Hello! I hope you are having a great day. So since I don't have any book reviews coming up anytime in the next week or so, I decided to do a tag!
Check out Jordan who also did this tag: http://jordypaigebooks.blogspot.com/
1. Do you have a specific place for reading?
Not really. I try to read wherever I can! That's usually in class, on my bed, or just when I'm sitting in a chair!
2. Book mark or random piece of paper?
Bookmarks!
3. Can you just stop anywhere in a book or do you have to stop at the end of a chapter?This is one of my weird book habits, but I have to finish the chapter. If I don't, I will be extremely frustrated and irritated.
4. Do you eat or drink when reading?
I actually find eating while reading very distracting and annoying. I do drink water sometimes as I read, but I can't do it at the same time. Like I will have to look away from the book and drink water for a second instead of reading and reaching over and drinking something with my eyes still on the page.
5. Music or TV on when reading?
Depending on how into the book I am, I'm able to read fine with music or TV in the background. I prefer to be quiet, but I don't mind.
6. One book at a time or several?
I try to read one book at a time, but there have been occasions where I've read 2 or 3 books at the same time. I prefer not to though.
7. Reading at home or elsewhere?
I like reading at home but school isn't too bad.
8. Read out loud or silently?
I 99% of the time read silently. Sometimes, when I'm bored I'll read aloud but that rarely happens. I'm an awful reader when I read aloud. I stumble on words and run them together because my mouth isn't as quick as my eyes.
9. Do you read ahead or skip pages?
Never ever! (Unless it's a super lengthy part just on details. I hate those.)
10. Breaking the spine or keeping it like new?
What?
11. Do you write in your books?
Define books.
12. Who are you tagging?
Anyone who wants to do this!
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Monday, February 17, 2014
Legend Trilogy by Marie Lu : (Legend, Prodigy, Champion)
Author: Marie Lu
Pages: 305
Book #1 in the Legend series
Summary:
What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.
From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.
Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.
This book was EPIC.
It was extremely fast paced and full of action and adventure! THE ACTION. NEVER DIED. It was such an amazing book and was so easy to fly through. The plot was perfect and very well written. It very exciting and everything happened so fast, yet the pacing was still great! There was a lot of tension and excitement throughout the whole book. The characters were great and the dual perspectives were executed very nicely. It was such an interesting concept of the two protagonist, one being a legend and the other, a prodigy, falling in love. I love both June and Day's personalities and how incredibly smart they both are. In ways they are extremely alike, in others, they are completely different.
Amazing. amazing. amazing. This is simply just an action packed book you will not be able to put down.
My Rating:
✰✰✰✰✰
Title: Prodigy
Author: Marie Lu
Pages: 371
Book #2 in the Legend series
Summary:
Injured and on the run, it has been seven days since June and Day barely escaped Los Angeles and the Republic with their lives. Day is believed dead having lost his own brother to an execution squad who thought they were assassinating him. June is now the Republic's most wanted traitor. Desperate for help, they turn to the Patriots - a vigilante rebel group sworn to bring down the Republic. But can they trust them or have they unwittingly become pawns in the most terrifying of political games?
This book was great. I don't have much to stay but I did feel a punch in my heart at the ending. The character development was great and I really enjoyed all of the suspense and turn of events. I really missed seeing Day and June together for the majority of this book, but the ending was great. I personally liked Legend better, but this book was still great. My favorite scenes were all towards the end of the book where all of the action just blew up.
My Rating:
✰✰✰✰✰
Title: Champion
Author: Marie Lu
Pages: 369
Book #3 in the Legend Series
Summary:
June and Day have sacrificed so much for the people of the Republic—and each other—and now their country is on the brink of a new existence. June is back in the good graces of the Republic, working within the government’s elite circles as Princeps-Elect, while Day has been assigned a high-level military position.
