What I am Thankful For

Hi Everyone!

My Thanksgiving holiday weekend ended yesterday and woah it was a joyful time. A time that included eating food, sharing conversations with my family, seeing a wonderful potential house to buy, watching the touching film adaption to The Book Thief, and lighting Hannukah candles. 

What I am thankful for...

1. Generous people, friendly people and funny people. Friends basically. 
2. Laughing uncontrollably so many times the last few days and all the other times. 
3. Opportunities. 
4. Chocolate cover pretzels. They are my weakness. 
5. My family and my dog. 
6. The best group I could hope for as my group project team for my theater class this past semester. 
7. A exciting first college semester. If this morning is any consideration, I think the last two weeks will continue the trend.
8. The four teachers I had this semester who all helped me become more confident while participating in class discussions. 
9. Jennifer Armentrout's doing meet a blogger posts on Wednesday. She did mine last Wednesday!
10. Excellent actors like Robbie Kay. (Need more of his facial expressions.) 
11. Excellent friends and actors I know from my theater class. 
12. Finding a new book this year that, so far, I can read again and again. Secret by Brigid Kemmerer is what I'm talking about. 
13. The books I can re-read forever and ever. Top books include Hidden Talents by David Lubar, Evernight by Claudia Gray, The Rites of Spring Break by Diana Peterfreund and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling.
14. Lastly, the most important one of all. All of you who still read and comment on my blog. 

Thanks for reading!

Review: The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead

Hi Everyone!

Suddenly, with a little warning, I wrote a whole review after a few struggles the past week. Turns out, I just need to find a different book to review while I still gather my emotions towards another. 

Today I am reviewing...

The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead

Publication Date: November 19th, 2013

Publisher: Razorbill

Source: Bought!

4/5 WITHIN THE LIGHT STARS!

The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead lives true to its name. During this central book is the times Adrian and Sydney walk within a lighted cavern both certain of their role as candleholder. Neither letting the bounds over their romance to take hold and pull them away.

I both love and wanted more in this book. There are great moments. There are bland. There are breathtaking lines and bothersome telling points. There are predictable twists and a sweet, juicy romance. 

The two things I know for sure are one) I feel the Sydrian gasp and two) I experiencing either bitter or love emotions for all other major characters.

Adrian point of view was the best. I like the youthful appearance he gives to Sydney during their time alone together. So many times point of views bear similarities, yet Adrian brought his humor, insecurity, and pensive valor. While reading The Golden Lily I hoped others would come to admire Adrian, as much as Sydney and I, when realizing his truth courage, and in this book it may come to fruition for a moment or two. 

After outgoing Rose, I was happy to gain my fellow inquisitive introvert Sydney. Sydney was always hard working, wise and gentle. Now, she finally reaches complete open-mindedness. There is no quality I desire more from people. A hard gained attribute that Sydney implements to her advantage while trying to pacify the one who needs to learn it too. And causes the best line of the book. Too bad the line is too spoilery.

Eddie, Eddie, Eddie!!!!!!! Since Shadow Kiss, he has reigned among the characters that I miss when absent. While reading Blood Promise and during the first part of this book, I kept wondering, “Where’s Eddie?” I am mad that he was gone from a large part of this story. His resolve to help Rose after Mason’s death and his continuing selfless journey created this selfless warrior. He’s a bright torch that faces self-hate towards his inability to solve everything, raging fire in his wake.

I liked seeing the way Eddie influences Neil, a new dhampir, to become selfless. (At least that’s inferred by my reading) I was a bit worried that Neil would continue the whole book as an overzealous flatstone. And then Neil drove home his surface of arrogance is actually because he wants to acquire honor.  Still, he could never replace Eddie.

My bitter juices goes to Sydney's dad and a certain sister. My surprise giddiness goes to Trey. 

