Review: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

Title: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer
Series:  Mara Dyer # 1
Genre: Young Adult-Paranormal Romance
Author: Michelle Hodkin
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Release Date: September 27, 2011
Book: Borrowed from Yara@Once Upon a Twilight

"Mara Dyer doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.

It can.
She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.
There is.
She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love.
She's wrong."

This is a type of book that gives you a good reading headache. Not a bad one, but a good one. I really loved it, when an author can engage to reader so well, that you are utterly lost and amazed at the same time. Written like no other, The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer will drain you till your very last breath.

What I liked most about this book is the great mind game the author, Ms. Hodkin plays on the reader. I am a huge fan of movies or books that mess with your head. I love being so engaged in the story that the reader doesn't even realize what is going on. Some things in the book were so inconceivable I had hard time putting it all together! Nonetheless, I still read every single word, every single page, without stopping.

The characters in this book are another part of the book that really got me hook. The mystery of Mara Dyer, you really had to pay attention to in order to see the whole picture. I love it that Ms. Hodkin did a great job in keeping the read in suspense, holding their breath at every page turn. Every turn of the page leaves you wondering, what is happening next? Did that really happen? Questions pop in your head and you can do nothing but continue reading till you have your answers.

Should you read this book? Yes. In fact you might need a nap after reading it just to get your head back together. Ms. Hodkin's wrote an amazing book that I can't say anything more but read this book. You must experience it yourself in order to see where I am coming from. The concept of the book, the storyline, the characters, the writing amazing from start to finish!

I give it 5 BITES!

Happy Reading!

Review: Fins Are Forever

Title: Fins Are Forever
Series: Forgive My Fins # 2
Genre: Young Adult- Pararnormal
Author: Tera Lynn Childs
Publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date: June 28, 2011
Book: ARC sent by publisher

"On Lily Sanderson’s eighteenth birthday she’ll become just a girl—still a mergirl, true, but signing the renunciation will ink Princess Waterlily of Thalassinia out of existence. That leaves plain old Lily living on land, dating the boy she loves, and trying to master this being-human thing once and for all.
Now that Lily and Quince are together, mer bond or not, she’s almost content to give up her place in the royal succession of Thalassinia. But just when she thinks she has everything figured out, the waves start to get rough. Lily’s father sends a certain whirlpool-stirring cousin to stay with her on land. What did Doe do to get herself exiled from Thalassinia and stuck in terraped form when everyone knows how much she hates humans? And why why why is she batting her eyelashes at Lily’s former crush, Brody?
The seafoam on the raging surf comes when a merboy from Lily’s past shows up—Tellin asks Lily for something that clouds her view of the horizon. There’s a future with Quince on land, her loyalty to the kingdom in the sea, and Lily tossing on the waves in the middle. Will she find a way to reconcile her love, her duty, and her own dreams?"

What I liked most about this book is the great plot line. I adore the first book and this book picked up right where it left off. The characters in this book really grew up from the last. I like that this time around there was more drama in the Kingdom and family.  This element in the book made for a good read cause it felt more familiar to the reader. We got to see lily struggle family wise as well as other things.   Lily knew more and is more mature than the last book. I like that she understood the consequences and didn't take things lightly. I loved that she tried to help everyone. No matter what she is doing she dropped everything to help. Lily showed some great characters in becoming the future princess if she chose it. She looked at situations from every point of view, thought it thoroughly and made the decision.
The love interest in this book is sweet and predictable. I like it like this cause it didn't over power the book or the main plot line. Ms. Childs wrote the book in a perfect balance so it didn't over throw the reader. The reader is able to find drama in the family problems and also find peace in Lily's relationship.
I adored reading this book. It is a perfect sequel to an amazing series. Nothing like your average mermaid tale, Fins Are Forever takes the reader on a great underwater reading adventure!
I give it 4 BITES!

Happy Reading!

Review: The Power of Six

Title: The Power of Six
Series: Lorien Legacies # 2
Genre: Young Adult- Fantasy
Author: Pittacus Lore
Publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date: August 23, 2011
Book: ARC sent by publisher

"I've seen him on the news. Followed the stories about what happened in Ohio. John Smith, out there, on the run. To the world, he's a mystery. But to me . . . he's one of us.

Nine of us came here, but sometimes I wonder if time has changed us—if we all still believe in our mission. How can I know? There are six of us left. We're hiding, blending in, avoiding contact with one another . . . but our Legacies are developing, and soon we'll be equipped to fight. Is John Number Four, and is his appearance the sign I've been waiting for? And what about Number Five and Six? Could one of them be the raven-haired girl with the stormy eyes from my dreams? The girl with powers that are beyond anything I could ever imagine? The girl who may be strong enough to bring the six of us together?

