Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Top Ten Tuesday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Day Everyone! 

First, Happy Birthday J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and Neville Longbottom!

Second, Happy Book Birthday Hide and Seek by Sara Shepard!

Third, Yay for the first time I am going to take part in Top Ten Tuesday! I have been wanting to do this meme for awhile now but I have not found the perfect topic and the time till now. I am so delighted to finally be able to take part in it!


 Top Ten Characters I’d Like To Switch Places With For 24 Hours is an amazing topic idea!


Top Ten Tuesday is a wonderful meme that I always wanted to take part in. I creating lists! It is hosted by the wonderful group at The Broke and the Bookish!


1. Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling


My top choice. The character I would love to be. The character I admire above all others. I admire how she is more then just a smart girl. She is a smart girl who is loyal and cares about her friends. She is courageous, determined and inspiring. I always dreamed about being part of the famous trio that are true friends to each other and to go to my dream school of Hogwarts. My day as Hermione would be a day I would never forget. I would love to be her on the day where she did an ingenious trick against Umbridge (that toad) and went to the department of mysteries in the fifth book.  

2. Sydney Sage from the Bloodlines series by Richelle Mead

She can see Adrian Ivaskov as much as she wants. 'Nuff said. Also, she is really smart, loyal, caring and has an exciting life. If I was her for 24 hours, the first thing I would do would be to walk up to Adrian and say, very sagely, "All right, lets have a secret romantic relationship. We will only tell Eddie, Jill and Angeline. Well, Abe will know too because well he finds out about everything." 

3. Cammie Morgan from the Gallagher Girls series by Ally Carter

I always wanted to be a spy. She is sweet, funny, brave and extraordinary. I will have so 
much fun during my school day at Gallagher Academy, learning how to be a spy!

4. Katsa from the Graceling Realm series by Kristin Cashore


Katsa sure has a hard life, but I love the world she lives in. I would love to meet Po, Prince Raffin and be able to go on the adventure Katsa went on in Graceling.   

5. Emma Paxton from the Lying Game series by Sara Shepard


I always wanted a twin. Emma has a twin but she will never be able to meet her because, well, her twin was murdered. Emma is trying to solve the murder mystery of her twin Sutton Mercer while pretending to be Sutton. I love to use my own knowledge of a theory I have of who the culprit is and hopefully solve the mystery. I also feel connected to Emma as a character and would love to let her have a day off from the stress of acting like another person. Its a dream come true for an actor like me to act like my alter ego (which Sutton truly is).


6. Captain Holly Short from the Artemis Fowl Series


Holly is a fierce, loyal fairy who always stands up for what she believes in and never backs down from a challenge. I would be honored to be her for a day.


7. Jenny from Teen Idol by Meg Cabot


A normal teenage girl who becomes friends with a famous movie star. Jenny is an awesome person with a wonderful life. She is the type of person people gravitate to whenever they need a listener. And I sure like listening and helping people.    


8. Mimi from the Ivy Series by Lauren Kunze (An amazing series that I urge everyone to read!)


Mimi is a funny, friendly french college student who always knows how to lighten up everyone's feelings in the room! 


9. Tori from the Darkest Power series by Kelley Armstrong


A powerful witch who never backs down from a confrontation. Tori is very intelligent, snarky and a fun character!


10.  Sam from the Drama series by Paul Ruditis


A fantastic actress with two fantastic, loyal best friends combined with hilarious wit and determination. I would love to be her for a day. Especially the day of opening (and closing) night of the show the Wizard of Oz where she had an unusual time performing as Dorothy in the first book.


Thanks for reading!!!!!!!

I'm so happy to do this meme that, for a long time, I admired and enjoyed reading people's answers on the brilliant range of topics.

    

Monday, July 30, 2012

Vote for ADRAIN IVASHKOV Today

Hi my unforgettable readers!!!!!!


Update July 31st, 2012- Adrian won!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



My favorite male character will be fighting a close battle today in YA-Sisterhoods Crush Tourney.
 I believe he should win. My reasons can be found in detail in my previous blog post here!

