Paranormalcy (Paranormalcy #1) by Kiersten White

Paranormalcy (Paranormalcy #1)
by Kiersten White
Published: Sept. 1, 2010
Pages: 335
Format: Hardback
Source: Library





★★★★★ 5/5 bleeping stars!


Goodreads Synopsis:
Weird as it is working for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, Evie’s always thought of herself as normal. Sure, her best friend is a mermaid, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she's falling for a shape-shifter, and she's the only person who can see through paranormals' glamours, but still. Normal.

Only now paranormals are dying, and Evie's dreams are filled with haunting voices and mysterious prophecies. She soon realizes that there may be a link between her abilities and the sudden rash of deaths. Not only that, but she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.

So much for normal.


My Review:


Oh, bleep that was good. 


This book was so much fun from the very beginning! And I mean that literally. I read the first page and I was already laughing!


I've found my new book BFF. I absolutely adore Evie! She would be so much fun to hang out with!  She's got a great narrating voice and is just so sarcastic and humorous. I was pretty much laughing continually through this book thanks to her. She's a lover high-heels, fashion, drama and all things pink. Not to mention she's got a taser. But not just any taser. A bedazzled, pink taser named Tasey....yeah, cause she's just that cool. I just had to add in this quote to show how awesome Tasey is:

“Bud, my self-defense and combat skills teacher, was still trying to get me to learn knife fighting. ‘Silver knives! Painful and sometimes deadly to nearly all paranormals!’”

   “’Tasey!’ I countered. ‘Hot pink and sparkly!’”
-Evie

See! See how awesome she is?!?! Where can I get a hot pink, bejeweled taser?!? I'd be the high-heeled terror of the city with that thing! She is the perfect mix of kick-butt and girly...yeah, we could totally hang.

Now to the men (cause, ya know thats totally why I read ;D). Lend is adorable. I love him. I really do. He's honorable, loving, and caring. He's amazingly sweet, and kind and he's the kinda guy that you want in real life. But this isn't real life, so give me Reth! Deliciously dark, dangerous, and intoxicating Reth. Oh, he may not have been in there that often. but goodness! And I don't normally go for blondes ;)

  And where's the sparkly vampire? The nice faerie? HA! No such things! Yeah, take all those nice, fluffy things you think about paranormals and just get that outta your head before you read this. Pop culture lied to us! Sparkly Vamps don't exist! though, thank goodness because thats just not normal :/ and don't even get me started on faeries! Fairy godmothers?!? Whatever! 

If you couldn't tell from my review above, I absolutely love this book and I can't believe it took me so darn long to read it! Heck, I loved it so much I went out and bought the sequel immediately! And if y'all haven't read it yet then y'all need to get y'alls rears in gear and head on to the bookstore (that was a lot of y'alls in one sentence so you know I'm serious)! Stat! Cause it was just that bleeping good. 

P.S. Read the book in order to understand the bleep thing. Its pertty funny! A nice incentive to get you to read it, huh? :P

Read More

In My Mailbox (3)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren in which we showcase books we borrowed/bought/won in the past week.

LIBRARY:

Paranormalcy (Paranormalcy #1) by Kiersten White

I absolutely loved Parnormalcy !! My review (yeah, I already read it. Thats how awesome it was!) should be up tomorrow or Tuesday so watch out for it :)

The Silver Sea by Julia Golding

Pretty good so far! I love Enno! 

The Awakening (The New Heroes/Quantum Prophecy #1) by Michael Carroll

I've never heard about this before but as I was looking through the books at my library it caught my. I hope to start it soon!

BOUGHT:

Supernaturally (Paranormalcy #2) by Kiersten White

I adored Evie from Paranormalcy so much that I went out and bought this the day after I finished it. She's bleeping awesome ; )

Article 5 (Article 5 #1) by Kristen Simmons

I've heard sooo many good things about this book so I just couldn't pass it up! Besides, its a dystopia and everyone know I just love me some dystopias! 

