Waiting on Wednesday (16)

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

The Indigo Spell

-Richelle Mead

Release Date: February 12th, 2013

*There is no summary yet for this book.

My thoughts: OH MY GOD. OH MY GOD. OH MY GOD. WHERE IS SYDNEY'S GOLDEN LILY TATTOO????!!!!!!! WHO IS THE OTHER GUY IN THE PICTURE? I WOULD THINK THAT ONE OF THEM WOULD BE ADRIAN. OOOOOHHHH MMMYYYYY GOOOOOSSSHHH! In other words, I am so excited for this book. Please excuse my fan-girling.

Do you guys plan on reading this?

Liebster Blog Award

OMG! I won my first blog award! I was tagged  by two very awesome blogs! Nina from Project Read and Review & Kimberly from Love YA Books. Thank you so much guys! I really appreciate it! For some information on the Liebster Award it is given to upcoming bloggers than have under 200 followers.

The word "Liebster" is German that means beloved, dearest, and welcoming. Just thinking that I was picked for this puts a big smile on face! Just like Kimberly, I feel so honored to be chosen for this! Thank you so much to everyone that reads my blog and enjoys my posts! That means a lot to me!

The Rules:

1. Each person must post 11 facts about themselves.

2. Answer 11 questions the taggers has given you, and give 11 questions for the person you have tagged.

3. Choose 11 people and link them in your post.

4. Tell them you've tagged them.

5. Remember, no tag backs.

Eleven Facts About Me:

• My favorite food to snack on while reading is Cheez-its!
• I seem to buy all my clothes from Forever 21 or American Eagle.
• I started reading a lot of books when I was a freshman in High School. It was when my English teacher assigned, "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee. One of my all time favorite books.
• My favorite color is purple or blue.
• I like watching Cooking Shows on Food Network. I am currently watching Iron Chef and Next Food Network Star. My favorite contestant was Emily but she got eliminated. I am still upset about that.
• I like watching old fashion movies that came out in the 1940's or 50's. Some examples would be White Christmas, Easter Parade, and Young at Heart.
• I hate waking up in the mornings. I am a night owl. Or maybe just been born to be a vampire? Who knows? ;)
• I always wear dark fingernail polish.
• I am somewhat socially awkward. I hate talking in public.
• Red Lobster and Olive Garden are my favorite restaurants. Red Lobster's cheesy biscuits are so good! I could eat there everyday. Yes, I love seafood and proud of it.
• I love flowers! Some of my favorites are Yellow Roses and Lilacs.

*************************************************************

Questions from Nina (Project Read and Review):

1. When did you start blogging?

I started blogging last October 2011.

2. Why did you start blogging?

I notice how there was a large following in the YA blogger community and it looked like so much fun. I also love discussing books and all the memes that bloggers have each week like Waiting on Wednesday, Teaser Tuesday, and Top Ten Tuesday. I love them!

3. Who's blog do you wish yours was more like?

I wish my blog was more like Giselle from Xpresso Reads. Her blog desgins and posts are just so good!

4. What is your favorite series?

This is hard question! I would have to pick between The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare and The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

5. If you could live inside any novel, which would it be?

The Harry Potter series by far! I would just love to live at Hogwarts and be friends with Harry, Ron, Hermonie, and Luna. Lots of fun adventures!

6. If you could unread any book, what would it be and why?

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. There was some parts in that book that made me feel physically sick. Anyone that has read the book would know what I mean. However, it is a good book. I just would recommend it to mature readers.

7. Which book is at the top of your To-Be-Read list?

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky. I saw the trailer and cannot wait to see the movie! I have always heard great things about this book.

8. What novel do you wish you had written yourself?

I wish I would have written The Wolves of Mercy Falls series by Maggie Stiefvater. The writing in that book series is simply beautiful to read.

9. Where is your favorite place to read?

I like to read on my bed and outside.

