Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Waiting On Wednesday (5)

5? Ugh, yet again with the low number, I really need to change this! :)

The Rise of Renegade X by Chelsea Campbell

Summary (from GoodReads):

Damien Locke knows his destiny--attending the university for supervillains and becoming Golden City's next professional evil genius. But when Damien discovers he's the product of his supervillain mother's one-night stand with--of all people--a superhero, his best-laid plans are ruined as he's forced to live with his superhero family.

Going to extreme lengths (and heights), The Rise of Renegade X chronicles one boy's struggles with the villainous and heroic pitfalls of growing up.


Are you hearing the epicness? I have an obession of all things superhero, (my folders for school are all Batman), so of course I want to read this one. But beyond that the plot seems so well developed and awesome, not to mention totally original! Oh, and look at that cover, I loooooooooove it! :)

Review: Beautiful Disaster

Woah, this is like the 4th "chick-lity" book I've reviewed in a row. Later today there will be 1-2, maybe more depending on how fast I type, reviews that non-chick lit! :)

Beautiful Disaster by Kate Brian
Published: by Simon & Schuster- 6/2/09
Pages: 278
Series or Standalone? 2nd in a series.

Summary (from GoodReads):
She's Back....


After wasting away in a mental institution for a year and a half, Ariana Osgood is finally back where she belongs. She has a new look, a new name, and a new life -- all thanks to her former friend Briana Leigh Covington.

Now enrolled as a junior at the exclusive Atherton-Pryce boarding school just outside of D.C., Ariana sleeps in Frette sheets, flirts with the captain of the crew team, and gossips with the most beautiful girls on campus. She killed to get back her life of privilege. Just how far will she go to keep it?

From the author of the bestselling Private novels comes a series about the dark world of wealth, secrets, and privilege.


My Review: Oh how my love grows for Kate Brian! Only she could make me love a serial killer, (well if were not counting Dexter.) The plot was so different from the previous, yet just as amazing, this book has confirmed that this series shall be deemed an official favorite of mine.
When Hooked. Immediately. Surprisingly, the previous novel didn't end with that "Kate Brian cliff-hanger" I'm accustomed too. Having said that, I was still just as eager to read it as if that cliff-hanger was in it, they are addicting, and have you hooked from the first page.
Hookability: (9.5/10) I was not released from the hook until I had read the very last word. And even then I was not actually let go of the hook because I am itching to get my hands on the next installment.
Writing: (9.5/10) Brian's writing is completely engrossing and addicting- I can't get enough! Everything flows together effortlessly, and totally engages you into it.
Characters: (9/10) I am still shocked at myself for liking Arielle so much, I absolutely hated her in the Private series. I do like her though, and root for her, and sympathesize with her. What is wrong with me? She's a serial killer!!! Everyone else is very confusing and I need one more book before I make my brutal assumptions about them.
Plot: (9/10) Like I said before, very different than the jail break plot of the previous book. I do like that Brain went back to her element of exclusive houses, and living among the pristige, I eat that stuff up!
Originality: (9/10) Brian has an excellent way of spinning things that may have been done before and making them her own. She has quite the talent, and even though some elements are along the same lines of the Private books, there is no denying she has created something not quite like anything else out there.
Romance: (---/10) Definitely has the promise for a nice little romance in the next book, but this one wasn't about romance, it was about how Arielle was adjusting, and so it would be unfair to count romance.
Ending: (9.5/10) Ahhhh, the Kate Brian cliff-hanger returns! I need the next book, what the flip is going to happen next?
Remembrable: (9/10) I have a feeling that eventually all the events will form one big timeline rather than being remembered which specific book an event took place. For the time being though, I definitely find the events of this book to be remembrable, they are essential, and just so juicy and mysterious you can't help but to remember.
Recommendability: (9.5/10) I recommend to all mid to older teen girls who are in need of a chick-lit esk book! Especially fans of Private! Going by those guidelines, this series won't dissapoint!
Any particular graphic/violence/inappropiate content? No, no and no. There might have been a couple implied references, but besides that it was totally clean! (10+)
Overall: (9.79/10) A great sequel of a series that will leave you begging for more! Time will pass very quickly from start to finish because it is so enthralling you just want to read it!








Cover Comments: While I was reading the first book I was imaging what Arielle's new makeover would look like, and this literally exactly how I imagined it to be! Kudos to you over at Simon & Schuster! (10/10)
Want More "Privilege"? There are currently 2 other books out in the series; (in order) Privilege, and Perfect Mistake. The 4th book Sweet Deceit, is set to June 8th, 2010.
Want More by Kate Brian? Kate Brian also has another series which is called the Private series, (and is quite good also!) The Private series currently has 10 books released; (in order) Private, Invitation Only, Untouchable, Confessions, Inner Circle, Legacy, Ambition, Revelation, Last Christmas (Private prequel), and Paradise Lost. The 11th book Scandal, is set to release March 9th, 2010, and the 12th book Vanished, to release August 31st, 2010
Want more by Author? You may not be aware but Kate Brian is a pseudonym that Kieran Scott uses. Kieran Scott writes books under her name also. She is the author of the Non-Blonde Cheerleader series, which is a cute, funny series aimed towards more a slightly younger age books include; (in order) I Was A Non-Blonde Cheerleader, Brunettes Strike Back, and A Non-Blonde Cheerleader In Love. She also has many other books out including Geek Magnet, and Jingle Boy. I am eagerly looking forward to her newest book She's So Dead to Us to be released May 25, 2010, which is a first in a trilogy and sounds really good.

10 in '10 Chick Lit Challenge

Soooooo, Kay Cassidy, author of upcoming book The Cinderella Society, and Jessica of Chick Lit Teens, are having this really cool chick lit challenge, and I'm participating!

