Review: Frost by Wendy Delsol

Frost

Wendy Delsol

Copyright 2011, Candlewick Press

In Stork we met Katla, who turns out to be a member of the Stork Society, yep - she didn't realize it either. Anywho, besides delivering souls to soon-to-be-mothers there's also the school newspaper, the fact that she's new in town, and Jack - who while first annoys her a bit, ends up stealing her heart and revealing their entwined past along with a magical future.

Wendy Delsol's sequel, Frost, picks up where we imagined it would; Jack and Katla :) This makes me smile. A lot. I love them. Seperately they're awesome characters but, put them together? Ah-maze-ing. When a "freak" snow storm hits, Jack can't help but feel that he's to blame. Of course, Kat feels it's her fault. Either way there's tension.

In anticipation of it's release I kept reading things about "testing love" - some runway modelesque girl who chooses to take Jack on a "research expedition" - and SOMEHOW I was still wondering if there was a cute new boy who would equally distract Kat....Apparently, I have a one track mind. GUYS. I sat on my hands, pulled them out to chew on my nails, sat back on them, eagerly yet anxiously turned page by page through Frost. If you've checked out the blog you'll see that I've had the opportunity to have Wendy Delsol on several times for my "Yes! THIS. & Also." feature. You'll know that I loved Stork and have a huge amount of respect for Delsol.

Frost blew me out of the water. I expected to love it, but I loved it so much more than even I thought I would. The writing style is fresh and contemporary while dealing with Norse traditions and mythology that dates back forever. You feel the love between Jack and Kat even in the midst of trouble and angst, their scenes together bring out the inner part of you that craves puppy love - all while knowing this isn't puppy love at all. This is the kind of love that transcends climates, countries, regions and realms.

TGIF: Scary Books and Interesting Meals

Check out Alison Can Read and Parajunkee to link up with amazing bloggers!! While you're there you can find Jessi from Reading In The Corner! She's their featured blogger!
If you could have dinner with your favorite book character, who would you eat with and what would you serve?
Oooohh....good question. As much as I would love to say something like Beckett from Lavender Boys and well, we won't discuss dinner. Or Dimitri or Zachary Moore or Ok...this could take awhile. I've decided to do the mature thing.

I would have dinner with Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice. I want to learn about her strength and wit. And she was WAY witty. Like this, check this out:

"It is your turn to say something now, Mr. Darcy. I talked about the dance, and you ought to make some kind of remark on the size of the room, or the number of couples."

Right? Way to direct the conversation!

I have no idea what we would eat if it were old school foods, but I think she'd like to go somewhere cool like Noodles and Co. or Flat Top Grill. Somewhere with choices and people where you could be social or sit and talk amongst each other ya know?

AND Lizzy Bennet loved books!! So here I am at lunch with an intelligent, ahead of her times, witty, BOOK LOVER. Who managed to land Mr.Darcy. Seriously?! Together we could RULE THE WORLD!

"Books— oh! no. I am sure we never read the same, or not with the same feelings."
"I am sorry you think so; but if that be the case, there can at least be no want of subject. We may compare our different opinions."

For more great quotes and so much more check out Finding Jane Austen! And then check out the rest of the awesome blogs on the hop!!!

Click the image above to check out the AMAZING blog Miss G puts out!!

Spooktacular Reads: Which books do you consider festive Halloween reads? Which stories have chilled you to the bone?




Other than that...hmm...I've got nothing. I'm sorry lol!

Review: Firelight by Sophie Jordan

Firelight

Sophie Jordan

Copyright 2010, Harper

Jacinda is a draki, decendent from dragons, whocan do things humans can't imagine. The earth feeds her soul, the ground and the treasures it holds call out to her. The rain moistens her skin, the wind blows freedom through her outstretched wings. Through the years the draki have changed from mere dragons to the kind of dragon heritage that allows them to phase into human form. But beware, maintaining that form can kill your inner draki, stripping away the powers you once had and the relationship you have to the earth.

