Book Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

Published: April 24, 2012

Buy: Amazon, B&N

Source: Won from Harper Teen

Goodreads Blurb: For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

 

This book reminds me of the Bachelor.  The only difference is that it's sort of a lottery. (Hunger Games comes to mind, but without all the death.)

America decides to put her name in the lottery for The Selection to appease her mom.  She never thought her name would be called.  She is forced to leave the love of her life to join a game she doesn't want to be a part of.  

There are a few things about America that I like and dislike.  I think it's great that she sticks to her convictions, and is determined to do what she has to so that her family can receive the extra money.  I like seeing her when she's with Maxon and lets her guard down.  But she doesn't want to give herself a chance to WANT to be there.  She tries to shut out any feelings for the prince as soon as she steps foot in the palace.  

Prince Maxon has his moments.  At times he's a royal brat, but he's also down to earth. He really cares about what happens to his people.  He's completely inexperienced when it comes to girls.  It's hilarious seeing him in all his awkwardness.  

Aspen is sweet, but determined.  He lost the greatest thing he had, and now he wants her back.  The little stunt he pulls before the Selection makes me not really care for him, but it's hard not to.  He's the sort you feel comfortable around. 

There is definitely a love triangle.  But it's not the typical boys fight over girl while she tries to figure out who she loves situation.  A large part is America trying to get over her feelings of Aspen in order to move on.  

There wasn't a ton of action, but I'm interested in seeing where America's story leads.  I'll be waiting for the next installment of this series. 

Top Ten Tuesday (13) Characters I'd Switch Places With

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Top Ten Tuesday is a meme created by The Broke & The Bookish.  To join in the fun just click on the button above.  I mean, who doesn't love a list, right??? 

This week's topic is: Characters I'd switch Places with for 24 hours

1. Clary Fray from Mortal Instruments

2. Hermoine Granger from Harry Potter

3. Rose from Vampire Academy

4. Rachel from The Hollows

5. Cat from Night Huntress

6. Mac from Fever 

7. Schuyler from Blue Bloods

8. Gwen Frost from Mythos Academy

9. Claire from Morganville Vampires

10. Izzy from Mortal Instruments

Book Review: Otherkin by Nina Berry

Published: July 31, 2012

Buy: Amazon, B&N

Source: NetGalley

Goodreads Blurb: I thought I knew myself. Then I met Caleb.

Dez is a good girl who does as she’s told and tries not to be noticed.
Then she rescues a boy from a cage, and he tells her secrets about herself.
Now inside her burns a darkness that will transform her.

Everything is about to change -- and neither Caleb, nor the Otherkin, nor those who hunt them are prepared for what Dez will unleash.

 Otherkin took me by surprise.  When I began reading, I was completely confused and didn't know if I would like it.  I'm glad I stuck with this book. 


At first I wasn't thrilled by Dez's character.  She was insecure and didn't believe in herself.  I appreciated the fact that when she was told what she was she kind of freaked out.  She didn't just accept it with grace like characters in other books.  Dez fights with her identity throughout the book.  Even after knowing what she is and getting the grasp of how everything works, she couldn't come to terms with the fact that there's a shadow inside of her.  


I really enjoyed the spin on shifters.  Although, I wished they would have elaborated a bit more on why these people were born with the ability to shift.  It was a fresh idea, and they add "callers" to the mix.  Callers are able to call the shadows out of Othersphere.  I know it sounds confusing here, but it will make sense when you read it.  


The plot developed at a steady pace.  There was instant infatuation that leads to more.  The relationships are put together nicely too.  When Caleb & Dez meet the other shifters they are met with caution and mistrust.  Even though the shifters are from the same "world" they can't stand each other.  Dez has to do all she can to bring them together in order go against a common enemy, the Tribunal.  There's also a twist, but I saw it coming.  I'm sure most of you will also.  


If you're wanting a shifter book with a little something extra, you should pick this up.  It's an easy read with a tad bit of darkness.

Stacking the Shelves (13)

Stacking the Shelves is a meme to show what we received during the week.  It's hosted by Tynga's Reviews. 

How to participate (from Tynga’s blog)

•                Create your own Stacking The Shelves post. You can use my official graphic or your own, but please link back to Tynga’s Reviews so more people can join the fun!

•                 

•                You can set your post any way you want, simple book list, covers, pictures, vlog, sky is the limit!

•                 

•                I am posting Stacking The Shelves on Saturdays, but feel free to post yours any day that fits you.

