Thursday, September 29, 2011

The Goddess Test, by Aimee Carter

Okay... here begins my review for this book. Got it? Any questions? No? Okay. Well, this book was pretty good! However, there was this one thing that really got on my nerves that made me give it this score...
    3.99999 out of 5 stars!

    The Goddess Test, by Aimee Carter
    It's out! Yay!
    3.99999 out of 5 stars
    Summary from Goodreads: It's always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.
    Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.

    Kate is sure he's crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess.


    You might be asking, what's with the rating? Well, I'll explain that later. First things first, isn't Greek mythology awesome? I know, right? I was so happy that it was Greek mythology!!! Well, ish. Percy Jackson got me hooked to all things Greek, so here I am right now typing.

    I love the main character. She's Kate, and she's epically awesome!!!!!!! She is such an amazing character!!! I mean she's sad, hurting inside, and kinda new to Gods. That's why I like her! I mean, she actually gave me a reason to learn what she was learning!!! And, besides, with a name like Kate, how can you not like her?

    Next. I loved the plot!!!! Totally awesome!!! It's just as good as the plots to Percy Jackson!!!!!!! Absolutely love, love, love! I loved the surprises and twists!!!! They were so enviable!! And the ending? Well, let's just say...
    Whoa!!!!!! Wow! What???!!!!!!! (Attack of the Ws)
    Yup... that was my reaction. And it will be yours too!

    James. He was, well, interesting...
    Well, he interested me. And once you learn his true identity, the questions really start pouring...
    (I have too many to post). Let's just say even before then, I was interested in him...
    Quick question James, are you single?
    Haha... :)

    Henry. Well, he wasn't who you'd expect a Hades to be. I mean, you're supposed to be a total bad boy!!! Henry? He was just half a bad boy. Not that I minded anyways...  but still. I like my boys bad!!!! Come on! Henry, what are you waiting for? Release your inner bad boy!
    But mainly, one thing really got on my nerves: He doesn't even use a single contraction!!!!!!! Aaaaaaaagggggh!!!!!! Hello? Why can't you just use one? That's why I can't crush on you.
    I'm sorry, but I really love my boys to use CONTRACTIONS!!!!!!!! And that's why I took of a fraction of a point, so it's 3.99999!!!!!!

    Well, that aside, it was a pretty spectacular book!!!!!!! Definitely worth the read. Love, love, loved it!!! So, read it! And rant about Henry's absence of contractions!!!!!!! I mean, he really needs to learn to use them. Kate just might dump him for it...
    I would. :P

    Wednesday, September 28, 2011

    Between Shades of Gray, by Ruta Sepetys

    This book changed my life. Yes, it actually did, and I'm not lying! I was absolutely changed after I read this book. And it's a good thing! I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 5 out of 5 stars

    Between Shades of Gray, by Ruta Sepetys
    5 out of 5 stars
    Already out now
    Goodreads summary: Lina is just like any other fifteen-year-old Lithuanian girl in 1941. She paints, she draws, she gets crushes on boys. Until one night when Soviet officers barge into her home, tearing her family from the comfortable life they've known. Separated from her father, forced onto a crowded and dirty train car, Lina, her mother, and her young brother slowly make their way north, crossing the Arctic Circle, to a work camp in the coldest reaches of Siberia. Here they are forced, under Stalin's orders, to dig for beets and fight for their lives under the cruelest of conditions.

    Lina finds solace in her art, meticulously - and at great risk - documenting events by drawing, hoping these messages will make their way to her father's prison camp to let him know they are still alive. It is a long and harrowing journey, spanning years and covering 6,500 miles, but it is through incredible strength, love, and hope that Lina ultimately survives. Between Shades of Gray is a novel that will steal your breath and capture your heart.


    Yes, this book stole my breath. And yes, it captured my heart. There's something about this book that is so unique, captivating and altogether totally beautiful that it makes me want to cry happy tears. I'm happy that there's a book like this out there! It's so perfect!

    It's kind of hard to believe this is a YA novel. Why? Well, for one thing, the scenarios are sad, heartwrenching and unbelievable. And the theme? Unbelievable as well. This book is so much more serious than all the other YA books, and I like that.

    You need to read this book! That's all I really need to say! It's so good! And moving! And just pure 100% unbelievable! So what are you waiting for? Just read Lina's story! You won't regret it, I promise!
    I mean, why else would it be 5 out of 5 stars?

    Monday, September 26, 2011

    Glass Houses, by Rachel Caine

    I have mixed feelings about this book. I have mixed feelings about the book. I have mixed feelings about this book. You get my point! It's not recommended. Why? Because... it's okay. Not good or anything. But you didn't hear that from me...
    2.5 out of 5 stars


    Glass Houses, by Rachel Caine
    2.5 out of 5 stars
    It's been out for 5 years!
    Summary from Goodreads:From the author of the popular Weather Warden series comes the debut of an exciting new series set in Morganville, Texas, where you would be well advised to avoid being out after dark.

    College freshman Claire Danvers has had enough of her nightmarish dorm situation. When Claire heads off-campus, the imposing old house where she finds a room may not be much better. Her new roommates don't show many signs of life, but they'll have Claire's back when the town's deepest secrets come crawling out, hungry for fresh blood.