10. Which book character do you wish was real?

Jace Wayland. Yep, there is no shame in this answer at all. Hehe :)

*************************************************************

Questions from Kimberly (Love YA Books):

1. Who are three favorite authors?

Cassandra Clare, Suzanne Collins, and Veronica Roth.

2. What are your three favorite books?

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

3. What are your three favorite book series?

The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Divergent by Veronica Roth.

4. Who are your five most "swoon-worthy" characters?

Jace Wayland (TMI), Will Herondale (TID), Peeta Mellark (THG), Adrian Ivashkov (Vampire Academy/Bloodlines), and Four (Divergent). 

5. If you could make a soundtrack to your favorite novel or series, what songs would you put on it?

I would do a soundtrack to Divergent by Veronica Roth. There could be a while mix of different songs that could go along with that book. I would pick song, "Fearless" by Taylor Swift for Tris & Four's relationship! Hehe :)

6. Say you could visit any fictional world for one week. Which would you choose and why?

I would choose to visit the fictional world of Harry Potter. I would just love to go to Hogwarts!

7. Which character do you think you could be best friends with and why?

I could see myself being really good friends with Sydney Sage from the Bloodlines/Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead. We have similar personalities, while I am not book smart like she is, I could see us getting a long really well. I like how she stands up for her beliefs and values. She seems like just an ordinary girl.

8. What were five books you loved most during your childhood?

Little House: The Rocky Ridge Years Series by Roger Lea MacBride

Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne,

Love, Ruby Lavender by Deborah Wiles

Charlotte's Web by E.B. White

Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink

9. Why do you read?

I read because it is one of the most wonderful things that anyone could do. I read because sometimes I get so stressed out and upset with what is going on in my life, it helps to read some crazy story about somebody else and just forget what I have to deal with for awhile.

10. Why did you decide to start blogging?

I decided to start blogging because I love talking about books and reviewing them. Also I just love the idea of having a book blog and meeting other bloggers and discussing books with them.

11. What blog post are you most proud of?

I haven't really did any posts that I am most proud of since I mostly do memes and reviews. But I did this post when I met Richelle Mead and it was a lot of fun! So I will say that! Haha!

*************************************************************

11 Blogs I'm Tagging for the Liebster Award:

1. A Reader in Time

2. Bookworm Recommendations

3. Christina the book addict

4. Dream Reads

5. Girls on YA Books

6. Hey, Tara!

7. Kari Po-Ku Reads

8. Kim Reads

9. Through the Looking Glass

10. The Wild Reader

11. The Story Behind the Book Cover

**If you have already done this or don't accept awards: I am so sorry that I tagged you!

My Questions for the 11 Bloggers I Tagged:

1. Why did you start blogging?

2. Was there one certain book that made you want to start reading more or have you always enjoyed reading?

3. Name a book with a cover you hate, but loved the story.

4. Name a book with a story you hated, but a cover you loved.

5. Do you judge books by their covers?

6. Do you like Books to Movie/T.V. Show adaptions? If you do, what are some one that you like?

7. What fictional world would you love to live in?

8. How did you pick your blog name?

9. What are some books you read as a child?

10. How do you rate the books you review?

11. Name your favorite book series.

Waiting on Wednesday (15)

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

So Close to You

-Rachel Carter

Release Date: July 10th, 2012

Lydia Bentley has heard stories about the Montauk Project all her life: stories about the strange things that took place at the abandoned military base near her home and the people who've disappeared over the years. Stories about people like her own great-grandfather.

When Lydia stumbles into a portal that transports her to a dangerous and strange new reality, she discovers that all the stories she's ever heard about the Montauk Project are true, and that she's in the middle of one of the most dangerous experiments in history.

Alongside a darkly mysterious boy she is wary to trust, Lydia begins to unravel the secrets surrounding the Project. But the truths behind these secrets force her to question all her choices—and if Lydia chooses wrong, she might not save her family but destroy them... and herself.

My thoughts: The first thing that got my attention was the cover! It is gorgeous and I love the red hair cause I'm a red head too :) Hahaha! This also sounds so interesting and it has a lot of good reviews on Goodreads already! I can't wait till July 10th!

