Tuesday, April 30, 2013

book signings, cue the road trip | 1

Spring Into The Future Signing

Featuring: Veronica Rossi | Tahereh Mafi | Cynthia Hand | Anna Carey
Date: Saturday, April 27, 2013 @ 3pm | Hurst, TX | Barnes & Noble

Living inbetween Dallas, TX and Memphis, TN
means there's always a road trip to feed my book obsession!

Spring into the Future Signed Books

This was the quinella of author signings in my book! Four all-star authors all in one place; I was in book heaven.

Great stories and insights from them all. Including some of Veronica Rossi's inspiration, a story about how her son looked in front of a cold, blue digital screen versus the warmth in front of a camp fire. Of course Unravel Me's chapter 62 was a topic of discussion! Tahereh was asked how she faced her family after writing said chapter. Her answer, there was some awkwardness, also noting that one of her brothers was the source of Adam's bird tattoo. Too funny!

Tahereh also started a round of answers from all the authors, adding to her SNI concept, Shiny New Idea. You can "flirt" with the SNI, but never "write" with it, while still working on your current project. Cynthia Hand might have taken "flirting" to a whole new level, when she only allowed herself to take notes on her SNI. Said notes ended up being 70 pages.

Great event, looking forward to my next scheduled one; Fierce Reads 2013 Summer Tour in Memphis, TN, June 11th. Jessica Brody (Unremembered), Emmy Laybourne (Monument 14), Anna Banks (Of Triton), and wait for it...Leigh Bardugo (Siege and Storm) will all be there.

-crj

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

waiting on wednesday | 5 - Reboot

Waiting on Wednesday
Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we can't wait to get in our hands.

Reboot Cover Image Reboot
by: Amy Tintera | Website | Twitter

Publication Date: May 7, 2013
Publisher: Harper Teen
Series: Reboot #1

Add to Goodreads

Summary: Five years ago, Wren Connolly was shot three times in the chest. After 178 minutes she came back as a Reboot: stronger, faster, able to heal, and less emotional. The longer Reboots are dead, the less human they are when they return. Wren 178 is the deadliest Reboot in the Republic of Texas. Now seventeen years old, she serves as a soldier for HARC (Human Advancement and Repopulation Corporation).

Wren’s favorite part of the job is training new Reboots, but her latest newbie is the worst she’s ever seen. As a 22, Callum Reyes is practically human. His reflexes are too slow, he’s always asking questions, and his ever-present smile is freaking her out. Yet there’s something about him she can’t ignore. When Callum refuses to follow an order, Wren is given one last chance to get him in line—or she’ll have to eliminate him. Wren has never disobeyed before and knows if she does, she’ll be eliminated, too. But she has also never felt as alive as she does around Callum.

The perfect soldier is done taking orders.


Summary and cover image from goodreads.

Why the WOW: I'm digging this new take on zombies. Like zombie's cousin, where there is little more intelligence and a little less "Brains...nom-nom." Nothing like an always smiling newbie to restart dormant emotions! I've read some mixed reviews, but the overall consensus is that Reboot is a fun read. Sign me up.

And hello Republic of Texas, who doesn't see this in the possible future?

What are you waiting for?
-crj

Monday, April 22, 2013

review - Let The Sky Fall

Let The Sky Fall Cover Image

Four Stars
Let The Sky Fall
by: Shannon Messenger | Website | Twitter

Publication Date: March 5, 2013
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Series: Let The Sky Fall #1
Format: eBook on PulseIt
Page Count: 416
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Paranormal
US of YA: California
Get your copy: Amazon | B&N

Add to Goodreads

Summary: Seventeen-year-old Vane Weston has no idea how he survived the category five tornado that killed his parents. And he has no idea if the beautiful, dark-haired girl who’s swept through his dreams every night since the storm is real. But he hopes she is.

Seventeen-year-old Audra is a sylph, an air elemental. She walks on the wind, can translate its alluring songs, and can even coax it into a weapon with a simple string of commands. She’s also a guardian—Vane’s guardian—and has sworn an oath to protect Vane at all costs. Even if it means sacrificing her own life.

When a hasty mistake reveals their location to the enemy who murdered both of their families, Audra’s forced to help Vane remember who he is. He has a power to claim—the secret language of the West Wind, which only he can understand. But unlocking his heritage will also unlock the memory Audra needs him to forget. And their greatest danger is not the warriors coming to destroy them—but the forbidden romance that’s grown between them.


