Wednesday, September 30, 2009

The Everafter by Amy Huntley

Madison Stanton doesn't know where she is or how she got there. But she does know this—she is dead. And alone, in a vast, dark space. The only company she has in this place are luminescent objects that turn out to be all the things Maddy lost while she was alive. And soon she discovers that with these artifacts, she can reexperience—and sometimes even change—moments from her life.
Her first kiss.
A trip to Disney World.
Her sister's wedding.
A disastrous sleepover.
In reliving these moments, Maddy learns illuminating and sometimes frightening truths about her life—and death.
This is a haunting and ultimately hopeful novel about the beauty of even the most insignificant moments—and the strength of true love even beyond death.

Review:
Well, I didn't hate it, but I wasn't totally in love with this book either. It was well researched and written, and totally different than what I expected it to be, which is good. A good surprise. I love the cover, it makes sense once you read the story. All the events in the story lead up to Madison's death, and how she died. It's quite sad. And makes you mad when you think about it. This story is about learning to forgive, to keep loving, and never give up hope. Everything and everyone has a purpose, once its over you just have to appreciate it, and now dwell on the bad memories all the time. It was a really quick read, but yes, I would read it again, you should read it too. x.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough

Tamsin Greene comes from a long line of witches, and she was supposed to be one of the most Talented among them. But Tamsin's magic never showed up. Now seventeen, Tamsin attends boarding school in Manhattan, far from her family. But when a handsome young professor mistakes her for her very Talented sister, Tamsin agrees to find a lost family heirloom for him. The search—and the stranger—will prove to be more sinister than they first appeared, ultimately sending Tamsin on a treasure hunt through time that will unlock the secret of her true identity, unearth the sins of her family, and unleash a power so vengeful that it could destroy them all. This is a spellbinding display of storytelling that will exhilarate, enthrall, and thoroughly enchant.


Review:

I really devoured this book in one sitting. I really liked it. It was complicated and challenged, and showed how much Tas really wanted to feel like a part of her family. You could really sympathize for her. She was trying so hard. Then she got Gabriel involved with her plan, which ends up bringing them closer. I was surprised when this happened, I didn't think there would be any romance in this story, but, it really had it all. Gabriel seemed to be a real person, and guy. He was very guy-ish.

I dont think i would change anything about this book. And I loved what Tas's ( SPOILER ) Talent turned out to be. It was so surprising, but amazing. It would be cool to have a Talent like that. If you weren't thinking of reading it, I suggest you do, you wont regret it. x.

Dark Visions by L.J. Smith

Kaitlyn Fairchild has always felt like an outsider in her small hometown. Her haunting eyes and prophetic drawings have earned her a reputation as a witch. But Kait's not a witch: She's a psychic. Tired of being shunned, Kait accepts an invitation to attend the Zetes Institute, where she can have a fresh start and study with other psychic teens.

Learning to hone her abilities with four other gifted students, Kait discovers the intensity of her power -- and the joy of having true friends. But those friendships quickly become complicated when Kait finds herself torn between two irresistible guys. Rob is kind and athletic, and heals people with his good energy. Gabriel is aggressive and mysterious, a telepath concealing his true nature as a psychic vampire, feeding off of others' life energy. Together, Rob and Gabriel's opposing forces threaten the group's stability.

Then one of the experiments traps the five teens in a psychic link. A link that threatens their sanity and their lives. And Kaitlyn must decide whom to trust...and whom to love.

Review:

I really loved this book, but then again, I love all the books written by L.J. Smith. There was a lot to think about in this story, and had no dull moments. Plus, she created another type of vampire, but a blood-sucking vampire, but i psychic vampire. This was a great love story, choosing between two different sides of herself, and boys.