Do you guys plan on reading this?



Top Ten Tuesday: Books On My Summer TBR List (5)

This weekly meme is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

This weeks Top Ten is:

BOOKS ON MY SUMMER TBR LIST

1. The Golden Lily - Richelle Mead

I am currently reading this right now and oh my gosh it is so good! I love Richelle Mead's writing and characters! This series is just so awesome. I really want to finish this before my summer English class that starts. I also met Richelle Mead last week, if you missed my post about the event you can see it here.

 

2. Stunning (PLL, #11) - Sara Shepard

What can I say? Pretty Little Liars is my guilty pleasure. I have this on hold at the library and is impatiently waiting for it. I have read that Stunning talks about Emily's big secret! I can't wait to read it! I am also a big fan of the TV Show and I love to the read the books while the TV Show is one even though they are completely opposite of each other. I hope I get this one soon!

 

3. Hide and Seek (TLG, #4) - Sara Shepard

Again another guilty pleasure! Sara Shepard's books are just so darn addicting! I tend to like this series better than PLL. This is the fourth book in that series and it comes out at the end of July. I also love the covers of this series! If you haven't checked out the Lying Game series yet, I recommend them!

 

4. The Book Thief - Markus Zusak

Some people say that this is all time favorite book ever and I just want to read this so bad. I have read the first couple pages already and love it! I want to see what all the buzz is around this book!

5. The Perks of Being a Wallflower - Stephen Chbosky

I saw the trailer for this a couple weeks ago and just have to read this before the movie! It has Emma Watson, Logan Lerman, and Nina Dobrev in it! Some of my favorite celebrities! I have also heard a lot of great things about this book! It sounds like it is really deep and will be memorable! :)

 

6. Between the Lines - Jodi Picoult & Samantha van Leer

I am a big fan of Jodi Picoult's books. The Tenth Circle, Nineteen Minutes, and Harvesting the Heart is some of my favorites! I am curious too see how she will pull off writing a young adult novel. She is also writing this with her daughter! The story sounds so interesting and I love the cover!

7. Beautiful Chaos - Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

I have been putting this book off because it is so huge! But I want to read this summer before the fourth and final book comes out in the series in the fall. The Beautiful Creature's movie is also coming out in February 2013. So I thought that finishing up the series will get my excited for the movie!

 

8. The Maze Runner - James Dashner

Everybody has read this book and it has been recommended to me so many times! I bought this a couple months ago and just haven't gotten around to reading it yet but I will soon. I know that I will probably love it just like everybody else!

 

 

9. The Percy Jackson Series - Rick Riordan

I have read the first book in the series, but haven't read the last four and I really want too because I want to read his Heroes of Olympus series! I plan on buying these over the next couple weeks so I can get started on them before the summer is over and can start the Heroes of Olympus series in the fall!

 

 

 

10. Harry Potter Series - J.K. Rowling

I am participating in the 2012 Harry Potter Reading Challenge. I have read all the books in this series but the last two books and that is just so dumb of me not to finish the last two books. I think the reason why I have been putting it off is because I know that once I finish the last book; Harry Potter will really be over for me :(

 

 

Renesmee Cullen: Breaking Dawn part 2 Movie Pictures Released

Last week we finally have got some pictures from the last and final movie in the Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn part 2! Entertainment Weekly has released pictures of Renesmee, Vampire Bella, and some others! I couldn't be happier with the way these look. I have a feeling that this might be the best Twilight movie to date, which isn't really say a lot, but I can just tell that this one will be on a whole other level than the other ones.

The picture to left of Bella and Renesmee has to be my favorite out of the bunch. First off, Vampire Bella looks AWESOME! I also wondered how they were going to make her look and if Kristen Stewart would be able to pull it off and by this picture it totally looks like it!

When I read Breaking Dawn when it came out I wasn't too sure how I felt about Renesmee at the time, but now I am for certain that I will love her. MacKenzie Foy just looks so adorable and it's crazy but she looks like Kristen and Rob. She is exactly how I pictured her in my head. I am so excited to see how MacKenzie will pull it off and to see her acting.