Summary and cover image from goodreads.

Let The Sky Fall Header Image
My Review
Let The Sky Fall sucks readers into a fast-paced and brand new adventure. The Windwalker (who didn't automatically think Game of Thrones Whitewalker) mythology was a new genre of paranormal that Shannon Messenger slowly unveils to readers. Their powers, fighting tactics, social constructs, and history effortlessly trickle across the pages.

In the world of YA, Vane is one of the truest male POVs that I've read. He isn't over romanticized as that perfect-male-specimen-way (while these are great to read!). He thinks just like a boy but not overly-crass. Vane handles learning about his heritage fairly-well. It's a little easier to swallow the news that you aren't human if its being delivered by your dream-girl. Admittedly, Vane is a little freaked out, but dream-girl would gives him the motivation to accept and move toward his future and learning to call the West Wind.

Dream-girl, aka Audra, is struggling with her past and the consequences of her actions. Guilt and regret fuel her desire to be loyal to the Gale Force (wind walker guards) and her mission to protect Vane at all costs. She has trained and sacrificed for ten years, and it was good Audra relax a little and enjoy life, thanks to Vane. After watching from the sidelines and keeping Vane a single-man (via some wind tricks), Audra begins to feel more for Vane than what her mission requires. But there's the crux, Vane has been betrothed, due to his last-Westerly status among the Windwalkers. Talk about conflicting feelings over the right and wrong of their relationship.

We don't actually get to meet the trying to take-over-the-world villain, Raidan, only his minions, which was interesting, keeps him a little mysteriously hidden for the next book. Audra's mother, Arella, provided a nice dash of angst. Her and Audra's relationship is strained from the beginning, but there are few twists here to keep the reader guessing on her true motives.

I'm definitely looking forward to the next installment of this series. A much larger world has been opened to Vane, and I'm ready to explore it.



Shout out to the new PulseIt website, which got a makeover recently. Looks really sleek and has a great user-interface. AND…here's the kicker, their monthly free-reads are now accessible on iPhones and iPads. Love! Thank you SimonTeen and PulseIt.

My Favorite Quotes
"That's where you're wrong, Vane. You're our only hope."
I have to laugh. It sounds so Princess Leia. Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. - Audra and Vane, 15% in eBook.

Honestly, being with Audra makes the whole living-in-sylph-land-forever idea sound not so bad. I might be able to deal with it if I finally get to taste those full lips of hers. Undo that tight braid and run my hand through her silky hair as I move closer. Pressing every inch of her body against mine as she tangles her arms around me and slides her hands down my back, pulling me even closer…
I shove the handle of the faucet all the way cold. - Vane, 32% in eBook

I want to say more, but my dad's joined my mom at my bedroom door, and while he doesn't have her look of nervous terror, he looks like when he's watching the Discovery Channel.
Aren't the mating habits of teenagers fascinating, honey? - Vane, 42% in eBook

I'm not sure if I'm fueled by fear or want or just sheer desperation. But it's cards-on-the-table time. I've dreamed of her for too long… - Vane, 56% in eBook

She doesn't wait for me to try. She doesn't even wait for me let her out of the booth. She pulls her feet up on the bench and climbs onto the table. - Hanna and Vane, 59% in eBook

"No way. I will not let your first meal be cold McDonald's fries. I'm taking you to In-N-Out." - Vane, 71% in eBook

My eyes focus on her mouth as she licks her lips and leans closer.
She's going to do it. She's going to kiss me.
I resist the urge to fist pump the sky.
"You're beautiful," I breath instead.
She leans closer. Our noses touch. I stop myself from closing the distance.
It has to be her.
She sucks in a breath and closes her eyes.
"What are you thinking?" a woman's voice asks. At. The. Last. Second.
"Come on!" I shout as Audra jumps back like I have the plague. - Vane, 79% in eBook
-crj

Friday, April 19, 2013

stacking the shelves | 2

Stacking the Shelves

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews to share the books added to the ever-growing TBR pile.

Stacking the Shelves Books
Purchased
Under The Never Sky by: Veronica Rossi
Through The Ever Night by: Veronica Rossi
Once by: Anna Carey

from the Biblioteca
Walking Disaster by: Jamie McGuire

What's new: I read Under the Never Sky last year from the library, but thought I would pick up my own copy along with Through the Ever Night and Once for the Spring into the Future book tour next weekend. I'm making the trip to Dallas, TX; five hours to be exact, but also visiting my sister. The price of living between Dallas, TX and Memphis, TN.

