Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. The purpose of WoW is to share upcoming releases that we are excited about. This summary is from goodreads.

Solving the Maze was supposed to be the end. No more puzzles. No more Variables. And no more running. Thomas was sure that escape meant he and the Gladers would get their lives back. But no one really knew what sort of life they were going back to.

In the Maze, life was easy. They had food, and shelter, and safety... until Teresa triggered the end. In the world outside the Maze, however, the end was triggered long ago.

Burned by sun flares and baked by a new, brutal climate, much of the earth is a wasteland. Government has disintegrated--and with it, order--and now Cranks, people covered in festering wounds and driven to murderous insanity by the infectious disease known as the Flare, roam the crumbling cities hunting for their next victim... and meal.

The Gladers are far from done running. Instead of freedom, they find themselves faced with another trial. They must cross the Scorch, the most burned-out section of the world, and arrive at a safe haven in two weeks. And WICKED has made sure to adjust the variables and stack the odds against them.

Thomas can only wonder--does he hold the secret of freedom somewhere in his mind? Or will he forever be at the mercy of WICKED?
I don't know about you, but I love this series. It's full of danger, excitement, and twists and turns that left me speechless.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Book Blogger Hop

Book Blogger Hop

The Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Crazy for Books. The purpose is for book bloggers and book lovers to connect.

When you write reviews, do you write them as you are reading or wait until you have read the entire book?

As far as actually writing the review, I usually do that right after I finish the book. However, I am constantly composing reviews in my head while I am reading the books.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

The Pace and The Broken Lake by Shelena Shorts

            I wanted to love The Pace, I really did. I'd heard so many good things about it. Unfortunately, this book didn't really live up to all the hype. Don't get me wrong, The Pace is a good book; it's just not an excellent book. I couldn't help seeing a lot of plot points very similar to Twilight.
            For instance, the main character, Sophie, lives with only one parent and she has just moved back to the town in which she was born. In this town she meets a boy who doesn't seem to show very much interest in her, but eventually comes around. They start dating, but it's pretty obvious that the boy, Wes, has a secret. Lo and behold, Wes is immortal. About three quarters through the novel, Wes pulls a New Moon and abruptly breaks up with Sophie because he thinks she will die if he stays with her (sound familiar?). He also pulls some over-protective borderline stalker moves. Top it off with the fact that he comes over every night (from the terrace, not a window), and you've got two very similar plots. Oh, and there's also the life and death show down with the bad guy at the end.
            Now that my Twilight rant is over, I have to say that this book does have some great elements. For one thing, Shelena Shorts came up with a really creative and logical explanation for immortality, instead of chalking it up to being a vampire. Also, Sophie is most definitely not like Bella. Sophie isn't afraid to voice her opinions, and she isn't constantly whining about the fact that she's aging much faster than her boyfriend.
            All this comparison to Twilight aside, The Pace is a unique story (yes, that statement is a contradiction to most of what I just said, but hey). I absolutely love the fact that reincarnation plays a part in the book. I really didn't expect that and it added more depth to the story. Also, the explanation for Wes' apparent immortality (you'll have to read the book to find out what this truly brilliant explanation is) was extremely refreshing.
            Now on to Sophie and Wes' relationship. I have to say that I love this couple. They just act so right, and I love reading their scenes together. Furthermore, they have a healthy relationship. One person doesn't dominate the other, and they actually talk to each other.

          
       After reading The Pace, I also read The Broken Lake, the second book in the Pace series, and I absolutely love it. It was completely worth reading all those Twilight parallels in the first book to get to this one. The plot is totally original, the twists and turns leave your head spinning (in a good way), and there is no shortage of sweet romantic moments.
            In this novel, Wes and Sophie face new challenges in their relationship and new foes. The mystery and suspense moves the plot and adds some really intense moments. I have to admit that I simply could not put The Broken Lake down. In fact, I may have read it when I really should have been doing my Chemistry homework.
            However, I do have another bone to pick with this series. The cliff-hangers are killer! I could hardly stand it! It's even worse than the end of The Empire Strikes Back when you don't know what's happening to Han Solo.
            Anyway, the bottom line is that you should read this series. I can't even tell you how eager I am to read the next book, The Iron Quill! (Isn't that a deliciously intriguing title?)

