Legend by Marie Lu: A Review

Hello all!

Today, I have a review of Legend by Marie Lu. It's a good one! So read the review and let me know what you think below!

Title: Legend

Author: Marie Lu

Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons/Penguin

Publication Date: 2011

Source: Library

Blurb from Goodreads: (Blurb below and picture above are not things that I own; I am only using them for review purposes)

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' 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. 

Genre: Futuristic “Us versus Them” YA Romance---> Evil society, rebellious teens must stop them: Okay, before you gag about this being done over and over, this one is good. It's done really well, so it's okay, I assure you.

Cover: Honestly, when I first saw the cover, I thought it looked a little plain, but now I’ve upgraded plain to it being understated. After reading the book, I feel that it’s pretty fitting of the feel of the society depicted.

Plot: The story is told in a back and forth format, which worried me at first, but both parts are done well, the MMC’s (main male character’s) especially. Day is done fantastically, and June isn’t lacking either. There was a good balance of action on both sides, and both sides were used to progress the story. The stakes were high, and that goes with the “genre” it’s in, and I feel it was done well. Heart-pumping for the win! 

Romantic Element: This portion was good. One thing I wanted to mention is the fact that both Day and June are “pretty,” and normally in YA the characters are quirky or unclassified pretty and it takes that special someone to see his or her hotness. But in Legend, Lu made it so everyone knew that the two were hot stuff, and Lu had the characters not be pretentious. They use their looks, acknowledge that they both have them, and they move on to more important things. I liked that. It felt more original. The romance wasn’t hot and heavy, but it was there, and it kept you reading. 

Overall: I heard this book was good, and I wasn’t disappointed. I also heard people say that if you liked The Hunger Games (<3), then Legend is for you. I would say that that statement is fairly true. If that kind of story appeals to you (like it does to SO many people), then Legend is FAR from a disappointment. The only thing I’m upset about is having to wait for further installments to get more.

So, what do you all think? Did you like it? Do you want to read it? Let me know below!

Now to leave you with a song to write by, “Seven Nation Army” by the White Stripes.Why? Because it fits...

Happy Reading and Writing, y’all!

The Fault in Our Stars: A Review

Blurb from Goodreads: (I not own but am using them for review purposes only.)

Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now.

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind

Title: The Fault in Our Stars

Author: John Green

Publisher: Dutton Juvenile

Publication Date: January 10, 2012

Source: The Library

Genre: A Cancer YA Contemporary Romance that isn’t a cancer story (i.e. isn’t just about the main characters having cancer). Hint: DON’T shy away from this because of the cancer element. I almost did, and that would have been a HUGE mistake.

Cover: It’s okay. I wasn’t as impressed with it at first, but I can’t really think of anything that would work better--> and so by that reasoning, it’s successful. I like the color choices.

Plot: It may feel oh-so-slightly slow moving at the beginning, but it’s necessary, and the payoff is worth it. This book is kind of amazing, and it is definitely awesome possum. The trouble with reviewing it? I don’t want to give anything away. I’m not going to rob you of its greatness. Just know, it really starts to move, and you get super invested in the characters, whether or not you realize it. 

Romantic Element: LOVE. I am officially fictionally in love with Augustus Waters. Note: I didn’t even have to Google his last name. I knew it. Why? Because I. Am. In. Love. How often have you heard me say that here? Not very, that’s for true.

Overall: Genius. Love. Hearts and hearts and hearts. I made people read it so that I could talk to them about it. I reacted like I haven’t reacted to a book in my recollection. I didn’t think I was a John Green reader. I had tried and failed to read his stuff before (not his fault. circumstances outside of my control usually---like due dates), but this one stuck, and I am SO glad it did. My recommendation? Read it and come back here and talk about it because I want to talk about it more!

And here’s a song to write by, one of my favorites by Panic! At the Disco, "There's a Good Reason These Tables Are Numbered Honey, You Just Haven't Thought of It Yet," just because...

Happy Reading and Writing, y'all!