A Crush like no other. 

Thanks!

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Blogspiration 11

Happy day everyone!
Blogspiration is a weekly meme hosted by GrowingUp YA& Saz101. The meme was created to help spark inspiration among bloggers, readers & writers alike. An inspirational quote/picture/video is posted weekly, on the day of the author's choosing, so that it may inspire creativity, conversation & just a little SOMETHING.

This is going to be a Harry Potter theme blogspiration because well I love the series and it is currently nearing the end of the month of Harry Potter's birthday. 

"Its our choices, Harry, that show who we truly are, 
far more then our abilities." - Albus Dumbledore

This quote continuously reminds me to think wisely when I make choices. Every choice I make, at every moment, effects others. It is a distraction to focus on being envious of others talents. Its more important to make choices that help others and to make choices with good intentions. 

There will be some Harry Potter related spoilers beyond this point. 

What place would the Wizarding World end up in if the many amazing characters of Harry Potter focused on their talents instead of making good choices? If they focused their talents of magic to rule the world viciously like Lord Voldemort?

Harry Potter made many choices through his time at Hogwarts. He choose to save the world because he wanted to and loved the people in it. Not because that was what people expected him to do.

What impresses me most about Herminone is not her talent of being incredibly gifted, it was her many amazing choices. I will always admire her for not choosing to estrange from Harry when everyone disliked him after he became the Fourth Champion of the Twiwizard Tournament. I love how Herminone instead choose to help Harry prepare for his tasks and stay alive, to be a true friend.  

What is your favorite example of a Harry Potter character making good choices?

Thanks for reading my blogspiration and Harry Potter fantastic post!!!!!

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Spark by Brigid Kemmerer Review

Hello lovely readers!


(Cover photo provided by GoodReads)

Spark by Brigid Kemmerer 
Publisher: Kensington Publishing
Publication Date: August 28th, 2012
Source: Both Publisher and Netgallery!!!!!!! Thank you! Thank you! Thank You!
Rating: 4.5 OUT OF THIS WORLD STARS!!!!!!
Add To GoodReads!



Today is a special day when I get to share with you all my opinion of a book in a series that I will recommend to anyone I meet. Brigid Kemmerer is one of my favorite authors ever. Spark is as unforgettable predecessor Storm.  I read through this whole book twice and loved every minute. The first time I read it in only three hours.


I always find it hard to read sequels to books I love because I always find myself continuously comparing the two books to each other. I found some similarities between the two books. Both books were about a strong girl falling in love with one of the Merrick’s brother, a party scene and a huge confrontation. I found Spark had a better and more startling confrontation between Gabriel and the villain of this book. 

Spark also earns brownie points because I connected more with Gabriel then I ever had with Chris in Storm. I found myself feeling sorry for Gabriel as he struggled through math, lack of any real friends, besides his brothers, and faced being blamed for starting fires.

I always wanted a twin.  At least, I always wanted a person who could stand by me no matter what and understand me completely. Nick and Gabriel have that desirable connection. In Spark, they fight and face an estranged relationship. I felt Gabriel’s sorrow and understand his stubbornness to apologize and make up.  He struggles controlling his anger and his bluntness to spit out insults. At the same time, he is loyal and passionate. Gabriel is really one of the most dimensional characters I have ever met. 

And so is Nick. I love Nick; truly, He is so compassionate, friendly, good at heart and determined to succeed. I strongly want to read Nick’s point of view. I want to see how he views the world so much.

Layne is the girl who Gabriel falls in love with. She has many good characteristics that I would want in a friend: independent, strong, kind, loving, brave. I liked her unwavering caring nature for her younger brother Simon. Simon is a great character in his own right. He is deaf but he does not let that disability disable him from reaching his goal to play basketball and help Layne find happiness.

What I like most about Spark is how it dwells into two distinct dysfunctional families. One has parents and one does not, but both face problems that anyone can experience in real life. I found myself being disgusted for Layne’s horrible absent mother, understanding Michael and Layne’s father’s struggle between being too strict and caring for their family. Spark is truly a book about the importance of family that I appreciate. It is always good to remember family. A true family will be there during any struggle no matter what disagreement occured before. 

