Silence - Becca Fitzpatrick

Title: Silence (Hush, Hush #3)

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

Release Date: October 4th, 2011, hardcover

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Group: Young Adult Literature

Rating:★★★★★

 

The noise between Patch and Nora is gone. They've overcome the secrets riddled in Patch's dark past...bridged two irreconcilable worlds...faced heart-wrenching tests of betrayal, loyalty and trust...and all for a love that will transcend the boundary between heaven and earth. Armed with nothing but their absolute faith in one another, Patch and Nora enter a desperate fight to stop a villain who holds the power to shatter everything they've worked for—and their love—forever.

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I absolutely love this series. I was a little hesitant about reading this book, because of the cliffhanger ending in Crescendo. I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book or not. I didn't like the way the plot story was going with Nora being kidnapped by Hank and having her memory whipped cleaned. I wondered how this would affect her relationship with Patch and her best friend Vee. However, I am surprised by how much it didn't bother me. I thought I would get bored or annoyed at Nora for not remembering things that happened in the first and second book, but I didn't. I actually read through the beginning of the book fairly quickly.

The beginning of Silence starts out with Nora waking up in the cemetery after three months have passed since Crescendo. She doesn't have any memory of how she has gotten there or what has happened since April. Things start to change once she meets Jev and tries to remember what has happened to her.

In the last book, I complained about how much I didn't like Marcie. But I actually started to like her in this book. I never knew for sure if we could trust her or not, but I ended up liking her. I also felt the same way about Nora's best friend, Vee. I notice that a lot of people do not like her at all, but I have always been a fan of Vee. I think she is funny. We also get to meet Scott again. I like him, but he is no way near Patch. Patch is just so awesome. He is really open in this book and I liked that. I can't wait to read more about him in the next book.

I loved everything about this book! It was a very fast-paced quick read and I just didn't want to put it down. I wonder what is going to happen in the next book. I am excited for Finale, but I am sad that this series is ending. I do know that the Hush, Hush series will always be one of my favorites.

Plot: ★★★★

Characters: ★★★★★

Writing:★★★★★

Ending: ★★★★★

Cover: ★★★★★

Waiting on Wednesday (13)

Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill over at Breaking the Spine.

 Chosen Ones

-Tiffany Truitt

Release Date: June 12th, 2012

What if you were mankind’s last chance at survival?

Sixteen-year-old Tess lives in a compound in what was once the Western United States, now decimated after a devastating fourth World War. But long before that, life as we knew it had been irrevocably changed, as women mysteriously lost the ability to bring forth life. Faced with the extinction of the human race, the government began the Council of Creators, meant to search out alternative methods of creating life. The resulting artificial human beings, or Chosen Ones, were extraordinarily beautiful, unbelievably strong, and unabashedly deadly.

Life is bleak, but uncomplicated for Tess as she follows the rigid rules of her dystopian society, until the day she begins work at Templeton, the training facility for newly created Chosen Ones. There, she meets James, a Chosen One whose odd love of music and reading rivals only her own. The attraction between the two is immediate in its intensity—and overwhelming in its danger.

But there is more to the goings-on at Templeton than Tess ever knew, and as the veil is lifted from her eyes, she uncovers a dark underground movement bent not on taking down the Chosen Ones, but the Council itself. Will Tess be able to stand up to those who would oppress her, even if it means giving up the only happiness in her life?

My thoughts: I can't believe that I didn't find out about this book till last week! It sounds so good and the cover is gorgeous! Plus I LOVE dystopian societies. I cannot get enough of them. I am excited for this one. Are you guys planning on reading it soon? The release date isn't that far away.

Endure - Carrie Jones

Title: Endure

Author: Carrie Jones

Release Date: May 8th, 2012, hardcover

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA

Group: Young Adult Literature

Rating:★★★★

 

Zara is at the center of an all-out war, and an impending apocalypse. True, she’s successfully rescued Nick from Valhalla, but it simply isn’t enough. Bedford is being ravaged by evil pixies and they need much more than one great warrior; they need an army. Zara isn’t sure what her role is anymore. She’s not just fighting for her friends, she’s also a pixie queen. And to align her team of pixies with the humans she loves will be one of her greatest battles yet.

