Review: Roar and Liv

Roar and Liv

Veronica Rossi

Released: October 30, 2012

Published by: Harper Collins
ebook

 

 

Description from Goodreads:

 

Before Perry and Aria, there was Roar and Liv.After a childhood spent wandering the borderlands, Roar finally feels like he has a home with the Tides. His best friend Perry is like a brother to him, and Perry's sister, Liv, is the love of his life. But Perry and Liv's unpredictable older brother, Vale, is the Blood Lord of the Tides, and he has never looked kindly on Roar and Liv's union. Normally, Roar couldn't care less about Vale's opinion. But with food running low and conditions worsening every day, Vale's leadership is more vital—and more brutal—than ever. Desperate to protect his tribe, Vale makes a decision that will shatter the life Roar knew and change the fate of the Tides forever.

 

Well. Ummm. Yeah. Reading this was like a punch right in the feels. Oh my God I loved it. I wish it would just go on forever and ever. I really hope Roar and Liv can be together. I might cry if they are not.

 

I love seeing Perry from Roar's perspective. You really did not see how badly the treatment of Vale and his father left a mark on Perry until you read this. Before you just got Aria's point of view and a little of his. But Roar is like a true brother to him, so it was nice getting his thoughts.

 

I love Liv. I hope she appears in Through the Ever Night. I hope they find her and that she is alright. When she left Roar I started to tear up. Gah. Why did she have to leave him!?!

 

Also, I read the first two chapters of Through the Ever Night. Why do I do this to myself? I WANT THAT BOOK NOW. At least the wait is not terribly long. I'm so glad I did not read this until I got my Nook on Christmas. This is going to be a long week and a half, give or take.

 

So if you love Under the Never Sky as much as I do, READ THIS. It will not disappoint. It will leave you wanting more and more and more. So buy it. Read it. Love it.

 

And yes, I am demanding you to do it.

 

Review by Calypso

Follow on Twitter:

@bookworms4vt

Review: Forgotten Lyrics

 

Forgotten Lyrics

Amanda Hocking

Released: October 30, 2012

Published by: St. Martin's Griffin

ebook

 

 

Description from Goodreads:

 

Aggie is a mythological creature on a secret mission.  Lydia is a young woman from a magical family with no real powers of her own. And Daniel is a high school boy who’s made it his duty to protect his deeply troubled older brother.  Then one fateful night, their lives collide in a terrifying accident that changes them all forever. And beneath the surface, the ripple effects of the accident will have more impact than anyone could ever guess...changing not only their future, but the fate of an entire town.

Wow. This was really short and sweet. I finally got Simon, my Nook, for Christmas and ever since then I have been buying all the novellas that go with my favorite books. I had this read within an hour. It was short.

 

But I did like it. You finally are able to see what really happened to Daniel. But it leaves me with a lot of questions. Who is Lydia? Will she show up again later in the books? And Aggie? Why did she go to Capri in the first place? It does a good job explaining the accident that left the scars on Daniel, but it did open some questions for me. Maybe it was just me who was wondering about these somewhat minor questions, but whatever. It also did give us insight on what happened to Aggie and why the sirens were looking for Gemma.

My biggest question is: Is this the reason why Daniel is not affected by the sirens?

Hmmmmmm.....I hope Lydia and Delia return.

 

I read this after I read Lullaby so I knew a few things. Reading this just made me realize how much I really want Tidal to come out. It's released sometime next year. I'm not entirely sure when, but I know it is going to be a long wait. *Sigh*

 

So you can be totally okay not reading this book and just sticking to the main ones. But if you love Watersong books as much as I do, then this would be something to curve your appetite until the next one comes out.

 

Review by Caly

follow on Twitter:

@bookworms4vt

Review: Lullaby

Lullaby
Amanda Hocking
Released: November 27, 2012
Published by: St. Martin's Griffin

 

 

Description from Goodreads:

Harper only wanted a safe, normal life. But when her younger sister Gemma runs off with a dangerous clique of beautiful girls, Penn, Thea, and Lexi, everything changes. Vowing to get her sister back no matter what the cost, Harper must face dangers unlike any she's ever experienced. Fortunately, she has Daniel by her side, a gorgeous guy who's devoted to helping her find her sister—and who's immune to the girls' dark powers. 

While Harper searches for her sister, Gemma struggles to adjust to her new life.  Gemma's powers are growing by the day, and the longer she lives with her new "sisters," the harder it is to resist entering their magical world.  It's a realm both dark and beautiful, and where she's plagued by strange hungers and unspeakable needs.  Just as she's drifting far away from her old life,  Harper and Daniel find her...but no one can deny how much she's changed.  All she wants is to return to her family and the mortal world, but how can she do that when she's become something else entirely—and will they still love her once they learn the truth?
 

