{Review} Thoughtless by S.C. Stephens

Thoughtless by S.C. Stephens
My rating: 1 of 5 stars
Self-Published
June 11, 2011

Synopsis:


For almost two years now, Kiera's boyfriend, Denny, has been everything she's ever wanted: loving, tender and endlessly devoted to her. When they head off to a new city to start their lives together, Denny at his dream job and Kiera at a top-notch university, everything seems perfect. Then an unforeseen obligation forces the happy couple apart.

Feeling lonely, confused, and in need of comfort, Kiera turns to an unexpected source—a local rock star named Kellan Kyle. At first, he's purely a friend that she can lean on, but as her loneliness grows, so does their relationship. And then one night everything changes...and none of them will ever be the same.

As I seldom write scathing reviews, actually I have NEVER written a scathing review, the number of times I have ever given a book ONE SINGLE STAR should clear that one up right away. But...well, wow!

Kiera is so mind-numbingly nauseating that I wanted to demand every last penny I paid for this book back and claw my eyes out. The whole keeping two guys on a string for the entire book was insane and the fact that she promised them both, repetitively, that she "loved only them" made me gag every single time she said it. Honestly, I'm not sure I've ever met a more irritating, selfish, immature heroine...EVER! My 12 year old daughter acts more mature than Kiera did. I wish I were joking.

And while I could definitely see bad-boy potential for Kellan, anyone who screws over his friends to get the girl, then messes with their minds doesn't make my list of hotties to die for. Kiera says that Kellan runs hot and cold, no doubt he does, but I wouldn't take her word for anything.

But, possibly more than the characters' fatal flaws, the writing turned me off from the first page. As a novice writer, the theory of "show don't tell" has been beat into my ever-loving mind since the day I picked up a pen. I've loved some books that could have been much better written, but with Thoughtless every turn of the page I felt like I was being handed a synopsis, not a story. I might could have picked 5 sentences out of the entire book that "showed" me anything.

I had so much hope for the bad-boy rocker scenario as I do love me some bad boys, and I do love me some rockers. Not. This. Time.

I've heard there is hope for the other two books, but unless the writing matures as much as they say the heroine does, I'm not sure I can suffer through them.

I do apologize to anyone I may have offended. Most who know me understand that I'm not a hateful reviewer, and I'm not trying to be now. I just don't understand what the point of this book was, because to me, it wasn't the least bit entertaining and greatly infuriating. Giving girls this kind of rep isn't okay with me.

View all my reviews at Goodreads

{Book Review} More than Magic: Snow Bound by Elizabeth Kirke

Title: Snow Bound
Series: More than Magic #2
Author: Elizabeth Kirke
Self-Published
January 2013

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Synopsis:

After learning how to use magic and fighting vampires, anyone would be bored going back to normal college life. As if that wasn’t enough, Jen didn’t realize how hard it would be to tiptoe around her non-magic family and friends. She can’t even talk to her familiar, Rak, without making sure no one else is around! Worst of all, Jen misses the friends she made over the summer. Aside from Rak, they’re the only other magics she knows and she hasn’t seen them in almost five months!

Jen is all too happy to accept an invitation to go skiing with the gang. She gears up for two weeks of snow, magic, and fun. Just when everything seems to be going great, an uninvited guest turns up. Soon the skiers aren’t the only things going downhill. Jen thought that vampires were just about the most dangerous thing the magical world could throw at her. Unfortunately, she’s about to learn that people with no magic at all can be just as deadly ...

After reading More than Magic: Summer Abroad, I couldn't refuse a chance to read and review the second book Snow Bound. I love this group of characters and their ingrained friendship. They're fun, loyal, and smart; but, somehow they're always attracting trouble. If you haven't read Summer Abroad, go check out my review HERE! Catch up on the characters and give it a read. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

So, Jen's back with the gang after 5 months of being separated from the only "magics" she knows. When we left her in the last installment, she'd barely learned she was a witch. Now she has her familiar Rak, who I adore, and she's been practicing spells. Her friends have decided a ski trip would be just the thing for their winter get together, and it might have been...if snowstorms and vigilantes hadn't been part of the equation. 

As always, I try hard to provide spoiler free reviews, but I do have to say this: GO JEN & THOMAS!!! 

Now, outside of the previous statement, there are plenty of surprises awaiting you in Snow Bound. Just as everyone gets settled and is enjoying their skiing, the weather gets bad and bullets start flying: the kind of bullets no werewolf wants to get hit with. As usual, tragedy strikes and the competent MES officers are forced to take things into their own hands, doing some things that could end their lives...literally.

As much as I enjoyed this book, I had a difficult thing with just a couple of things. There's a part in the middle where Dani goes into a detailed explanation about the side-effects of the potions the "magics" use. I found the description to be a bit overboard when a simple explanation would have probably been more effective. As it was, I found myself skipping over large portions of the explanation to get to the action. Also, I felt like the personalities each character portrayed in Summer Abroad didn't shine through as much in this book. 

That being said...I highly recommend both of the More than Magic books to anyone who loves the usual mythical creatures as well as water and fire elementals. Everyone has a unique role and a matching personality. They're all connected in one way or another...most often in ways that when one of them is hurt or dying, the others experience the desperation. Elizabeth pushed the characters out of their comfort zone and placed them in situations where they had to make difficult and controversial decisions. I absolutely loved the way she had Thomas think out a certain decision and come to the understanding he did. It showed brilliant maturity and growth!