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. The purpose of WoW is to share upcoming releases that we are excited about. This summary is from goodreads.
"Cassia has always trusted their choices. It’s barely any price to pay for a long life, the perfect job, the ideal mate. So when her best friend appears on the Matching screen, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is the one . . . until she sees another face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. Now Cassia is faced with impossible choices: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she’s known and a path no one else has ever dared follow—between perfection and passion."
I am so excited for this book! I want to read it really badly!

Monday, September 20, 2010

Bookspeak SPEAKS UP


Speak is one of my favorite novels, in fact it's one of the reasons that I chose Bookspeak as the name of my blog. When I saw the article calling Speak "soft porn" I was horrified. Speak is a beautiful, moving novel about the negative affects of sexual abuse, and there are no graphic scenes. The Speak I read is nothing like the Speak Dr. Wesley Scroggins describes in his article. I would go so far as to guess that he hasn't even read it. To show my support for Speak I am giving away a copy of this wonderful book. I hope all of you give Speak a chance. Don't listen to the narrow-minded people that try to censor books.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Hush by Eishes Chayil

Hush
Eishes Chayil
Publication Date: September 2010
Ages: 14 and up
Pages: 368 (approx.)
           
            Hush haunted my dreams; I have never read anything like it. The contrast between love and neglect within this Jewish Chassidic community is chilling. Once I started reading, I became caught up in a world where God and purity are held above all else, yet heinous crimes are hidden and ignored. Families risk their children's health, and even their lives, simply because they are unwilling to believe that sexual abuse could happen in their community.
            One of the reasons that Hush has such an impact is that the reader sees the events through the innocent eyes of a child. Gittel, the main character, narrates some events as a young child and some as a young woman. In many ways she is much more innocent than other children because the Chassidic community has sheltered her from the world. After her best friend Devory dies, Gittel is told to forget her and not to tell anyone that Devory was abused by her brother. For almost ten years Gittel is silent, but Devory haunts her dreams. Gittel feels guilt and even begins to question her community's beliefs.
            Eishes Chayil (pseudonym meaning "virtuous woman") has created a painfully honest, eye-opening, tragic book. The Chassidic community that she depicts has so many contradictions. Families really love their children, but by not speaking out about the abuse that occurs they also neglect them. This book delves deeply into the structure of the Jewish Chassidic community. The reader sees their complex social interactions and rich traditions. Hush depicts a heartbreaking reality. It takes the reader on a difficult journey, one that even people outside of the Chassidic community may not want to acknowledge.
            Hush is skillfully written so that the sexual abuse in the community is explored but does not become graphic. However, I do not recommend this book to anyone under fourteen. While none of the sensitive scenes are explicit, younger children may not be able to handle the content.
            This book has a special place in my heart and mind, and I hope it finds a place in yours as well. Fans of Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak  should read this book.

Thank you to Holly at Good Golly Miss Holly ARC Tours for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

Anna and the French Kiss Cover Recreation Contest

Princess Bookie is having an awesome cover recreation contest for the book Anna and the French Kiss. I'm posting my entry, so please don't laugh - this is my first time recreating a cover.

Original cover:



















My cover:

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a meme hosted by The Story Siren. The purpose of IMM is to share the books that we have purchased, won, bought, borrowed, etc.

Bought:
-Rampant by Diana Peterfreund
-Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
-Personal Demons by Lisa Desroches







Won:
Crusade by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie











ARC Tour: (Good Golly Miss Holly)
Hush by Eishes Chayil

Saturday, September 18, 2010

In other news...

I have good news and bad news. Which would you like to hear first? Bad news? Okay.

The bad news is that my Cassandra Clare swag giveaway is now over...