Here are the rules:

1) Grab the official 10 in '10 Teen Chick Lit Challenge logo above and put it on your site with a link back to this page to let people know you're playing.

2) Choose 10 teen chick lit books to read in 2010. Or select the ones you know you want to read and leave the rest of your list open to see what comes your way in 2010. (We'll be talking about the great teen chick lit books we've read each month, so you may find some new ones that catch your eye!)

3) Click on the Mr. Linky button below to share your list if you've posted it on your blog. If you don't have a blog, simply comment below with your choice of books and let us know you're in like Flynn.

4) Each month, Jessica and Kay will alternate hosting the official check-in post where you can share the books you've read for the challenge. And be sure to let us know what you thought of them
!


To sign up for yourself, and to get more info on the challenge visit Kay's post here and Jessica's post here.

This post shall be updated on this post and on my Challenges post located on my link bar.

Now for my list:
1.) The Cinderella Society by Kay Cassidy
2.) Scandal by Kate Brian

3.) Perfect Mistake by Kate Brian
4.) Sweet Deceit by Kate Brian
5.) Vanished by Kate Brian
6.) She's So Dead To Us by Kieran Scott
7.) The Naughty List by Suzanne Young
8.)
Stupid Cupid by Rhonda Stapleton
9.) A Match Made In High School by Kristen Walker10.) So Many Boys by Suzanne Young
11.) A Good Boy is Hard to Find by Suzanne Young
12.) Flirting with Disaster by Rhonda Stapleton
13.) Pucker Up by Rhonda Stapleton
14.) Secrets of My Hollywood Life: Paparazzi Princess by Jen Calonita
15.) Secrets of My Hollywood Life: Broadway Lights by Jen Calonita
16.) Isabelle's Boyfriend by Caroline Hickey

17.) The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg
18.) Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols
19.) Heartless by Sara Shepard
20.) Wanted by Sara Shepard

(7/10)

Pink= Linked to Review
Bold= Read
Italicized= Own/Not-Read
Regular= To-Read

--More will be added later, I'm a fan of this genre! :)

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Review: Suspicion

Woah, sorry this review was posted so late today. I didn't even wake up until 2 pm, and that 5 Challenge post took me forever to post!

Suspicion by Kate Brian
Published: by Simon & Schuster- 9/8/09
Pages: 212
Series or Standalone? 10th book in a series.

Summary (from GoodReads):
Forbidden fruit...

Reed, Noelle, and former Billings Girls Kiran and Taylor have been living it up on St. Barths over winter break. The tropical sun has melted away all the tensions of last semester, and for the first time in months, Reed is happy. She's got her best friends by her side, she has a palatial suite with an ocean view, and she's landed Upton, the most sought-after guy on the island.

Reed is falling in love.

But dating Upton makes Reed St. Barths' highest-profile guest -- and not in a good way. Upton has a dark past, and he's broken a lot of hearts. One of his exes still wants him. And she'll do whatever it takes to get Reed out of the picture.


My Review: Yet another awesome book in the addicting Private series. While this book felt a little like a bridge, or filler, from one book to another, I still loved every second of it!
When Hooked: Immediately. The last book Paradise Lost left us with such an unbelievable cliff-hanger that as soon as you flip open the first page of Suspicion you are hooked.
Hookability: (9.5/10) This series is one where you pick the book up, read, and about an hour to two hours later, you find that you just finished the book. They are so completely engrossing and addicting!
Writing: (9.5/10) Brian's writing is 100% engaging, and everything flows really well. It is also very easy to feel as if all of what Reed sees and thinks are happening to you too, it very descriptive.
Characters: (9.5/10) For the most part I love all of the characters, wait thats not entirely true, some of the minor characters are so annoying I want to punch. Reed. Loooove her! Even more so now that she isn't afraid to speak whats on her mind. Shes just so completely awesome, no wonder everyone tries to kill her due to jealousy! Noelle. I just love her! I kind of have this unconventional thing where I always love the mean girl, as long as shes not a total b*tch, but even so, Noelle is portrayed in a way that makes the reader sympathetic to her and just love her attitude! Upton. You're no Josh buddy. I want to like you, but its not really happening.
Plot: (8.5/10) Like I mentioned before, this book felt a bridge from one book to the next. I still really liked it, it just wasn't my favorite out of all the books. I do admire Reed's fighting spirit though, especially on the island.
Originality: (8.5/10) This is hard one to determine. Some aspects of the books aren't original per se, but the twist Scott puts on them makes them original. But in this particular installment, without giving away too much, the whole island thing was an element that was very "been there, done that."
Romance: (--/10) I'm not going to count romance in this particular installment because it doesn't really focus on it, its more focused on specifically just Reed. Even with Upton taken into account, hes no Josh, or even Thomas for that matter.
Ending: (9.5/10) Kate Brian is the master of the cliff-hanger. I can't really say what it is without ruining a lot of the book, but let me tell you it will make you go "WHAT??? I NEED the next book NOW!" March 9th can't come soon enough!
Remembrable: (9/10) To me, the events of this series kind of just blend into one timeline instead of "this happened in this book, while this happened in another" kind of thing. I do however think that the events that took place within this book are very remembrable.
Recommendability: (9.5/10) I looooooooooove this series so much! Does that mean I think its right for everybody? Nope. This series is a fun, keeps-you-on-your-toes one. I think that most will categorize it under chick-lit, which is fine as long as that isn't directly correlated with being "fluffy", because its not "fluffy", though its not really deep either. Girls will definitely like this more than boys, and early to mid teens are probably the target age.
Any particular graphic/violent/"inappropiate" content? Pretty PG stuff for the most part, maybe PG-13. Drinking? Yes, there is underage drinking but its totally not a big deal at all. Seriously they could have said pop (or soda for you non-Michigander/Ohio-ers) instead and it totally would not have made a difference. Drugs? Nope. Violence? Someone tries to kill Reed, but its totally PG stuff. Sexual content? In this one I do believe no. Unless you count kissing, which I totally do not. (10+)
Overall: (9.8/10) A nice addition into a wonderful series. At the end you will cry out for the next book, and be left with your suspicions as to who really has killer in them.