Another fantastic book Ms. Kirke!!! Keep it up, because I cannot wait to read the next installment.

{Waiting on Wednesday} The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we are dying to read but they haven't been released yet!

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Synopsis:


In The Indigo Spell, Sydney was torn between the Alchemist way of life and what her heart and gut were telling her to do. And in one breathtaking moment that Richelle Mead fans will never forget, she made a decision that shocked even her. . . .

But the struggle isn't over for Sydney. As she navigates the aftermath of her life-changing decision, she still finds herself pulled in too many directions at once. Her sister Zoe has arrived, and while Sydney longs to grow closer to her, there's still so much she must keep secret. Working with Marcus has changed the way she views the Alchemists, and Sydney must tread a careful path as she harnesses her profound magical ability to undermine the way of life she was raised to defend. Consumed by passion and vengeance, Sydney struggles to keep her secret life under wraps as the threat of exposure—and re-education—looms larger than ever.

Pulses will race throughout this thrilling fourth installment in the New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series, where no secret is safe.

So, we here at Better Read Than Dead are in love with this series, but we're not in love with The Fiery Heart's cover? What's your take on the subject? What books are you looking forward to seeing?

{Teaser Tuesday} Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Title: The Indigo Spell
Series: Bloodlines #3
Author: Richelle Mead
Publisher: Razorbill (Penguin)
Publication Date: February 12, 2013

Synopsis:


In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she finds herself struggling to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. Then she meets alluring, rebellious Marcus Finch--a former Alchemist who escaped against all odds, and is now on the run. Marcus wants to teach Sydney the secrets he claims the Alchemists are hiding from her. But as he pushes her to rebel against the people who raised her, Sydney finds that breaking free is harder than she thought. There is an old and mysterious magic rooted deeply within her. And as she searches for an evil magic user targeting powerful young witches, she realizes that her only hope is to embrace her magical blood--or else she might be next.


Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, the Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles, and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive—this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone’s out for blood.

MY TEASER

He caught hold of my arm and rolled me over. I closed my eyes again and wrapped my arms around his neck. I felt his lips touch mine, not quite a kiss, just the barest brush of--

Have you read The Indigo Spell? Tell us what you think, but be sure to join us for all things Indigo Spell this week!

{Music Monday}: Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead.

Title: The Indigo Spell
Series: Bloodlines #3
Author: Richelle Mead
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: Razorbill

Synopsis:


In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she finds herself struggling to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. Then she meets alluring, rebellious Marcus Finch--a former Alchemist who escaped against all odds, and is now on the run. Marcus wants to teach Sydney the secrets he claims the Alchemists are hiding from her. But as he pushes her to rebel against the people who raised her, Sydney finds that breaking free is harder than she thought. There is an old and mysterious magic rooted deeply within her. And as she searches for an evil magic user targeting powerful young witches, she realizes that her only hope is to embrace her magical blood--or else she might be next.


Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, the Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles, and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive—this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone’s out for blood.

Okay guys we have been seriously AWOL for a while and I blame University!!!!! Kristin has been busy with her family and her project and we all know how time consuming that can get.But we are back! And what better way to celebrate than having an entire week dedicated to The Indigo Spell!?!?

The song I chose that describes Adrian and Sydney in this book is Contagious by Trapt. It shows how they cant get enough of each other and how they are basically inside each other. It's quite a terrific and stunning song. ENJOY!!!!!

{Music Monday} City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

Title: City of Fallen Angels
Series: The Mortal Instruments #4
Author: Cassandra Clare
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Synopsis:


The Mortal War is over, and sixteen-year-old Clary Fray is back home in New York, excited about all the possibilities before her. She's training to become a Shadowhunter and to use her unique power. Her mother is getting married to the love of her life. Downworlders and Shadowhunters are at peace at last. And - most importantly of all - she can finally call Jace her boyfriend.

But nothing comes without a price.

Someone is murdering Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine's Circle, provoking tensions between Downworlders and Shadowhunters that could lead to a second bloody war. Clary's best friend, Simon, can't help her. His mother just found out that he's a vampire and now he's homeless. Everywhere he turns, someone wants him on their side - along with the power of the curse that's wrecking his life. And they're willing to do anything to get what they want. At the same time he's dating two beautiful, dangerous girls - neither of whom knows about the other one.

When Jace begins to pull away from Clary without explaining why, she is forced to delve into the heart of a mystery whose solution reveals her worst nightmare: She herself has set in motion a terrible chain of events that could lead to her losing everything she loves. Even Jace.

Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. The stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels.

Ok so the song I have chosen for this is Losing You by Dead By April. It may not be everyone's cup of tea but it is a magnificent song and I felt that it described almost every character and how the felt they are losing each other over their personal demons. Especially concerning Jordan and Jace

{A Kelly Coffee Review} Beautiful Creatures

Title: Beautiful Creatures

Autor: Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Series: Caster Chronicles

Genre: Young adult Paranormal

Publisher: Little Brown Books


 

Synopsis:

Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power, and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.

 

I know that Kelly M. and Kristin have already been over these roads, but I legitimately just read the book (and hadn't heard of it until I saw the stunning trailer on Breaking Dawn) and thought I'd go ahead and give my take on it in celebration of the movie release.


