Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

A mysterious island. An abandoned orphanage. And a strange collection of very curious photographs. It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children who once lived here—one of whom was his own grandfather—were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a desolate island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive.
A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with haunting vintage photography, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows.

At First Sight:
I have to be honest, when I first received an email for this book I was slightly creeped by the cover and the premise. I thought this was going to be one of those awkwardly creepy books where you just don't know what's happening and the narrator is some weird loner. But I was intrigued nevertheless and thought, why not? So I accepted and here are my thoughts.

My Thoughts:
I have to start with the title. Weird and catchy at the same time. But when I received this book in the mail, the packaging was simply fantastic. It looked like an old-new photo album with embossed pages, beautiful colors and designs. I think it's the prettiest book I have on my shelf.

When I started reading, I didn't expect how much I'd like it. Jacob is a true teenage voice and the narration is beautiful. Ransom Riggs did an incredible job bringing every single character and situation to life. In fact, he did such a wonderful job that at one point you start wondering if any of it is actually real and not fantasy.

The plot was fantastic, too. Like I said, I wasn't expecting anything that I'd enjoy but I was wonderfully surprised. I'm such a historylover that I adored the historic bits of the story. It had enough mystery to intrigue you but not so much that it would creep you out and you'd have to put it down.

AND THAT ENDING! It's a wonderful (see, I keep using adjectives?) cliffhanger that makes me yearn for the next installment NOW.

Overall, it was lovely (OH NO I KEEP USING ADVERBS) surprise. I LOVED IT!

In One Sentence:
It doesn't seem like it at first sight, but ANYONE can enjoy this book. It's eerily fantastic.

Okay, that was two sentences. See how good it was??

Plot: 5
Characters: 5
Writing: 5
Cover: 5
Overall Feeling: 5
Average: 5 stars

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

Water For Elephants

Though he may not speak of them, the memories still dwell inside Jacob Jankowski's ninety-something-year-old mind. Memories of himself as a young man, tossed by fate onto a rickety train that was home to the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. Memories of a world filled with freaks and clowns, with wonder and pain and anger and passion; a world with its own narrow, irrational rules, its own way of life, and its own way of death. The world of the circus: to Jacob it was both salvation and a living hell.

Jacob was there because his luck had run out - orphaned and penniless, he had no direction until he landed on this locomotive 'ship of fools'. It was the early part of the Great Depression, and everyone in this third-rate circus was lucky to have any job at all. Marlena, the star of the equestrian act, was there because she fell in love with the wrong man, a handsome circus boss with a wide mean streak. And Rosie the elephant was there because she was the great gray hope, the new act that was going to be the salvation of the circus; the only problem was, Rosie didn't have an act - in fact, she couldn't even follow instructions. The bond that grew among this unlikely trio was one of love and trust, and ultimately, it was their only hope for survival.

At First Sight:
I learned about this book through the movie. Like most movies made from books, I'd rather read the book before I get to see the movie. Lucky for me, the movie had already left theaters when I got the chance to buy this book so I was able to read it without being tempted. To be honest, the book didn't interest me that much by the cover. I mean, circus and elephants? what? But OMG was I wrong.

My Thoughts:
The Prologue is like, mind-blowing. You know that from the very beginning this book will be beautiful. The writing from the very first sentence is fantastic and the imagery that is created is...wow. I was wary of a female writer narrating as a male adult but Jacob's voice was very manly and real.

We learn about how Jacob has lost his parents and he decides to simply go. Feeling his life has turned for the worse, he runs away and ends up in a train car where he meets curious people. At first, Jacob is a bit shy and curious yet he's sure of who he is and what he's able to do. Very respectful, I loved that.

He meets Marlena, a beautiful woman who is also the wife of his boss. He ends up falling in love with her. I loved the development of the romance. You have to squint a little to see it in the beginning but it grows and it's very beautiful and magical.

Water for Elephants is a masterpiece that is so unexpected. You really don't expect such a book to come from between those pages. Everything is woven and written to perfection and I just...fell in love with it. I can't wait to see the movie now.

In One Sentence:
Unexpected and Beautiful!

Plot: 5
Characters: 5
Writing: 5
Cover: 5
Overall Feeling: 5
Average: 5

Playing Hurt by Holly Schindler

Playing Hurt

Star basketball player Chelsea "Nitro" Keyes had the promise of a full ride to college—and everyone's admiration back home. Then she took a horrible fall during senior year. Now a metal plate holds her together and she feels like a stranger in her own family.

That summer, Chelsea's dad hires Clint, a nineteen-year-old ex-hockey player and "boot camp" trainer, to work with her at a northern Minnesota lake resort. As they grow close, Chelsea finds that Clint's haunted by his own tragedy. Will their romance end up hurting them all over again—or finally heal their heartbreak?