    Now, I could rant on and on about how much I loathe this book. But that wouldn't be nice to the fans, the author or the book itself. So this will be short and sweet. Not. It's going to be a half rant instead!

    The plot. What is there to say? It wasn't exactly exciting. Okay, fine. It was surprising, but it was kinda cheesy. I mean, Claire, really? You would put up with being bullied? Are you sure you would do this? And do you know how unprobable it is to be bullied the way you did? I mean seriously, why would Monica call you a dork? Isn't that a little old?
    And this just goes on and on and on...
    To keep it short-ish, it was an okay plot, minus the bullying and the cheese factor.

    But if there was one thing I liked, it was the guy. No, not Shane, but Michael! He was awesome! I mean, who cares what his secret is, he's just plain mindblowing! I liked him a lot!! Or it could be love...
    No. Comment.

    Eve, well she was sweet. Ish. She was sweet until she wasn't. But Goth. Not that I mind that, but it was just a little cliche. Okay, a lot. But still, she was an okay character, and I didn't mind her...
    Much.

    I didn't like Rachel Caine's writing style. It just didn't suck me in. At all. Through the whole entire book, I felt like I had to push myself to get through the whole entire thing. Not good. Not good at all... I didn't even get excited at all in the whole entire book! That's one thing I didn't like. But not the only thing...

    I guess I could still get through the book... but barely.

    Sunday, September 25, 2011

    Ruby Red, by Kerstin Gier

    I really, really needed a book to read, but I didn't really want to read any of the normal paranormal books. So when I finally saw this book, I knew I had to get it! And... it was fantastic!!!!!!! (I'm trying not to say awesome). I loved it! So... 4 out of 5 stars.
    Cover:"Look at me, I'm so pretty!"
    Ruby Red, by Kerstin Gier
    Published May 10 2011
    4 out of 5 stars
    Summary from Goodreads:
    Gwyneth Shepherd's sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. But unexpectedly, it is Gwyneth, who in the middle of class takes a sudden spin to a different era!
    Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history, and work with Gideon--the time traveler from a similarly gifted family that passes the gene through its male line, and whose presence becomes, in time, less insufferable and more essential. Together, Gwyneth and Gideon journey through time to discover who, in the 18th century and in contemporary London, they can trust.


    Just a sidenote before I begin, this book was originally written in German. Then it was translated by someone else into English. But it's still awesome!! (Oops, I used the forbidden word!) Anyways, don't let that stop you from reading it.

    This book is a brand new take on time travel, so you are introduced to a whole new world. Well, at least part of 18th century London. That was so cool!!! I really loved what happened when Gwyneth and Gideon journeyed to the past. It was so interesting!!!!!! So, so good!!!!!!!!!
    When they journey to the past, let's just say some really captivating stuff occurs, in the form of action and other stuff that you have to read about!!!!

    I loved Gideon. He's your snarky, charming boy. Not to mention that he has really awesome green eyes and curly brown hair. In other words, he's hot. But you didn't hear that from me. You can't help but like such a guy like him. So if you like Archer Cross from the Hex Hall series, you will definitely like Gideon!! And if you don't like Archer, well too bad, you'll still love Gideon! Yup, he's just that amazing!!!!!

    As for Gwyneth, she's not exactly your average girl. Well, she can time-travel. Besides that, she's really pretty. By pretty I mean black hair and blue eyes. I've always wanted a protagonist who looked like that. And she came in the form of Gwyneth!!!!!!! You'll love her! And not just because of her looks...

    The plot is okay. Just okay. I mean, I could predict some parts of the story, but not too many. I'm not sure if that's a good thing...  Anyways, when the surprises come, they are super surprising!!!!!!! You have to read and reread them just to make sure it actually happened!!!!!!!! The author leaves quite a few unanswered questions to be answered (hopefully) in the next book.

    So......... read this book! It's really amazing! And if you are fluent in German, you can read the whole entire trilogy in German because they're all out now. If you need the English version, well, you have to wait till next year for the sequel Sapphire Blue to come out.

    NOTE: I'm not responsible for any reactions related to this book, such as sudden shock, intense love for Ruby Red, swooning over Gideon, or anything else.





    Saturday, September 24, 2011

    Graffiti Moon, by Cath Crowley

    I like to change. That's one thing I love. So I was kind of getting bored of all the paranormal stuff, you know, the vampires, fallen angels, and other stuff. So when I came upon this book, I knew I had to pounce!!!!!!!!
    Well, kind of. Anyways, 3.5 out of 5 stars.

    Graffiti Moon, by Cath Crowley
    Release date:2/14/2012
    Recieved from: Netgalley
    3.5 out of 5 stars!
    Goodreads Review:"Let me make it in time. Let me meet Shadow. The guy who paints in the dark. Paints birds trapped on brick walls and people lost in ghost forests. Paints guys with grass growing from their hearts and girls with buzzing lawn mowers."

    It’s the end of Year 12. Lucy’s looking for Shadow, the graffiti artist everyone talks about.

    His work is all over the city, but he is nowhere.

    Ed, the last guy she wants to see at the moment, says he knows where to find him. He takes Lucy on an all-night search to places where Shadow’s thoughts about heartbreak and escape echo around the city walls.

    But the one thing Lucy can’t see is the one thing that’s right before her eyes.


