Book Review: World Enough and Time by Emma C Williams

Title: World Enough and Time
Author: Emma C Williams
Links: Blog | Twitter | Shelfari
Publication Date: July 1st 2012
Format: Paperback
Pages: 158
Add it: Goodreads | Shelfari
Buy it: Amazon
Summary from Goodreads;
Anna Jones is an intelligent and spirited girl of 15, whose everyday experiences of growing up are overshadowed by a rare condition called Goldenhar syndrome. While Anna approaches her life with humour and determination, she is haunted by the inescapable fact that she looks a little different from other girls.
Despite the support of her friends and family, she remains convinced she will never be loved – especially not by the gorgeous and intelligent Michael.
Anna’s life is regularly interrupted by a variety of hospital visits, each one of which seems designed to make her feel even more different from the other girls. As she counts down the days until the major surgery that will change the course of her life forever, Anna becomes increasingly doubtful as to whether she will ever be truly normal.
Rating:
4.5/5 : Really enjoyed it, would recommend to a lot of people.
Thoughts:
First of all, the cover. It's so simple! I know it looks nice and simple on screen but once in your hands, the colors are so gorgeous and the detail is truly eye catching! 
Going into this book, I honestly didn't know what to expect besides what was on the synopsis. I was completely surprised by this novel and am truly glad I had the chance to read it. I got this book off my shelves and sat down in my living room, expecting to get through a part of it and then continue it later on but I found myself engulfed by the plot and writing that I finished it in one sitting. 
World Enough and Time is narrated in the voice of a teenager named Anna who has a condition called the Goldenhar syndrome which I didn't know a thing about until I started reading it. I really feel as though I learned a lot during this book. Anna is a very realistic character as are the others in the novel. She was a very complex character due to all that's been going on in her life since her birth yet you can understand her reasoning and logic. She was honest to herself and others most of the time yet she was really understanding of others and their actions. Ashley, Anna's best friend was a great character. Yes, Anna and her had some disagreements but those things were what made her such a realistic best friend. Nevertheless, she always had
Anna's back and was a true friend to her. The other characters had significantly good roles but I wish I'd seen more of Tim.
The romance was really realistic for once. I've come to realize once again just how predictable most, if not all, YA romances are at the moment but the romance in this novel was something much less predictable and more toward the realistic side. I was shocked at how events turned out in Anna's love life but really enjoyed the end results. The pacing of this book is consistent yet it's a quick read. The writing was simple and easy to understand. The novel is set in the UK which I really enjoyed because I love their slang and way of speaking. A couple of places in London were also mentioned which was really intriguing. 
Another interesting thing about this novel is that the main character, Anna has a blog which you can visit by clicking here. I thought I'd include that because you can connect to the story more.
First Sentence:

" "And bend to the right." "

Quotes:

"So, Anna. You know the drill. Are the headphones comfy?"

"What?!" I shouted, pointing to both of my ears simultaneously and tapping the side of my head. "I can't hear you! I've got headphones on!" 

"Very amusing, Anna." - Page 49

Follow Friday: Birthday Wishes

Hosted by Parajunkee and Alison

Q: Birthday Wishes — Blow out the candles and imagine what character could pop out of your cake…who is it and what book are they from?
Mmhm, I would pick Ash from the Iron Fey series and or St. Clair from Anna and the French Kiss. I loved both of these characters and hello? Etienne has an accent! .__.

Update: I would also love to meet the Weasley twins from Harry Potter. They would actually make the party fun (x

W .. W .. W .. Wednesday ( 1 )

This meme is hosted by Should Be Reading.
To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…
• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?