One of the most excited parts that I am impatiently waiting for is to see the Renesmee and Jacob scenes. How will Taylor be able to pull this off without it looking majorly creepy? I know that he will be fine, but I am just dying to see it! Besides the picture of Jacob and Renesmee looks so cute!

 Overall I am just so excited to see the movie and I will be sad that it will be the last one. Are you guys excited for the movie? What do you think of Renesmee and Vampire Bella? It looks pretty great doesn't it? :)

Showcase Sunday (2)

Showcase Sunday is hosted by Books, Biscuits and Tea. It was inspired by Pop Culture Junkie and the Story Siren. For more information about how this feature works and how to join, click here.

 

Bought:

Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince (Harry Potter, #6) - J.K. Rowling

 

I am slowly buying all the Harry Potter books for my collection! All that I need to buy now is that the last book. I have read all the Harry Potter books but the last two! I know, it's awful! So I signed up for the 2012 Harry Potter Reading Challenge hosted by The Reading Fever. You can look at the details for the challenge here. I am planning to start to read the first book next month and start this challenge because I really do want to complete it before 2012 is over!

Wish me luck :)

 

Post a comment and tell me what books you got this week!

Richelle Mead Book Signing

I went to the Richelle Mead Book Signing for The Golden Lily on June 13, 2012 at Lexington, KY (Joseph Beth Bookstore). I am from Cincinnati, Ohio so this was around a two hour trip and I had a lot of fun going with my mom. The road trip was somewhat hectic and we just made it in time for the signing which started at 7 p.m. You can check out Richelle Mead's post of the event on her website right here.

Here I am with Richelle! :)

I also got some cool swag! This is a poster that is like a timeline showing all the major events starting from the first book Vampire Academy until The Golden Lily! There was also some tattoo stickers! My mom was lucky enough to grab this for me before the signing started to make sure that I got mine!

Thanks Mom :)

Here are the books that I got signed. She had a policy that she would only sign three books a person with just one being a personalized. I didn't get Frostbite or Shadow Kiss signed, but that is okay! I am sure that I will see her again and have those signed then!

I got the Bloodlines series book personalized here. Here they are!

And here are the Vampire Academy books that I got signed! She commented on how I had a very old copy of Vampire Academy since I have the old cover and also how I keep very good care of my books! That was awesome! :)

In other news; at the Q&A somebody asked what the title of Bloodlines #3 would be. She said that when the Bloodlines Facebook page reached 25,000 likes that it would be released. So of course as soon as I got home I rushed to the computer to like it and today it reached it's goal! They also released the first paragraph and the release date!

The Title for Bloodlines #3 is:

The Indigo Spell!

The Release Date:

February 12, 2013!

The First paragraph from The Indigo Spell:

This wasn’t the first time I’d been pulled out of bed for a crucial mission. It was, however, the first time I’d been subjected to such a personal line of questioning.
“Are you a virgin?”

Follow Friday (4)

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

Q: Happy Father's Day! Who is your favorite dad character in a book and why?

This is a difficult question. I went onto goodreads and looked at the books that I have read and picked between two choices!

From YA Books: Luke from the Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare.

I know that Luke isn't her actual dad but I he is a good father to her. He took care of her and loved her as if she was his own. I know that he wasn't in City of Lost Souls that much but I loved what he said to Clary's mom Jocelyn, she said that she wished she would have married Luke instead of Valentine to begin with and Luke replied, "But then we wouldn't have Clary."

From A Classic: Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

He is such a good role model and he taught his children very well and I loved everything that he stood for. He gave wonderful advice to Scout and Jem. If you haven't read this book, what are you waiting for? It is so beautiful.

 

 

The Immortal Rules - Julie Kagawa

Title: The Immortal Rules

Author: Julie Kagawa

Release Date: April 24th, 2012, Hardcover

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Group: Young Adult Literature

Rating:★★★★★

 

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die… or become one of the monsters. Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike. But it isn’t easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.