Ummm...Where do I start with this book?

 

First of all, LOVE IT. I thought the first one was good, but oh my God, this one was ten times better. I had it read within two days, much to the annoyance of my teachers. Perfect pacing. Amazing chemistry between the characters. Beautiful writing style. There is not much to complain about with this book.

 

Again, I will comment on Harper, my favorite character in the whole book. She is so like me it's scary and I felt like pushing her against Daniel every freaking time. Seriously. That took WAY longer than it needed to, Harper. Forget Gemma. Go with Daniel. Really. Go. And I love her loyalty to her sister. I keep asking myself: Would I have the courage to go find my little sister after a bunch of murdering mythological creatures basically kidnapped her and turned her into one? Well...Probably not. Sorry Emmy. 

 

Raise your hand if you agree that Penn needs to go. Also Lexi. Thea is fine. It's just those two that really piss me off. Gah. Just leave Gemma alone. Why do they have such an evil agenda? Ugh. I hope they die in the end. Really do.

 

But yeah, you should really read these books. These are my favorite books from Amanda Hocking and the whole siren concept is really good. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next one.

 

Review by Caly

Follow on Twitter:

@bookworms4vt

Review: Unspoken

Unspoken

Sarah Rees Brennan

Published: September 11, 2012

Released by: Random House Books for Young Readers



 

Description from Goodreads:

 

Kami Glass loves someone she’s never met . . . a boy she’s talked to in her head ever since she was born. She wasn’t silent about her imaginary friend during her childhood, and is thus a bit of an outsider in her sleepy English town of Sorry-in-the-Vale. Still, Kami hasn’t suffered too much from not fitting in. She has a best friend, runs the school newspaper, and is only occasionally caught talking to herself. Her life is in order, just the way she likes it, despite the voice in her head.

But all that changes when the Lynburns return.

The Lynburn family has owned the spectacular and sinister manor that overlooks Sorry-in-the-Vale for centuries. The mysterious twin sisters who abandoned their ancestral home a generation ago are back, along with their teenage sons, Jared and Ash, one of whom is eerily familiar to Kami. Kami is not one to shy away from the unknown—in fact, she’s determined to find answers for all the questions Sorry-in-the-Vale is suddenly posing. Who is responsible for the bloody deeds in the depths of the woods? What is her own mother hiding? And now that her imaginary friend has become a real boy, does she still love him? Does she hate him? Can she trust him?

 

It did not take me long to lose the battle I fought against this book. Here I was a few weeks after the release telling myself that I would not read it until all three were out. I saw the tweets to Sarah Rees Brennan complaining about the cliffhanger. I knew it would kill me. But there I was, two weeks ago at our small, Vermont library, putting away the children books for the librarian when I spotted it. It was gorgeous, sitting on top the many shelves lining the wall. A battle was fought and I lost, taking it out and finishing it later Thanksgiving night (which was the next day).

 

And oh my God, it was amazing! Perfect pacing, awesome characters, and everything you want in a book. It was a smooth read and I pretty much read from cover to cover. Kami, Jared, Holly, Angela, Ash, are all awesome characters and have great chemistry together. I just adore Kami. She is my all time favorite heroine ever. Angela is probably the most laziest person ever; Rusty is the only one who rivals her. Holly is just so sweet! Love her. Jared, oh Jared. Love him. Ash...Well...I guess I just put up with Ash. I don't hate him; I don't love him.

 

That ending! God, I now know what everyone was talking about. Finishing this was another good punch in the feels. After The Mark of Athena and Deity, I thought, "What's one more cliffhanger?" Yeah. No. Why do I do this to myself? I think I enjoy causing myself pain. I really want to give Kami a hug now. Poor, poor Kami. Hopefully everything will be better for you in the second one. I pray. I hope. Yeah. Hope sounds more like it.

 

Also, I love reading Sarah Rees Brennan's, Holly Black's, and Cassandra Clare's books. It's fun searching for the references of each other's books. Like in this one: a character named Holly. Holly Black. Oh I see what ya did there ;) And also, the password for the computer? cassie41 (or something like that). I squealed and scared the crap out of my little six year old cousin who was watching TV. He shot me an annoyed glare, told me to shut up, and continued to watch Spongebob, pissed that I distracted him from his favorite TV show. *Rolls eyes* Six year olds. Let me enjoy my fangirling. Seriously.

 

So I highly recommend this book if you are ready for a good depressing cliffhanger to add to your list of horrible cliffhangers '12. Hahaha. Nah. But read this book. It's really good, unique, and will have you addicted from the very first page. If you are into detective novels with a paranormal twist, try this book. It will not disappoint.

