Tuesday, June 11, 2013

HELLO, MY FRIENDS.

Hello.

If you're following me and you thought, "Hooray! She's blogging again!" or "We really don't care!" and then noticed that I stopped blogging for a little while and thought, "What the hell?!" It's because I'm in another country doing a travel blog at the moment.

europelandadventures.blogspot.com

I'm currently in Poland. I went to Prague, Czech Republic as well.

So once I get back, I'll start readin' and writin'. But, if you wanna look into my adventures.... Go read the other blog!

xoxo

Friday, May 10, 2013

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Thirteen Reasons WhyThirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Hardcover, 304 pages
Published October 18th 2007 by Razorbill
 
Synopsis: Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers thirteen cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker, his classmate and crush who committed suicide two weeks earlier. On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list.
Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.

My rating: 3 stars of 5
Just okay
Too much hype
Well written

I've read a lot of books. I work in a library. I know what books are popular and what books kids/teens read that are short to make school projects a breeze. This book, in particular, isn't necessarily short and isn't necessarily a book kids read to make school projects easier; but, it is extremely popular and because of it's popularity, I tried avoiding it for as long as possible. I guess I'm one of those people that get tired of hearing, "OMG, have you read Thirteen Reasons Why or The Fault in Our Stars or Perks of Being a Wallflower? They're like my faaaave."

They're EXTREMELY popular books that EVERYONE is familiar with. So when you're carrying the book around because you're a casual, constant reader and someone you don't even know comes up to you to express their opinion that you really don't want to hear just because they're familiar with the book AND THEY WANT TO PROVE TO YOU THAT THEY'VE READ IT TOO BECAUSE IT'S THE ONLY BOOK THEY'VE EVER READ AND THEY THINK THEY'RE THE ONLY ONE THAT HAS READ IT BUT IN REALITY, EVERY OTHER TEENAGER HAS READ IT, YOU START TO GET ANNOYED AND YOU STOP READING BOOKS THAT ARE "IN" NOT BECAUSE YOU'RE A HIPSTER BUT BECAUSE YOU'RE JUST ANNOYED THAT PEOPLE ARE TRYING TO WALTZ THEIR WAY INTO YOUR "READING" WORLD AND I REALLY HOPE YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT I'M TRYING TO SAY BECAUSE THIS IS SO DAMN HARD TO EXPLAIN.

Oh, so you want my opinion?

I guess I should give that to you.

So this book is about a girl who commits suicide. And no, that wasn't a spoiler because if that's what shocks you most in this book then you're reading this backwards. The girl sends out cassette tapes before she dies of thirteen reasons why she killed herself. Thirteen reasons, thirteen people. Uh, I don't really remember. But, she pretty much tells her story of all the reasons that led to her finally committing.

Our main character is Clay who recieves the tapes and truly has no sweet clue why he's getting these tapes. Oh, and the girl's name is Hannah. Clay barely knew Hannah. But Clay's name appears in the recording and supposedly, he's apart of her story of why she committed suicide.

There isn't much dialogue in this book so I hope you're not one of those people that reads mostly the dialogue, you finish the book in a day and call yourself a "fast reader". Because if you are one of those people, don't read this book and if you choose to read it, it's going to take you a very very long time.

This book is entirely Hannah's story. So I guess we should call her the main character instead because we barely get to know Clay. I guess the author just needed to pick someone to narrate although Hannah does most of that in her tapes.

Does it kind of sound like I don't like the book?

Well, I didn't like it very much. You're right.

I didn't understand what all the hype was about. Sure, it was wonderfully written and the plot and construction was different and interesting. There were unexpected twists and turns. But for a story that's meant to be an emotional roller coaster, I didn't feel it.

