Review: Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Title: Daughter of Smoke and Bone
Author: Laini Taylor
Publisher: Little Brown & Company
Summary: Goodreads
Buy: Amazon
Rating: 4 stars


Summary: Around the world, black hand prints 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 grows 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?

Review: I'll be the first to admit that I never wanted to read this book. Ever. There was no particular reason why I wouldn't give the book a chance; the reviews about this book are constantly raving about it, and I've seen it in every book store and library I went to. And yet I always passed right by it without a second thought, automatically assuming I wouldn't like it. See the thing was, I knew it involved angels and for me that was more then enough of a reason not to read it. I've grown tired of reading books with an angel theme simply because they seem to lack originality and they all seem the same. But after reading this book I feel like such an idiot for waiting so long to give it a chance. Daughter of Smoke and Bone has to be one of the most original and captivating angel stories out there.

"Once upon a time, an angel lay dying in the mist. And a devil knelt over him and smiled."

When I first started reading I was surprised by how strange everything seemed. In fact, when I think of a word to explain this book and the world Laini Taylor has created, I think of the words like strange, weird, fascinating. I felt like I was thrown into a whole new world where people with weird names was common and a girl with blue hair and tattoo's was a whole new level of bad ass.

“She had been innocent once, a little girl playing with feathers on the floor of a devil's lair. She wasn't innocent now, but she didn't know what to do about it. This was her life: magic and shame and secrets and teeth and a deep, nagging hollow at the center of herself where something was most certainly missing.” 

My view of Karou changed throughout the book.  I usually find it hard to connect with the main character if it's not in first person point of view but with Karou I found myself making an exception. I always liked her but as I got to know her better and really see her grow I found myself really connecting with her.She doesn't really have a family,and she doesn't know who she is, or what. She does have people (or should I say creatures) that she considers family and I really liked them, especially Brimstone. I don't want to give away much about the characters because I feel like half the fun of this book was getting to really know and discover the characters. But just know: Karou is more strange and complicated then you could imagine.

“Your soul sings to mine. My soul is yours, and it always will be, in any world. No matter what happens. I need you to remember that I love you.” 

I've read some reviews where some readers felt like they couldn't really connect with Akiva and actually didn't want Akiva and Karou together but I completely disagree.If anything after finishing the book I felt like they needed to be together even more then when Akiva was first introduced in the book. I loved how flawed he was, not only him but all the characters. Akiva has definitely made mistakes and one in particular really makes me want to throw something at him but what can you do? We all make mistakes, even angels. I just hope that he can redeem himself and find a way to fix things. 

“Have you ever asked yourself, do monsters make war, or does war make monsters?”

The book ends in a definite cliffhanger and I really can't wait till the sequel comes out. If you're tired of reading angel books with the same plot and looking for something fresh and mind blowing, then read this. I can almost guarantee it'll be like noting you've ever experienced.

Feature and Follow Friday

Q: Summer Reading. What was your favorite book that you were REQUIRED to read when you were in school?

A: A Street Car Named Desire by Tennessee Williams, The Crucible by Arthur Miller, and The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini.

Review: The Thing About The Truth by Lauren Barnholdt

Title: The Thing About The Truth
Author: Lauren Barnholdt
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Summary: Goodreads
Buy: Amazon
Rating: 4 stars

Summary: In this humorous love story from the author of Two-Way Street, an unlikely romance is the best sort of surprise—but the wrong secret can ruin everything. Kelsey’s not going to let one mistake ruin her life. Sure, she got kicked out of prep school and all her old friends are shutting her out. But Kelsey’s focused on her future, and she’s determined to get back on track at Concordia High.

Isaac’s been kicked out of more schools than he can count. Since his father’s a state senator, Isaac’s life is under constant scrutiny—but Concordia High’s his last stop before boarding school, so Isaac’s hoping to fly under the radar and try to stay put for a change.

When Kelsey and Isaac meet, it’s anything but love at first sight. She thinks he’s an entitled brat, and he thinks she’s a stuck-up snob. So it surprises them both when they start to fall for each other. Kelsey’s happy for the first time in months, and Isaac’s never felt this way about anyone before...But nothing’s ever completely perfect. Everyone has secrets, and Isaac and Kelsey are no exceptions. These two may have fallen hard, but there’s one thing that can ruin it all: the truth.