To begin: 5 stars. Why? Because I didn't want to put it down. I wanted to pick it up and read it in the middle of my workday, as I waited in line for things. I thought about it, thought about the characters and the world and the concepts even when I wasn't reading it. Was I totally 100% blown away? No. The prose didn't make me swoon or sit back in awe. It made me laugh but didn't  move me to tears. There were bits I thought were somewhat overdone or repetitive (dream sequences, anyone?), but I simply couldn't rate anything that engaged me this much as anything less than a 5.

I love Lena--the outsider who wants to belong but isn't willing to compromise who she is in order to fit in. She reaches out to that misfit, teenage part of me that makes her easy to identify with. Her strength, her intelligence, her vulnerability--I just want to follow her story. And I love Ethan--his devotion, the fact he's real, and scared and still refuses to be scared away.

The setting is so strong, so real that it's effortless to fall into. The supporting characters are strong. The concepts of Casters and their world are, I feel, very original takes on a theme that has become very now and "in", to the point of losing the edges that made vampires and witches and magic so appealing. I feel like Beautiful Creatures brought back those edges and the darkness that I loved so much about these paranormal novels.

Is it perfect? A paragon of the witchy, paranormal novel? Maybe not. Is it compelling, and original and just fantastic? Yes. There are places where it's a little campy, a little unbalanced, but the strength of the overall story and characters more than make up for it. Five stars, and I'm dying to dive into the rest of the series.

{Cover Reveal} Sweet Legacy by Tera Lynn Childs

As part of the official Vemom Squad, Tera has allowed Better Read Than Dead and other Venom Squadders to share the new cover of:

Sweet Legacy (Sweet Venom #3)

Sweet Legacy releases September 3rd, so be sure you've added it to your Goodreads TBR!

{A Kelly Coffee Review} The Actor and the Earl

Title: The Actor and the Earl
Author: Rebecca Cohen
Genre: Historical fiction, adult, slash, Romance
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Synopsis:

Elizabethan actor Sebastian Hewel takes his bow at the proscenium only to embark on the role of a lifetime. When his twin sister, Bronwyn, reneges on the arrangement to marry Earl Anthony Crofton, Sebastian reluctantly takes her place. At nineteen, Sebastian knows his days as a leading lady are numbered, but with this last performance, he hopes to restore his family’s name and pay off his late father’s debts. Never mind the danger of losing his head should he be discovered.

He didn’t expect Anthony to be so charming and alluring—not to mention shrewd. While he applauds Sebastian’s plan, Anthony offers a mutually beneficial arrangement instead. Sebastian will need every drop of talent he has to survive with both his head and his heart intact, because this is the best part he’s ever had.

This is a gay fiction book and contains homosexual content. Recommended for mature readers.

This was just a good read. When I first read the synopsis, I thought that Sebastian was going to be a traditional cross-dresser and possibly a caricature more than a character. I was completely wrong and very glad to be. Sebastian is a man who loves to act but was the sort of build that usually played women, so while he doesn't take particular issue with having to cross-dress, he doesn't actively enjoy it. It's a relatively minor, but important distinction that grounded him and just made him come alive to me.

The most compelling part of this book was the characters. Although the setting is fun--Shakespearean England--it is the characters who grounded it and allowed you to enjoy the setting. Sebastian was, in my opinion, exquisitely executed, and it is through him that the story is told. The heart of this book are the characters and that falls right into my preferred wheelhouse. They're believable, multifaceted and well-developed. Their interactions are amusing and heart-wrenching appropriately.

There were two minor things that kept this from being a 5-star review. The first was a strange pacing lull in the middle, where I just walked away for a couple of days. The second was that while I thoroughly enjoyed the novel, I wasn't blown away. There are some somewhat-lengthy Shakespearean quotes that didn't quite work for me (but I don't always enjoy Shakespeare). But on the whole, it is a very enjoyable book.

{A Kelly M Review} Hidden by P.C. & Kristin Cast

Title: Hidden
Series: House of Night #10
Authors: P.C. & Kristin Cast
Genre: YA Paranormal
Publisher: Atom

Synopsis:

At last, Zoey has what she wanted: the truth is out. Neferet's evil has been exposed, and the High Council is no longer on her side -- but she's far from done wreaking havoc in the vampyre world. First, a mysterious fire ravages the stables. Then, Neferet makes a devastating move that will test them all.

With the seeds of distrust sown and Darkness breeding chaos at the House of Night, everyone must band together -- but that's proving to be more difficult than ever before. The twins are barely speaking and the House of Night's former enemy, Kalona, has now become their warrior, pushing their trust to the limit. To top it off, Zoey is pretty darn sure she might be losing her mind. She saw something when she looked at Aurox through the Seer Stone that she can hardly explain to herself, let alone her friends. Is it possible that Heath has come back in a different form? Is that why Zoey's so intrigued by Aurox, when it's so obvious that he's dangerous? And who would believe her if she told them? Zoey knows that following her instinct about Aurox might be just what they need to defeat evil . . . but if she's wrong, it could cause the destruction of those closest to her.

With the tension at a breaking point and friendships on the line, can the nerd herd come together to stop the spread of Darkness before it's too late?

Okay so this is the tenth book already. I seriously want to finish this series but it’s getting too much now. End the damn thing! But when I got a copy of it from Penguin Books SA I decided to read it just to get it out of the way. The series is getting too long. It’s one of the reasons why I haven’t bothered to buy the last two books of Morganville Vampires. I got sick of it. Luckily, Hidden actually didn’t fail to hold my attention. A lot of things happened that left me going: “Excuse me? What the hell just happened?!”  So I was really pleasantly surprised by this book. I don’t regret that I read it at all and I just want the next book, but it really should be the last book.