At First Sight:
I've been following Holly Schindler for a little more than a year and through that journey I've come to fall in love with her writing and her characters. When I saw that she was publishing a new novel, I immediately jumped into the opportunity to read and review it. Not only was the cover beautiful, but the story seemed to ring with me the way good books ring true to your heart.

My Thoughts:
I've never been a real sports-story sort of fan and I was a bit worried that Playing Hurt wouln't be as great as A Blue So Dark. But when I started reading the story (I had about 3 other books I was reading), I just couldn't. put. it. down.

I feel so guilty for having initially felt that way but now I feel even more reassured that whatever comes out of of Schindler's pen (or laptop, computer, etc.) is going to be a true literary work of art.

Chelsea was really--impressive. She seemed intimidating with all her star-ness and athletic ability but the deeper we got into the story, the more it seemed that Chelsea used her sports as a way to make her feel whole. I related to her (we have similar personalities) and I admired the passion she had for basketball (like the passion I have for writing) and, no matter what subject she was passionate about, the feeling transmitted so easily and flawlessly that I will officially say that Holly Schindler is not only a great story-teller, but she's a writer who is able to capture the feelings, personalities, and struggles of her characters fantastically well.

I loved Clint to death. And I thought that the names (Chelsea & Clint) were so cute together! He has times where he's funny, other times when he's confused, and other times when he's just being a boy. I loved the fact that Schindler was able to capture a male POV as well as she captured the female's.

Overall, this book was amazing and, if it hadn't done so before, it has placed Schindler among the top authors that I love. Plus, the romance is AMAZING and full of passion.

In one sentence:
A fantastic sophomore novel that WILL NOT dissappoint.

Plot: 5
Characters: 5
Writing: 5
Cover: 5
Overall: 5
Average: 5

Splendor (Luxe #4) by Anne Godbersen

As spring turns into summer, Elizabeth relishes her new role as a young wife, while her sister, Diana, searches for adventure abroad. But when a surprising clue about their father's death comes to light, the Holland girls wonder at what cost a life of splendor comes.

Carolina Broad, society's newest darling, fans a flame from her past, oblivious to how it might burn her future. Penelope Schoonmaker is finally Manhattan royalty—but when a real prince visits the city, she covets a title that comes with a crown. Her husband, Henry, bravely went to war, only to discover that his father's rule extends well beyond New York's shores and that fighting for love may prove a losing battle.

In the dramatic conclusion to the bestselling Luxe series, New York's most dazzling socialites chase dreams, cling to promises, and tempt fate. As society watches what will become of the city's oldest families and newest fortunes, one question remains: Will its stars fade away or will they shine ever brighter?

At First Sight:
So I hadn't finished this series and I wanted to do so because I'd previously loved these books. The cover on this one (like the rest) is fantastic and I couldn't wait to dive into an early 20th century society.

My Thoughts:
Wow. Just wow.

Some people might say that the books are not so fun or interesting and to a degree, I had agreed. The thing with these books is that it's like 1800s Gossip Girls and, although I haven't read or watched GG, I understand why people might be apprehensive about reading these books. What kept me attracted was the great narration and setting.

However, this book can be said to be the most exiting and scandalous yet. Everything from death, love, and change happens. We see the characters we've loved for a while finally reach happiness or at least contentment or satisfaction to their lives.

Our girls, Elizabeth, Diana, Carolina, and Penelope get their deserved conclusion to the story and although it can be sad and you might not agree to them, you can find that it was the best solution for them. They've all been through so much and whether you feel sympathy or not towards them, you've grown to at least be interested in their stories and how it will end.

And our boys, Henry, Teddy, Leland, and the rest reappear in this book and get increasingly more important. I don't want to spoil anything but this is a SHOCKING roller-coaster kind of book you don't want to miss.

In One Sentence:
The best yet from the Luxe series.

Plot: 5
Characters: 5
Writing: 5
Cover: 5
Overall: 5
Average: 5

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

The Forest of Hands and Teeth

In Mary's world there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But, slowly, Mary’s truths are failing her. She’s learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future—between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?

At First Sight:
I have to be honest, I've seen this book around for so long but I was always reluctant to pick it up. Zombies, what? But then I thought, why not? Especially since it has a 'love story' or whatever it said in its blurb. The cover is amazing and the story seemed interesting enough.

My Thoughts:
I was caught right off guard. I hadn't expected such an impact from this book. In fact, it's so hard for me to describe how awesome it is that I'm dividing this post into a few subpoints:

A) Mary as a character and her voice- Mary at first doesn't seem like an impressive character but what really made me want to read more was, not only the premise, but the writing style and voice. It's told in present tense but it's such a hauntingly beautiful voice. I always love angsty/dark but beautiful type of writing and this was it.

B) The Concept: So at first I thought, "Hm...zombies..." but then as I continued reading I actually saw the plausability of it. An infection that spread out and it wiped the face of the eart. That's plausible enough, right? Right. So that's why I wasn't appalled (or at least turned off) by the fantastic-ish concept.