They caught Number One in Malaysia.
Number Two in England.
And Number Three in Kenya.
They tried to catch Number Four in Ohio—and failed.

I am Number Seven. One of six still alive.

And I'm ready to fight."

I loved the first book and I loved the movie. This book, did lived up to what I was waiting for and more. The reader this time see the other numbers. This book is told from Six's point of view, Four's and  Seven's. The author also threw in some new changes, elements, and just Wow'ed me from the very first page.

So, Six. Did I mention how much I like this girl? The reader gets to get into the head of Six and see where she came from, who her guardian was, etc. I love that Six is strong and well adapted. Traveling along with Four and his best friend Sam, Six is a girl like no other. She fights, makes plans, maps, and goes to aid of Number Seven. Six doesn't let anyone slow her down. She knows what she needs to do and does it.

Seven. I loved this girl as well. Raised completely different, Seven is fighting a whole new battle of her own. She struggles with being bullied and ignored. I can't tell you how proud I was of her when she finally stood up to her guardian, for herself. I was like," YOU Go GIRL! Tell her how it is!" I was so hyped reading the book that I was jumping in my seat!

Four. Oh Boy, don't even get me started. More drama with Sara (UGH!) and Sam. I'm not going to get into everything cause I don't want to spoil, but just know that there is some major drama, unexpected twist that I was very ANGRY about. I mean seriously? I have no idea what will happened now, but its good drama that you will get into. All of the numbers are still fighting the aliens, traveling to and from places. Sam plays a bigger role than ever. I like that the reader learns more with what happened to his father.

The Power of Six definitely has power to captivate me into the reading the next book. Some parts of the story totally caught me off guard but nonetheless I enjoyed it. A well written fabulous book, it is a divine book that will capture readers everywhere!

I give it 4 BITES!

Happy Reading!

 

Review: Crossed

Title: Crossed
Series: Matched # 2
Genre: Young Adult- Dystopian
Author: Ally Condie
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Release Date: November 1, 2011
Book: Good Choice Reading Book Tours

"In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky - taken by the Society to his certain death - only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.

Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander - who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart - change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever."

I have been anticipating this book like no other. As soon as I got it, I ripped it open and did not come out.

The book is filled with great writing, lots of plot twists, and characters that I missed and adored!

The plot line in this book is what got me hooked. There are so many new things going on in the society that I was biting my nails off! Many new things were added and characters turn out to be not what I expected. The pacing of the book is not too quick, but pretty fast. Once you start reading, the reader crosses into the world Ms. Condie has written. The way she described the society now and what has happen since then, really opened the readers eyes to a whole new world.

The element of surprise in this book has a  whole new definition that Ms. Condie created. I was taken back by some of the characters. To be quite honest, I was in shock. Some of the secrets in this book were beyond juicy. Though if you read the first book and think back on it, you can see how it made sense. I like how Ms. Condie created such a flowing mystery to the book that it keeps the reader detained,... unable to move till the very last page.

The love interest in this book is what was a big shocker to me. Many feelings were revealed, fought for, and explained. I never thought I could love a love triangle, but Ms. Condie made it work for this book. And let me tell you, those boys are not giving up.

Overall, Crossed is an accomplished sequel that I really enjoyed. Sometimes sequel repeat, or are just filler-ins, not this book. Crossed kept you engaged and enchanted by the society. Ms. Condie created such a striking sequel that I am hype up for the next book!

I give it 4 BITES!

Happy Reading!

Vacation Bites Final Verdict + Winners!!!

This summer was a very busy but exciting summer! I challenge Melina from Reading Vacation in a reading duel. I have to say that this definitely was a challenge in keeping up my reading with her.

So the verdict? We both ended up reading 85 books!

Here is her list

Reading Vacation

And here is mine!