Cover Comments: As a whole, this series is pretty cool together, with the whole Private box, and all the spines aline really nice together. However, for this particular book I absolutely hated the cover! The girl scared the living daylight out of me with her menacing stare, and I just flat-out refused to look at her when I was reading this book. (6/10)
Want More "Private"? There are currently 10 other books out in the series; (in order) Private, Invitation Only, Untouchable, Confessions, Inner Circle, Legacy, Ambition, Revelation, Last Christmas (Private prequel), and Paradise Lost. The 11th book Scandal, is set to release March 9th, 2010, and the 12th book Vanished, to release August 31st, 2010.
Want More by Kate Brian? Kate Brian also has another series which is called the Privilege series, (and is quite good also!) The Privilege series currently has 3 books released; (in order) Privilege, Beautiful Disaster, and Perfect Mistake. The 4th book Sweet Deceit, is set to June 8th, 2010.
Want more by Author? You may not be aware but Kate Brian is a pseudonym that Kieran Scott uses. Kieran Scott writes books under her name also. She is the author of the Non-Blonde Cheerleader series, which is a cute, funny series aimed towards more a slightly younger age books include; (in order) I Was A Non-Blonde Cheerleader, Brunettes Strike Back, and A Non-Blonde Cheerleader In Love. She also has many other books out including Geek Magnet, and Jingle Boy. I am eagerly looking forward to her newest book She's So Dead to Us to be released May 25, 2010, which is a first in a trilogy and sounds really good.

The 5 Challenge

So, if you weren't aware, the lovely Adele from Persnickety Snark has been hosting a 5 challenge from the 21st until the 31st. She explains it better than I would, so here she is describing the challenge: "For the remaining days of December I have decided to post daily on different elements of YA. I will choose my top five titles/series/moments for each day and you can give your two cents worth and tell me what I forgot. It's purely subjective and completely opinion based but I thought it might be fun."

I myself have decided to join in on the merriment and I shall post all my 5's collaborated in this one post. I am not going to list 5 for each category, I skipped around. Make sure to check out Adele's post here for the whole list of topics! Please note, while my challenges are numbered, they are in no particular order.

5 Great Debuts

1.) As You Wish by Jackson Pearce
Ever since Viola's boyfriend broke up with her, she has spent her days silently wishing—to have someone love her again and, more importantly, to belong again—until one day she inadvertently summons a young genie out of his world and into her own. He will remain until she makes three wishes.

Jinn is anxious to return home, but Viola is terrified of wishing, afraid she will not wish for the right thing, the thing that will make her truly happy. As the two spend time together, the lines between master and servant begin to blur, and soon Jinn can't deny that he's falling for Viola. But it's only after Viola makes her first wish that she realizes she's in love with Jinn as well . . . and that if she wishes twice more, he will disappear from her life—and her world—forever.
Jackson Pearce spins a magical tale about star-crossed lovers, what it means to belong . . . and how important it is to be careful what you wish for.

Absolutely amazing debut! It was funny, fun, and soooo cute! Also, the nice little romance in there was really good too!

2.) Willow by Julia Hoban
Seven months ago, on a rainy March night, sixteen year- old Willow’s parents died in a horrible car accident. Willow was driving. Now her older brother barely speaks to her, her new classmates know her as the killer orphan girl, and Willow is blocking the pain by secretly cutting herself. But when one boy—one sensitive, soulful boy—discovers Willow’s secret, it sparks an intense relationship that turns the “safe” world Willow has created for herself upside down.
Told in an extraordinary fresh voice, Willow is an unforgettable novel about one girl’s struggle to cope with tragedy, and one boy’s refusal to give up on her.

Heartbreaking, raw, and simply amazing. Alomost a little surprising this a debut! Review here.

3.) The Dark Devine by Bree Despain
Grace Divine, daughter of the local pastor, always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared--the night she found her brother Jude collapsed on the porch, covered in his own blood--but she has no idea what a truly monstrous secret that night held.

The memories her family has tried to bury resurface when Daniel returns, three years later, and enrolls in Grace and Jude's high school. Despite promising Jude she'll stay away, Grace cannot deny her attraction to Daniel's shocking artistic abilities, his way of getting her to look at the world from new angles, and the strange, hungry glint in his eyes.

The closer Grace gets to Daniel, the more she jeopardizes her life, as her actions stir resentment in Jude and drive him to embrace the ancient evil Daniel unleashed that horrific night. Grace must discover the truth behind the boy's dark secret...and the cure that can save the ones she loves. But she may have to lay down the ultimate sacrifice to do it--her soul.

Oh my word, I looooved this book! I think the synopsis is a little misleading because about half-way there is a turn of events that made me go, "Woah!" But I mean this in a totally good way, because I was totallt stunned and couldn't stop until every last page was devoured.

4.) Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along.
With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment.
But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.
For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.


I know theres a lot out there that agree with me when I say, "Holy smokes, this is a debut? It was awesome!" Very well developed and will leaving you in desperate need of sequel.

5. Candor by Pam Bachorz
Oscar Banks has everything under control. In a town where his father brainwashes everyone, he's found a way to secretly fight the subliminal Messages. He's got them all fooled: Oscar's the top student and the best-behaved teen in town. Nobody knows he's made his own Messages to deprogram his brain. Oscar has even found a way to get rich. For a hefty price, he helps new kids escape
Candor, Florida before they're transformed into cookie-cutter teens. But then Nia Silva moves to Candor, and Oscar's carefully-controlled world crumbles.