C) The Love Story- If you go into this book thinking that you'll be getting a wonderful love story...you're wrong. Sure, there is one but--and BE WARNED--it is so raw and emotional that it really leaves you thinking for days (at least).

D) The ending- I'm not going to go into detail but it was so surprising, realistic, and exactly the right kind of ending for this novel.

E) IT LEFT ME WANTING MORE.

F) Plus, I couldn't decide between the two boys (or three if you count Jed ;) )

Overall, this story was impressive and realistic. I mean, you can't expect a happy-go-lucky ending in a zombie apocalypse, right? There were a few questions left unanswered (more like a lot) and I hope they are touched upon in the next two books. Either way, I'm pretty satisified (whcih is an understatement).

Plot: 5
Writing: 5
Characters: 5
Cover: 5
Overall Feeling: 5
Average: 5

Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky

Awaken
Maddie lives in a world where everything is done on the computer. Whether it’s to go to school or on a date, people don’t venture out of their home. There’s really no need. For the most part, Maddie’s okay with the solitary, digital life—until she meets Justin. Justin likes being with people. He enjoys the physical closeness of face-to-face interactions. People aren’t meant to be alone, he tells her.

Suddenly, Maddie feels something awakening inside her—a feeling that maybe there is a different, better way to live. But with society and her parents telling her otherwise, Maddie is going to have to learn to stand up for herself if she wants to change the path her life is taking.

In this not-so-brave new world, two young people struggle to carve out their own space.

At First Sight:
The first thing that caught my eye was the cover and then I read the description over at NetGalley. I am a fan for futuristic/post-apocalypic books with a romance twist and it was natural for me to request this book. I finally got around to reading it a few weeks (maybe months, who knows, I've been so absent from this blogging world I've lost track of time). Unsurprisingly, I was hooked right off the bat.

My Thoughts:
Maddie is like us: dependant on technology to live. And although her world is much more drastic than ours, you really can't mistake the path we're heading to. She lives, breathes, and even socializes through computer screens.

But inside, Maddie's always been some sort of rebel, never fully satisfied with what the cyber-world has given her. All this is proven when Maddie reveals her past.

She meets this boy that seems to change everything for her (again). This boy is the typical swoon-worthy hero named Justin (hey, I now realized that his name has some meaning...) who challenges her to think out of the box and to question what really goes around her.

Filled with romance and adventure, Awaken takes your through a labyrinth of situations, every corner asking you if we're leaving our real lives behind when we enter the cyber-world.

Awaken is an amazing book with a great protagonist, an amazing boy (who's a bit too good for my taste but oh, well), and a plot that really hits home. Although the book can seem preachy (well, it kind of is) you forget about it as you move along and start to unravel the truths about the world Maddie lives in and the world we live in.

In One Sentence:
"Fun, fast, and definitely a must read!"

Plot: 5
Characters: 5
Writing: 5
Cover: 5
Overall Feeling: 5
Average: 5

My first book in the Debut Author Challenge for this year (finally!).

Runaway by Meg Cabot

Runaway

Emerson Watts is on the run: from school, from work, from her family, from her friends, from herself.

With everyone she loves furious with her for something she can't explain, and nothing but the live Stark Angel fashion show on New Year's Eve to look forward to, Em's reached the end of her rope... what's the point of even going on?

But when she discovers the truth about Nikki's secret, she knows there's only one person she can turn to.

Will Christopher be able to put aside his personal feelings and help her expose her employer to the world? Is it even fair to get Christopher involved—since if he agrees, there's every chance that Stark Enterprises will try to have them both killed—this time, permanently?

Maybe it would be better for Em to just keep on running.

At First Sight:
Like many other series of books that I've read, I usually take a while to actually finish them. But the Airhead Series is one that I've absolutely wanted closure for. It has been an amazing roller coaster ride and the fact it is that I really wasn't sure HOW Meg Cabot would end this series. So, for Christmas I asked my parents to get me this book. I read it in three days, suffice it to say.

My Thoughts:
Em Watts is one of those trademark Meg Cabot characters, she's funny, geeky, and a bit stubborn. The fact that I relate to all of Cabot's characters is plain and simple, they're just ordinary teens with really extraordinary circumstances.

The whole series has been fantastic. From the swoon-worthy Christopher to the ever-so-adorable Lulu. In this installment, you see a whole new side of both characters and the returning cast of memorable Airhead supporting characters.

The stakes are higher, that's not to be questioned, but the way that Em Watts manages it all is admirable. She can be a little headstrong and stubborn, but she stays true to who she is.

I won't spoil the ending. That was one of the things that I looked forward to the most. HOW will everything work out in such a weird situation? All I can say is--you won't expect it.

In one sentence:
"Cabot closes her series will a real New Year's BANG!"