Book Review: A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young

Title: A Need So Beautiful
Author: Suzanne Young
Series: A Need So Beautiful #1
Links: Blog | Twitter
Publisher: Balzer & Bray
Publication Date: June 21st 2011
Format: Hardback
Pages: 267
Summary from Goodreads;
We all want to be remembered. Charlotte's destiny is to be Forgotten...
Charlotte’s best friend thinks Charlotte might be psychic. Her boyfriend thinks she’s cheating on him. But Charlotte knows what’s really wrong: She is one of the Forgotten, a kind of angel on earth, who feels the Need—a powerful, uncontrollable draw to help someone, usually a stranger.
But Charlotte never wanted this responsibility. What she wants is to help her best friend, whose life is spiraling out of control. She wants to lie in her boyfriend's arms forever. But as the Need grows stronger, it begins to take a dangerous toll on Charlotte. And who she was, is, and will become--her mark on this earth, her very existence--is in jeopardy of disappearing completely.
Charlotte will be forced to choose: Should she embrace her fate as a Forgotten, a fate that promises to rip her from the lives of those she loves forever? Or is she willing to fight against her destiny--no matter how dark the consequences.
Rating:
***** 5+ stars, go buy it, no questions asked.
Thoughts:
wow, just wow. I truly have no GIF to describe my feelings about this book..ok, that's a lie. .

 There's honestly a GIF for everything and anything but that's not the reason of this post. It's about a gorgeous and brilliant piece of writing titled A Need So Beautiful. A Need So Beautiful is one of those rare, gorgeous pieces of fiction. It was so original! I was gripping the copy so hard in my hands, trying to absorb the writing to find out what was going to happen.
The characters, wow! They were so real and amazing that I could feel myself rooting for every one of them. I felt so bad for Charlotte as she faced the things her so called gift threw her way but she handled them in a realistic and relatable way. Harlin was such a sweetheart that cared a lot for Charlotte and I was definitely rooting for their relationship! Onika was such a manipulative person yet she had such an important role in the novel. You can understand her actions though, which is one of the prospects I enjoyed while reading this novel.
The writing is simple and easy to read but it manages to weave a gorgeous story in just 267 pages! The novel is thin yet Young manages to fit so much emotion and  detail into the story in a way that you don't feel choked up and overloaded with information.
On to the romance. Uh..er..

I felt so guilty towards the middle/end because in the beginning I wasn't that impressed with the love interest, Harlin. However, towards the ending my opinion switched and I couldn't help but swoon at the parts he was in because he was such a sweetheart! In the end I was feeling his emotions as I read even though it was in Charlotte's POV! I can't wait to read A Want So Wicked, I hope he pops back in the story because it would suck if it ended like this one did.
I recommend this to anyone looking for a great piece of writing that's quick paced yet really, really enjoyable. Anyone looking for an original plot and great romance has to pick this up!
First Sentence(s):

"I sit on the front steps of St. Vincent's Cathedral and pick at the moss nestled in the cracks of the concrete. I'm  waiting for Sarah--as usual."

Quotes:

"..I'm out, surrounded in dark. But in the distance there is a small glow, a tiny light. Suddenly I'm standing alone, the space starting to brighten as the light grows." - Page 73

"It might be okay if I go into the light. For so many weeks I've fought the need. And now...I'm just so tired." - Page 211

 “I have to live if I want to be remembered.” 

― Suzanne Young, A Need So Beautiful

Follow Friday

To join the fun and make new book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:
(Required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Hosts {Parajunkee & Alison Can Read}
(Required) Follow the Featured Bloggers
Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts.
Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say “hi” in your comments and that they are now following you.
If you are using WordPress or another CMS that doesn’t have GFC (Google Friends Connect) state in your posts how you would like to be followed
Follow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don’t just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don’t say “HI”
If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love…and the followers.
Question:
I've never wanted to unread a book because it was bad. I think every book has a unique experience that you can only get by well, reading it so I've yet to really want to unread a book.
I have however, wanted to reread a couple of series to enjoy the experience all over again. Those include all the books in the Harry Potter series. Also the Sweep series by Cate Tiernan. 