The story literally begins where it was left off. Neferet has finally been outed and has been shunned by the high council. It follows to show how Zoey and her gang with the kelp of Thanatos has to deal with the chaos Neferet is trying to create. I know, what’s new right? Well Zoey’s grandma gets kidnapped by Neferet and basically the entire book is how she needs to be saved. It’s quite interesting on how they do it.

You also find out that they have a traitor in their midst and honestly that was the WTF moment for me. It was like WOW. It happened so sudden and really without any explanation, so I’m hoping for one in the next book.

Aphrodite is by far my favourite character of them all. She made me laugh so much and I like that I haven’t gotten tired of her. She still comes up with new things that made me giggle. I think if there was no Aphrodite, I would have suffered tremendously throughout the book. She also finally learns how to use her gift of prophecy correctly.

Zoey finally grew up. After ten books it has finally happened people, and I literally heard an angle choir singing hallelujah. I don’t like calling female characters annoying because everyone does that and I really hate it because they never give a reason. It’s so easy to say ‘oh she is so annoying.’ I however do not find Zoey annoying, what grates my nerves is how she substitutes swear words for other words. She would use bullpoopie instead of bullshit. I mean honestly? You just don’t have to swear then, there are so many other words you can use instead of a substitute. After a while I wanted to rip out every page with that word in, but she does grow up and she finally takes a stand and acts like a high priestess of Nyx should, so I am very proud of her.

It felt to me like everyone basically grew up in this book. I saw more of mature thinking and decision making than bumbling idiotic teenage drama and silly decisions. I’m really proud of the people the characters turned out to be or who they are starting to become.

All in all this wasn’t a total train wreck. Those of you, who want to give up on the series, don’t. It might be long but I think the end result will be worth it. I really enjoyed this book.

{Book Review} Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

Title: Pandemonium

Series: Delirium #2
Author: Lauren Oliver
Publisher: HarperTeen (HarperCollins)
Publication Date: February 28, 2012
Genre: YA Dystopian
Source: Library

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Synopsis:

"So what was your name before?" I say, and she freezes, her back to me. "Before you came to the Wilds, I mean."

For a moment she stands there.

Then she turns around.

"You might as well get used to it now," she says with quite intensity.

"Everything you were, the life you had, the people you knew... dust."

She shakes her head and says, a little more firmly, "There is no before. There is only now, and what comes next."

After falling in love, Lena and Alex flee their oppressive society where love is outlawed and everyone must receive the "cure" - an operation that makes them immune to the delirium of love - but Lena alone manages to find her way to a community of resistance fighters. Although she is bereft without the boy she loves, her struggles seem to be leading her toward a new love.

I loved Delirium but, in my humble opinion, Pandemonium was so much better. Lauren finally gets to the meat of the book and shows how living in the wild isn't at all about freedom, it's about survival. Sure, no one's performing procedures to make sure you can never feel  love, but with love comes hate and deceit. More deceit than Lena could ever imagine. But there's also forgiveness and friendships.

When I first started reading Pandemonium, I was unsure about the "then" and "now" format of the book, many times I cannot wrap my head around this type of writing, but Lauren pulled it off and somehow made it dovetail perfectly in the end. Though, I will warn, the end is a bit of a WTH? moment. 

I really loved Raven, but I would have liked to see Lena take a bigger leadership role in Pandemonium. This line really bothered me - "There is no before. There is only now, and what comes next." And this was Raven's absolute belief. You must forget EVERYTHING about before and just move forward. Well, it is the past that makes us who we are, so you must never forget but you must live in the present. I think this was one of Lena's strengths. I think, if she'd been allowed, she could have taught Raven and the rest of the group about empathy and true love. Raven was just a bit too hard and bitter for me. I understand that she constantly experiences death and loss, but she's basically turned off her feelings which is exactly what the government does with the "procedure."

Ms. Oliver amped up the action in this installment to a thriller level. I think I chewed most of my fingernails off while reading. Who was friend? Who was enemy? Was it possible to trust ANYONE? Poor Lena! But the girl rocked and completed her mission. That being said, she's a better person than me, because I just don't forgive deceit that easily.

My main complaint about Delirium was the super long paragraphs and extra fluff that I could have lived without. The writing in Pandemonium is much better in my opinion. You still fall into the world Lena's living in and feel her emotions, but the story is created much better. Now, keep in mind, this is my opinion and my opinion alone. My complaint about Pandemonium is, while there were definitely some twists and turns I never saw coming, I absolutely saw the cliffhanger ending playing out exactly as it did. But oh well...leads into an interesting storyline for Requium, which I will be posting a review of closer to release. But...I absolutely loved REQUIUM!!!

{Cover/Title Reveal} Crest of the Blood Moon by Robin P Waldrop

Welcome to the title and cover reveal of...

dun, dun, dunnnnn
(Swing by Robin's blog to enter to win a copy of all 3 ebooks)

This is my favorite cover of the series and with good reason!

Check it out!

Title: Crest of the Blood Moon

Series: Blood Moon Series #3

Author: Robin P Waldrop

Robin's Twitter

Also...take a look at the trailer!

All graphics and video work by Book Cover by Design.

