hayes

Just found an awesome contest for a book I've been drooling over for a while now. Check it:
http://www.totalbookaholic.com/2011/03/im-very-happy-to-have-gwen-hayes-on.html

Review: Wither

Wither by Lauren DeStefano

5/5 Stars

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster

 Thanks to modern science, every human being has become a ticking genetic time bomb—males only live to age twenty-five, and females only live to age twenty. In this bleak landscape, young girls are kidnapped and forced into polygamous marriages to keep the population from dying out.

When sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery is taken by the Gatherers to become a bride, she enters a world of wealth and privilege. Despite her husband Linden's genuine love for her, and a tenuous trust among her sister wives, Rhine has one purpose: to escape—to find her twin brother and go home.

But Rhine has more to contend with than losing her freedom. Linden's eccentric father is bent on finding an antidote to the genetic virus that is getting closer to taking his son, even if it means collecting corpses in order to test his experiments. With the help of Gabriel, a servant Rhine is growing dangerously attracted to, Rhine attempts to break free, in the limted time she has left.

 AHMAZING! First off, I love the cover. When I bought the book, I sat there and petted it all creepily. And I'm pretty sure the caged bird has to do with the whole "Why does the caged bird sing?" thing. Second, I adore her name. I like the way Rhine sounds when you say it. 
 So, on to the meat of the book.
 As soon as I started this book, it grabbed me. I could not put it down. I read it in two days, and it only took me that long because I had to go to school. The writing is so stunning and deep, and the world is painted up around you. I became so into this book, I didn't eat the night I bought it. I wasn't hungry. Except for maybe more of this book.
 Rhine is so different in her time. She's smart enough not to get killed and be strong when she needs to be. The world of Wither is so fascinating and intriguing- as well as disturbing. A world where prostitution and polygamy is well-accepted and understood. A world where you know when you are going to die and you know that its going to be long and painful. 
 The sister wives- Cecily and Jenna- are so different. Rhine is determined, strong, but still able to be kind. Cecily is eager to be more of a grown up than she is at 13, and Jenna is so sad and full of hate. But still, they really become sisters.
 Linden.. is Linden. He's the House Governor, the husband to the wives. He isn't cruel. He's not forceful. He's just sweet and sad. His father, Housemaster Vaughn, is disgusting. The pervy rich old man that makes your skin crawl. I've met one of those- do not recommend it. 
 And then, *swoon*, Gabriel. Blue eyed Gabriel. He is the guy I've dreamed about- Rhine is going to have to move over. 
 Well, I'm talking too long. All I can say is that you need to read this book. Totally recommend it. All the way.

Review: Wondrous Strange

Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston

4/5 stars

(Amazon , Goodreads)

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: HarperTeen (December 23, 2008)

17 year-old Kelley Winslow doesn’t believe in Faeries. Not unless they’re the kind that you find in a theatre, spouting Shakespeare—the kind that Kelley so desperately wishes she could be: onstage, under lights, with a pair of sparkly wings strapped to her shoulders. But as the understudy in a two-bit, hopelessly off-off-Broadway production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, wishing is probably the closest she’s going to get to becoming a Faerie Queen. At least, that’s what she thinks... In this fun, urban fantasy, Kelley's off-stage life suddenly becomes as complicated as one of Shakespeare’s plot twists when a nighttime trip to Central Park holds more than meets the mortal eye.

 So, I'm a bit late on this review, seeing as Wondrous Strange came out in 2008. But I loved it! I have a soft spot for anything Faery, and let me tell you, this IS Faery. And they combined it with my all-time favorite play. Could it get any better?  Well, maybe.
 Kelley is perfect for her role in this book, but I feel like the characters are kind of shallow. It;s probably just because I'm not a huge fan of third person, because I just feel like you can't get a REALLY close feel to the characters. Don't get me wrong! When Kelley and Sonny were in danger or in battle, I cared about them. But I just couldn't get a really personal feel.
 But the Faery world writing is exquisite. It's a bit different from what I'm used to, as when I think of Faery I think of Oberon as the Seelie King and Mab as Winter. But this book totally pulls it off.
  I learned some more about Faery legends which is awesome, I love it when authors let you learn a little in their books. I know, I know. Nerd alert.
 Overall, this is a great read. I recommend it all the way.

Waiting On Wednesday (4)

Die For Me by Amy Plum

(Amazon , Goodreads)



"My life had always been blissfully, wonderfully normal. But it only took one moment to change everything.
Suddenly, my sister, Georgia, and I were orphans. We put our lives into storage and moved to Paris to live with my grandparents. And I knew my shattered heart, my shattered life, would never feel normal again. Then I met Vincent.
Mysterious, sexy, and unnervingly charming, Vincent Delacroix appeared out of nowhere and swept me off my feet. Just like that, I was in danger of losing my heart all over again. But I was ready to let it happen.
Of course, nothing is ever that easy. Because Vincent is no normal human. He has a terrifying destiny, one that puts his life at risk every day. He also has enemies . . . immortal, murderous enemies who are determined to destroy him and all of his kind.
While I'm fighting to piece together the remnants of my life, can I risk putting my heart—as well as my life and my family's—in jeopardy for a chance at love?"
 Skittles and Lemonade,
      Riley:D

Teaser Tuesday- Meant To Be by Tiffany King

Meant To Be by Tiffany King

( Amazon , Goodreads)

 "It seemed selfish to be so melancholy when I had literally met the guy of my dreams. I should be jumping for joy at my good fortune, but instead I was filled with doubts about the stableness of our relationship in light of the dreams. Could the dreams really mean that he was going to leave me? Maybe I just wasn't what he was expecting after dreaming about me for so long."

Skittles and Lemonade,
      Riley:D

Daily Dose (1)

 Daily Dose is hosted by Good Golly Miss Holly.

IMM (2)

                             In My Mailbox is hosted by Kirsti over at The Story Siren.

So, this weekend I got:

 FROM THE LIBRARY:

  Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick ( Amazon , Goodreads)
  Nevermore by Kelley Creagh ( Amazon , Goodreads)

Sadly, I didn't get to buy any books this week. But I am debating on picking a book from my wishlist to buy on my kindle, so that'll be on next weeks IMM.

Skittles and Lemonade,
    Riley:D