The story journeys to a unsurprising conclusion and a simple realization to how to prevent Stirgoitism. Yet the former does not really matter because I am enthralled by the glimpse of the new setting. I cannot wait for the next book to explore more. The second gave me nerveless disappointment. Yet, it leads to a great Eddie moment and certain cameos. Though I wish for more from Christian’s.  

My hopes and predictions for Silver Shadows:

The center will hold.

Eddie will redeem his failure.

Adrian will locate a lost.

Sydney will stay strong. 

Thanks for reading!

A Quick Announcement!

Hi Everyone!

My sister and I recently created a Facebook Page for Unforgettable Books. I hope you check it out! You can see a picture of my bookshelf.

Thanks for reading!

Diary Discussion Sort of Poem

Hello. 

What to do When You're Finish Those Books

My original plan was to review a book this week. But, I just can't. All weekend, I was consumed with anticipation. During this week, slowly late at night (after I finished my college work), I read this amazing book, experiencing giddy jitters the entire time. Now, I finished it and I am obsessed. 

What to do now I finished an unforgettable book? 

Should I forget about it?

Do I want to? No.

Do I need to? Probably.

Ok. Yes. 

I live with responsibilities. 

Schoolwork. 

Being a good friend, sister, and daughter.

Preparing for my future

and many more. 

As do we all.

We all have to live. 

But I also do not want it to disappear. 

Yet, I need to stop thinking about it to concentrate on my life. 

If anyone else experiences this feeling, this post is for you. 

How I usually get over magnificent and mind-consuming books?

I think of another book to wait for. 

This time I do not want to. 

I want to appreciate the grand book I have, 

as the others that leave the same feelings,

and move forward. 

New catharsis ideas:

Talk to a friend. Already tried. Keep thinking about the book. 

Write a blog post asking others opinions. Doing. 

Write an email to the author about how much I loved the book. Hmm, I'll try that.

Find a person who read the book to chat about it with. Let the search begin. 

Listening to music. Working a bit. 

What I really want is a potion that makes me forget only what happened in each unforgettable book and start them again with fresh eyes and with delightful surprises again. 

I want these books to continue to thrive without an ending. 

Two impossibilities. 

Two selfish desires.

The truth.

As usual, I want too much. 

Love,

Rachel 

Truth or Dare - Embarrassing review or Halloween Costume

Hi!

Can you believe its November already? My first semester of college is certainly speeding by. 

The meme Truth or Dare was created by the blogger Jenn Does Books. 

Every week there will be a new Truth or Dare to answer. 

This week:

Truth

Tell about the worst/most embarrassing review you ever written. 

or 

Dare

Did you dress as a fictional character for Halloween? Share your photos with us.

Since I dislike wearing costumes, I chose Truth. I still cannot wait to see other people's creations.

My most embarrassing review was my Redheads are Soulless by Heather White review. Why? Because of this small part that I deleted from my review. 

I always was envious of redheads and the redheads in the book Redheads Are Soulless are definitely worth the emotion of jealousy. They have amazing powers. Sofia, the main character, for example, can break objects with her mind. Robbie is an awesome guitar player. Jason can heal bruises as quick as my dog can run around my backyard.

Sofia, Robbie and Jason are all redheads with amazing powers! 

I later learned from someone that Robbie and Jason were actually not redheads. I am really embarrass to admit I made a mistake and did not read the book closely enough to recognize the characters appearance. I wish I checked the character's appearance instead of assuming they were red-heads. 

I just tend to ignore physical appearances of characters. When I read, I usually do not really care. I tend to consider characters personalities. In contradiction, sometimes when I do consider appearances I create my own. Before noting that Balthazar from my favorite series from ninth grade, Evernight by Claudia Gray, was a blond from a uncountable re-read, I always pictured Balthazar as brunette Cory Moneteith. Mostly because my song for Balthazar is Can't Stop This Feeling Anymore by REO Speedwagon, which Cory sang on Glee's pilot. 

I also find this review missed a heartfelt tone. 

Thanks for reading!