Borrowing Abby Grace: Top of the Class: A Review

Hello all,

I'm back again, as promised. I love when things work out. I hope everything is going swimmingly (<3 that word) for you all, and I even have another review up my sleeve for this week, so stay posted.

Today's review is for the next installment of Kelly Green's series entitled Borrowing Abby Grace. If you haven't read the first two reviews, you can find them here. And here's the third; enjoy!

Blurb (from Amazon: below) and picture (from Goodreads: above) do not belong to me; I'm using them for review purposes only.

Blurb:

Abby finds herself in a boy’s body for the first time, where she has to fumble her way through a secret love affair, while getting to the bottom of a grade-tampering scandal that could send her to jail.

Title: Borrowing Abby Grace: Top of the Class

Author: Kelly Green

Publisher: Backlit Fiction, LLC

Publication Date: 2011

Source: Copy given in exchange for an honest review

Genre: YA Novella/Episodic Mystery 

Cover: <3 I just like these covers. They obviously have a common thread (the same top half), and the bottom changes depending on what this novella/episode will be covering. Great idea, and it still would grab my attention.

Plot: Again <3. The plots keep getting better in this series. Admittedly, the first book was cute in my opinion, but the second one got even better. Green has upped the ante once again in this one, and I dig it. This one had high stakes, risqué elements, and lots of forward momentum. 

Romantic Element: Things are a-brewin’, and I’m liking the direction that the series is taking. Also, by nature of the series, the second episode and this one lend themselves to have internal romantic drama. Gotta love it. (Psst. Parents, this one is more heavy PG-13, not because anything is graphic, just because of the content and subject matter.)

Overall: Mysteries are growing on me, and I’m thanking Green in part for this development. The episodes are short but complete, cute but interesting, and I’m enjoying the ride. Bring on the next episode!

<3 <3 <3

Find Kelly Green online:

Amazon

Goodreads

Facebook

Twitter

<3 <3 <3

Sooo? What do you think? Would you read it? Let me know below!

P.S., I've been thinking about how the "Songs to write to" could mesh with the reviews, and I've concluded that from here on out, I am going to give the author the wheel and let them choose what song should go with their review. I think it'd be interesting to see what they'd pair. Do you agree? Let me know below!

Happy reading and writing, y'all

And HUGE thank you to Urania for giving me The Versatile Blogger award. You can check out Urania's blog here :)

FEYLAND: The Dark Realm: A Review

Hello all,

Here's the first review, as promised, and I should have another one up tomorrow, work willing. Soooo, without further ado, a review :) (<3 rhymes....)

Blurb (and picture above) from Goodreads (I do not own them but am using them for review purposes only):


WHEN A GAME…

Feyland is the most immersive computer game ever designed, and Jennet Carter is the first to play the prototype. But she doesn’t suspect the virtual world is close enough to touch — or that she’ll be battling for her life against the Dark Queen of the faeries.

TURNS REAL…

Tam Linn is the perfect hero — in-game. Too bad the rest of his life is seriously flawed. The last thing he needs is rich-girl Jennet prying into his secrets, insisting he’s the only one who can help her.

WINNING IS EVERYTHING…

Together, Jennet and Tam enter the Dark Realm of Feyland, only to discover that the entire human world is in danger. Pushed to the limit of their abilities, they must defeat the Dark Queen… before it’s too late.

Title: FEYLAND: The Dark Realm

Author: Anthea Sharp

Publisher: Self

Publication Date: 2011

Source: received copy from author in exchange for honest review

Genre: YA Fantasy/Gamer (as in video game) Romance

Cover: The cover definitely makes sense for the content. I think how you feel about the cover will dictate, in my opinion, how you’ll feel about the book, within reason of course. This book is heavy on the gamer/fantasy/folk lore element and that’s definitely reflected in the cover choice.

Plot: This book was new territory for me. I hardly ever choose fantasy-ish titles, but I like changing it up every once in a while. There’s mystery, romance, and epic journey/battles, and I think that could appeal to anyone who leans to the more fantastical side of things. And, as a side note, I thought Sharp handled different family dynamics in an thought-provoking way too.