Review: Initially there was two reasons I picked up this book: I liked the title, and while the cover looked a little awkward, I really liked it. I try not to base what I'm going to read purely because of a cover but in this case I'm happy I did.

“The thing about me and books is that whichever one I’m reading always reminds me of whatever’s happening in my life during that time.”

I really liked Kelsey but there  were something about her that stopped me from really connecting with her at first. I loved that she enjoyed reading romance novels and wasn't ashamed of it either. A lot of people try to put romance novels down, as if they don't mean as much as other books just because it involves love and I'm happy that she brought that up. But here's the thing about Kelsey that I didn't like: sometimes I felt like she was kind of fake. Not all the time, but enough for me to notice and start to wonder what she really wants. Especially when it comes to Isaac. I don't doubt that she has feelings for him but sometimes she acts like she's not really into him. Maybe I'm just putting too much into it but in my head she was one of those girls that has the perfect boyfriend but doesn't realize it till its too late. And that's exactly what happens, and it all starts with one lie.

"Hello, sir" I say, deciding to play the politeness card because parents love that shit. "I'm Isaac Brandano." I emphasize the Brandano part because parents love that shit too. "Is Kelsey home?"p.165

Is it weird that I felt like I connected easier with Isaac? Because I think he's my favorite character in the book. Yes, he's a bit conceited but what I love about him is that he's truthful and doesn't play game with people. The book is in both Isaac and Kelsey's perspective about what happened at a school event that ultimately could get them kicked out of school. I really loved reading things from both perspective and it was great to be able to get to really know both characters so well. If there was any doubt about how Kelsey felt for Isaac, there was none for how Isaac felt about Kelsey. And I loved that. I loved that Isaac wasn't the dark, brooding type that left Kelsey wondering how he felt. From the beginning he told her he liked her and throughout the book he continued to show just how much. 

“And that's when I realize the thing about the truth. It always comes out, no matter what you do.”p.218

I've always been a big fan of contemporary but lately it feels like these authors are really bringing their A game. This is my first book from Lauren Barnholdt but it certainly won't be my last.

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event held by Jill over at Breaking The Spine! It's all about those books you just can't wait for and are counting down the days till they come out.  


This week I chose: 

Summary: Nothing is certain and no one is safe in the second book in the highly praised Dust Lands trilogy, which MTV's Hollywood Crush blog called "better than "The Hunger Games.""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.

Release Date: October 30,2012

Review: Saving June by Hannah Harrington

Title: Saving June
Author: Hannah Harrington
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Summary: Goodreads
Buy: Amazon
Rating: 5 stars


Summary: ‘If she’d waited less than two weeks, she’d be June who died in June. But I guess my sister didn’t consider that.’

Harper Scott’s older sister has always been the perfect one so when June takes her own life a week before her high school graduation, sixteen-year-old Harper is devastated. Everyone’s sorry, but no one can explain why.

When her divorcing parents decide to split her sister’s ashes into his-and-her urns, Harper takes matters into her own hands. She’ll steal the ashes and drive cross-country with her best friend, Laney, to the one place June always dreamed of going, California.

Enter Jake Tolan. He’s a boy with a bad attitude, a classic-rock obsession and nothing in common with Harper’s sister. But Jake had a connection with June, and when he insists on joining them, Harper’s just desperate enough to let him. With his alternately charming and infuriating demeanour and his belief that music can see you through anything, he might be exactly what she needs.

Except June wasn’t the only one hiding something. Jake’s keeping a secret that has the power to turn Harper’s life upside down again.

Review: I had my doubts when I first heard about this book. I thought it sounded interesting but I wasn't sure it would hold my attention. Saving June did more then just hold my attention, it truly moved me. This book was amazing and I can't wait to read the next book Hannah Harrington writes.

Harper is my kind of character. I loved how strong she was. I don't know how I would react if my sister did what June did but I probably wouldn't be as collected as Harper. But that doesn't mean Harper didn't break down, because she did. And when she did I really felt like crying along with her. She always tried to stay strong for everyone around her and for her to be able to let go and finally grieve with people she trusted, it was something she needed and deserved. 

Jake Tolan. Perfection is the only word I can think of that would come close to how I feel about him. And I'm not saying that because he's good looking, but because of his character. The way he's there not only for Harper but also for her best friend Laney as well. Not to mention I love his music taste. I love when a book incorporates music into the story. To me, it just makes it that much more realistic. Yes he was hiding something but eve though what he did was wrong I don't like him any less.

