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.

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

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!

The Future of Us - Jay Asher & Carolyn Mackler

Title: The Future of Us

Author: Jay Asher & Carolyn Mackler
Release Date: November 21st, 2011, hardcover

Publisher: Razorbill

Group: Young Adult Literature

Rating:★★★★

It's 1996, and Josh and Emma have been neighbors their whole lives. They've been best friends almost as long - at least, up until last November, when Josh did something that changed everything. Things have been weird between them ever since, but when Josh's family gets a free AOL CD in the mail,his mom makes him bring it over so that Emma can install it on her new computer. When they sign on, they're automatically logged onto their Facebook pages. But Facebook hasn't been invented yet. And they're looking at themselves fifteen years in the future.

By refreshing their pages, they learn that making different decisions now will affect the outcome of their lives later. And as they grapple with the ups and downs of what their futures hold, they're forced to confront what they're doing right - and wrong - in the present.

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

I have been excited to read this book since forever. I became Jay Asher's number one fan when I read Thirteen Reasons Why. I couldn't wait to read more books by him! Then why I read the summary for this book, my jaw actually dropped. It sounded so good; I mean it's about teens in the 90's discovering their future on Facebook. So I had pretty high expectations for this book and that could have been some of the problem.

I couldn't connect with the two main characters. They didn't feel real to me just like two-dimensional. However, I did like Josh more than I liked Emma. Another part of the book that kind of upset me was the actual Facebook status updates, that Emma would read off of her future profile. They were pretty boring! I wish that the authors could have come up with something more creative for the status updates and also describe some other pictures and their interests. We do get to know some more about that kind of stuff on Emma's but nothing on Josh's. That kind of made me mad. The story was also kind of predictable. I knew what the outcome would be since I first met the characters. I also felt like I needed to know more of a back-story between Emma and Josh. We do learn what "happened" between them that split their friendship, but I just wanted a more creative story, I guess.

Other than the negative stuff I just mentioned, I actually really liked it. It was a quick, light, and fun read. There wasn't anything too serious and was easy to keep your attention to make you keep reading. Emma and Josh’s friends were awesome! I also loved Josh's story on Facebook! That was my favorite part of the book.

Overall, I recommend this book. It was very cute, but nothing that will be one of my favorite books of all time. I suggest putting aside all of your expectations since it is a Jay Asher book. Other than that, I think that you will be able to enjoy the story between Josh and Emma!

Plot: ★★★★★

Characters: ★★★

Writing:★★★★

Ending: ★★★★

Cover: ★★★★

Legend - Marie Lu

Title: Legend

Author: Marie Lu
Release Date: November 29th, 2011, hardcover

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile

Group: Young Adult Literature

Rating:★★★★★

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 had everything that I love in a good YA novel. I seem to love Dystopian novels and this is the perfect example of why I love it. I wasn't too sure how I was going to feel about this book, but I have to give credit to CassJayTuck's book review on YouTube. (She is awesome, if you don't already know about her). But anyways, I have been seeing and hearing about this book nonstop, so I thought that I would finally give it a chance. I am so happy that I did. I loved everything about this book and simply could not put it down.

It is told in alternating chapters between Day and June. I felt each of them had their own unique voice. It also helps that June's chapters have black ink and Days have gold. There was sometimes that I would feel like they were the same person, but I think that Marie Lu wrote it perfectly. There is a line at the end of the book where June says that she and Day were the same person but just grew up in two different places. I think that is a good explanation to show why the two characters were so similar to each other.

I was completely shock by some of the events that happened in this book. I felt so bad for June when Metias died. We only get to meet Metias for a few beginning chapters before he dies, but I still grew to love his character even though I knew his fate from just the summary. I also have to talk about Tess! She was awesome! I can't wait to read more about her in the next book.

Overall, I loved this book and couldn't get enough of it. I cannot wait for the next book. The title is "Prodigy". I can just guess where that will be heading. OMG.

Plot: ★★★★★

Characters: ★★★★★

Writing:★★★★★

Ending: ★★★★★

Cover: ★★★

Under the Never Sky - Veronica Rossi

Title: Under the Never Sky

Author: Veronica Rossi
Release Date: January 3rd, 2012, hardcover

Publisher: Harper Collins

Group: Young Adult Literature

Rating:★★★★

Since she'd been on the outside, she'd survived an Aether storm, she'd had a knife held to her throat, and she'd seen men murdered. This was worse.

Exiled from her home, the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland - known as The Death Shop - are slim. If the cannibals don't get her, the violent, electrified energy storms will. She's been taught that the very air she breathes can kill her. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He's wild - a savage - and her only hope of staying alive.