But neither could have predicted the circumstances that will reunite them: just when a peace treaty is imminent, a plague outbreak causes panic in the Colonies, and war threatens the Republic’s border cities. This new strain of plague is deadlier than ever, and June is the only one who knows the key to her country’s defense. But saving the lives of thousands will mean asking the one she loves to give up everything.
This book was phenomenal in every way.
In the conclusion to this amazing series, Marie Lu wraps the ends up yet leaves some open for thinking.
Before reading this book, I've heard of some mixed emotions from others and how heart-wrenching the ending was. I agree.
Yet again, the action in this book never ceased to impress me. Marie Lu's writing was great as usual, especially with the action scenes.
The ending made me filled with mix emotions, but one feeling stood out to me. HOPE. I didn't want this series to end in the way it did, but I'm still grateful that it did.
Spoilers Ahead!
What happens to Day, made me cry. It really was heart breaking and I couldn't handle the thought of him forgetting everything June and him went through. As June described seeing him after his surgery, and ho his eyes don't light up or glow when he sees her anymore really killed me.
How June reacts to what happened really says something about her character. It made me a little upset yet I had respect for her decision.
The last part of the book 10 years into the future really made me want to scream. The way June described Day when they see each other again as adults on the street, and when she had a flashback to when they first met made me loose it. As I was reading it, I felt the tension between the two and really urged June to tell Day what really happened.
Hope is the one thing that will keep me thinking positive things about the afterlife of this series. I honestly think Day and June were meant for each other, and eventually I think they will be reunited again.
My Rating:
✰✰✰✰✰
Overall:
Day and June have to be one of, if not, the best protagonists I've ever read. As individuals, they are amazing characters and together they are dynamic.
The ending left me satisfied, but not exactly happy, but it did leave me hopeful. toes. I recommend this series for readers who love action packed books and dystopias.
Friday, February 14, 2014
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz
I give Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz: ☆☆☆☆☆
Aristotle is an angry teen with a brother in prison. Dante is a know-it-all who has an unusual way of looking at the world. When the two meet at the swimming pool, they seem to have nothing in common. But as the loners start spending time together, they discover that they share a special friendship—the kind that changes lives and lasts a lifetime. And it is through this friendship that Ari and Dante will learn the most important truths about themselves and the kind of people they want to be.
My overall thought: The perfect coming of age story.
The Plot: This book was one of those story's that didn't really have a strict plot to it.
Most contemporary books usually have this type of plot which I don't love, but it really suited this story. The pacing was easy and slow which I found enjoyable for this story.
The Writing: The writing has to be my favorite part of this book. It reminded me a lot of John Green's writing because it was very poetic in a way but still very simple. The simplicity of it was one of the things that really drew me in. There were so many lines that I loved and really connected to me. The dialogue was amazingly written.
If I had to describe this book and its writing in one word, it would be emotional.
The idea that everyone is fighting a war in them can not be any more truer.
The Characters: The character development was great. I think each character in this book was so grounded and just real and that really comforted me.
Aristotle is probably the only character I've ever read about, that I can fully relate to. His internal conflict is so deep and is something that I think a lot of people go through , especially teens, when they're not quite sure who they are or who they want to be. He's just another kid struggling with the fact that this is his life and he doesn't know what there is to it and what to feel or what to say at the right time. His emotions and his feelings are something that just impacts him.
I was really convinced that this was his story.
Aristotle's and Dante's relationship was beautifully written. Each time you read something about these two boys, you love them even more. I can honestly say that I loved them. I miss them.
There were many great background characters which really just ground the story more. These two main characters just balance each other out and as they begin learning things about the other, they start learning things about themselves. I easily fell in love with their parents as well. If I could meet all of these characters, I would just give them a hug.
The characters are so flawed. And their stories are so real. And it's like you know what they're going through and you've really lived the world through their eyes.