I am beyond excited to see all four authors -
Veronica Rossi [under the never sky], Anna Carey [eve],
Tahereh Mafi [shatter me], and Cynthia Hand [unearthly].

Spring Into The Future Dallas Stop
-crj

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

review - Asunder

Asunder Cover Image

Four Stars
Asunder
by: Jodi Meadows | Website | Twitter

Publication Date: January 29, 2013
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Series: Newsouls #2
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 406
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Get your copy: Amazon | B&N

Add to Goodreads

Summary: DARKSOULS
Ana has always been the only one. Asunder. Apart. But after Templedark, when many residents of Heart were lost forever, some hold Ana responsible for the darksouls–and the newsouls who may be born in their place.

SHADOWS
Many are afraid of Ana’s presence, a constant reminder of unstoppable changes and the unknown. When sylph begin behaving differently toward her and people turn violent, Ana must learn to stand up not only for herself but for those who cannot stand up for themselves.

LOVE
Ana was told that nosouls can’t love. But newsouls? More than anything, she wants to live and love as an equal among the citizens of Heart, but even when Sam professes his deepest feelings, it seems impossible to overcome a lifetime of rejection.

In this second book in the Newsoul trilogy, Ana discovers the truth about reincarnation and will have to find a way to embrace love and make her young life meaningful. Once again, Jodi Meadows explores the extraordinary beauty and shadowed depths of the soul in a story equal parts epic romance and captivating fantasy.


Summary and cover image from goodreads.

Asunder Header Image
My Review
Asunder starts off in the aftermath of Templedark and the mourning of lost darksouls. The steady pulse of Heart's walls have Ana in a perpetual state of unease; which prompts a trip back to Purple Rose Cottage. She and Sam start their research into what caused Templedark and the mystery behind everyone's reincarnation. This early section had a Michael Crichton/Dan Brown feel, read: mystery/thriller, where the setting is far removed and there's a lab. So armed with Menehem's research and the Temple books in an unreadable language of symbols, Ana and Sam sift through experiment notes. I really enjoyed these scenes, although it did seem that Ana became a little repetitive with her questions and subsequent answers.

Sylphs play an important role in Asunder. In Heart, they had always been accepted as just another creature of the world; but they start acting strangely, raising questions of what is going on. Specifically, Ana seems to be able to control them or at least sway them with music. And music in Asunder could be described as an actual setting, a place where Ana and Sam grow in their relationship. So much of the story is connected to music; emotions, backstory (Blue Rose Serenade), and fellowship.

With the darksouls forever gone, newsoul births begin in Heart; which effectively splits society into divided factions. As the oldest newsoul, Ana feels it is her duty to protect the newsouls and to provide them with the love and caring that she missed out from Li. I definitely connected with Ana in this series. She's the new kid on the block, where everyone else has a 5,000 year old friendship. I think everyone can empathize with her sense of loneliness, where others have so much history and can convey so much with just one look or movement. Thank goodness she found comfort in Sam.

With rising tensions and the uncertainty of reincarnation, Ana and company struggle to find the truth. Threats, missing persons, double crossings, explosions, sacrifices, a revisit into the Temple, and of course an unwavering romance await readers in this intense sequel. And talk about the twist concerning the Sylphs at the end.

My Favorite Quotes
I liked waking up across the tent from him; seeing his messy hear and sleepy smile first thing chased away my lingering fears and sadness.

Why couldn't Sam really be a boy my age, with no more experience than I had? No past lives, past loves.
Why couldn't he be only for me?

Soundtrack to read by
Stay by Rihanna featuring Mikky Ekko

I think Ana and Sam would approve of this duet backed by a piano. There was a scene where Ana just wants Sam to stay with her. But it also has hints of how Sam feels about Ana and her short lifespan.

It's not much of a life you're living
It's not just something you take – it's given


And the chorus perfectly matches their feelings.

Not really sure how to feel about it.
Something in the way you move
Makes me feel like I can't live without you.
It takes me all the way.
I want you to stay.


Ana, because all these feelings are new for her; Sam, because he feels that their relationship isn't proper. But Ana's response to Sam's ethical dilemma is spot-on, that there's always going to be 5,000 years between them. When does this become a non-issue? Would it ever be a non-issue? I love that Ana fights for her and Sam.
-crj

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

waiting on wednesday | 4 - Across the Star-Swept Sea

Waiting on Wednesday
Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we can't wait to get in our hands.