A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry views Aria as sheltered and fragile - everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he needs Aria's help too; she alone holds the key to his redemption. Opposites in nearly every way, Aria and Perry must accept each other to survive. Their unlikely alliance forges a bond that will determine the fate of all who live under the never sky.

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

I enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would. I have loved dystopian novels and couldn't wait to read it, but I didn't seem too many good reviews over it. I was scared that I wouldn't like it, but I actually did. There were some parts that I didn't care for, but overall it was a quick read. I enjoyed the two main characters Aria and Perry. However, I felt like their whole relationship was rushed. I also loved Aria's relationship with her mother. I wish that we could of gotten more insight...moreI enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would. I have loved dystopian novels and couldn't wait to read it, but I didn't seem too many good reviews over it. I was scared that I wouldn't like it, but I actually did. There were some parts that I didn't care for, but overall it was a quick read. I enjoyed the two main characters Aria and Perry. However, I felt like their whole relationship was rushed. I also loved Aria's relationship with her mother. I wish that we could of gotten more insight on what has actually happened to her. I am also kind of confused about this whole government. I felt like the author didn't go into much detail about it. I also found it somewhat weird that Perry and the savages have supernatural powers. I'm not sure if I like that or not. I will have to read more about it in the next book to make up my mind or not. There were many shocks in this book that I wasn't prepared for! Especially scenes between Perry and his brother towards the end. I can't wait to read the next book. While I don't think this book was great, since it did have many flaws, I would say that it was the regular YA dystopian novel. It isn't a standout like Divergent or Legend, but it did hold some potential. I recommend this book if you are looking for a quick dystopian read! Plot: ★★★★ Characters: ★★★★ Writing:★★★★ Ending: ★★★★★ Cover: ★★★★★

The Fault in Our Stars - John Green

Title: The Fault in Our Stars
Author: John Green
Release Date: January 10th, 2012, hardcover

Publisher: Dutton Books

Group: Young Adult Literature

Rating:★★★★★

Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now.
Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.

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

I don't know how to write a review for this book. I am trying to think of something that hasn't already been said in the other thousands of reviews for this book. So I must write this: IT IS ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS THAT I HAVE EVER READ. And no, I do not say that lightly at all. I will be the first to admit that I have not been a huge fan of John Green. I have loved one of his other books (Looking for Alaska), but hated his other book (Paper Towns). So I wasn't too sure where my feelings would be...moreI don't know how to write a review for this book. I am trying to think of something that hasn't already been said in the other thousands of reviews for this book. So I must write this: IT IS ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS THAT I HAVE EVER READ. And no, I do not say that lightly at all. I will be the first to admit that I have not been a huge fan of John Green. I have loved one of his other books (Looking for Alaska), but hated his other book (Paper Towns). So I wasn't too sure where my feelings would be with The Fault in Our Stars. I kept reading all the raving reviews. Nobody seemed to have a complaint about this book at all! Even some people I know that haven't been John Green's biggest fans in the past even enjoyed this book. I took that as a sign that I needed to go to the local bookstore and pick this up. I told myself that I was going to sit down and read this, and try to hide all the previous judgments on any of his previous work. And I must say, that after the first 10 pages I said to myself, "What the heck? What was the reason I didn't pick this book up sooner? This is genius." The main character Hazel has cancer and the other main character Augustus also has cancer. (Side note: I never could picture anybody with the name Augustus even being semi attractive. Whenever I hear that name I think of the fat boy of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. But yes, John Green you made someone named Augustus one of the hottest and smartest guys that I have ever read about.) The plot was just something that I can even begin to describe how awesome it was. There is just something special by the way that John Green writes. I have never read about characters that have seemed so real to me. There was sometimes when Hazel would say stuff that I didn't necessary agree with towards the end, but then realize the more I thought about it the more I came to accept it. That didn't make me like her character any less, if anything; I had a new respect for her. Everything single thing that came out of Augustus mouth was true genius. He was like a freakin poet. One of my favorite parts in the book was about the cigarettes: "They don't kill you unless you light them," he said as Mom arrived at the curb. "And I've never lit one. It's a metaphor, see: You put the killing thing right between your teeth, but you don't give it the power to do its killing." From that moment on, I knew that I was going to love this book. There was only three parts that I cried at in this book, but many parts when I felt my stomach twist up and my hearting ripping into a million pieces. This book is just something I can't even describe or begin to explain why you should read it. I am one of the other thousands of people who are shoving it down your throat saying to read it. No like seriously, you really need to read it. You haven't read about cancer teens until you have read this book. There is just some kind of unique twist on this book that I loved it. The relationship between Hazel and Augustus was beautiful. I don't know what else to say about it, besides the fact that my face was soaked in tears by the end of it. Plot: ★★★★★ Characters: ★★★★★ Writing:★★★★★ Ending: ★★★★★ Cover: ★★★★★