Vacation Bites Books Read with date read on:

1. Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton 6/1

2. Auroa Undefined by Kate Hinderer 6/1

3. The Lost Crown by Sarah Miller 6/2
4. Withering Tights by Louise Rennison 6/2
5. Saving Zoe by Alyson Noel 6/3
6. Anathema by K.A. Tucker 6/4
7. Dark Secrets # 1 by Elizabeth Chandler 6/4
8. Spellbound by Cara LynnSchultz 6/6
9. After Eden by Katherine Pine 6/6
10. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi 6/7
11. Dark Secrets # 2 by Elizabeth Chandler 6/8
12. Being by Tamara Mousner 6/9
13. Dream Smashers by Angela Carlie 6/9
14. ShapeShitfting for the Win 6/10
15. The Back Door of Midnight by Elizabeth Chandler 6/10
16. But I Love Him by Amanda Grace 6/10
17. Faking 19 by Alyson Noel 6/11
18. Dark Heart Forever by Lee Monroe 6/12
19. Shadowed Summer by Saundra Mitchell 6/14
20. Legacy by Cayla Kluver 6/15
21. Everlasting by Alyson Noel 6/16
22. Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma 6/16
23. Sharks & Boys by Kristen Tracy 6/17
24. Cascade by Lisa Bergen 6/19
25. Sleight by Jennifer Sommersby 6/20
26. Sass and Serendipity by Jennifer Zeigler 6/20
27. Conspiracies by Mercedes Lackey/Rosemary Edgehill 6/21
28. Torn by Erica O'Rourke 6/21
29. Lost Voices by Sarah Porter 6/22
30. Wildefire by Karsten Knight 6/23
31. Last Archangel by Michael Young 6/24
32. Sometimes It Happens by Lauren Barnholt 6/24
33. Between by Cyndi Tefft 6/24
34. Eden by Keary Taylor 6/27
35. Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake 6/27
36. Settling by Shelley Workinger 6/28
37. Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier 6/28
38. 10 Things We Did by Sarah Mlynowski 6/28
39. Element Keepers by E. P. Marcellin 6/29
40. Love Story by Jennifer Echols 6/29
41. Deadspell by Belinda Frisch 6/30
42. Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey 6/30
43. Earth by Shauna Granger 6/30
44. Starstruck by Cyn Balog 7/01
45. Summer and The City by Candace Bushnell 7/01
46. Moonglass by Jessi Kirby 7/02
47. Stealing Bases by Keri Mikulski 7/03
48. Seventeenth Summer by Maureen Daly 7/5
49. Bone Dressing by Michelle Brooks 7/6
50. Fanfare by Renee Ahdhieh 7/6
51. The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton 7/7
52. Pariah by Aron Warner 7/7
53. Shimmer Spell by Kimberly Spencer 7/7
54. Bite Club by Rachel Caine 7/8
55. Mayhem by Artist Arthur 7/8
56. Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins 7/9
57. Secrets and Shadows by Shannon Delany 7/10
58. Falling For Hamlet by Michelle Ray 7/11
59. Invincible by Sherrilyn Kenyon 7/12
60. Bloody Valentine by Melissa De La Cruz 7/12
61. Ruin (How to Ruin 1-3) by Simone Elkeles 7/14
62. Pearl by Jo Knowles 7/14

63. The Babysitter Murders by Janet Ruth Young 7/14
63. Winterborne by August Blythe 7/15
64. Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer 7/18
65. The Locket by Stacey Jay 7/18
66. Fury by Elizabeth Miles 7/18
67. Tempest Rising by Tracy Deebs 7/19

68. Entangled by Cat Clarke 7/20

69. Sapphique by Catherine Fisher 7/20

70. Fairytale by Cyn Balog 7/21

71. Forever Summer by Alyson Noel 7/21

72. The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a ship of her own making by Catherynne M.Valente 7/22

73. Crossed by Ally Condie 7/23
74. Anathema by Megg Jensen 7/24
75. Populazzi by Elise Allen 7/24

76. Always a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough 7/25

77. Dark Parties by Sara Grant 7/26

78. The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab 7/26
79. The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore 7/27
80. Bloodlines by Richelle Mead 7/28
81. Original Sin by Lisa Desrochers 7/30
82. The Marked Son by Shea Berkly 7/30
83. Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs 7/30
84. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer 7/31
85. Entwined by Heather Dixon 7/31

The ones at the end the post have not gone up yet.

I think this was one amazing book duel. And incase any of you are asking how in the world I manged to read all of these book while I work, be mommy, etc. Here is the post that explains it all.

Thank you Melina for be a wonderful and great competitor!

Since it is a tie. I'm picking two winners

Bets placed for Melina (54)
Bets placed for Savannah: (41)

And the winners are:

 The winner of Rage is....

The winner of Undercurrent is...

 The winner of Fury is...

Congrats to everyone! All have been notified and I am awaiting a response!

Once again, Thank you Melina and thank you to those who supported us!

Happy Reading!