Especially since she can’t even reconcile her growing feelings for her pixie king…Unexpected turns, surprising revelations, and one utterly satisfying romantic finale make Endure a thrilling end to this series of bestsellers.

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Endure was a very quick read. I have been wondering how Carrie Jones would wrap up this series. The last book, Entice, had such a cliff-hanger ending and I already had in my mind of how I hoped she would end the series. My favorite book out the series would have to be Captivate, I just absolutely loved that novel and that was the first time we were introduced to Astley! I don't know if I would love this series as much if it wasn't for Astley. He is my favorite character in the series.

I am very satisfied with the ending. I wish that there would be another book in the series that would show more of Zara and Astley relationship together. I swear sometimes Nick would just get all my nerves in this book! I never really liked him in the previous novels either; I have always been a huge Astley fan. I was happy when Zara finally accepted her feelings for him. I also forgot how much I loved her friend Issie. She was hilarious! It is always nice to have some comical relief!

I wish this book wouldn't have been so short. I felt like sometimes I was forgetting small details, but it all came back to me in the end. I have all notice that these series that I started long time ago have been having short ending books. For example, Destined by Aprilynne Pike, that book was so short! I would of liked the finale to be just a little bit longer, because I love these characters. The only problem that I have with this series is that I read Entice a year and a half ago so it was really hard to get back into this series. I feel like it would be better if people could read them in all in a row, so you wouldn't lose the feel of this truly magical world that Carrie Jones has created.

Overall, I am happy with the ending. I don't want to give away any spoilers but I believe that everyone will enjoy it! I forgot how enchanting this world can be with the snowy Maine and blue Pixies. I also forgot how they leave gold where ever they walk! How could I forget about that? Anyways, very sad to see this series end! I will always miss Astley and Zara and their pixie world!

Plot: ★★★★

Characters: ★★★★★

Writing:★★★★

Ending: ★★★★★

Cover: ★★★★★

Follow Friday (2)

This is a weekly theme hosted by Parajunkee's View & Alison Can Read.

Q: Activity! Dreamcast your current read.

I am currently reading, Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick. I am only about 60 pages into it so far and I'm loving it! I suck at picking casts for books, but here is my casting for Nora and Patch! I picked Shelly Henning for Nora and Louis Prades for Patch. 

          Nora:                                 Patch:

Until I Die - Amy Plum

Title: Until I Die

Author: Amy Plum

Release Date: May 8th, 2012, hardcover

Publisher: HarperCollins

Group: Young Adult Literature

Rating:★★★★

 

Kate and Vincent have overcome the odds and at last they are together in Paris, the city of lights and love.

As their romance deepens there’s one question they can’t ignore: How are they supposed to be together if Vincent can’t resist sacrificing himself to save others? Although Vincent promises that he’ll do whatever it takes to lead a normal life with Kate, will that mean letting innocent people die? When a new and surprising enemy reveals itself, Kate realizes that even more may be at stake—and that Vincent’s immortality is in jeopardy.

In Die for Me, Amy Plum created a captivating paranormal mythology with immortal revenants and a lush Paris setting. Until I Die is poised to thrill readers with more heart-pounding suspense, spellbinding romance, and a cliff-hanger ending that will leave them desperate for the third and final novel in the series.

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I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I read the first one not too long ago and wasn't that impressed. A lot of my problem was that it seemed too slow-paced and too cheesy! I remember rolling my eyes at some parts because the romance was just too thick. However, Until I Die was a nice surprise and I ended up actually liking the characters and couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen to them all.

Until I Die introduces to two new characters; Violette and Arthur. Right from the beginning I knew not to trust Violette. There was just something about her that didn't seem right. While the ending with Violette was so predictable, I didn't mind reading about it even though I already had figured out what was going to happen a few chapters back. I really liked Arthur and thought he was nice addition to the mix. I love the relationship between him and Georgia. I cannot wait to see where that will be heading in the next book. I am hoping for some good stuff! It's about time Georgia gets a good guy and Arthur seems sweet.