In the End: I would recommend this book for those who enjoy contemporary and for those who enjoy reflecting back on life. I recommend this book for everyone. This is one of those books you won;t regret picking up. Poetically written with rich characters and a beautiful story. The book as a whole was just so believable and so legitimate and words just can't describe it.
This book was just pure and real.
Aristotle is an angry teen with a brother in prison. Dante is a know-it-all who has an unusual way of looking at the world. When the two meet at the swimming pool, they seem to have nothing in common. But as the loners start spending time together, they discover that they share a special friendship—the kind that changes lives and lasts a lifetime. And it is through this friendship that Ari and Dante will learn the most important truths about themselves and the kind of people they want to be.
My overall thought: The perfect coming of age story.
The Plot: This book was one of those story's that didn't really have a strict plot to it.
Most contemporary books usually have this type of plot which I don't love, but it really suited this story. The pacing was easy and slow which I found enjoyable for this story.
The Writing: The writing has to be my favorite part of this book. It reminded me a lot of John Green's writing because it was very poetic in a way but still very simple. The simplicity of it was one of the things that really drew me in. There were so many lines that I loved and really connected to me. The dialogue was amazingly written.
If I had to describe this book and its writing in one word, it would be emotional.
The idea that everyone is fighting a war in them can not be any more truer.
The Characters: The character development was great. I think each character in this book was so grounded and just real and that really comforted me.
Aristotle is probably the only character I've ever read about, that I can fully relate to. His internal conflict is so deep and is something that I think a lot of people go through , especially teens, when they're not quite sure who they are or who they want to be. He's just another kid struggling with the fact that this is his life and he doesn't know what there is to it and what to feel or what to say at the right time. His emotions and his feelings are something that just impacts him.
I was really convinced that this was his story.
Aristotle's and Dante's relationship was beautifully written. Each time you read something about these two boys, you love them even more. I can honestly say that I loved them. I miss them.
There were many great background characters which really just ground the story more. These two main characters just balance each other out and as they begin learning things about the other, they start learning things about themselves. I easily fell in love with their parents as well. If I could meet all of these characters, I would just give them a hug.
The characters are so flawed. And their stories are so real. And it's like you know what they're going through and you've really lived the world through their eyes.
In the End: I would recommend this book for those who enjoy contemporary and for those who enjoy reflecting back on life. I recommend this book for everyone. This is one of those books you won;t regret picking up. Poetically written with rich characters and a beautiful story. The book as a whole was just so believable and so legitimate and words just can't describe it.
This book was just pure and real.
Monday, February 10, 2014
Fire Country by David Estes Book Birthday
Today, Fire Country by David Estes turns one year old. In the first year since Fire Country was born, so much has happened. David signed with an agent, sold more than 10,000 books, wrote five more books and published a further three). He knew he just had to celebrate and he'd love for you to be a part of it! David owes so much of his support to the blogger community, and he wants everyone to have the chance to be a part of the Fire Country Birthday Bash.
Everyone goes home a winner, simply follow the prompts below and swipe your eCopy of Fire Country from Smashwords. Read and leave a review on Amazon if you enjoyed it. Feel free to share the code with your friends, family, neighbours and literary inclined pets.
What's a party without prizes? Yes, David is not only giving everyone a chance to download their own copy of Fire Country, book one in the Country Saga for free, but he's also giving you stuff too. You could win an Amazon giftcard open internationally, U.S residents can win a signed copy of the David Estes book of your choice, or a handful of David Estes eBooks of your choice. Awesome.
Friday, February 7, 2014
Across the Universe by Beth Revis
I give Across the Universe by Beth Revis: ☆☆☆☆☆
Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.
My overall thought: This book has set the bar for Sci-Fi novels, pretty high.
The Plot: Before reading this book, I prepared myself for what I thought was going to be a super hard, complicated scientific high fantasy book in which I have to be totally focused on, in order to understand, which was not the case at all. This book was amazing, and kept me turning pages.