Review: The Near Witch

Title: The Near Witch
Series: The Near Witch # 1
Genre: Young Adult- Fantasy/Supernatural
Author: Victoria Schwab
Publisher: Hyperion Books CH
Release Date: August 2, 2011
Book: Netgalley

"The Near Witch is only an old story told to frighten children.

If the wind calls at night, you must not listen. The wind is lonely, and always looking for company.

And there are no strangers in the town of Near.

These are the truths that Lexi has heard all her life.
But when an actual stranger—a boy who seems to fade like smoke—appears outside her home on the moor at night, she knows that at least one of these sayings is no longer true.
The next night, the children of Near start disappearing from their beds, and the mysterious boy falls under suspicion. Still, he insists on helping Lexi search for them. Something tells her she can trust him.
As the hunt for the children intensifies, so does Lexi’s need to know—about the witch that just might be more than a bedtime story, about the wind that seems to speak through the walls at night, and about the history of this nameless boy.
Part fairy tale, part love story, Victoria Schwab’s debut novel is entirely original yet achingly familiar: a song you heard long ago, a whisper carried by the wind, and a dream you won’t soon forget."

What I liked most about this book is the mystery of it. Here you have a small town with lots of stories of The Near Witch. Children sing songs of it, people whisper about it. But what really happened? I like that the author wrote such a detailed and well presented story to the reader. The reader is presented with this great illusion, that you have no idea what is going to happen. With so many great plot twist and turns, the reader is gasping for their dear life!

The story line of this book kept me on my toes. I always like it when an author keeps me crawling after the bread crumbs she drops. As I continue to follow the bread crumbs, Ms. Schwab filled my appetite with lots of new characters, elements of magic, and lost children that are no where to be found. The reader is able to feel the mysterious of the near witch and the small town that hold the secrets.

The characters in this book were well developed. I love that the main character, Lexi, is strong and determined. Just like her father, she sets out to find out what is happening to the missing children. She uncover webs of lies, deceitful townsmen, and one heck of an angry witch. I like that she had help in the most unlikely place. She didn't follow rules or take orders from anyone. She stood strong and fought, even is she was alone.

The Near Witch is an upstanding, worthy witch book. Told like no other, The Near Witch will ground you with fear and hold you tight. Want a good witch story? Then read this one. With Ms. Schwab's masterful writing, this book will captivate you to follow the bread crumbs to a great story.

I give it 4 BITES!

Happy Reading!

Review: Dark Parties

Title: Dark Parties
Series: No
Genre: Young Adult- Dystopian

Author: Sara Grant
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young  Readers
Release Date: August 3, 2011
Book: Netgalley

"Sixteen-year-old Neva has been trapped since birth. She was born and raised under the Protectosphere, in an isolated nation ruled by fear, lies, and xenophobia. A shield "protects" them from the outside world, but also locks the citizens inside. But there's nothing left on the outside, ever since the world collapsed from violent warfare. Or so the government says...

Neva and her best friend Sanna believe the government is lying and stage a "dark party" to recruit members for their underground rebellion. But as Neva begins to uncover the truth, she realizes she must question everything she's ever known, including the people she loves the most."

 For me, I flew through this book fast cause it was really easy to get into the book. At first when I started it, the reader is thrown in a world ruled by the government, forcing people to do what they want with threats. This book held a real significance for me cause I see one day the government control people like that. And that is scary.   The plot line of this book is fast paced. The reader is thrown in the story, right into Neva shoes. She is rebelling. I like how Neva see things for what they really are. She refuses sex so that she doesn't bring a child a into the world that she is living in now. She ask dangerous questions, sneaks into dangerous places, and find things she wasn't suppose to see. I like how Neva fought for a way out, with only the little hope that she has left.
One thing I also enjoy in books is where minor characters take on a bigger role than expected. Minor characters in Dark Parties took on something that caught me by surprise. The secrets, lust, and betrayals in the book all made for good entertainment. Some were expected while others made you gasp. The government aspect in this book is what got me hooked. It really grabbed my attention with the way the government ruled everything. Interrogations, Women control centers, newspapers, etc.
The love interest in the book for me was not what I wanted. I like it when a characters fall in love but insta-love does not work for me. Although, I do like how complicated their relationship turned out to be. The drama with their friends, jobs, and families, made their relationship strain and get stronger.
Dark Parties is a realistic book about a future that is all too true and is happening now. There is lots of fighting, action, drama, and great reading adventure into a world like no other. The writing of this book is easy to get into. Ms. Grant did a great job on taking the reader deeper into the dark. Fast paced and adventurous, Dark Parties is thrilling read.
I give it 4 BITES!

Happy Reading!