Overall, Spark is a remarkable story about the wondrous  and dangerous nature of fire, the need for love and loyalty and the bond that binds a true family together.

Thanks for reading!

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Rebecca's First Guest Post!

Hi everyone!
I hope everyone is enjoying their summer!


(Our autographed copy of last Artemis Fowl book!)

This past Thursday, my sister Rebecca had a chance to meet one of our favorite author's ever at a signing.  Rebecca is my older sister and an excellent writer. We are both fans of the Artemis Fowl series by Eoin Colfer. Here is Rebecca's wonderful guest post on the event!

For a little over a decade, readers have followed the adventures of an unlikely partnership between the LEP officer, Holly Short and the child prodigy and criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl. 


To celebrate the final installment of the series, Eoin Colfer attended an event and book signing at Politics and Prose in Washington DC.


I was excited to be a part of this event since I've followed the series since I was ten. I liked the series since the main character is actually a villain who develops into a better person. I also liked how while this was a fantasy novel series, it wasn't bound to a fantasy novel template in which the main character was a humble person who becomes a hero. 



Eoin Colfer mentioned during the event that he always planned to write about an anti-hero-- a person who changed throughout the series. He was intrigued by characters like Huckleberry Finn, and even Darth Vader; characters with flaws, that went on real journeys--for better or for worse.

As Colfer explained, Artemis was shot quite a few times, had his mind wiped, was placed in life-threatening situations, traveled through a time paradox, and developed a psychological disease in the first seven books of the series in order to help him develop into a better person. The final book will test Artemis (and all the characters) even further.

I also enjoyed the humor in the series, particularly with characters like Foaly and Mulch Diggums. 

"The Princess Bride," (the book- not the movie, although he enjoyed both), inspired Eoin Colfer to write Artemis Fowl. He liked how "The Princess Bride" was  a fantasy novel, that both told a story, but also wasn't afraid to insert humor. 

My favorite part of the event was when Eoin Colfer provided insight to who influenced the characters in the series-- basically everyone in his life except his wife. She wouldn't give him permission.

Before writing, Eoin Colfer taught for about fifteen years.  Eoin Colfer joked with the audience that girls tend to go to school, and want to learn. They remember all the details of their day- both the social and academic parts. Boys, on the other hand, go to school with the goal of becoming stupider than they were before walking into the classroom.  

One such boy always shouted in Colfer's class. He would shout answers that had nothing to do with the subject. One day, a tiny girl named Rachel went up to the boy and screaming at him. She kicked the boy in the knees. The boy didn't shout in class for at least a week. 

That girl in the classroom was the inspiration for Holly Short.   

Eoin Colfer stated that he didn't intentionally put himself in the story, but when his wife read the book, she saw him as Foaly. 

"A centaur who sits behind his computer, and writes things that he thinks are funny," Colfer said at the event impersonating his wife's reaction. " That's you."

This was a great event and provided great insight into how Colfer created such a complex series.

Thanks for reading!
Rebecca

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday! 15

Hi Everyone!! 
I hope everyone is enjoying there week so far.

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine

It is the perfect way to share books you are eagerly anticipating and discover awesome books to add to your TBR pile!

This week I am waiting on...


Scarlet by Marissa Meyer
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Publication Date: February 5th, 2013 

This book will feature Cinder and Little Red Riding Hood and will take place in France.

Cinder returns in the second thrilling installment of the New York Times-bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She’s trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she’ll be the Commonwealth’s most wanted fugitive.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit’s grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn’t know about her grandmother and the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother’s whereabouts, she has no choice but to trust him, though he clearly has a few dark secrets of his own.
As Scarlet and Wolf work to unravel one mystery, they find another when they cross paths with Cinder. Together, they must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen who will do anything to make Prince Kai her husband, her king, her prisoner.

(Synopsis and Cover Photo provided by GoodReads!)

Why oh why?