I really Loved Gabriel, but then again I love the handsome bad boys in stories. He tried not to care, but you could tell he was in love with Kait. And Rob, was too nice for me, but thats what I loved. Everyone has totally different thoughts and personalities, that was so off, which made everything work together. I wouldn't change anything about this story, and recommend it to everyone. x.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Crazy Beautiful by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

Last year, Lucius Wolfe blew off his hands in a science experiment gone bad. Last year, Aurora Belle's mother died. Now both Lucius and Aurora are about to start sophomore year in a new school. On the very first day they meet, forming an instant connection. But high-school politics runs against the notion of the girl everyone wants to be around having anything to do with the boy no one wants to be around, the boy whose nickname is Hooks. Yet still, their connection deepens and the unlikely friendship grows. But there's another boy who likes Aurora, Jessup Tristan. Aurora doesn't return Jessup's affection as he would like and bad things start to happen. Aurora's father, the school librarian, is falsely accused of making improper advances against a female student, the daughter of the vice principal, and the rumor is spread that it was Lucius who fingered Mr. Belle. Can Lucius clear Mr. Belle's name, clear his own name, and finally win the girl?


REVIEW: I thought it was amazing how well it was writen. I felt like I was in another day of high school. It seemed very realistic; the two guys fighting over the new beautiful girl, and how if your different, you feel like an outcast. The book was a quick read, but what the hell, I loved it. The only thing I would have changed is that it would have been longer. Some times it would skip like 2 weeks at a time, but even still, I wanted to know what happened then too. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. It was it kind of like a small reality fairytale, all twisted up. Plus, I love the cover art, It goes really well with the book, and so does the title. x.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Give up the Ghost by Megan Crewe

Cass McKenna much prefers ghosts to 'breathers. ' Ghosts are uncomplicated and dependable. They know the dirt on everybody . . . And Cass loves dirt. She's on a mission to expose the dirty secrets of all of the poseurs in her school. But when the vice president of the student council discovers her secret, Cass's whole scheme hangs in the balance. Timwants her help to contact his recently deceasedmother, but Cass is less than enthusiastic. Kicking and screaming, Cass becomes increasingly entwined in Tim's life. And she's more surprised than anyone when she realizes that maybe some living people aren't so bad if she'd only give them a chance.


REVIEW: Well, first of all, I have to say I love the cover, and the colors. It shows the story well. When I was reading the book, all I kept thinking was were the two old friends going to become friens again? And how all of a sudden, she started to see ghosts, and were able to talk to them? There were a couple of questions un-answered, but for a book that was over 200 pages, Megan Crewe seemed to answer other questions in great detail. This book is a really quick read, but very well written. I would read it again in a heartbeat. x.

[ I have 3 bookmarks of Give up the Ghost, so if you want them, just comment. First come first serve. Just leave your e-mail. ]

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Hello, Hello Again

Hello everyone, sorry that I haven't been posting, school started and I've gotten sucked in pretty well. They are really piling on the homework and projects already, it's gotten crazy. I'll try my best to blog and review as much as possible, but that might get a little tricky considering I have a new job, on the weekends. But again, Ill try my best. I promise. I am going to get some new books soon, so that might help. Hope you all had a good summer. x.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eightshes a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the kings thug. When she first meets Prince Po, Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change. She never expects to become Pos friend. She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Graceor about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone.


REVIEW: WOW! I mean, I guess thats all I am able to say. I absolutely LOVE this book. Before, I was putting it off as much as possible, but now that I've read it, I'm sorry I didn't read it sooner. A lot of people have read this book, but for the people who haven't, I am telling you this now, go out and buy it, and read it! It is amazing. I love the characters, and how I could relate to them, and It was like a romantic story, but it was based with more reality. The adventures they went on, and what they faced was beautifully writen. I still can't get the story out of my head, I just want to read it over, again, and again, and again.... The ending was great aswell, it was so unexpected, but it just seemed to make the story, well IT. Kristin Cashore will be releasing another book soon, called Fire. I know it will be just as great as this one, and I look forward for it to come out! x.

Immortal by Gillian Shields

Wyldcliffe Abbey School for Young Ladies, housed in a Gothic mansion on the bleak northern moors, is elite, expensive, and unwelcoming. When Evie Johnson is torn away from her home by the sea to become the newest scholarship student, she is more isolated than she could have dreamed. Strict teachers, snobbish students, and the oppressive atmosphere of Wyldcliffe leave Evie drowning in loneliness.