That's what Jacinda's mom thinks is best for her when she moves Jacinda and Tamra, her twin sister, out of the pride. Jacinda isn't just a free spirit, she's got a fiesty personality as well as being the first in generations to actually breathe fire. She's a welcome oddity, prized and positioned to sit beside the one day Alpha of their pride, Cassian. Unfortunately, with that spunk comes a pension for trouble. After being seen flying by hunters, Jacinda is cornered with no chance of escape -except the mercy of a stunning boy who touches her draki skin and mutters only one word to her before leaving her alive.

If leaving her home was hard, trying to keep her inner draki alive is harder. In a world of normal, Jacinda struggles with keeping her differences alive, never wanting to lose the sacred draki part of her. But how can she do it? How can she keep herself alive when her heart hurts and the very air is suffocating her?

Enter the drama of high school. Sophie Jordan blends together something I didn't expect, high school and dragons. I was taken back at first - can anyone explain to me how that works? But I guess in this day and age with vamps, witches, were's and level 7 paranormals (thank you Kiersten White) roaming the halls, why not dragons? It's also a really cool story to read when your husband is reading from the Game of Thrones series, as they also have dragons :) Just sayin.

Anywho, I get off subject a lot, don't I? I'm sorry. Kind of. I LOVE this book. So fun! So swooney! There's action, passion, longing, KISSING, all the good stuff with a welcome and unique character. Jacinda is a girl, making decisions that effect an entire race all while trying to stay true to herself. She's a heroine that you can't help but root for!

Review: Paranormalcy

Paranormalcy

Kiersten White

Copyright 2010, Harper Teen

Do you remember your first job? I got two around the same time; a receptionist at a doctors office and check in at a dry cleaners. Evie's not quite normal, her job consists more of the bagging and tagging kind, you know, of vampires, hags, werewolves, but whatev's it's all in a days work. When she's not out saving us normal folk from the things of our nightmares you can find her cozied up in fluffy robes and slippers watching Easton Heights, you know, that show with the totally hot guy who goes to school with those girls? And he's dating that one girl but you really want him with the other? YES. THAT show.

Did I mention her ex is a fairy and her best friend is a mermaid? Minor details, I assure you. What you need to know before going into reading Paranormalcy is this - Kiersten White is mega-fantabulous. By page eleven I sent out a text to Co-Kiersten Cheerleader, Heidi (YA Bibliophile), that stated: If Kiersten is anywhere near as cool in person as she is in her writing, I love her.

The writing is descriptive and clear, but does not bog you down. The characters are complex in points of view and personality, but you know them instantly. It's a fun ride along with Evie as she encounters first hand the creatures and myths that we've heard of and learn that so many of them are not the glamourized editions we fancy.

The best part? Well, it's hard to narrow down but I can assure you that there IS kissing! With a totally swoonworthy boy!! Their relationship is well paced and contains all the essentials to the beginning of a relationship that leaves you asking for more.

Paranormalcy is a splendid look at normalcy, the paranormal and the heart of a teenage girl stuck in the middle of countless battles. This is not a book that you will want to put down, let alone miss!

TGIF! Blogger Love and Super Alter Egos!

Book Blogs That Make You Smile: Pick 5 book blogs you visit often & think others should, too.

Ahh poo...only 5?! Alright...let's see...

Makeshift Bookmark
Lavender Writer Girl
YA Bibliophile
Anna Reads
The Story Siren

I would say G Reads...but well, I think we're all aware that I read and enjoy it!

Today's question is:

What superhero is your alter-ego?

OH I've SO got this.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you:

Power Girl.

A lot of times when you see Power Girl you see only what's MISSING in her costume. But there's SO much more to her than huge boobs. Power Girl is actually Supergirl from an alternate universe! When they meet they're powers are thrown out of whack because, duh, they're the same person! Everyone feels bad for Superman because he has no one, right? Well, say hello to his less popular cousin.