Completely en-grossing! This was a totally mind-blowing, 100% unique debut that left me speechless. I loved it!


5 Best Covers of 2009



















Hush, Hush--- Uhm, do I need to elaborate? Just look at that winged fallen angel of awesome! I looove the feathers, too.

Shiver--- That design is beautiful! And fitting, especially with the wolf! B-e-a-u-tiful!

Beautiful Creatures--- Sooooooo pretty! Its so unlike anything I've seen before too!

Ash--- I saw this in Borders the other day and my jaw literally dropped, so stunning! (Haha, even the ARC is gorgeous!)

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies--- Epic! There is no other word to describe it, it is just the epitomy of epicness.


5 Great Series

The Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins
Read these! They are awesome, definitely one of my all time favorite series! I have never seen anyone not like this book, and its not surprising because it is absolutely amazing!










The Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead
Soooooo good! About the only rival for The Hunger Games to take the place as my favorite series! These books are chalk full of action, romance, heartbreak, friendship, and an awesome strong female protagonist!











The Pretty Little Liars Series by Sara Shepard
Awesome, awesome series! These are literally the most addicting books I've ever read! While reading one, you are in absolute need to find out what happens next, and will most likely finish in one sitting! Don't even get me started on the wait between books, it is so agonizing, it is almost like pure and brutal torture!






Private Series by Kate Brian
Another totally addicting series! Over the summer I got the first nine books and the prequel and I read them in 3 days! I could not stop, they leave you wanting more. Also, I love trying to find out who attempted to kill Reed next, I would like to put it on record that I am amazing at getting these gut feelings of whos bad and whos genuine!








Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare
Completely original series, that it addicting and wonderful in its fantasy embarks. Oh, and Jace, the leading male, is totally awesome, I am in love with his sense of humor!













Most Anticipated 2010 Titles

---Debut Releases
Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus {July 13th}
Since her sister’s mysterious death, Persephone “Phe” Archer has been plagued by a series of disturbing dreams. Determined to find out what happened to her sister, Phe enrolls at Devenish Prep in Shadow Hills, Massachusetts—the subject of her sister’s final diary entry.

After stepping on campus, Phe immediately realizes that there’s something different about this place—an unexplained epidemic that decimated the town in the 1700s, an ancient and creepy cemetery, and gorgeous boy Zach—and somehow she’s connected to it all.

But the more questions she asks and the deeper she digs, the more entangled Phe becomes in the haunting past of Shadow Hills. Finding what links her to this town…might cost her her life.

Want, want, want! No scracth that, I need, need, need this book!


The Rise of Renegade X by Chelsea Campbell {May 11th}
Damien Locke knows his destiny--attending the university for supervillains and becoming Golden City's next professional evil genius. But when Damien discovers he's the product of his supervillain mother's one-night stand with--of all people--a superhero, his best-laid plans are ruined as he's forced to live with his superhero family.

Going to extreme lengths (and heights), The Rise of Renegade X chronicles one boy's struggles with the villainous and heroic pitfalls of growing up.


This sounds sooooo good! I am in love with all things superhero and this basically looks like the epitomy of all awesome!


Other by Karen Kincy {July 1st}
Seventeen-year-old Gwen hides a dangerous secret: she’s Other. Half-pooka, to be exact, thanks to the father she never met. Most Americans don’t exactly roll out the welcome mat for Others, especially not the small-town folks of Klikamuks, Washington. As if this isn’t bad enough, Gwen’s on the brink of revealing her true identity to her long-time boyfriend, Zack, but she’s scared he’ll lump her with the likes of bloodthirsty vampires and feral werewolves.

When a pack of werewolves chooses the national forest behind Gwen’s home as their new territory, the tensions in Klikamuks escalate-into murder. It soon becomes clear a serial killer is methodically slaying Others. The police turn a blind eye, leaving Gwen to find the killer before the killer finds her. As she hunts for clues, she uncovers more Others living nearby than she ever expected. Like Tavian, a sexy Japanese fox-spirit who rivals Zack and challenges her to embrace her Otherness. Gwen must struggle with her own conflicted identity, learn who she can trust, and-most importantly-stay alive.


This sounds amazing, totally original, and I love saying "pooka"!!!!!!

Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken {Mar. 23rd}
Sydelle Mirabil is living proof that, with a single drop of rain, a life can be changed forever. Tucked away in the farthest reaches of the kingdom, her dusty village has suffered under the weight of a strangely persistent drought. That is, of course, until a wizard wanders into town and brings the rain with him.

In return for this gift, Wayland North is offered any reward he desires—and no one is more surprised than Sydelle when, without any explanation, he chooses her. Taken from her home, Sydelle hardly needs encouragement to find reasons to dislike North. He drinks too much and bathes too little, and if that isn’t enough to drive her to madness, North rarely even uses the magic he takes such pride in possessing. Yet, it’s not long before she realizes there’s something strange about the wizard, who is as fiercely protective of her as he is secretive about a curse that turns his limbs a sinister shade of black and leaves him breathless with agony. Unfortunately, there is never a chance for her to seek answers.

Along with the strangely powerful quakes and storms that trace their path across the kingdom, other wizards begin to take an inexplicable interest in her as well, resulting in a series of deadly duels. Against a backdrop of war and uncertainty, Sydelle is faced with the growing awareness that these events aren’t as random as she had believed—that no curse, not even that of Wayland North, is quite as terrible as the one she herself may carry.

This already sounded amazing and I couldn't wait to read it, then some bloggers started to review this raving on and on about it, and now I am literally dying to read it!