This book is about suicide. I'm supposed to feel SOME SORT OF SORROW. But no. I hated Hannah. I just declared her "main character" and you're NOT SUPPOSED TO HATE THE MAIN CHARACTER and considering Clay doesn't do much in the entire story WHO AM I SUPPOSED TO LIKE? I didn't feel bad for Hannah. She put herself in a lot of those situations that she talked about in her side of the story and sure, most of it she didn't deserve. Maybe my high school was a bit different than hers because none of this grabby grabby stuff ever happened in my school or maybe guys at my school are a little bit classier (a very little bit).

This book just didn't feel real to me. I was highly annoyed and I'm sorry if this is insensitive. Some of the situations Hannah talked about, I would probably feel the same way she did but I just didn't understand how she was able to give up so easily.

I think I'm having a hard time expressing my feelings towards this book but the author just didn't put forth enough emotion to make me feel sorrow and that's what I was expecting.

I mean, I was also expecting this book to be a phenomenal read just because of all the hype but whatever.

HA, WOW THIS WAS A REALLY LONG A POINTLESS REVIEW I'M SO SORRY IF THIS ISN'T SUPER INFORMATIONal... INFORMATIONfilled... FULL OF information.

View all my reviews

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

The Lover's Dictionary by David Levithan

The Lover's DictionaryThe Lover's Dictionary by David Levithan
Hardcover, 211 pages
Published January 4th 2011 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Synopsis: basis, n.

There has to be a moment at the beginning when you wonder whether you’re in love with the person or in love with the feeling of love itself.

If the moment doesn’t pass, that’s it—you’re done. And if the moment
does pass, it never goes that far. It stands in the distance, ready for whenever you want it back. Sometimes it’s even there when you thought you were searching for something else, like an escape route, or your lover’s face. How does one talk about love? Do we even have the right words to describe something that can be both utterly mundane and completely transcendent, pulling us out of our everyday lives and making us feel a part of something greater than ourselves? Taking a unique approach to this problem, the nameless narrator of David Levithan’s The Lover’s Dictionary has constructed the story of his relationship as a dictionary. Through these short entries, he provides an intimate window into the great events and quotidian trifles of being within a couple, giving us an indelible and deeply moving portrait of love in our time.



My rating: 5 stars of 5
Interesting
Unique
Beautiful
Favorite
This specific review was written for my senior year Humanities class. I blocked out the name of the Library work at so you won't know where I live because you all are creepy. Anyway, here's one of my more professional-like reviews.

I came across this book at work. I work at the Westerville Public Library and I was shelving books in the “Staff Picks” section. I was just about to shelve The Lover’s Dictionary by David Levithan when the cover and title intrigued me. I read the synopsis and was immediately interested in the concept and format that Levithan approached the storyline with. I was a bit skeptical to begin this book with my previous history of Levithan’s work. He cowrote Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, Naomi and Ely’s No Kiss List and Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares with author Rachel Cohn; all of which I have read and gave me a bit of familiarity with Levithan’s writing. I was unimpressed with those books and somewhat insulted by the way the authors portrayed teenagers as if we are all swearing, sex-crazed fiends that need to use curse words as filler words in every sentence.
While this may seem like I don’t like Levithan, my opinion was quickly shifted as soon as I started reading The Lover’s Dictionary. The story was written with such fluidity that I couldn’t put the book down. The pages are short, as well as the book, and the author doesn’t quite delve into the personalities of the characters but focuses more on their feelings and emotions. The author shoots you into an already developing story about a nameless man and his new relationship. The story is told in second person, so the woman is nameless as well. The reader is forced into the mind of the man, with only short scenarios and dialogue that will eventually piece together and shows the reader how the relationship between the man and the woman is building.
The Lover’s Dictionary was beautifully and uniquely written. There aren’t necessarily “chapters” in the book. Each “chapter” is titled with an enlarged letter just like in the dictionary and each page has a word. That word intertwines with a scenario from the man and the woman’s relationship that is crucial or thoughtful in the emotions of the man. Personally, the short scenarios and the lack of elaboration on the character’s past and personalities helped me focus on the overall relationship, writing, and plot. Most books shove the reader into an in depth, elaborated, 40 pages of the character’s past that stays in your mind from beginning to end and it was a breath of fresh air when reading The Lover’s Dictionary because I could read it so effortlessly.
I adored this book, the concept, the creativity, and the characters. My whole perception of David Levithan was changed when I read this book. While I am unable to recommend other books by David Levithan, I do recommend this one. I think to get through this book you have to believe in the concept of love and if you have some sort of hope, you will fall in love with the story.