There's actually a story behind the hole in her costume, I'll give you the short version. She's always wanted a symbol that belonged to her, that would let people know who she really is; just like everyone knows the "S" is for Superman. But the truth is, she doesn't know herself that well. She's left the hole there waiting for it to be filled, but until she finds that perfect symbol? It will remain empty. At least that's the story I got from the JSA Classifieds Series.

I've spent A LOT of time around comic books and fans of comic books, I've read a lot and been told a lot about them - yes, I've even played the tabletop games. Heroclix FTW. But Power Girl has always stood out to me, I admired her strength and bizarre story even before I read about her symbol in JSA. Now I love her even more :)

Finding herself in Catwoman is this weeks blogger to follow: Heather from Book Savvy Babe! Go check her out!

Review: Silence, Becca Fitzpatrick

Silence

Becca Fitzpatrick

Copyright 2011, Simon & Schuster

What could possibly be better than more Patch? How about falling in love with him all over again? When Nora wakes up in a cemetary she thinks it's still April - it's not. Eleven weeks of her life have disappeared since she went missing, but the void in her mind is gone much further than that. Nora is missing memories from five months of her life.

Detectives, doctors, friends and family alike are all trying to help Nora piece together where she's been and who has had her - or are they? Nora has this feeling, some kind of instinct is kicking in but it keeps showing her black and a pair of eyes. But whose are they and why is she seeing them?

Fitzpatrick has found a way for new readers to jump easily into the story that has captivated us from the first mentally implanted words we heard from Patch in Hush Hush. Through creative storytelling and refrences, (that are broad enough for new readers not to be hung up on), Fitzpatrick has linked and made more memorable little details from the series that add to the over all meaning of the story.

I was in love with Hush Hush, impassioned by Crescendo and enthralled with Silence. Wonder, along with Nora, who you have turned in to, who you can trust and if where the people around you tell you you're supposed to be is where your heart wants you to be.

Rush out now to pick up Silence!!

Review: Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Hex Hall

Rachel Hawkins

Copyright 2010, Disney Hyperion

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

I really feel that Hex Hall is a great book, not only for avid readers to enjoy, but as a gateway for reluctant or non-readers! The pace is easy, the style is comfortable and the characters are natural - even though they are supernatural. I was concerned that there wouldn't be enough swoon, but Hawkins found a way to add in just enough swoon. While the love story isn't the foremost throughout the book, you're still caught up in it, thinking of it as Sophie does. And really, it's not just the swoon in perfect doses. Hawkins found a way to bring enough of all elements to the book. The action is set well, it's purposeful, the dialogue between characters is meaningful and their actions speak volumes.

Do not be fooled by the cover, there is no magical cat in Hex Hall :) Although I have been known to enjoy magical kitty companions, this was probably a wise choice. Hawkins included enough pop culture with traditional myths and creatures that while reading, you really are on the same page with Sophie.

I looked at this book a hundred times before I picked it up, I shouldn't have waited. If you're looking for a good easy, supernatural read you'll definitely want to check this one out!

It's been awhile...

Show & Tell: Where do you grab a book and get lost in it? Show us your favorite spot you like to read at.

There are 3 places I curl up to read! You'll notice that I rarely read alone :)

 

 My Bed!

Two - My Couch!

AND

The Wrestling Ring :)

Parjunkee and Alison Can Read's Follow My Book Blog Friday!!

This weeks' question?

If you could have characters from a particular book meet and form an epic storyline with characters from a particular TV series, which would you choose and why?

Let's go BIG on this one guys. I'm going to take two of the series I've loved the most and combine them:

90210 Meets Vampire Academy.

Seriously, picture Brandon Walsh cruising to the Peach Pit only to find Strigoi's being hounded by a hot Russian and his kick ass girlfriend?! Who needs Kelly OR Gabrielle at that point?!

And Luke?? Tell me he wouldn't be ALL over Lissa. For reals.

I think Adrian and Steve would have been good friends, all rich and suave!