Book Review: Beautifully Broken by Sherry Soule ( Spellbound #1 )

Title: Beautifully Broken
Author: Sherry Soule
Series: Spellbound #1
Links: Blog | Website | Twitter
Publisher: Moonlight Publishing
Publication Date: August 30th 2011
Add it: Goodreads | Shelfari
Buy it: Amazon
Summary from Goodreads;
Thirteenth daughter. Heritage witch. Demon slayer. 
They say every town has its secrets, but that doesn’t even begin to describe Whispering Pines. The townsfolk are a superstitious lot and the mystical disappearance of a local teen has everyone murmuring about a centuries old witch’s curse. 
When sixteen-year-old Shiloh Ravenwolf takes a summer job at Ravenhurst Manor, she discovers a ghost with an agenda. That’s where she meets the new town hottie, Trent Donovan. But Trent may be the next victim on the supernatural hit list, and Shiloh is the only person with the power to save him. Complicated much? 
After receiving cryptic messages from a creepy wraith and frightening threats from a demon, Shiloh finally begins to understand the mysterious significance of the strange mark branded on her wrist. Now Shiloh must decide how much she's willing to sacrifice to protect the other teenagers in town.
Unfortunately, for Shiloh, not all ghosts want help crossing over. Some want vengeance.
Rating:
**** 4.5; Would recommend to most people.
Thoughts:
Starting this book, I was expecting a good read but I was completely blown away by what I read. The descriptions of the writer made everything come to live in this chilling read. I was left holding my nook in wonder and half expecting the characters to give me a scare in real life. ^.^ 

The plot follows Shiloh who has been living her whole life in the town of Whispering Pines, haunted by well, darkness. Then, a new guy moves into town, arising questions and answering others. I really enjoyed reading in Shiloh's character. She was a stubborn girl who just wanted some answers and I really felt for her and rooted her on. The only problem I had with her was that she was a tad too fast in accepting some things. Then again, all that's been going on since she was little and what she's known gives her a reasonable reason. Trent was like Damon Salvatore, yes, Damon; mysterious yet sweet and caring. He was the perfect match for Shiloh although sometimes I wanted to look him in the eye and scold him for some things he does. Like Shiloh's character though, he has reasons for his actions. The other characters all have roles in Soule's novel which was a prospect I really enjoyed. Not one of them showed up just for decor.
Beautifully Broken did contain some romance but it wasn't the focus of the story and I loved that fact! I don't think I would've enjoyed this style of plot if the main character was always worrying about how she looked in front of her love interested and when would be the next time she saw him. Don't get me wrong, there's still enough romance for those who are interested in that, it just isn't the main prospect. 
The ending was brilliant! I had chills from the events that took place then! Sherry ties up a lot of loose strings and gives a lot of answers away but she leaves more strings hanging loose. I wouldn't exactly call it a cliffhanger though. Then again, the last sentence does make you want to find out more. I can't wait for the release of Moonlight Mayhem, the second book in this series.
I would recommend this to anyone looking for a beautifully detailed novel that will give you chills. I would also recommend this novel to fans of The Vampire Diaries, House of Night series, and the show Charmed.
First Sentence:

"For as long as I remember, I'd heard whispers in the shadows."

Quotes:

"Instead of hoping to study architecture, it occurred to me I should try out to be an actress, because I had mad skills. MTV might even star me in a reality TV show: A Girl's Guide to the Supernatural." - Page 11

"From an early age, I'd heard the rumors about the town curse. To others, the rumors were an urban legend. To me, reality. Because I saw what others only gossiped about." - Page 21 

Trailer:

Book Review: Coffeehouse Angel by Suzanne Selfors

Title: Coffeehouse Angel
Author: Suzanne Selfors
Links: Website | Facebook
Publisher: Walker & Company
Publication Date: July 21st 2009
Add it: Goodreads | Shelfari
Buy it: Barnes & Noble | Amazon 
Summary from Goodreads;
When Katrina spots a homeless guy sleeping in the alley behind her grandmother’s coffee shop, she decides to leave him a cup of coffee, a bag of chocolate-covered coffee beans, and some pastries to tide him over. Little does she know that this random act of kindness is about to turn her life upside down.  Because this adorable vagrant, Malcolm, is really a guardian angel on a break between missions. And he won’t leave until he can reward Katrina’s selflessness by fulfilling her deepest desire. Now if only she could decide what that might be . . .
Rating:
***** 5 stars, recommend to everyone.
Thoughts:
The cover is so adorable. It's a wee bit cheesy, yes I know but I feel as if it doesn't capture the true story and deepness of the novel.
Katrina is such a strong character. She's selfless and would definitely fit in with the abnegation section in Veronica's Divergent series. She was such a down to earth girl that I could picture her as a real person not just a character. In fact, most of Selfor's characters are ones I could see as real people. Malcolm was such a hilarious character. Due to him being an angel, he hasn't had much experience with anything that's well, normal. Even sugar cubes are fascinating to him and reading about his actions were amusing to read. I love how Malcolm was inspired by different traditions and mythology not just made into the typical angel nowadays. Vincent was a sweet and caring person to Katrina but then he sort of got caught up in the fortune that came to him. Fortunately, the ending changed it all and you could see the change in all the characters.
I thought this book was such a nice, quick and adorable read. The pacing is great, not too fast yet not too slow. There's enough action and drama to keep you focused on the story but not enough to bore you to tears. I really liked how the focus wasn't on the romance but more on the background stories.
The romance was a wee bit hard for me to follow. Don't get me wrong, it was great but I just couldn't bear to choose between the two male characters. No, it wasn't a love triangle. It was more of a friend-guy you just met in an alley- friend thing. Katrina and her best friend had to work out their friendship over all the things happening at that time. The romance was completely cute and swoon worthy though. I was shocked at the ending but almost squealed because of the level of cuteness. Again, that might probably be just me as I love endings like the one in this book.
I recommend this to anyone looking for a light, fluffy read with romance but that also deals with deeper and more subjects.
First Sentence:

"The first time I saw him, he was laying in the alley behind my grandmother's coffeehouse."

Quotes:

"The receptionist asked a janitor where all the fish had gone. Other than a stream of bubbles rising in a tube, nothing was inside the aquarium.

Had Malcolm set the free? Of course he had." - Page 179

Other:
Here's how the paperback edition looks. Simple yet really cute.

Top Ten Tuesday: Summer To Be Read

The folks over at The Broke and The Bookish really like lists, so they made this meme.

This week's topic: Top Ten Books On My Summer TBR List
Oh gosh... I knew I shouldn't have done this as my freebie last week..
oh well, here it is;

1. Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer. I read Nightshade and I need to continue this series.

 2. Revived by Cat Patrick. It just sounds amazing so I have to read this.

 3. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. You have no idea how many great things I've heard about this.

 4. Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay. I can't wait to finish this so I can start Romeo Redeemed.

 5. Seraphina by Rachel. Misty at The Book Rat said it was fantastic and I have a copy so I'll be reading this soon.

6. Tiger's Quest by Colleen Houck. In honest truth, it's not just this book but the whole series. I'm in love with the first book so I can't wait to read the rest.

 7. A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies. My friend couldn't stop raving about this one and I want to see what the big deal is so I got myself a copy.

 8. If I stay by Gayle Forman. I have yet to read this but everything everyone mentions is positive so thumbs up. :)

 9. Insurgent by Veronica Roth. I was about to pick up a copy of this but then I chickened out and decided to buy Struck.

 10. The Summer I turned Pretty Trilogy by Jenny Han. I've read the first one and really enjoyed it so I really want to finish the rest.

11. Whisper by Alyson Noel. I recently read Dreamland and I greatly enjoy these novels so of course I want to continue the series.