So what'd y'all get this week? I'd love to know if y'all have read any of the books I got and what y'all think about em :)

Read More

Blood Song (Lharmell #1) by Rhiannon Hart

Blood Song (Lharmell #1)
by Rhiannon Hart
Available in Aus and NZ-US resident can order from www.fishpond.com (free world-wide shipping)
Pages: 290
Format: Paperback
Source: www.fishpond.com


★★★★★ 5/5 


Goodreads Synopsis:
I wanted to turn but I was held captive by the song on the wind. I’m coming, I told the voices. Please, wait for me.

When her sister becomes betrothed to a prince in a northern nation, Zeraphina’s only consolations are that her loyal animal companions are by her side – and that her burning hunger to travel north is finally being sated.

Already her black hair and pale eyes mark her out as different, but now Zeraphina must be even more careful to keep her secret safe. Craving blood is not considered normal behaviour for anyone, let alone a princess. So when the king’s advisor, Rodden, seems to know more about her condition than she does, Zeraphina is determined to find out more.

Zeraphina must be willing to sacrifice everything if she’s to uncover the truth – but what if the truth is beyond her worst nightmares?


My Review:

What an amazingly unique twist to vampire lore!

Zeraphina has always been a bit different ever since she was sick as a child and has always felt the urge to go north. After her sister becomes engaged to a Northern prince, Zeraphina thinks she’ll finally get the answers she wants, especially when she meets Rodden, a man who seems to know more about her than she does.

  All of the characters were great but I especially fell in love with the main characters Zeraphina and Rodden. Zeraphina is curious, idependent, strong-willed determined, snarky, and sometimes down-right ill tempered…Love her! Not to mention she’s got an eagle…an eagle! And can shoot with a bow and arrow! How cool is that?!?! And Rodden, Oh Rodden ;). Rodden is the sexy, aloof, mysterious man with all the answers. HOT! But I didn’t just love their personalities, I loved the relationship between them. No insta-love here! Its definitely my favorite form of love: hate turned love! Always more interesting than insta-love. There’s plenty of witty banter and snarkiness to go around. It actually reminded me a lot of Yelena and Valek from Poison Study. I absolutely loved their dialogue together.

The world building was excellent! While I think a map would have come in handy, I like the author didn’t weigh us down with unnecessary details, but gave us just the right amount to enjoy the world. *One thing to note though is that the south is cold and the north is hot…yeah it confused me too for a minute. Then I remembered that the author is Australian which is below the equator and, therefore, the south is colder than the north.

The vampire lore of this book is incredibly unique. I can’t really say much more because that is part of the journey you go on in the book but I must say that it was extremely interesting.

So, between great characters, witty banter, great world-building, and a unique story, this book is a must read! 

Read More

Follow Friday (2)

Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. It is a fun way to find new blogs and get new followers.

Q: Which book genre do you avoid at all costs and why?

I'm normally open to a lot of genres but two I won't read are contemporary and realistic fiction. Why? Because I read books to escape. I want to leave this world and go somewhere else on a magical adventure with unicorns and rainbows. Okay, well not unicorn and rainbows cause I'm a "more action the better" type of gal but you get my point. If I wanted to read a book about real life, I'd just go live my own! When I read a contemporary/realistic fiction not only do they show a normal girl like me, but this girl is living a more interesting life than me and that just ain't fair. At least with other genres, even though they live more interesting lives than me, they aren't real.

What about y'all? Are there any genres you avoid like the plague?

Read More

The Girl of Fire and Thorns (Fire and Thorns #1) by Rae Carson

The Girl of Fire and Thorns (Fire and Thorns #1)
By Rae Carson
Available Now
Pages: 424
Format: Hardcover
Source: B&N



★★★★


Goodreads Synopsis: 
Elisa is the chosen one.

But she is also the younger of two princesses, the one who has never done anything remarkable. She can't see how she ever will.

Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king—a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.

And he's not the only one who seeks her. Savage enemies seething with dark magic are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people's savior. And he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake.

Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn’t die young.

Most of the chosen do.


My Review:
*I’m writing this review quite a few months after I read it so I hope I cover everything :D 

Characters: 

The Girl of Fire and Thorns is a beautiful coming of age story with a main character that goes from self-pitying to being determined and resilient, trying to find her place in this captivating world. 

I read the Girl of Fire and Thorns because it came highly recommended. However, after reading just a bit, I almost didn’t finish it because I wasn’t sure I was going to like it. You see, Elisa is the self-pitying, no confidence type of girl. Constantly bashing her body (she’s overweight) yet doing nothing about it. Actually what really bothered me was the fact that she was fat because that was how she dealt with her problems. Something I can’t relate too. For me, instead of complaining about it, do something about it. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had those days where I starts bashing on myself, but I’m a naturally happy person and I’m alright with how I look. Instead of complaining about it, I’ll work hard to change it and make myself feel better. Now, that’s just me. However, I can see how many girls would relate to Elisa, but for me, it was a bit hard at first. 

She also didn’t see how important she was. You see, she is the carrier of the Godstone, a stone that is in her naval (creepy, I know) placed there by God which is pretty important by most other people's standards. However, she herself thinks it is pointless and that she is not the right person to carry it. Start the constant complaints. Again, not my cup of tea, but I wanted to see where it went. 

However, don’t let what I said earlier stop you, because I came to love her! Although she may think she isn’t important as the carrier of the Godstone, there are many that realize her importance. Heck, one man even kidnaps her because he thinks she’ll be his people’s saviour. And on this journey (that she eventually willingly goes on) she learns about herself and how important she is. 

After this point, I grew to love Elisa. On her journey she became a strong woman that learned that if something bugged her, she had to change it instead of complaining about it. However, what made her relatable and understandable was the fact that this change wasn’t instantaneous. Many things over the course of her journey started to slowly change her and give her confidence. She will never be as skinny as some of the other women, but she can get to a weight that she’ll be happy with. She is also incredibly intelligent and strategic, something that was ignored in her home because she was the second daughter. However, she comes to learn to use her intelligence which helps her a great deal throughout the story (You go girl!!). 

Each person in the story changed Elisa in some way. There were many good people in this story that loved Elisa even when she didn’t love herself. Her first love interest helped her so much. Although I wasn’t in love with him, I grew to care for him. He was amazingly sweet and loved Elisa for who she was which in turn helped her realize just how important she was. 

However, I want Hector. He may not be in the book that much, but there’s just something about him. I’ll definitely be keeping my eye out for him ;)

Plot and Pacing and Worldbuilding: 

Although this book starts out slow, it comes to a steady pace after a while. Not to fast, not to slow. Just perfect so that I felt like I was on this journey with her. The plot, while not constantly exciting with a ton of battles and fighting (which is normally how I like my books), it was still engaging. So if I like battles and action, why did I still give it 4 stars? Because all of the stuff that did happen, all those little battles helped Elisa come to love herself which is something I’ll always be happy about. Go self-confidence!!

The world building was excellent! I felt like I was there with the characters. She didn’t go into too much detail, but just enough so that you could feel like you were actually going on the journey with Elisa. 

Now, there is one thing that really creeped me out throughout the story. The Godstone…what?! In her naval?! I don’t think that's exactly….normal. Lets just say this creeped me out quite a bit, specially at the end! It just sounded painful! And is this a religious book? Yes and no. While it make many references to God (Godstone), its not a specific religion. Connections can be made, but its not necessary. This religion is the religion of this fictitious world. 

Don’t expect a happy ending. And for me, I loved it. Nobody’s life is perfect and I don’t like when author’s make it that way. In order for it to be realistic, there’s gotta be death and sadness. Now, the story isn’t over, and its not like it’s a depressing ending or anything. Its just not a perfect one either. Elisa goes through hard times, but she pulls through anyway. I can’t wait to join Elisa again on her continuing journey of self-discovery. 