•                 

•                Visit Tynga’s Reviews on Saturday and add your link so others can visit you!

Visit other participants link to find out what they added to their shelves!

 Bought:

RAK: 

From Jane @ Much Ado About Books 


 Secret Santa: 

Misty @ Kindle Obsessed put together a Christmas in July Secret Santa event.  I got this signed pretty from Lolita!  Thank you oh so much. Love it.  Totally went fangirl.  :P




Audible:

Review:

It's been a great book week for me.  What have you added to your shelves?

Book Review: A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

Published: February 8, 2011

Buy: Amazon, B&N, Audible

Source: Audible

Goodreads Blurb: A richly inventive novel about a centuries-old vampire, a spellbound witch, and the mysterious manuscript that draws them together.

Deep in the stacks of Oxford's Bodleian Library, young scholar Diana Bishop unwittingly calls up a bewitched alchemical manuscript in the course of her research. Descended from an old and distinguished line of witches, Diana wants nothing to do with sorcery; so after a furtive glance and a few notes, she banishes the book to the stacks. But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring, and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library. Diana has stumbled upon a coveted treasure lost for centuries-and she is the only creature who can break its spell.

Debut novelist Deborah Harkness has crafted a mesmerizing and addictive read, equal parts history and magic, romance and suspense. Diana is a bold heroine who meets her equal in vampire geneticist Matthew Clairmont, and gradually warms up to him as their alliance deepens into an intimacy that violates age-old taboos. This smart, sophisticated story harks back to the novels of Anne Rice, but it is as contemporary and sensual as the Twilight series-with an extra serving of historical realism.

I listened to this book through Audible.  The narrator's voice was soothing, and if I didn't watch myself I'd find myself dozing off.  She just put me in that cozy spot, and I felt like a child being read to before bed.  

The story kept me intrigued, but it felt drawn out.  I'm not sure if it's because I was listening instead of reading.  I'd love to hear your thoughts if you've read or listened to it.  

I like Diana most of the time.  At times she's hard-headed and refuses to accept what she is.  I admired the fact that she is an intelligent woman, and tries not to rely on others, or magic, to get her out of a jam.  I did feel like she tried to hard to ingrain herself into Matthew's family.  But that was the only thing that turned me off from her.  She doesn't show fear, even when in very bad situations.  She's one tough cookie.  

Matthew got on my nerves.  He's extremely old fashioned and arrogant. I know he's from another time, but good grief get with the times.  Women don't like being told what to do! He's definitely not a fan of being challenged when he gives instructions or orders.  

Sarah, Marcus, and Sophie were by far my favorite. Sarah only cares about the well being of her niece.  She even works to get past her prejudices.  Marcus if very much the rebellious child. You'll see what I mean when you read his parts.  Sophie is something different altogether, but she is bubbly and full of life.  

The events took place at a slow pace.  There wasn't anything rushed. Well, except for Diana and Matthew's relationship.  There were a couple of tense moments and situations, but most of the book was planning and trying to figure things out. 

I'm interested in what happens next.  I'll be reading Shadow of Night.  It's a really good story and worth the read, or listen.  

What's Next (3)

What's next is a weekly meme hosted by IceyBooks.  You get to help me decide what book I read next!  So what should I start now???

I should be done with Hex Hall by this weekend. Thanks for the recommendation y'all!

My What's Next picks this week are:

 You can run from the grave, but you can’t hide…
Half-vampire Cat Crawfield is now Special Agent Cat Crawfield, working for the government to rid the world of the rogue undead. She’s still using everything Bones, her sexy and dangerous ex, taught her, but when Cat is targeted for assassination, the only man who can help her is the vampire she left behind.
Being around Bones awakens all her emotions, from the adrenaline rush of slaying vamps side by side to the reckless passion that consumed them. But a price on her head – wanted: dead or half-alive – means her survival depends on teaming up with Bones. And no matter how hard Cat tries to keep things professional between them, she’ll find that desire lasts forever … and Bones won’t let her get away again. Original.

 Twins Sera and Luke Raine have a well-kept secret—she heals with a touch of her hand, he sees the future. All their lives they’ve helped those in need on the sly. They’ve always thought of their abilities as being a gift.

Then Luke has a vision that Sera is killed. That gift they’ve always cherished begins to feel an awful lot like a curse. Because the thing about Luke’s ability? He’s always right. And he can’t do anything about it.

 Mara Dyer doesn’t think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.