This book is all about forgiveness, moving on and maybe finding room in your heart for love. But if there's anything this book thought me it's this: Nolite te Bastardes Carborundorum. (Don't let the bastards grind you down, pg43).

Stacking the Shelves

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga at Tynga’s Reviews is just that, it's all about adding  (stacking) to you'r bookshelves.


Borrowed: 

                                                       A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies

The Thing About the Truth by Lauren Barnholdt

                                           After the Moment by Garret Freymann-Weyr

                                                   My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent

                                                   Don't Breathe A Word by Holly Cupala

                                                      Hereafter by Tara Hudson

Never Have I Ever by Sara Shepard

                                                        Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Once in a Full Moon by Ellen Schreiber

Review: 

Semi-Charmed Life by Nora Zelevansky

Feature and Follow Friday

Q: Christmas in July! Someone gives you a gift card for two books (whatever that costs). What two books will you buy?


A: I would by Onyx by  Jennifer L. Armentrout because I'm in love with this series and I really want to read what happens next. And I would buy Spirit by Brigid Kemmerer. I loved the first two books and I can't wait to read the story in Hunter perspective. 

 

Review: Seeing Shadows by S.H. Kolee

Title: Seeing Shadows
Author: S.H. Kolee
Publisher: Self Published
Summary: Goodreads
Buy: Amazon
Rating: 4 stars


*Obtained from the author in exchange for an honest review

Summary: Caitlin Kile was living a normal college life full of parties and early morning classes. Living with her best friend and enjoying her senior year, Caitlin's life seemed idyllic. Until her neighbor's cousin, Simon Crewe, transferred to her school, unbalancing her tightly controlled life. Because control was one thing Caitlin desperately needed.

Simon was instantly attracted to Caitlin, but he couldn't seem to get past her guarded walls. Despite Caitlin's refusal to show any interest in him, Simon couldn't seem to shake his attraction to her.

But Simon didn't know everything about Caitlin. He didn't know about the images of death that haunted her while she was awake. Or the gripping terrors that plagued her at night.

And Simon couldn't possibly know that those terrors were determined to destroy him.


Review: Pleasantly surprised by this book. I really liked the characters in the book and my kindle was basically attached to me until I could finish it. I'll admit that there were some flaws though. 


Caitlin: I hated when she kept making up reason and excuses not to be with Simon. I get why she felt like she had to push him away in the beginning but its obvious that they're better off being together then they're apart. It was the only thing about Caitlin that I didn't like but unfortunately she spends the majority of the book pushing him away. But besides that I really like Caitlin. She has so much on her plate, especially considering she has visions of people dying which turn out to be more complicated then anyone thought it would be. Luckily she has great friends, especially Sarah who is the only person who knows about the visions. I really liked Sarah, she's funny, sweet and just an all together great person. 


Simon: I loved him! Seriously I loved everything about him, especially how he treated Caitlin. He's smoking how and pretty much every girls dream man but he doesn't even care unless that girl is Caitlin. And don't even get me started on those passionate scenes between him and Caitlin;I need a guy like Simon in my life. I felt so bad for him at times because of the way Caitlin would treat him sometimes and yet despite all that he still stuck by her side. It really sucks that Caitlin had a vision of him dying because I really don't want him to die. I really hope everything works out by the end.


The paranormal aspect of the book is original and I really liked it. It's definitely not something I've read a lot of and I liked that it kept my attention. But man are those visions creepy. Not a lot is explained about the Seers and vardoger but I'm guessing more will be explained in the second book. 


Paranormal lovers should definitely check out this new series. Even if you don't really like paranormal romances, I think you should give this book a try. The end is a bit of a cliffhanger and I can't wait to find out what happens next.

Stacking the Shelves

                        Stacking The Shelves is a weekly event over at Tynga's Reviews which showcases the books we've purchased, borrowed and received in the mail this week.