    Look at this cover!!!! It really catches your eye, doesn't it? Look at it, can't you see the boy and girl in the helmet? Wow... this cover is amazing!!!!!!!! Absolutely amazing!!!! I love it!!!!!!!

    This. Book. Is...
    Different!
    Interesting!
    Unique!
    And so on...

    I really liked the characters in this book. Lucy was done really well! I loved how strong she was. She's really smart and smoldering and just all out really well developed! So. Awesome!
    And Ed. Let's just say there's a lot about him... and he's hiding a huge secret that will either make or break Lucy's day. (You find out about it in the first chapter). Anyways, he was okay. Just okay. I mean, he isn't exactly your charming boy, but he is broken. Ish. I felt he could be more complex, but hey, you don't have to listen to me!

    The thing about this book is the timing. This book, about 250 pages, is about one night. Yup. Just one night. I was really impressed by that. I mean, most books take longer. But this one didn't. I really didn't feel like I wanted to read only about one night, but Cath Crowley made it fun! I liked how it all happened in 250ish pages! It was nice!

    The author brought in a lot of stuff that makes you think, like glassblowing, graffiti, and other stuff. I liked it! It was really, really contemporary and all together awesome! If all books had aspects like Graffiti Moon does, I would read all books! But, only a few books do, so you have to read this book!!!!!!!!!

    Warning: There were a ton of swear words. I mean, literally at least one every page. I'm okay with a few, but this was a little overboard. Just so you know what to expect. Definitely do not read this if you're not okay with swear words! Also, this is for people 14 years and older. Just follow the age limit please!

    So, if you like contemporary romance, READ THIS BOOK! It is so worth it!
    :)

    Watch this!

    Watch this trailer for the book The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer! Isn't it SO awesome???? Now I really want to read it!!!!!!! So, because of this trailer, on September 27th, you are going to BUY THIS BOOK! (Or at least somehow get your hands on it).



    Need more encouragement? Well, watch the video again! And again. And again.
    And... well you get my point.

    Wednesday, September 21, 2011

    Wake, by Lisa McMann

    I am in love with a book. It's sooooo good. But doesn't that seem weird, to fall in love with a book????? Well, kind of. But not when you've read Wake, by Lisa McMann!!!!!!!! It's. So. Awesome!!!!!!!! 5 out of 5 stars!


    Wake by Lisa McMann
    Oh, it's out
    5 out of 5 silvery stars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Summary from Goodreads.com:For seventeen-year-old Janie, getting sucked into other people's dreams is getting old. Especially the falling dreams, the naked-but-nobody-notices dreams, and the sex-crazed dreams. Janie's seen enough fantasy booty to last her a lifetime.
    She can't tell anybody about what she does they'd never believe her, or worse, they'd think she's a freak. So Janie lives on the fringe, cursed with an ability she doesn't want and can’t control.
    Then she falls into a gruesome nightmare, one that chills her to the bone. For the first time, Janie is more than a witness to someone else's twisted psyche. She is a participant.


    So. Good. I loved this book!!!!!!!! These are the top 3 things I loved:
    1. Plot
    2. Cabel
    3. The writing style

    1. Plot
    Wow... this plot was unbelievably amazing!!!!!!!! So. Unique. So. Awesome. So. Totally. Mindblowing!!!!!!!!!!! I loved it!!!! I mean, I've basically read every different variety there is to paranormal books. But not seeing dreams. So I have to say, this was such a nice refreshment! Wow... Lisa McMann was so creative in this book. So creative!!!!!!
    Let's just say this book was surprising at the least. Throughout the book, my view kept on changing. I couldn't figure out what was going to happen next. And my guesses were never correct. Lisa McMann was always at least one step ahead of me. So awesome!!

    2. Cabel
    I liked Cabel. He was so sweet in this one. Well sometimes anyways. He wasn't exactly your bad boy, but he was definitely broken. Cabel=Broken good boy. :)
    And I loved him for it!!!!!!!!! At first I thought something else about him, but trust me, by the end of this book, I totally loved him!!!!!
    Swoon, swoon, swoon. I really, really loved him!!!!!!! And that's quite something coming from me. I mean it...

    3. The Writing Style
    Lisa McMann's style is not your average writer. She chose a distinct third person style, but then went from the present all the way back in time, then slowly made her way back to the present. I wasn't used to it, but by the end of the book, I was totally loving it!!!!!!!!! So, so unique. And that's definitely a good thing!!!!!
    Usually different is a bad thing. But not in this case. I'm so glad Lisa McMann took this approach. It gives you a lot of backup information, so you get what's happening. Well, most of the time.

    So... I love this book!!!!!!! It's totally worth reading!!! Love, love, love. It will blow you away!!!!!!!
    ... and you'll be in Antarctica holding this book and all the penguins will be staring at you. Haha. :)

    Tuesday, September 20, 2011

    Crescendo, by Becca Fitzpatrick

    I am in so much shock. AAGGGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!! This is getting at me. Usually I don't freak out or rant exactly like this, but this is not a usual book!!!!!!! I'm dying here!!!!! So good!! Shocked+Freaked+Utterly Amazed=4 out of 5 stars


    Crescendo, by Becca Fitzpatrick
    Oh, it's out, so read it!
    4 out of 5 stars!
    Summary from Goodreads:Nora Grey's life is still far from perfect. Surviving an attempt on her life wasn't pleasant, but at least she got a guardian angel out of it: a mysterious, magnetic, gorgeous guardian angel. But, despite his role in her life, Patch has been acting anything but angelic. He's more elusive than ever and even worse, he's started spending time with Nora's arch-enemy, Marcie Millar.