Graphic Designer: Kellie Dennis

Book Cover by Design Facebook

Contact Info: kelliedennis@live.co.uk

Samples of Kellie's Designs

{A Kelly M Review}: Enshadowed by Kelly Creagh

Title: Enshadowed
Series: Nevermore #2
Author: Kelly Creagh
Genre: YA Paranormal
Publisher: Antheneum

Synopsis:


Varen Nethers is trapped in a perilous dream world -- a treacherous and desolate realm where the terrifying stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life. Isobel Lanley, plagued by strange visions and haunted by the nightmares of Varen's creation, is the only one who can save him.
Isobel knows that her only hope lies within a Baltimore cemetery. There, in the early morning hours of Edgar Allan Poe's birthday, a mysterious stranger known as the "Poe Toaster" will make his annual homage at the legendary poet's grave.
Only the Poe Toaster holds the key to the way between worlds. But even greater dangers lie ahead for Isobel. An ancient evil, draped in veils of white, is watching, challenging her for Varen's affections. When Isobel finally finds Varen, he is no longer the quiet and brooding boy who once captivated her, but a dark force, powerful and malevolent.

I could not wait to read Enshadowed since the cliffhanger of Nevermore was brutal. This one wasn’t much better. I think Kelly Creagh is trying to get my body to explode with frustration. This Edgar Allen Poe inspired story is honestly one of my favourite series of books ever. It is also the darkest world I have ever been plunged into. It is so beautifully written and the gothic imagery that she creates just blows my mind. I love anything Edgar Allen Poe.

All things considered though it took me forever to get through this book. The conclusion I came to was because of Varen. He is basically awol in most of the book and that seriously sucked so hard. BUT at least I had Pinfeathers. Call me a freak but I am strangely attracted to Pinfeathers. I love him!

My favourite character in this series is Gwen. She makes me laughed out loud, literally. The stuff she comes up with gives me stomach aches, that’s how funny she is. Also she is very loyal and even though she would love to know what exactly is going on she keeps her mouth shut when Isobel asks her not to ask questions.

Isobel is a tad depressing in this book, but I do understand why. She goes the above and beyond for Varen and that is admirable. But I know a lot of people won’t agree with me and go, “she is annoying and makes stupid decisions,” I want you guys to remember something, she is 16 and still young and she is doing the best she can. Put yourself in her position, who would believe you?

In this part of the story you learn a lot more about Reynolds and what and who he is, his history, everything and I really found this so interesting. This was basically a filler book. But it doesn’t have the dreaded sequel curse. Well not in my opinion.

I would highly recommend this series. If you want something different then this is the story for you. it’s nothing I have ever experienced.

Favourite quote:
“I'll keep it," she said. "Then, when you get back, after you and the dark one are done making out and planning a future filled with blond-haired, green-eyed, pigment-challeneged rug rats, I'll bring it over and you can add it to your scrapbook, right before you start cooking me dinner. I like vegetarian lasagna with cottage cheese instead of ricotta."
"Gwen?"
"And don't forget the mushrooms. Garlic bread, too, please. That is, as long as your vampire lover doesn't object."
"I want to say thank you," Isobel said. "For... everything."

"No," Gwen said. "Thank YOU for the delicious dinner. I can almost taste the baklava you and Darth Vader will be making for dessert. Something tells me you're gonna have to look that one up, though.”

{Kelly & Kristin Discuss} Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Beautiful Creatures - Soon to be a Motion Picture

Title: Beautiful Creatures

Series: Caster Chronicles #1

Author: Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

Publication Date: December 1, 2009

Synopsis:

This edition features exclusive movie cover art!
Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power, and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.

Our Little Discussion

1. It's been such a long time (4 years) since I've read this book, let's start by reminding everyone what it's about.

Kelly: Well basically it's about this guy who feels like he is drawn to the new girl who just moved to Gatlin, Lena. He then finds out that she is part of a family of Casters. They are like witches but different. Every Caster has a different ability and they can only do stuff concerning that ability. (Then maybe you can carry on?)

Kristin: As you get further along in the book, you see that the casters are divided up between light and dark. There's been many secrets held inside the Duchannes family and Lena may actually pay the price. She's haunted by a song about her "choosing" which happens when she turns 16 and she's justifiably scared.

2. There are so many great characters in the book, how would you describe the main characters?

Kelly: Ethan: Well to me Ethan is quite an awkward human, even though he is part of the popular crowd. He is also a complete Southern Gentleman, his momma raised him right as they would say. He is also very loyal and trust worthy. He goes beyond the limits for anyone he cares about.

Kristin: Ah, Ethan. He's everything Kelly said and more. We would all be lucky to have an Ethan in our lives. I love that Ethan doesn't let Lena and her weird ass family scare him away, because, honestly, I would've run for the hills.

Kelly: Lena: She is very secretive but is also a loving soul even though she gets bullied by the entire town for being part of the Duchannes family. She would do anything to protect the people she loves, but she isn't perfect. She is flawed just like everyone else.

Kristin: Lena: Most definitely she is flawed, but she's got her reasons. I love her because in my eyes, she is strong, even when she's at her worst. There are times when she's so overwhelmed and held down by her choices, that she hides from reality, but that is exactly why Ethan is so good for her. He drags her out and forces her to face life. Like Kelly said, he'd do anything to protect the ones he loves...even from themselves.

Kelly: Link: The awesome best friend of Ethan. I love Link. He is my favourite. He is strong in what he believes in and he may seem a bit thick in the head sometimes but that is not the case. He is very observative.