Book Review: Dreamland by Alyson Noel ( Riley Bloom #3 )

Title: Dreamland
Author: Alyson Noel
Series: Riley Bloom #3
Links: Website | Blog | Twitter
Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
Publication Date: September 13th 2011
Add it: Goodreads | Shelfari
Buy it: Barnes & Noble | Amazon
Summary from Goodreads;
Riley’s finding that the afterlife can be a lonely place when all you do is focus on work. So she goes to the place where dreams happen, hoping to find a way to contact her sister, Ever. She meets the director, who tells her about the two ways to send dreams. As a Dream Jumper, a person can jump into a dreamer’s dream, share a message, and participate. As a Dreamweaver, an entire dream can be created in a studio and sent to the dreamer. But Dreamweaving was outlawed decades ago, and the studio was boarded up. Thinking it’s her only way to reach out to her sister, Riley goes in search of the old studio. There she finds a ghost boy, who’s been creating and sending nightmares to people for years. In order to stop him and reach out to Ever, Riley is going to have to confront and overcome her own fears.
Rating:
**** 4.5 stars, really enjoyed it.
Thoughts:
I have yet to see a novel by Alyson that has a cover I don't like or doesn't catch my interest, honest. Dreamland is no different. Look at the cover; simple yet gorgeous!
This series is a spin off of Noel's Immortals series focusing on Ever's sister, Riley. I've found I enjoy Alyson's Riley Bloom series more than her other series. They're small in side, yes but they seem to hold more within their pages. Riley always manages to find adventure and well, mischief in these novels but she always learns a lesson along with the person reading the book.
The pacing in these books are quick yet enjoyable. They have a lot of depth to them but the way that Noel portrays them makes them feel like light reads. Every time I've started a book in this series, I always find myself reading them in a sitting and wishing for more afterwards. There's a lot of character development in this series. Riley always comes to realize the importance of something or someone by the end of the novels and grows into a bigger and better person. Her mentor, Bodhi isn't present in many scenes yet he plays an important role which I really hope Alyson's next novel Whisper will unfold. I really want to know what happens with the new characters, Satchel and Balthazar, as they were left as loose strings.
The main focus in the Riley Bloom novels aren't in romance as much as they are in lessons Riley learns. In Dreamland, however, the reader is introduced to what could be the beginning of Riley's feelings for a certain character. I felt the emotions as Riley did which is something not every author can convey through such short reads and I really enjoy that.
I recommend this to anyone looking for a quick, fast read that's light yet has a deeper level to it.
First sentence:

"The second I laid eyes on Aurora my shoulders slumped, my face unsquinched, and I heaved a deep sigh of relief knowing I had an ally, a friend on my side."

Quotes: 

"I finally knew the truth.

Contrary to what most people think, coincidences are few and far between." - Page 77

"I was trapped.

Stuck in an eternal dance.
Living the never-ending story of all the worst nightmares known to man." - 129 

  Book Trailer:

Cover Reveal: Broken Wings by Shannon Dittemore

This is the cover for Broken Wings, which is the sequel to Angel Eyes due to be released on February 19th 2013! So long from now..but Shannon is hosting a giveaway for an audio book of Angel Eyes. For more information on the giveaway click here. I have to admit, the cover is rather different than the first cover which looks like this:

On the other hand, I'm digging the ocean in the background and the outline of the angel. The colors add some mystery too. Overall, I give it a thumbs up.

Book Review: Angel Eyes by Shannon Dittemore ( Angel Eyes Trilogy #1 )

Title: Angel Eyes
Author: Shannon Dittemore
Series: Angel Eyes Trilogy #1
Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Publisher: Thomas Nelson Fiction
Publication Date: May 29th, 2012
Add it: Goodreads | Shelfari
Buy it: Barnes & Noble | Amazon
Summary from Goodreads;
Once you’ve seen, you can’t unsee. Everything changes when you’ve looked at the world through . . .
ANGEL EYES
Brielle’s a ballerina who went to the city to chase her dreams and found tragedy instead. She’s come home to shabby little Stratus, Oregon, to live with her grief and her guilt . . . and the incredible, numbing cold she can’t seem to shake.
Jake’s the new guy at school. The boy next door with burning hands and an unbelievable gift that targets him for corruption.
Something more than fate has brought them together. An evil bigger than both of them lurks in the shadows nearby, hiding in plain sight. Two angels stand guard, unsure what’s going to happen. And a beauty brighter than Jake or Brielle has ever seen is calling them to join the battle in a realm where all human choices start.
A realm that only angels and demons—and Brielle—can perceive.

