Waiting on Wednesday: Hallowed

Author: Cynthia Hand
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: Janurary 17, 2012
Synopsis:


For months part-angel Clara Gardner trained to face the raging forest fire from her visions and rescue the alluring and mysterious Christian Prescott from the blaze. But nothing could prepare her for the fateful decisions she would be forced to make that day, or the startling revelation that her purpose—the task she was put on earth to accomplish—is not as straightforward as she thought. Now, torn between her increasingly complicated feelings for Christian and her love for her boyfriend, Tucker, Clara struggles to make sense of what she was supposed to do the day of the fire. And, as she is drawn further into the world of part angels and the growing conflict between White Wings and Black Wings, Clara learns of the terrifying new reality that she must face: Someone close to her will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning.




** You can read my review of the first book in the Unearthly series here
**Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event is hosted by Breaking the Spine to share upcomming releases we are eagerly waiting for :)

Matched by Ally Condie

Title: Matched
Author: Ally Condie
Release: November 30, 2010
Synopsis:

Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

Review:
Dystopian books always give me mixed feelings. I love the how the authors are able to create alternate worlds that seem so realistic. And I especially love the way each author always has something different to contribute to their idea of a dystopian future. But I have an irrational irritation toward them. Mostly because I like the idea that I can write and speak out against things I don't like but the way the government in these types of books (the Society in Matched) control everything makes me feel that if I was in the book I'd be leading the revolution. So it's the good kind of a love-hate relationship.
Anyway, I like how the author described the Society; they gave only enough freedom to keep the people satisfied but they controlled practically everything else.And I love the undercurrent of rebelliousness coming from the characters in this book. On the surface, everyone is perfect and obeys, but underneath, they all have secret desires and actions.
The main character, Cassia, is  very, for lack of a different word, interesting. She starts as this girl who follows the rules without question, like everyone else, but she does like to think. Her character is set to staying blended in with everyone else in her world. But as the book moved on she became the one red rose in a field of white. She started disliking the ways of society and exploring paths that led her to rebelliousness...
Which leads us my favorite character, Ky. He's witty and incredibly intelligent, even though he likes to hide it. Not that he doesn't have a reason. Ky, like Cassia, want to stay out of notice of the society, but for different reasons. I won't tell you why, though. Anyway,he has his own view on the world that was shaped when he was a child. In my opinion, he is just what Cassia a needs, someone to balance her out.
Xander is like Ky in many ways, but he shows his emotions easier than Ky. I guess most ways Xander is perfect for Cassia. They've known each other for years and they know everything about each other. But there is such thing as too perfect. Another thing about Xander is he would do nearly anything to make Cassia happy, even if it means destroying his own happiness.
Love Triangles are so complicated!
(I could go on about other characters but I think I'll stop at these three)
Throughout Matched I could hardly put the book down. True, there were a few down times where if felt as if not much happened, but the undercurrent of a would be/should be romance between Cassia and Ky and trouble with the Society kept me hooked till the end. So the down times didn't hinder the book.
Also, while the plot line for Matched isn't necessarily original (many dystopian books have controlling governments), the way the author portray the novel is. Cassia, a girl in a society that controls everything finding the courage to break free and be her own person and all the while she is trying to continue a relationship with the wrong guy with a bad background. It's a really interesting plot and even more so with all the other little details and parts incorrperated in it; which is why it has became one of my must reads.
And on that note, I will say the ending is practically a cliff hanger. But, in my opinion the ending was sort of abrupt and I can say I had though there would have been more to it. Either way, I can't wait to discover what happens between Cassia and Ky and Xander in Crossed. I'm bouncing in anticipation just thinking about it. I recommend this book to anyone who likes love triangles and dystopian worlds. Matched earned the rating of an B+ for it's plot, characters, and tendency to make a reader never want to put it down. 

Nevermore by Kelly Creagh

Title: Nevermore
Author: Kelly Creagh (her website)
Release:
Synopsis:
Cheerleader Isobel Lanley is horrified when she is paired with Varen Nethers for an English project, which is due—so unfair—on the day of the rival game. Cold and aloof, sardonic and sharp-tongued, Varen makes it clear he’d rather not have anything to do with her either. But when Isobel discovers strange writing in his journal, she can’t help but give this enigmatic boy with piercing eyes another look.

Soon, Isobel finds herself making excuses to be with Varen. Steadily pulled away from her friends and her possessive boyfriend, Isobel ventures deeper and deeper into the dream world Varen has created through the pages of his notebook, a realm where the terrifying stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life.