    Nora would have hardly noticed Scott Parnell, an old family friend who has moved back to town, if Patch hadnt been acting so distant. Even with Scott's totally infuriating attitude Nora finds herself drawn to him - despite her lingering feeling that he's hiding something.

    Haunted by images of her murdered father, and questioning whether her nephilim bloodline has anything to do with his death, Nora puts herself increasingly in dangerous situations as she desperately searches for answers. But maybe some things are better left buried, because the truth could destroy everything - and everyone - she trusts.


    So. Good!!!!!!! I loved it. It was amazing! But you probably already knew that. Haha. :)

    Oh, the plot was awesome!!!!!!! I really liked how Becca Fitzpatrick made Nora and Patch stop being as well off and how she added Marcie Millar to it all. But mainly, I can't stop gushing over the twists and surprises!!! There were so many. And they were so good!!!!!!!!! I never saw any of them coming!!!!!!!!! Still. In. Shock.
    There are at least 3 main surprises, but I can't tell you! Read the book!!

    Oh, and Patch. He was so good!!!!!!!! Well, in a bad boy way. Swoon, swoon, swoon. I loved him!!!!!!!!! And even if you don't like bad boys, you still will love Patch!!! Yup, he's that awesome. Love, love, love! He's done even better than he is in Hush Hush. And that's saying a lot. So Patch=Amazing.

    Nora was totally relatable. And that's what I liked about her. She was a little whinier though. It seemed like all she could to was freak about Patch and love/hate him. I mean, I totally get why she would, but isn't Nora a little overboard???

    There was a little less action, but a huge cliffhanger that will have you begging for Silence. So all is okay thanks to cliffhangers!!

    This book was even better than Hush Hush, if possible. It was so good!!!!! So if you've read Hush Hush, you need to read Crescendo!!!! Then you can rant about it like me!!!!!!!! But make sure you've read Hush Hush!!!!!!! (It's the first book).

    So... how is it possible to wait till Silence comes out????

    Sunday, September 18, 2011

    North of Beautiful, by Justina Chen Headley

    Wow. I am in heaven. Why??????? Because I just finished an amazing book!!!!!! It was so bloody good!!!!!!!!!!!! Amazed. Mindblown. Crazed. And begging for more of this writer's work. Cause I'm lovin it!!!!!!!!!!! 4 out of 5 stars. So. Beautiful. And. Bloody. Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!
    North of Beautiful, by Justina Chen Headley
    It's out already
    4 out of 5 stars
    Review from Goodreads:As he continued to stare, I wanted to point to my cheek and remind him, But you were the one who wanted this, remember? You're the one who asked-and I repeat-Why not fix your face?
    It's hard not to notice Terra Cooper.

    She's tall, blond, and has an enviable body. But with one turn of her cheek, all people notice is her unmistakably "flawed" face. Terra secretly plans to leave her stifling small town in the Northwest and escape to an East Coast college, but gets pushed off-course by her controlling father. When an unexpected collision puts Terra directly in Jacob's path, the handsome but quirky Goth boy immediately challenges her assumptions about herself and her life, and she is forced in yet another direction. With her carefully laid plans disrupted, will Terra be able to find her true path?

    Written in lively, artful prose, award-winning author Justina Chen Headley has woven together a powerful novel about a fractured family, falling in love, travel, and the meaning of true beauty.

    This book is not meant to be reviewed. Just so you know that. Anything I say will ruin the book. So this review will be kinda short. Cause it's just that good!!!!!!!!!! Loved it!!!!!!!!

    I loved the characters. All of them were so detailed and different. They were all so well written and real. I felt so mad at Terra's dad, so in love with Jacob, and so interested in Terra's story. If anything, they are my favorite characters ever!!!!!!!!!!!! But even that's not enough for how I really feel about them.

    The plot???? Well it was so different. And good. I was so amazed by it. I mean, it's about a girl who's discovering herself through all of what happens, yet it's so much more. I loved how it was also about maps, flaws, and a lot of other stuff. You really have to read it to see what I mean.

    It was well written. Really well written. I mean, it actually felt like I was reading an actual teen's story. Not just one written by someone else. But I felt like I knew Terra and what she was going through. Who doesn't love writing like that???????? So, so awesome. Absolutely loved, loved, loved it!!!!!!!!!!!

    So..... what's not to love about this book????? If anything, it really changes how you think about beauty and ugliness. It challenges what beauty really is, and the world we are in now. My whole entire life was changed after I read it. Well, almost, anyways. You can't forget this book. It needs to be read!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    JUST READ THIS BOOK NOW!!!!!!!! I can't write anything else...
    or else it will scare you away if it hasn't already. Haha.