Romantic Element: I thought Sharp handles this in an interesting way. The focus of the story is definitely more plot driven, but there’s enough of this to satisfy the more sentimental kind of readers. And for any parents out there, the romantic bits are very PG and appropriate, in case you were wondering. 

Overall: I think this book could appeal and would be good for those who like a fantasy tilt to their YA and regular reading. The fact that Sharp had this very cool gamer (video game) element really made the whole thing more exciting, while also making the stakes higher. So, if you find yourself liking quests, journeys, danger, and gaming, with a little romance thrown in. And, if you get hooked, you’ll have a sequel to look forward to as well. 

Find Anthea Sharp online:

Amazon

Facebook

Her website

Barnes and Noble

So? What do you all think? Something up your alley? Lemme know below!

Psst, thanks for all the great comments last post too :)

Contrary to evidence, I still blog...

Hello world,

It’s been a while since I’ve been on here, but of course, I’ve kept this blog and all the awesome blogger people I’ve met in my thoughts constantly. Today, I just wanted to stop in and make a list of things running around my brain as of lately.

1.      I’ve really been getting into Big Bang Theory lately. I had never watched it before, and now, I’m partially in love. Anyone else?

2.      I made a promise a long time ago to talk about my Nanowrimo experience last year. I can pretty much say it was an epic fail because I wasn’t mentally committed, but my goals this year are to up the writing and the reading to astronomical levels. Wish me luck

3.      I have TWO, count them TWO, book reviews being posted this week AT LEAST. Those two are already done, and hopefully I’ll have time to read and write more.

4.       I really want to up the book review factor on my blog. I’ve had some great people ask me for book reviews lately (self-published and traditionally published), and I’m really excited to read the material from them. Keep them coming! (Romance is still key for me, fyi.)

5.      I’ve been musically deprived lately. Sad but true, but I plan on using my iHeartRadio app to rectify that situation. I’m on the lookout for new favorites.

6.      Music and reading recharge my batteries. As does sleep.

7.      I’m very much into lists lately. And you can see it’s followed me here in this post.

8.      I missed American Idol this week because of work and sleep and business. I normally don’t watch the show, but I did want to see the auditions. Ah well. I KNOW I’ll be watching The Voice if nothing else.

9.      I’m setting bigger and bigger goals for myself, so I’m expecting great things for my future. You know, positivity brings positive results and all that jazz.

10.   I’m obsessed with hot pink lately. Like bright, loud, fuchsia pink. I’ve recently gotten two sweaters and a random knit hat. Very much the opposite of the high school me. Funny how we change :) 

So what about you all? How has the new year been treating you?

And I also want to leave you with a song to write by, which I may or may not have used before (but that doesn’t matter because I heart it): “Tomorrow” by Chris Young

Happy Reading and Writing!

P.S. You can enter to win a alienware laptop here and a Macbook Air and Apple TV here. Looks aaaawesome possum. Thanks Sparkling Reviews!

Sharing Sam: A Review

Blurb (and picture above are from Goodreads. I do not own them but am using them for review purposes only):  

How can you take the guy your best friend loves . . . when your best friend’s going to die?

 Alison Chapman has always believed she’d fall in love hard. And she does—with Sam Cody, a new guy with a gorgeous face and brooding eyes, a guy who’s impossible to resist. When Sam asks her to the Valentine’s Day dance, Alison is elated . . . until she finds out that her best friend, Isabella Cates-Lopez, has fallen for Sam, too . . . until she finds out that Isabella is dying. Now Alison wants Isabella’s last days to be her happiest ever—even if she and Sam have to hide their love. Even if, by sharing Sam, Alison risks losing him forever.

Title: Sharing Sam

Author: Katherine Applegate

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Publishing Date: 1995 (but reads like a current YA)

Source: Library

Cover: Very fitting for the story. It seems typical for the contemporary YA genre, but this time it makes sense. 