The main character, Kate, isn't my favorite to read from. While I do like her at times, she would just get all my nerves. I felt like she would make a lot of dumb decisions, although she always had a reason for doing what she did; I just couldn't understand her reasoning for it. There was just time where I wanted to jump into the book and scream at her. She can be one of the most gullible heroines that I have ever read from.

People aren't going to like what I am about to say, but I'm going to say it anyways. I don't like Vincent that much. I'm sorry but he is just so cheesy and I don't feel like there is any chemistry between him and Kate. I would become bored and wanted to find out what was going to happen next whenever they were together. When I finished the first book I thought that the author was going to introduce a love triangle and I guess that I was wrong. I was hoping that Jules and Kate would have some action in this book. There I said it; I like Jules more than Vincent. It seems like Jules actually has a personality unlike Vincent. There were times when Kate and Jules would have moments but nothing really ever came out of them. Now that I know that this series is just going to be a trilogy and with the way that this book ended I don't really see Kate and Jules becoming an item.

[UGHHHHHHH. EXCUSE ME WHILE I FANGIRL OVER THEM. THAT IS WHY I PUT THIS UNDER A SPOILER TAG. IT MIGHT OFFEND THE HARDCORE VINCENT FANS. I JUST LOVE JULES. I WANT JULES AND KATE TOGETHER FOREVER. I WANT KATE TO BECOME A REVENANT WITH JULES. WHILE VINCENT CAN JUST GO DISAPPEAR AND BE A DUMB CHAMPION WITH HIMSELF. (hide spoil
Anyways, I am excited for the next book. I can't believe that I have to wait for a whole year. She sure left it with a cliffhanger. Why do authors do this to us? *sigh*

Plot: ★★★

Characters: ★★★

Writing:★★★★★

Ending: ★★★★

Cover: ★★★★★

Waiting on Wednesday (12)

Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill over at Breaking the Spine.

Poison Princess

-Kresley Cole

Release Date: October 22nd, 2012

Sixteen-year-old Evie Greene thought her horrific apocalyptic hallucinations were a sign that she was slowly losing her mind. But when her visions come true, decimating the world around her and killing everyone she loves, Evie is forced to accept that she was seeing the future.

Fighting for her life and desperate for answers, she turns to wrong-side-of-the-bayou classmate, the gorgeous and dangerous Jackson Deveaux for help. As Jackson and Evie race to find the source of her visions, they meet others who have got the same call and discover that Evie is not the only one with special powers. An ancient prophesy is being played out, and as the battle between good and evil intensifies, it is not always clear who is on which side…

My thoughts: Am I the only one who thinks that the girl on the cover looks a little bit like Keira Knightley? Just a little bit? Anyways, this sounds just like my type of book! A). A gorgeous cover. B). Super powers. C). Gorgeous and Dangerous Jackson Deveaux. *sigh* CAN'T WAIT TO READ IT.

Follow Friday (1)

This is a weekly theme hosted by Parajunkee's View & Alison Can Read.

Q: Summer Break is upon us! What would be the perfect vacation spot for you to catch up on your reading & relax?

Since I am taking college classes this summer, I will unfortunately not have a summer break this year. But if I could choose to go on the perfect vacation to catch up on my reading it would have to be the beach! I have only ever been to Myrtle and Virginia Beach and they were a lot of fun trips. I do believe that my parents and I are going to New York this summer for about five days, so maybe I could catch up on my reading then? :)

Lola and the Boy Next Door - Stephanie Perkins

Title: Lola and the Boy Next Door

Author: Stephanie Perkins

Release Date: September 29th, 2011, hardcover

Publisher: Dutton Books

Group: Young Adult Literature

Rating:★★★★★

Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion... she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.

When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.
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This book had everything I wanted. After reading Anna and the French Kiss and being kind of disappointed cause my expectations were sky high, I went into read this one with none. That was probably made this book wonderful for me. I realized that Stephanie Perkins is a talented writer and she is able to capture these characters in a way I don't think anyone else would be able too.