The good news is that one of you won it. And the winner is... Marie Oliva! Congratulations, I have sent you an email and you have 48 hours to respond before I pick a new winner.

Guess what? I have more good news for you! On Monday I will be posting another giveaway, and there will be multiple winners!

Friday, September 17, 2010

Book Blogger Hop

Book Blogger Hop

The Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Crazy for Books. The purpose is for book bloggers and book lovers to connect.

In honor of Book Blogger Appreciation Week, let's take time this week to honor our favorite book bloggers and why we love them!

There are so many blogs that I love to visit! Sometimes it feels like I follow about a million. Some of my favorites are located on the left sidebar of my blog, but I also read at least twenty more. I have to say that one of my very favorites is Michelle's Minions because it is the first book blog that I ever read.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Wildthorn by Jane Eagland

"They strip her naked, of everything—undo her whalebone corset, hook by hook. Locked away in Wildthorn Hall—a madhouse—they take her identity. She is now called Lucy Childs. She has no one; she has nothing. But, she is still seventeen—still Louisa Cosgrove, isn't she? Who has done this unthinkable deed? Louisa must free herself, in more ways than one, and muster up the courage to be her true self, all the while solving her own twisted mystery and falling into an unconventional love . . . Originally published in the UK, this well-paced, provocative romance pushes on boundaries—both literal and figurative—and, do beware: it will bind you, too."
            Wildthorn is raw. It's so charged with emotions, confusion, despair, hope, that I was completely overwhelmed, in a good way. Well, mostly in a good way. About one hundred and twenty pages in I considered putting the book aside. Not because the book is bad - in fact, it's one of the best YA historical novels that I've ever read (sorry Ann Rinaldi). The reason I almost stopped reading it is that the main character, Louisa Cosgrove, suffers so much. I could hardly stand it. Louisa suffers injustice, after injustice, after injustice. However, this is also one of the reasons that the book is so good.
            Louisa Cosgrove doesn't know why she's at Wildthorn Hall, an asylum. She also doesn't know why everyone at Wildthorn calls her Lucy Childs. The more she tries to convince the staff that she's sane, the more they believe she isn't. In fact, Louisa even begins to question it herself. To free herself, it will take strength, courage, and maybe love.
            Told partly in the present and partly through flashbacks, Wildthorn reveals a web of treachery and deception that completely shocked me. As a reader, I was able to guess at some of the events that led to Louisa's imprisonment, but the full explanation left me in complete shock. I could never image doing what they did to Louisa to anyone, even my arch nemeses (not that I really have an arch nemeses).
            I have to say that my favorite section of the story is part three, because I finally got an explanation for the horrors that Louisa and I went through. I say I because Louisa became so real to me that I felt everything right along with her.
            Jane Eagland is an amazingly skilled author. Wildthorn is perfectly executed to intrigue you and tug at your heart strings. I recommend this book to fans of historical fiction, or anyone looking for a very good and surprisingly faced-paced read. I look forward to reading more of Jane Eagland's work in the future.

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesday is hosted by MizB at Should be Reading. Here is how it works: grab the book you are currently reading, open it up to a random page, share a couple of "teaser" sentences, DO NOT include spoilers.
I could not fall asleep last night. I was scared of you, that you would come again. I sat at my table all night trying to write you a letter. I wanted to tell you how sorry I am about what happened, how so much of it was my fault. But I could not find the words. I could not find the langauge one needs to apologize to the dead.
~Hush, page 44
I am reading this book courtesy of Good Golly Miss Holly ARC Tours. My review will come in the next few days.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

The Mark by Jen Nadol + Interview (Spoiler Warning)

"Cassandra Renfield has always seen the mark—a glow around certain people reminiscent of candlelight. But the one time she mentioned it, it was dismissed as a trick of the light. Until the day she watches a man awash in the mark die. After searching her memories, Cassie realizes she can see a person’s imminent death. Not how or where, only when: today.
Armed with a vague understanding of the light, Cassie begins to explore her “gift,” seeking those marked for death and probing the line between decision and destiny. Though she’s careful to hide her secret—even from her new philosophy-obsessed boyfriend—with each impending death comes the temptation to test fate. But so many questions remain. How does the mark work? Why is she the only one who sees it? And finally, the most important of all: If you know today is someone’s last, should you tell them?"