Plot: 5
Characters: 5
Writing: 5
Cover: 5
Overall Feeling: 5
Average: 5

The Vampire Diaires (The Awakening) by L.J. Smith

Vampire Diaries (The Awakening)
Elena: the golden girl, the leader, the one who can have any boy she wants.

Stefan: brooding and mysterious, he seems to be the only one who can resist Elena, even as he struggles to protect her from the horrors that haunt his past.

Damon: sexy, dangerous, and driven by an urge for revenge against Stefan, the brother who betrayed him. Determined to have Elena, he'd kill to possess her.

Collected here in one volume for the first time, volumes one and two of The Vampire Diaries, the tale of two vampire brothers and the beautiful girl torn between them

At First Sight:
This wouldn't have happened if I hadn't seen the show, to be honest. But ever since I started watching it, I was intrigued to know more. So I've been wanting to get this one for a while and finally, I read the first book.

My Thoughts:
So I went into this both knowing that I had a pre-formed idea of the show and that it was very different from the show. Of course, I tried to separate myself from the show as much as possible because I didn't want my feelings for the show to influence my feelings for the literature itself.

Thankfully, the most resemblance to the book that the show has is the first episode, and not even that.

Elena at first is not very likable. She's the queen-bee-gotta-have-it-all girl that not many people like. But then you begin to enter into this character and you discover somethings that make her more...human and likable.

And then there's Stefan, dark and brooding. He's a gentleman in all senses possible and he truly does love Elena and Elena, inexplicably, loves him.

My favorite character (in the book) so far is Matt. Matt is the boy next door who is really nice and sweet. We kind of start feeling a bit sorry for him and although some may argue that he's not right for Elena, he really cares and loves her enough to respect the fact that they don't belong together anymore.

And of course, I LOVE DAMON! We really don't 'get to know him' in this first installment but I was trying to pick up some clues for the future and although I spoiled have to book to myself, I really hope that, in the end, she ends up with Damon.

I just love guys who are so messed up, what's wrong with me? Psychopath with no redeemable qualities? MY GUY!

Oh, and then I have to talk about the plot, naturally. Well, let me tell you, it's a pretty quick-paced book. I read it in about two days and I found it was pretty fun to read so I will definitely be reading the rest of the series. It has enough mystery to keep everyone intrigued for a long time.

In one sentence:
"DAMON! But that doesn't really count, right? I mean he doesn't 'appear' that much in this book." (That was more than one sentence, sorry!)

Plot: 5
Characters: 5
Writing: 5
Cover: 5
Overall Feeling: 5
Average: 5

Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

Revolution

BROOKLYN: Andi Alpers is on the edge. She’s angry at her father for leaving, angry at her mother for not being able to cope, and heartbroken by the loss of her younger brother, Truman. Rage and grief are destroying her. And she’s about to be expelled from Brooklyn Heights’ most prestigious private school when her father intervenes. Now Andi must accompany him to Paris for winter break.

PARIS: Alexandrine Paradis lived over two centuries ago. She dreamed of making her mark on the Paris stage, but a fateful encounter with a doomed prince of France cast her in a tragic role she didn’t want—and couldn’t escape.

Two girls, two centuries apart. One never knowing the other. But when Andi finds Alexandrine’s diary, she recognizes something in her words and is moved to the point of obsession. There’s comfort and distraction for Andi in the journal’s antique pages—until, on a midnight journey through the catacombs of Paris, Alexandrine’s words transcend paper and time, and the past becomes suddenly, terrifyingly present.

Jennifer Donnelly, author of the award-winning novel A Northern Light, artfully weaves two girls’ stories into one unforgettable account of life, loss, and enduring love. Revolution spans centuries and vividly depicts the eternal struggles of the human heart.

I bought this book

At First Sight
I fell in love with this cover, even if the blurb didn't grip me right away, the cover is just absolutely fantastic. I literally couldn't get it off my mind for days. And then, when my daddy told me I could buy a book in my Kindle, there was no other choice but this one.

My Thoughts
If I was apprehensive of this book at first, that went away as fast as I can blink. The prose is so poetic, painful, and beautiful, almost like a drug, completely addictive. Andi was a hard character to sympathize with but once you get to know her, she's the sweetest most mature person ever. She has a hard time dealing with her brother's death and that's completely understandable.

Now, if you don't fall in love with Virgil, you have a cold heart. He was funny, artistic, poetic, and so real. The relationship between Andi and Virgil develops in a very natural way, unraveling itself as if it was meant to be.

I loved reading Alex's diary along with Andi. I felt the same thrill and curiosity every time the entries were narrated. Andi is a lot like me, very ambitious, a bit selfish, but she has her heart set on saving the boy who she loved, and that, is real loyalty.

The end has a great and amazing plot twist and I honestly won't spoil it for you but it was amazing.

In one sentence:
"Breathtakingly beautiful."