The plot was full of so many amazing elements of mystery and fantasy. I think that the whole idea of being cryogentically frozen is very cool and interesting, along with the creation of Godspeed and the Eldest system.
The plot twists and turns were phenomenal! There were many surprises I didn't expect!
I was always eager to find out what would happen next in this book. Almost every scene, had something exciting happening in which you learn something new that you didn't before.
The Writing: I really enjoyed Beth Revis's writing. I love how she made everyone on the ship speak in an accent (which is pointed out by Amy), which I found awesome. The alternate words used for cursing was also great. My favorite one has to be frex (which I might be using sometime..)
Along with the plot, the writing was very not- cliche. It stood out to me more than other young adult books. The actions were realistic, but not repetitive which I liked.
The Characters: The dual perspective of the two main characters, Amy and Elder were very realistic and not one side of the story over powered the other.
I loved loved loved, how Amy is older than Elder. Most young adult books with romance would have the boy be older and masculine and brave, in which in this book, Elder is younger, but still very romantic and charming. I also loved Harley and I think Eldest, Orion and Doc were very well written as well.
In the end: I would recommend this book for those who are a fan of adventure, fantasy and mystery. This book does such a well job with adding different elements of different genres, making it not all about one thing. It's an amazing Sci-Fi book with fantasy, and a little mystery and some romance.
I think this book should have higher ratings and more reads. The cover is just beautiful and so is the story.
Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.
My overall thought: This book has set the bar for Sci-Fi novels, pretty high.
The Plot: Before reading this book, I prepared myself for what I thought was going to be a super hard, complicated scientific high fantasy book in which I have to be totally focused on, in order to understand, which was not the case at all. This book was amazing, and kept me turning pages.
The plot was full of so many amazing elements of mystery and fantasy. I think that the whole idea of being cryogentically frozen is very cool and interesting, along with the creation of Godspeed and the Eldest system.
The plot twists and turns were phenomenal! There were many surprises I didn't expect!
I was always eager to find out what would happen next in this book. Almost every scene, had something exciting happening in which you learn something new that you didn't before.
The Writing: I really enjoyed Beth Revis's writing. I love how she made everyone on the ship speak in an accent (which is pointed out by Amy), which I found awesome. The alternate words used for cursing was also great. My favorite one has to be frex (which I might be using sometime..)
Along with the plot, the writing was very not- cliche. It stood out to me more than other young adult books. The actions were realistic, but not repetitive which I liked.
The Characters: The dual perspective of the two main characters, Amy and Elder were very realistic and not one side of the story over powered the other.
I loved loved loved, how Amy is older than Elder. Most young adult books with romance would have the boy be older and masculine and brave, in which in this book, Elder is younger, but still very romantic and charming. I also loved Harley and I think Eldest, Orion and Doc were very well written as well.
In the end: I would recommend this book for those who are a fan of adventure, fantasy and mystery. This book does such a well job with adding different elements of different genres, making it not all about one thing. It's an amazing Sci-Fi book with fantasy, and a little mystery and some romance.
I think this book should have higher ratings and more reads. The cover is just beautiful and so is the story.
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Top 5 Books of 2013
Happy New Years everyone! I know I'm a little late on this, but I hope you all had a good New years! So I decided to talk about my top 5 books of 2013. I read a total of 23 books this year which is good for my first real year of reading which only started late summer. This list will include books published in 2013 and some that weren't. Most of these books were read late 2013.
5. Slated- Teri Terry
Slated was the first Young Adult book I read which got me into reading. I read Slated a while back in the last school year (2013). This is a debut novel and I thought it was really good. I recommend it to anyone who is a fan of YA dystopians. Slated is a story taken place in the future in England where you get slated- your memory erased- when you commit a crime instead of getting sent to jail. You also get a device on your wrist called a Levo which monitors you mood. The main protagonist is Kyla, who was slated.
Since I read this book earlier than all of my other ones, it's a little vague. I hope to be able to re-read this book and continue on the the second and third novel.
