Leviathan Review

Leviathan

By: Scott Westerfeld

Genre: Alternative History, Steampunk, Historical Fiction

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Length: 440 pages

 

Synopsis From Goodreads:

Prince Aleksander, would-be heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, is on the run. His own people have turned on him. His title is worthless. All he has is a battletorn war machine and a loyal crew of men.

Deryn Sharp is a commoner, disguised as a boy in the British Air Service. She's a brilliant airman. But her secret is in constant danger of being discovered.

With World War I brewing, Alek and Deryn's paths cross in the most unexpected way…taking them on a fantastical, around-the-world adventure that will change both their lives forever.

My Review:

My Rating: 

3 star rating

This book was quite interesting. Scott Westerfeld did an amazing job developing a steampunk world filled with battles and fascinating  creatures. The illustrations provided by Keith Thompson really brought the story together and made it easier to picture the creatures that Westerfeld was describing. I loved the Clanker and Darwinist names and their language. They were both so different, it brought the story together.

I loved reading from both Deryn and Alek's point of views, witnessing the moment they finally meet after a month of wandering the land and sky. The moment they finally met wasn't as epic as I had hoped it would be. But watching them work together was interesting. 

It did take me quite some time to get into this book. It started out a bit slow and I am new to the steampunk world. I'm not to sure if steampunk is my favorite genre. However, the book did pick up and I found myself liking it more as the book went on. I still plan on reading the rest of the series. I have to see what happens with Alek and Deryn. 

Published by: K

Rebel Spirits Review

Rebel Spirits

By: Lois Ruby

Genre: Mystery and Suspense, Romance
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Length: 304 pages

   

Synopsis From Goodreads:

Infused with history and mystery, this tale of ghosts, love, and murder takes place in present-day Gettysburg, where the Civil War still looms large.

Lori Chase doesn't know what to think about ghosts. She may have seen a few in the past, but those were just childish imaginings...right? Only now that she is living in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, spirits seem to be on everyone's mind. The town is obsessed with its bloody Civil War history, and the old inn that Lori's parents run is supposedly haunted by the souls of dead soldiers.

Then Lori meets one such soldier--the devastatingly handsome Nathaniel Pierce. Nathaniel's soul cannot rest, and he desperately needs Lori's help. Because Nathaniel was not killed in the famous battle. He was murdered. Lori begins to investigate the age-old mystery, stumbling upon shocking clues and secrets.

At the same time, she can't help falling for Nathaniel, just as he is falling for her....



My Review:
My Rating: 

I picked this book up at my school book fair last year because it was only $2.00 and the snippet on the back cover sounded interesting. Who knew it would be so good!! After reading this book I immediately recommended it to my sister. Even she fell in love with this story.

The story is gripping and pulls you in right away. From page one I did not want to put the book down. The suspense had me flipping through pages so fast I was finished with the book in no time. Every chapter ended with you wanting to know what happened next.

This book was an amazingly, well written story, with a romance brewing between Nathaniel and Lori while they investigate his death during the Civil War. I loved watching the romance develop between Nathaniel and Lori, they had such a cute relationship and would love to read more about them.

This book was so good I will be recommending it to my friends. If you haven't already I suggest you pcik this book up and give it a read. :)

You can find my sister's review on her Goodreads Page

Published by: C 

The Bane Chronicles Review

The Bane Chronicles 

By: Cassandra Clare,

        Sarah Rees Brennan &

   Maureen Johnson

 Synopsis From Goodreads:

Fans of The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices can get to know warlock Magnus Bane like never before in this collection of New York Times bestselling tales, in print for the first time with an exclusive new story and illustrated material.

This collection of eleven short stories illuminates the life of the enigmatic Magnus Bane, whose alluring personality, flamboyant style, and sharp wit populate the pages of the #1 New York Times bestselling series, The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices.

Originally released one-by-one as e-only short stories by Cassandra Clare, Maureen Johnson, and Sarah Rees Brennan, this compilation presents all ten together in print for the first time and includes a never-before-seen eleventh tale, as well as new illustrated material.

My Review:

 My Rating:

This book provided a great background to what Magnus was seeing throughout the years building up to both the Infernal Devices Series and The Mortal Instruments Series. Magnus Bane is one of my favorite characters from these books so it was awesome getting to read about the life events that lead him to be where he is now. 

Cassandra Clare is one of my favorite authors, so of course I have read all of her books. I read The Mortal Instruments before reading the Infernal Devices Series, while everything made since in the end even though I didn't read these books in the proper order, this book helped put everthing into perspective. 

"Wallowing was for elephants, depressing and depressing elephants."

I loved this quote from The Bane Chronicles! Cassandra Clares writing was amazing as always with a lot of detail. I can't wait to read more about Magnus Bane in Cassandra Clare's upcoming installments in the Shadowhunter Series. 