Across the Star-Swept Sea Cover Image Across the Star-Swept Sea
by: Diana Peterfreund | Website | Twitter

Publication Date: October 15, 2013
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Series: For Darkness Shows the Stars #2

Add to Goodreads

Summary: Centuries after wars nearly destroyed civilization, the two islands of New Pacifica stand alone, a terraformed paradise where even the Reduction—the devastating brain disorder that sparked the wars—is a distant memory. Yet on the isle of Galatea, an uprising against the ruling aristocrats has turned deadly. The revolutionaries’ weapon is a drug that damages their enemies’ brains, and the only hope is rescue by a mysterious spy known as the Wild Poppy.

On the neighboring island of Albion, no one suspects that the Wild Poppy is actually famously frivolous aristocrat Persis Blake. The teenager uses her shallow, socialite trappings to hide her true purpose: her gossipy flutternotes are encrypted plans, her pampered sea mink is genetically engineered for spying, and her well-publicized new romance with handsome Galatean medic Justen Helo… is her most dangerous mission ever.

Though Persis is falling for Justen, she can’t risk showing him her true self, especially once she learns he’s hiding far more than simply his disenchantment with his country’s revolution and his undeniable attraction to the silly socialite he’s pretending to love. His darkest secret could plunge both islands into a new dark age, and Persis realizes that when it comes to Justen Helo, she’s not only risking her heart, she’s risking the world she’s sworn to protect.

In this thrilling adventure inspired by The Scarlet Pimpernel, Diana Peterfreund creates an exquisitely rendered world where nothing is as it seems and two teens with very different pasts fight for a future only they dare to imagine.


Summary and cover image from goodreads.
Why the WOW: While trilogies are awesome in their own right, I'm really starting to Love companion series (read: Graceling, Grave Mercy, and Anna and the French Kiss). They really enrich the world and let characters explore, especially in the fantasy genre.

AtSSS is the follow-up to For Darkness Shows the Stars and is a retelling of the Scarlet Pimpernel. Far away islands with its own post-apocalyptic history, deadly weaponized-drugs, and spies. Sounds amazing!

Interested in For Darkness Shows the Stars, read my review here.

What are you waiting for?
-crj

review - For Darkness Shows the Stars

For Darkness Shows the Stars Cover Image

Five Stars
For Darkness Shows the Stars
by: Diana Peterfreund | Website | Twitter

Publication Date: June 12, 2012
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Series: For Darkness Shows the Stars #1
Format: Hardcover - la biblioteca
Page Count: 402
Genre: Retelling, Sci-fi, YA
Get your copy: Amazon | B&N

Add to Goodreads

Summary: It's been several generations since a genetic experiment gone wrong caused the Reduction, decimating humanity and giving rise to a Luddite nobility who outlawed most technology.

Elliot North has always known her place in this world. Four years ago Elliot refused to run away with her childhood sweetheart, the servant Kai, choosing duty to her family's estate over love. Since then the world has changed: a new class of Post-Reductionists is jumpstarting the wheel of progress, and Elliot's estate is foundering, forcing her to rent land to the mysterious Cloud Fleet, a group of shipbuilders that includes renowned explorer Captain Malakai Wentforth--an almost unrecognizable Kai. And while Elliot wonders if this could be their second chance, Kai seems determined to show Elliot exactly what she gave up when she let him go.

But Elliot soon discovers her old friend carries a secret--one that could change their society . . . or bring it to its knees. And again, she's faced with a choice: cling to what she's been raised to believe, or cast her lot with the only boy she's ever loved, even if she's lost him forever.

Inspired by Jane Austen's Persuasion, For Darkness Shows the Stars is a breathtaking romance about opening your mind to the future and your heart to the one person you know can break it.


Summary and cover image from goodreads.

For Darkness Shows the Stars Header Image
My Review
For Darkness Shows the Stars is a wonderful re-telling of Jane Austen's Persuasion, but with an interesting dystopian/sci-fi twist.

To start this series starts has a novella prequel Among the Nameless Stars. The novella is available on the publishers website for free. I actually read it before the FDStS, but it might be better digested after the main event. There are some terms and social constructs that were kind of hard to wrap my head around; I had to just pick up from context. This wouldn't have been a problem if I had read them in reverse, but this did not diminish the story of Kai's journey to find himself and the life he thinks he wants.