Monday, April 29, 2013

Fire by Kristin Cashore

Fire (Graceling Realm, #2)
Fire by Kristin Cashore

Hardcover, 461 pages
Published October 5th, 2009 by Dial Books

Synopsis: It is not a peaceful time in the time in the Dells. The young King Nash clings to his throne while revel lords in the north and south build armies to unseat him. The mountains and forests are filled with spies and thieves and lawless men.

This is where Fire lives. with a wild, irresistible appearance and hair the color of flame, Fire is the last remaining human monster. Equally hated and adored, she had the unique ability to control minds, but she guards her power, unwilling to steal the secrets of innocent people. Especially when she has so many of her own.

Then Prince Brigan comes to bring her to King City, The royal family needs her help to uncover the plot against the king. Far away from home, Fire beings to realize there's more to her power than she ever dreamed. Her power could save the kingdom.

If only she weren't afraid of becoming the monster her father was.



My rating: 2 stars of 5
Couldn't finish
Review was written January 24th, 2012 through Goodreads
Not apart of the new review collection


I'm attempting to write this review while sitting in my AP Lit class. I just couldn't take it anymore. Lately, reading books hasn't been my top priority. We alllll know that. But. . . . This book took me FOREVER. I seriously wish I could tell you why. I can't. . .

Well, I'll try.

I'm not going to summarize the book. Just read the summary or someone elses review because everyone seemed to love it.

But me.

I quit this book with at least fifty more pages left until I finished. I just feel like this book was incapable of grabbing my attention.

Kay, I lied. A few chapters grabbed my attention but I liked a few of the characters and all the others were just easy to hate.

Kristin Cashore has a tendency to not reeeeally get into a book until about 200 pages in. That's how Graceling was. I gave Graceling a shot, it ended up being one of my most favorite books of alllll time. I hoped that this book would give me the same satisfaction.

It didn't. If you have patience, I would suggest you read this book and see how you like it. If not, I feel it's a waste of time. But, I looooove Cashore. So I'm definitley still going to read Bitterblue.

We'll just have to see what happens with that book. :)

Monday, April 15, 2013

Good afternoon, dreamers!

Hello, friends!
It's been a long time since I've been on here. But guess what?! I have finally been able to find the time to multi task, which I've never been particularly good at before.

So, yes, blogging will be a thing for me once again.

It will probably be a little while before I am actually able to start writing again. I'm going to change the layout, update some very out-dated entries and information and give this a whole new look.

Since I'm going to be a freshman in college, I can't really get away with the whole cute-high-school-kiddo-writin'-about-stuff shindig that I was able to do last time.

Things will change but hey!

I'm baaaaack.

I will hopefully have this all updated and lookin' good come May. I'm so excited to be doing it again and adding some books that are a bit out of my comfort zone.

Hooray for branching out and trying new things!

Let's say by May 4th, 2013 this will be fun and interesting to look at again.


xoxoxo

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Enclave by Ann Aguirre

Enclave (Razorland, #1)Enclave  by Ann Aguirre
Hardcover, 259 pages
Published April 12th 2011 by Feiwel & Friends

Synopsis: In Deuce’s world, people earn the right to a name only if they survive their first fifteen years. By that point, each unnamed ‘brat’ has trained into one of three groups–Breeders, Builders, or Hunters, identifiable by the number of scars they bear on their arms. Deuce has wanted to be a Huntress for as long as she can remember.