 

Review by Calypso

follow on Twitter:

@bookworms4vt

Review: Opal

Opal

Jennifer L. Armentrout

To be Released: December 11, 2012

Published by: Entangled Publishing

Description from Goodreads:

 

No one is like Daemon Black.

When he set out to prove his feelings for me, he wasn’t fooling around. Doubting him isn’t something I’ll do again, and now that we’ve made it through the rough patches, well... There’s a lot of spontaneous combustion going on.

But even he can’t protect his family from the danger of trying to free those they love.

After everything, I’m no longer the same Katy. I’m different... And I’m not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I’m capable of. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won’t turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.

Together we’re stronger... and they know it.

 

Do you hear that faint, heartbroken sobbing? Just listen real closely. Can you hear it now? Good. What is that, you ask? That would be me, sobbing over the ending of Opal.

 

Wow. What an emotional rollar coaster. I laughed. I cried. I laughed again. I fell head-over-heals for the perfection of Daemon again. Then I laughed some more. Then I bawled like a baby terrified of sitting on Santa's lap (I'm in a Christmas mood...).

 

Jennifer Armentrout, you did it again. You wrote this AMAZING book filled with everything I wanted and then killed me with the ending. WHY MUST YOU KILL ME WITH THE ENDING? My heart has suffered enough!

 

I swear all authors get together for this big conference and skeme on how to kill their readers. How many books I have read the past two months that have had killer cliffhangers? It started with Mark of Athena then went downhill. So this must be the Apocalypse. Or it's the extreme book nerd version of it anyway.

 

But other than the ending, the book was perfect! I was never bored and I had to sneek read it while my aunts were shopping. I just left the store and sat in the warmth of Jace (my car), snuggled up with Alyss's kindle (because my copy is not in until Wednesday -_- ) and just read. About a hour later they returned, completely unsurprised to find me reading. But the book was just SO good. If it wasn't illegal and a complete suicidal idea, I would have probably been reading it as I was driving the hour drive to the only Barnes and Noble in Vermont. It was pretty bad when I even begged my aunt to read it aloud for moi. Yeah...Bad. (She didn't, by the way. She told me to get my nose out of the book, kindle, whatever).

 

Love Katy. Love Daemon. Love Dawson. Wish Dee was a tad bit nicer in the beginning, but she redeems herself. Ash is slowly warming up to me. Slowly. Why Carissa? And again I must ask, WHY MY ADAM? Lastly, Blake needs to go die in a hole. Or Daemon needs to torture him. Either way, Blake just needs to go. Seriously. I freaking hate that guy.

 

I cannot wait for Origin! AAWW!! I WANT THIS ONE MORE THAN APOLLYON. Funny, last week I would have never thought I would say that. Ever. BUT OH MY GOD IT IS GOING TO BE A LONG WAIT.  

 

Review by Caly

follow on Twitter:

@bookworms4vt 





Opal, Opal, Opal

EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!

The fabulous Jennifer Armentrout is having an ARC giveaway of the totally drool worthy Opal on her blog (link below).

I am so freaking excited for this book. I absolutely love Jennifer Armentrout's books and I love Daemon and Aiden and Dawson and Caleb and all of the characters in her books.

So do you want a chance to get your hands on a coveted copy of Opal early?? Try your luck and enter this giveaway! I am and I'm hoping for the best! I already have a waiting list starting. (And before you freak out Katy, you are on top, seeing as you have the same name as the main character ;)

Enter, enter!

~Caly

http://www.jenniferarmentrout.com/want-to-read-opal/

Review: Finale

Finale

Becca Fitzpatrick

Released: October 23, 2012

Published by: Simon and Schuster

*Also check out our previous reviews on books 1-3*

 

Description from Goodreads:

 

Will love conquer all?

Nora and Patch thought their troubles were behind them. Hank is gone and they should be able to put his ugly vendetta to rest. But in Hank's absence, Nora has become the unwitting head of the Nephilim and must finish what Hank began. Which ultimately means destroying the fallen angels - destroying Patch.

Nora will never let that happen, so she and Patch make a plan: lead everyone to believe they have broken up, and work the system from the inside. Nora will convince the Nephilim that they are making a mistake in fighting the fallen angels, and Patch will find out everything he can from the opposing side. They will end this war before it can even begin.

But the best-laid plans often go awry. Nora is put through the paces in her new role and finds herself drawn to an addictive power she never anticipated.

As the battle lines are drawn, Nora and Patch must confront the differences that have always been between them and either choose to ignore them or let them destroy the love they have always fought for.