Plot: 5
Writing: 5
Cover: 5
Characters: 5
Overall Feeling: 5
Average: 5

Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles

Rules of Attraction

When Carlos Fuentes returns to America after living in Mexico for a year, he doesn’t want any part of the life his older brother, Alex, has laid out for him at a high school in Colorado . Carlos likes living his life on the edge and wants to carve his own path—just like Alex did. Then he meets Kiara Westford. She doesn’t talk much and is completely intimidated by Carlos’ wild ways. As they get to know one another, Carlos assumes Kiara thinks she’s too good for him, and refuses to admit that she might be getting to him. But he soon realizes that being himself is exactly what Kiara needs right now.

I borrowed this book.

At first sight: I was SO EXCITED! Because PERFECT CHEMISTRY was amazing and you know, great.

My thoughts:
It is hard to think that Simone Elkeles would surpass the greatness she was able to achieve with PERFECT CHEMISTRY, but she surprised me! Not only do I think that RULES OF ATTRACTION is better than PERFECT CHEMISTRY, but I also think it's one of the best YA books ever written. Here's why.

Both Kara and Carlos have struggles. They're not perfect and actually, they have stuff about them that would seem unattractive. But the way that, not only do they help each other, but are able to see past it, makes a convincing and exiting story.

Very much like Alex, Carlos is stubborn and a trouble maker, but we're able to see a much bigger range of emotions from him by the way he plays with Kara's little brother or the way he handles different situations.

Kara is surprisingly a strong young woman that I admired. She approaches everything with enthusiasm, without really caring what people think, and with an awkward but believalbe confidence.

May I say that I found Kara's and Carlos's relationship even hotter than Alex's and Brittany?

The supporting characters are equally 3-dimensional and interesting. I think this book has a stronger cast, too.

Overall, the book was amazing, believable and engaging. I devoured it in just two days.

In One Sentence:
"Sexy, deep, and hilarious all at once."

Plot: 5
Characters: 5
Writing: 5
Cover: 5
Overall Feeling: 5
Average: 5

Candor by Pam Bachorz

Candor

Oscar Banks has everything under control. In a town
where his father brainwashes everyone, he's found a way
to secretly fight the subliminal Messages. He's got them
all fooled: Oscar's the top student and the best-behaved
teen in town. Nobody knows he's made his own Messages
to deprogram his brain. Oscar has even found a way to
get rich. For a hefty price, he helps new kids escape
Candor, Florida before they're transformed into
cookie-cutter teens. But then Nia Silva moves to Candor,
and Oscar's carefully-controlled world crumbles.

At First Sight:
I've wanted to read this one for a while. It reminded me a lot of The Giver, one of my favorite books. And of course, the synopsis intrigued me. So when I had the chance, I picked it up and started reading it.

My thoughts:
In one word, Candor was scary. It was frightening everything that went on: how people turned so perfect, how there were subliminal messages, how it was wrong to do so many things. Even if the book started just a bit slow, it was surprising and sort of like a cultural shock to see it being developed that way.

The way Nia and Oscar's relationship progresses is almost hard to witness. We know in the deep down part of our heart that something isn't going to turn out right. These two people are in the constant look out.

But then something happens (I won't tell what) that leaves the reader so shocked that at one point, I was ready to stop the book. Nevertheless, I wanted to know what would happen, even if it seemed that all was lost.

The end of the book is sickening and perfect. It answers enough questions but leaves speculation, too. It was shocking (I know I'm using this word too much already but it was) and I kept thinking about it for days.

In One Sentence:
"Amazing and surprising, a book that encompasses it all."

Plot: 5
Characters: 5
Writing: 5
Cover: 5
Overall Feeling: 5
Average: 5

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

Perfect Chemistry

A fresh, urban twist on the classic tale of star-crossed lovers.
When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created “perfect” life is about to unravel before her eyes. She’s forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for—her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect. Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more.
In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart.

At First Sight:


At first, I thought Perfect Chemistry was a completely predictable, too much hooking up book about two teenager. But then I kept hearing how amazing it really was and I said, well, why not? So I borrowed it from my friend and you know, the rest is history!

My thoughts:
You know I'm really bad at saying how much I love a certain book. But I'm going to try it: THIS BOOK WAS HOT!

Brittany Ellis and Alex Fuentes couldn't have been more different. They were born to be different and polar opposites of each other. But somehow, against all odds and standards, they manage to fall in love. The kind of love that lasts a lifetime and can never be broken. The kind of love that is so unique, few people experience it.

It was amazing, I loved how the relationship between the characters developed and how it wasn't perfect at all, instead, both characters are flooded with flaws. It was so believable. I get sick of books that have a typical story and becomes quite formula-y and plastic and totally not believable. But this book made me think that ANYTHING is possible.

It was amazing seeing Bittany's family and how it paralleled to Alex. Also, i can relate to Alex some way because I am Latina and I get the prejudices that Latinos get when they go to the States.

I loved this book because I laughed, I cried, I fell in love. All those are important when deciding if I really  love a book. This book has it and it made it into my favorite lists.