Review: Always A Witch

Title: Always A Witch
Series: Once A Witch # 2
Genre: Young Adult- Fantasy/Paranormal
Author: Carolyn MacCullough
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Release Date: August 1, 2011
Book: ARC sent by publisher

 "The adventures of Tam and Gabriel continue with more time travel, Talents, spy work, and of course, the evil Knights.

Since the gripping conclusion of Once A Witch, Tamsin Greene has been haunted by her grandmother's prophecy that she will soon be forced to make a crucial decision—one so terrible that it could harm her family forever. When she discovers that her enemy, Alistair Knight, went back in time to Victorian-era New York in order to destroy her family, Tamsin is forced to follow him into the past. Stranded all alone in the nineteenth century, Tamsin soon finds herself disguised as a lady's maid in the terrifying mansion of the evil Knight family, avoiding the watchful eye of the vicious matron, La Spider, and fending off the advances of Liam Knight. As time runs out, both families square off in a thrilling display of magic. And to her horror, Tamsin finally understands the nature of her fateful choice."

This book started right where it left off and another adventure began. Only this time, Tamsin must make choice that can change the fate of her family's entire future.

One thing I enjoyed about this book is the great plot line the reader gets to go on. Tamsin is thrown back in time, trying to save her family. I like watching Tamsin go back in time and play a different person. I loved watching a character time travel!! I guess it because I always dreamed of time traveling as well. Tamsin is really good at playing different roles in order to get where she needed to be. She also learned many new secrets about not only the Knight family, but her family as well.

In this book, I felt as though Tamsin didn't grow up as well as she soon. She still lacked trust in Gabriel and always went off doing things on her own. Granted, it was her choice that is important, but there is nothing wrong with a little help.

Overall, I felt like this book wasn't as good as the first one. They are still going through the same thing, fighting the Knight family, learning secrets, learning talents, etc. I was really hoping for more of  new adventure instead of a repeated one. I wanted more twists, more secrets, and more love! Though the ending was tied up nicely, I am somewhat disappointed in the lack of adventure.

I give it 4 BITES!

Happy Reading!

Review: Populazzi

Title: Poppulazzi
Series: No
Genre: Young Adult- Contemporary
Author: Elise Allen
Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books
Release Date: August 1, 2011
Book: ARC sent by publisher

"Cara has never been one of those girls: confident, self-possessed, and always ready with the perfect thing to say. A girl at the very top of the popularity tower. One of the Populazzi. Now, junior year could change everything. Cara’s moving to a new school, and her best friend urges her to seize the moment—with the help of the Ladder. Its rungs are relationships, and if Cara transforms into the perfect girlfriend for guys ever-higher on the tower, she’ll reach the ultimate goal: Supreme Populazzi. The Ladder seems like a lighthearted social experiment, a straight climb up, but it quickly becomes gnarled and twisted. And when everything goes wrong, only the most audacious act Cara can think of has a chance of setting things even a little bit right."

I love high school catty stories. There is something about them that makes me go gaga for them. So much drama, so many changes, and so many boys that it makes my head spin.

So the plot of this book is all what high school is. A new girl trying her make her way up the top, only this time using boys as her ladder. Cara is a girl tired of be invisible and wants to fit in, I mean who doesn't? I loved this book. And in theory, it sounds like something you can really do. The story line had an amazing amount of gasping, OMG's! and good drama. The reader is easily sucked in by this high school ladder so fast you don't know what hit you. I like Cara's approach to the ladder. At first she is scared but gains confidence and quickly finds herself heading toward the top.

As she climbs up further up the ladder, she begins to see herself and the ladder in a new way. Nothing is what she imagine and of course, begins to doubt herself. I like how Cara eyes are being open to a whole new light. She thought that being at the top is what she wanted, when in fact it wasn't. I like how the reader gets to see Cara make her mistakes and grow from them. It makes her character much more approachable and easy to find your way into her shoes. 

The ending of this book is so sweet. Finding love when you thought you lost it is the best present ever. I felt Cara's happiness and strength in who she is now. I like that she finally found herself and is happy. Poppulazzi is a great book about finding yourself, loving yourself, and being contempt in who you are. You don't need the ladder or fake friends to be happy. All you need is the right people beside you, the family that you love and you are set for the rest of your life.
*There was some sex talk, drugs, drinking, eating disorders*

I give it 5 BITES!

Happy Reading!

Review: Anathema

Title: Anathema
Series: Cloud  Prophet Trilogy # 1
Genre: Young Adult- Paranormal/Fantasy
Author: Megg Jensen
Publisher: Createspace
Release Date: February 5, 2011
Book: E-copy sent by author

"Forget prophecy. Make your own destiny.