Kristin: Link: Honestly, there were times he got on my nerves, but he does have a strong sense of morality and helps Ethan and Lena even when he's not sure he should!

Kelly: Amma: I love this woman. Her crossword puzzles cracked me up. But she has a lot of secrets she has kept from Ethan, most of them I never agreed with. She is fiercely protective over Ethan. She is a strong character that makes decisions never to benefit herself, only those around her.

Kristin: Amma: Amma is simply awesome. She's raised Ethan and has been a positive influence on him always. However, like Kelly said, she's been keeping secrets from Ethan. Secrets he should have known. But isn't that how all YA books are, if someone would just tell the character what he needed to know, all the problems would be solved. But being a young adult is about discovery and making your own way in the world. I believe that's what Amma wanted for Ethan.

Kelly: Macon: The scary, intimidating uncle of Lena who lives in Ravenwood Manor who everyone fears. His only concern is for Lena. He is the father she never had. He tries to be as good as he can.

Kristin: Macon: He is the person with the most secrets in a world where no one is what they seem, least of all Macon. I admit that he was the most interesting for me to learn about. As his story line unfolded, my mouth continued to drop. So many shocking discoveries.

Kristin: Ridley: I love this lollipop sucking bimbo, except she's really not as ditsy as she appears. She's dark and pissed. She's jealous of Lena and Ethan, so she'll compel just about anyone to do her bidding. What happens when that person is Link? Well, I suppose you'll have to read to see.

3. What scene stuck out most in your mind from the book?

Kelly: I think the face off at the end with Sarafine and Hunter. It was beautifully written.

Kristin: I highly enjoyed the stand-off also. Sarafine is the darkness incarnate. I loved to hate her though. The entire scene, start to finish, enraptured me. I felt like I was right there with them, though I would have rather been anywhere but there.

4. Are you looking forward to the movie? And why?

Kelly: Of course I'm looking forward to the movie. I love book to movie adaptations. It's a different world with a very gothic feel to it. It's very unique. I think people will love it.

Kristin: Oh Yeah! I honestly haven't been this excited for a movie since Twilight (love, hate...I don't care, just allow me to have my opinion.) Yes, I know everyone ran to the Hunger Games, and I enjoyed the movie, but I think the special effects in Beautiful Creatures are going to be amazing, and the darkness behind the entire story draws me in.

5. With all book to movie adaptations, fans get anxious about whether the movie will live up to their expectations. What are some of your concerns?

Kelly: Oh Gosh I really do have a lot. Like what have they cut from the book? What did they add that wasn't part of the book? What did they change? It's quite scary to think about it. With the featurette I heard them call Macon a caster and I was like, uh that is not true. The dude's an incubus! Also I'm worried about how they made Ridley look so much older. Where is Lena's charm necklace? That ends up being very important in future books.

Also, they cut Marian? Seriously?? She plays one of the major roles. You don't just cut a major character. That's like cutting out Ridley. So yes I have a lot of concerns

Kristin: My main concerns revolve around the usual - what did they cut out of the movie, what did they change, and what did they add in. I've seen several shots of Ridley and it seems she changes her age from day to day. She is older than Lena and her crew, so to me it's only natural that she would appear a little older. And right now, since I've only seen the featurette which takes clips of the movie and blends them all together in order to capture the most dynamic moments so people will show up in droves. The thing is, on trailers and featurettes, they take things out of context and you never know, Lena may actually wear the charm necklace, just not in that scene. Who knows. I'm not making any snap judgments about the movie until I see it. I'm hoping for the best.

6. Let's talk about casting. I mean, they didn't just choose no name actors, there's some well known, award winning actors in this film. Do you like the casting choices? (I'm going to talk about each one as I answer.)

Kelly:

I love that they cast Jeremy Irons as Macon. It's perfect in my eyes. I think he will be able to capture the correct essence.
Alice Englert as Lena I never had a problem with. She has the right look I just don't know her acting.
Alden Ehrenreich as Ethan, yeah still not seeing it, maybe if he looked younger but the guy looks 27.
Viola Davis as Amma is perfect! They couldn't cast anyone better and from what I've seen I think she is going to be great.
Emma Thompson as Mrs Lincoln/Sarafine. Why they didn't get a separate actress for Sarafine I do not know. I mean she does make an appearance at the end. But I love her works so she will be great I'm thinking.
Emmy Rossum as Ridley. She is a tad too old for Ridley but I do think she will be able to portray her correctly.
Thomas Mann as Link. Yeah absolutely perfection!!!!!!!

Kristin:

Jeremy Irons: When I read he was going to be Macon, I thought, "Wow, could they have chosen anyone better. No."
Alice Englert: I'm not familiar with any of her acting, so I'm with Kelly on this one. She has the right look to be Lena, hopefully her acting will live up to the hype.
Alden Ehrenreich: Totally unsure about this move. He just doesn't live up to my "Ethan" standards. Sorry.
Viola Davis: She's going to rock Amma. She's been amazing in everything she's done and I can't see where this would be any different.
Emma Thompson: I'm okay with her playing Mrs. Lincoln and Sarafine. She's one of those people who can look completely different with a slight make-up change. I think we'll all be surprised on how good she'll be.
Emmy Rossum: Some say she looks too old, but as I mentioned before, Ridley is older than the rest of the gang, and even though Emmy is 26, the scenes I've viewed with her as Ridley, she's completely captured her character.
Thomas Mann: Nope. Not in any way, shape or form is he my Link! Just sayin' - Link's an athlete, he should have a little more muscle on him, not just skin and bones.