As a Huntress, her purpose is clear—to brave the dangerous tunnels outside the enclave and bring back meat to feed the group while evading ferocious monsters known as Freaks. She’s worked toward this goal her whole life, and nothing’s going to stop her, not even a beautiful, brooding Hunter named Fade. When the mysterious boy becomes her partner, Deuce’s troubles are just beginning.

Down below, deviation from the rules is punished swiftly and harshly, and Fade doesn’t like following orders. At first she thinks he’s crazy, but as death stalks their sanctuary, and it becomes clear the elders don’t always know best, Deuce wonders if Fade might be telling the truth. Her partner confuses her; she’s never known a boy like him before, as prone to touching her gently as using his knives with feral grace.

As Deuce’s perception shifts, so does the balance in the constant battle for survival. The mindless Freaks, once considered a threat only due to their sheer numbers, show signs of cunning and strategy… but the elders refuse to heed any warnings. Despite imminent disaster, the enclave puts their faith in strictures and sacrifice instead. No matter how she tries, Deuce cannot stem the dark tide that carries her far from the only world she’s ever known.

My rating: 5 starts of 5
Short
Well-developed characters
Interesting journey
Cliff hanger


Enclave, Enclave, Enclave.

I first saw this book on this website and I searched and searched all of the Half Price Book stores that I could find. Nada. Not one store had it. Eventually, the library handed over this book to me. FINALLY, I was able to read it.



I just knew it would be good. I had high expectations and it exceeded them. For those of you who follow my reviews know that I'm a huge feminist. This book showed off the main character's agility and talent. Duece, went through the naming ceremony and was made a huntress. With her new partner, Fade, they go on a journey to Nassau, a city in their world that lies underground. They run into people that they call Freaks and meet new people called the Burrowers.



A scandal hits College, the city Duece and Fade live in. Duece steps forward and takes the blame for something she didn't do and is forced to go to Topside. Topside is the world above ground. Fade goes to Topside with Duece. As they travel, they run into more enemies and end up taking others with them named Stalker and Tegan.



After a long ride in Topside, Tegan gets injured and they are in desperate need for help.



This book kept me entertained from the very beginning. I just knew I'd love it. I don't really want to relate this book to The Hunger Games because they're completely different books but if you liked THG, then yes, you will love this book also.



This book was filled with action and romance. It shows the struggles of these teens who consider themselves Elders. The overall story was just so interesting that the reader just isn't sure how it could possibly end. I'm eagerly waiting the second book and I reccommend this to everyone. Short and straight to the point with well-developed characters.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

"Waiting on" Wednesday: Project Organic.V4 (Please read!)

Project Organic.V4

Project Organic.V4 by Daniel Arsenault
Kindle Edition
Published May 22nd 2011 350 pages
Synopsis: Whether as a hobby, career, art form, or passion, video games have been a powerful influence on culture for decades, but nobody expected a game like Naflem. Powered by the new generation of computers, the virtual-reality enabling System Cell, players can simply don a helmet and step into a whole new world. As so frequently occurs with technology, the invention of the System Cell led to an even more incredible piece of technology; Naflem is the first ever game to have a map larger than the Earth itself, and to mix real-world physics and organic science with magic for the first ever “truly realistic” adventure game.

For Jake and his friends, the new world of Naflem is more than just a programming masterpiece; it is their new life. After an in-game program malfunctioned, the three kids wake up to find not only can they not feel their real world bodies, but all five of their senses are fully active within Naflem. Homeless, hungry, and without direction, the newest residents of Naflem are forced to survive in the very world they had devoted countless hours to exploring.

How far can technology take realism?


I have yet to read this book but one of my best friends wrote it. He's a freshman at OSU and is an amazing writer with a huge imagination. I'm hoping that I can get a few more people to buy his book. It's only on Kindle but you can read it on your computer. It's only 99 cents. It would be greatly appreciated if he got some feedback on it. Thanks! 

