Thursday, October 6, 2016

Review ~ Something in Between by Melissa de la Cruz

Something in Between Hardcover by Melissa de la Cruz

Hardcover: 448 pages
Publisher: Harlequin Teen (October 4, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373212380
ISBN-13: 978-0373212385

Synopsis (From Amazon):

Be the first to read the thought-provoking new novel from Melissa de la Cruz, the #1New York Times bestselling author of The Isle of the Lost and Return to the Isle of the Lost.

She had her whole life planned.

She knew who she was and where she was going.

Until the truth changed everything.

Jasmine de los Santos has always done what’s expected of her. She’s studied hard, made her Filipino immigrant parents proud and is ready to reap the rewards in the form of a full college scholarship to the school of her dreams.

And then everything shatters. Her parents are forced to reveal the truth: their visas expired years ago. Her entire family is illegal. That means no scholarships, maybe no college at all and the very real threat of deportation.

As she’s trying to make sense of who she is in this new reality, her world is turned upside down again by Royce Blakely. He’s funny, caring and spontaneous—basically everything she’s been looking for at the worst possible time—and now he’s something else she may lose.

Jasmine will stop at nothing to protect her relationships, family and future, all while figuring out what it means to be an immigrant in today’s society.

*****

“A great read!” —Rachel Cohn, New York Times bestselling coauthor of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist

“We’re obsessed—and you will be too.” —The Editors of Seventeen magazine

“Heartbreaking and bursting with hope, this is the book we all need.” —Marie Lu, #1New York Times bestselling author of the Young Elites and Legend series

“This book will change you. A must-read.” —Dhonielle Clayton, coauthor of Tiny Pretty Things and Shiny Broken Pieces, and the forthcoming The Belles

“A must-read!” —Ally Condie, author of the #1 New York Times bestselling Matched trilogy

“An immigrant herself, de la Cruz succeeds in presenting a complicated and multifaceted topic in a manner that is light enough to keep readers engaged.”—Kirkus Reviews

“[A] great choice for younger teens…This book belongs in every middle school library.” —School Library Journal

“De la Cruz presents a timely and thought-provoking look at the complex reality of being young and undocumented in the United States…Readers will root for Jasmine as she fights for her future and finds the power of her own voice.”—Publishers Weekly

My thoughts prior to reading it:

I received an Advanced Reader's copy of this book, I didn't request it but it was a nice surprise. I read the synopsis and was instantly intrigued. I felt like I could relate to the character, she is an immigrant but has grown up in the US. One day she finds out that her whole family has been staying in the US illegally  she starts to worry. Jasmine is a senior in High School and is looking at colleges but with the news she knows she has just lost a lot of scholarship opportunities because of her status. I can't even begin to imagine how that would feel like. With that being said all opinions are my own. 

My thoughts after reading it:

I must admit the book began a bit too slow for my liking. I contemplated putting it down a few times but in the end I'm glad I didn't. The main character is Jasmine, she is a cheerleader and is always pushing herself to do better.

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 Jasmine receives some great news that she has been elected for the National Scholar Award. She is so excited she goes and tells her family first, however she doesn't receive the reaction she was hoping for from her parents. That is when they confess about the green cards, they don't have them anymore it expired years ago and were technically illegal immigrants in this country. Jasmine's world begins to crumble she had a set goal that she was working towards but now it all seemed so pointless.

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At around the same time she meets a stunning boy. She can't help about feel so comfortable around him and the same goes for him. Things between them get serious quickly but there are obstacles in their way. One being that she may be deported at any moment, two that his father is a congressman that is highly against illegal immigration. Jasmine becomes overwhelmed with everything, she still wants to attend college and her top choice is Stanford but she doesn't know if that is even possible.