7. What's the scene you are most looking forward to seeing recreated?

Kelly: Honestly? Everything. I can't wait to see the whole story come to life!

Kristin: Ha! True, Kelly. However, I'm looking forward to the dinner scene where the house gets upset and everything goes wacko. I'm also excited to see the stand-off scene, but aren't we all.

8. Will you be sitting in the theater the very first night?

Kelly: Well I'll only get to see it on the 22nd of Feb since that's the day it will get released. But on that day, I'm there!

Kristin: I'm hoping to go on release day, but several things factor into that wish, so...

{A Kelly M Review} Beautiful Redemption by Garcia & Stohl

Title: Beautiful Redemption
Series: Beautiful Creatures #4
Author: Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
Genre: YA Paranormal
Publisher: Puffin Books

Synopsis:


Is death the end . . . or only the beginning?

Ethan Wate always dreamed of leaving the stifling Southern town of Gatlin. But he never dreamt that finding love with Lena Duchannes would drive him away. Lena is a Caster girl whose supernatural powers unveiled a secretive and cursed side of Gatlin, so powerful it forced him to make a terrible sacrifice.

Now Ethan must find a way to return to Lena - and Gatlin - as she vows to do whatever it takes to get him back. Even if it means trusting old enemies or risking their loved ones' lives. Can Ethan and Lena rewrite their fate and their spellbinding love story in this stunning finale to the Beautiful Creatures series?'

A whole year I had to wait for this book, a whole year. Do you know what that does to a person with the cliffhanger that was left at the end of Beautiful Chaos? I was completely freaking out and I could not wait for this book to come out. The Beautiful Creatures is such a unique series. It is a completely different take on the world of magic and I was pleasantly surprised by the world Kami and Margaret created. It is a gothic feel to the warm South in USA. It’s what I loved most.

Beautiful Redemption starts off almost right where Chaos left. And I know a lot of people were wondering how this would be written. It is from the POV of both Ethan and Lena. It helps us to see what is happening in the places that Ethan cannot be. I don’t want to give too much away since there are people who have not read the series yet, so I’m trying to be as vague as possible and that is extremely difficult concerning this book.

You see a lot of growth in Ethan, Link and Lena’s characters. It was refreshing to see them mature so much throughout the last book, but that was inevitable because of the huge traumatic event that happened at the end of Chaos. Ethan finally came to understand what being a Wayward and Lena understood the burden she would have to carry for the rest of her life. Link grew up a lot. He isn’t that love-sick puppy of a guy anymore around Ridley. Which I loved. Link is by far my most favourite character ever.

That is basically all I can reveal. I cannot talk about the events since everything would be such a huge spoiler. Kristin and I will probably do a discussion on this when she has read it and it will be wonderfully spoilerific  ;)

The problem I had with this book though, it felt a bit rushed and some of the plotlines hadn’t been finished off completely. I have a lot of questions that were left unanswered.  Other than that this was an excellent book and I enjoyed reading it so much. I am really going to miss this world. Thank God for the movie but let’s hope they won’t screw it up, yeah?

Thank you to Peguin Books South Africa who sent me this book! It really was amazing.

{Waiting on Wednesday} The Collector and With All My Soul

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we are dying to read but they haven't been released yet!

We included both the UK cover (left) and the US cover (right) because both are so beautiful.

 Synopsis:

What does it mean when your school is voted the most dangerous in America?

It's time to kick some hellion butt...

After not really surviving her junior year (after all, she did die), Kaylee Cavanaugh has vowed to take back her school from the hellions causing all the trouble. She's going to the find a way to turn the incarnations of Avarice, Envy and Vanity and the rest on each other. And so she–and her gang–make plans to protect her friends and finish this war, once and forever.

But then she meets Wrath. And Kaylee realizes that she's closer to the edge than she's ever been. Especially when one more person she loves is taken...

He makes good girls...bad. 

Dante Walker is flippin’ awesome, and he knows it. His good looks, killer charm, and stellar confidence has made him one of hell’s best—a soul collector. His job is simple, weed through humanity and label those round rears with a big, red good or bad stamp. Old Saint Nick gets the good guys, and he gets the fun ones. Bag-and-tag.

Sealing souls is nothing personal. Dante’s an equal opportunity collector and doesn’t want it any other way. But he’ll have to adjust, because Boss Man has given him a new assignment:

Collect Charlie Cooper’s soul within 10 days.

Dante doesn’t know why Boss Man wants Charlie, nor does he care. This assignment means only one thing to him, and that’s a permanent ticket out of hell. But after Dante meets the quirky, Nerd Alert chick he’s come to collect—he realizes this assignment will test his abilities as a collector, and uncover emotions deeply buried.

{Music Monday} City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

Title: City of Glass
Series: The Mortal Instruments
Author: Cassandra Clare
Genre: YA Paranormal
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Synopsis:

To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters - never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.

As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadowhunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadowhunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City - whatever the cost?

Love is a mortal sin and the secrets of the past prove deadly as Clary and Jace face down Valentine in the final installment of the New York Times bestselling trilogy The Mortal Instruments.

Makeup by Escape the Fate (New Version)

"When you told me the first time that Valentine was your father, I didn't believe it," she said. "Not just because I didn't want it to be true, but because you weren't anything like him. I've never thought you were anything like him. But you are. You are." - Page 125 (Clary to Jace)

Jace spoke in a low voice... "Get out," he said. "Just get out, both of you."