I seriously loved Cinder, the prequel to Scarlet, when I read it a few months ago. You can read all my gushing about Cinder's awesomeness in my review here! 

I can't wait to meet Scarlet and Wolf in Scarlet. Little Red Riding Hood has always been my favorite fairytale so I cannot wait to see what happens. I have been thinking scene ideas in my head ever since I read Cinder. That shows how eagerly I am waiting to read this book right now. 

Also, I find the cover and synopsis utterly captivating. The cover is so mysterious with the red cape flowing in the wind and the synopsis is full of sharing that secrets are waiting to be revealed in this story. I am most excited to discover Scarlet's grandmother's secrets.  

Overall, I am really excited to read Scarlet!

What are you waiting on?
 

Monday, July 16, 2012

Vote for Adrian Today!!!!

What makes today different from ever other day?
It is the first day (of hopefully many more) my favorite YA Book Crush is competing in the YA Sisterhoods Crush Tourney! His name is Adrian Ivashkov.


Update July 17th- Adrian Won!!!!!!!!!!!!!!




Vote Here: http://ya-sisterhood.blogspot.ca/2012/07/match-9-adrian-2-vs-cricket-31.html
Today I am aiding to support Adrian's Advocate: The wonderful Anna Tee @ Bursting Bookshelf!






Why you should vote for Adrian Ivashkov as well is because there is not character at all like Adrian. He is special. He is charismatic, caring, loyal, handsome, determined to succeed, surprising, hilarious, unforgettable and brilliant. He is an amazing friend, heartwarming boyfriend and an independent artist. Someday, I would love to read about an art gallery event that all the wonderful Vampire Academy and Bloodlines characters come together to appreciate Adrian's art. 

My favorite Adrian quote!

“The greatest changes in history have come because people were able to shake off what others told them to do.” - Adrian in Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

Overall, you should vote for Adrian Ivashkov because he is a complex character that is constantly changing. Every book he is in he has brought something new and wonderful to the table. I cannot wait to see what Adrian brings in the future Bloodline books. 

Like Adrian said in Blood Promise by Richelle Mead "I'm like a fine wine. I get better with age. The best is yet to come." 
So, what are you waiting for? Vote for Adrian now, please!!!!!

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Artemis Fowl: The Arctic Incident by Eoin Colfer Review

Good Day! Today is a very important day. Today is the release of the last Artemis Fowl book ever! Today millions of my fellow Artemis Fowl Fans are running to buy Artemis Fowl: The Last Guardian by Eoin Colfer. Soon, I will be among them! 


In honor of this amazing day, I will review the Artemis Fowl book that I read the most number of times. I read Artemis Fowl: The Arctic Incident by Eoin Colfer about thirty-five times. 




Artemis Fowl: The Arctic Incident by Eoin Colfer
Publisher: Hyperion Books
Publication Date: May 1st, 2004 (For my additon)
Source: My sister Rebecca's bookshelf
Rating: 5/5 STARS!
Add to GoodReads now!!!!!!!!!!

Warning: 

The following review will use a lot of persuasive methodology 
to convince you to read the Artemis Fowl series
 (or at least the certain book this review is about). 



Many years ago - 2008 to be exact - I found a certain book in my sister's bookshelf. I had just finished the brilliant fourth book of the Artemis Fowl Series and wanted to read the earlier books. I decided to read second book of the series, The Arctic Incident because I really wanted to learn about the references to the past Holly and the other characters made in the unforgettable fourth book. 

I was pleasantly greeted with an awesome story. As soon as I read the first page, I could not stop reading, could not stop enjoying the story. The second book was completely addicting. It was as enthralling and complex as the fourth book!

I cannot imagine a world where I never read this book. Where I never experienced a story with a well-developed world of fairies, hilarious quotes and remarkable character development.

Anti-heroes are my favorite character type. I enjoy seeing them struggle with their internal demons to make choices that benefit more than there own greed. Artemis Fowl is a complex and wonderful anti-hero. I am amazing at how much he grows throughout this novel. In the beginning, he lacks the ability to respect other people and the drive to save other human beings. I adore reading this book as he stays an anti-hero but has certain moments of humane beliefs. It is heartbreaking to me that he had to live two years without his father. His caring nature of love for his father is lovely. Also, he is truly portrayed as a genius because all his manner of speaking, execution of plans and his understanding of complex realities.  