In One Sentence:
"Amazing, no words to describe it."

Plot: 5
Character: 5
Writing: 5
Cover: 5
Overall Feeling: 5
Average: 5

Karma Bites by Stacy Kramer and Valerie Thomas

Karma Bites

Life seems to have it in for Franny Flanders.
Her best friends aren’t speaking, her parents just divorced, and her hippie grandmother has moved in. The only karma Franny’s got is bad karma.
Then Franny gets her hands on a box of magic recipes that could fix all of her problems. It could even change the world! Finally, life is looking up.
But Franny is about to learn that magic and karma aren’t to be played with. When you mess with the universe, it can bite back in unexpected ways.
Ouch!

Copy sent by the authors.

At first sight:
It's a MG book which might be a bit surprising to some since I don't really read MG books but I must say, I loved the cover of this and it sounded so cute, so I went right ahead and accepted to review it.

My thoughts:
Franny Flanders is just your typical Middle schooler with typical middle school drama. Except that she finds a not so typical magical box that changes everything.

Her two best friends, Kate and Joey, do NOT get along but with a little help from some magical recipes, Franny plans to get everything sorted out...and a few other problems, too.

Franny is a delightful narrator. She's funny, sarcastic, and a bit silly at times. She's really outgoing and true to her heart. She's motivated by love for her parents, friends, and family. Her actions are real and her fascination with the magical are true to her age.

All of the characters are believable, funny, and fun to read about. I really enjoyed this one more than I thought I would.

Overall:
This book is fantastically written with a great cast of characters. I loved it and I think it's appropriate for anyone, whether you're 8 or 80.

In one sentence:
"Fun, magical, and um...fun!"

Plot: 5
Characters: 5
Writing: 5
Cover: 5
Overall Feeling: 5
Average: 5

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins *SPOILERS*

Mockingjay

My name is Katniss Everdeen. Why am I not dead? I should be dead.

Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.

It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plans -- except Katniss.

The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay -- no matter what the personal cost.

This has been a journey. The Hunger Games has become one of my favorite book series that I have ever read. It has been a wild journey that I've experienced along Katniss Everdeen and it's so sad to see it come to an end.

Katniss is by far one of my favorite characters. One of the things that I admire most about her is that she's brave but not without fear. She can be deceitful, manipulative and a lot of other bad things but she's still her. Whenever she has to do something, she thinkgs about the best for others, especially her family.

I have to say that I loved and was surprised by the description of District 13. I didn't expect that at all! In fact, most of the book I was flabbergasted because I didn't expect half of it.

I know a lot of people are mad with the ending. I guess I was, too. But after sleeping on it and hearing other people's thoughts I've come to the conclusion that the book is about war with a strong romantic subplot. The realities of war is that there are a lot of casualties and people who don't deserve to die.

Katniss was so wounded and beat up that at times, it was a very hard book to read. The truth is that it was a nation at war and no life was safe. I have to congragulate Suzanne Collins because the book made you think and get your emotions in a way that it becomes unforgettable.

I was disappointed that there was no closure for Gale, though. As a Team Gale, I found myself rooting for him but after reareading the last few pages I understood finally why Katniss needed Peeta. Gale was too much like her, too strong, too destructive, too wounded. Peeta is calm, collected, and patient while Gale is blunt and rash. There's no denying how much Gale loves Katniss but in the end, Katniss chose that person who could provide her with stability and not strength per say.

It was heartbreaking seeing the people that die, die. I was mad at times, too. I found myself rooting for characters I didn't really care about before.

Some think that the epilogue is depressing but I find it to have a bit of hope. Katniss and Peeta both have been through so much and it's not surprising that they haven't completely healed those wounds but I feel that Katniss in the end, really believes she will be okay.

In the end:
The book was amazing. I didn't enjoy reading it per say because it was very hard and dark to read. It was a heavy book, that's for sure. But I think the story was amazing and just beautiful. Many people didn't like that Katniss wasn't awake for some scenes, where she wakes up after an important even. I would have preffered to have it described but I also think that that portrayal of emptiness is what Katniss was feeling.

Also, some hated the constant cliffhangers at the end of the chapters and I agree it became annoying for a bit but in the end, it kept me on my toes.

In one sentence:
"A great finale for an amazing series."

Plot: 5
Characters: 5
Writing: 5
Cover: 5
Overall Feeling: 5
Average: 5

P.S. A discussion post (s) will follow soon so stay tuned!

Emma And The Vampires by Jane Austen and Wayne Josephson

Emma And The Vampires
What better place than pale England to hide a secret society of gentlemen vampires?