Genre: YA Contemporary Romance: The bittersweet edition. Sharing your new love interest with your friend because you’ve just found out she’s dying can lend itself to being heavy-ish material.

Plot: This book is really short--so short at its 155 pages that I almost didn’t pick it up. I tend to shy away from shorter books, doubting the book’s ability to engage me enough to care in so few pages. Sharing Sam was surprising in that aspect. The reader gets more depth of character than he or she might expect going into it. It may be predictable overall, but that doesn’t detract from its storytelling. 

Romantic Element: Yes, there was romance. It was quick but also believable. A few times I caught myself being pissy that Applegate chose to glaze over scenes, giving us a summary rather than a bird’s eye view, but I wasn’t too upset. Like I said describing the genre, the love in this book is bittersweet. 

Overall: I think you know going into the book if it’ll be for you or not, but for the little time it takes you to read it, the story is there. As a whole, I’d say this book is more like A Walk to Remember kind of Lifetime movie YA romance, and I also think that assessment will pretty much tell you whether or not you’d like the book itself. 

Goodreads

Amazon

So what do you think? Sound like it would be up your alley or many streets away? Lemme know below!

Now to leave you with a song to write by, "Hurt" by Christina Aguilera. Sniff. I <3 this one. 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!! <3

Silver and Stone: A Review

Hello all!

Here's one of the reviews I've been promising, and it's a self-pub, which makes me all the happier.

Blurb (and Image above) from Goodreads (which I do not own but am using for review purposes only): 

Welcome to high school high society hell, where last season’s slingbacks can warrant a lunch table demotion, the wrong date will knock you off the it-list and behind every pair of oversized Chanel sunglasses lies a secret people are dying to keep. 

As if senior year at Weatherford Preparatory School wasn’t hard enough, sixteen year old Alexis Bardolph had to add school outcast to the curriculum.

A new found notoriety following a family scandal, her lacrosse star boy-friend dumping her for a former BFF and a string of perpetually bad hair days were among the many things going wrong in her already turbulent teenage life.

But when the haunting nightmares that have plagued her since childhood begin to take an eerily tangible form and several Holler Creek residents are reported missing, Alexis can’t help but wonder if there isn’t more to her hellish dreams than meets the eye.

The unexpected arrival of a mysterious and dangerously handsome new student ultimately leads Alexis to troubling truths that not even her wildest imagination could have conjured.

Title: Silver and Stone: The Bloodlines Series

Author: J.D. Thompson

Publisher: Self

Publication Date: 2011

Source: Author (ebook given in exchange for honest review)

Cover: The cover does its job and gives you a definite YA wispy vibe.

Genre: YA Paranormal Romance. I can’t be more specific as to what type of paranormal activity is going on since the book spends a lot of time building up to that, but the premise is more original than most.

Plot: This book has a lot going for it. The writing is good, and the beginning to middle of the book keeps you reading and wondering what exactly will happen next. There’s an element of mystery that I think a lot of people would enjoy, and for the majority of the book, Alexis is pretty likeable. The premise that frames the story is really original and was one of my favorite macabre parts about the story. 

Romantic Element: You know I’m a sucker for romance in YA, and this book definitely has it. It did feel a bit rushed to me. I tend to like a long lead-in for these things, but that’s personal preference, and other people will find the love interest entertaining. And there’s drama. Oh, how I love drama—in books--just thought I’d clarify.

Overall: This book has its highs and lows, but definitely has more highs than lows. I think my only slight complaint is pacing. J.D. does an amazing job of it for the majority, but when it comes to the romantic bits and the end itself, I felt a little rushed. BUT the end does set up the next book nicely, making you want more, and overall, I enjoyed it. Fans of YA paranormal romance would be pleased overall with this book as the beginning of a series. And for 99 cents? It’d be hard to ask for more.

J.D.'s Blog

Amazon

Goodreads

Smashwords

What do you all think? Are you going to read it? Lemme know below!