As her world begins to unravel around her, Isobel discovers that dreams, like words, hold more power than she ever imagined and that the most frightening realities are those of the mind. Now she must find a way to reach Varen before he is consumed by the shadows of his own nightmares.

His life depends on it.

Review:

Nevermore was a very interesting and dark book. Plus, it is the first I've ever read with Edgar Allan Poe integrated into it as a major part of the plot. Actually, this book has really peeked my interest in Poe (since the only poem I've read of his is Annabel Lee). What I think is the most interesting thing the author has done is mix history with fictional characters. Like the mystery of Poe's death, the Poe Toaster, and his poems (though that's technically not history). 

The only thing that got to me was the length and pace of the book. Nothing really important happened until somewhere in the middle of the book and even then, it wasn't till the end that the actual eye catching paranormal stuff started happening. Mostly it was a lot of Isobel's high school life and her friend issues. 

Which brings me to another thing, as much as I loved the book, the high school part was really... unnatural. I'm speaking from high school experience. Yes, there are some cliques of specific people, but not everyone is categorized into organized groups. Most kids just stick with their friends no matter what group or club they "belong" to. Well, everyone's high school experience is different, right?
Now to characters.
Isobel is, in a way, a strong heroine. She shows her morals and where she stands from the start and I rarely had a doubt about her character (as in the way she acts). Her only weakness and ultimately, her greatest mistake, is trusting to easily. 
Varen is a dark mysterious shadow that comes of as cold and sardonic. But he grows on you from the start. Well, there are some moments where you want scream out in frustration because of his behavior. And despite their sun and rain differences, Isobel and Varen have an odd connection. 
Reynolds is a whole other type of mysterious throughout this book. Popping up at the moments he is needed but disappearing anyother time. I like, though, how his character is based off the Poe Toaster (read the book to know who that is or Google it ;) The thing most infuriating about Reynolds is his way of turning a conversation in circles and leaving more questions left in the open then answered.
Gwen is weird in a good way and her character makes me smile. She's forever being hyper and open to the world, uncaring of what others think. At least that's what I got from what I have read of her.
Her dad, on the other hand, sort of annoyed me in the beginning with his biased opinion  toward Brad. But, later on in the book, he redeems himself in my eyes. I'm being vague, I know, but I'm trying to stay away from spoilers.
Now just to get it out of the way, Brad, is the stereotypical, no-brain jock. I see him as a jerk and rude. He was also Isobel's boyfriend in the beginning of the book. PS. he's the jealous type.
There are other characters I could mention, but it'd take a while, so I'll let you form your own opinion on them and the ones I already mentioned.
Other than my qualms with the high school life in the book this was a very interesting story that had me hooked in the end. I loved the way the book ends in a way that makes me want to speed time till the next one comes out. Major cliffhanger. I highly recommend to all horror fanatics, paranormal lovers, and Poe readers. 
And since I finally figured out a rating system, I give this book a solid B for a fantastic story line, okay pace, legitimate Poe details, and an ending that'll leave you begging for more.


**PS for anyone who has read or is reading this book, I've heard rumors that the sequel will be released next year in August and the title will be Ensadowed.

Waiting on Wednesday: The Iron Knight

Author: Julie Kagawa (her blogger)
Publisher: Harlequin King
Release Date: October 25, 2011
Synopsis:

I am the last remaining son of Mab, Queen of the Unseelie Court.

And I am dead to her.

My fall began, as many stories do, with a girl…

To cold faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.

Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl—smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.

With the unwelcome company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end—a quest to find a way to honor his vow to stand by Meghan’s side.

To survive in the Iron Realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. And along the way Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.

* I have read this series and fell in love with Ash-- I mean the books! O_O

** THEY HAVE A TRAILER :D (okay, I think I'm done freaking out now.) 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjyPvcIUE2w&feature=player_embedded

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Title: The Hunger Games
Author: Suzanne Collins (her website)
Release:
Synopsis:

Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games." The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When her sister is chosen by lottery, Katniss steps up to go in her place.