Forget-Her-Nots by Amy Brecount White {Mar. 2nd}
When someone leaves three mystery flowers outside her dorm door, Laurel thinks that maybe the Avondale School isn't so awful after all — until her own body starts to freak out. In the middle of her English presentation on the Victorian Language of Flowers, strange words pop into her head, and her body seems to tingle and hum. Impulsively, Laurel gives the love bouquet she made to demonstrate the language to her spinster English teacher. When that teacher unexpectedly and immediately finds romance, Laurel suspects that something — something magical — is up. With her new friend, Kate, she sets out to discover the origins and breadth of her powers by experimenting on herself and others. But she can’t seem to find any living experts in the field of flower powers to guide her. And her bouquets don't always do her bidding, especially when it comes to her own crush, Justin. Rumors about Laurel and her flowers fly across campus, and she's soon besieged by requests from girls — both friends and enemies — who want their lives magically transformed — just in time for prom.
Have you ever heard of something quite like this? Me either. I really want to read it. I love the sound of it!

---Sophmore Releases
Sing Me to Sleep by Angela Morrison {Mar. 4th}
THE TRANSFORMATION
Beth has always been “The Beast”—that’s what everyone at school calls her because of her awkward height, facial scars, and thick glasses. Beth’s only friend is geeky, golden-haired Scott. That is, until she’s selected to be her choir’s soprano soloist, and receives the makeover that will change her life forever.
THE LOVE AFFAIR
When Beth’s choir travels to Switzerland, she meets Derek: pale, brooding, totally dreamy. Derek’s untethered passion—for music, and for Beth—leaves her breathless. Because in Derek’s eyes? She’s not The Beast, she’s The Beauty.
THE IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE
When Beth comes home, Scott, her best friend in the world, makes a confession that leaves her completely torn. Should she stand by sweet, steady Scott or follow the dangerous, intense new feelings she has for Derek?
THE HEARTBREAK
The closer Beth gets to Derek, the further away he seems. Then Beth discovers that Derek’s been hiding a dark secret from her …one that could shatter everything.
I read the first few chapters online about a month ago, and I've been pining over it ever since! It was sooooo good!

Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers {Jan. 5th}
Climbing to the top of the social ladder is hard--falling from it is even harder. Regina Afton used to be a member of the Fearsome Fivesome, an all-girl clique both feared and revered by the students at Hallowell High... until vicious rumors about her and her best friend's boyfriend start going around.

Now Regina's been "frozen out" and her ex-best friends are out for revenge. If Regina was guilty, it would be one thing, but the rumors are far from the terrifying truth and the bullying is getting more intense by the day. She takes solace in the company of Michael Hayden, a misfit with a tragic past who she herself used to bully. Friendship doesn't come easily for these onetime enemies, and as Regina works hard to make amends for her past, she realizes Michael could be more than just a friend... if threats from the Fearsome Foursome don't break them both first.

Tensions grow and the abuse worsens as the final days of senior year march toward an explosive conclusion in this dark new tale from the author of Cracked Up To Be.

I haven't read Cracked Up to Be yet, though I really want to, but this one sounds amazing! And there has been constant praise for this book! I can't wait until my copy comes in, in about a week!

Linger by Maggie Stiefvater {July 20th}
In Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. Now, in Linger, they must fight to be together. For Grace, this means defying her parents and keeping a very dangerous secret about her own well-being. For Sam, this means grappling with his werewolf past . . . and figuring out a way to survive into the future. Add into the mix a new wolf named Cole, whose own past has the potential to destroy the whole pack. And Isabelle, who already lost her brother to the wolves . . . and is nonetheless drawn to Cole.

At turns harrowing and euphoric, Linger is a spellbinding love story that explores both sides of love -- the light and the dark, the warm and the cold -- in a way you will never forget.>
I'm reading Shiver right now and its amazing! I can't wait to read Linger! Lucky for me its *cough, cough* sitting on my shelf! :)


Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce {June 7th}
Scarlett March lives to hunt the Fenris-- the werewolves that took her eye when she was defending her sister Rosie from a brutal attack. Armed with a razor-sharp hatchet and blood-red cloak, Scarlett is an expert at luring and slaying the wolves. She's determined to protect other young girls from a grisly death, and her raging heart will not rest until every single wolf is dead.

Rosie March once felt her bond with her sister was unbreakable. Owing Scarlett her life, Rosie hunts fiercely alongside her. Now Rosie dreams of a life beyond the wolves and finds herself drawn to Silas, a young woodsman who is deadly with an ax-- but loving him means betraying her sister and has the potential to destroy all they've worked for.

Twenty-five-year-old Jackson Pearce delivers a dark, taut fairy tale with heart-pounding action, fierce sisterly love, and a romance that will leave readers breathless.


I looooooved As You Wish, so its natural that I am dying for her next book (which is part of a series, yay!) especially when it sounds as good as this one does! And look at the cover---- cover love for this one right here!

Scorch Trials by James Dashner {Oct. 2010}
Technically its not his sophomore release, but in the YA genre rather than MG genre I guess it is! Also, there is no cover or synopsis yet, but the cliff-hanger of the previous novel has me dying for it!

---Established Author Releases
Hunger Games #3 by Suzanne Collins {Aug. 24th}
If you've read this book you know that no other words are needed to express my want for this book!














Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead {May 18th}
Dimitri gave Rose the ultimate choice. But she chose wrong…

After a long and heartbreaking journey to Dimitri’s birthplace in Siberia, Rose Hathaway has finally returned to St. Vladimir’s—and to her best friend, Lissa. It is nearly graduation, and the girls can’t wait for their real lives beyond the Academy’s iron gates to begin. But Rose’s heart still aches for Dimitri, and she knows he’s out there, somewhere.

She failed to kill him when she had the chance. And now her worst fears are about to come true— Dimitri has tasted her blood, and now he is hunting her. Only this time, he won’t rest until Rose joins him…forever.
I neeeeeeeeeeeeeed to know what happens next! Rose, Dimitri, Adrian... need to know! So heartbreaking!