It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can’t remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.

There is.

She doesn’t believe that after everything she’s been through, she can fall in love.

She’s wrong.



So what should I read???

Desperately Wanting Wednesday (11)

This is a meme hosted by Parajunkee View for books we can't wait to get our hands one.  New releases as well as ones already published.

*Images link back to Goodreads.

Both of these covers are dark and beautiful.  I absolutely LOVE the red on the cover of Wolf Pact. I can't wait to see what happens on Bliss's journey.

Top Ten Tuesday (12) Most Vivid Worlds

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme created by The Broke & The Bookish.  To join in the fun just click on the button above.  I mean, who doesn't love a list, right???

 This week's topic is: Most vivid worlds/settings in books. 

1. Hogwarts (I have a feeling this will be on many lists.)

2. Mythos Academy 

3. House of Night Schools/Tunnels

4. Panem

5. Morganville (I wish there was a town like this I could visit.)

6. Cincinatti (Would love to go to the Hollows and see things the way Rachel does. 

7. The Trylle World. 

8. Vampire Academy

9. The institutes in Mortal Instruments

10. Atlanta in The Demon Trappers

Book Review: The Goddess Legacy by Aimee Carter

Publish Date: July 31, 2012

Buy: Amazon, B&N

Source: NetGalley

Goodreads Blurb: For millennia we've caught only glimpses of the lives and loves of the gods and goddesses on Olympus. Now Aime e Carter pulls back the curtain on how they became the powerful, petty, loving and dangerous immortals that Kate Winters knows.

Calliope/Hera represented constancy and yet had a husband who never matched her faithfulness....

Ava/Aphrodite was the goddess of love and yet commitment was a totally different deal....

Persephone was urged to marry one man, yet longed for another....

James/Hermes loved to make trouble for others-but never knew true loss before....

Henry/Hades's solitary existence had grown too wearisome to continue. But meeting Kate Winters gave him a new hope....

Five original novellas of love, loss and longing and the will to survive throughout the ages.

 This is a book of novellas about those on the council.  So, it's pretty much one big soap opera.  


Hera/Calliope
This first novella is about Hera.  She's always suffered from being too prideful.  She believes that what she does is for the greater good.  She speaks in half truths and seems to always use some sort of trickery.  So, this wasn't some new trait that just appeared out of nowhere in The Goddess Test.  She has always felt that she was wronged.  I don't blame her for her feelings, but she could have handled them in another way.  

Aphrodite/Ava
This poor girl.  She can't help that she is beautiful, and the goddess of love.  You would think with her affinity for love that she would realize the different ways it can be shown.  Aphrodite's story is basically one of growing up and realizing not everything is fire and passion.  You may have wondered how she came to be the wife of Hephaestus.  Well, this is that tale.  

Persephone
I'm still not a huge Persephone fan after reading this. I do understand her a bit better though.  In the end she did the right thing.  But I have to wonder if Hera had anything to do with her feelings toward Hades, and why things didn't work out.  Hera is the goddess of marriage, after all.  

Hermes/James
I really enjoyed Hermes's story.  He is the black sheep of the family until they need him to find something.  He doesn't like to follow the rules, and catches hell for it.  He takes off on an errand without consulting his father.  This leads him to the girl who can save the very existence of the gods.  


*This may be a bit of a spoiler unless you've read The Goddess Test.
Hades/Henry
His resistance to finding a queen after Persephone's choice is apparent.  Diana is the only one fight for him to live.  After the deaths of several girls who were trying to complete the tests, his sister has decided to have a child to go through the tests.  He is against it but he's promised the council a certain amount of time and will not deny them.  But when he meets Kate he begins to hope.  How they meet will be a story we've heard before. ;)

Stacking the Shelves (12)

Stacking the Shelves is a meme to show what we received during the week.  It's hosted by Tynga's Reviews. 

How to participate (from Tynga’s blog)

•                Create your own Stacking The Shelves post. You can use my official graphic or your own, but please link back to Tynga’s Reviews so more people can join the fun!

•                 

•                You can set your post any way you want, simple book list, covers, pictures, vlog, sky is the limit!

•                 

•                I am posting Stacking The Shelves on Saturdays, but feel free to post yours any day that fits you.

•                 

•                Visit Tynga’s Reviews on Saturday and add your link so others can visit you!

Visit other participants link to find out what they added to their shelves!

It's been a pretty slow week for me.  But hoping this weekend to hit up a bookstore.  'Cuz you know that's just what I need.  More books!

