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!

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!

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell Review

Hi Everyone!

My current favorite TV Show is Once Upon A Time. I love how the show is formatted in a before and after of prior to the curse. I am shipping Emma and Hook. I find that they mesh together in every scene they are in together as two strong, independent people. Why does the first love have to be the one? 

Now, for my review of ...

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Publication Date: September 10th, 2013

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Source- Netgalley

Rating: 4/5 LEVI STARS

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I began Fangirl suspecting a light and sweet read exploring fandoms and college. Thankfully, that is what I received and I gained even more. I am proud of Rowell’s realistic portrayal of Cath’s dealings with her social anxiety. Our protagonist, Cath, is a shy girl and fan-fiction writer who only desires a close relationship with her sister.

Since April my head has thought of many reasons for recommending this book. I finally found the true five.

1. Levi

I love him. I would love my own Levi. This character is as adorable as an alpaca. Levi gleams a bright, witty, wise, daring, and tenacious personality. Reading through Levi’s antics is a fantastic gift. If The True Meddling of Levi was a book, I’ll read it straight through. 

2. Levi Romance 

I commonly prefer family relationships to romances during books. In Fangirl, it was the inverse. I basically lived for more scenes between the two. I can imagine nothing more romantic that reading aloud in my dorm room to someone I love. And dance parties! .

3. Simon Snow and Baz

She has an amazing and popular Fanfiction story called Carry On featuring these two in her view as them being a romantic duo. The original work has the two being stringent enemies. I love these too together.

4. Fanfiction’s relationship with writers

I find that the Fanficiton bits scattered through the story added more depth to the story. Cath’s struggle to build her own story struck my own fingers as I constantly face a foggy image when trying to build my own story. The struggle for original work sections was magnificent through the energy and passion emulated both by Cath and her brilliant professor.  

5. A brilliant conclusion

This book’s closure is creative, touching and the last line is just spectacular, “Here I come, ready or not.”  (Rowell 434) Everything ends the way that matters, the real world, the Simon Snow series and the story as an aesthetic.

 Thanks for reading!

ARC Review: The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater

Hi Lovely People! 

In the midst of my busy college life, I had the time to experience and review The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater. I want to thank Scholastic for allowing me to read an E-ARC on Netgalley. The following review is completely honest and a bit contradictory because my emotions towards this story are captured in a personally unfamiliar paradox. 

The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater

Publication Date: September 17th, 2013

Publisher: Scholastic 

Source- E-ARC on Netgalley

Rating: THOUGHTS OF GRAY STARS

My review:

Immediately after finishing review:

The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater is both excellent and terrible. While reading, I felt both detached and impressed. The final pages urge me to forget the rough start and just remember the beauty of what I just read, the final surprise. To just remember the strong passion that erupted inside me as I was rooting for the Grey Man and Ronan in their individual quests. But I can't forget the many pages waiting for me to feel connected. The reading time where I just want to stop reading because the writing, though gorgeous and special, lack a sweet rhythm. 

Later in the day review:

If you were to ask me, “Which author do I wish I could write like? “, I would immediately say, “Maggie Stiefvater.”

Maggie weaves ordinary words in an mystical order that leaves behind a masterpiece. She is a master at the intricate rule of creative writing- to show instead of simply stating events.

Two instances:

“Was he unsaved? Would he have ever ended up any other way?” pg. 225 of my E-ARC

These words lit a fire within me that wanted to hug this character. A urge to do something, anything, to alleviate his pain and wishing along with anything his present state was unaffected by his past.

“The past was something that had happened to another version of himself, a version that could be lit and hurled away.”

This is an amazing metaphor that you will have to read this story to fully comprehend. The comma is in the perfect place. This sweet rendition brilliantly reveals a character reaching a euphoric state.

Both lines lingered in my mind because of the words are in all the right places. How can Maggie do this in every of her written lines? 

While every sentence is a rich diamond, a connective rhythm did not carry between the story and me throughout every page, every moment.

Some moments my connection to the story drifted. I found myself just reading to see what’s next, but not enjoying the process. The leaves of boredom did not stem from which character was narrating. Instead, the leaves grew from the slow events, the slow transgression to plot and confusion. These are the moments where I am thinking, “When can this story be over?” and “Maybe I should give up?”

Then, moments come where I am completely awake and aching. Moments where I am enthralled by the story, feeling pity, rage, astonishment, love. Suddenly, everything makes sense because I am thoroughly involved and understand what is inexplicably said and just pictured. Oh, that character is now ... Ahhhhh.

The characters are all the life force that strengthens this story. Adam touches me with his pain and longing for love. Gansey is gripping and strong, full of leadership and courage. Ronan is a loving brother and forgiver. Blue is rich of life.

Noah and The Gray Man are my favorite characters. They highlighted my reading journey.

Noah. I love the quiet guys. I wish upon a star that he will be the main Raven Boy in the next book. So much of him remains a mystery. I need his perspective. He possessed a staring role in my favorite chapter of the Dream Thieves.

When I first met the Gray Man, it was during a part of the story where I was completely detached from the story. I felt a rush of déjà vu, as heavy as water dripping from a waterfall. The rush felt like a throbbing neck, an injury that could result from strong pressure from water. A question emerged in my head, “Would he be a second Whelk?”