Rating:

**** 4 stars, really enjoyed it

Thoughts:

The cover was what first caught my eye. Simple yet not. My first thoughts of it were "Finally, a girl wearing not a dress, but normal clothes." Plus, the woods in the background add some darkness and mystery to the cover. Not to mention the glowing halo.
The characters were great! The romance of Angel Eyes reminded me of Twilight, however, the characters didn't. The female character was much stronger and braver, at least, in my opinion. Brielle was "broken" yet she depended upon no one, just herself. Jake was described in such a way that he seemed perfect, even with his flaws and everything but you got to know him more in depth later in the book. I wish I'd gotten to know her friends and the angels and demons in more depth throughout the book since they play a pretty important role in the book.
The romance was ubber cute but a tad too quick; I wish I'd seen more development to it. I really liked how Shannon didn't focus completely on the romance though.
The pacing was consistent although it quickened as drama and action approached. I admit, in the beginning I was confused. I felt as if I was thrown into the middle of a series and I couldn't understand a thing but as I continued to read everything became much clearer. The writing was really easy to read and understand which I really enjoyed. Angel Eyes was told both in third point of view and Brielle's point of view which really gives readers a much wider view and understanding of the story.
I would recommend this to anyone looking for a riveting novel with a great plot and characters.
First Sentence:

"The knot in my throat is constant."

Quotes:

"I lurch upright and turn toward the window, my hair flying. The boy jerks upright. Caught staring and he knows it." - Page 24

" Has anyone ever told you that, though? How crazy your skin is? It's like werewolf hot."

He flinches at the Twilight reference, and I'm surprised at how much I enjoy the jab.
"Well, I rarely howl at the moon, if that helps." - Page 101

Cover Reveal & Excerpt : Dead Radiance by T.G. Ayer

Young Adult Paranormal 

Title: Dead Radiance (Valkyrie Series #1) 

Author: T.G. Ayer

Date Published: 2/25/12
Full tour schedule can be found here.

Synopsis: 

Bryn Halbrook had always seen the glow. But it is only when her best friend dies that she discovers the meaning of those beautiful golden auras - Death. Alone, lost in the foster system, she struggles to understand who she is and why she was cursed with the ability to see the soon-to-be-dead.

The new foster kid, Aidan, isn't helping any. Mr. Perfect seems to fit in no matter what, making her feel even more pathetic. But when his affections turn to her, Bryn finds him hard to resist. Impossible actually. A mystery himself, Aidan disappears, leaving behind a broken heart and a mysterious book that suggests Bryn might not be entirely human. Bryn stands at the threshold of a journey of discovery. Will destiny help her find herself, find her purpose and her place in a world in which she'd never belonged?

Author Bio: 

I have been a writer from the time I was old enough to recognise that reading was a doorway into my imagination. Poetry was my first foray into the art of the written word. Books were my best friends, my escape, my haven. I am essentially a recluse but this part of my personality is impossible to practise given I have two teenage daughters, who are actually my friends, my tea-makers, my confidantes… I am blessed with a husband who has left me for golf. It’s a fair trade as I have left him for writing. We are both passionate supporters of each other's loves – it works wonderfully…

My heart is currently broken in two. One half resides in South Africa where my old roots still remain, and my heart still longs for the endless beaches and the smell of moist soil after a summer downpour. My love for Ma Afrika will never fade. The other half of me has been transplanted to the Land of the Long White Cloud. The land of the Taniwha, beautiful Maraes, and volcanoes. The land of green, pure beauty that truly inspires. And because I am so torn between these two lands – I shall forever remain cross-eyed.