*************************************************************

Possibly one of the best vampire books that I have ever read. I just loved everything about this book. Julie Kagawa is the master of storytelling. She sets this book into four different parts and each one tells a different story that Allison goes through. I am a major fan of Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series, so I knew for sure that I would love this book as well. It just sounds so awesome; I mean it's a post apocalyptic about vampires. My two favorite things to read about.

The story starts off with Allison being human living as an Unregistered in a vampire run town called New Covington. She lives with her friends; Stick, Lucas, and Rat, scouts for food, and trying to stay clear of the vampires and their pet humans. But once Allison and her friends get attacked by the rapids, a vampire named Kannin who gives her a choice to live as a vampire or die as a human. She chooses to be a vampire and that is when the actual story begins.

I know that a lot of people are tired of vampires, but it seems like I can never get enough of them. They are my favorite paranormal creature to read about. But I really enjoyed how Julie Kagawa portrayed them in this book. They can get burned in the sun, they have an uncontrollable urge for blood, and they are monsters. Usually a lot of Young Adult books portray them as something glamorous, but not in this book. The whole idea behind the history of vampires in this book was very interesting. I also loved how it was told to us, it wasn't some boring over load of information but actually really entertaining. A lot of that probably comes from Kannin. I know that he wasn't in the book a lot, but there is just something about him that has me very intrigued. I cannot wait to read more about him in the next book.

While there were some boring parts in this book, I did not want to put the book down until I knew what was going to happen next. I wondered what was going to happen once we met Zeke, Ruby, and Jeb. While I did like some of the people in the group, I mostly just became annoyed a lot of the time especially with Ruby. Oh my gosh was she annoying. I just wanted to jump into the pages of the book and stick up for Allison. I couldn't stand her[And I hate to say this but I didn't feel bad when she died. I was actually relived (hide spoiler)]. I felt the same way with Jeb. There was this part where Jeb physically beats Zeke and it just made me cringe. However, Caleb and Bethany were adorable. I loved reading about them.

I did enjoy Allison and Zeke's relationship. It wasn't none of that: "HEY, I just met you. And this is crazy, but I'm a vampire will you love me maybe?" LOL. Okay, maybe it wasn't that funny. But I did love them together. It took time and they progressed in a relationship. I didn't really feel the chemistry between Allie and Zeke till she saved his life from the raiders. That is when I was totally on the Zeke and Allison train.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I am just dying for the next book. If you liked or loved Julie's Iron Fey series, then I know that you will fall in love with this story and characters too. This is a dark but beautiful story.

Plot: ★★★★

Characters: ★★★★★

Writing:★★★★★

Ending: ★★★★

Cover: ★★★★★

Waiting on Wednesday (14)

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

Pizza, Love, and Other Stuff that Made Me Famous

-Kathryn Williams

Release Date: August 21st, 2012

Can a spot on a teen reality show really lead to a scholarship at an elite cooking school AND a summer romance?

Sixteen-year-old Sophie Nicolaides was practically raised in the kitchen of her family’s Italian-Greek restaurant, Taverna Ristorante. When her best friend, Alex, tries to convince her to audition for a new reality show, Teen Test Kitchen, Sophie is reluctant. But the prize includes a full scholarship to one of America's finest culinary schools and a summer in Napa, California, not to mention fame.

Once on-set, Sophie immediately finds herself in the thick of the drama—including a secret burn book, cutthroat celebrity judges, and a very cute French chef. Sophie must figure out a way to survive all the heat and still stay true to herself. A terrific YA offering--fresh, fun, and sprinkled with romance.

My thoughts: So I might of decided to post this for today because I am craving Pizza. Hahaha. And the fact this looks so adorable! I have also been obsessed with Food Network lately and this seems like something that would be on there with the Teen Test Kitchen. I am very looking forward to this book and the cover is so cute! Cannot wait!

Do you guys plan on reading this?