 

Again, this review will be quick and to the point since I am playing catch up on my NaNoWriMo 2012 project.

 

Plot. What's not to love with the plot? It has everything to it and is as enticing as the first three. It was hard to put the book down. It was seriously addicting.

 

Characters. Patch is still amazing and drop dead gorgeous. Nora did not, surprisingly, bug me to much this time. I only yelled at her once. I'll call that an accomplishment. Vee is awesome and remains awesome throughout the whole story.

 

Why did a certain character have to die? WHY? I LOVE THAT CHARACTER SO MUCH. Thanks for breaking my heart.

 

Ending. Hmmm...I wasn't overly thrilled with the ending I guess. Yes, I did like it. I just wish it was hmmm...not *SPOILER* Vee's wedding. I thought she loved Scott but ended up just randomly marrying this British guy. So I was a little disappointed, but it still was an okay ending. *END SPOILER* 

 

So this was a fabulous ending to an amazing saga that I love. If you haven't read these yet, please do, because you will fall head-over-heels in love with them. I highly recommend them, so go out to your local bookstore and buy them. They are just sososososososo enticing and will have you hooked from the very first page.

 

Review by Caly

@bookworms4vt

 



 

Review: Defiance

Defiance

C. J. Redwine

Released: August 28, 2012

Published by: Balzer + Bray

 

Description from Goodreads:

 

Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city's brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses and obey their male Protectors, Rachel knows how to survive in the wilderness and deftly wield a sword. When her father, Jared, fails to return from a courier mission and is declared dead, the Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector, her father's apprentice, Logan--the same boy Rachel declared her love for two years ago, and the same one who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but a fierce belief in her father's survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself. But treason against the Commander carries a heavy price, and what awaits her in the Wasteland could destroy her.

At nineteen, Logan McEntire is many things. Orphan. Outcast. Inventor. As apprentice to the city's top courier, Logan is focused on learning his trade so he can escape the tyranny of Baalboden. But his plan never included being responsible for his mentor's impulsive daughter. Logan is determined to protect her, but when his escape plan goes wrong and Rachel pays the price, he realizes he has more at stake than disappointing Jared.

As Rachel and Logan battle their way through the Wasteland, stalked by a monster that can't be killed and an army of assassins out for blood, they discover romance, heartbreak, and a truth that will incite a war decades in the making.

 

So this review is going to be quick and straight to the point. Since I have no school for the next couple of days, I am playing serious catch up on my NaNoWriMo 2012 project (Halfway done...YAY!).

 

Plot. Excellent. Never boring. Had me up into the early hours finishing. Loved it.

 

Characters. Love Logan. He is the best. Any other arguement is invalid. I'll admit, I only chose this book because of Logan. I just love that name. Rachel is awesome also. But I loved reading from Logan's POV.

 





Setting. Love the setting. I just can't figure out if it's dystopian or kind of a medieval story. It had elements of both, especially with Logan's technology and the whole city life.

Ending. Wow. I did not see that coming. It was a complete twist from what Logan and Rachel expected. I cannot wait for the next one to see what the hell will happen next.

This book was awesome, filled with action and romance that fits every readers' needs. I highly recomend it and know that you will not be disappointed with it.

Review by Calypso

@bookworms4vt

Opal Trailer Reveal

Opal (The third book in the Lux Series)
Available in both print and digital version on December 18, 2012
Amazon
Barnes and Noble

Official Opal Book Trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=oLkv3DotkqM

Check out Jennifer L. Armentrout on the following sites:
Facebook
Twitter
Official Website

Anybody else excited for Opal? My friend Katy and I are FREAKING OUT. I already have a waiting list for the book and I have not even ordered it yet. SO FLIPPING EXCITED FOR THIS BOOK!

~Caly

Book Review: Deity

Deity

Jennifer L. Armentrout

Released: November 6, 2012

Published by: Spencer Hill Press

 

 

Description from Goodreads:

 

"History is on repeat, and things didn't go so well the last time. "


Alexandria isn't sure she's going to make it to her eighteenth birthday--to her Awakening. A long-forgotten, fanatical order is out to kill her, and if the Council ever discovers what she did in the Catskills, she's a goner... and so is Aiden.

If that's not freaky enough, whenever Alex and Seth spend time "training"--which really is just Seth's code word for some up-close and personal one-on-one time--she ends up with another mark of the Apollyon, which brings her one step closer to Awakening ahead of schedule. Awesome.

But as her birthday draws near, her entire world shatters with a startling revelation and she's caught between love and Fate. One will do anything to protect her. One has been lying to her since the beginning. Once the gods have revealed themselves, unleashing their wrath, lives will be irrevocably changed... and destroyed.

