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!