Published by: C

Friday Finds

FRIDAY FINDS showcases the books you ‘found’ and added to your To Be Read (TBR) list… whether you found them online, or in a bookstore, or in the library — wherever! (they aren’t necessarily books you purchased). This is hosted by ShouldBeReading!

                        -----------------------------------------------------------

This week I have added a hodge-podge of genres to my TBR; from Fantasy to Mystery to Romance. I'm going to have to get working on the TBR list. :) Here's this weeks new additions! 

Click on the Cover to be redirected to its Goodreads page. :D

Question: What new additions made it to your TBR list this week?

Wicked (A Wicked Saga #1) Review

Wicked 
By: Jennifer L. Armentrout

 Synopsis From Goodreads:

Things are about to get Wicked in New Orleans. 

Twenty-two year old Ivy Morgan isn’t your average college student. She, and others like her, know humans aren’t the only thing trolling the French Quarter for fun… and for food. Her duty to the Order is her life. After all, four years ago, she lost everything at the hands of the creatures she’d sworn to hunt, tearing her world and her heart apart. 

Ren Owens is the last person Ivy expected to enter her rigidly controlled life. He’s six feet and three inches of temptation and swoon-inducing charm. With forest-green eyes and a smile that’s surely left a stream of broken hearts in its wake, he has an uncanny, almost unnatural ability to make her yearn for everything he has to offer. But letting him in is as dangerous as hunting the cold-blooded killers stalking the streets. Losing the boy she loved once before had nearly destroyed her, but the sparking tension that grows between them becomes impossible for Ivy to deny. Deep down, she wants… she needs more than what her duty demands of her, what her past has shaped for her. 

But as Ivy grows closer to Ren, she realizes she’s not the only one carrying secrets that could shatter the frail bond between them. There’s something he’s not telling her, and one thing is for certain. She’s no longer sure what is more dangerous to her—the ancient beings threatening to take over the town or the man demanding to lay claim to her heart and her soul.

My Review:

Rating:

Jennifer L. Armentrout has done it again!!! She never ceases to amaze me...I loved this book to no end!! I am already sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for book two. :D Summer 2015 cannot get here soon enough.

Wicked is a captivating tale about fae, those that fight them and send them back to the Otherworld. Throughout this book you follow Ivy, a member of the Order, through her struggles with loss and a major fae crisis that is about to break out in New Orleans. Then enters Ren Owens, another member of the Order (a very sexy member) and he turns Ivy's world upside down.

I love that this book was set in New Orleans, it is one of my favorite cities. It has so much character and Jennifer L. Armentrout brought all of that to this novel. It was nice reading about places there, that I have visited.

When I first started this book and found out the antagonist were the fae, I was worried I wasn't going to enjoy it as much as I enjoy her other books. Stories about fae are not my favorite, but Armentrout may have changed that for me. I really found myself enjoying this book. After reading a couple of chapters I was surprised to find that the fae were not what I expected, they were much more human and less "Tinker Bell-ish" which I think helped me enjoy the book a lot more.

The romance was once again very steamy throughout this book. Armentrout never disappoints in the romance department. I loved Ivy and Ren's relationship. Ren's character is amazing, every chapter he was in a sped through because he was such a funny person. I couldn't wait to see what transpired between the two of them.

The ending was both a bit predictable and shocking. But overall this book was absolutely amazing. This book is definitely a must read!! :)

I can't wait for book two to be released...can it come out already!!

The Maze Runner Review

After going to YALLfest 2014 and meeting James Dashner, my mom decided she had to read his book The Maze Runner. Below is her review of the book! :)

The Maze Runner

By: James Dashner

Synopsis From Goodreads:

If you ain’t scared, you ain’t human.

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He’s surrounded by strangers—boys whose memories are also gone.

Nice to meet ya, shank. Welcome to the Glade.

Outside the towering stone walls that surround the Glade is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It’s the only way out—and no one’s ever made it through alive.

Everything is going to change.

Then a girl arrives. The first girl ever. And the message she delivers is terrifying.

Remember. Survive. Run.

Mom's Review:

Rating: 

In taking my 23yr old and 13yr old to Yallfest and then standing in line for them so they could get The Maze Runner signed by James Dashner I listened to many people talking about the book and it started to intrigue me. Then I was finally at the front of the to get the book signed and James Dashner was just an amazing person so I decided I would take a crack at reading this book.

Right from the beginning this book pulls you right in to the character Thomas. Just as Thomas learns about where he is and the other boys as well as what lies behind the wall you feel as if you are in the journey right along with Thomas. You feel his pain as well as his urgency to find a way out. 

When the last glader arrives you can feel the connection between Thomas and Theresa. Even though characters that you grew to love don't make it out it leaves you wondering what's next for the Gladers that survived the intense Maze Trials.

I highly reccomend this book! 