Cover Reveal: Into the Storm by Melanie Moreland

Hi Everyone!

I hope you all had a wonderful, frightening and ghostfull Halloween last night. 

Today I am participating in the cover reveal for Into the Storm by Melanie Moreland. This cover reveal is hosted by Xpresso Book Tours.

Book Information:

Publication Date: Late 2013

An Adult Romance

Synopsis:

She is a woman on the run. Pain, loneliness and terror are what she is leaving. Where she is headed doesn’t matter as long as it’s away from the hell her life has become.

Joshua Bennett is trapped in a prison of his own making by the memories of his past. Traumatized and isolated, he is a reclusive writer, living a quiet, lonely life, his only companion his dog, Bear. It is what he knows, what he has accepted to be his life.

One dark night, one huge storm, and one ice patch brings them together. He finds himself with an unexpected houseguest with no memory. She wakes up a stranger to herself and the man watching her. Even more mysterious is the lack of any sort of identification with her or in her car. She is an enigma to both of them.

Trapped by the storm and isolated from the outside world, they slowly open up, learning to trust and love, until the world once again shows up, threatening the fragile peace of their newly discovered world, and tearing them apart.

There are many twists and turns as they struggle to find each other, overcoming both the mental and physical elements that keep them apart.

A story about overcoming our fears, finding love and learning to live again.

Author's Bio: 

Melanie Moreland lives a happy and content life in a quiet area of Ontario with her husband and fur children. Nothing means more to her than her friends and family, and she cherishes every moment spent with them.

Known as the quiet one with the big laugh, Melanie works at a local university and for its football team.  Her (box) office job, while demanding, is rewarding as she cheers on her team to victory.

While seriously addicted to coffee, and somewhat challenged with all things computer-related and technical, she relishes baking, cooking, and trying new recipes for people to sample. She loves to throw dinner parties and socialize, and also enjoys travelling, here and abroad, but finds coming home is always the best part of any trip.

Melanie delights in a good romance story with some bumps along the way, but is a true believer in happily ever after.  When her head isn’t buried in a book, it is bent over a keyboard, furiously typing away as her characters dictate their creative storylines, to let her share them with her readers.

Twitter - Goodreads - Facebook

And the cover:

My Thoughts:

The white in the center glares at my eye a bit, but besides that, I love this cover. I find its landscape gorgeous with blue white and black. 

Thanks for reading!

ARC Review: Notable by Marnie Bates

Hi Everyone!

Today I am reviewing:

Notable by Marni Bates

Publication Date: October 29th, 2013

Publisher: Kensington Publishing

Source: Netgalley

3/5 ENTERTAINING STARS

My review:

I know I care about a book when I think about it. A lot. Notable by Marni Bates, sadly, has not thrown itself in my mind till I started writing this review. I just wanted to start with that statement to make sure you know that this is a good book, but if your in a new books-to-obsessively-recommend slump, like I am, it will not alleviate the empty pain.

That being said, Notable by Marni Bates is a fun-filled story of excitement and transfers from scene to scene in a nice steady flow. I sped through this story in pretty much one read-through.

I love Marni’s idea to set this story in Cambodia. I am thrilled that Chelsea and her group of college students and one teacher in actual danger with a drug lord. Yep, I enjoyed their struggle. I was completely scared for Neal, the trapped sweet and talkative teacher. The plot, in short, was terrific, a bit of romance, a bit of thrills, and heroine with initiative. The only segment I found unlikeable was a confusing piece near the end. The climax was not clearly written. 

Chelsea is an excellent combination of naivety, when it comes to dealing with criminals, and stubbornness to stay true to her bluntness; I could relate to both. She is he opposite of the stereotypical popular girl. She is understanding, reasonably judges a bit, and never allows others to influence her to change her personality. I am a bit sad, though, that her two best friends fit the popular stereotype.