Bought: 

Received RAK:

 Received from Lisa at Dizeeee's World of Books. Thank you so much!

That's it for me!  What did you add to your shelves this week? 

Book Review: Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter

Published: March 27, 2012

Buy: Amazon, B&N

 Source: Bought

 Goodreads Blurb: KATE WINTERS HAS WON IMMORTALITY.

BUT IF SHE WANTS A LIFE WITH HENRY IN THE UNDERWORLD, SHE'LL HAVE TO FIGHT FOR IT.

Becoming immortal wasn't supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she's as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he's becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate's coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans.

As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future.

Henry's first wife, Persephone.

Loved, loved, loved this book. I enjoyed getting a glimpse into the Underworld.  It's not the creepy place I imagined.  The surroundings depend on the person.  While most choose their afterlife to be pleasant, others find it their own personal hell. 

Kate is excited to return to Eden and continue her relationship with Henry.  When she returns, however, she finds that Henry has been injured.  He isn't very forthcoming with answering her questions.  That simple act begins to build a barrier in their very new marriage. 

I didn't like Kate as much in this book.  She seems very whiny, and acted without thinking in many instances.  She did have the best intentions though.  That only helped her character a little bit in my eyes.  I mean you have to consider consequences at times.  I wanted to slap Henry for acting like a jerk.  We all know his skill for showing emotion is lacking.  He needed to show Kate, or the very least tell her, how he was feeling so that she didn't feel lost.  (Although I think it's dumb to hang your existence on how someone feels about you.) I did feel for Kate at some parts.  I've gone through some of the things that she is encountering.  Not the mythological parts, although that'd be pretty cool, but the relationship problems. I think most couples go through this at some point in their life.  It's maddening to not know what's going on.  So, of course, I was teary eyed in those scenes. 

I was excited to finally meet Persephone and see what she was like.  And wow, she fit pretty spot on with how I pictured her character.  She's snarky, and kind of mean at times.  She does have a few redeeming qualities.  And while, I didn't agree with the way she went about things, I appreciated the effort. 

If you are a fan of this series you'll love the sequel.  It has a lot of emotional drama, a betrayal, and cliffhanger.  I'm still pretty "what the crap" about the way it ended, but I can't wait to see what happens next. 

Feature & Follow (9)

 

 

This is a meme hosted by Parajunkee of Parajunkee's View and Alison of Alison Can Read.  It's a blog hop to help expand your readership.


Here are the rules on how to participate (from Parajunkee & Alison.)

RULES

To join the fun and make new book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:

• (Required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Hosts {Parajunkee & Alison Can Read}
• (Required) Follow our Featured Bloggers
• Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts.
• Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say “hi” in your comments and that they are now following you.
• If you are using WordPress or another CMS that doesn’t have GFC (Google Friends Connect) state in your posts how you would like to be followed
• Follow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don’t just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don’t say “HI”
• If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love…and the followers

If you’re new to the follow friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!



This week's question:

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

Let's see this is such a hard choice because there are soooo many great books out there.  Two definites would be Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter, and Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff.  I know they aren't out yet, but I really want them. :D

What books would you buy?

What's Next (2)

What's next is a weekly meme hosted by IceyBooks.  You get to help me decide what book I read next!  So what should I start now???

Well I'm almost done with last week's What's Next choice The Selection. 

On the night of Skye's seventeenth birthday, she meets two enigmatic strangers. Complete opposites—like fire and ice—Asher is dark and wild, while Devin is fair and aloof. Their sudden appearance sends Skye's life into a tailspin. She has no idea what they want, or why they seem to follow her every move—only that their presence coincides with a flurry of strange events. Soon she begins to doubt not just the identity of the two boys, but also the truth about her own past.

In the dead of a bitingly cold Colorado winter, Skye finds herself coming to terms with the impossible secret that threatens to shatter her world. Torn between Asher, who she can’t help falling for, and Devin, who she can’t stay away from, the consequences of Skye’s choice will reach further than the three of them could ever imagine.

A Beautiful Dark is the first book in a captivating trilogy by debut author Jocelyn Davies.

 Rule #3: Don't stare at invisible faeries.
Aislinn has always seen faeries. Powerful and dangerous, they walk hidden in the mortal world. Aislinn fears their cruelty - especially if they learn of her Sight - and wishes she were as blind to their presence as other teens.