    The Near Witch, by Victoria Schwab

    Gasp. This, gasp, book, gasp, was so good!!!!!!!! It made me, gasp, and cry cause it was so well-written!!!!!!! Well, almost anyways. It made me, gasp, want to reread it even though I already finished it. Well, that's a given with almost any book I've read. Yes, I'm done gasping. 4 out of 5 stars!!!!
    The Near Witch, by Victoria Schwab
    Out now, so get it!!!!
    4 out of 5 stars!!!!
    Summary from Goodreads:The Near Witch is only an old story told to frighten children.

    If the wind calls at night, you must not listen. The wind is lonely, and always looking for company.

    And there are no strangers in the town of Near.
    These are the truths that Lexi has heard all her life.

    But when an actual stranger—a boy who seems to fade like smoke—appears outside her home on the moor at night, she knows that at least one of these sayings is no longer true.

    The next night, the children of Near start disappearing from their beds, and the mysterious boy falls under suspicion. Still, he insists on helping Lexi search for them. Something tells her she can trust him.

    As the hunt for the children intensifies, so does Lexi’s need to know—about the witch that just might be more than a bedtime story, about the wind that seems to speak through the walls at night, and about the history of this nameless boy.

    Part fairy tale, part love story, Victoria Schwab’s debut novel is entirely original yet achingly familiar: a song you heard long ago, a whisper carried by the wind, and a dream you won’t soon forget
    .

    So. Beautifully. Written. That's what I really loved about this story. Most YA books aren't written like this, in a way that seems so elegant and different. But this one is. The writing is so wonderful and spectacular, definitely a must-read. If you like the writing of Cassandra Clare, you definitely will love Victoria Schwab's!!!!!!!

    The characters. I loved Lexi's strength. She's a really strong person, not willing to take no for an answer. She wouldn't rely on others if she didn't have to. And she would follow her heart even if she ended up breaking the rules and risking the wrath of her uncle. She was so awesome! However, towards the end of the book, she started relying on Cole a bit too much. I mean, she could have done it herself, but oh well, she's still a bloody awesome character!!!!!

    I liked Cole. You don't get to know that much about him, but what you do know, it drives you crazy!!!! You won't be able to believe his story and who he really is. It's really surprising, you have to read and reread those parts!!! Not that I minded. Plus... he looks good. Dark hair, dark eyes and pale skin. And mysterious. Ssssssssooooooo mysterious. I love my guys mysterious!!!! What's not to love?

    The plot was awesome!!!!!!!!!! With a few surprises, well, make that a lot, it had me begging and begging for more!!!!! I absolutely loved it!!!!!!
    However, I couldn't tell when it all took place. You don't learn much about the time at all. I mean, there's almost nothing to help you know about the time period. I'm not sure if I like that or not...

    Not only that, but it's not in a trilogy!!!!! Most YA books are, but this one isn't. Isn't that awesome? You can get the whole entire story in one book and not have to wait for another book. So awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I loved this book!!!!!!!! So bloody amazing!!!!! Love, love loved it!!!!!!! It was definitely worth it!!!!!!!! And if you need more convincing, check out the YA Sisterhood's review of it here. Enjoy the book!

    Friday, September 16, 2011

    A Sad Song

    This is one of my favorite songs... even though it's really, really sad. Every time I watch this it makes me tear up. Well, almost anyways.
    Concrete Angel by Martina Mcbride

    So sad!!!!!!! But I love it anyways.

    Thursday, September 15, 2011

    Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready

    This review is long overdue!!!!! I read this book quite a long time ago but couldn't bring myself to review it. Yes, it's that good. And you should read it. 4 out of 5 stars...
    Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready
    Out now
    4 out of 5 stars, it's bloody awesome!
    Summary from goodreads.com:Love ties them together. Death can't tear them apart.

    Best. Birthday. Ever. At least, it was supposed to be. With Logan's band playing a critical gig and Aura's plans for an intimate after-party, Aura knows it will be the most memorable night of her boyfriend's life. She never thought it would be his last.

    Logan's sudden death leaves Aura devastated. He's gone.

    Well, sort of.

    Like everyone born after the Shift, Aura can see and hear ghosts. This mysterious ability has always been annoying, and Aura had wanted nothing more than to figure out why the Shift happened so she can undo it. But not with Logan's violet-hued spirit still hanging around. Because dead Logan is almost as real as ever. Almost.

    It doesn't help that Aura's new friend Zachary is so understanding—and so very alive. His support means more to Aura than she cares to admit.

    As Aura's relationships with the dead and the living grow ever complicated, so do her feelings for Logan and Zachary. Each holds a piece of Aura's heart...and clues to the secret of the Shift.


    Look at this pretty cover! Isn't it so sparkly and pretty and... purple? Don't you want to read it now? So sparkly... haha. If you don't want to read it now, you will want to read it later!

    Anyways, this plot was awesome!!!!!!!! So unique! I mean I usually don't do ghosts. Usually. So I wasn't expecting ghosts to be so bloody awesome!!!!!!!! Well some ghosts. Most ghosts are just ghosts. But some ghosts turn into Shades, and you don't want to know what they are.
    But the twists that Jeri Smith-Ready wrote were so different!!!!!!!! In a good way. She really risked the novel failing because of them. But it worked, so cheers for her!!!! There were lots of twists and turns... and I liked it!!!!!!
    Another thing: the originality. Shade is so super original!! I mean she used ghosts, which is kind of uncommon, but then made it so that only kids could see it. (Yes, I'm calling Aura a kid. Sorry, Aura!) Then when you learn about the Shift in the book, you barely find out anything about it. Another reason to read the book: the mystery of the Shift!!!!!