Links: Facebook | Twitter | Blog  | Goodreads | Shelfari

Buy: Amazon

Excerpt 

Chapter 1

I was cold, like the roses on Joshua’s casket, like the muddy dark-brown soil waiting to embrace the lifeless remains of the boy who was my friend.

My fingers curled around the stem of a butter-yellow rose, knuckles tight. I blinked away the liquid burn stabbing my eyelids. I had to get out. Give him the rose. Then get the hell away.

I tried to squeeze past the old woman who guarded my route to the center aisle, glaring. Her stares slithered down my neck as I passed. I shuffled by, careful not to touch her. But she huffed, her shoulders stiff and unimpressed with my rudeness. Her disapproval slid down my back.

I straightened my pencil skirt and short coat, scraped my wet hands on my hips. I knew the cool black silk wouldn't dry my sticky palms, but I did it anyway, needing to do something with my hands other than clutch the dead flower.

The slim heels of my pumps sank deep into wet ground. I jerked them free and swallowed, my throat aching with tears.. My best friend would soon be entombed within this sodden mush, to lie beneath Craven forever. Until his flesh fell off his bones and he turned to dust.

A cool hand tapped my shoulder.

Follow Friday: Father Figures

To join the fun and make new book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:
(Required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Hosts {Parajunkee & Alison Can Read}
(Required) Follow the Featured Bloggers 
Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts.
Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say “hi” in your comments and that they are now following you.
If you are using WordPress or another CMS that doesn’t have GFC (Google Friends Connect) state in your posts how you would like to be followed
Follow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don’t just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don’t say “HI”
If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love…and the followers
Q: Who is the best father figure you have read in a book and why?
Father figure? Uhmhm.. father.. Does Arthur Weasley count? He does doesn't he? ._. Now that I think about it, parents aren't always present in YA novels, mmhm. Interesting.

Top Ten Tuesday : Beach Reads

The folks at The Broke and the Bookish are quite fond of lists, so this meme was made. This week was beach reads and let me just admit now, I can't read at the beach. The blazing hot sun is just to much for me so I can't concentrate. >.< My list includes books that have either fast pace, fluffy romance, or are just quick reads in general.

Catching Jordan

Cinder

Deadly Cool

The False Prince

Flirting In Italian

Thirteen Little Blue Envelopes series | review of 2nd book here

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight

Tiger's Curse

Wings

 & Just because, I decided to add the most obvious book, Anna and the French Kiss.

Anna & The French Kiss

Book Review: Delirium by Lauren Oliver ( Delirium #1 )

Title: Delirium
Author: Lauren Oliver
Series: Delirium #1
Links: Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: February 1st 2011
Add it: Goodreads | Shelfari
Buy it: Barnes & Noble | Amazon
Summary from Goodreads;
Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -- the deliria -- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the government demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.
But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.
Rating:
***** 5 stars, recommend to everyone
Thoughts:
The ending...

The plot in Delirium was truly unique. I found myself absorbed in the idea of love being a disease in this world that I couldn't put the book down. I wish I'd gotten more background on how the government came to identify it as a disease and how the procedure of the cure works. At the top of each chapter, there's an excerpt from "The Book Of Shh", and other documents which gives you a tad of more depth into the story though.
Lena was not the most relatable character I've read about but I could follow along at most points. Lena is used to following the rules; she'll turn eighteen and be rid of the cure. Only problem? She meets Alex. From the second Alex was introduced, I was swooning.