Evie's only lifeline is Sebastian, a rebellious, mocking, dangerously attractive young man she meets by chance. As Evie's feelings for Sebastian grow with each secret meeting, she starts to fear that he is hiding something about his past. And she is haunted by glimpses of a strange, ghostly girl—a girl who is so eerily like Evie, she could be a sister. Evie is slowly drawn into a tangled web of past and present that she cannot control. And as the extraordinary, elemental forces of Wyldcliffe rise up like the mighty sea, Evie is faced with an astounding truth about Sebastian, and her own incredible fate.

REVIEW: I really enjoyed this book, very much. It was sort of a quick read for me, but I still really like it. Although, I didn't really like Evie that much, I mean, yes I guess you could relate to her, but also sometimes I felt as if all she cared about was herself, and wanting to be with a boy she hardly knew anything about. But, the ending was nice, how he just couldn't risk loosing her for anything. Overtime, I learned to like the friends she made there. I'm guessing there will be another installement. Plus, I really like the cover, it really shows what this story si about, well once you read it. Everything just... works. x.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

The Hollow by Jessica Verday

When Abbey's best friend, Kristen, vanishes at the bridge near Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, everyone else is all too quick to accept that Kristen is dead?and rumors fly that her death was no accident. Abbey goes through the motions of mourning her best friend, but privately, she refuses to believe that Kristen is really gone. Then she meets Caspian, the gorgeous and mysterious boy who shows up out of nowhere at Kristen's funeral, and keeps reappearing in Abbey's life. Caspian clearly has secrets of his own, but he's the only person who makes Abbey feel normal again...but also special.

Just when Abbey starts to feel that she might survive all this, she learns a secret that makes her question everything she thought she knew about her best friend. How could Kristen have kept silent about so much? And could this secret have led to her death? As Abbey struggles to understand Kristen's betrayal, she uncovers a frightening truth that nearly unravels her—one that will challenge her emerging love for Caspian, as well as her own sanity.

REVIEW: I really enjoyed this book, but sometimes I didn't really know what the story was about. Once I read more, I began to understand though. Near the end of the book it sort of seemed rushed, and there were a lot of questions unanswered. Like "What is going to happen to Abbey?""Wnat is going to happen to Caspian?" and,"What exactly happened to Kristen and who is D?" Hope fully these will be answered in the next installment. In the end though, I am excited about the next book, and really enjoyed this one. It was really well written, and I love the cover. Read it. x.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Are You Haunted ?

Do you know if your haunted? Well see for yourself, pick up a copy of Jessica Verday's "The Hollow" at your local bookstore. You're definately in for a treat with this novel.


When Abbey's best friend, Kristen, vanishes at the bridge near Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, everyone else is all too quick to accept that Kristen is dead?and rumors fly that her death was no accident. Abbey goes through the motions of mourning her best friend, but privately, she refuses to believe that Kristen is really gone. Then she meets Caspian, the gorgeous and mysterious boy who shows up out of nowhere at Kristen's funeral, and keeps reappearing in Abbey's life. Caspian clearly has secrets of his own, but he's the only person who makes Abbey feel normal again...but also special.

Just when Abbey starts to feel that she might survive all this, she learns a secret that makes her question everything she thought she knew about her best friend. How could Kristen have kept silent about so much? And could this secret have led to her death? As Abbey struggles to understand Kristen's betrayal, she uncovers a frightening truth that nearly unravels her—one that will challenge her emerging love for Caspian, as well as her own sanity.


[ Sorry this is a little late notice, but my shirt didn't come in till later. ]

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

School Fun!?

Alright, Sorry I haven't been posting lately, school has started up. yay. At the moment, I am on the computer at school. It's my communications class. Tonight, I will read some more, and then blog about it. I just recieved The Hollow by Jessica Verday, the other day, so I haven't been able to read and review it. Sorry guys. I hope you have a great first day back at school to thoughs who go back. Summer is now officially over unfortunately. How did you spend Summer '09, and How was it memorable for you?