**Yes, there are spoilers in this review because there was no other way to say how I felt without them.

Review:


I am not joking when I say this has become one of my new favorites. 
In a way, the plot reminds me of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Okay, maybe not exactly like it, the similarities start and end with the actual Hunger Games, where only one will survive. Where as in HP Cedric dies (sorry for that spoiler to anyone who hasn't read the book). The games also reminded my of what the Romans did in the Colloseum. Fight's to the death as public entertainment. (gotta love history class :P ) 
Anyway, the way the author more or less created a new world for her story was really awesome. The government set up with the districts and capitol is really clear to the reader, so it's pretty easy to follow along. I like how the reader gets sort of a background story to what happened to the earth and what lead to the Games. The whole dystopain future the author created have a very futuristic feel where the Capitol, weapons and technology are concerned, but they also have an older feel with how the districts live. It's an interesting mix that reminds me of something we've been learning in history. Feudalism. The nobles are the capitol and the peasants are the people of the districts.
Okay, I think I'm done with the history refernces now; moving onto characters...
Katniss is always looking after her family, she's strong and capable and she likes to be seen as invincible and more or less unemotional. But she's far from unemotional. Katniss literally turns over her own life to save her sister, who she loves and has been protecting for her whole life. Katniss is also very headstrong and daring and more or less a rule breaker. And those aren't always the best qualities to posses in an almost literal dictatorship (the Capital athorities being the "dictator").
Gale, I fell in love with him right from the start. He's very much like Katniss characterwise, all the way down to him being the one that watches over his family. I just wish there was a little bit more of him in the book...
Peeta, a baker, an artist.... a tribute. His situation is pretty heartbreaking... especially since Katniss thinks he doesn't mean it for most of the book. It's obvious for us to tell that he loves her, but she's in denial. In a way it's a good and bad thing they both are tributes.
Now for my favorite character...
Rue is the so sweet and small, but still pretty fierce. Katniss immediately feels protective toward her. And is Rue's last scene, i cried. The emotion the author portrayed in that particular scene was a big part of it, but the events that led up to it and Katniss and Rue's relationship did more. I could just imagine their bond so clearly, it was just sorrowful to see it get broken apart like that. I swear, when Rue started calling for Katniss, my heart stopped and I got chills.
So all in all, I love the way the author writes, I feel like I actually know the characters and i felt like i could actually relate to Katniss. Well, probably only as far as the fierce protectiveness goes since i have so many younger siblings, but my point still stands. 
The Hunger Games is an addicting book full of suspense that has your stomach clenching and your heart pounding the entire time. Recommended for anyone who lives dystopain type, star-crossed love, action-packed, rule-breaking, and/or futuristic type books.

Deja Vu Thursday #4

Deja Vu Thursday is a weekly post that I am starting on my blog. It focuses on similar book covers, may it be design, cover model, etc. It's like seeing doubles! And, let's face it,  midweek, everyone feels like they are loosing their mind anyway.

 

More information about the model can befound here and here.
Author: Lauren Kate
Synopsis:

Luce would die for Daniel.

And she has. Over and over again. Throughout time, Luce and Daniel have found each other, only to be painfully torn apart: Luce dead, Daniel left broken and alone. But perhaps it doesn’t need to be that way. . . .

Luce is certain that something—or someone—in a past life can help her in her present one. So she begins the most important journey of this lifetime . . . going back eternities to witness firsthand her romances with Daniel . . . and finally unlock the key to making their love last.

Cam and the legions of angels and Outcasts are desperate to catch Luce, but none are as frantic as Daniel. He chases Luce through their shared pasts, terrified of what might happen if she rewrites history.

Because their romance for the ages could go up in flames . . . forever.

Sweeping across centuries, PASSION is the third novel in the unforgettably epic FALLEN series.

**i actually just read this recently, over summer break, but i wanted to reread the series and review each book first. Let's see how long THAT takes with my 2 million other books i have to read
*** P.S. I just had to show my sister the book trailer for Passion and tell her a bit about it and she was hooked.  She is now currently trying to finish Fallen.

Waiting on Wednesday: If I Die

Author: Rachel Vincent
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: September 27th, 2011
Synopsis:
NO ONE WANTS TO BE THIS TEACHER’S PET . . .

Everyone else is talking about Eastlake High’s gorgeous new math teacher, Mr. Beck, but Kaylee Cavanaugh has bigger things on her mind. Kaylee’s a banshee—her scream is a portent of death.

But the next scream might hit too close to home. Kaylee’s borrowed lifeline has almost run out.

Yeah—it’s a shock to her, too. So to distract herself from her own problems, Kaylee is determined to defend her school against the latest supernatural threat. That hot new teacher is really an incubus, who feeds from the desire of unsuspecting students. The only girls immune to his lure are Kaylee and Sabine, her boyfriend’s delinquent ex-girlfriend. Now the unlikely allies have to get rid of Mr. Beck…before he discovers they aren’t quite human either.

But Kaylee’s running out of time, and those who love her will do anything to save her life.

ANYTHING.

*I litterally gasped after reading "Kaylee's borrowed lifeline has almost run out." Adding to my MUST-READ list.

**Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event is hosted by Breaking the Spine to share upcomming releases we are eagerly waiting for :)