When I picked up The Mark, I expected to read just another paranormal romance, but this books is so much more. I was truly amazed by the layers upon layers of details ranging from philosophy to Greek mythology. But don't worry, the author doesn't hit you over the head with philosophy, she introduces it in such a way that it's very interesting. It's so interwoven and beautifully done, that it makes this novel truly unique and special.

Cassandra Renfield, the main character, confronts a thought-provoking moral dilemma in this novel. She can see a light, the mark, around people that are going to die in the next twenty-four hours, and she has to decide whether or not to tell them. Needless to say, this would be a burden to anyone, let alone a teenage girl. To make matters worse, she has the ability to tell when people she loves are about to die, and there might not be anything she can do about it... Cassandra makes a journey in this novel, literally and figuratively, as she tries to understand her gift and use it. She doesn't just begin to discover herself, she also begins to untangle a web of mysteries about her family.

The writing in this novel well-done and fast paced. I recommend this book to fans of the Wake trilogy by Lisa McMann. The flow of the story and the themes of love and loss are similar, so Wake fans, read up!

The Mark is not just like other paranormal YA books, it's better! Kudos to Jen Nadol. And while I'm talking about her, I should mention that I had the great privilege of asking Jen Nadol some burning questions that I had about The Mark. Since The Mark is the first book in a series (Yah!) Jen was unable to answer some of my questions. Ah well, I'll just have to wait (impatiently) for the next book, Vision, coming out in 2011. By the way, Jen Nadol is one of the sweetest people I've (kind of) met!

*Spoiler Alert*


1. I found the idea that Cassandra is a descendant of Lachesis to be quite intriguing. How did you come up with this idea? It was actually my husband’s idea. I had the concept of the mark, the dilemmas it would pose and the philosophy element already in mind, but he wanted to know the why, why does she see it? I didn’t have an answer and told him it wasn’t important, the story was really about fate vs. free will, yadda, yadda. He thought I needed a why and if I was already talking about fate, maybe I should look into Greek mythology, that they’d believed in Fates, etc. When I researched them, I couldn’t believe what a perfect fit Lachesis was. Kind of like it was fated…




2. If Nan is also a descendant of Lachesis, why can't she see the mark? Was she only pretending not to see it? Ahh, what an interesting question…



3. Will the descendants of Clotho and Atropos ever make an appearance in the series? Another interesting question…



4. The Mark contains many references to philosophy. Were you interested in philosophy before writing it? I’d taken a philosophy class in college that was interesting and really, really hard. I hadn’t read much other than that, but the kind of discussions I remembered from that class were such a natural fit for the ethical dilemmas created by the mark that I knew almost as soon as I had the idea for the story that philosophy would be a layer of it.



5. What research, if any, did you do in the course of writing The Mark? I read a lot of philosophy - much more than made its way into the final book - and researched the mythology.



6. Can you tell me anything about the upcoming sequel to The Mark, Vision? Hmmm…Cassie moves to a new town, works in a funeral home and tries to answer the questions she’s left with at the end of The Mark. We see more of Petra. And Jack.



7. Will you continue to write YA fiction after you finish writing The Mark series? Definitely. When I wrote The Mark, I didn’t even realize it was YA - it’s just the voice that felt right. When agents finally categorized it for me, I realized that’s what all my stories are/will be. It’s hard to imagine writing anything other than YA.



I have some other questions that I'd like to ask so that my readers and I can get to know you a little bit better.



1. What is your favorite book/genre? I like both YA and adult fiction and prefer contemporary, historical and “light” paranormal/scifi (think Wake, Life As We Knew It) to chick lit, romance or fantasy/scifi. Some favorite books? City of Dreams, White Oleander, The Stand, The Dead Zone, The Hunger Games, Harmonic Feedback….



