Hurricane/Superstorm Sandy- Ways to Help

Hi everyone,
I know this isn't a book review but hopefully one will be coming soon! (if your wondering which book check out my GoodReads) I just wanted to let you guys know that I survived Hurricane/Superstorm Sandy ;) Luckily my county got the least of her fury, but there are some trees down over here and my power was out for two days. Now watching the news anyone can see that most places affected by this storm have been hit hard and are seriously suffering.

Please try to help those in need and visit:
Red Cross- and look under How To Help Those Affected
Feed The Children- general information and donation options
World Vision- Personal hygiene, food, and flood-clean-up kits for victims

And for lots of other ways to help/donate visit ABC News for a list of charitable websites.

Vesper by Jeff Sampson

About the Book:

 Pages: 288

Series: Deviants #1

Publisher: Harper Collins

Release Date: January 25th 2011

Source: Library

GoodReads Summary:

Emily Webb is a geek. And she's happy that way. Content hiding under hoodies and curling up to watch old horror flicks, she's never been the kind of girl who sneaks out for midnight parties. And she's "definitely" not the kind of girl who starts fights or flirts with other girls' boyfriends. Until one night Emily finds herself doing exactly that . . . the same night one of her classmates--also named Emily--is found mysteriously murdered.

The thing is, Emily doesn't know why she's doing any of this. By day, she's the same old boring Emily, but by night, she turns into a thrill seeker. With every nightfall, Emily gets wilder until it's no longer just her personality that changes. Her body can do things it never could before: Emily is now strong, fast, and utterly fearless. And soon Emily realizes that she's not just coming out of her shell . . . there's something much bigger going on. Is she bewitched by the soul of the other, murdered Emily? Or is Emily Webb becoming something else entirely-- something not human?

As Emily hunts for answers, she finds out that she's not the only one this is happening to--some of her classmates are changing as well. Who is turning these teens into monsters--and how many people will they kill to get what they want?

Review:
Sorry the review is small... but I read this book a long time ago.... sorry, again!

Emily doesn't know whats going on. A girl in her small town had been found dead and she is suddenly running around flirting and fighting. All of this started after the girl was murdered. During the day Emily is her self but at night she turns into a social butterfly who isn't afraid to do anything. Somethings up but Emily's not sure she can get to the bottom of it. She knows that this odd bewitching has something to do with the murderer and the girl that died but she can't pin point one thing....

This book was a great read, especially after reading the Trylle trilogy. It still had the fantasy I yearned for but also added in some realistic fiction. I also thought that the concept was great and really unique. I was really frustrated with Emily though; I wanted to slap her and say, "Get yourself together!" The quiet side of her was the most aggravating because she was just sooooo quiet. I mean I'm quiet too but not that much! I didn't really like the romantic aspect of this book either; I felt like the reader didn't have enough time to connect with the guy she ends up with.

Over all, it was a nice read, but I wasn't really impressed by anything. Maybe the sequel will show up on my blog someday? I don't know. But what I do know is that I've been absent for a long time, but I'm planning  on trying to blog more. Again sorry this was so short but I'm pressed for time and, truthfully, I don't remember much of the book. See you soon!

The Dark Light by Sara Walsh

About the Book:

Pages: 496

Series: None (as of now, but hopefully...)

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Release Date: August 28th, 2012

Source: Simon & Scheuster

GoodReads Summary:

Mia is torn between two guys—and two worlds—in this epic, romantic fantasy. Mysterious lights have flickered above Crownsville for as long as Mia can remember. And as far as she’s concerned, that’s about the only interesting thing to happen in her small town.

That is, until Sol arrives. Mia’s not one to fall for just any guy, but she can’t get Sol—or the brilliant tattoo on his back—out of her mind.

Then Mia’s brother goes missing, and Mia’s convinced that Sol knows more than he’s sharing. But getting closer to Sol means reevaluating everything Mia once believed to be true. Because Sol’s not who Mia thought he was—and neither is she.

Review:

 Mia's life was normal in the slightest of terms. She went to high school, had good grades, had abest friend, played sports... but her life was also really mysterious. Her father had ditched her as a baby and her mother was thrown in jail, so she lives with an uncle who drinks more than he shows up at home, and now there's been six boys kidnapped in her town and the surrounding area. Then a new boy, Sol, saunters in to town shrouded with mystique. Just meeting this boy changes her life... and her world.