Those left standing will discover if love is truly greater than Fate...

 

So this review is going to be short and sweet, just like all of the reviews this month. It's NaNoWriMo! And I need to desperately catch up on my 50,000 words! Balancing everything (homework, college crap, work, school) has been so hard! AAWW! How do I find time to read?

 

Wait. That was a stupid question. I always find time to read!

 

So let's just choose some gifs that show my feelings during this very emotional rollar coaster, shall we?

 

At first, I was "Get the hell out of there Seth. Nobody likes you." (Except for Buffy and Mags. But they are so crazy. Team Aiden all the way.)

 

 

During it I was like this:

 

 

And this:

 

 

And then I read the ending.

 

 

 







Wow. This book was just...Wow. I cannot wait for Apollyon. I'm glad it's not a year long wait. I think I would go crazy (More like crazier than I already am). The characters are just amazing. Love Alex. Love Aiden. Hate Seth. And the Gods are just awesome. Go Apollo! I cannot wait for my friend Katy (who called dibs on the book first) to finish it so we can discuss. Jonna is confused because she never read them before. My mom thinks I'm crazy. And Buffy starts screaming every time I begin "OH MY GODS YOU'LL NEVER BELIEVE WHAT JUST HAPPENED IN DEITY...". I tend to be a notorious spoiler.

 

Read the Covenant books. I'm not asking. I'm demanding. Jennifer Armentrout is an amazing writer and her stories suck you right into them. It is hard to put them down and next thing you know, it's 2 in the morning, and you are sobbing your eyes out at the horrible cliffhanger. This was the second book in two months that the ending killed me. At least it won't be a year long wait like the other one.

 

READ THESE BOOKS. You will not regret it.

 

Review by Calypso

follow on Twitter: @bookworms4vt

 



Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween Bookworms!

For Halloween this year I decided to dress up as the fabulous Isabelle Lightwood from Cassie Clare's Mortal Instruments. Of course, only Mags and a few others actually knew who I was. Hoping next year that Izzy, Clary, Magnus, and all the others will be better known due to the amazing movie. My pal Jonna was dressed up as Tessa from Infernal Devices, but I was not able to get any pictures of her :(

Me as Izzy

This was sort of a last minute thing. I just grabbed my black skinnies, a black tee, my sister's eyeliner, and my black boots (which I had to superglue the soles back on...Yeah...). I made myself a whip bracelet out of gold yarn I had laying about and took a necklace that Buffy got me for my birthday a few years back. I also dutifully spent 4 hours straightening my hair as I watched this delightful show called Merlin (I am now addicted!).

Hoped everyone had a great Halloween filled with lots of candy!

~Caly

Cover Reveal: Goddess

 

 

If you listen real closely, you might be able to pick up this faint, echoing sound of a high pitch scream. Curious? That would be me, fangirling over the amazingness of this cover.

 

I did not expect to open my Facebook and see this gorgeous thing on the live stream. Who cares about what my friends are doing? Who cares about prepping for Sandy? Josephine Angelini realeased the cover for Goddess, one of the books that I am impatiently waiting for.

 

Next May we will finally get all of the answers. Will Lucas and Helen FINALLY realize that they are not cousins? (PLEASE REALIZE IT!) Will they fight this big, life changing battle against the gods? (HOPE SO!) Will Cassandra be freed from the Fates' wrath? (I hope so. She's my favorite character!) Will Helen and Lucas finally be together? And what about Orion? I love the guy but Helen needs to be with Lucas. End of subject. Any other arguements are invalid.

 

To say I am just a little bit excited is a big understatement. I have lived inside of these books for almost 3 years and I am so sad that they are ending but really happy to find out what will happen.

 

And scary thought: This will be one of the last books I read before graduation. OH MY GODS.

 

~Calypso



Cover Reveal: Shadow of the Mark

Yes...I know I am a tad bit late on this one. Between being sick all week long and then playing homework make up, I have been neglecting everything. Missing three AP classes is not a smart move.

But here's the cover for Shadow of the Mark and it's really pretty! Of course, now that I am looking at it more, it looks like the first one, only Meg is in purple instead of blue and the lighting is darker.

Who cares though? I am one of those people who must have all of the covers matching. I hate it when the covers don't match on my bookshelf. It bugs me so much. I sit there and stare daggers at the unmatching covers. Why do publishing companies do this to me?

So I'm excited to read this. I loved Carrier of the Mark and I have been waiting for this one for a very long time. I really want to know what happens. I need to know how it ends. Pah! So exciting!

~Calypso

Cover Reveal: If I Should Die

 

First thought:

 

Oh. My. God. So BEAUTIFUL!