In this hilarious retelling of Jane Austen's Emma, screenwriter Wayne Josephson casts Mr. Knightley as one of the most handsome and noble of the gentlemen village vampires. Blithely unaware of their presence, Emma, who imagines she has a special gift for matchmaking, attempts to arrange the affairs of her social circle with delightfully disastrous results. But when her dear friend Harriet Smith declares her love for Mr. Knightley, Emma realizes she's the one who wants to stay up all night with him. Fortunately, Mr. Knightley has been hiding a secret deep within his unbeating heart-his (literal) undying love for her... A brilliant mash-up of Jane Austen and the undead.

I was sent this ARC by the publicist.

This novel is witty and entertaining. It's funny and has such a great story. And the vampires are a great twist! The story begins a bit slowly but once it catches on, it's on a roll. This is a really addictive read with a classic twist. I am now almost wondering what the original book is like.

I loved Emma because I saw a lot of myself in her. She was real, independent, and assertive. She was able to think of others and not settle for something less than she deserves. She's a believable character and an entertaining narrator.

Mr. Knightley is so cool, too. He's down to earth but not perfect. He  is probably the only male character I ever truly liked and trusted. He seemed like the classic, timless man every women yearns for.

I particularly disliked Mr. and Mrs. Elton. They annoyed me quite a lot. Their attitudes were just puke-worthy but so amusing! Definitely not a flaw in the characterization. They are genious characters.

The characters are so well rounded and three dimensional. It's amazingly written and there's little to NOT like about this book. I'm big on character and often talk a lot about them and this book is filled with wonderful, memorable characters.

The prose is fantastic and really very true to the time period's language and dialogue. The plot catches up and the story becomes almost addicting and unputdownable. It's a MUST READ for everyone, classical nerdies or not.

In one sentence:
"The vampire classic that sinks in, literally!"

Plot: 5
Characters: 5
Writing: 5
Cover: 5
Overall Feeling: 5
Average: 5

North Of Beatiful by Justina Chen Headley

North of Beautiful 

Born with a port-wine stain birthmark covering her entire right cheek, Terra Rose Cooper is ready to leave her stifling, small Washington town where everyone knows her for her face. With her critical, reproachful father and an obese mother who turns to food to deflect her father's verbal attacks, home life for Terra isn't so great either. Fueled by her artistic desires, she plans to escape to an East Coast college, thinking this is her true path. When her father intercepts her acceptance letter, Terra is pushed off-course, and she is forced to confront her deepest insecurities. After an ironically fortuitous car accident, Terra meets Jacob, a handsome but odd goth Chinese boy who was adopted from China as a toddler. Jacob immediately understands Terra's battle with feeling different. When Terra's older brother invites her and her mother to visit him in Shanghai, Jacob and his mother also join them on their journey, where they all not only confront the truth about themselves, but also realize their own true beauty. North of Beautiful is the engaging third YA novel by Justina Chen Headley. This is a gorgeously-written, compelling book featuring universal themes of defining true beauty, family bonds, personal strength, and love.

I don't know if you've noticed, but I've kept my reviews shorter lately. This is a mixtue of lazyness and the fact that I read books weeks before I actually review them. Okay, onto the real thing.

North of Beautiful is a...beautiful book. All characters are so distinct and unique that you really get a sense that you know them all. I loved also the uniqueness of the book because of the mapping details. I've never read a book that centered an idea, a hobby, and created a complete story revolving around it.

Jacob and Terra are just great together. Both have their issues and I believe that both, in the end, discover True Beauty in themselves.

The father was an a*hole, that's enough said. But even with that, we are left with enough ambiguousity in the end to really figure out by ourselves what really happens to him and the characters the moment you close the book.

And Terra's mom is amazing, too. I was just as happy that she found her beauty as I was with Terra finding hers. Both of theirs stories are inspiring.

In one sentence:
"Finding beautiful in every word."

Plot: 5
Characters: 5
Writing: 5
Cover: 5
Overall Feeling: 5
Average: 5 stars

Gone by Michael Grant

Gone
In the blink of an eye. Everyone disappears. GONE.

Except for the young. Teens. Middle schoolers. Toddlers. But not one single adult. No teachers, no cops, no doctors, no parents. Just as suddenly, there are no phones, no internet, no television. No way to get help. And no way to figure out what's happened.

Hunger threatens. Bullies rule. A sinister creature lurks. Animals are mutating. And the teens themselves are changing, developing new talents—unimaginable, dangerous, deadly powers—that grow stronger by the day.

It's a terrifying new world. Sides are being chosen, a fight is shaping up. Townies against rich kids. Bullies against the weak. Powerful against powerless. And time is running out: On your birthday, you disappear just like everyone else...

Gone has an amazing premise: a world were adults just dissappear. At first it might seem like, 'Hey, party!' but the truth is, things are harder than they appear.

There's a new generation of kids with unexplicable powers that have something to do with the FAYZ. These teens are in the fight for their lives, espeically after Caine, a kid from town, starts taking over.

Gone is a fantastic novel. It was slow in some places, given but then it was so good I couldn't put it down. It's rather lengthy and I expected it to be more sci-fi than fantasy (you know, I like scientific explanations to things) but after a while, I didn't care.