Also, I would insert myself here so I could be the one to inform Brandon of all the world changes, win his heart and claim him for my own. Yes, I still love him. <3

You should also probably check out the featured blogger!

Sophie from Life Between Pages became my newest insta-bff when I read her answer...that included Hannah Montana. Rock On Sophie, we can TOO have the best of both worlds!!



Review: Second Helpings

Second Helpings

Megan Mc Cafferty

Copyright 2003, Three Rivers Press

“Knowing that I’ve just done something that will take decades off my parents’ lives with worry, you’ll excuse me for not getting into the fa-la-la-la-la Yuletide spirit this year. . . . The only difference between Christmas 2001 and Christmas 2000 is that I don’t have a visit from Hope to look forward to. And Bethany has already packed on some major fetal flab. Oh, and now Gladdie doesn’t need to ask a bizillion questions about my boyfriend, because she’s already gotten the dirt from you know who.”

Jessica Darling is up in arms again in this much-anticipated, hilarious sequel to Sloppy Firsts. This time, the hyperobservant, angst-ridden teenager is going through the social and emotional ordeal of her senior year at Pineville High. Not only does the mysterious and oh-so-compelling Marcus Flutie continue to distract Jessica, but her best friend, Hope, still lives in another state, and she can’t seem to escape the clutches of the Clueless Crew, her annoying so-called friends. To top it off, Jessica’s parents won’t get off her butt about choosing a college, and her sister Bethany’s pregnancy is causing a big stir in the Darling household.

With keen intelligence, sardonic wit, and ingenious comedic timing, Megan McCafferty again re-creates the tumultuous world of today’s fast-moving and sophisticated teens. Fans of Sloppy Firsts will be reunited with their favorite characters and also introduced to the fresh new faces that have entered Jess’s life, including the hot creative writing teacher at her summer college prep program and her feisty, tell-it-like-it-is grandmother Gladdie. But most of all, readers will finally have the answers to all of their burgeoning questions, and then some: Will Jessica crack under the pressure of senioritis? Will her unresolved feelings for Marcus wreak havoc on her love life? Will Hope ever come back to Pineville? Fall in love with saucy, irreverent Jessica all over again in this wonderful sequel to a book that critics and readers alike hailed as the best high school novel in years. - goodreads.com

SO. You read the review for Sloppy Firsts, yes? So you know of my urge to smack Jessica Darling? Well, my dear friends who recommend me books are good for at LEAST one thing: They do not lie to me. If they say: OMG LYNN YOU'LL LOVE THIS BOOK! Odds are, I will. So when I couldn't understand why everyone loved Jessica so much, I literally got up and went to my shelves. (Thank you Borders for having Second Helpings just days before closing. I'm still sad about this.)

Turns out, the older Jessica Darling gets, the more I like her. The more she stops whining and starts doing - the more I can respect her. The best part? Her humor stays the same. She's still hilarious but now she's got the growth of a small set to help her navigate the waters. Know what else I liked even more?

Marcus Flutie. While Jessica may be confused by some of his actions, I was not. And I waited for them. Hoped for them. In FACT. I had such a turn around in my "Meh" status from most of book one that I finished Second Helpings IN ONE SITTING. You heard correctly, my friends do not lie! Here's my confession now...I don't have any more books in the series. Crap. Therefore, here is my advice to any first time Jessica Darling-ers.

1 - Do not be put off by the whining in book 1.
2 - Do buy at LEAST the first 2 books at the same time, because while book one is good - it's nothing compared to book two. Yet, you need book one to make book two as good as it really really is. It's an appreciation thing. Book 2 still explains what has happened but I think you need to really live through the moments with Jessica.
3 - Always trust in the Almighty Anna. For she only pushes the best.

Review: Sloppy Firsts

Sloppy Firsts

Megan Mc Cafferty

Copyright 2001, Three Rivers Press

“My parents suck ass. Banning me from the phone and restricting my computer privileges are the most tyrannical parental gestures I can think of. Don’t they realize that Hope’s the only one who keeps me sane? . . . I don’t see how things could get any worse.”