Thankfully he was not. He is more than he appears to be. He is neither good nor bad, neither unforgivable nor forgivable, neither lifeless nor energetic. He is a man with a thorn prickling inside him and above him. I desperately wished for the disintegration of that thorn.

This is a special read. It was a hard read. A read I would not re-read. A book you need to read. Read when you are ready to stick inclusively to the story with strong concentration.

Thanks for reading!

ARC Review: Scorched by Mari Mancusi

Hi Everyone!

The last few weeks have been exciting. I started my first semester of college and my first internship. After some awkward starts and a little stress over homework, I am now ready to blog again. 

I want to first thank my friend Rachel from The Reader's Den for providing me an ARC of Scorched by Mari Mancusi. 

 Scorched by Mari Mancusi 

Publication Date: September 3rd, 2013

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Source: Rachel from The Reader's Den

Rating: 3/5 FRIZZLING STARS

Add To Goodreads!

My Review:

Dragons! I love these steaming animals. Manusi sure knew how to create attraction to these creatures. They reminded me of sweet dogs. Manusi excelled when it came to describing dragons and creating the world.

I found the two brothers from the future, Caleb and Conner, impressive. They were both were blinded by their own views of the world in the beginning, but I found their perception grew throughout the story. I love character growth in books and theirs was splendidly done while they stayed true to their core identity.

I wish more of the story existed in the two brother’s perspective. During Caleb’s and Conner’s time, I became enthralled with their dismal history and charisma. I hoped for their success even when they were wrong. I liked Trinity’s sassy grandfather too who willfully did anything necessary for his granddaughter’s safety.

I found myself mentally tired during Trinity’s perspective. I became unconnected in her mind waiting for the next moment for another person to speak.

Scorched was exciting at points. At others it just ran along. I found it hard to want to read this book in one sitting while the story’s direction was completely obvious. It was full of good ideas. Its execution just lacks the impressive zing marking the Unforgettable Factor.

Still, I am interested in continuing for more Caleb, Conner, and most importantly, Trinity’s grandfather. 

Thanks for reading!

Reality Ends Here by Alison Gaylin Review

Hi Everyone!

Today I am reviewing...

Reality Ends Here by Alison Gaylin

Publication Date: June 10th, 2013

Publisher: Pocket Star

Source: E-ARC from Netgalley

Rating: 2.5/5 ALLRIGHT STARS

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My Review:

Well, I find Reality End Here by Alison Gayin divides into two parts. One part wanders about a reality show family hysteria and the second part beats a thriller mystery.

I found the first part the better of the two sections. The distance and struggle for reconciliation between Estella and her mother. Estella’s adorable younger siblings that each had their own issues that I wish they did not have to experience yet. The story relates the scrutiny Estella has to deal with as a reality star.

The mystery runs in absurdity. I believed the story was exciting and entertaining. I wished I everything came together though in a sense of more related cause and effects.  Basically, the mystery exploration existing in a less jumpy manner.

Estella is not among my list of touching characters. Her circumstances are what interested me. But she never goes beyond her circumstances to become a person I would root for or want to meet in reality.

This is an interesting story. The plot is imperfect yet I found it amusing. The beginning’s is wonderful as it portrays of adorable young children in a genuine manner. The mystery's results were a mixture of bothersome stretches and surprising movements. 

It is just not a story that lingers. I hardly remember many of the characters of reaching beyond the surface. 

Thanks for reading!

ARC Review: A Tale of Two Centuries by Rachel Harris

Hi Everyone!

Today I am reviewing:

A Tale of Two Centuries by Rachel Harris

Publication Date: August 6th, 2013

Publisher: Entangled Publishing 

Source- E-ARC sent by Heather Riccio 

Rating: 5/5 BABBLING STARS

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My Review:

This magnificent story leaves me metaphorically with a delighted smile and eyes that are shaped like hearts. These hearts relate my love for this beautiful story.

Less was my favorite character from the first book and remains so. I enjoyed seeing her grow, not just in confidence, but also in knowing what she really wants and becoming fully proud of her identity. I love our connection becoming joyful and separate from the world while acting.

“You will always have me. [ … ] It matters not whether I’m here in body or merely in your heart. We are family, Cat.” Pg. 111 of my ARC.

My favorite relationship is the caring one between Less and Cat. A friendship strong and true bonded by more then sharing time-travel magic. Bonded by understanding and determination.

The story was an exciting one. I never read a book featuring a historical person visiting modern day before. Everyone I could hope for resided in this book. There were relatable awkward experiences and enjoyable water activities. The story graces two sweet growing love relationships.

The writing is smooth. I relish every word and moment. I holler with love this story where Less experiences a world anew. Really, her ways of describing the contemporary world were genuine to what I believe would be the view of a 1500’s girl.  

In the end, I say thank you Rachel Harris for writing this unforgettable story. I am anticipating the next. Could, maybe, Less’s brother Cipanio appear?

Flirt Squad Challenge: Reasons Austin Makes Me Blush:

1. Firm determination. "One way or another, Alessandra, I'm Yours until your get rid of me." pg. 284 of my E-ARC. 
2. Appreciates another. "And being with you this week, watching you and seeing how trusting and honest you are, how much you care about everyone ... Alessandra, it changed something in me." pg. 242 of my E-ARC
3. Winks!
4. Adventurous and has great ideas like Jet-Sking.
5. His powerful hug. "Gathering me to his chest, he curls his shoulders around me as if he can protect me" pg. 282 of my E-ARC 

Thanks for reading!