The characters were all well-developed. I like that the many pages of this book were not spent in nonsense but in the development of the characters and the fleshing out of a great story to come. I can't wait to read the sequel.

In one sentence:
"A great story that everyone has to read!"

Plot: 5
Writing: 5
Cover: 5
Characters: 5
Overall Feeling: 5
Average: 5

Pretty Little Liars by Sarah Shepard

Pretty Little Liars

Everyone has something to hide—especially high school juniors Spencer, Aria, Emily, and Hanna.

Spencer covets her sister's boyfriend. Aria's fantasizing about her English teacher. Emily's crushing on the new girl at school. Hanna uses some ugly tricks to stay beautiful.

But they've all kept an even bigger secret since their friend Alison vanished.

How do I know? Because I know everything about the bad girls they were, the naughty girls they are, and all the dirty secrets they've kept. And guess what? I'm telling.

I really wanted to read the book before the series started but I couldn't so I bought it as soon as I could and finished it in like, two days.

Pretty Little Liars is a fun and sometimes suspenseful fast-paced novel. I love that, even though it was told from multiple points of views, I really got to know each character and I definitely got a feel for them.

The mystery is fantastic and it includes such a nice dose of romance. I love it!

I can't wait to read the next books. In comparison to the series, though. The first few episodes were pretty loyal to the book but it's starting to drift now and I wonder if I only think this because they're giving away stuff from the next books, which, in that case, makes me pretty nervous.

In one sentence:
"Suspense, romance, and everything you need in a novel, right here."

Plot: 5
Characters: 5
Writing: 5
Cover: 5
Overall Feeling: 5
Average: 5

Jinx by Meg Cabot

Jinx

It's not easy being Jinx.

Jean Honeychurch hates her boring name (not Jean Marie, or Jeanette, just . . . Jean). What's worse? Her all-too-appropriate nickname, Jinx. Misfortune seems to follow her everywhere she goes—even to New York City, where Jinx has moved to get away from the huge mess she caused in her small hometown. Her aunt and uncle welcome her to their Manhattan town house, but her beautiful cousin Tory isn't so thrilled. . . .

In fact, Tory is hiding a dangerous secret—one that could put them all in danger. Soon Jinx realizes it isn't just bad luck she's been running from . . . and that the curse she has lived under since the day she was born may be the only thing that can save her life.

I LOVE Meg Cabot and I've been wanting to read this one for YEARS. Finally, I got it!

This is very different from any other Meg Cabot (MC for this review, because, you know, she's cool like that) I've read. It has this awesome paranormal twist mixed in with the MC formula: humor, hot guys, and love triangle.

Jean is an awesome main character and narrator. I mean, ANYONE can relate to her. She's geeky, weird, and clumsy (like me). Plus, a super attitude add her to one of my favorite MC characters ever (right next to Princess Mia).

Oh, my God! Zach is like, amazing. I really do love him. He reminded me a lot of MC's Michael Moscovitz, he's that kind of cool. I liked how Jean and Zach's relationship developed, it flowed nicely and sweetly.

Petra is such a fun character, too. And Tory is evil. I think she's one of the most evil MC characters I've read.

This book definitely makes it into my favorites this year.

In one sentence:
"Meg Cabot has done it again!"

Plot: 5
Characters: 5
Writing: 5
Cover: 5
Overall Feeling: 5
Average: 5

The Clearing By Heather Davis

The Clearing

Amy, a sixteen-year-old recovering from an abusive relationship, moves to the country to start a new life with her aunt–all she wants is for everything to be different. In the clearing at the back of Aunt Mae’s property, she makes an amazing discovery—Henry, a boy stuck in the endless summer of 1944. Henry and his world become Amy’s refuge and she begins to learn that some moments are worth savoring. But when the past and present come crashing together, both of them must find the courage to face what is meant to be, even if it means losing each other forever.

I'm declaring this one of my favorite books this year. I am fascinated with the 1940's and WWII and this novel was just...timeless.

I loved Henry (lit boyfriend list: added). He seemed very true to the 1940's. I keep trying to think to which book I'd compare this one to and the only one that comes up...the first one that came up is Tuck Everlasting. It has that kind of feel. Henry is so sweet and I could picture him in my mind PERFECTLY

Amy was great, too. She's a very good narrator and her struggles are really clear throughout the whole book. I realized she's a very strong person and I was so proud of her at the end.

Aunt Mae was my favorite character. She was so unique and sweet. I loved her to death. I want her to be my great-aunt. Go Mae!

The end is not shocking per say but it's very different. I liked how it ended. It was open enough yet it closed all the right story lines. I LOVED it! Very unique story.

In one sentence:
"A timeless story that waves classic 1940s with contemporary."

Plot: 5
Characters: 5
Writing: 5
Cover: 5
Overall Feeling: 5
Average: 5