This story was just fantastic! Lola and Cricket were awesome. We also get to see Anna and St. Clair, awesomesauce. Her friend Lindsey was great! I usually hate the main characters best friend, but she was sweet. Love it when writers make the best friend likable. There were moments were I actually started laughing out loud cause how funny Lola was. This was definitely a feel good book. I just couldn't put it down or stop thinking about it. I had to literally force the book down so I could start on my homework. You know that you have read a good book when it is all that you can think of. I just start smiling like a nerd when I think about this book.

Cricket is like the ultimate sweetest perfect guy. I don't really know what else to say about him. He was just the perfect boy. I don't know how Stephanie Perkins was able to write this without it being cheesy, but she did it! I am not the biggest YA contemporary fan, being more of a dystopian/paranormal girl but I think I have officially converted due to this wacky, amazing, hilarious, perfect book.

So if you haven't realized it yet: I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED THIS BOOK.

Plot: ★★★★★

Characters: ★★★★★

Writing:★★★★★

Ending: ★★★★★

Cover: ★★★★★

The Scorpio Races - Maggie Stiefvater

Title: The Scorpio Races
Author: Maggie Stiefvater

Release Date: October 18th, 2011, hardcover

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.

Group: Young Adult Literature

Rating:★★★★★

 

It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.

At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.

Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.

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There was just something about this book that made me love it so much. I don't believe that I have ever read anything quite like this before, and I mean that in the most wonderful way. Maggie Stiefvater is such a beautiful writer. I loved her Wolves of Mercy Falls series, so I knew that I would just love this book as well. The characters of Puck and Sean were so awesome and amazing at the same time. This book was not what I was expecting, but I am glad that it turned out to be more about horses that I thought it would. There should seriously be more books about horses. I love them.

I loved how the author switched POV's between Puck and Sean, so you got to know both of their personalities and why the wanted to ride in the Scorpio Races. It took me quite some time before I actually got into the story, probably around 75 pages, but once I did I could not put it down. The last 50 pages are so intense! I never really understood why Sean wanted to ride in the races until I finally realize that it was for the horse Corr. I loved everything about Puck as well. I could really relate to her character and she seemed so real! For some reason, I kept picturing Katniss from Hunger Games. But once I realized that she had red hair (like me!) I started picturing myself. I know totally wrong... hehe!

The ending of this book just blew me away! I had no idea who would actually win the races or what would happen during them! I also loved Puck and Sean. I was worried at first that their somewhat relationship would seem a little cheesy, but it wasn't at all! Like I said, there just isn't one thing that I can say to complain about. It was just so EPIC. The last chapter was absolutely perfect. I was scared that it wouldn't feel satisfied since this is a standalone book, but I loved it. I just can't stop saying good things about this book.

I really recommend this book for everyone! There isn't a book in YA that is quite like this one! Maggie Stiefvater is an incredible writer. I can't wait to read more by her!

Plot: ★★★★★

Characters: ★★★★★

Writing:★★★★★

Ending: ★★★★★

Cover: ★★★★★

INSURGENT RELEASE DAY!

Sorry for donig two posts in one day! But I just have to give a shoutout to Veronica Roth's new book Insugrent that hits shelves today. It is the sequel to the very fabulous Divergent and I couldn't be more excited to go get my copy. I am getting it tomorrow! I know, so sad. But I do have good reason. I am going to her book signing at Joseph Beth's Bookstore in Cincy! So yay! Here's to everyone getting this book this week! YAY! FINALLY!

Hope everyone is having a great day! And some incredible reading time with Insurgent! I cannot wait! -Olivia.

Teaser Tuesday (4)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

"Monday morning Kylie woke up to the chill of the ghost. She opened her eyes, but the spirit hadn't materialized yet. "You do know just coming here and waking me up isn't going to help me, don't you? You need to give me something, find a way to show me who it is I need to help. No answer came back and Kylie pulled the covers over her chin and just stared at her breath making little clouds of mist rising above her nose. The visit to the falls with Holiday had been both amazing and amazingly disheartening."

pg. 263, Awake at Dawn - C.C. Hunter

-Loving this book so far! It is just as good as the first book, Born at Midnight! I am going to be picking up the third book today sometime between classes and lunch. Have a great day everyone!