This book was amazing. It definitely sits up on that shelf with the Hunger Games, and the Trylle trilogy. I was expecting this to be an angel book for some reason. I guess because of the tattoo on the cover. I don't know. So I was surprised when I was faced with a crazy fantasy/sci-fi/dystopian kind of world. But I was also happy with it. The wacky characters added to the excitement I had brewing for this book.

Sol was a great character. He reminded me of Alex from Angel Burn and a little of Finn from Switched. (Anyone else?) The summary up top (↑) kinda lies because I never felt like there was competition between Sol and Andy. She liked Andy as a high school prom date but not as anything serious. With Sol it was like an instant connection. The romance aspect of this story was sooooo suspenseful and frustrating! I wanted her to kiss him like fifteen times before they actually did!

But that was the genius part! You had the whole story to focus on but then you get bored with that and you can watch their romance unravel. And all the little road blocks the author added in to make their relationship even more tension were brilliant, first it was Delane and Sol thinking Mia liked him, then Mia thinking he was with Vermillion, then her father not wanting them together. It kept you interested and reading.

This book was reallllllyyyyy gooooooodddddd. Thanks Simon & Scheuster! I can't wait for (hopefully) the sequel to come out. I recommend this book to people.... just people. I mean anyone who likes to read, please read this!

The Last Princess by Galaxy Craze

About the Book:

 Pages: 295

Series: Last Princess #1

Publisher: Poppy

Release Date: May 1st, 2012

Source: Library

 

GoodReads Summary:

A series of natural disasters has decimated the earth. Cut off from the rest of the world, England is a dark place. The sun rarely shines, food is scarce, and groups of criminals roam the woods, searching for prey. The people are growing restless. When a ruthless revolutionary sets out to overthrow the crown, he makes the royal family his first target. Blood is shed in Buckingham Palace, and only sixteen-year old Princess Eliza manages to escape. Determined to kill the man who destroyed her family, Eliza joins the enemy forces in disguise. She has nothing left to live for but revenge, until she meets someone who helps her remember how to hope-and love-once more.Now she must risk everything to ensure that she does not become... The Last Princess.

Review:

The world has ended. But not everyone has perished. In fact, the royal family mostly survived the apocalypse. Besides their mother, who was poisoned and killedby a resistance leader named Cornelius Hollister, the royal family is doing fine surviving in the destruction of the former world. Until they discover that this rebel leader is out for their blood and won't stop until he's the ruler of Britain. Eliza is forced to join the army that's determined to kill her family in order to save her siblings and the crown.

I thought that this post-apocalypes theme was really interesting. Especially with the main characters being the majesties of England! I thought that added a regal feel to the story :) It was facsinating how the people were categorized. There were Roamers; the theives, murderers, and over all bad guys, who had escaped from prisons once the electricity went out. They, well, roam in search of things to feed on such as squirrels, horses, and... humans. Collectors who search through the endless piles of trash, attempting to discover anything useful.

 As I said I liked the after-the-world-ends theme but I wish it came into play more during the middle and end of the book. I felt like at that point the story revolved around the revolution and made the time feel distorted. Because they had no electricity or anything like that and they rode on horses and used mostly swords, I felt like we were in the medieval times, not the future. This annoyed me and I wish the author hadn't written about royalty cause that just added to the confusion.

Time to get to the romance because, I have to admit, I didn't like it. Wesley was a character who had a regretable past, a tragic present, and a unchangeable future. But all those things said did not make him a strong character. I felt like i couldn't even fall in love with him if I tried because his characters presence is so vague. It's like you meet him, and you like him, because he's nice to Eliza. But then they just start making out? It's especially sad that I don't love him because the story is told from first person, the easiest way to get readers to like a character! If the main character likes him then you should to because the MC's (main characters) opinion is dominant in the story.

I liked this book,  I really did. It's just that the plot, setting, and characters need a little work. The main idea behind the book intrigued me and I wanted to read more, so I'm excited for the sequel coming out in spring 2013. I hope this book is read by a ton of people and that this post-apocalypse theme catches on. I recommend this book to fans of the Hunger Games, people who are excited for a new genre, and lovers of everything adventure.