Published by: K

Cover Reveal: The One Thing by: Marci Lyn Curtis

Today we have the cover reveal for The One Thing by: Marci Lyn Curtis. My mom met Marci while waiting in line at YALLfest in November 2014. I absolutely love this cover and can't wait to read the book. The One Thing will be released September 8th, 2015.

Title: The One Thing

Author: Marci Lyn Curtis

Genre: Young Adult

Release Date: September 8th, 2015

Pre-order: Amazon

About The One Thing:

"A soaring tale of life and love, of sacrifice and renewal, and learning to see people as they really are."

Maggie Sanders might be blind, but she won't invite anyone to her pity party. Ever since losing her sight six months ago, Maggie’s rebellious streak has taken on a life of its own, culminating with an elaborate school prank. Maggie called it genius. The judge called it illegal.

Now Maggie has a probation officer. But she isn't interested in rehabilitation, not when she’s still mourning the loss of her professional soccer dreams, and furious at her so-called friends, who lost interest in her as soon as she could no longer lead the team to victory.

When Maggie first meets Ben, she thinks she can add "crazy" to her list of problems. But the precocious ten-year-old isn’t a hallucination. Maggie can actually see him. She immediately befriends the kid, desperate for any chance to see again.

It turns out Ben’s older brother is Mason Milton, the ridiculously hot lead singer of Maggie’s favorite band. Music is the first thing that has made Maggie feel alive since losing her sight. But when she learns the real reason she can see Ben, Maggie must find the courage to face a once-unimaginable future...before she loses everything she has grown to love.

About the Author:

I write teen stories about characters who set up camp in my head and refuse to leave.

 Generally they are sarcastic.  

 I'm represented by the half-guru, half-rockstar Kathleen Rushall at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.

Website | Goodreads

Published by: K&C

Book Haul

Yay!! :D Books, Books, Books & more Books!! The month has just started and I have already bought so many books! I can't wait to read these new books I got!!

Seven of these books I bought off Book Outlet!! This was my first time purchasing from this site and I absolutely love it! I will definitely be buying from this site again. 

All these books I bought myself!!! :D

P.S. This is my first book haul hope y'all enjoy!

Book Outlet Purchases:

Mila 2.0 by: Debra Driza

The Vincent Boys by: Abbi Glines

Tumble & Fall by: Alexandra Coutts

Clockwork Princess by: Cassandra Clare*

Kiss of Death by: Lauren Henderson

Mystic City by: Theo Lawrence

Plus One by: Elizabeth Fama

Books a Million Purchases:

Icons by: Margaret Stohl

The 100 by: Kass Morgan

*Books I have already read

Published by: K

The Elite (The Selection #2) Review

The Elite by: Kiera Cass

Synopsis From Goodreads:

The Selection began with thirty-five girls.

Now with the group narrowed down to the six Elite, the competition to win Prince Maxon's heart is fiercer than ever—and America is still struggling to decide where her heart truly lies. Is it with Maxon, who could make her life a fairy tale? Or with her first love, Aspen?

America is desperate for more time. But the rest of the Elite know exactly what they want—and America's chance to choose is about to slip away.

My Review:

4.5 Star Rating 

I know I'm a little late on the bandwagon but better late then never right? 

And I must say I am truly glad I started reading this series because Keira Cass is an amazing writer. I had the opportuinty to meet her at YALLfest 2014 and after meeting her I knew I had to start reading her books. And I'm glad I did because they are amazing. I breezed through The Selection like it was nothing.

Often when it comes to sequels they don't measure up to the first, however Kiera Cass did an amazing job making this sequel just as good as the first. While it took me sometime to get back into the story (it's been a while since reading The Selection) once I did, I didn't want to put it down.

"Love is beautiful fear."

I felt this line captivated the total essence of the book. Throughout the story both America and Maxon are questioning whether the other truly loves them and yet when they find those rare moments of happiness it is a beautiful moment. They fight and argue often throughout the book but in the end they always find a way back to the bond they share. It's always nice reading a book where there isn't "instant love." America is actually conflicted about her feelings like a normal teenager would be. 

She's constantly making rash decisions but I actually like that about her. She is standing up for what she believes is right. It's nice seeing all these strong female roles in YA books these days. And I believe America Singer is a great example of that. 

It was also great how Kiera introduced Gregory Illea into the story. I had really hoped he was going to be a good guy. :( Even though it was nice to get more background on how the country and castes were formed. I really hope that we get more Illea history in the next book, plus I can't wait to see who America chooses in the end.

Overall I believe this is a definite read for anyone looking for a good story. Kiera Cass has done an amazing job developing these characters and building an amazing world of kings and queens. I will definitely be reccommending this series to friends and family.


Published by: K

February TBR

Being as this is a short month I am only going to try to read 4 books.

Here is my TBR list:

Source: @kales2013

1. Leviathan by: Scott Westerfeld

2. Wicked by: Jennifer L. Armentrout

3. Sanctum by: Sarah Fine

4. Me and My Invisible Guy by: Sarah Jeffery

Published by: K