This story is very touching I could connect to the character on a personal level. My family moved to the US from Mexico (I am a very white Mexican we come in that color too sometimes click on my about me page to see more) and although I was born here my parents did not speak English so I grew up speaking Spanish. Then when my first day of schooled rolled around, well, let's just say it was less than pleasant.  Since of my light complexion people assumed I was white and spoke to me in English. I was absolutely overwhelmed and I cried most of the day. Over time I learned English and felt like the US was more my home than Mexico ever would. I cannot imagine what would happen if I was suddenly told I was illegal and I had to move back to Mexico. My whole life is here, my friends, memories. That is what this character is going through. Melissa de la Cruz, the author went to a similar situation also under the Author's note she writes, "My family was here legally, but we did not yet have our green cards either". I think it is so great that she would write a book based so closely on her life.
I didn't really like the relationship between Jasmine and Royce. It was your typical rich boy meets poor girl and falls in love with her. I don't know I really wanted to like it but I just couldn't (forgive me?).

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My rating:
★★★

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Review + Giveaway ~ Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas

Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass) by Sarah J. Maas


Series: Throne of Glass
Hardcover: 704 pages
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens (September 6, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1619636077
ISBN-13: 978-1619636071



Synopsis (From Amazon):

Kingdoms collide in Sarah J. Maas's epic fifth installment in the New York Timesbestselling Throne of Glass series.

The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those who don't.

With her heart sworn to the warrior-prince by her side, and her fealty pledged to the people she is determined to save, Aelin will delve into the depths of her power to protect those she loves. But as monsters emerge from the horrors of the past, and dark forces become poised to claim her world, the only chance for salvation will lie in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.

In this breathtaking fifth installment of the New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series, Aelin will have to choose what -- and who -- to sacrifice if she's to keep the world of Erilea from breaking apart.


My thoughts prior to reading:

I knew I wanted to read this book. I have been following this series since it first came out. Anything that Sarah J. Maas writes is absolutely stunning.

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Have you read ACOTAR? Those characters! Specially Rhysand *sways*. Anyways I am getting off topic. I was so happy when Book People announced that she would be coming. I was fangirling so much when I found out.

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Funny thing was that when I found out I wasn't even in Austin I was in Hawaii visiting a friend. Still from so many miles away I pre-ordered my book from Book People to hold my spot. The day the book came out I went to Barnes and Noble to get the special edition copy. I was so scared when I couldn't find any but then as I had nearly given up hope from the corner of my eye I saw a small stack near customer service. So I walked over there and took one and gawked at the colorful pictures. I didn't look crazy at all.

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My thoughts after reading:

I began reading that book that same day but work *curse work* impeded from me reading Empire of Storms as fast as I would've liked (I should've called in sick till I finished it). So the story continues a few weeks after where the last book left off. Aelin, Rowan, Lysandra, Evaneline, Fleetfoot and Aedion are all together trying to set Aelin as the rightful ruler. Things however don't go according to plan.

Lysandra was wonderful in this novel I feel like she was figuring herself out and managed to grow a lot in this book.

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We get to see more Manon!

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Through out the book we get many different points of view from the characters and different plots. Sarah manages to make that work were it doesn't feel confusing.We get a lot of questions answered and get a little bit of background on some of the characters. I really enjoyed when unexpected characters crossed paths. One I really liked was Lorcan and Elide (small spoiler sorry). I never expected for these two to meet but when they did I thought they should have met sooner.

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Aelin begins to better understand her powers and manages to have better control of it. Together with Rowan, Lysandra and Aedon they are nearly unstoppable. They make new friends along the way (characters we know from the novella stories). Aelin is trying to gather as many people as she can to defend everyone from the impending doom. As they go along doing this they discover many things about Elena Galathynius.

If you love this series then you should really pick up this book. I enjoyed it so much and I am certain you will too. I think I enjoyed it so much because I feel EVERYONE was in this book. We got to hear from characters we had not heard from in a long while.