Wake by Amanda Hocking

About the Book:

Pages: 309

 Series: Watersong #1

 Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

 Release Date: August 7th 2012

 Source: St. Martin's Griffin

GoodReads Summary:

Gorgeous. Fearless. Dangerous. They're the kind of girls you envy; the kind of girls you want to hate. Strangers in town for the summer, Penn, Lexi and Thea have caught everyone's attention—but it’s Gemma who’s attracted theirs. She’s the one they’ve chosen to be part of their group.

Gemma seems to have it all—she’s carefree, pretty, and falling in love with Alex, the boy next door. He’s always been just a friend, but this summer they’ve taken their relationship to the next level, and now there’s no going back. Then one night, Gemma’s ordinary life changes forever. She’s taking a late night swim under the stars when she finds Penn, Lexi and Thea partying on the cove. They invite her to join them, and the next morning she wakes up on the beach feeling groggy and sick, knowing something is different.

Suddenly Gemma is stronger, faster, and more beautiful than ever. But her new powers come with a terrifying price. And as she uncovers the truth, she’s is forced to choose between staying with those she loves—or entering a new world brimming with dark hungers and unimaginable secrets.

Review:

Gemma always loved the water. Swim team was fun and all but the real magic of swimming only appears when she's in the bay. Harper her control freak sister, knows that somethings wrong when Gemma starts hanging out with the beautiful yet utterly creepy, new girls Penn, Lexi, and Thea. Gemma herself can't really explain why these girls are so interested in her. Until she finds out and her whole world changes. In order to stay alive she has to leave her loved ones behind, but if she goes the lives of everyone around her are at risk.

I have to admit my expectations were set very high for this book after I finished, and loved, the Trylle trilogy. Okay, so to start out I'm going to go over my first impressions. (What I thought towards the beginning of the book.) Harper; I thought she was a total stick-in-the-mud-boring-as-paper kind of girl. She treated her sister like she was a naughty five year old! However, Gemma did act bratty at times. I also thought that Alex's character was a little too imperfect. Like the author couldn't show off any of his not nerdy talents?

But as I got further into the book another opinion started to form. Harper wasn't really a.... whatever I called her. She really just wanted to make up for their mothers absence. The mom! I almost forgot. Her story is so sad and it seems crazy when you put yourself in Gemma or Harper's shoes. They had a mom that acts younger than I do! By this point I had started to like Alex and Gemma. Lexi (the creepy new girl) also started to grow on me. She didn't seem as ominous as the other two girls did.

However, throughout the whole book I really liked one character..... Daniel! He was the most realistic character in my opinion. He didn't seem too imperfect or too bossy or too clueless. He seemed more aware of the world than Harper was! As I said, Alex grew on me too, so yeah, I ended up liking him a lot. 

Truth be told, the book did not really meet my expectation. The plot was very slow, and if you read Switched and thought it took a long time to get through that than prepare yourself. Additionally, the plot was really obvious. I completely new that Penn, Lexi, and Thea were mermaids, I could tell with out even reading the back! This book took longer to read than I thought it would because I sped through her other series.

I recommend this book to people who really appreciate Hocking's writing and just want a nice, slow paced, summer read. It's a great book to read at the beach! (get it?) I'm positive that this book will be popular upon its release. (It's coming out TOMORROW if you didn't notice.) So that's all folks. See you next time!

Ascend by Amanda Hocking

About the Book:

Pages: 326 (including bonus story)

 Series: Trylle trilogy #3

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

 Release Date: April 24th 2012

Source: Bought

GoodReads Summary:

Wendy Everly is facing an impossible choice. The only way to save the Trylle from their deadliest enemy is by sacrificing herself.  If she doesn’t surrender to the Vittra, her people will be thrust into a brutal war against an unbeatable foe.  But how can Wendy leave all her friends behind…even if it’s the only way to save them?
The stakes have never been higher, because her kingdom isn’t the only thing she stands to lose. After falling for both Finn and Loki, she’s about to make the ultimate choice…who to love forever. One guy has finally proven to be the love of her life—and now all their lives might be coming to an end. 
Everything has been leading to this moment.  The future of her entire world rests in her hands—if she’s ready to fight for it.

Review:

This is the finale to Hocking's Trylle trilogy. And, I have to say, the series definitely goes out with a bang! I'm excited cause this is the review where I get to spill all the deets I've been holding in! Wendy is some what, officially running the kingdom now, but she's also going to have to make an official choice between who she wants to be with.....