While most of FDStS takes place on the North Estate, this novella opens a whole new and expanded world to the readers. City-life of this post-apocalyptic society starts to come alive, and the ruling class and the political powers that be can be seen in their varying degrees of benevolence or malevolence.

The best part of AtNS is Kai's letters to Elliot. They bring to the surface his pain, loneliness, and strength to provide a better life for himself. Knowing that Kai is going to make it back to the North Estate, it was interesting to read about Kai's experiences, choices, and subsequent consequences and how they eventually lead back to Elliot.

I'm not going to lie, the reason this book had my undivided attention was the cover. Can we take a moment to appreciate it in all its awesomeness. I'll wait while you scroll up. The stars, the font, and the hints of pink and orange. It wasn't even the dress this time!

Back to our regularly scheduled program.

Tuesdays throughout April, I've been posting reviews of classic retellings, and FDStS is by far my favorite retelling. It was that dash of post-apocalyptic/fantasy that really let the story come to life. While most other retellings fit into contemporary settings, FDStS did anything but. The future was almost a throw-back to an Austenian-society, with the distinct social classes playing an important role in the story. This conflict sparks a rift between Elliot and Kai at an early age, eventually leading to Kai's quest to better his status in life.

In Elliot's eyes, Kai abandoned her to a lonely life, where she had to take the leadership role on her family's estate. So when he returns, emotions run wild. Maintaining social etiquette, Elliot and Kai must navigate their current situation, with their pasts as constant reminders of what they lost, read: each other. These social scenes are great nods to Jane Austen's writing, and Peterfreund impeccably weaves the Austenian dances and courting into this post-apocalyptic setting.

Having not read Persuasion, the character arcs were new to me. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed FDStS; the world-building, the romance, and the letters. In the digital, instant-world we live in, I loved the simple act of writing a letter and the anticipation of receiving one back.

My Favorite Quotes
In every letter, in every line, she saw him. He hadn't changed - he'd only grown into the man he'd meant to be.

Kai held firm to her with one hand, and pointed up with the other. "I can see them, Elliot. I can see them all. In the night, in the day, through clouds and storms and the setting sun."
She stared at him in wonder. This was his miracle, and he was sharing it with her.
"Thank you," she said, "for coming back for me."
"Elliot." He bent his head close to hers, and looked deep into her eyes. His gaze was no longer strange to her. He was just her Kai, the man he'd been born to become. "No matter where I went, I always knew my way back to you. You are my compass star."
And he was hers.
-crj

Friday, April 12, 2013

review - Boundless

Boundless Cover Image

Four Stars
Boundless
by: Cynthia Hand

Publication Date: January 22, 2013
Publisher: Harper Teen
Series: Unearthly Trilogy #3
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 438
Genre: Paranormal, Angels, YA
Get your copy: Amazon | B&N

Add to Goodreads

Summary: The past few years have held more surprises than part-angel Clara Gardner could ever have anticipated. Yet from the dizzying highs of first love, to the agonizing low of losing someone close to her, the one thing she can no longer deny is that she was never meant to live a normal life.

Since discovering the special role she plays among the other angel-bloods, Clara has been determined to protect Tucker Avery from the evil that follows her . . . even if it means breaking both their hearts. Leaving town seems like the best option, so she’s headed back to California - and so is Christian Prescott, the irresistible boy from the vision that started her on this journey in the first place.

As Clara makes her way in a world that is frighteningly new, she discovers that the fallen angel who attacked her is watching her every move. And he’s not the only one. . . . With the battle against the Black Wings looming, Clara knows she must finally fulfill her destiny. But it won’t come without sacrifices and betrayal.

In the riveting finale of the Unearthly series, Clara must decide her fate once and for all.


Summary and cover image from goodreads.

Boundless Header Image
My Review
Techinically a review for Boundless, but I'm going to post my goodreads review for Unearthly from back in March 2011 and Radiant.

SPOILERS for series

Unearthly #1
This was my first angel story, and I loved it. Unlike most paranormal books, Unearthly starts off with Clara already knowing that she is different, that she is part angel. It was refreshing not to have to read the reaction to her finding this out. Unearthly started off with action.

Clara's family was interesting. Especially, her mother. She was very slow to reveal any information to Clara. Makes you question, "What is she hiding?" And the boys, totally swoon-worthy. Christian, who she is suppose to save. Tucker, who is just a distraction, but who doesn't love distractions? I loved Tucker's outdoorsy side, the skiing and hiking.