 

Second thought:

 

THIS ONE IS MY FAVORITE!

 

Third thought:

 

I WANT TO GO BACK TO PARIS NOW!

 



If I Should Die is the last *Sob* book in the Revenants trilogy by Amy Plum. I absolutely love these books because of one, the Paris setting. Who doesn't love Paris? I was in heaven when I was there last April. And two, revenants. They are basically hot, walking dead guys. What is not to love?

So May is going to be awesome! The last Revenant book and the last Starcrossed book comes out. Don't know whether to be sad or happy that everything is ending. I lived in these books for 3 years! Aaww!

Also, if you have read Until I Die, you know that horrible cliffhanger. I cried. Magnus posted to my Facebook wall "I finished it. And want to punch someone". Buffy called me as soon as she finished it, demanding why I let her read it. She screamed at me for a good ten minutes before her little sister told her to shut up.

Yes, we are very excited for this book. I'm hoping for a happy ending. Okay. More like I am praying for a happy ending! May 2013, here we come!

~Caly

Cover Reveal: Apollyon and Deity Book Trailer

Deity (The third book in the Covenant Series)
Available in both print and digital version on Nov. 6, 2012
Amazon
Barnes and Noble

Official Deity Book Trailer
http://youtu.be/RIqKBYMSTU8

Did you read an ARC of Deity and been dying to get your hands on Elixir, the novella told in Aiden’s POV and picks up right after the end of Deity? Well, you don’t have to wait any longer. The free novella is available now. DO NOT read Elixir if you have not read Deity. It will spoil Deity for you and not to mention, you will have no idea what is going on.

Elixir will be available in print. Kindle, and Nook formats on November 27, 2012.

Click HERE to read Elixir.

And we’re super excited to share the cover for the 4^th book in the Covenant Series, Apollyon, which is due out April 2013.

 

 

Check out Jennifer L. Armentrout on the following sites:
Facebook
Twitter
Official Website

EEEEPPP!! I am excited! Must read these books ASAP!!

Love, Love, Love these books!

~Caly

Review: Cursed

Cursed

Jennifer L. Armentrout

Released: September 18, 2012

Published by: Spencer Hill Press

 

Description from Goodreads:

 

Dying sucks-- and high school senior Ember McWilliams knows firsthand. After a fatal car accident, her gifted little sister brought her back. Now anything Ember touches dies. And that, well, really blows.

Ember operates on a no-touch policy with all living things--including boys. When Hayden Cromwell shows up, quoting Oscar Wilde and claiming her curse is a gift, she thinks he's a crazed cutie. But when he tells her he can help control it, she's more than interested. There's just one catch: Ember has to trust Hayden's adopted father, a man she's sure has sinister reasons for collecting children whose abilities even weird her out.

However, she's willing to do anything to hold her sister's hand again. And hell, she'd also like to be able to kiss Hayden. Who wouldn't? But when Ember learns the accident that turned her into a freak may not have been an accident at all, she's not sure who to trust. Someone wanted her dead, and the closer she gets to the truth, the closer she is to losing not only her heart, but her life. For real this time.

 

Once again, Jennifer Armentrout has sucked me into another amazing book. While I did not love this one as much as the Covenant and Lux novels, she still had me hooked from the first page to the very end.

 

This is not the first "Touch of Death" book I have read, but it is probably one of my favorites (The other being Shatter Me by Taherah Mafi). I love Jennifer's own personal spin on it and it left me in the early hours of morning happy and content with the ending. It is just one of those books that you cannot put down and next thing you know, you have school in three hours and you just finished this amazing book (by the way, I fell asleep in Pre-Calc because I finished this book at four in the morning. Good news: I still somehow managed to pass my quiz ☺ )

 

I really want to give Ember a hug. Then again, I don't. I really enjoy living, thank you very much. I don't like how horrible some of the people treated her. I just felt bad for her. I felt like punching Phoebe in the face. Kurt just needed to leave and never look back. I semi warmed up to Cromwell in the end. But Olivia...God, I liked her at first. Then she just totally ditched Ember for Ms. Liz. She kind of treated her like how everybody else was: an outsider. That bugged me. A lot. I would be pissed if my little sister did that to me.

 

Yay for another Armentrout Perfect Man. First Aiden. Then Daemon. Now Hayden. I'm praying for the next one to be a Braydon. Let just take some time to admire how lovely and sexy these characters are. Some of the best fictional guys out there. Anybody disagree? (Well...Magnus says Seth is better then Aiden. As if. Aiden is the best. Clearly. Totally swoon worthy).