"So you can do what?" Isabelle demanded. "Wreck your life some more? What the hell was that about?"

Jace shook his head. "I sent her home. It was the best thing for her."

"You did a hell of a lot more than send her home. You destroyed her. Did you see her face?"

"It was worth it," said Jace. "You wouldn't understand."

"For her, maybe," Isabelle said. "I just hope it winds up worth it for you." Page 130 (Still pertaining to Clary's calling Jace Valentine.)

Young Adult Giveaway Hop

Thanks to Kathy at I Am A Reader, Not A Writer & BookLove 101 for hosting this fabulous giveaway!

I'm featuring several books for you to choose from. If they are part of a series, you may choose any book in that series. You may also choose whether you would like the physical book or the ebook. If you choose a pre-order, then you will receive the book when it releases. (Pretty self explanatory)

The Mortal Instrument Series

The Infernal Devices Series

The Delirium Series

Hush Hush Series

The Fallen Series

Also, be sure to stop by and check out my Release Giveaway - Ends January 31st

a Rafflecopter giveaway

{A Kristin A Review} Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Title: Delirium
Series: Delirium #1
Author: Lauren Oliver
Publisher: HarperTeen (HarperCollins)
Publication Date: February 1, 2011
Genre: YA Dystopian
Source: Library

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Blurb:

THEY SAY that the cure for Love will make me happy and safe forever. And I've always believed them. Until now.

Now everything has changed. Now, I'd rather be infected
with love for the tiniest sliver of a second than live a hundred years smothered by a lie.

Yep, happened again. I've put off reading Delirium for this long because...oh hell, I don't really know, but yet again I've fallen deeply in love with another dystopian world. Lauren Oliver has created a frightful and fascinating world. One I've enjoyed losing myself in, and in the same breath, one I find utterly depressing. What is a world without love?

Amor deliria nervosa: [A disease that] affects your mind so that you cannot think clearly, or make rational decisions about your own well-being. - Page 3

I would venture to say this is a pretty accurate description of love. So powerful, so overwhelming, so all-encompassing that your mind is filled with flighty, selfless thoughts. Being near the one you love is all that matters. You obsess about your next encounter, the next time he winks at you, the slightest of flirtations, the next kiss. You catch yourself doodling his name in your notebook. Driving two miles out of the way just to drive by his house, hoping for a glimpse of just the top of his head. Silly, giggly, girly feelings. The quivering of your tummy, the flush in your cheeks. Bewitching and delectable, disquieting and dreadful.

When I began reading Delirium, I completely understood Ms. Oliver's premise. Love is so confound that it not only leaves you all warm and fuzzy, but crushed and out of control. A society that rids its citizens of love, also rids them of heartache. 

Brief Summary:

Lena is set to have the "procedure" done on her 18th birthday. After that day, she'll no longer miss her friends or family, she'll no longer be in danger of contracting the dreadful disease amor deliria nervosa. But before she undergoes the procedure, she'll be evaluated and scored. She'll be assigned a career path and paired based on her scores. Every decision, including the number of children she'll have, is made by the government, creating a happy and carefree society. EXCEPT--

Lena catches a glimpse of a handsome young man during her evaluation, which is rudely interrupted by a stampede of cattle. Yes, you read that right. Lena continues to have very brief run-ins with Alex throughout the next few weeks until he saves her. She'd only gone to the underground party to warn her friend, Hana, of the random, but nothing out of the ordinary, police raid when she's attacked by one of the police dogs. Alex rescues her and the disease creeps in. At this point, Lena begins to realize that everything she once believed to be an absolute truth, might be a lie - or at least tainted.

The Characters:

Lena is a unique heroine. In the beginning, I liked Hana, her best friend, much more. I like to think myself a risk taker, which unless we're talking a couple of tattoos and piercings I'm absolutely not, but Lena preferred the easy path. She did what she was supposed to without question, and maybe that's the part of her I disliked in the beginning. I think it's every citizen's responsibility to question the decision of their government, not simply sit back and let them dictate. However, she matured throughout the book and by the very last page, I was vastly invested in her future.

Alex isn't so much smoldering as he is perfect. Not angelical, but he makes Lena think and ask the right questions. He's her light, but not her only reason for acting. I didn't necessarily connect with Alex in this first installment, but I'm hoping for better chemistry in book two.

Hana is Lena's best friend. From the beginning, she pushed the bounds. She rebelled, listening to music the government didn't approve of and frequenting underground parties. She lived. I'm left wondering what her role will become...friend or spy.

Lena's mom is a subplot I can't wait to explore more. Enough said.

Conclusion:

The reason I'm not giving Delirium 5 stars is subjective. The paragraphs were long and filled with a little too much fluff for my taste. We didn't get into any real character interaction until the last part of the book, and I am character driven. Although I rented this book from the library, it will soon be purchased and find a nice little niche on my bookshelf.

As stated above, I think this is a unique and deeply profound premise. The effects of love affect each of us differently, and at times has us soaring in the skies, at other times we're plummeting from a cliff. 

I'd been previously warned of Lauren's horrific cliffhangers, so I'm a little relieved I've put this series off for so long. Now I can read start to finish without having to cry over the unknowns. 

Favorite Line:

You can build walls all the way to the sky and I will find a way to fly above them. You can try to pin me down with a hundred thousand arms, but I will find a way to resist.