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I'd Recommend As Good Beach Reads (4)

This weekly meme is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

This weeks Top Ten is:

BOOKS I'D RECOMMEND AS GOOD BEACH READS

1. Beach Blondes - Katherine Applegate

Beach Blondes if your average YA chick-lit but it would be awesome to read on the beach in the sun. This story is about a girl named Summer who is going to the Florida Keys for the summer after spending a very dull winter in Minnesota. This is a bind-up of three books, each book telling the story of the different months like June, July and August. There is a lot of drama and has a great ending. There is also a sequel called Tan Lines that is about the next year when Summer goes back. It is great as well and very quick reads!

2. Lock and Key - Sarah Dessen

I just had to list a Sarah Dessen book on this list. She is one of my favorite writers and I love her books. While there are a lot of good books by her, I think that Lock and Key would be the best beach read. This book had a lot of touching moments and great story telling. You cannot go wrong by reading a Sarah Dessen book. Another book by hers that I think would be a good beach read would be This Lullaby. That is my favorite book by her and it is one of less serious books by her.

 

3. The Summer I Turned  Pretty - Jenny Han

I believe this is an obvious choice that everyone will probably have on their lists! It just such a good beach read. It's about summer, boys, and growing up. I have yet to read the last two books in the series and I really need to get on that. I love the characters!The perfect beach read!

 

 4. Deadly Cool - Gemma Halliday

Deadly Cool is a fun and quick read. When you pick this book up you think that it is going to be a serious murder mystery but it's not. It is light and hilarious. The main character Halliday is one of funniest heronies I have ever read from. I also loved her best friend and all of the characters. This is an awesome book!

5. Breathing - Cheryl Renee Herbsman

I loved this story! It's about a girl named Savannah who lives on the coast in North Carolina and plans to spend her summer reading and working at the public library but then she meets Jackson and he seems like the one. I also like how this book takes place on the beach. I also love North Carolina so I liked reading about it in this book. Breathing is an adorable story that is a remarkable read.

6. The Ghost and The Goth - Stacey Kade

The Ghost and The Goth is such a fun and light read. I couldn't tell you how many times I actually laughed out loud reading this. Besides Alona reminds of Regina George from Mean Girls, one of my all-time favorite movies ever! So of course I love this book. Also this cover is gorgeous! I love it! There is also two others books out right now in this series.

7. Amy and Roger's Epic Detour - Morgan Matson

I read this book on the car ride to Myrtle Beach so I just had to have it in this list! I think that when you are going to the Beach you are going on a mini road trip or vacation. Amy and Roger's Epic Detour is about traveling cross country from the west coast to the east coast. This book has a lot of fun stuff included. There are pictures of land marks, play lists, and a lot of great character development. There is some emotional stuff but not a lot to where it wouldn't be a fun light read. This is the ultimate traveling book to read!

8. Twenty Boy Summer - Sarah Ockler

This is such a good amazing book. If you haven't read this yet, you really need too. Sarah Ockler is an amazing writer and I just fell in love with this story. While it is a very sad and deep story, it has a lot of great fun stuff too. Anna and Frankie make a bet that while they are at Frankie's beach house for twenty days they plan to meet a new boy every day, hence the title Twenty Boy Summer.

9. The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight - Jennifer E. Smith

Another book about traveling. Except this one is about traveling on airplane to England. It is one of the best contemporary books that I have read so far this year. It is fairly short and can be read on one setting. There is also the fact that this book is just right down gorgeous and delightful. Love it!

10. Starcrossed - Josphine Angelini

Starcrossed is my paranormal pick for this since the rest seem to be contemporary. I mostly just picked this for the cover! She is on a beach! Well that and the awesome, awesome, awesome characters and story. This is a remake of the story of Helen and Troy. It is epic and a very quick read. I read it one setting. The next book is out and I really need to read that soon!