Rule #2: Don't speak to invisible faeries.
Now faeries are stalking her. One of them, Keenan, who is equal parts terrifying and alluring, is trying to talk to her, asking questions Aislinn is afraid to answer.

Rule #1: Don't ever attract their attention.
But it's too late. Keenan is the Summer King, who has sought his queen for nine centuries. Without her, summer itself will perish. He is determined that Aislinn will become the Summer Queen at any cost — regardless of her plans or desires.


Suddenly none of the rules that have kept Aislinn safe are working anymore, and everything is on the line: her freedom; her best friend, Seth; her life; everything.

Faery intrigue, mortal love, and the clash of ancient rules and modern expectations swirl together in Melissa Marr's stunning twnety-first-century faery tale.

 Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.
By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire student on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.
As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

Desperately Wanting Wednesday (10)

This is a meme hosted by Parajunkee View for books we can't wait to get our hands one.  New releases as well as ones already published.

*Images link back to Goodreads.

I love the covers in both of these books. I can't wait to see how the Infernal Devices end.  I can't believe it's almost done.  I think Neferet is going to be up to awful things in Hidden.  She's truly a nasty person.

Book Review: Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz

Published: April 25, 2006

Buy: Amazon, B&N

Source: Bought

Goodreads Blurb: When the Mayflower set sail in 1620, it carried on board the men and women who would shape America: Miles Standish; John Alden; Constance Hopkins. But some among the Pilgrims were not pure of heart; they were not escaping religious persecution. Indeed, they were not even human. They were vampires.The vampires assimilated quickly into the New World. Rising to levels of enormous power, wealth, and influence, they were the celebrated blue bloods of American society.

The Blue Bloods vowed that their immortal status would remain a closely guarded secret. And they kept that secret for centuries. But now, in New York City, the secret is seeping out. Schuyler Van Alen is a sophomore at a prestigious private school. She prefers baggy, vintage clothes instead of the Prada and pearls worn by her classmates, and she lives with her reclusive grandmother in a dilapated mansion. Schuyler is a loner...and happy that way. Suddenly, when she turns fifteen, there is a visible mosaic of blue veins on her arm. She starts to crave raw food and she is having flashbacks to ancient times. Then a popular girl from her school is found dead... drained of all her blood. Schuyler doesn't know what to think, but she wants to find out the secrets the Blue Bloods are keeping. But is she herself in danger?

This was a re-read for me.  I didn't realize how much I missed these characters!

I love Melissa de la Cruz's writing.  She took me to New York with her descriptions.  The characters are easy to relate to, and strongly dislike.  The story follows a group of students at a prestigious private school.  There's a wide range of social classes being shown.  At the bottom of the popularity ladder we have Schuyler and her BFF, Oliver.  While Mimi and Jack Force act like royalty.  Bliss falls in between the two, and battles over which group she feels more comfortable in.  Each character has their part in this spotlight as they go through strange changes they do not completely understand.  

I enjoyed this book so much more the second time through.  I'm not sure if it's because I have insight on what's going to happen, or if it's because I haven't seen these characters in a while.  Either way, I'm so glad I jumped back into the lives of the Blue Bloods.  Ready for next month so we can read Masquerade.   

If you're interested in reading along with myself & Liz go check out the button below.  


 

Book Review: the Goddes Hunt by Aimee Carter

Published: March 1. 2012

Buy: Amazon, B&N

Source: Bought

Goodreads Blurb: A vacation in Greece sounds like the perfect way for Kate Winters to spend her first sabbatical away from the Underworld...until she gets caught up in an immortal feud going back millennia. Castor and Pollux have been on the run from Zeus and Hades' wrath for centuries, hiding from the gods who hunt them. The last person they trust is Kate, the new Queen of the Underworld. Nevertheless, she is determined to help their cause. But when it comes to dealing with immortals, Kate still has a lot to learn....

This novella was a quick read.  It was great to see things from Henry's perspective. He's not very good at showing his emotions, but you can see how much he cares about Kate.  

Kate is determined and makes decisions based on compassion.  She looks at situations in a way the rest of the council doesn't.  That is one reason Castor and Pollux believe they can trust her.  Pollux has a bad temper.  His mood tends to be based on others' actions, and most of the time it isn't good.  

This short story was full of action, from the opening chapter to the final word.  I love how Kate stands up for what she believes in no matter who she is speaking to.  The beginning of her six months on the surfaces starts out a little rocky, but she intends to enjoy it as much as possible.