Read More

The Gray Wolf Throne (Seven Realms #3) by Cinda Williams Chima

The Gray Wolf Throne (Seven Realms #3)
by Cinda Williams Chima
Available Now
Pages: 528
Format: Hardcover
Source: Gift



★ ★ ★ ★ ★
4.5


*THIS BOOK IS PART OF A SERIES. IT WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS! YOU'VE BEEN WARNED!*


Goodreads Synopsis: 
Han Alister thought he had already lost everyone he loved. But when he finds his friend Rebecca Morley near death in the Spirit Mountains, Han knows that nothing matters more than saving her. The costs of his efforts are steep, but nothing can prepare him for what he soon discovers: the beautiful, mysterious girl he knew as Rebecca is none other than Raisaana’Marianna, heir to the Queendom of the Fells. Han is hurt and betrayed. He knows he has no future with a blueblood. And, as far as he’s concerned, the princess’s family killed his own mother and sister. But if Han is to fulfill his end of an old bargain, he must do everything in his power to see Raisa crowned queen.

Meanwhile, some people will stop at nothing to prevent Raisa from ascending. With each attempt on her life, she wonders how long it will be before her enemies succeed. Her heart tells her that the thief-turned-wizard Han Alister can be trusted. She wants to believe it—he’s saved her life more than once. But with danger coming at her from every direction, Raisa can only rely on her wits and her iron-hard will to survive—and even that might not be enough. 


My Review: 

It’s finally time for Raisa to return home.

Now, add in a few assassination attempts, hot guys trying to keep her safe, one crazy guy with family problems trying to marry/kill her, a bunch of other good looking suitors, and magic with a few deaths added in there, and you’ve got The Exiled Queen.

Sounds good, huh? Well that would be because it was! Oh, how I absolutely love this series!

  This series is never straightforward. There are always twists and turns and new mysteries popping up everywhere! You think you figured something out then BAM! Something new happens that totally twists your mind! It’s great! Kudos to Mrs. Chima! Not only is she amazing at making all this twists, she is great at creating a new and imaginative world. Between the map and the authors great descriptions, I feel as if the Seven Realms is real! It’s called talent, something which Chima has quite a bit of!

    All of the characters grow so much in this series! Raisa is strong, both physically and mentally. She has to learn to navigate her way through politics while still sticking to her beliefs. Something easier said than done. While her feelings for Han grow, so does her heartache, for she knows that they can never be together (or can they? ;) )

  Amon is as incredibly sweet and loyal as ever. While he still loves Raisa, the love has turned more into a loving friendship rather than true love. He is just incredibly honorable and amazing and I really hope that he gets a happy ending. He definitely deserves it.

   However, move over Amon because here comes Han! In the first book, I was really rooting for Amon but that was before we really got to know Han. *swoon. I can’t even exactly pinpoint why I like him so much. His swagger? His loyalty? His bad boy but actually a good guy attitude? Simply the fact that he’s described as incredibly good lookin? Whatever it is, I absolutely love him! There’s just so much love and emotion in him! I absolutely love him!

  So, between the intricate plot, the beautiful world building, and the amazing characters, why did I give it 4.5 instead of 5 stars? There was just a bit of the plot that bugged me although I’m not quite sure why. The first two books focused a lot on the Bayar’s takeover of the Queendom and I kind of expected to learn at least a bit more about it (I forgot there was another book so this may be the reason. I was expecting it to end). However, within this plot, a new plot was added. But it wasn’t a small one like the different stories of Han and Raisa coming together. This is a completely new turn that focuses on a war coming. So, now in this last book, we’ll have two major plots going on, the war and the Bayar’s. While this will be amazing and I really look forward to it, for some odd reason it bugged me. As I wrote down earlier, I forgot that there was another book so I was expecting to have some closure, but instead I got more questions. While I enjoyed that, I at least wanted one answer. But instead of getting any answers, I just got more questions. And for some reason, in the back of my mind, that bugged me. However, please please please don’t let it turn you off. This series is amazing! I will beg you to read it. That’s how great it is!