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

HELLO, MY FRIENDS.

Hello.

If you're following me and you thought, "Hooray! She's blogging again!" or "We really don't care!" and then noticed that I stopped blogging for a little while and thought, "What the hell?!" It's because I'm in another country doing a travel blog at the moment.

europelandadventures.blogspot.com

I'm currently in Poland. I went to Prague, Czech Republic as well.

So once I get back, I'll start readin' and writin'. But, if you wanna look into my adventures.... Go read the other blog!

xoxo

Friday, May 10, 2013

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Thirteen Reasons WhyThirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Hardcover, 304 pages
Published October 18th 2007 by Razorbill
 
Synopsis: Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers thirteen cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker, his classmate and crush who committed suicide two weeks earlier. On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list.
Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.

My rating: 3 stars of 5
Just okay
Too much hype
Well written

I've read a lot of books. I work in a library. I know what books are popular and what books kids/teens read that are short to make school projects a breeze. This book, in particular, isn't necessarily short and isn't necessarily a book kids read to make school projects easier; but, it is extremely popular and because of it's popularity, I tried avoiding it for as long as possible. I guess I'm one of those people that get tired of hearing, "OMG, have you read Thirteen Reasons Why or The Fault in Our Stars or Perks of Being a Wallflower? They're like my faaaave."

They're EXTREMELY popular books that EVERYONE is familiar with. So when you're carrying the book around because you're a casual, constant reader and someone you don't even know comes up to you to express their opinion that you really don't want to hear just because they're familiar with the book AND THEY WANT TO PROVE TO YOU THAT THEY'VE READ IT TOO BECAUSE IT'S THE ONLY BOOK THEY'VE EVER READ AND THEY THINK THEY'RE THE ONLY ONE THAT HAS READ IT BUT IN REALITY, EVERY OTHER TEENAGER HAS READ IT, YOU START TO GET ANNOYED AND YOU STOP READING BOOKS THAT ARE "IN" NOT BECAUSE YOU'RE A HIPSTER BUT BECAUSE YOU'RE JUST ANNOYED THAT PEOPLE ARE TRYING TO WALTZ THEIR WAY INTO YOUR "READING" WORLD AND I REALLY HOPE YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT I'M TRYING TO SAY BECAUSE THIS IS SO DAMN HARD TO EXPLAIN.

Oh, so you want my opinion?

I guess I should give that to you.

So this book is about a girl who commits suicide. And no, that wasn't a spoiler because if that's what shocks you most in this book then you're reading this backwards. The girl sends out cassette tapes before she dies of thirteen reasons why she killed herself. Thirteen reasons, thirteen people. Uh, I don't really remember. But, she pretty much tells her story of all the reasons that led to her finally committing.

Our main character is Clay who recieves the tapes and truly has no sweet clue why he's getting these tapes. Oh, and the girl's name is Hannah. Clay barely knew Hannah. But Clay's name appears in the recording and supposedly, he's apart of her story of why she committed suicide.

There isn't much dialogue in this book so I hope you're not one of those people that reads mostly the dialogue, you finish the book in a day and call yourself a "fast reader". Because if you are one of those people, don't read this book and if you choose to read it, it's going to take you a very very long time.

This book is entirely Hannah's story. So I guess we should call her the main character instead because we barely get to know Clay. I guess the author just needed to pick someone to narrate although Hannah does most of that in her tapes.

Does it kind of sound like I don't like the book?

Well, I didn't like it very much. You're right.

I didn't understand what all the hype was about. Sure, it was wonderfully written and the plot and construction was different and interesting. There were unexpected twists and turns. But for a story that's meant to be an emotional roller coaster, I didn't feel it.