Heartless by Sara Shepard {Jan. 19th}
The newest installment in Sara Shepard’s bestselling Pretty Little Liars series is packed with juicy drama and delicious surprises that will keep readers guessing to the very end.
Hanna, Aria, Emily, and Spencer have been telling some outrageous tales; only, the proof always seems to go missing. The friends insist they’re telling the truth, but all of Rosewood thinks they’re just out for attention—and nobody likes a girl who cries wolf. So when the big bad killer comes after them, will anyone believe the girls. . . or will they be the next to disappear?



Yeah these series are addicting, I never know whats going to happen next. I need this one, I need to know what happens!



Scandal by Kate Brian {Mar. 9th}
After her harrowing kidnapping, Reed returns to Easton to find the worst thing she can think of—Billings has been torn
down. Finally, after years of controversy, the school’s wealthiest female alumni have been overruled, and the historical dorm is gone from Easton Academy.

How will Reed and the rest of the Billings Girls handle it? Will they still be as powerful, as popular, and as wicked—with literally no ground to stand on?


No Billings? What the heck is going to happen? How bad will Noelle flip out? These are the questions that have been haunting me!



Sweet Deceit by Kate Brian {June 8th}
Kate Brian's Privilege series shows what happens when the really rich and the really crazy will do anything to get what they want.

Not really the best summary, but trust me Kate Brian's Privilege series is just as addicting as her Private series! Except this one is more eerie because the main character is a murderer! Love it!

Teaser Tuesday: Dec. 29th

First off, props to MizB from Should be Reading for bringing us Teaser Tuesday.
The rules for Teaser Tuesday are as follows:
1) Grab your current read
2) Open to a random page
3) Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
4) BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
5) Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!


Today, you get a lovely little teaser from the amazing book Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater.

" "I guess I have to go," I said. "I don't want to."

Sam's eyes opened the rest of the way and focused on me.
"I'll be here when you come back, promise." "

-Page 100

Review: Notorious

Note: This is another re-read of mine, so I would like to have it noted that I liked it better the first time, though I have read, in my opinion of course, a lot more "worthwhile" books!


Notorious by Cecily von Ziegesar
Published: by Poppy- 6/6/06 <=Ahhh, day of the devil, lol.
Pages: 288
Series or Standalone? 2nd in a series

Summary (from GoodReads):
Popular Gossip Girl character Jenny Humphrey is making a splash at Waverly Academy, an elite boarding school in New York horse country where glamorous rich kids don't let the rules get in the way of an excellent time.It's less than a week into school, but Jenny's already been caught with her roommate's boyfriend (in bed!), flashed the whole school at a field hockey game, and gone up against the Disciplinary Committee. She's become notorious, just like Tinsley Carmichael, Waverly's former It Girl, who was expelled last year and is rumored to be jet-setting around the world.So what happens when Tinsley arrives back on campus and moves in with Jenny? After all, there can only be one It Girl.

My Review: The It-Girl series are fun, slightly leaning towards trashy, guilty pleasures. Notorious in particular is a drama-packed sequel, that while in my opinion not as good as first, holds the promise for the series to get better.
When Hooked: Immediately. The cliff-hanger from the previous book draws you in and has you captured until the final page is turned.
Hookability: (8.5/10) I'll give the series props for it's hookability, when it hooks you it hooks you. You need to know what the heck those crazy Dumbarton girls are going to do next.
Writing: (8/10) The writing is very engaging and flows quite well, but it is not anything really original or set apart. Though I am a fan of the multiplte character's thoughts portrayal this book contains, I like hearing all the sides to the story!
Characters: (7.5/10) There are times when I loved certain characters, and times when I wanted jump into this book just so I could yell and scream at them. They took me on a rollercoaster. Jenny. Shes the most likeable character, and the one that I definately root for. I have to admit she was pretty awesome in this book with that cheer, I wish I had that much courage! Brett. Are you really surprised at the aftermath with your scandalous affair? Honey, you're supposed to be the smart one, it was obvious as to what was gonna happen! Callie. Hey, get a backbone! Don't be such a spineless person who just tries to top someone else, but won't stand up to anyone. And seriously get over your pathetic love life already! Tinsley. I find it funny that the first time I read this I liked Tinsley, and this time I found her a complete and total b*tch. Hahaha, I do tend to love the "mean girl." Easy. I'm torn, I wanna love you, which is mostly what I feel for you, but you can be a total jerk-off sometimes. Brandon. Grow some! Eeeerrrrrgh, thats about all I have to say!
Plot: (8/10) I have found that with this series there really isn't a central "plot" but rather just a string drama-filled events that occur and somehow flow together in the end. However, I do like how chalk-filled of drama goodness they are!
Originality: (7.5/10) Nothing is quite original about this book per se, but I definitely don't think its a copy of anything either.
Romance: (8/10) I wouldn't read this book/series specifically for its romantic appeal but it is a nice little addition, that as long as your not seeking it out, will leave you content! Jenny and Easy are so cute together!
Ending: (9/10) Cecily is a master of the cliff-hanger endings. They will leave you in need to pick up the next installment to find out what happens next! You can't help it!
Remembrable: (6/10) Yeah, not so much on that one. Basics you might/will remember, but its not the kind of book where you remember every little detail, or even just the specifics.
Recommendability: (7/10) Check out the section below of the graphic/violent content, if none of that bothers you and you are in need of a guilty pleasure than I will recommend this to you! Fans of Gossip Girl will probably like this. Also, I'm definitely going to say girls will like this a whole lot better than boys.
Any Particular Graphic/Violent/"Inappropriate" Content? Drinking? YES! Drugs? Yes, not heavy or descriptive of anything but the references are still there. Swearing? YES! Not potty-mouth kind of swearing per se, but there is definitely swearing every couple pages or so. Sexual Content? HECK YES! You've hit the mother load with this one. Not really a fade-to-black kind of book, but not really graphic either, lets just say things don't really stop at making out. Also, there is a heck of a lot od sexual innuendos and implied sexual occurances. I personally think that basicly you can read anything, well besides erotica or whatever, when your over the age of 12. But I totally get that others might say this should be read by older teens only. (12+)
Overall: (8.06/10) Notorious is a drama-filled sequel that will have in need of the next installment. I feel there are better books to be your main source of reading, but as a guilty pleasure, this series is a good pick.