Sheltered from the outside world with no hope for escape, slave girl Reychel dreads her fifteenth birthday - when her master’s symbol is burned on the back of her bald scalp. Her best friend disappears the night before, leaving her to face the branding ceremony alone. She soon discovers nothing is as it seems when people desperate for freedom beg for Reychel's help.

Can Reychel learn to believe in herself?"

You know what I am really enjoying now and days??? Characters that are out of the loop. Characters who think themselves as nothing but find out they are something more. For some reason, this story line is really capturing me. And this book hooked me. What an amazing, fresh, read. I can't begin to tell you how much I loved this book. It captured me cause of two things. Characters and plot.
The plot. One thing for sure is that I always love a good plot. Especially when a character is said to be nothing. Known as nothing. It takes my breath away when the character is brought up harshly and lied to. It makes the plot much more enduring, more fast paced. If anything, I am hooked even more just to see the character explode into something better.
Characters in this book were also amazing. I like it when not only a character changes before your eyes, but grows up too. I love it when a character see their worth and makes that change right before you. Other characters in the book, like the minor ones, weren't so minor. I love that! Seeing a minor character play a bigger role than I ever expected swept me off my feet.
Is this book good? Heck Yeah! Should you read it? Heck Yeah! And if you don't, I will find you and beat you down! Seriously, this book is a great plot filled, with amazing characters that takes you off your feet from the very first page. All elements in this book keep you entertain as well as keep you in the story. You feel the characters, become the characters, and you are in the story. Anathema is a curse that will cause you to read this story over and over again. Simply amazing and well written!
I give it 5 BITES!

Happy Reading!

Review: The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making

Title: The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making
Series: TGWCFSHOM # 1
Genre: Middle Grade-Fantasy

Author: Cathyerne M.Valente

Publisher: Fiewel and Friends

Release Date: May 10, 2011

Book: Finish copy sent by publisher

"Twelve-year-old September lives in Omaha, and used to have an ordinary life, until her father went to war and her mother went to work. One day, September is met at her kitchen window by a Green Wind (taking the form of a gentleman in a green jacket), who invites her on an adventure, implying that her help is needed in Fairyland. The new Marquess is unpredictable and fickle, and also not much older than September. Only September can retrieve a talisman the Marquess wants from the enchanted woods, and if she doesn’t . . . then the Marquess will make life impossible for the inhabitants of Fairyland. September is already making new friends, including a book-loving Wyvern and a mysterious boy named Saturday. With exquisite illustrations by acclaimed artist Ana Juan, Fairyland lives up to the sensation it created when the author first posted it online. For readers of all ages who love the charm of Alice in Wonderland and the soul of The Golden Compass, here is a reading experience unto itself: unforgettable, and so very beautiful."

This is such a great book for readers of all ages to read! Filled with adventure and great fantasy, you a driven into a world of no other. A world were rules are different, names are unique, and well, something you will never forget.

First off, the story line. Absolutely amazing! I loved it! Once I got into the book, I knew it was going to be mind blowing. The story line is rightly paced, lots of meeting of new people, new places, and just pure fun read. Another thing I enjoyed were the names. Hello and Goodbye, Saturday, etc. Such unique names for a creative world. Nothing like I ever heard of and really enjoyed. I kept laughing at the names of people September kept coming by. She think she was wrong but then she figured out that, that was their name. HILARIOUS!

What I also like about this book is the strong lead character, September. She is nothing short of a little girl. She learn the rules fast, and even made sacrifices where she didn't have too. She is an extraordinary young lady that completely blew me away.

One thing for sure is that I can't wait to read this book to my son when he gets older. Adventure, fantasy, weird places and characters is something that all children can enjoy. Your mind is taken away by the great writing and easy description of the places that September visits. I too, plan on visiting Fairyland, where my mind can escape and finally be free!

I give it 4 BITES!

Happy Reading!

Review: Forever Summer

Title: Laguna Cove/ Cruel Summer
Series:  Forever Summer # 1
Genre: Young Adult- Contemporary
Author: Alyson Noel
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Release Date: April 26, 2011
Book: Bought

"Summer. A break from the burdens of school. Deep tans, deeper thoughts. Far away from the everyday. Closer to making dreams come true . . . What does summer mean to you? For the two teenage girls in these two unforgettable novels, summer means being torn away from the familiar and finding new friends. A new place in the world. A new sense of self. And maybe even new love along the way . . . When your're having the time of your life, you never want it to end."