Borrowed:

 

• Where it Began by Ann Redisch Stampler
• Strange Angels by Lily St. Crow
• Keeping Secrets by Alyson Noel
• Daughter of Smoke and Bones by Laini Taylor
• Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles
• Saving June by Hannah Harrington
• Return to Paradise by Simone Elkeles
• So Much Closer by Susane Colasanti
• Waiting for You by Susane Colasanti

Won:

• Silent Song by Ron C. Nieto

I know I borrowed a lot of books from the library this week but I just couldn't help it! There were so many books there that I've been wanting to read for a while and so I just grabbed them. There were much more but I stopped myself when I realized the pack was getting really heavy and hard to walk around with. I also won Silent Song in a AToMR tour giveaway, I'm really excited to read this book because the summary quickly caught my attention and the reviews speak well about it. That's it for this week, leave a comment and I'll be sure to check out your post!

Feature and Follow Friday

Q: What drove you to start blogging in the first place?


A: I'm honestly not really sure. I've always loved reading but I never really had many people to talk about books with. And then I realized that with starting a book blog I could not only talk about books with people but I would also open myself up to a whole new world of books. I can not tell you how many books I found through other bloggers that I'm sure I would never have given the chance of day or even realized existed. 

Spark by Brigid Kemmerer

Title: Spark
Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Publisher: Kensington
Summary: Goodreads
Buy: Amazon
Rating: 5 stars


*Obtained from the publisher and Netgalley for an honest review

Summary: Gabriel Merrick plays with fire. Literally.

Sometimes he can even control it. And sometimes he can’t. Like the fire that killed his parents.

Gabriel has always had his brothers to rely on, especially his twin, Nick. But when an arsonist starts wreaking havoc on their town, all the signs point to Gabriel. Only he’s not doing it.

More than Gabriel’s pride is at stake -- this could cost him his family, maybe his life. And no one seems to hear him. Except a shy sophomore named Layne, a brainiac who dresses in turtlenecks and jeans and keeps him totally off balance. Layne understands family problems, and she understands secrets. She has a few of her own.

Gabriel can’t let her guess about his brothers, about his abilities, about the danger that’s right at his heels. But there are some risks he can’t help taking.

The fuse is lit…

Review: Loved this book!

Gabriel is everything I thought he would be and more. He's just as bad ass and sarcastic as the previous book but we also see a whole new side to Gabriel: the guilt ridden, hurt and confused side of that, frankly, really made my heart ache for him. I didn't think it was possible to love Gabriel any more then I already did but after reading Spark it's gone to a whole new level.

Layne really surprised me. From the summary I was expecting some nerdy girl who's weak, but she's not. Well she is really smart and has the whole nerd look going for her but there's so much more to her then just books. Layne and Gabriel are perfect for each other and when they're together  there's just so much passion between them, I love it! This is going to sound really cheesy but in a way they both complete each other. Layne needs Gabriel just as much as he needs her. 

Even though I loved reading this book in Gabriel's perspective, I found myself missing Chris and Beth. When the first book ended Chris and Beth were just starting a relationship and everything was still kind of in the air. Even though we do see them occasionally I found myself wanting to know what was going on with them. They could have another book dedicated to them and I would be perfectly fine with it. 


I also found myself really curious about the other brothers. It's just that so much was happening with everyone that I kind of wanted to switch their POV's for at least chapter. Even Nick and Michael get some romance in their life. I hope there are books for them, especially Michael. I mean if he could find love again wouldn't you want to read about it? I know I do. But I also understand the age gap so maybe it could be a more mature YA? Just a suggestion.


Besides romance there is plenty of action in this book that keeps you on your toes. This series is easily becoming a favorite and I can't wait to see what happens next!

Waiting for Wednesday

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




This week pick is:

Summary: 
In Clockwork Princess, Tessa and her companions travel all over the world as they race to stop the clockwork army before it’s too late. As Jem’s health worsens alarmingly and his friends search desperately for a cure, can Tessa choose between the two boys she loves—even if it means never seeing the other one again?

**I've been waiting for this book FOREVER, I'm so nervous and excited to find out how this series will end! Will She pick Will or Jem?? And LOVE the cover!! Comment and I'll be sure to check out your WOW!

Review: Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: Obsidian
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Summary: Goodreads
Buy: Amazon
Rating: 4.5 stars


Summary: Starting over sucks.
When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring.... until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.
And then he opened his mouth.
Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something...unexpected happens. 
The hot alien living next door marks me.
You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades. 
If I don't kill him first, that is.

