REVIEW: Thirteen Reasons Why

Thirteen Reasons Why

Jay Asher

Synopsis: Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers thirteen cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker, his classmate and crush who committed suicide two weeks earlier.

On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list.
Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.

My thoughts:  My feelings about this book definitely changed as I read more and more of it.  It was kind of slow, but I still couldn't put it down.  I had to know all 13 reasons.  And by the end of the book, I felt like I really understood how all of it together gave Hannah a reason to end her own life.  That isn't something I want to be understanding of, because I don't think it is right to end your own life to avoid your problems.  However, maybe if I had to deal with the things several teenagers have to deal with today, maybe I would feel differently.

Clay finds a box on his front porch, addressed to him.  Inside are 13 cassette tapes created by Hannah Baker, the girl who had recently committed suicide.  Hannah explains on the first tape that there are thirteen reasons why she decided she couldn't live any longer.  Each listener needs to listen to the tapes, and send them to the next person.  If they do not send the box of cassette tapes to the next person, a second set of tapes will be released for everyone to hear.  Clay knows that his name will come up on one of these tapes, but he can't think of any reason why.  So he listens.

As Clay was going through the first few tapes, I was kind of thinking these were pathetic reasons to end your life.  As I kept reading though, I started to realize how all of these little things can pile up.  The little things we can forget.  But when something major happens, all of those little things come back to haunt us!  And suddenly, life is awful because of everything put together.

I really enjoyed Clay's point of view in all of this.  He actually showed emotion!  And he didn't have to send those tapes on, but he did to save everyone else included on those tapes. 

This wasn't my favorite read.  I do think that this was very real, but I also feel like the blame for Hannah's suicide is put on all of her classmates.  Ultimately, she is the one that made that decision.  I think every teen goes through what Hannah went through, at some point or another, and to some degree.  But I think Hannah had some mental issues that made her take that final step.

My rating: ☺ ☺ ☺ 

Goodreads Challenge 2011

2011 Reading Challenge

Annabell has completed her goal of reading 125 books in 2011!

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143 of 125 (114%)

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I have to admit that I changed my goal a couple of times.  When I first made this goal, I decided on 150 books.  I changed it to 100 over the summer when I was in kind of a slump.  And then once I got back into reading again, I changed it to 125.  Either way, 143 is pretty dang good!

I have decided that for 2012, my goal will be 150 and it will STAY 150.

How did you do on your reading goals?

End of Year Book Survey

So Jamie at The Perpetual Page-Turner has created this book survey on her blog.  She has decided to open it up to all of us other bloggers and even has a linky on her post that you can find HERE.

I am so excited for another year of reading, but I'd like to reflect back on what I have read in 2011 before focusing on 2012. :)

1. Best Book You Read in 2011?
I would have to say that Wither by Lauren DeStefano is my absolute best read in 2011.  Divergent by Veronica Roth and Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi were right up there with Wither though.

2. Most Disappointing Book/Book You Wish You Loved More Than You Did?
Looking back on all of my ratings on Goodreads for 2011, I don't have any books that earned less than 3 starts.  That is because I won't force myself to read something I don't like.  So, I have a couple of books that I can think of right off the top of my head that I barely even started because I just couldn't read it.  They are You Are My Only by Beth Kephart and After the Snow by S.D. Crockett.  I was so excited for both of them, probably because they were ARCs when I tried reading them, but just the way they were written was preventing me from reading it.  I don't completely remember how You are My Only was written, but After the Snow was like the characters never learned proper English.  I know that is how the author wanted it, but I can't stand any sort of English, grammar, punctuation, or spelling mistake.

3. Most Surprising (in a good way) Book of 2011?
Unraveling Isobel by Eileen Cook and Tris and Izzie by Mette Ivie Harrison surprised me the most in 2011.  I was just expecting a couple of mediocre reads that really wouldn't make a difference to me at all.  However, they were both wonderful reads that I just want more of!

4. Book You Recommended to People Most in 2011?
I recommended the whole Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead, The Lying Game by Sara Shepard, and Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes the most in 2011.  They are all amazing series that I will probably reread several times.

5. Best series You Discovered in 2011?
The Lying Game series by Sara Shepard is amazing.  It's 1000 times better than the show.  So if you haven't read the books but watch the show, you need to get reading!  The Hunger Games Trilogy (which I have not finished yet) by Suzanne Collins is awesome.  I think Katniss is probably my all-time favorite character.