The banter between Chelsea and Hudson was the typical entertaining interactions I expect in an initially infuriating romance and opinionated duo. On paper, I would have loved Hudson, the tough, thoughtful guy, but I really never found myself attracted to him. I preferred when Chelsea was flirting with Wesley, a lawyer with connection to finding the enemy who kidnapped Neal. Her fake name was terrific! I love how it connects to Scott, Chelsea’s true friend Jane’s boyfriend who dislikes Chelsea.

Notable by Marni Bates is a good book. It is perfectly fine to read it separate from the rest of the Smith High series.

I leave with saying, “Chelsea rules!” 

Thanks for reading!

ARC Review: The Iron Traitor by Julie Kagawa

Hi People!

The Iron Traitor by Julie Kagawa

Publication Date: October 23rd, 2013

Publisher: HarlequinTeen

Source: Netgalley 

4/5 TEARY STARS

Tears fell out of my eyes for minutes after finishing the last page. Burning tears of and sorrow. I felt heartbroken. Tears spill while I think about how every page moved closer and closer to this moment of suffering. The ending contains a beautiful second-to-last line unmatched by any line.

The book lives with splendid writing that lies in simple narrative mixed with gorgeous images. Each passage is transitioned smoothly. The dialogue is similar to what I hear everyday.

I experience so much empathy for the three main characters. Oh, Ethan, Kenzie and Kieran. Ethan has grown in many ways from his old live a life of depravity self as he comes to risk everything for Kenzie and his family. He extorts his true insecurities and gains a new confidence. I always will like stubborn girls with creative ideas like Kenzie. Kenzie’s capacity to forgive is unbreakable. Kieran may be a love struck wanna-be savior who disregards everyone else, but I still like him because I long for his redemption and admire this resolved half-fey who independently strives for his goal. He lets no one tell him that love is not worth the grim consequences.

What really caused me to be disappointing was the plot. Till The Nevernever segment around 200 pages in I found the plot was a deflating balloon and I was the helium whizzing away. I found the plot was mostly one event after another without any significant occurrence. I mostly lacked drive to read. Especially when Ethan did an action similar to what I thought he learned from in the previous book. 

After, Nevernever I started finding the energy to read this book. I adored the still lingering jacket moment and plenty of tension-filled scenes. The last section left me experiencing plenty of sentimental emotions.

The Iron Traitor is, in all, a pretty good book if you do not mind waiting for important events to happen. The writing is beautiful and the main characters are strong. 

Thanks for reading!

ARC Review: Seven Day Fiancé by Rachel Harris

Hi Everyone!

I have been busy with midterms and other college assignments. 

I hope and will try to comment on blogs this week. 

The wonderful author of the book I am reviewing today has a party today that you can join! 
Don't you love cupcakes and discussing books! 

Today I am reviewing:

Seven Day Fiancé by Rachel Harris

Publication Date: TODAY! October 14th, 2013

Publisher: Entangled Bliss 

Source: Publisher 

Rating: 4/5 CULTURAL STARS

My Review:

While reading Seven Day Fiancé by Rachel Harris, I continued my journey into Cajun culture from Louisiana. I love these small town people who are proud of their culture. I just love learning about the difference between Cane’s creole and Angelle’s country Cajun lifestyles. Amusing and extravagant funny silent auctions where everyone bids on guys, large family greetings for a long missed relative, and a group-cooking contest.

Angelle and Cane hold the love Brady, Angelle’s decent, memorable, once boyfriend/fiancé and best friend, and I long for and hope to find someday. They understand each other, connecting in ways beyond the surface. They try to honor each other’s independence and string along a lie that is believable because of their own chemistry. Each interaction between them leaves laughter and awe and headaches banging for them to admit they want to be really together.

Angelle is amazing. A proud women hoping to show her family that she can succeed in her life away from her hometown. A non-athlete who still moves along battling fires, personal family ones, love life ones, internal ones and literal ones.

The whole story has brilliant lingering moments. The most unforgettable moment – the one after Cane gains approval. His internal depravity is completely touching.  