This book is about suicide. I'm supposed to feel SOME SORT OF SORROW. But no. I hated Hannah. I just declared her "main character" and you're NOT SUPPOSED TO HATE THE MAIN CHARACTER and considering Clay doesn't do much in the entire story WHO AM I SUPPOSED TO LIKE? I didn't feel bad for Hannah. She put herself in a lot of those situations that she talked about in her side of the story and sure, most of it she didn't deserve. Maybe my high school was a bit different than hers because none of this grabby grabby stuff ever happened in my school or maybe guys at my school are a little bit classier (a very little bit).

This book just didn't feel real to me. I was highly annoyed and I'm sorry if this is insensitive. Some of the situations Hannah talked about, I would probably feel the same way she did but I just didn't understand how she was able to give up so easily.

I think I'm having a hard time expressing my feelings towards this book but the author just didn't put forth enough emotion to make me feel sorrow and that's what I was expecting.

I mean, I was also expecting this book to be a phenomenal read just because of all the hype but whatever.

HA, WOW THIS WAS A REALLY LONG A POINTLESS REVIEW I'M SO SORRY IF THIS ISN'T SUPER INFORMATIONal... INFORMATIONfilled... FULL OF information.

View all my reviews

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

The Lover's Dictionary by David Levithan

The Lover's DictionaryThe Lover's Dictionary by David Levithan
Hardcover, 211 pages
Published January 4th 2011 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Synopsis: basis, n.

There has to be a moment at the beginning when you wonder whether you’re in love with the person or in love with the feeling of love itself.

If the moment doesn’t pass, that’s it—you’re done. And if the moment
does pass, it never goes that far. It stands in the distance, ready for whenever you want it back. Sometimes it’s even there when you thought you were searching for something else, like an escape route, or your lover’s face. How does one talk about love? Do we even have the right words to describe something that can be both utterly mundane and completely transcendent, pulling us out of our everyday lives and making us feel a part of something greater than ourselves? Taking a unique approach to this problem, the nameless narrator of David Levithan’s The Lover’s Dictionary has constructed the story of his relationship as a dictionary. Through these short entries, he provides an intimate window into the great events and quotidian trifles of being within a couple, giving us an indelible and deeply moving portrait of love in our time.



My rating: 5 stars of 5
Interesting
Unique
Beautiful
Favorite
This specific review was written for my senior year Humanities class. I blocked out the name of the Library work at so you won't know where I live because you all are creepy. Anyway, here's one of my more professional-like reviews.

I came across this book at work. I work at the Westerville Public Library and I was shelving books in the “Staff Picks” section. I was just about to shelve The Lover’s Dictionary by David Levithan when the cover and title intrigued me. I read the synopsis and was immediately interested in the concept and format that Levithan approached the storyline with. I was a bit skeptical to begin this book with my previous history of Levithan’s work. He cowrote Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, Naomi and Ely’s No Kiss List and Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares with author Rachel Cohn; all of which I have read and gave me a bit of familiarity with Levithan’s writing. I was unimpressed with those books and somewhat insulted by the way the authors portrayed teenagers as if we are all swearing, sex-crazed fiends that need to use curse words as filler words in every sentence.
While this may seem like I don’t like Levithan, my opinion was quickly shifted as soon as I started reading The Lover’s Dictionary. The story was written with such fluidity that I couldn’t put the book down. The pages are short, as well as the book, and the author doesn’t quite delve into the personalities of the characters but focuses more on their feelings and emotions. The author shoots you into an already developing story about a nameless man and his new relationship. The story is told in second person, so the woman is nameless as well. The reader is forced into the mind of the man, with only short scenarios and dialogue that will eventually piece together and shows the reader how the relationship between the man and the woman is building.
The Lover’s Dictionary was beautifully and uniquely written. There aren’t necessarily “chapters” in the book. Each “chapter” is titled with an enlarged letter just like in the dictionary and each page has a word. That word intertwines with a scenario from the man and the woman’s relationship that is crucial or thoughtful in the emotions of the man. Personally, the short scenarios and the lack of elaboration on the character’s past and personalities helped me focus on the overall relationship, writing, and plot. Most books shove the reader into an in depth, elaborated, 40 pages of the character’s past that stays in your mind from beginning to end and it was a breath of fresh air when reading The Lover’s Dictionary because I could read it so effortlessly.
I adored this book, the concept, the creativity, and the characters. My whole perception of David Levithan was changed when I read this book. While I am unable to recommend other books by David Levithan, I do recommend this one. I think to get through this book you have to believe in the concept of love and if you have some sort of hope, you will fall in love with the story.