 

The plot was filled with twists and turns that kept you guessing and wanting more. I finished this book in eight hours. I started and could not stop. It is one that just stays with you even after you finish it and you are acting like a zombie from the three hours of sleep you got (Funny how today in Behavioral Science, we were talking about causes of sleep deprevation. Hehe. Oops).

 

So people, READ THIS BOOK. It is once again, another amazing Jennifer Armentrout novel. This woman is a writing machine with totally swoon worthy lead guys and fast paced plotlines. Who wouldn't love this book? It is downright impossible.

 

Review by Caly

follow on Twitter: @bookworms4vt



Review: The Mark of Athena

The Mark of Athena

Rick Riordan

Released: October 2, 2012

Published by: Disney Hyperion

 

x Infinity ☺

 

 

It's the review we have all been waiting for: The Mark of Athena, which I also now call: The-Book-That-Killed-My-Soul.

 

Description from Goodreads:

 

Annabeth is terrified. Just when she’s about to be reunited with Percy—after six months of being apart, thanks to Hera—it looks like Camp Jupiter is preparing for war. As Annabeth and her friends Jason, Piper, and Leo fly in on the Argo II, she can’t blame the Roman demigods for thinking the ship is a Greek weapon. With its steaming bronze dragon masthead, Leo’s fantastical creation doesn’t appear friendly. Annabeth hopes that the sight of their praetor Jason on deck will reassure the Romans that the visitors from Camp Half-Blood are coming in peace.

And that’s only one of her worries. In her pocket Annabeth carries a gift from her mother that came with an unnerving demand: Follow the Mark of Athena. Avenge me. Annabeth already feels weighed down by the prophecy that will send seven demigods on a quest to find—and close— the Doors of Death. What more does Athena want from her?

Annabeth’s biggest fear, though, is that Percy might have changed. What if he’s now attached to Roman ways? Does he still need his old friends? As the daughter of the goddess of war and wisdom, Annabeth knows she was born to be a leader, but never again does she want to be without Seaweed Brain by her side.

Narrated by four different demigods, The Mark of Athena is an unforgettable journey across land and sea to Rome, where important discoveries, surprising sacrifices, and unspeakable horrors await. Climb aboard the Argo II, if you dare. . . .

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this book. What else can you expect from a Rick Riordan book? It did not disapoint and I could not put it down. I. Flipping. Loved. It. I need my copy back from Magnus ASAP. I have to read this again. And again. And again. Until House of Hades comes out next year. One. Flipping. Year. To. Go. I will not go crazy....I will not go crazy...

 

SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS

Don't say I never warned you

 

 

 

 

The Reunion. It was PERFECTO. Annabeth saw Percy. Percy gave Annabeth his award-winning smile. Annabeth was like, "Screw the Romans. I am going to hug and kiss my boyfriend." She charged Percy. They kissed. (Aaawww!) She threw him over her shoulders. Percy slammed against the ground. Annabeth cried, "Don't you ever leave me again!" (I cried, "DON'T LEAVE HER PERCY! KEEP THEM TOGETHER FOREVER RICK! My mom looked at me all funny). The Romans stared in horror. (I laugh). Classic Annabeth. It was just the reunion everybody hoped for and it did not disappoint. Our favorite couple was together again.  It only took 3 years.

The Romans. They were nice. Then they were bad. Now, I feel like I need to kick some Roman butt. STAY AWAY FROM CAMP HALF-BLOOD. If they hurt my camp, I am going to be seriously pissed off. And Octavian, I am so glad Percy threw you off the ladder. I wish it did some serious damage. You are such a sick soul. Cutting up teddy bears? You disgust me.

The Seven Demigods. I was so glad that everybody mostly got along. Sure, there was times when there was tension between people, but nobody flat out hated anybody. Thank the gods for that! There was an awkward mini love triangle between Leo, Hazel, and Frank. But it didn't bug me because Leo stood no chance against Frank (Which you know, I really do like Leo and Hazel as a couple. Leo needs a girlfriend. I feel bad for him. He is like a 7th wheel. He only has Festus :( Leo, I feel like you need a hug!) But Frank and Hazel are good for each other. Jason and Piper are perfect for each other also (Sorry to all you Jason/Renya shippers). I love how clueless Jason could be sometimes when he would mention stuff about Renya and Piper would be jealous. And of course, Annabeth and Percy are the best couple in the whole stinking book. Also, there was the major quest: head to Rome, but also, there was a lot of mini quests. Hazel and Leo tricked Narcissius. Percy and Frank visited an aquarium. Annabeth, Hazel, and Piper have a nice long chat with Aphrodite/Venus. Jason, Piper, and Percy battled crazy nymphs that trapped them in a well. Leo, Frank, and Hazel went on an adventure underneath Rome. Annabeth and Percy went on a date in Rome. Then there is Annabeth's solo quest.