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P.S. these images are not mine. They are from wonderful people who gave life to this stunning series. Check them out!
My Rating:
★★★★

Now because I love you guys so much I want to do a giveaway. The prize is Empire of Storms by Sarah J Maas. It is signed by her too, so that's a plus. Good luck!


Thursday, September 22, 2016

Fangirling over Sarah J Maas

This is a late post but.... the other day I got to meet Sarah J Maas. I had been dying to meet her since I first read Throne of Glass. All her books are absolutely stunning. Book People were part of the Empire of Storm book tour and I made sure I pre-ordered the book so I could have a spot for the book signing and good thing I did because they sold out! Over 200 copies sold just like that. I wanted to arrive early for the signing so I asked if I could leave early from work (I should've just asked for the whole day). I got all my books and headed off to Book People.


 I had a basket full of books and my friends were all running late. So I snagged a seat as close as I could on the floors because all the seats were already gone. Then when Sarah came I was so happy I think I even heard someone behind me burst into tears.


 Sarah was so funny and sweet just like I imagined she would be! Then she shared some great news that her Throne of Glass series was going to be a show for Hulu. At one point she was talking about her younger days and pointed to me something about my shirt being pink and I think she said I could be pink police? I was so shocked she did this and I was fangirling inside. I'm super shy so I probably just looked serious but I was just thinking is this really happening Sarah J Maas pointed me out. Ahhhh x100000. Then came the fun part the signing! I got in line and even though I thought I had ordered my book relatively early I was still way in the back of the line. Finally my friend came (who has never read the book) and we waited to meet Sarah.


When we finally met Sarah she instantly recognized me and said Pink Police! Then she saw my Japanese Throne of Glass books and we talked about how pretty the covers were.


I got all my other books stamped with her signature stamp and I wrote in her book (she has people write in her book when she goes on tours). This night is one I will cherish forever.

Here is my collection. Isn't it pretty?


Now for a giveaway since I love this series and I love candles the prize is as you may have guessed a Throne of Glass themed candles. Enter it via Twitter and good luck.




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Monday, September 5, 2016

Review ~ Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses) by Sarah J. Maas
Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses (Book 2)

Hardcover: 640 pages
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens (May 3, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1619634465
ISBN-13: 978-1619634466

Synopsis (From Amazon):

The # 1 New York Times bestselling sequel to Sarah J. Maas' spellbinding A Court of Thorns and Roses.

Feyre survived Amarantha's clutches to return to the Spring Court--but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can't forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin's people.

Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms--and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future--and the future of a world cleaved in two.

With more than a million copies sold of her beloved Throne of Glass series, Sarah J. Maas's masterful storytelling brings this second book in her seductive and action-packed series to new heights.

My thoughts prior to reading:

I really enjoyed the first book in this series so naturally I HAD to read the next book. Although I had a lot of other books to review I took a break to read this beauty.

My thoughts after reading:

This book takes place where the last book left off. Feyre is with Tamlin but things have changed drastically. For one she is now a fae and Tamlin is much more protective than he once was. Feyre is scarcely allowed to leave their home. The only time she is able to leave is when Rhysand comes to fulfill their deal and whisks Feyre away to the Night Court. If you love Rhysand this book is definitely for you.
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Feyre realizes that she has some power from each of the High Fae that helped revive her, this makes others a bit fearful. Tamlin is against her tapping into these unknown powers while Rhysand is all for her to learn as much as she can. This book focuses more on Rhysand and Feyre. You will discover a lot of things about Rhysand that may make your heart sway.
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There is a new problem that arises in the book. Amarantha may be defeated but she isn't the only one out there that had malignant thoughts. This book finishes on a cliff hanger that will make you want to hurl something. I don't know if I can wait for the next book I need it now.
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I think this series is quickly becoming my all time favorite (it used to be Throne of Glass). I suggest you pick up this series it is absolutely astonishing.