Monday, April 29, 2013

Fire by Kristin Cashore

Fire (Graceling Realm, #2)
Fire by Kristin Cashore

Hardcover, 461 pages
Published October 5th, 2009 by Dial Books

Synopsis: It is not a peaceful time in the time in the Dells. The young King Nash clings to his throne while revel lords in the north and south build armies to unseat him. The mountains and forests are filled with spies and thieves and lawless men.

This is where Fire lives. with a wild, irresistible appearance and hair the color of flame, Fire is the last remaining human monster. Equally hated and adored, she had the unique ability to control minds, but she guards her power, unwilling to steal the secrets of innocent people. Especially when she has so many of her own.

Then Prince Brigan comes to bring her to King City, The royal family needs her help to uncover the plot against the king. Far away from home, Fire beings to realize there's more to her power than she ever dreamed. Her power could save the kingdom.

If only she weren't afraid of becoming the monster her father was.



My rating: 2 stars of 5
Couldn't finish
Review was written January 24th, 2012 through Goodreads
Not apart of the new review collection


I'm attempting to write this review while sitting in my AP Lit class. I just couldn't take it anymore. Lately, reading books hasn't been my top priority. We alllll know that. But. . . . This book took me FOREVER. I seriously wish I could tell you why. I can't. . .

Well, I'll try.

I'm not going to summarize the book. Just read the summary or someone elses review because everyone seemed to love it.

But me.

I quit this book with at least fifty more pages left until I finished. I just feel like this book was incapable of grabbing my attention.

Kay, I lied. A few chapters grabbed my attention but I liked a few of the characters and all the others were just easy to hate.

Kristin Cashore has a tendency to not reeeeally get into a book until about 200 pages in. That's how Graceling was. I gave Graceling a shot, it ended up being one of my most favorite books of alllll time. I hoped that this book would give me the same satisfaction.

It didn't. If you have patience, I would suggest you read this book and see how you like it. If not, I feel it's a waste of time. But, I looooove Cashore. So I'm definitley still going to read Bitterblue.

We'll just have to see what happens with that book. :)

Monday, April 15, 2013

Good afternoon, dreamers!

Hello, friends!
It's been a long time since I've been on here. But guess what?! I have finally been able to find the time to multi task, which I've never been particularly good at before.

So, yes, blogging will be a thing for me once again.

It will probably be a little while before I am actually able to start writing again. I'm going to change the layout, update some very out-dated entries and information and give this a whole new look.

Since I'm going to be a freshman in college, I can't really get away with the whole cute-high-school-kiddo-writin'-about-stuff shindig that I was able to do last time.

Things will change but hey!

I'm baaaaack.

I will hopefully have this all updated and lookin' good come May. I'm so excited to be doing it again and adding some books that are a bit out of my comfort zone.

Hooray for branching out and trying new things!

Let's say by May 4th, 2013 this will be fun and interesting to look at again.


xoxoxo

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Enclave by Ann Aguirre

Enclave (Razorland, #1)Enclave  by Ann Aguirre
Hardcover, 259 pages
Published April 12th 2011 by Feiwel & Friends

Synopsis: In Deuce’s world, people earn the right to a name only if they survive their first fifteen years. By that point, each unnamed ‘brat’ has trained into one of three groups–Breeders, Builders, or Hunters, identifiable by the number of scars they bear on their arms. Deuce has wanted to be a Huntress for as long as she can remember.