   Mrs. Chima does not disappoint. This series is absolutely terrific. I’m constantly looking forward to diving into this world over and over again. Between the constant twists and turns,  action, political intrigue, and love between these characters, this series is a must read.

Read More

Sophomore Challenge

Name: Sophomore Reading Challenge
Host: Chick Loves Lit
Starts: Jan. 1, 2012
End: Dec. 31, 2012
Challenge: Read 10 sophomore books released in 2012 (the second book the author wrote)
My Goal: 10 books


Books I've read as part of the challenge:
Supernaturally (Paranormalcy #2) by Kiersten White

Read More

In My Mailbox (2)

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren is which we showcase books we won/bought/borrowed this past week. 

A Million Suns (Across the Universe #2) by Beth Revis- Bought at B&N

 I can't wait to read A Million Suns!!! *squeeee*! I absolutely LOVED Across the Universe!! However, I'm debating on whether or not to re-read it...I kinda can't remember all that happened :/ but it wouldn't bother me if I had to cause it was that amazing!

Blood Song (Lharmel #1) by Rhiannon Hart- Bought from fishpond.com

I'd heard some pretty good things about this book and it sounded really interesting so I had to find it...little did I know it was an Australian book, one that wasn't yet available over here in the USA. Thats when I heard about www.fishpond.com (not sure from whom :/) that will ship the books over here and voila! Here it is and I can't wait to read it! 

The Warrior Heir (The Heir Chronicles #1) by Cinda Williams Chima- Bought at a local used bookstore

OMG!!! I have found the best place ever!!!!! Hardcover books for 5 dollars? Heck, some were even only 1 dollar!!!! crazy, right? Oh, I'm in heaven :D I absolutely looooove Cinda Williams Chima's Seven Realms series (The Demon Kind (#1), The Exiled Queen (#2)) so I hope I like this series too :) 

What'd y'all get in your IMM's? Have you read and liked/hated any of the books I've received this week? 

Read More

Legend (Legend #1) by Marie Lu

Legend (Legend #1)

By Marie Lu

Available Now
Pages: 305
Format: Hardcover
Source: Gift
★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.

My Review:

…I’m warning y’all now that I’m about to go all Gollum on y’all….myprreeeccccioouss….*cough cough*. Sorry, but it’s just that freaking good.

This book was absolutely stunning. I honestly don’t even know how to write this review! This book was full of heart-pumping, non-stop action! From the very first chapters, I fell in love with these absolutely amazing characters. And Day’s last chapter!? So heartbreaking!

If anyone has seen the show Bones, then y’all will know what I’m talking about when I say that Bones is who June reminds me of. She a child prodigy. She is intuitive, calculative, blunt, factual and observant just like Bones. However, she could also be compared to Sherlock Holmes. She notices everything. Details about everything are constantly going through her mind. Though, not only is she amazingly intelligent, she can also kick your butt. Literally. I absolutely love her. She might be one of my favorite female characters ever. As Day said, she is “coolly logical and fiercely defiant” and I absolutely love her for it.

And Day….If June won’t take him, I will! Bold, brash, and daring, yet so amazingly loyal and noble and honest. He’s been through so much pain but still puts his family first. Extremely intelligent, agile, and brave, I absolutely fell in love with him. I think June described him best when she said he was “a beautiful mystery”. So true. Seriously, he is a definitely a book boyfriend!

The plot was full of non-stop action that read like a movie-script. Honestly, this book would make an amazing movie. I was constantly on the edge of my seat and I did not want to put it down. This book was so heartbreakingly beautiful. Action, mystery, murder...what more could you want? This is such an emotional thrill-ride! Even though this had the generalized dystopia of a corrupt society, it was still unique in its content. I just can’t stop gushing about it!

I absolutely loved the writing. Both Day and June's POV's seamlessly blended together, allowing the reader to truly understand these characters and their emotions.