My Rating:

★★★★


Saturday, September 3, 2016

Review ~ Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Paperback: 448 pages
Publisher: Penguin Books; Mti edition (April 26, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0143130153
ISBN-13: 978-0143130154

Synopsis:

The #1 New York Times bestseller, now a major motion picture. Look out for Jojo’s new book, Paris for One and Other Stories, coming October 18, 2016.

They had nothing in common until love gave them everything to lose . . .

Louisa Clark is an ordinary girl living an exceedingly ordinary life—steady boyfriend, close family—who has barely been farther afield than their tiny village. She takes a badly needed job working for ex–Master of the Universe Will Traynor, who is wheelchair bound after an accident. Will has always lived a huge life—big deals, extreme sports, worldwide travel—and now he’s pretty sure he cannot live the way he is.

Will is acerbic, moody, bossy—but Lou refuses to treat him with kid gloves, and soon his happiness means more to her than she expected. When she learns that Will has shocking plans of his own, she sets out to show him that life is still worth living.

A Love Story for this generation and perfect for fans of John Green’s The Fault in Our StarsMe Before You brings to life two people who couldn’t have less in common—a heartbreakingly romantic novel that asks, What do you do when making the person you love happy also means breaking your own heart?


My thoughts prior to reading:

I wanted to read this due to all the hype I was hearing about it plus with the movie that just came out. I also chose to see the movie before reading the book (partly because I can't enjoy the movie if I read the book then watch the movie). The movie made me cry so much I went with three friends and none of them cried (I cry very easily). After seeing the movie I knew I wanted to read the book so I picked it up and started it. 

My thoughts after reading:

I really enjoyed this book. It gives you more depth to these characters than the movie ever could. Louisa is stunning in the book, you know that when she starts the job with Will she is less than happy. 
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She wants to help him but he doesn't want it. Louisa is close to quitting but doesn't do so only because of her family's situation. At one point Loiusa is so frustrated she tells this to Will that she doesn't want to be there but she needs to be because she needs the money. Will changes a bit after that and he becomes slightly less annoying and a bit more open. 
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Louisa's relationship with her sister is well like any sisterly relationship can be friends and enemies at the same time. Will was a charismatic and adventurous but since his accident he can't do anything he once used to and although Louisa tries to make things better he knows that although she is his caregiver she is essentially just his babysitter. When Louisa realizes that he no longer wishes to leave and has set plans into motion to end his life she looks for anything and everything to change his mind.  
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This book is very touching and heartbreaking you may want to have some tissue nearby when reading this. I also watched the movie and I though it was quite faithful to the book. The movie did make me cry but I'm very emotional it takes little to make me cry. I highly recommend this book! 

Have you read it? Did you enjoy it? Should I read the next book? Please let me know!



My Rating:
★★★★


Thursday, September 1, 2016

Frazzled by Booki Vivat

Frazzled: Everyday Disasters and Impending Doom by Booki Vivat

Age Range: 8 - 12 years
Grade Level: 3 - 7
Hardcover: 240 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (September 27, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0062398792

Synopsis (From Amazon):

Meet Abbie Wu. Abbie is in crisis—and not just because she’s starting middle school or because she’s stuck in a family that doesn’t quite get her or because everyone seems to have a Thing except her. Abbie Wu is always in crisis.

From debut author and professional doodler Booki Vivat, Frazzled dives right into the mind of this hilariously neurotic middle school girl as she tries to figure out who she is and where she belongs. Akin to Smile by Raina Telgemeier, Frazzled is heavily illustrated, embarrassingly honest, and sure to appeal to anyone in the middle of figuring out how to survive the everyday disasters of growing up.

"Honest, sweet, and laugh-out-loud funny," raves Brightly.com.

My thoughts prior to reading:

I got this book in exchange for an honest review, all my opinions are my own. When I first received this book I wasn't very excited since it's a middle school book and for some reason I am not to fond of those. I picked this book up right before starting work (At an elementary/middle school). I thought I should read it and maybe recommend it to some students if I liked it enough. As soon as I opened it I realized there was a lot of pictures and the language used in this book would be simple enough for most students.