As a Huntress, her purpose is clear—to brave the dangerous tunnels outside the enclave and bring back meat to feed the group while evading ferocious monsters known as Freaks. She’s worked toward this goal her whole life, and nothing’s going to stop her, not even a beautiful, brooding Hunter named Fade. When the mysterious boy becomes her partner, Deuce’s troubles are just beginning.

Down below, deviation from the rules is punished swiftly and harshly, and Fade doesn’t like following orders. At first she thinks he’s crazy, but as death stalks their sanctuary, and it becomes clear the elders don’t always know best, Deuce wonders if Fade might be telling the truth. Her partner confuses her; she’s never known a boy like him before, as prone to touching her gently as using his knives with feral grace.

As Deuce’s perception shifts, so does the balance in the constant battle for survival. The mindless Freaks, once considered a threat only due to their sheer numbers, show signs of cunning and strategy… but the elders refuse to heed any warnings. Despite imminent disaster, the enclave puts their faith in strictures and sacrifice instead. No matter how she tries, Deuce cannot stem the dark tide that carries her far from the only world she’s ever known.

My rating: 5 starts of 5
Short
Well-developed characters
Interesting journey
Cliff hanger


Enclave, Enclave, Enclave.

I first saw this book on this website and I searched and searched all of the Half Price Book stores that I could find. Nada. Not one store had it. Eventually, the library handed over this book to me. FINALLY, I was able to read it.



I just knew it would be good. I had high expectations and it exceeded them. For those of you who follow my reviews know that I'm a huge feminist. This book showed off the main character's agility and talent. Duece, went through the naming ceremony and was made a huntress. With her new partner, Fade, they go on a journey to Nassau, a city in their world that lies underground. They run into people that they call Freaks and meet new people called the Burrowers.



A scandal hits College, the city Duece and Fade live in. Duece steps forward and takes the blame for something she didn't do and is forced to go to Topside. Topside is the world above ground. Fade goes to Topside with Duece. As they travel, they run into more enemies and end up taking others with them named Stalker and Tegan.



After a long ride in Topside, Tegan gets injured and they are in desperate need for help.



This book kept me entertained from the very beginning. I just knew I'd love it. I don't really want to relate this book to The Hunger Games because they're completely different books but if you liked THG, then yes, you will love this book also.



This book was filled with action and romance. It shows the struggles of these teens who consider themselves Elders. The overall story was just so interesting that the reader just isn't sure how it could possibly end. I'm eagerly waiting the second book and I reccommend this to everyone. Short and straight to the point with well-developed characters.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

"Waiting on" Wednesday: Project Organic.V4 (Please read!)

Project Organic.V4

Project Organic.V4 by Daniel Arsenault
Kindle Edition
Published May 22nd 2011 350 pages
Synopsis: Whether as a hobby, career, art form, or passion, video games have been a powerful influence on culture for decades, but nobody expected a game like Naflem. Powered by the new generation of computers, the virtual-reality enabling System Cell, players can simply don a helmet and step into a whole new world. As so frequently occurs with technology, the invention of the System Cell led to an even more incredible piece of technology; Naflem is the first ever game to have a map larger than the Earth itself, and to mix real-world physics and organic science with magic for the first ever “truly realistic” adventure game.

For Jake and his friends, the new world of Naflem is more than just a programming masterpiece; it is their new life. After an in-game program malfunctioned, the three kids wake up to find not only can they not feel their real world bodies, but all five of their senses are fully active within Naflem. Homeless, hungry, and without direction, the newest residents of Naflem are forced to survive in the very world they had devoted countless hours to exploring.

How far can technology take realism?


I have yet to read this book but one of my best friends wrote it. He's a freshman at OSU and is an amazing writer with a huge imagination. I'm hoping that I can get a few more people to buy his book. It's only on Kindle but you can read it on your computer. It's only 99 cents. It would be greatly appreciated if he got some feedback on it. Thanks!