My review does not do this book justice. Not even in the slightest. That is how amazing this book is! It is a book full of heart-pumping action, but also has a heartbreakingly beautiful side to it. I almost didn’t want to finish it because I know I have to wait so long for the next book in the series! If I could give this book more stars, I definitely would. Please,please read this book. Marie Lu did an amazing job on her debut novel and the next book in the series can’t come fast enough.

Truth truly will become Legend.

Read More

The Exiled Queen (the Seven Realms #2) by Cinda Williams Chima

The Exiled Queen (The Seven Realms #2)
by Cinda Williams Chima
Available Now
Pages: 586
Format: Paperback
Source: B&N
★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis: 
You can't always run from danger...

Haunted by the loss of his mother and sister, Han Alister journeys south to begin his schooling at Mystwerk House in Oden’s Ford. But leaving the Fells doesn’t mean danger isn’t far behind. Han is hunted every step of the way by the Bayars, a powerful wizarding family set on reclaiming the amulet Han stole from them. And Mystwerk House has dangers of its own. There, Han meets Crow, a mysterious wizard who agrees to tutor Han in the darker parts of sorcery—but the bargain they make is one Han may regret.

Meanwhile, Princess Raisa ana’Marianna runs from a forced marriage in the Fells, accompanied by her friend Amon and his triple of cadets. Now, the safest place for Raisa is Wein House, the military academy at Oden's Ford. If Raisa can pass as a regular student, Wein House will offer both sanctuary and the education Raisa needs to succeed as the next Gray Wolf queen.

The Exiled Queen is an epic tale of uncertain friendships, cut-throat politics, and the irresistible power of attraction.


My Review: 
First off, let me just say how much I LOVE this series!! It amazing! Amazing characters, political intrigue, romance, action, adventure…it has it all!!

This book starts off pretty much where The Demon King left off with both Han and Raisa on different routes to Oden’s Ford. Cue the adventure!! The adventure and action starts right away, instantly gripping the reader in this most epic of epic fantasies!

This book contains an intricate and intriguing plot that will keep you wanting more! This book is through the different POV’s of Raisa and Han and their journeys, though seemingly separate, come together gracefully. This book is full of betrayals and changing allegiances. You never know the truth, who to trust, or who is a friend or an enemy.

This is a book full of amazing characters! I actually grew to love Raisa more in this book. She had to learn to listen to others and do hard work instead of having everything done for her. She’s headstrong, independent, and determined. She learns so much about her country and her people and knows what needs to be done to help her country. This helped her grow into an amazing young woman who I know will one day be a great ruler! Amon…although I love him, he sometimes annoyed me. Of course, there is a reason for this, but still. However, I LOVE Han! Ohhhh so much! Smart, witty, adventuresome, a thief with a sense of honor…Oh I do love him!
I even fell in love with the secondary characters! Every single one of em, good or bad.

The World building is excellent! I honestly can’t wait to return to this book in the next series! If you want a book of epic proportions with just the right amount of everything, then definitely start this series.

Read More

Waiting on Wednesday (2)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine in which we showcase upcoming releases we are anticipating.

This weeks WoW is For Darkness Shows the Stars

Goodreads Synopsis: 
Generations ago, a genetic experiment gone wrong—the Reduction—decimated humanity, giving rise to a Luddite nobility who outlawed most technology.

Eighteen-year-old Luddite Elliot North has always known her place in this caste system. Four years ago Elliot refused to run away with her childhood sweetheart, the servant Kai, choosing duty to her family’s estate over love. But now the world has changed: a new class of Post-Reductionists is jumpstarting the wheel of progress and threatening Luddite control; Elliot’s estate is floundering; and she’s forced to rent land to the mysterious Cloud Fleet, a group of shipbuilders that includes renowned explorer Captain Malakai Wentforth—an almost unrecognizable Kai. And while Elliott wonders if this could be their second chance, Kai seems determined to show Elliot exactly what she gave up when she abandoned him.