Cover Comments: I like the single girl on the cover thing this series has going on, simple and pretty. It doesn't blow my mind but I'm content with it. Oh, I've mentioned it before but if you do have the whole series, or even a few of the books in the series, the spines look really cool all lined up together! (8/10)
Want more of the It-Girl series? There are currently 8 other books released in the series; The It-Girl, Reckless, Unforgettable, Lucky, Tempted, Infamous, Adored, and Devious. The 10th book Classic will be released June 1, 2010!
Want more Cecily von Ziegesar? Try her Gossip Girl series; (in order) Gossip Girl, You Know You Love Me, All I Want Is Everything, Because I Worth It, I Like It Like That, Nobody Does It Better, Nothing Can Keep Us Together, Only In Your Dreams, It Had To Be You (prequel), Would I Lie To You, Don't You Forget About Me, I Will Always Love You. Or her Carlyles series: (in order) The Carlyles, You Just Can't Get Enough, Take A Chance On Me, Love The One You're With. Also, you can try the popular CW show Gossip Girl which is based off the GG books, even though mostly they improv all the stuff.

100+ Challenge 2010

Sooooo, I've joined the 2010 100+ Reading Challenge hosted by J Kaye Book Blog! I didn't do uhm too well on this challenge this year, but I'm more motivated now, and there was a span of a couple months earlier this year where I really wasn't reading. Plus I've made it my goal to read atleast 100, though I'm hoping to read wayyy more! I'm ambitious!

To sign yourself up for the 100+ Reading Challenge check out this post: http://j-kaye-book-blog.blogspot.com/2009/11/new-2010-reading-challenge-100-reading.html

Besides here, list will be updated on my Challenges post which can be found on my LinkBar! :)

1.) Shiver (Maggie Stiefvater)
2.) The Naughty List (Suzanne Young)
3.) Isabelle's Boyfriend (Caroline Hickey)
4.) Saving Francesca (Melina Marchetta)
5.) Will Grayson, Will Grayson (John Green & David Levithan)
6.) The Spectacular Now (Tim Tharp)
7.)
Project Sweet Life (Brett Hartinger)
8.) The Line (Teri Hall)

9.) The Mark (Jen Nadol)
10.) Birthmarked (Caragh M. O'Brien)
11.) Perfect Mistake (Kate Brian)
12.) Swim The Fly (Dan Calame)
13.) Heartless (Sara Shepard)
14.) The Forest of Hands and Teeth (Carrie Ryan)
15.) A Match Made In High School (Kristin Walker)
16.) All Unquiet Things (Anna Jarzab)
17.) Beautiful Creatures (Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl)
18.) Before I Fall (Lauren Oliver)
19.) Cracked Up To Be (Courtney Summers)
20.) Some Girls Are (Courtney Summers)
21.) Hex Hall (Rachel Hawkins)
22.) Lonely Hearts Club (Elizabeth Eulberg)
23.) Scandal (Kate Brian)
24.) Going Bovine (Libba Bray)
25.) The Luxe (Anna Godbersen)
26.) Fat Cat (Robin Brande)
27.) The Knife of Never Letting Go (Patrick Ness)

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Review: The It Girl

Note: This is a re-read. From experience I know I liked it better the first time, though I have read a better selection of quality YA books since the first time I read this.

The It Girl by Cecily von Ziegesar
Published: by Poppy- 11/2/05
Pages: 272
Series or Standalone? 1st in a series.

Summary (from GoodReads):
Popular Gossip Girl character Jenny Humphrey is leaving Constance Billard to attend Waverly Academy, an elite boarding school in New York horse country where glamorous rich kids don't let the rules get in the way of an excellent time. Jenny's determined to leave her crazy Manhattan past behind and become a sophisticated goddess on campus. But first shell have to contend with her self-absorbed roommates, Callie Vernon and Brett Messerschmidt. Hot guys, new intrigue, and more delicious gossip all add up to more trouble than ever for Jenny. But if getting caught with boys and going up against the Disciplinary Committee is what it takes, Jenny's ready. Shell do all that and more to be The It Girl.