4. The Fault in Our Stars- John Green
TFIOS is one of the best contemporary books out there. This story is about two young cancer carrying teenagers who fall in love and have an epic adventure. The writing is very nicely done and the story flows very nicely. I loved everything about this book and all of the small moments the characters have.
For my full review: http://cheermonkeyxox.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-fault-in-our-stars-by-john-green.html
3. Cinder- Marissa Meyer
Cinder is a very interesting book and has an amazing plot to it. The setting is in futuristic New Beijing, and follows Cinder, a mechanic cyborg. The story has similar traits of the classic, Cinderella which makes it even more interesting. This Sci-Fi story is very different, yet very intriguing. There is a deadly plague going around which Cinder learns she is immune to. You also learn about the Lunars and their queen.
I will literally explode of happiness if this becomes a movie.
2. Delirium Series- Lauren Oliver
Delirium is an amazing trilogy and will always have a special place in my heart. This story is about how love is now a disease, and at 18, you must get a cure for it. The story follows Lena, who falls in love, although she knows it's wrong. This is a trilogy with the following up books, Pandemonium and Requiem. My favorite is of course Delirium, then Pandemonium then Requiem. The ending of the last book isn't as concluding as I'd hope it would be, but is still good.
1. Divergent Series- Veronica Roth
Divergent is the book that stole my heart. I have become a die-hard fan of all of the three books and Veronica Roth. This dystopian novel takes place in Chicago, and follows Tris, who goes throughout the story goes through the process of what happens when your 16 and learns more about the history of her world. Divergent is my favorite out of the three with Allegiant in second, and Insurgent last. Allegiant had a very sad yet great ending. Some parts of it was confusion and complicated, but it made sense in a way. The story ties off nicely with an epilogue which is fast forwarded a few years further. Insurgent was more of an adventure book to me. It had a lot of things going on and I felt like it was just there as the middle book.
2013 was a nice reading year and hopefully, I'll be able to read more in 2014.
5. Slated- Teri Terry
Slated was the first Young Adult book I read which got me into reading. I read Slated a while back in the last school year (2013). This is a debut novel and I thought it was really good. I recommend it to anyone who is a fan of YA dystopians. Slated is a story taken place in the future in England where you get slated- your memory erased- when you commit a crime instead of getting sent to jail. You also get a device on your wrist called a Levo which monitors you mood. The main protagonist is Kyla, who was slated.
Since I read this book earlier than all of my other ones, it's a little vague. I hope to be able to re-read this book and continue on the the second and third novel.
4. The Fault in Our Stars- John Green
TFIOS is one of the best contemporary books out there. This story is about two young cancer carrying teenagers who fall in love and have an epic adventure. The writing is very nicely done and the story flows very nicely. I loved everything about this book and all of the small moments the characters have.
For my full review: http://cheermonkeyxox.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-fault-in-our-stars-by-john-green.html
3. Cinder- Marissa Meyer
Cinder is a very interesting book and has an amazing plot to it. The setting is in futuristic New Beijing, and follows Cinder, a mechanic cyborg. The story has similar traits of the classic, Cinderella which makes it even more interesting. This Sci-Fi story is very different, yet very intriguing. There is a deadly plague going around which Cinder learns she is immune to. You also learn about the Lunars and their queen.
I will literally explode of happiness if this becomes a movie.
2. Delirium Series- Lauren Oliver
Delirium is an amazing trilogy and will always have a special place in my heart. This story is about how love is now a disease, and at 18, you must get a cure for it. The story follows Lena, who falls in love, although she knows it's wrong. This is a trilogy with the following up books, Pandemonium and Requiem. My favorite is of course Delirium, then Pandemonium then Requiem. The ending of the last book isn't as concluding as I'd hope it would be, but is still good.