The last chapters were gut-wrenching. I honestly didn't know what she was going to decide. And the twist was awesome, definitely setup the next book nicely!

Hallowed #2
While I didn't write up a review for Hallowed, I do remember it having that slightly middle-book syndrome. There were some big reveals, secrets, and introductions made in Hallowed, including the congregation, characters' parentage, and the blackwings.

Radiant #2.5
I waited to read this right before I started Boundless. I know these e-novellas are suppose to tie readers over until the next in the series comes out, but I like holding on to them and reading them back to back.

Writing this review, I'm about 60% into Boundless. I can honestly say, that while some e-novellas are not needed, Radiant is pretty necessary to the story. I can't imagine reading Boundless without the knowledge that I got reading these 94 pages, which chronicles Clara and Angela's summer break in Italy and the introduction of Phen. Or maybe I would have interpreted Boundless differently, but that seems like it would have been a bait-n-switch (the whole Pierce/Phen thing).

Jumping from Radiant right into Boundless provided the perfect setup for the main attraction. Before you read Boundless pick this little gem up!

Boundless #3
Boundless starts with Clara and co. (Christian and Angela) heading off to Stanford, leaving one particular cowboy back at the ranch. Loved the college setting, had a new adult vibe, where the possibilities were a little wider for Clara. Having lost her mom, Clara truly is an adult and starts to make some big life decisions.

Clara and Christian struggle, or maybe awkwardly try, to define their relationship. With Tucker back in Wyoming, everyone questions when these two will make it official. Clara does recognize the inherent attraction between them, but is this a result of their visions and their purpose? The proverbial which came first, the chicken or the egg? Christian tries to let Clara find her own way to him; cue some of the sweetest and most honest lines from Christian. It also doesn't hurt that these two can't hide a lot from each other, with their mind-meld and all.

While I was absolutely in love with Tucker in Unearthly, my loyalties switched to Christian partly through Hallowed and totally in Boundless. This probably had to do with Christian simply being present; but he went way beyond being just a warm body. He understands Clara, her motivations, her world outlook, her world. Being brought together by their purposes, Christian let his heart lead him further to Clara. But I guess absence makes the heart grow fonder, in Clara's case.

Samjeeza has an interesting character arc in this installment; we never know quite where his loyalties lie or what his interest in Clara is. Makes for some tense moments between these two and a good payoff in the end. Actions taken in Radiant set in motion major plot points for Boundless, specifically Angela's vision and/or purpose.

Daring fights, excursions into hell, and darkwing encounters propelled this series toward a dramatic and fulfilling ending. As stated, I ended being Team Christian, so the ending was a little bittersweet. I do believe that Clara and Tucker are happy in the end, but knowing that Christian is out there possibly pining away for Clara…weepy just thinking about it. The slightly ambiguous timeframe/lives that Clara and Tucker have and the ongoing battle of good versus evil lets the characters' stories live a little longer in the readers' imaginations.

I must note Cynthia Hand's (via Clara's voice) writing had an awesome amount of snark and general nerdiness, see some of my favorite quotes below. This trilogy swept me off my feet from page one of Unearthly and delivers to the very last page of Boundless.

My Favorite Quotes
"A sword?"
"A flaming sword."
"Shut the front door," I gasp. - Christian and Clara page 42

"We are all connected, everything that lives and breathes in this world, and glory is what binds us."
Next thing he'll be talking about the Force, I know it. - Michael and Clara page 79

This is the part where my life becomes all apocalyptic, I think. - Clara page 103

Dad makes a face. "I think you'll find the sword more useful than anything else. And tasteful."
"An elegant weapon, for a more civilized age," I joke.
He doesn't get it, but my geekiness makes Christian smile, which counts for something." - Michael and Clara page 230
-crj

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Tuesday, April 9, 2013

waiting on wednesday | 3 - Sweet Peril

Waiting on Wednesday
Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we can't wait to get in our hands.

Sweet Peril Cover Image Sweet Peril
by: Wendy Higgins

Publication Date: April 30, 2013
Publisher: HarperTeen
Series: The Sweet Trilogy #2

Add to Goodreads

Summary: Anna Whitt, the daughter of a guardian angel and a demon, promised herself she’d never do the work of her father—polluting souls. She’d been naive to make such a vow. She’d been naive about a lot of things.