Oliver's description and my mind made him into someone who is worthy enough to be mentioned as one of my favorite male characters. Lena's best friend is introduced in the beginning but her role and person sort of dwindles into the back and you don't really see her anymore towards the middle. Then she pops back into the story towards the very end. I just wished she'd had a more stable point in the story.
The romance was so adorable and romantic but I wished there had been more depth to it and more descriptions of some of their moments together. Although Lauren's description of Alex's eyes made me melt and swoon which made up for it. I will definitely be picking up a copy of the sequel, Pandemonium because the ending was just so gahh! I need to find out what happens after that wicked cliffhanger!
I recommend this to anyone who's looking for a novel with a fresh, unique idea and characters that will have you swooning and rooting for them.
First sentence:

"It has been sixty-four years since the president and the consortium identified love as a disease, and forty-three since the scientists perfected a cure."

Quotes:

"Oh, I'm not nervous," I tell her. "Trust me. I can't wait."

Only seven more days."  - Page 384

"Then he does the absolutely, positively unthinkable.

He winks at me." - Page 38

Trailer: I think this trailer is brilliant, not only does it give you an idea of what you're about to read but also has background music which goes along with the title..and story.

Follow Friday

To join the fun and make new book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:

(Required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Hosts {Parajunkee & Alison Can Read}
(Required) Follow the Featured Bloggers (which are the same today!)
Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts.
Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say “hi” in your comments and that they are now following you.
If you are using WordPress or another CMS that doesn’t have GFC (Google Friends Connect) state in your posts how you would like to be followed
Follow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don’t just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don’t say “HI”
If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love…and the followers.
Feature a blog you love like.
I really like The Paper Planes. ^.^ I just found it a while ago and it's so cute!

Book Review: Wings by Aprilynne Pike

Title: Wings
Author: Aprilynne Pike
Series: Wings #1
Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: April 6th 2010
Format: Paperback
Pages: 294
Summary from Goodreads;
Laurel was mesmerized, staring at the pale things with wide eyes. They were terrifyingly beautiful--too beautiful for words.
Laurel turned to the mirror again, her eyes on the hovering petals that floated beside her head. They looked almost like wings.
In this extraordinary tale of magic and intrigue, romance and danger, everything you thought you knew about faeries will be changed forever.
Rating:
3 stars, enjoyable but lacked a few things.
Thoughts:
The cover is gorgeous, simple yet gorgeous. The writing in Wings seemed to flow straight out of the book and into images throughout the whole book but the action actually started to pick up during the middle. The only thing I disliked was the love triangle towards the middle, how Laurel starts acting reminds me of Twilight's Bella, not choosing between the guys but kissing them both. I hadn't really given much thought to this novel's characters because of the smooth pace, until I actually finished reading it.
I felt like the characters were a tad too naive and just too young to be in high school. There was some character development but not as much as I'd hoped for, I really liked the characters though which makes it more frustrating to me considering I wanted to see how they'd change and turn out. I really liked the idea of her being what she was though, which overtook the prospect of the whole book.
The whole plot and idea of the book itself was fantastic but the characters were a tad weak. The pacing was quick making the book a quick and light read which I enjoyed. The detailing was fantastic, the setting was great, and the idea of Avalon existing in this book was amazing and made the feel of the novel more magical.
The ending was really good, really leaves you wanting the next book. I will be picking up Spells soon. I hope to see more of character development there and find out more about Avalon.
I recommend this to anyone looking for a light, fast paced novel with beautiful writing.
First sentence:

"Laurel's shoes flipped a cheerful rhythm that defied her dark mood."

Teaser Tuesday: Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers! 

I am in a reading slump.. yes, but I recently started a book that I hope brings me out of it. That book is Delirium by Lauren Oliver.

Title: Delirium
Author: Lauren Oliver
Series: Delirium #1

 "He leans another inch closer, and it's like the flames seep out of his eyes and light my whole body on fire. I've never been this close to a boy before. I feel like fainting and running all at the same time. But I can't move." - Page 67

"The barn is completely gutted: split open and blackened by the fire, exposed to the elements. Only half of it is left standing.." - Page 123-124