“Cane looked at the woman beside him, her green eyes still conflicted over this latest development. But happiness was also there. Affection, too. And as her gaze slid across his face, Cane thought he saw a glimmer of hope. Of wanting more than he could ever give. That was enough to douse any sense of victory or satisfaction.” Pg. 122 of my ARC

My criticism lies in wanting more in terms of the side cast. I wish Angelle’s family was explored more indepth, like Colby’s family in Taste the Heat. There was a nice dose of Angelle’s family, but I ended the book still feeling separated from their inside life. Additionally, much of Cane’s communication with Angelle’s brothers was shared through Angelle’s faraway view. I know that shows Cane’s outsider status, but I still would have loved to know more about Cane’s growing relationship with Angelle’s family.

Anyways, Seven Day Fiancé by Rachel Harris breathes culture, joyful predictability, and true love. I read this book straight through thanks to its wonderful writing style that gently pictures this exciting story. 

Thanks for reading!

The Impersonator by Mary Miley Review

Hi Everyone!

How is your life going? 

I am in the mist of many essays and have my first college mid-term tomorrow. Today I am seeing a performance of the Picture of Dorian Gray for my theater class!!!

The Impersonator by Mary Miley

Publication Date: September 17th, 2013

Publisher: Minotaur Books

Source: Netgalley

Rating: 4/5 VALIANT STARS! 

Ode de joy! The Impersonator by Mary Miley is such a fun book. Excitement, trickery, sizzling close calls, unpleasant yet intriguing truths and danger fill its pages.

The most fascinating storyline for me is when a character has to expertly pretend to be another person. The Impersonator has a vaudeville actress named Leah faced with the performance of long-missing heiress Jessie. I found the reason that Leah appearance was similar to Jessie’s completely surprising.

So often, every other character absent of the direct knowing party, in this storyline, misses noting the inconsistencies of the fraud or mentions discrepancies without looking deeper. In this story, not all, but many realize the truth. This attribute shares that the author understand how unrealistic that even an actress can fool everyone.

All the characters brought something new to the story. I love how Jessie’s cousin Ross may have been unlikeable to Jessie, but was more than arrogant. Ross is a very sincere and intelligent fellow, along with being scary. Henry, Jessie’s other male cousin, is frightening and gave this story so many exciting moments. His selfishness may have been unlikeable but is relatable. Though he wanders too far in his race to fill his desires. Jessie’s naive female cousins were cute and humorous. Ah, I love every moment with them watching Leah involve them in her acting culture. Leah was the best, sincere, hopeful, independent and snarky. She valiantly jumped into torchy territory. Even when she was scared, Leah still believed in her capability to withstand the danger on her search for Jessie’s story.

I love the authentic outlook of the 1920s. I never knew that liquor was poured into teacups. 

One of my few negative feelings for the book was the beginning. I wish I could have felt Leah’s pain while she lost her job and her search for a new legit one. The deep connection on that section was bypassed mostly because I felt it was a list of loss jobs without me feeling Leah’s profound angst that I know she felt. Thankfully, I was able to relate to Leah and her story the rest of the story.

I may have figured out the culprit and Jessie’s state of life, but I had a delightful time exploring with Leah how it happened and why. The way Miley portrayed the whereabouts of Jessie’s state was amazing.

Anyone looking for a fun book that you will want to finish and a valiant protagonist should explore The Impersonator. 

Thanks for reading!

Truth or Dare

Happy Friday Everyone!

Ever since my favorite meme, Blogspiration hosted by Saz101 and Growing Up YA, ended, I have been searching for a new meme. A new meme that is unique and wonderful. One to share love and bring the blogging community together. After all, occurrences like Goodread's new policies, are changing everything. 

The meme I am participating in today might be the one. 

The meme Truth or Dare premiers today. The meme was created by the blogger Jenn Does Books. 

Every week there will be a new Truth or Dare to answer. 