Haunted by demon whisperers, Anna does whatever she can to survive, even if it means embracing her dark side and earning an unwanted reputation as her school’s party girl. Her life has never looked more bleak. And all the while there’s Kaidan Rowe, son of the Duke of Lust, plaguing her heart and mind.

When an unexpected lost message from the angels surfaces, Anna finds herself traveling the globe with Kopano, son of Wrath, in an attempt to gain support of fellow Nephilim and give them hope for the first time. It soon becomes clear that whatever freedoms Anna and the rest of the Neph are hoping to win will not be gained without a fight. Until then, Anna and Kaidan must put aside the issues between them, overcome the steamiest of temptations yet, and face the ultimate question: is loving someone worth risking their life?


Summary and cover image from goodreads.
Why the WOW: April 2013 has some great new releases; Dark Triumph, Taken, The Elite, Natural Born Angel! But save one of the best for the last of the month; Sweet Peril.

When I finished Sweet Evil last June, I immediately pulled up goodreads to check for a sequel. My heart might have stopped when I saw that the sequel's status was up in the air. But after the fans united, we were rewarded with the awesome news of a sequel being picked up for publication. And there were shouts of joy!

None the less, its been a long wait since that news. Can't wait to see Ann and company in action again. And what's this of a globe-trotting journey with Kopano; I sense Anna's heart might be pulled away from Kaidan, but just slightly. Makes for some good reading!

Lately, I've been listening to Florence + the Machine, everytime I hear the song Seven Devils I think of this series.

What are you waiting for?
-crj

Monday, April 8, 2013

review - Catherine

Catherine Cover Image

Three Stars
Catherine
by: April Lindner

Publication Date: January 2, 2013
Publisher: Poppy
Series: Stand Alone
Format: Hardcover - la biblioteca
Page Count: 320
Genre: Contemporary, Retelling, YA
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Summary: A forbidden romance. A modern mystery. Wuthering Heights as you’ve never seen it before.

Catherine is tired of struggling musicians befriending her just so they can get a gig at her Dad’s famous Manhattan club, The Underground. Then she meets mysterious Hence, an unbelievably passionate and talented musician on the brink of success. As their relationship grows, both are swept away in a fiery romance. But when their love is tested by a cruel whim of fate, will pride keep them apart?

Chelsea has always believed that her mom died of a sudden illness, until she finds a letter her dad has kept from her for years—a letter from her mom, Catherine, who didn’t die: She disappeared. Driven by unanswered questions, Chelsea sets out to look for her—starting with the return address on the letter: The Underground.

Told in two voices, twenty years apart, Catherine interweaves a timeless forbidden romance with a compelling modern mystery.


Summary and cover image from goodreads.

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My Review
Re-tellings are the best. I know I should read the source material, but the classics are what caused me to think that I didn't like reading. I apparently love to read, but stuff that isn't so "classic-y." Hence my love of re-tellings.

This is my second book of April Lindner, the first being Jane. I really loved her twist on Jane Eyre and couldn't wait to see how she re-imagined Wuthering Heights. The fact that both have a music-based story line was a definite hook for me, being a huge music buff.

The story is told through two POV, Catherine and her daughter Chelsea, twenty years apart. Interweaving the stories kept me saying, "One more chapter." Only to read five more. Between the two, I think I connected more with Chelsea and her quest to find her mother or discover what happened to her. Getting to see Catherine's friends in the "future" and to where the decisions led. Namely, Hence. How did he come to own Catherine's family business. Liking Chelsea's story more, probably had to do with the fact that you already kind of figure out that Catherine and Hence don't work out but you have to work through her story with Chelsea.

The showdown at the end was pretty intense, well-written, and most importantly believable, which gave the book some good creep-factor. The way Chelsea and Cooper handle themselves and the situation was spot-on.

Two small complaints. While Cooper was a little distant or lack-luster in the beginning, I really loved him the last couple of chapters. He could have been, for a lack of a better word, more earlier in the story. And second, Chelsea's father is a slightly hopeless father, when is daughter goes missing. I couldn't believe that there weren't more consequences for her trip to New York City.

I can definitely say that it ended in the perfect way, leaving the reader with enough answers but also giving the characters room for story to continue unfolding in the reader's mind. Catherine is a solid contemporary re-telling. Maybe I'll give the real-thing a try, when I'm older!

-crj