 

The Mark of Athena. Let's give Annabeth a big round of applause. She had to go on this dangerous quest her crazy mother gave her, which nobody had ever survived. She knew that there was huge chance that she would die and yet she still went. You go, girl! I have a lot of respect for you. She had to trick these crazy ghosts, walk around this underground Roman labyrinth (Not that she hasn't been in a labyrinth before) with a broken ankle, and face her biggest fear: Arachne, the Mother of all Spiders. Holy crap! I would have easily died or chickened out. I am so so so proud of her. No wonder she is my ultimate favorite character ever. The best part? She succeeds. Then I read the ending.

My friend, Courtney, spoiled it for me. Here is what happened:

 

Courtney: Hey, whatcha reading?

 

Me: Only the best book ever! The Mark of Athena. I have been waiting a year for this!

 

Courtney: Awesome! Is that a glossary?

 

Me: Yeah. I cannot pronounce half the names, let alone keep who's who is straight. But I have to be careful, the book ends, then the glossary picks up.

 

Courtney: Can I see?

 

Me: Sure, just be careful! I had to go to 3 different stores to find that book.

 

Courtney: *Reading*

Who's Percy?

 

Me: Only the best darn character since Will Herondale. Son of Poseidon. Amazing.

 

Courtney: Sounds like a cool dude. And Annabeth?

 

Me: Only my favorite character in the whole series. Daughter of Athena. Blonde. Extremely smart. Dating Percy. They make the cutest couple ever.

 

Courtney: Aaaww! Sweet. Now what is Tartar Sauce?

 

Me: Tartar Sauce? What the heck?

 

Courtney: Tartar Sauce! Something about them being in Tartar Sauce? I know Percy is the son of Poseidon. Why is he swimming in Tartar Sauce?

 

Me: *Furious*

Do. You. Mean. Tartarus? As in the deepest part of Hell?

 

Courtney: Yeah! That's what Admiral Leo said!

 

Me: ARE YOU FLIPPING KIDDING ME? YOU JUST SPOILED THE WHOLE BOOK! MY FAVORITE COUPLE IS IN HELL! WITH MONSTERS THAT THEY HAVE KILLED! THEY ARE GOING TO DIE! DON'T YOU SEE I AM ONLY HALFWAY THROUGH? I HAVE NOT GOTTEN TO THAT PART YET. #$#(*$&@W#($(*E#W& WHY DID YOU TELL ME?

 

Courtney: Why did you ask?

 

Me: You better run. Run as fast and far away as you can. I am pissed!

 

Courtney: Oh crap. I am glad the teacher is in the room.

 

Wasn't that just enlightening?

 

The Rickhanger. Okay. When Rick Riordan warned us that we have not seen the cliffhanger, he was so right. The endings to The Lost Hero and The Son of Neptune seem like babies compared to this hellhound of all Rickhangers. Seriously. The guy literally took a shotgun, blew out my heart, and tossed it into the bowels of hell along with Percy and Annabeth. WHY RICK WHY? HAVEN'T YOU DONE ENOUGH TO US? WHAT DID WE DO TO DESERVE THIS? I bawled. I bawled like a freaking baby and I still knew what was going to happen. Buffy bawled. We both bawled together over Skype. Why can't Percy and Annabeth just get a flipping break? Wasn't one prophecy enough? They were just reunited with each other. They were happy. Throw Frank and Hazel into the pit. Throw Jason and Piper into the pit. Heck, throw Leo, Coach Hedge, and Nico into the pit (Nico can even show them around). Why these two? Why our beloved characters? I just lost my little hold on sanity. Rick Riordan, you are an evil mastermind. You deserve an award for "Most Heartbreaking Ending since Until I Die". Congradulations.

 

And Percy and Annabeth held hands as they fell into hell. ROTFITFPSLAB. Rolling on the floor in the fetal position, sobbing like a baby. That was when I lost it. You guys, you need to live. You can make it. I have hope for you. If not, all of the fandom will show up at Rick Riordan's home demanding that he change the ending. They. Will. Live.

 

Percy. Annabeth. May the Gods be ever in your favor.

 

 

 

 

END OF SPOILERS END OF SPOILERS



 

People, READ THIS BOOK. This has become my favorite Heroes book and you will not be disappointed by it. As you read, you will feel as if you are alongside the Seven as they face their impossible quest. But be warned, keep a box of tissues next to you as you read the last chapter. It will kill you. Trust me.

 

How many more days until House of Hades?



 

Review by Calypso

follow on Twitter: @bookworms4vt