The other characters are equally incredible and I wish they were real and could counter every villainous plot. Commander Root remarks the wittiest lines and despite his high rank, he is unafraid to take part of a mission. Foaly is ability to not be frightened during a terrifying life position needs to be respected.

Artemis Fowl may be a male dominated series, but the female characters are so fierce and strong that they bring life to the story. 

I will always shiver at the creative way the genius villainess Opal Koboi was described when she was introduced. “ In fact, her father, Ferall Koboi’s dream daughter would have been moderately intelligent, quite pretty, and of course, complacent. … Opal grew to be precocious, headstrong, and beautiful – a dangerous combination.” (Colfer 72)

I find Opal a wonderfully complex villainess that has plans that are undeniably genius. It is no secret that Opal only appears in the even number books of the Artemis Fowl series because she is even smarter then Artemis Fowl. Opal is definitely the perfect villain for Artemis to fight against.

The intelligent heroine Captain Holly Short is described as “extremely pretty in a dangerous sort of way. Black-soidow pretty.” (Colfer 214) and she sure is.

At the beginning of this brilliant book, Holly hates Artemis because he kidnapped him. The moments where she does hilarious slapsticks on Artemis are the perfect pay back. I love how her change in viewpoints from disgust to respect for Artemis was gradual and realistic. Also, the banter Holly has with Root and Artemis is hilarious!

Overall, The Arctic Incident is an epic book in an epic series that you need to read. If you do not you will regret it. Especially since all eight books are now all out.

Epic quotes that will sure convince you futher to read The Arctic Incident!

Holly’s change in feelings towards Artemis is fantastically written.

“In spite of herself, Holly was touched by his unwillingness to give up, against all the odds. She was certain that, for once, Artemis wasn’t trying to manipulate anybody. He was simply a boy who missed his father. Maybe her defenses were down, but she felt sorry for him.” (Colfer 169)

Proof Foaly should be praised for his unwillingness to give up and ability to joke in grave circumstances. Isn’t the following quote hilarious?

“The centaur began to heave theatrical sobs, peeping out between his fingers. Now, if I were a button camera, where would I hide? Somewhere the sweeper wouldn’t check.” (Colfer 170)

Can’t do without one of Commander Julius Root’s witty insults. “Fowl! Open the door, you pasty-faced mud weasel!”  (Colfer 134)

This quote always causes me to laugh!
“I could tell, you but you’re not going to like it.”
‘Tell me, Captain. That’s a direct order.”
Holly told him. He didn’t like it.” (Colfer 198)

“At the risk of sounding clichéd, Briar, you’ll never get away with this.” (Colfer 208)

“So, you’re saying this fissure is going to open up for a couple of minutes. And I have to fly through. And that’s the entire plan? said Holly.” (Colfer 221)

“Artemis didn’t argue. In truth, these facts had already occurred to him. Sometimes being a genius was a burden.
‘Very well, Butler. I shall remain here. Unless… ‘
Butler’s eyes narrowed. ‘Unless what?’
Artemis smiled his dangerous smile. ‘Unless I have an idea.” (Colfer 229)

“Holly stared at him frankly. ‘To remind you that deep beneath the layers of deviousness, you have a spark of decency. Perhaps you could blow on that spark occasionally.” (Colfer 274)

What are you waiting for? Buy The Arctic Incident and fall in love with its brilliant cast and sly humor. It is the perfect book for boys, girls, men and women alike!!!!!

Thanks for reading!

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Sunday Showcase 5!

Hi Everyone!


Design Credit: The awesome and hilarious Mimi Valentine.

Showcase Sunday is a weekly book haul hosted by Vicky @ Books Biscuits and TeaThis week I am celebrating obtaining the following fantastic books throughout the past few weeks!


For Review!