    The guys. AAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH! I honestly can not choose between Logan and Zachary. Sure Logan is blonde and he has a band, but Zachary comes from Scotland and he has an adorable accent!!!!!!! Sure Logan is hot and everything, but Zach might be hotter!!!!!! So, in other words, I'll let Aura choose and I'll take whoever's left. I mean, who wouldn't mind having Logan or Zachary?

    I forgot Aura!!!!!!! Well almost forgot her, anyways. She's definitely interesting and relatable. And pretty. That's what surprised me. Most main characters aren't called pretty, but she is. Just like the cover. I really liked reading about someone everyone else called pretty. It was a nice change.

    However, this book is definitely for older teens. The relationship was more innappropriate. So if you're not okay with that, don't read it.

    Overall great read!!!! This book was totally mind-boggling, fresh and pure creative!!!!!! If you want a change of books, definitely read this one!

    Tuesday, September 13, 2011

    Happy Birthday Roald Dahl!!!!

    Today is Roald Dahl's birthday! (Well, it would be today if he were still living). If you don't know who Roald Dahl is, he's the author of Matilda, The BFG, The Twits, The Witches, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and others. His books are awesome!!!!

    Here he is:

    Anyways, happy birthday!!!
    Visit his offical website here and see some of his quotes here.

    Monday, September 12, 2011

    Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

    Hmmmmmm........ this book was different. Not necessarily good different, but definitely weird different. And I'm all for it!!!!! Love it!
    Wow... I'm in awe. 4 out of 5 stars.
    Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
    Out now!!!!!!!!
    4 out of 5 stars.

    Summary from goodreads.com:Evie’s always thought of herself as a normal teenager, even though she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she’s falling for a shape-shifter, and she’s the only person who can see through paranormals’ glamours.
    But Evie’s about to realize that she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures. So much for normal.


    From the cover, you might be weirded out by this book. I mean, there's this blonde girl traipsing in a field of wheat and you think, WHAT?!!!! Isn't this some book about Demeter? You know, the goddess of agriculture?
    Surprisingly, no it isn't. It's actually about this crazy awesome girl named Evie. And it isn't that crazy.

    The main character, Evie, is sarcastic, hilarious, funny, clever, smart and a total teenager!!!!!!! She is awesome!!!!!!! Evie loves her high school TV show, has a BFF, has a crush or two and LOVES pink!!!! Are you kidding me, she wears pink all the time!!!! And did I mention she has a pink taser and a pink knife????? And zebra print boots? She is almost like any other teenager. Almost. Her BFF is a mermaid, she's crushing on a shapeshifter, and she's getting weirded out by her new so-called powers.

    Then there's this whole entire prophecy thing. Can't say much about it. Let's just say it's not what you've expected. In a good way. It's a totally awesome plot with so many surprises! So different!!!! Love the plot!!!
    ***********SPOILER ALERT******* Empty One? Immortal? She needs souls? Sister???????????????? Wow, Kiersten White, that was not expected!*********END SPOILER*********

    Oh, and the guys!!!!!!!!!! First there's Lend, the shapeshifter. He gets caught sneaking into the IPCA. Evie and him develop a friendship and end up crushing on each other. Totally awesome!!!!!!! I love him!!!!!!!!! But then again, who wouldn't? Who knew I could fall for a shapeshifter?
    But then there's Reth, Evie's ex-boyfriend. He's your not so average fairy who has these melting brown eyes. And he's really, really sly. And hot. But with a different meaning. He literally warms Evie up. Love them both!!! Totally awesome love triangle... ish.

    Also... NO SWEAR WORDS!!!!!!! That is totally awesome! It's a totally clean paranormal novel, something I really haven't seen. I. Love. It!!!!!!!!! Love this book!!!!!!!!! EEEEEEEE!!!!!!! And I love the title!

    If you haven't read this book, read it now!!!!!!!! It is so totally crazy awesome!!!!!!! And the sequel, Supernaturally, is already out! So read it, fall in love with the book, and read the sequel!!!!!!! Wow... I sound... really, really weird...

    Sunday, September 11, 2011

    Crazy awesome Classics worth Reading

    Classics are totally awesome!!!!!!!!!!! Well some are anyways. Some unbelievably cool, creative, and hilarious. Emphasis on some. Well anyways here are some of my favorite classics.

    Anne of Green Gables, by L. M. Montgomery

    I first read this book in fourth grade and fell in love with it. I loved Anne, her imagination, her world and her totally wicked life. It was so hilarious!!!!!! And a classic!!!!!!! Definitely the awesomest classic ever!!!!!!! I totally love it.
    I kept on rereading the book until I learned that there were 7 more books about Anne. They're all totally awesome, even better than the first. And you can get all 8 books online for free!!!!!!!
    Read it here!

    Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
    I fell in love with the March family a few years ago. From the tomboy Jo, to the sweet and gentle Beth, to Meg the romantic and Amy the amazing artist. They were such an inspiring family, growing up in the time of the Civil War. Each matured remarkably and taught generations of girls skills.
    (Now I sound like an adult trying to promote the book! Haha!)
    Anyways, read it now! Read it here!

    Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Caroll
    Ah-mazing author, ah-mazing characters, ah-mazing story. Such an awesome combination of good writing and crazy randomness!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's not as popular as other classics, but it's still unbelievably cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    These are my top 3 favorite classics!!!!!!!!!!!!! Aren't they awesome??? Ish????? Please say yes!!!!!!!!! I might add more to my list later, but these will always be my top three!!!!!

    Friday, September 9, 2011

    Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard

    I don't want to review this book. It's too good to be reviewed. I feel like if I review it I'll mess it up really, really badly. Wahhhhhhh!!!!!!!! This book is soooooooooooooo good!!!!!!!! 5 out of 5 stars!!!!!!! Love, love love!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard
    Release date: March 13 2012
    Recieved from: Netgalley
    Summary from Goodreads:It all begins with a stupid question:

    Are you a Global Vagabond?

    No, but 18-year-old Bria Sandoval wants to be. In a quest for independence, her neglected art, and no-strings-attached hookups, she signs up for a guided tour of Central America—the wrong one. Middle-aged tourists with fanny packs are hardly the key to self-rediscovery. When Bria meets Rowan, devoted backpacker and dive instructor, and his outspokenly humanitarian sister Starling, she seizes the chance to ditch her group and join them off the beaten path.

    Bria's a good girl trying to go bad. Rowan's a bad boy trying to stay good. As they travel across a panorama of Mayan villages, remote Belizean islands, and hostels plagued with jungle beasties, they discover what they've got in common: both seek to leave behind the old versions of themselves. And the secret to escaping the past, Rowan’s found, is to keep moving forward.

    But Bria comes to realize she can't run forever, no matter what Rowan says. If she ever wants the courage to fall for someone worthwhile, she has to start looking back.

    Kirsten Hubbard lends her artistry into this ultimate backpacker novel, weaving her drawings into the text. Her career as a travel writer and her experiences as a real-life vagabond backpacking Central America are deeply seeded in this inspiring story.


    There's something about this book that's totally different from any others. It's Sarah Dessen with a mix of something serious and tons of travel. Not only that but it has ART!!!!!!!!!!! Totally beautifully drawn art!!!!!!! Now that makes me want to pick up my pencil and draw. Even if I'm not good.

    Plot: I love, love this plot! It's a totally awesome plot with a lot of travel. I like how it focuses on traveling and healing. Bria has gone through a lot. She gave up art. Her ex-boyfriend was disgusting. So now she's in Central America. There's something about this plot that is totally different. There aren't many twists or curveballs, but it seems to suit the book. Instead it focuses on something a lot more serious. Finding yourself, looking back, and accepting. Well, and travel... and art
    That's the YA first plot I've seen that's more serious. And I like it. A lot.

    The Characters: These are not your average YA characters. Well, not exactly, anyways. Bria is this awesome artist who made not breaking up with her boyfriend earlier. Because of him, she gave up college and her art. And started to travel. I like her because she is such an awesome person! She thinks about her mistakes and opens up. Kirsten Hubbards gives you these little bits through out the book about her past so you can put the pieces together. She really got to me and is totally relatable. Not only that, but she's just totally cool, creative, and really, really a likeable character.
    Rowan. I like him. A lot. He's not your typical bad boy. For one thing, he was a bad boy. Was. So now he's trying not to think about the past. Instead, he's afflicted with wanderlove. Not wanderlust. Just running away from his mistakes. What's so awesome is together, Bria and Rowan have these awesome conversations. They're serious, true, and at times wistful. Besides, he's looks good. Black hair, dark blue eyes, what's not to like???
    Starling is Rowan's older sister. She's really protective, fierce, and super nice. She really looked after Rowan when he made mistakes, quitting her job helping poor people in Central America. I really liked her character. She was well written and well described.
    ... and energetic and hilarious and... you get the point!

    Also, there's not a cliffhanger!!!!! A totally cool and sweet ending that isn't crazily cliffhanger related! Instead it's perfect. Perfectly written. Definitely my favorite ending!!!!!!!!

    I love this book!!!!!!!!!! It's so inspirational!!!!!!!! And it makes we want to smile. And smile. And smile. I just love this book. Everything about this book is totally awesome. Ah-mazing!!!!!!!
    So... just read the book (or an Arc), fall in love with it, and keep on rereading it! Just read it! Now!

    Thursday, September 8, 2011

    2 words repeated for a long long time...........

    So I just happened to watch this video... and it's really, really weird. All the times Britney Spears sings baby or crazy in her songs, it's included here. It's hilarious!!!!!!!!... and ridiculous. See if you can watch the whole thing...

    Tuesday, September 6, 2011

    The Mephisto Covenant

    Wow... This book was unexpected. Maybe in a good way...
    3.5 out of 5 stars.
    By Trinity Faegen
    Not out yet, but soon
    Recieved a galley
    Goodreads review:Sasha is desperate to find out who murdered her father. When getting the answer means pledging her soul to Eryx, she unlocks a secret that puts her in grave danger—she is an Anabo, a daughter of Eve, and Eryx’s biggest threat.

    A son of Hell, immortal, and bound to Earth forever, Jax looks for redemption in the Mephisto Covenant—God’s promise he will find peace in the love of an Anabo. After a thousand years, he’s finally found the girl he’s been searching for: Sasha.