I have to admit, that the other reviews were really boring. This is mainly because when I read a series in a row I can't remember what happened in each book specifically. I thought dragging Matt into the Trylle thing was a little bit overboard but, Willa and him make a great couple. (That was a totally predictable pair.) I also thought that since Rhy's ends up with Rhiannon, who ever she is, the author should have included her more. I also thought that it was about time she full out rejected Finn.

Now it's time to spill the big things SO IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THIS BOOK DON'T READ THIS PART!!! I thought it was soooooooo obvious that Loki was perfect for her! After Wendy and Tove's wedding night I was on the floor snorting; Loki's hilarious! I liked his sass, charm, intensity, and his unexpected loyalty towards Wendy.

The plot in this book never left you alone. First, it was Oslinna, next it was the wedding, then it was, ah... Loki :), next Elora's death, then the killing of Oren, and last.... COMPLETE OVERKILL!!! Okay the whole plot was really good, seriously, but after a one night stand she's prego? What the poop? That is totallly, ridiculously over the top. I mean I know they love each other and stuff, but was it really necessary to have Wendy get knocked-up? They should have had a "10 years later" thing in the back not "1 year". That's a bad message for younger audiances, it's like saying, "Everyone don't use protection and get pregnant at 19 just like this beautiful princess did!"

PEOPLE WHO HAVE NOT READ THIS BOOK YET MAY PROCEED READING AFTER THIS POINT!!!

Sorry, that was a little much, but I think I made my point. The only other bad point in this series was that every thing was very predictable. It was obvious to me that they would attack going to Oslinna, that Wendy and Loki would end up together, that Rhianonanonanrinhan (or who ever that was) and Rhys would be together, that Matt and Willa would be together, etc.

Okay, so I recommend this to anyone who's read the other books in the series, lovers of romance, fantasy, relationships, you know and basically everything else in the universe. That's all folks!

Cleopatra's Moon by Vicky Alvear Shecter

About the Book:

Pages: 355

Series: None

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books

Release Date: August 1st 2011

Source: Library

GoodReads Summary:

Selene has grown up in a palace on the Nile with her parents, Cleopatra & Mark Antony--the most brilliant, powerful rulers on earth. But the jealous Roman Emperor Octavianus wants Egypt for himself, & when war finally comes, Selene faces the loss of all she's ever loved. Forced to build a new life in Octavianus's household in Rome, she finds herself torn between two young men and two possible destinies--until she reaches out to claim her own.

This stunning novel brings to life the personalities & passions of one of the greatest dramas in history, & offers a wonderful new heroine in Selene.

Review:

This book was exquisitely realistic; I felt like I was there alongside Cleopatra S (Cleopatra Selene). I'm a huge fan of historical fiction and this just renewed my passion for the genre. But it felt more like I was reliving a real story, that's good! I feel like the author new Cleopatra S. and this story was just an interview with her! The characters and plot were so believable that I forgot "fiction" was in the title of the genre.

This book was a breeze to read. Although it's not really short, the story line keeps you hooked. I loved Cleopatra (Cleo S.'s mom). She was so powerful that you could feel her presence through the pages! Cleo S. on the other hand has the most tragic story ever! First her older brother, father, and mother die. Then with Octavianus, her younger brother falls ill an passes and later on her older brother Alexandrios gets poisoned and dies! To say the least, that sucks.

The romance department was another thing this book did not run short on. Of course there is a love triangle! ▲! This type of romantic frustration of choosing between two guys is my fave! In one corner there is Marcellus, a charming player, well known for making even the toughest girls swoon!!!! In the other corner is Juba a scholarly fellow that has had Cleo S.'s attention from the start! Juba may be her true love but Marcellus' power might get her back to Egypt. Which one will she choose?

Although I won't tell you who, I will admit I was a bit disappointed with her choice (well, not her's technically, but you get the point.) The plot was a never-ending maze of twists and turns, whether they be in her relationships or with her actions, you never get bored. This might be a product of all the deaths too. Oh and I loved the facts section in the back of the book. It told you what really happened and what the author added in for effect.

This book seems like it has the potential to be popular. I recommend this book to people who are interested in historical fiction, Egypt, love, sacrifice, and tragedy. So if you think you'd be interested in this book, don't just sit here and re-read the review! NO! Get out there and get this book ASAP!!! Go, go, go!!