I love summer reads! This book contain two books of a great summer, filled with finding yourself, new loves, and new friends.

The first book, Laguna Cove is about a girl named Anne who moves half way across the country after her parents nasty divorce. Anne is dumped in an abandoned home and hates it. Let me say the both these stories deal with a divorce and finding peace in it. Anne had to learn to deal with her mom's new relationship and her dad's career. The parents I felt were selfish. For me, all I saw was that they really didn't care for their daughter but for themselves.  Ann meets new friends, a new guy and find herself in surfing. I wasn't to keen on the ending. It made it seem all fake.

The second book is about Colby who is this time, sent half way across the world during her parents divorce. Put in an uncompromisable position, Colby starts a blog called Cruel Summer in which she writes down everything that she is going through. Now this story was a story that a reader can relate to. I really liked how the reader got to see the anger of Colby and how the divorce effected her. Her mistakes, her flaws, made the character Colby easier to relate. Colby in the end, dealt with the divorce as best as she could.

Both stories were good and very predictable. It was easy to read and very easy to get into. Both stories revolve around the summer forcing each girl to examine whats going on now, how to deal with it and be contempt in who they are now no matter what there parent do.

I give it 3 BITES!

Happy Reading!

Review: Fairy Tale

Title: Fairy Tale
Series: No
Genre: Young Adult- Fantasy
Author: Cyn Balog
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Release Date: June 23, 2009
Book: Bought

"Morgan Sparks has always known that she and her boyfriend, Cam, are made for each other. But when Cam’s cousin Pip comes to stay with the family, Cam seems depressed. Finally Cam confesses to Morgan what’s going on: Cam is a fairy. The night he was born, fairies came down and switched him with a healthy human boy. Nobody expected Cam to live, and nobody expected his biological brother, heir to the fairy throne, to die. But both things happened, and now the fairies want Cam back to take his rightful place as Fairy King.

Even as Cam physically changes, becoming more miserable each day, he and Morgan pledge to fool the fairies and stay together forever. But by the time Cam has to decide once and for all what to do, Morgan’s no longer sure what’s best for everyone, or whether her and Cam’s love can weather an uncertain future."

What an amazing and refreshing story! I quickly fell in love and knew that once I started this book I just had to finish. Nothing disappointed me. All the characters were great and the ending, even better.

The story line in this book is very entertaining. We have this guy who is turning into a fairy and his girlfriend is doing her best to save him. I love their love for each other. It was refreshing and pure. Nothing can touch it or take it away.  I also adore how much the characters grow and mature. I like how it happened right before the readers eyes. It wasn't fast but wasn't slow either. It was great reading the book and getting to know the characters.

The love. I am such a big romantic and romance it just blooming in this book. It wasn't a kind a love that was lusty or fake. But more of true love and sacrifice. It hits the reader right in there heart and makes you cry. You see the characters struggle but know that in the end, it is their love that will set them free.

The ending for me was just one of those endings that leaves you feeling,"awwww." Your heart has been swept away and just pumping in your chest. I adored how Ms. Balog wrote the ending and how well if fit the book. There was no bitterness or heartache. No more struggling or anger. Just a real, pure, true love. Remember real love is patient. It does not envy...it keeps no record of wrong...It always protects, always trust, and always perseveres.

I give it 4 BITES!

Happy Reading!

Review: Invincible

Title: Invincible
Series: The Chronicles of Nick # 2
Genre: Young Adult- Paranormal/Fantasy
Author: Sherrilyn Kenyon
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Release Date: March 22, 2011
Book: Bought

"Just when he thought things couldn’t get any worse...

Nick Gautier’s day just keeps getting better and better. Yeah, he survived the zombie attacks, only to wake up and find himself enslaved to a world of shapeshifters and demons out to claim his soul.

His new principal thinks he’s even more of a hoodlum than the last one, his coach is trying to recruit him to things he can’t even mention and the girl he’s not seeing, but is, has secrets that terrify him.

But more than that, he’s being groomed by the darkest of powers and if he doesn’t learn how to raise the dead by the end of the week, he will become one of them..."