    With the threat of Eryx always looming, Jax knows he has to keep Sasha safe and win her over. But can he? Will Sasha love him and give up her mortal life?

    Overall this was a pretty good read. Sasha and Jax were pretty awesome; they were total opposites and totally great!!! I couldn't help but like all the characters, villians or not. So unexpected of me. I can't believe I like villians!!!!
    It was a pretty good idea, with plenty of action. There were a lot of twists and surprises. So I was always unsure what would happen next.
    It was pretty well written. Trinity has a really awesome voice that flowed really well.
    However some parts were really confusing. I was a little lost sometimes. Also, if you are a Christian, which I am, you will be offended. The way they portray God and Satan are incorrect. And offensive.
    Also, the romance was really innappropriate for teens. Not exactly your average YA book. Is that a good thing? Well I'll let you find out...

    Thursday, September 1, 2011

    Hourglass

    Oh, wow. This book is awesome!!!!!!!!!!! Can't believe how amazing it is!!! But what else can you expect from Hourglass????????

    Pretty cover!!!!!!
    by Myra McEntire, out now.
    Summary from Goodreads:One hour to rewrite the past . . .

    For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn’t there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents’ death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She’s tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.

    So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson’s willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past.

    Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he’s around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened?

    Full of atmosphere, mystery, and romance, Hourglass merges the very best of the paranormal and science-fiction genres in a seductive, remarkable young adult debut

    At first I wasn't sure I wanted to read this book. After all, I don't do time travel. But when I finally picked it up, I realized time travel is awesome!!!!!!!!!! Well at least Emerson's time travel. It is beyond amazing! Anyways, I liked a lot about this book.
    1.) Emerson
    Emerson was surprisingly strong. (both mentally and physically). Well maybe not exactly mentally. Well she was pretty strong mentally for an orphan. Anyways, I like her sarcasm and her don't-mess-with-me attitude. It was pretty refreshing, the total opposite of a certain Bella Swan we all know.

    2.) the romance
    I liked how it wasn't like most novels. Definitely not a love at first sight. But not an I-hate-you-for-no-apparent-reason, either. More of an I-hate-you-for-a-reason-but-I-still-can't-help-it. But it's really appropriate and quite believable, with humor, twists and quite a bit of sarcasm. ********SPOILER!!!****** But Emerson, did you really have to toss Michael? Anyways, it was quite entertaining!!!!!!!*********END SPOILER*****
    A lot of fun, for sure.

    3.) the setting.
    I loved the setting and timeframe. First of all it was a present day timeframe. Not a Civil war era, which I thought it would be. I like how they had iPhones, coffee, and great stuff like that. Actually modern. Not only that, but they actually stayed in the present. Well for the most part, at least.
    The setting: Ivy Springs. I think I want to move there! Myra McEntire captured it perfectly! A beautiful Southern town with charm and a great coffee shop called Murphy's Law. And Emerson, and Michael. Wow... it's amazing what one Southern town can have.

    4.) The other characters
    I loved the other characters, like Thomas(Em's brother) and Dru (his wife). Not to mention all the other characters..... I like how while the book was revolving around Emerson, Myra McEntire also had these stories about other people(even if they kind of have to do with Emerson herself). They were all so well-developed, not one action didn't make sense. It was just flawless, this book, with its amazing characters.

    5.) the villians
    Okay. I can't tell you who they are, but I can tell you that when I found out, I couldn't stop turning the page!! Wow... I did not see that coming. Let's just say I was unbelievably surprised. You really don't expect what happens. And I still have aftereffects from the shock...

    All in all, this book is awesome!!!! And unbelievably cool!!!!!!!!!!! 5 out of 5 stars and more!!!!!!! If you haven't read this book, read it now!!!!!!! It is so awesome!!! Oops, already said that. Wow...
    ... and the use of exclamation points continues.....
    !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Search This Blog
http://thegothicballerina.blogspot.com/2011/09/
thegothicballerina.blogspot.com
crawl=CC-MAIN-2019-30
223203
application/http; msgtype=response
sha1:OLRJ4KADIXWP6GSJNQ32O3M2DIEM4HMF
<urn:uuid:e78e0eab-9bc6-46f3-a569-06c890cec49e>
2019-07-18T04:26:54Z
172.217.7.193
text/html
sha1:CM4LEZ6UF6WFQMA5HEH3ZNEZDLILYL6T
<urn:uuid:48d9eb2a-4ba2-4afd-b56c-279e4d563331>
http://thegothicballerina.blogspot.com/2011/09/
response
<urn:uuid:c14a568b-2cf0-4caa-8fb8-31a1acbcb517>
isPartOf: CC-MAIN-2019-30
publisher: Common Crawl
description: Wide crawl of the web for July 2019
operator: Common Crawl Admin (info@commoncrawl.org)
hostname: ip-10-143-3-249.ec2.internal
software: Apache Nutch 1.15 (modified, https://github.com/commoncrawl/nutch/)
robots: checked via crawler-commons 1.1-SNAPSHOT (https://github.com/crawler-commons/crawler-commons)
format: WARC File Format 1.1
conformsTo: http://iipc.github.io/warc-specifications/specifications/warc-format/warc-1.1/