But Elliot soon discovers her childhood friend carries a secret—-one that could change the society in which they live…or bring it to its knees. And again, she’s faced with a choice: cling to what she’s been raised to believe, or cast her lot with the only boy she’s ever loved, even if she has lost him forever.

Inspired by Jane Austen’s PERSUASION, FOR DARKNESS SHOWS THE STARS is a breathtaking romance about opening your mind to the future and your heart to the one person you know can break it.


Reason I want it: 
Doesn't this just sound amazing?!?! Dystopia? check. Secrets? check. Forbidden love? check. Heck YEAH!! While I've never read any of the authors previous novels, nor Jane Austen's Persuasion, I am still eagerly looking forward to it and I hope it just blows me away! 


What are y'all anticipating for the coming year? Sound off in the comments below! 

Read More

Review: The Demon King by Cinda Williams Chima

The Demon King (Seven Realms, #1)
By Cinda Williams Chima
Available Now
Pages: 506
Format: Hardcover
Source: Library
★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis: 
This novel marks the first giant step in a momentous fantasy journey orchestrated by Cinda Williams Chima, the author of the popular Warrior Heir series. Its two chief protagonists are ex-thief Han Alister, an impoverished commoner, and Raisa ana'Marianna, the headstrong Princess Heir of the Fells. The Demon King brings them together, creating part of a volatile mix of action, magic, and danger. Empathetic characters; wizardly attacks.


My Review: 
Mrs. Chima, your my new best friend...I freakin loved this book! I honestly can't believe I waited this long to read it! While the book starts off kind of slow, its important for the set-up and background of the book but it turns into a book of heart-pounding action, wizards, magic, danger, and amazing character. This book is a must read!

I fell in love with the characters! Princess Raisa is a strong, independent, headstrong girl learning to be the best she can be. She a stubborn girl that isn't afraid to get her hands dirty. Amon....well he's a soldier and I must admit I am a sucker for a man in uniform ;) He's an extremely sweet, honorable, and respectful man who really cares for Raisa. Then there is Han...I'm not sure who I like better! Han is a reformed thief but not exactly a bad boy. He only did what he had to in order to take care of his family. he's a honorable thief...if that makes any sense. This book really delves into his past and I look forward to learning even more about him in the books to come. I must say, the big reveal at the end was surprising (well, who he came from that is).

I am a huge fan of alternating POV's so I absolutely loved this book for it. It really allows the reader to learn all about the characters. And even though it was 3rd person, it was so well written that you really could feel along with all the characters.

The world-building was excellent! I could picture everything about the world (the map helped) and I could really get into it! The author has a way with details that make you feel as the characters do.

The plot was extremely interesting! Between all the action and adventures, this book constantly keeps you on the edge of your seat and keeps your heart pumping! All of the characters stories flowed together and intertwined so effortlessly!

Overall, this is a truly excellent book. It is ripe with action, love, political intrigue, twists, turns and betrayals. I definitely recommend this for anyone who is a fan of fantasy and I personally can't wait to read the next two books! 

Read More

Golden Globe Dresses

I know this has absolutely nothing to do with books but I just couldn't help myself! I just have to show off the pretty dresses at the Golden Globes! I'm such fashion girl that I can't help but covet these dresses :) 

I am a huge fan of Grecian style dresses and I absolutely love this color! It looks beautiful on both ladies (though I really, really, really want Emma Stones dress NOW).

Lea Michelle: So this one is definitely different but I'm kinda diggin on it.

Evan Rachel Wood: The color and feathers are GORGEOUS!

There's nothing wrong with keeping with the classics :)

 

Salma Hayek: Rockin the BA look!

Jessica Alba: Gorgeous! Me want NOW!

Lord, please help me look as amazing as this woman when I get her age. Amen.

These are just a few of the amazing dresses worth coveting at the Golden Globes. There are so many more that I absolutely love! Hope you enjoyed them :)

Read More