I really love this series. It just keeps getting better and better. One thing I love about this series is Nick. He is such a great character that can not only be strong but has this great sense of humor that makes me laugh so much through the book. 
This book starts where the last book ended. Nick's school is still shut down and there are still some strange things going on. This time under the wing of a Dark Hunter, Nick begins to learn what his future has install for him. The plot line of this book is very fast and very easy to fall into. While I was reading this book, I hadn't even realize I was already on page 100, it went by so fast. That's how good it is. Every single word, every page is filled with non-stop action. As the reader, you just step in the world of Nick Gautier and you don't want to leave.
Another thing I enjoyed about this book is the relationship with his mom. She is so sweet, caring mother that I adore this lady! She doesn't like to take charity and is very protective of her son. I like that while she is not caught up with what is actually happening in Nick life, she is always there for him. I love that she works hard and does what she can for Nick.
Nick's friends are just crazier as ever! We learn more about Bubba, Caleb, and the rest of the zombie killing crew. I love reading more about these minor characters and their lives. Though it may seem that they are minor, they play a big part in Nick's like and his future.
If you have not read this series, you should pick it up. It is definitely one great read and something you never forget. Nick and his adventure is something you want to read now!
I give it 5 BITES!

Happy Reading!

Review: Sapphique

Title: Sapphique
Series: Incarceron # 2
Genre: Young Adult- Dystopian
Author: Catherine Fisher
Publisher: Dial
Release Date: December 28, 2010
Book: Bought

"Finn has escaped from the terrible living Prison of Incarceron, but its memory torments him, because his brother Keiro is still inside. Outside, Claudia insists he must be king, but Finn doubts even his own identity. Is he the lost prince Giles? Or are his memories no more than another construct of his imprisonment? And can you be free if your friends are still captive? Can you be free if your world is frozen in time? Can you be free if you don't even know who you are? Inside Incarceron, has the crazy sorcerer Rix really found the Glove of Sapphique, the only man the Prison ever loved. Sapphique, whose image fires Incarceron with the desire to escape its own nature. If Keiro steals the glove, will he bring destruction to the world? Inside. Outside. All seeking freedom. Like Sapphique."

I admit that I am disappointed in this book. I was hoping for something more but all I got was a repetitive book.

First off the plot, its basically the same. In the first book they are trying to get out of Incarceron and in this one they are trying to get back in. I kept getting frustrated cause I wanted more to happen. All the characters fought the same. Love triangle began. And I had a hard time keeping focused cause of the repetitive story line.

There were however, a few new elements in the book but it wasn't till the very end. Some new changes were made that at least perk up my interest and was able to finish the book. Also because of the new changes, I am anxious to see how it will effect the next book.

As a fan of the first book, I am a little bummed that this book wasn't at all what I expected.  I am hoping the next book with the new changes really grabs me. I still love the series, but I just needed something more.

I give it 3 BITES!

Happy Reading!

Review: Wolfsbane

Title: Wolfsbane
Series: Nightshade # 2
Genre: Young Adult- Paranormal/Fantasy
Author: Andrea Cremer
Publisher: Philmel
Release Date: July 26, 2011
Book: I Read Banned Books Book Tour

"This thrilling sequel to the much-talked-about Nightshade begins just where it ended-Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemy, and she's certain her days are numbered. But then the Searchers make her an offer-one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack-and the man-she left behind. Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? And will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials true love can endure and still survive."

 Alright, as I am writing this review I am bursting at the seams of my soul. This is book is nothing but pure awesomeness! I mean, every turn of the page, every new word describing the scene, every character, and every place left me in awe.

So I don't want to ruin this book for everyone but I do want to make sure you are so excited about this book that will go buy it the days it comes out.  First off, amazing story line. The story line is jammed pack with such great action, detailing, and pure entertainment, that you don't want to put it down...ever. As the reader, we are immediately sucked into the Nightshade world drowning in the words across a great field of good writing. You yourself, fall into the story and are the characters. Your heart races, when theirs does. You fill with anger when they do. You soar to the different places when they do. And you fight with them with every breath that you take.

Secrets. It's no secret that I love them like I love potato chips. Secrets are spilled left and right. So much so that you are taken back by surprise. I mean some of them made sense but other just punched you in the stomach. Secrets in this book rock. Secrets in this book break your heart. And secrets in this books make you gasp.

 Action. There was so much action in this book that I was literally bouncing in my seat while reading this book. I could not get my foot to stop fidgeting, that's how excited I was. I also almost fell off my chair since I kept moving in it that I hadn't realized that I move to far from the edge. LOL, but I caught myself like the wolf  that I became in this story and read on.

Wolfsbane is a great non-stop action sequel. I really enjoyed getting into the story and seeing the characters grow. Filled with loads of action, betrayal, and love, you'll most definitely want to pick up this book. It's out now, so what are you waiting for! Go get it!!

I give it 5 BITES!

Happy Reading!

Special thanks for Jen from I Read Banned Books for the Book Tour!