2. How long have you known that you wanted to be a writer? Forever.



3. If you couldn't be an writer, what would you be? In my dreams? An artist. In real life? The things I was/am: a business person (gotta pay the bills) and a mom.

Thanks to Jen Nadol for answering all of my questions and for being so nice to a newbie blogger like me!

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a meme hosted by The Story Siren. The purpose of IMM is to share the books that we have purchased, won, bought, borrowed, etc.


Bought:
Firelight by Sophie Jordan (Finally!)
Lament by Maggie Stiefvater

Traded:
How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff

Friday, September 10, 2010

Book Blogger Hop!

Book Blogger Hop

The Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Crazy for Books. The purpose is for book bloggers and book lovers to connect.

Q: Post a link to a favorite post or book review that you have written in the past three months.
A: Well, my favorite review would probably be the one I did of Halo by Alexandra Adornetto.

Also, please take a look at my Cassandra Clare Swag Giveaway!

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Halo by Alexandra Adornetto

"Nothing much happens in the sleepy town of Venus Cove. But everything changes when three angels are sent from heaven to protect the town against the gathering forces of darkness: Gabriel, the warrior; Ivy, the healer; and Bethany, a teenage girl who is the least experienced of the trio. They work hard to conceal their true identity and, most of all, their wings. But the mission is threatened when the youngest angel, Bethany, is sent to high school and falls in love with the handsome school captain, Xavier Woods. Will she defy the laws of Heaven by loving him? Things come to a head when the angels realize they are not the only supernatural power in Venus Cove. There′s a new kid in town and he′s charming, seductive and deadly. Worst of all, he′s after Beth."
Halo caught my heart and my imagination in one fell swoop. The characters are alive, the dialogue sparkling, and the plot very well-done. To put it mildly, Halo really impressed me. You can imagine my surprise when I realized that the author is only eighteen! This book is so enthralling that I would hardly expect someone with hundreds of years of experience to be able to write it, let alone someone who's only eighteen. In addition, I almost shouted with delight when I saw that this book has a table of contents. It might be strange, but I absolutely love it when books have tables of content. Unfortunately, not many YA books do these days. (I also have to mention that this book contains a reference to Jane Eyre, which makes me very happy.)

Halo deserves every speck of praise it's ever gotten plus some. The writing has something very clean and beautiful about it. Some of the passages contain ideas that I didn't think an eighteen year old would be capable of thinking, yet there they are in black and white. Halo is without a doubt one of the best, if not the best, book of 2010.

The novel kicks off with the arrival of Bethany, Ivy and Gabriel in Venus Cove, a sleepy little town with an infestation of dark forces. These three siblings are angels that have taken human form to complete a mission given to them by a higher power. Bethany is the youngest and the most in-tune with human emotions. She taps into these emotions when she meets Xavier, a young man with "baggage". As she and Xavier grow closer, Bethany may not be able to keep her secret. If she doesn't, she'll have some divine forces to deal with, not to mention her brother. Their lives get even more complicated when Jake Thorn enters the picture. Jake is a sarcastic bad-boy that Bethany wants to lead to the light, but he might be trying to lead her in the opposite direction.

One great thing about this novel is that Bethany and Xavier don't run completely headlong into their relationship. They take time to get to know each other, and their relationship is healthier for it.

I enjoyed seeing the human experience through Bethany's eyes. She looks at everything with such wonder that it's impossible not to share in her joy. The way she sees the world made me reconsider the way I see it. Bethany is one of my favorite characters. Her voice is so friendly and open that you feel like you know her personally. It's easy to share her feelings, both good and bad, while she takes you along for an amazing ride.

It's hard to find a book that has a excellent plot, fascinating characters, and some deeper meaning, and I'd imagine it's even harder to write one, but Alexandra Adornetto pulls it off with grace and style. I was so entangled in this story that it was incredibly hard to say good-bye to all the characters. Thankfully, Halo is the first book in a trilogy, so I'll have the opportunity to spend more time with Bethany & Co.