My thoughts after reading:

As I was reading through the book I was surprised by how cute and down to earth this character was. Abbie is the middle child in her family, she is about to start middle school and is absolutely lost.
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Everything is such a sudden change and her best friends aren't in many of her classes. Everyone seems to know what their doing and what they are best at and Abbie feels like she got left behind.
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Students can relate easily with Abbie because we all were once in middle school and we were absolutely lost (I know I was). At school Abbie is seen as her brother's younger sister and wishes to be distinguished differently.

For kids entering into middle school this is the perfect book for you! It is even enjoyable for older readers so they can reminiscence on the younger days and see that kids today have it just as bad as we once did.  The illustrations are delightful, you will find yourself laughing, cheering for this adorable character on, before you know it you will have turned the last page and find yourself asking for more.
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My Rating:

★★★★
  

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Waiting on Wednesday # 26

Between Worlds by Skip Brittenham

Age Range: 12 - 17 years
Grade Level: 7 and up
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers (August 30, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0399176896
ISBN-13: 978-0399176890


"An unforgettable journey of magic and adventure." —Harrison Ford

“This is an inventive and fluid fantasy novel with likable characters.” —School Library Journal

"Between Worlds has echoes of the best classic fantasy—yet it's also completely original.

I was entranced from beginning to end." —Joe Roth, producer of Disney's Alice in Wonderland and Maleficent

"The action-packed intensity of this modern mythological adventure will keep readers enthralled." —Chris Meledandri, founder of Illumination Entertainment and producer of Despicable Me and Minions

A fantastical world, terrifying monsters, breathtaking magic, and two determined and brave teenagers. Welcome to BETWEEN WORLDS, the debut of a new young adult science fiction/fantasy series by Skip Brittenham, the co-creator of Anomaly, the longest original full-color graphic novel ever published, which was praised in USA Today as “awe-inspiring” and “the kind of book you’d want on a desert island,” as well as Shifter, called “fast-paced and captivating” in the New York Times.

BETWEEN WORLDS combines good old-fashioned storytelling with cutting edge technology to offer the reader an enthralling multimedia experience. Paired with the novel is totally immersive Augmented Reality (AR) capability, which allows the characters to literally pop off the pages in interactive 3D. All thirteen illustrations in the novel are AR-enabled. The “magic” can be easily activated by downloading the free “Between Worlds AR” app from the Apple App Store or Google Play onto one’s mobile device. Interact with the characters by tapping on them to see what they do and read “Mayberry’s Diary,” which shares additional details not included in the novel and expands the universe for the reader.


In the book, Mayberry Hansen and Marshall Jackson are two best friends and fellow outsiders at their high school in Eden Grove, Minnesota. Misunderstood and restless, the teenagers wish for a lot of things, including being on another planet altogether. Somewhere with magic and adventure—someplace where they can be heroes. They’ve heard the legends about a magical Wishing Tree, and while on a hike through the forest, they actually find the ancient, magnificent aspen. The pair make their wish, fall asleep . . . and wake up on Nith, a mysterious and dangerous world that is exactly what they asked for—and then some. The alien landscape is stunningly beautiful, but it’s also full of dangerous and fantastic creatures. Creatures that are, almost without exception, hungry… Mayberry and Marshall soon learn two very important facts about their wish: first, that magic comes at a very steep cost, and second, that they can only be heroes if they survive. Their quest to get home will test the limits of their courage and strength . . . and change them in profound ways.

This is integration of the printed page and the latest technology like never before. For more information, visit betweenworldsapp.com.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Skip Brittenham is an entertainment lawyer who lives in Southern California with his wife and daughter, and has two older daughters as well. He’s an avid fly-fisherman and outdoorsman who has traveled to some of the remotest parts of the globe. He has written two graphic novels, Anomaly and Shifter. Between Worlds is Skip’s first young adult novel.
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