Thank you so much Kensington Publishing. I do not know how to express my gratitude besides saying how exuberant I feel right now and it is because of your generosity. Thank you! I really enjoyed re-reading Spark this weekend in my favorite format - paperback! 






Thanks Harlequin and Netgallery for providing a review copy of this book! I am enjoying its hilariousness so far! 


Bought!




I read Divergent for the first time awile ago at the library. I am glad to finally have a chance to own a copy of one of my favorite books ever!





I am so glad I decided to finally give Graceling a shot! I absolutely loved Katsa and Po's relationship and I enjoyed experiencing their captivating adventure.



I won a copy of Starcrossed's sequel Dreamless a few weeks ago so I decided to buy a copy. I have not had a chance to read it yet because I am focusing on reading male protagonists and male author's this month for the All Male Review Challenge. I hope to read Starcrossed and its sequel in August! 



I really enjoyed Forbidden. It was not the most unpredictable book I ever read but it was fun and exciting!
What brilliant books did you receive recently?  

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday (14)

Hi Everyone!

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine

It is the perfect way to share books you are eagerly anticipating and discover awesome books to add to your TBR pile!

This week I am waiting on...


Hide and Seek by Sara Shepard 
Publisher: HarperTeen 
Publication Date: July 31st, 2012 (HPB!)


My friends and I used to play lying games.

Now my twin sister is living one.

When I was alive, my family seemed picture-perfect. My adoptive parents adored me, and my little sister, Laurel, copied my every move. But now that my long-lost twin, Emma, has taken my place to solve my murder, we're both learning just how flawed my family really is.

Laurel is shooting Emma nasty looks and sneaking around with my ex-boyfriend. And it turns out my parents are keeping a huge secret--could it be the reason I'm dead?

How far would they go to keep the truth buried? No one can harm me now, but Emma is still fair game. And if she's not careful, she'll end up buried, too. . . .

From Sara Shepard, the #1 "New York Times" bestselling author of the Pretty Little Liars books, comes a riveting series about secrets, lies, and killer consequences.



(Synopsis and Cover Photo provided by GoodReads)

Why oh why?


I would be even more excited than I already am if this was the last book like Sara Shepard planned. I was looking forward to finally finding out if my theory of who killed Sutton Mercer was right or not. However, I am glad that this series is continuing. I feel that so much more can be added to the story of Emma impersonating Sutton Mercer. I am looking forward to finding out the truth, in Hide and Seek, of the Mercer's family secret that has been hinted throughout the previous books. I also absolutely love the unique writing style of this series where Shepard goes through Sutton in first person and Emma in third person. That style is so enchanting and relaxing to read. I love learning more about Emma and Sutton's distinct and exciting lives. 

My hopes for this book is for many conversations between Emma and Sutton's old secret boyfriend Thayer. I really want to get to know Thayer better because he seems like a mysterious character that has room to grow. I hope for Emma to tell one of Sutton's friends the truth so I can see a friend's reaction to Sutton's death. Mostly, I hope to find Hide and Seek a thrilling installment that is not a filler. I really hope Hide and Seek has a unique storyline completely different from the previous three installments. I have high expectations for this story and I hope I am not disappointed. This book has so much potential for plot and drama-filled excitment. 

Alas, I cannot wait for Hide and Seek by Sara Shepard to come out on ... Harry Potter's Birthday!

Thanks for reading!
What are you waiting for?

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Celebration!

Hi Everyone!!!!!!!!

I am so happy right now! Finally, after days of waiting for my house's internet is working again. There was a storm last Friday night that caused my area's power to go off till late Saturday night. 
Till a few minutes ago, my house's internet was disconnected.
 I want to say sorry to everyone who is still living without power. 
I hope it soon comes back on for all of you. 

To celebrate my luck I am going to do a fun post! 
I am going to share a picture of my favorite stress reliever - my dog!



Happy, thats my dog's name, is such an adorable pet to cuddle with. 
Happy is always vivacious and loves running outside as fast as a deer!
She does not have a mean bone in her body!

How was your weekend?