Fated - Alyson Noel

Title: Fated

Author: Alyson Noel

Release Date: May 22nd, 2012, Hardcover

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Group: Young Adult Literature

Rating:★★

Lately strange things have been happening to Daire Santos. Animals follow her, crows mock her, and glowing people appear out of nowhere. Worried that Daire is having a nervous breakdown, her mother packs her off to stay in the dusty plains of Enchantment, New Mexico with a grandmother she’s never met.

There she crosses paths with Dace, a gorgeous guy with unearthly blue eyes who she’s encountered before...but only in her dreams. And she’ll get to know her grandmother—a woman who recognizes Daire’s bizarre episodes for what they are. A call to her true destiny as a Soul Seeker, one who can navigate between the worlds of the living and the dead. Her grandmother immediately begins teaching her to harness her powers—but it’s an art that must be mastered quickly. Because Dace’s brother is an evil shape-shifter who’s out to steal her powers. Now Daire must embrace her fate as a Soul Seeker and find out if Dace is one guy she’s meant to be with...or if he’s allied with the enemy she’s destined to destroy.

*************************************************************

I was so excited to read this book. The whole concept sounded really interesting and intriguing. I know that some readers have their problem with Alyson Noel's other series, The Immortals, but I have always enjoyed them. I didn't think they were that bad and actually liked them. I have even met Alyson Noel and she is really nice. That is why I feel just so terrible about not liking this book. Maybe I had too high expectations going into this book.

The beginning starts out very confusing. I had to reread the first couple chapters just to understand what was going on. The first thing that bothered was the character's names. For example, the main character's name is Daire. How do you even pronounce that? Also her mother's name is Jennika. That was just really distracting, but I did get used to it after a while. The first thing we learn about Daire is that she is having these dreams, visions, and seeing these glowing people. It is all because she is a Seeker, which we learn when she goes to visit her grandmother.

I had some problems with her grandmother and the whole back history of being a Seeker. My first problem was some of the things that her grandmother would say were just unbelievably cheesy. There is actually a point in the book where her grandmother says, "With great power comes great responsibility." Really? That is just the most ridiculous thing to say. I am not reading about Peter Parker! I want to understand this backstory of being a Seeker but it was never addressed. I didn't understand why she was seeing these glowing people, why she was having these dreams about Dace and Cade, or why the Raven was her Spirit animal. I felt like all of this needed to be explained. Especially about the different worlds. Later in the book Daire travels to the Middle-World and I didn't understand anything. What is the Middle-World? I just with the author would have explained this better.

The first half of the book is so slow. I wasn't even interested into the story until halfway through the story with Daire goes to her new High School in Enchantment, New Mexico. That is when she first meets Cade and Dace for real, not counting the small encounters she had with them at the Rabbit Hole. I felt like maybe the story would get better and be more interesting but it didn't. If anything, I started to become even more confused.

I did enjoy the ending and will probably read the next the book. I am interested to see where these characters will go and I have some interest in Cade and Dace to keep reading the series. I just hope that the writing style will get better.

Plot: ★★★

Characters: ★★

Writing:★★

Ending: ★★★

Cover: ★★★★★

Showcase Sunday (1)

Showcase Sunday is hosted by Books, Biscuits and Tea. It was inspired by Pop Culture Junkie and the Story Siren. For more information about how this feature works and how to join, click here.

Bought:

 Cryptic Cravings (Vampire Kisses, #8) - Ellen Schrieber

Immortal Hearts (Vampire Kisses, #9) - Ellen Schrieber

Once In a Full Moon (Full Moon, #1) - Ellen Schriber

I recently went to a book signing on Wednesday at Joseph Beth Bookstore in Crestview Kentucky. I saw Ellen Schrieber the author the Vampire Kisses and Full Moon series. These books are pretty special to me and my friends and I have some fond memories with these books. This book tour was to talk about the final and last book in the Vampire Kisses series; Immortal Hearts. Sorry I didn't catch any pictures of the event but here are my books signed! I had a wonderful time! She is so nice! I really recommend checking her books out and if you ever have a chance to meet her. She is a great speaker and loves Johnny Depp. I feel like we could be best friends :)

Post a comment and tell me what books you got this week!