1. Divergent Series- Veronica Roth
Divergent is the book that stole my heart. I have become a die-hard fan of all of the three books and Veronica Roth. This dystopian novel takes place in Chicago, and follows Tris, who goes throughout the story goes through the process of what happens when your 16 and learns more about the history of her world. Divergent is my favorite out of the three with Allegiant in second, and Insurgent last. Allegiant had a very sad yet great ending. Some parts of it was confusion and complicated, but it made sense in a way. The story ties off nicely with an epilogue which is fast forwarded a few years further. Insurgent was more of an adventure book to me. It had a lot of things going on and I felt like it was just there as the middle book.
2013 was a nice reading year and hopefully, I'll be able to read more in 2014.
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
I give The Fault in Our Stars by John Green: ☆☆☆☆☆
Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.
My overall thought: Beautifully written story.
The Plot:
The plot of the story was overall very good. Maybe at some points it wasn't too exciting, but for most the time I enjoyed what was happening. The cancerous stories behind Hazel and Augustus made them phenomenal characters. It is clear that both of the characters had been influenced by the knowledge that they have numbered days. I loved how each character in the book, believed in another thing.
The Writing:
John Green's writing is absolutely exceptional and very unique to me. I love how direct he was with the plot and everything was clearly stated. The humor in some of the witty sentences were very fun and I enjoyed each of them.
I think all of the small things in the book contributes to how it is overall. I loved the moments that Hazel and Gus have together and the connection they shared. The metaphors and the okays just kept me smiling.
What I loved about John's writing was the way he wrote from Hazel's perspective. It was very believable yet not cliche. The way she describes her feelings for Gus wasn't the classic- oh! my palms are sweaty and I get the butterflies when I'm with you!- type. It was more of a -I love him and he loves me- relationship which I find hard to write about.
The Characters:
The characters have to be my favorite thing about the book. I absolutely loved them all. Hazel and Gus just shared such a lovely connection in the book that is so unique compared to other love stories. John's writing wasn't like other authors when it came to love, he was able to express their relationship without describing everything in detail.It was very easy to fall in love with the characters and their relationship.
The secondary characters were great additions to the book as well.
In the End:
I would recommend this book to someone who is a fan of romance, contemporary and of course, Young Adult. John Green's writing is amazing and I will definitely be reading more of his work.
The movie release date is set for June 6th, 2014, starring Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort as our main characters.
Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.
My overall thought: Beautifully written story.
The Plot:
The plot of the story was overall very good. Maybe at some points it wasn't too exciting, but for most the time I enjoyed what was happening. The cancerous stories behind Hazel and Augustus made them phenomenal characters. It is clear that both of the characters had been influenced by the knowledge that they have numbered days. I loved how each character in the book, believed in another thing.
The Writing:
John Green's writing is absolutely exceptional and very unique to me. I love how direct he was with the plot and everything was clearly stated. The humor in some of the witty sentences were very fun and I enjoyed each of them.
I think all of the small things in the book contributes to how it is overall. I loved the moments that Hazel and Gus have together and the connection they shared. The metaphors and the okays just kept me smiling.
What I loved about John's writing was the way he wrote from Hazel's perspective. It was very believable yet not cliche. The way she describes her feelings for Gus wasn't the classic- oh! my palms are sweaty and I get the butterflies when I'm with you!- type. It was more of a -I love him and he loves me- relationship which I find hard to write about.
The Characters:
The characters have to be my favorite thing about the book. I absolutely loved them all. Hazel and Gus just shared such a lovely connection in the book that is so unique compared to other love stories. John's writing wasn't like other authors when it came to love, he was able to express their relationship without describing everything in detail.It was very easy to fall in love with the characters and their relationship.
The secondary characters were great additions to the book as well.
In the End:
I would recommend this book to someone who is a fan of romance, contemporary and of course, Young Adult. John Green's writing is amazing and I will definitely be reading more of his work.
The movie release date is set for June 6th, 2014, starring Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort as our main characters.
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