My Review: The It-Girl is a fun, slightly trashy, guilty pleasure kind of read. The drama and scandal contained within, you just eat up like candy, while there is enough of slightly deeper stuff involving the characters' inner feelings to make it not completely trashy, and more of a worthwhile read.
When Hooked: Early-On. In the first chapter when we are introduced to Jenny, you are drawn in because of you know you either know her from The Gossip Girl series, or if not already familiar with her, you become curious to what the elusive boarding school she is about to attend will have instore for us.
Hookability: (8/10) The hook is a pretty good one. Not an "oh-my-god-I-NEED-to-know-what-happens-next" hook, but one where your drawn in early on, and are eager to see what kind of trouble the girls of Dumbarton will get themselves into next.
Writing: (8/10) The story is very engaging and flows well , and I am a fan of how the author is able to tell the story through each of the character's personal thoughts and actions. (As time passes the story will flip on who is narrating, and sometimes we get other character's takes on past events.) My only criticism is the writing doesn't really bring anything new to the table.
Characters: (8/10) I enjoyed the drama that sparked from each of the characters' different personalities, though I definitely liked some characters more than others. Jenny: She is likeable and probably the most 'real' which makes her the one you "root for" through it all. Callie: Move on with your life! The world is not going to stop if you don't have a boy toy. Brett: Really? I thought you were the smart one. Tsk, tsk, you should have stayed with Jeremiah. Easy: (Funny name) Very likeable, maybe not "loveable" but definitely likeable. He's cool even if he can be a bit of a jerk sometimes. Side note: I don't know why but I loved Brandon in this book.
Plot: (8/10) There really isn't a 'plot' to this series. There are lots of conflicts and events, but no central plot per se.
Originality: (7/10) A boarding school, a girl who is 'poor'/not a lot of money and goes to a place where there are dominantly rich kids and tries to fit in, the new girl suddenly becomes mega-popular; all these are all major themes of this book. And lets face it, these are all not one bit original. We've, or atleast I have, seen them a million different times. But in context with the other novels with these themes, the way it is told through the multiple persons is slightly unique.
Romance: (7.5/10) The sparks between Jenny and Easy are cute. They won't melt your heart, but they'll put a smile on your face.
Ending: (9/10) Cliff-hanger! Color me intrigued. Very unexpected surprise at end that will make you want to go and get the next book right away!
Remembrable: (6.5/10) You might remember the basics, or a bit more, but nothing that will "wow" you, making you remember every detail.
Recommendabilty: (7/10) This is hard. To a certain, select group of people who like slightly trashy books and don't mind certain possibly "inappropiate" content, then I recommend it to you. Those who read Gossip Girl series, and watch the show will probably love it! I have a feeling though that most people would either get offended, not be "allowed" to read this, or think that there are more "worthwhile" books to be read. Personally I think it's more like a fun, guilty pleasure, but to those about to pick up, uhm, you've been warned.
Any particular graphic/violent/"inappropiate" content? Drinking? YES! Lots of underage drinking references? Drugs? Yes. One occurance where someone is smoking, it was brief and was not dwelled on, but it was there. Violence? No. Sexual content? YES! This book doesn't stop at kissing, or even making out. It really doesn't even fade-to-black either. Its not graphic per se, but you definately get the idea. And there is A LOT of innuendos. I read this at age 12, the age I'm saying you should atleast be when reading this, but if I were to put myself in a parent's shoes I could see them making their kid be a bit older to read this.
(12+)
Overall: (8.10/10)
Like I said this is a definite guilty pleasure read. I think there is a heck of a lot more quality YA books out there for the main intake of reading, but if in need of a private school guilty pleasure chalk full of drama, The It-Girl is for you!










Cover Comments: I like it, it has the right feel for the book. Nothing really special though. Though if you do have the whole series, or even a few of the books in the series, the spines look really cool all lined up together! (8/10)
Want more of the It-Girl series? There are currently 8 other books released in the series; Notrorious, Reckless, Unforgettable, Lucky, Tempted, Infamous, Adored, and Devious. The 10th book Classic will be released June 1, 2010!
Want more Cecily von Ziegesar? Try her Gossip Girl series; (in order) Gossip Girl, You Know You Love Me, All I Want Is Everything, Because I Worth It, I Like It Like That, Nobody Does It Better, Nothing Can Keep Us Together, Only In Your Dreams, It Had To Be You (prequel), Would I Lie To You, Don't You Forget About Me, I Will Always Love You. Or her Carlyles series: (in order) The Carlyles, You Just Can't Get Enough, Take A Chance On Me, Love The One You're With. Also, you can try the popular CW show Gossip Girl which is based off the GG books, even though mostly the improv all the stuff.

Weekly Emarks (1)

The name originally was meant to be a play on words of the name of my blog, YA All The Way: An Epic Journey Through the World of YA, but I had some difficulties with that. Right now, as the name stands it probably doesn't make that much sense, but the name is original and I'm at a loss to another name, so this is how it shall remain.

So what is this new meme you may ask? Well Weekly Embarks is a weekly occurance that will be updated through out the week with all of the Blogosphere's ongoing contests of awesome. I know a lot bloggers out there have some sort of thing like this, but Emilee of Penultimate Page's "Whats Up YA?" is the one who directly inspired me to start one of my own. So props to her on that one!

Week of 12/28/09 Contests of Awesome:

The Bookologist is having a Mega 2010 Box Contest! which entails 3 different boxes full of 3 awesome 2010 books/ARCs, and you can win one of them. Wanna see what you can win in one of those boxes, take a look: (Ends 1/31)

The Undercover Book Lover is having a Freakin' Awesome Contest in which you could win finished copies of Some Girls Are, All Unquiet Things, and Before I Fall plus some swag. (Ends 1/30)

Books at Midnight is having a 200 Followers Contest in which there are MANY really cool books you can choose from. (Ends 1/15)

Shut Up! I'm Reading is having a 200 Followers Shin-Dig with multiple winners and all this up for grabs: (Ends 2/14)
The Mark by Jen Nadol (ARC)
The Dark Divine by Bree Despain (ARC)
Faery Rebels: Spell Hunter by R.J. Anderson (Hardcover)
Girl In The Arena by Lisa Haines (Hardcover)
Candle Man Book 1: The Society of Unrelenting Vigilance by Glenn Dakin (ARC)
Hearts at Stake by Alyxandra Harvey (ARC)

Escape In A Book is having a My Favorite Book of 2009 Contest where you could win a copy of Knife/Faery Rebels and Rebel/Wayfarer! (Ends 1/30)

Peace, Love, and Pat is having a 175 Followers Contest for Vinyl Princess (and Firespell & The Naughty List is she gets 200) (Ends 1/11)

Mindful Musings is having a 400 Followers Contest with a cool selction of books to choose from! (Ends 1/20)

Penultimate Page is having a The Rise of Renegade X giveaway which looks amazingly good! (Ends 1/1)