Review: I had my doubts about this book. I honestly didn't want to read it because I mean Aliens? Really? They're not interesting and certainly not sexy. But boy was I wrong.

Katy: Omg I love her! First off, she's a fellow blogger! When I read that I instantly connected with her. I loved reading about a character I could really relate to and shared the same love for books as I do. But besides her love for books, Katy is stubborn, loyal and funny as hell. Her and Daemon's interactions had me dying with laughter. And I loved how she wasn't afraid to stand up for herself even when that person could end her with the snap of their fingers.

Daemon. The first word that popped into my mind when we first meet him was arrogant. And sexy. I was SO wrong about aliens being only ugly creatures. So wrong! Daemon is one of the hottest male characters out there. Honestly I don't know how else to explain him besides calling him a universal sex god. But besides being extremely attractive, Daemon is a very entertaining character. And actually a really good guy that just wants to protect his sister. 

Action is non stop and this will have you eagerly turning the pages. I can't believe how quickly I finished this book and most importantly how much I enjoyed it. This had me laughing, smiling and surprised every chapter. Seriously, don't be like me and judge a book without giving it a chance. I regret waiting so long to pick this book up and I'm definitely buying the next book the moment its' released. 

Check out the AMAZING trailer for this book:

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

 It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is hosted by Sheila at Book Journey. It's a fun meme where we gather to share what we've read last week and our reading plans for this week.


Last Week I Read:

Always Been Mine by Elizabeth Reyes
Bared to You by Sylvia Day
Slammed by Colleen Hoover
Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry


(Click title to see review!)


What I'm Currently Reading:

 


Prince of Wolves by Quinn Loftis
Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan



What I Plan on Reading This Week:




Spark by Amy Kathleen Ryan (ARC)
Spark by Brigid Kemmerer (E-ARC)
Seeing Shadows by S.H. Kolee (E-ARC)




What are you reading this week? 

Review: Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

Title: Pushing the Limit
Author: Katie McGarry
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Summary: Goodreads
Buy: Amazon
Rating: 5 stars


*Obtained from Netgallery and Publisher for honest review


Summary: SO WRONG FOR EACH OTHER...AND YET SO RIGHT.

No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with “freaky” scars on her arms. Even Echo can’t remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal.

But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo’s world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.

Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she’ll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

Review: I knew that this book would be amazing and yet I was still surprised by just how much this authors writing blew me away.


Echo used to be one of the most popular girls in school. She had it all, and now she doesn't. I felt like I could really sympathize with Echo and I love that I couldn't find one flaw in her. Echo life is anything but perfect and it was great seeing her go from being the scared outcast to a strong women dealing with whatever life throws at her with her head held high. As we read, we slowly find out with Echo what exactly happened one tragic night that changed her life forever.


Noah, man did I love Noah's character. He's so much more then the sexy bad boy that everyone thinks he is. He's a young man trying desperately to piece back his family. Just like Echo, Noah once used to have it all but a tragic accident destroyed everything Noah once knew and pushed him into a whole new world, where it seems like its you against the world. 


I loved that the story went between both characters point of views. It reminded me a bit of The Perfect Chemistry series by Simone Elkeles because of that and I loved it. It was great seeing things in both perspectives and it really helped you see exactly what they dealt with and what their situation was.

When I finish the book and realized there was going to be another book I was ecstatic! I can't wait to read Beth's (Noah's best friend) story. With the hints throughout the book, hopefully this will be about Beth and Isiah(Noah's other best friend) being together. 

Pushing the Limits is everything you'd want in a book: love, grief, sadness, joy, forgiveness, and so much more. This book lives up to all the hype it's been getting and I'm so happy I got the chance to read this book! 


Quote I loved: Location 2760 on kindle
"The worst type of crying wasn't the kind everyone could see- the wailing on street corners, the tearing at clothes. No, the worst kind happened when your soul wept and no matter what you did, there was no way to comfort it."

Feature and Follow Friday

                       

Q: Jumping Genres: Ever pick up a book from a genre you usually don't like and LOVE it? Tell us about it and why you picked it in the first place.


A: For my book club a few months ago we decided to read a book called Before I go to Sleep by S.J. Watson. Honestly at first I didn't want to read it because mystery/thriller kind of books aren't really my thing, but once I read it I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. 

     Check it out! Leave a comment and I'll be sure to check it out and follow back!