I recommend this book to everyone, young, old, male, female, angel, demon, unidentified life forms. Read it!

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wenesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. The purpose of WoW is to share upcoming releases that we are excited about. This summary is from goodreads.
"Forced to drop out of an esteemed East Coast college after the sudden death of her parents, Jane Moore takes a nanny job at Thornfield Park, the estate of Nico Rathburn, an iconic rock star on the brink of a huge comeback. Practical and independent, Jane reluctantly becomes entranced by her magnetic and brooding employer, and finds herself in the midst of a forbidden romance. But there's a mystery at Thornfield, and Jane's much-envied relationship with Nico is tested by a torturous secret from his past.
Part irresistible romance and part darkly engrossing mystery, this contemporary retelling of the beloved classic Jane Eyre promises to enchant a new generation of readers."
As you may know (since I've mentioned it on multiply occasions), Jane Eyre is my favorite book. Why, you may ask, would you want to read a spin-off of your favorite book? Well, because I'm curious, plain and simple. I  am also incredibly optimistic when it comes to books, and I am hoping that this book will turn out much better than the Pride and Prejudice spin-offs that I've read lately. So, what book are you waiting for?

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesday is hosted by MizB at Should be Reading. Here is how it works: grab the book you are currently reading, open it up to a random page, share a couple of "teaser" sentences, DO NOT include spoilers.


"We were distracted by a piercing scream coming from the kitchens, followed by the sound of panicked voices and running feet. The students exchanged nervous glances and a few got up hesitantly to investigate. One of them, Simon Laurence, froze in the doorway of the kitchen and his hand flew to his mouth. He backed away, his face turning ashen, and he looked like he was about to retch."
This book is absolutely amazing! I will be posting my review of it in the next couple of days. Until then, what are you reading?

 

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

"Weird as it is working for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, Evie's always thought of herself as normal. Sure, her best friend is a mermaid, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she’s falling for a shape-shifter, and she’s the only person who can see through paranormals' glamours, but still. Normal.

Only now paranormals are dying, and Evie's dreams are filled with haunting voices and mysterious prophecies. She soon realizes that there may be a link between her abilities and the sudden rash of deaths. Not only that, but she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures."
Paranormalcy is fun, quirky, and mysterious. When I started the novel, I thought it would just be a light read. However, Evie, the main character, finds herself in situations that lead her to question everything she believes. The journey on which Evie takes the reader is anything but light.


I immediately loved Evie. Her voice has a certain uniqueness behind it, and her spunk has its own charms. She is an odd juxtaposition of paranormal-butt-kicker-girl and zebra -print-dress-wearing-girl, and it works perfectly in the story. Evie's good qualities become even more apparent when she meets and befriends Lend, a shape shifter that breaks into the IPCA (the place where she lives/works). Her relationship with Lend is completely cute, as is her excitement over things like high school and lockers. In many ways, I felt sorry for Evie. Before coming to the IPCA she was in and out of foster homes and after that...well, I'll just say she never gets to have a normal life. I just have to say that I love the fact that she named her taser (her pink, sparkly taser)!

The plot of this book is nothing like I expected; it's ten times better! Abundant in twists, turns, and imagination, Kiersten White's book is truly paranormal. I love the way that every new plot point is totally unforeseen, yet fits perfectly with the rest of the story. This book has more to it than just an awesome paranormal mystery. It's also a coming of age story. Evie must come to terms with the darker parts of the world and herself. In doing so, she matures.

I absolutely love Paranormalcy. It's exciting, refreshing, and all around wonderful. I recommend this book to fans of Evermore by Alyson Noel and Devil's Kiss by Sarwat Chadda.

Please take a look at my Cassandra Clare Swag Giveaway! You do not need to be a follower.