Truth

If you only had twenty-four hours to live, what book would you read and why??

Or 

Dare

Go to the bookstore and take photos of three books from the bookshelf- tell us about them?

This week I choose Truth mostly because the closest bookstore is a few metro stops away. 

The book I choose has my favorite line in the history of fiction. (Funny how this relates to my first Blogspiration post.) 

It contains a story that surprised me. I cheer the author for creating such a ingenious twist that related back to my favorite potion. 

During the book I finally became connected to the characters in ways beyond I though was possible. My connection to these characters last even today after four years of not reading this book.

I want to read a book during my last day that I know I already adore and want to read one last time. 

I wish there would never be a last re-reading of this book.   

I know this is a common choice, but it will always be the book.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling!

Thanks for reading!

ARC Review- Hero by Alethea Kontis

Hi Everyone!

Hero by Alethea Kontis 

Publication Date: October 1st, 2013

Publisher: Harcourt Books 

Source: Rachel from the Reader's Den :0

Rating: 4/5 EXQUISITE STARS

My Review:

I can become very attached to a person, to a character. I am more than just ecstatic to find two, Saturday Woodcutter and Peregrine Starburn, protagonists that I more than love. I cannot describe this lovely emotion. I hooray and long for a new scene between them. I am amazed that these characters still linger in my admiration. I only wish Saturday fought harder during entrapped periods on a mountain.

Hero by Alethea Kontis is the second book to a series set in a fairy tale land. The first situates on the youngest sister, Sunday, and the classic frog prince. (While sharing the trials of being a man) This second book continues sharing the trails of humanity, love and family. The world carries magic, mirrors, mountains, families, witches who cause shape shifting, and adventures.

This youthful book is addicting. The story is bolstered with mysteries and romance. I love learning more about Saturday’s brother Jack since the previous book talked about his past, but did not reveal his current story.

The writing is exquisite! Every line is admirably structured. Every moment makes a difference. I especially enjoyed the detailed glimpse on mirrors.

I liked the conclusive of the book's arc ending that still left room for a continuous plot for these incredible characters.

Thanks for reading!

ARC Review: Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer by Katie Alender

Hi Everyone!

Today I am reviewing ...

Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer by Katie Alender 

Publication Date: September 24th, 2013

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Source- Netgalley

Rating: 3/5 WHY STARS

I could not help but incorporate some enthusiasm for Alender's previous trilogy, Bad Girls Don't Die. 

I remember the joy and thrills I felt while reading Katie Alender’s other series, Bad Girls Don’t Die. I lost my time reading Lexi’s mind and emotions when it was over. Those times were full of splendid scares. I remember the times were I disliked but understood some of Lexi decisions, were I loved Carter, and admired Megan. I will always remember Lexi, Carter and Megan as they were extraordinary, finely flawed characters.

Sadly, Marie-Antoinette, Serial Killer does not continue with an amazing and terrifying stories with must cheer for characters. Colette is a popular girl in a group of a controlling girl with no redeeming qualities and another submissive, yet very sweet, girl. While Megan, from Alender’s previous series, challenges the popular teen stereotype, Collette and her friends match it as tightly as a magnet sticks to a piece of metal.  

Collette and the cast of characters were not a complete mess. I just wish I could find one character to love and want to live with while vicariously reading this story. If only the characters were more authentic. Instead I found a story with an interesting plot, engaging enough writing and a beautiful setting, but without a deep connection with the characters.

The plot was terrifying when it was placed during the occurring murders. The secrets of why the murders occur were well planned. I was reading in terror through the startling details brought with each death and moments of suspense. Sadly, surprises were absent in this mystery. I imagine there was not suppose to be much of a mystery to the reader, and instead the confusion was for as the characters.

In the end, “Why, why, why?” is chirping in my head as I am disappointed with how simple this book turned out to be. I still recommend Alender because her first trilogy was unforgettable, but I say this story is a miss. 

Thanks for reading!