When her best friend, Hope Weaver, moves away from Pineville, New Jersey, hyperobservant sixteen-year-old Jessica Darling is devastated. A fish out of water at school and a stranger at home, Jessica feels more lost than ever now that the only person with whom she could really communicate has gone. How is she supposed to deal with the boy- and shopping-crazy girls at school, her dad’s obsession with her track meets, her mother salivating over big sister Bethany’s lavish wedding, and her nonexistent love life?

A fresh, funny, utterly compelling fiction debut by first-time novelist Megan McCafferty, Sloppy Firsts is an insightful, true-to-life look at Jessica’s predicament as she embarks on another year of teenage torment--from the dark days of Hope’s departure through her months as a type-A personality turned insomniac to her completely mixed-up feelings about Marcus Flutie, the intelligent and mysterious “Dreg” who works his way into her heart. Like a John Hughes for the twenty-first century, Megan McCafferty taps into the inherent humor and drama of the teen experience. This poignant, hilarious novel is sure to appeal to readers who are still going through it, as well as those who are grateful that they don’t have to go back and grow up all over again. - goodreads

So Jessica Darling is a whine-bag. Seriously. Her best friend has moved to another state. (Been there!) Her current friends don't understand her. (Done that!) She's falling for a guy she absolutely, positivley can NOT fall for. (Oops.) Marcus Flutie speaks his mind, fights against the establishment in his own way and sleeps with everyone. Ok so the last one on the list wouldn't seem impressive, but when you're undersexed (virgin with definite thoughts of "the nasty") and Marcus starts talking to you...well, if it's me I'm thinking: Huh. Noooow I get it.

Over all. I love Marcus. I love that he picks a line and sticks to it, you can't bully him into your opinion. He's SO chill. I mean, it could be the drugs and all, but still. I'm not going to lie either though, Sloppy Firsts had me clawing at my hair at points. I get it, your best friend is gone and you feel alone. STOP WHINING. You kind of think you might maybe like this guy, who you absolutely positively shouldn't like...BUT WHY?! Guilty by association? You hang with airheads!

In my opinion, Jessica's dad's nickname of "Notso" as in Jessica Notso Darling is completely appropo. Thank God for the hilarity of the Clueless Crew. And the on again off again affections of one Marcus Flutie. Luckly, I had book 2 sitting on my shelves. I had to know just WHY everyone freaks and loves Jessica.

Don't get me wrong, there are serious strong points in reading Sloppy Firsts. For one: I like the diary entry style books. It's a definite sneak peak into the brain of our main character - I like to dwell here. It also allows us to see what our MC actually DOES as opposed to just how she feels or what she thinks. I love the dry humor. Ever talk to Melissa? (Lavender Writer?) - if you haven't. Shame on You. She's freaking amazing. Go now. - wait...what was I talking about? OH YES. The humor. I love Jessica's brain and the excessive use of !!!!!!!! and CAPS LOCK!!!!!!!! It's a great mix of IRL BFF Jen and New BFF Melissa. For reals. Ok enough friend love.

I encourage you to pick up Sloppy Firsts. Because the humor and situations that Jessica goes through are definitely worth a read through. Run with the track star as she clears her mind, dream about Marcus when you know you shouldn't - just don't expect her to be Darling.

Review: Anna and the French Kiss

Anna and the French Kiss

Stephanie Perkins

Copyright 2010, Speak

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris - until she meets Etienne St. Clair: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.

As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near - misses end with the French kiss Anna - and readers - have long awaited? -- Goodreads

So, I FINALLY read this. I'll admit, it's got a good cover and obviously there's kissing involved so the odds of my buying it eventually were really high. But then the Twitterverse wouldn't stop pushing it and I made a conscious effort to get to Barnes and Noble. 