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a meme hosted by The Story Siren. The purpose of IMM is to share the books that we have purchased, won, bought, borrowed, etc.
Bought: (yes I bought a lot this week)
-Girl in the Arena by Lise Haines
-The Sweetheart of Prosper County by Jill S. Alexander
-The Twin's Daughter by Lauren Baratz-Logsted
-Wildthorn by Jane Eagland
-The Morganville Vampires by Rachel Caine
-Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
-Halo by Alexandra Adornetto
-Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare


Traded:
-The After (The Everafter) by Amy Huntley - not pictured

Please take a look at my Cassandra Clare Swag Giveaway!

Friday, September 3, 2010

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

As always, Cassandra Clare's characterization, plot, and use of suspense is flawless in Clockwork Angel. If you love the City of Bones series, or even if you don't, you will be blown away by this novel. The action is non-stop, the suspense is killer, and the dark twists will leave you breathless.

I very much like the main character, Tessa. She references Jane Eyre a couple of times (which gives her major points because Jane Eyre is my favorite novel) and demonstrates that she is extremely well-read. Tessa also has intelligence, ingenuity, and can hold her own in a fight. I believe that Tessa's one flaw is her blind faith in her brother, despite all his flaws (you'll see what I mean).

Something that has always impressed me immensely about Cassandra Clare's writing is her ability to produce beautiful, intricate, living worlds. The places, people, and creatures that she creates are just so much more tangible than many other fantasy novels. I also admire her ability to create fighting sequences that aren't boring; they flow and make complete sense.

I believe I like Clockwork Angel better than City of Bones. The character of Tessa is more compelling than that of Clary. I really enjoyed traveling through this story with her. I also found Clockwork Angel's mysteries to be more intriguing and the plot more interesting. (Yes, Cassandra Clare actually wrote a book with a better plot than City of Bones. I know... I didn't think that was possible either.) You should note that I do love historical fiction, and the fact that this story takes place in Victorian England is probably one of the reasons that I like this book even better than City of Bones. However, you do not have to love, or even like, historical fiction to enjoy this novel. It is chock full of demon-slaying, evil geniuses and romance.

Team Jem for the win!

Book Blogger Hop!

Book Blogger Hop

The Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Crazy for Books. The purpose is for book bloggers and book lovers to connect.

Q: Do you judge a book by it's cover?
A: I have to admit (shame on me) that I do judge some books by their cover. When I am shopping in a bookstore, I usually pick up the book with the cover that catches my eye. However, I definitely don't read books based on the cover; I read books based on the content. I have read some really good books with really ugly covers.

Please check out my Cassandra Clare Swag Giveaway!

Thursday, September 2, 2010

My First Ever Giveaway!

Yesterday I had the great pleasure of meeting Cassandra Clare, one of my favorite YA authors. (If you haven't read City of Bones yet, I suggest that you go to a library or book store right now to get it.) At the event, I was fortunate enough to get some great swag for my amazing readers.
This includes:
-temporary tattoos (2)
-Clockwork Angel poster
-Clockwork Angel bookmark
AND (Drumroll please!)
-a teaser from Cassandra Clare's upcoming short story in the collection Zombies vs. Unicorns.

This giveaway is now closed. Thank you to everyone that entered!



Let's all give a big thanks to Cassandra Clare for this one!

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wenesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. The purpose of WoW is to share upcoming releases that we are excited about. This summary is from goodreads.



Cate of the Lost Colony by Lisa M. Klein
Release Date: October 12, 2010
Bloomsbury USA
"The greatest unsolved mystery of American history--what happened to all the colonists who landed on Roanoke Island in 1587? This novel traces the fortunes and misfortunes of one Cate Archer, banished to Virginia by a jealous Queen Elizabeth because of her dalliance with Sir Walter Ralegh. What will be her fate in this dangerous New World?"
I've always been a fan of historical fiction (as soon as I read the Little House books I was hooked), and the mystery of the Roanoke colony is an episode in history that has always intrigued me. I'm really looking forward to this book. What book are you waiting for?