I liked it! A lot! The idea of being sent to a boarding school in France is like a freaking dream come true, so why Anna doesn't want to be there is beyond me. Well, not entirely, I guess she does have to leave her family and crush behind...but PARIS? Really!? Anna is a quiet girl, who somehow manages to be quite feisty. I like the way she throws her opinion around, her admirable intentions and the way she looks at St. Claire and realizes she can't have him. Despite still wanting him, she's at least trying to be honorable and only think of him as a friend. Props there, chicka, I don't think I'm that good. However. If I EVER cut people off mid-sentence like she does I would be beaten. By my mother. It's just rude! Not to mention, then you don't know what they're trying to say! What if it's something you want to hear!? 

St.Claire was a pretty good guy. I liked his "voice" - more than just the hot accent and awesome British word usage - I like the way he has his own characteristics like the nail biting and the slouching and the way he carries himself. I like how kind he his. He's a really really great guy, I understand the swoon.

No disrespect to Stephanie Perkins at all - her writing is very casual and too easy to read. Her characters are real. The world they live in is vivid. I almost feel like I've been to Paris myself :) But the real magic, to me, is the acknowledgments. I loved the book, the story, the kissing, it was all so wonderful. 

But the tears? They came in the acknowledgments. As accomplished of a writer as Perkins is, it seems apparent that she is just as accomplished of a friend. Don't stop at the end of the story, guys. She writes a good story about love and life because she's living her life full of blessings!! 

I've heard even BETTER things about Lola...which comes out this month. Sign me up, I'm officially a Stephanie Perkins fan. *grabs decorated mega phone*

ALSO. This makes me think of Anna and the French Kiss.

U + ME = Tune in Tuesday!

Are you guys ready for this!??!!? I don't think you're ready for this jelly...Just sayin.

U, Plus Sign, ME, Equal Sign, US.

That's right folks, I've dug it up, fresh from the MTV Original Movie Morgue.

2ge+her!!

The epic story of building a boy band!!

Review: Between Here and Forever

Between Here and Forever

Elizabeth Scott

Copyright 2011, Simon Pulse

So. Remember how in every review of an Elizabeth Scott book I say something to the effect of : Oh my gosh, I just love her? Well, it's not gonna change any time soon. Before reading Between Here and Forever I'll admit I was a bit nervous. Several people had assured me that it was good but a lot "darker" or "heavier" than her others. It is.

This is a beautifully told story of life. A life that is afraid to be lived, a life that refuses to be lived and the connection they have not only to each other but to their world and the people around them. While Tess is laying in the hospital bed, Abby feels she's left to pick up the pieces. To make everything right, to wake her up, to let her continue her life - not so much for Tess' sake, but for her own too. Abby knows she's not as pretty or as smart, she's not as personable or well versed as Tess was; if Tess doesn't wake up Abbey will forever be a variation of The-girl-who-isn't-Tess.

Being used to the shadow of her glorious sister, Abby doesn't expect anyone to look at her or to feel for her. She's closed herself off from the idea of wanting things for herself, until she meets Eli. He's gorgeous and if Abby knows her sister there's one thing to wake her up - a gorgeous guy. Abby convinces the powers that be to let Eli come to Tess' room on a daily basis and talk to her, sure it will break her sleeping beauty-esque sisters spell. But while trying to wake Tess up, Abby is finding new thoughts and emotions in her own mind - things she'd given up on a long time ago. Eli talks to her, listens to her, does the things she wouldn't expect him too...is it too much to want? It is when you know no one would want you back, when they don't see you for who you are inside.

While Abby watches Tess' life go by without her I couldn't help but wonder if she'd realize she's in a coma of her own? That her life is going by too. Scott keeps her casual voice but adds depth to a great tale that only she could tell. Issues with sexuality, age and race are all discussed and while none of the characters involved are completely in the dark or completely enlightened on any or all of the situations they don't come across as ignorant or self righteous. Truly a love story on all sides; whether it's hopeful, over, just beginning or left to sleep it off. Don't let yourself pass this book up!!