6. Favorite New Authors You Discovered in 2011?
Oh man, I could have a pretty long list here.....Sara Shepard, Suzanne Collins, Julie Kagawa, Tricia Rayburn, Jennifer Lynn Barnes, Deb Caletti, and Lauren DeStefano.
7. Best Book That Was Out of Your Comfort Zone or Was a New Genre for You?
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins was the first dystopian novel I had read in 2011....probably the first ever!  I think now dystopia is probably my favorite genre, but it was definitlely kind of weird reading it for the first time.

8. Most Thrilling, Unputdownable Book in 2011?
This is a really hard question.  This is my favorite type of novel, so it is hard to narrow it down!  Dragonswood by Janet Lee Carey, The Alchemy of Forever by Avery Williams, and Eve by Anna Carey were the most thrilling, unputdownable books in 2011.  Both Dragonswood and The Alchemy of Forever come out the first week of January, so plan on making a trip to the bookstore! They are both AMAZING!

9. Book You Most Anticipated in 2011?
Two books that I actually bought the day they came out were Never Have I Ever by Sara Shepard and The Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Oliver.  Another book that I was super excited for, but didn't get right away was Circle of Fire by Michelle Zink.  All 5 star books!

10.  Favorite Cover of a Book You Read in 2011?
I couldn't pick just one!  Can't I love them equally?

11. Most Memorable Character in 2011?
I have been thinking about all the characters I have read about lately.  I feel terrible because usually I can't remember names, and if I hear someone talking about a character, I can't place what book they were from.  One character that I NEVER forget is Katniss from The Hunger Games.  She is so brave and was willing to do what it takes to overcome The Hunger Games and get the ending she wants.  I think I remember her so well because she is pretty much my opposite!

12. Most Beautifully Written Book Read in 2011?
This one was really hard for me.  I think many times I read too fast to pay attention to how beautiful the writing actually is and how it flows.  Two of my favorites that I think were pretty beautiful are Dragonswood by Janet Lee Carey and Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi.

13. Book That Had the Greatest Impact on You in 2011?
Stay by Deb Caletti had a huge impact on me.  It has a lot to do with abuse by a boyfriend, something that I went through myself.  It hit close to home for me!

14. Book You Can't Believe You Waited UNTIL 2011 to Finally Read?
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins!  I have heard so many good things about it.  When I finally picked it up, I realized it was released 3 years ago!  It took me too long to read Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare too.  It was soo good, and I just can't believe I didn't pick it up sooner!

15.  Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read in 2011?
It was hard to narrow it down, but I had to pick something funny!

Supernaturally by Kiersten White

Evie: "Can we not talk?"
Jack: "But you're such a charming conversationalist.  Still, if you'd prefer to simply bask in the glory of my company, I understand.  You're probably overwhelmed by holding my hand and want to enjoy the moment."

16. Book That You Read in 2011 That Would Be Most Likely to Reread in 2012?
I don't know if I will have any time to reread any books with all the awesome books out there, but if I did reread anything, it would be The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins and Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead.

17. Book That Had a Scene In It That Had You Reeling and Dying to Talk to Somebody About It?
I typically don't talk about books with my friends or family, which is why I have this blog.  I have to get it out somewhere!  The Lying Game by Sara Shepard was one that I couldn't just keep to myself and my blog though. 

Looking Ahead...

18. One Book You Didn't Get to in 2011 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2012?
I actually do have a list for this one...

*Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake
*Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon
*Bloodlines by Richelle Mead
*Delirium by Lauren Oliver
*Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini
*Falling Under by Gwen Hayes
*Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey
*The Pledge by Kimberly Derting
*Die for Me by Amy Plum
*The Shattering by Karen Healey

Those ones are at the top of my list, so maybe that will be my to-read list for January!

19. Book You are Most Anticipating for 2012?

*Two Truths and a Lie by Sara Shepard
*Before I Wake by Rachel Vincent
*Insurgent by Veronica Roth
*Taken By Storm by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
*A Beautiful Evil by Kelly Keaton

20.  One Thing You Hope to Accomplish or Do in Your Reading/Blogging in 2012?
I have read a lot of young adult novels in 2011 and have absolutely loved it.  So I just want to read what I want and enjoy books more in 2012.  And of course I'd like to read more books!  I plan on setting my goal to 150 books in 2012.

I would like to expand what I include on my blog.  I would like to also gain new relationships with bloggers and authors.  I would like to attend some sort of book event...which is quite difficult where I live.  And finally, I would like to comment more on other blogs.

Random Acts of Kindness: December Wrap-Up

It was a sad month here at Annabell's Book Nook.  I didn't receive or send any books. :(

I did, however, get a swag pack from Ren at Ren's Rambles. :)

I am so ready for January!  It will be a new month AND a new year.  I am ready to send out some R.A.K.s!

On My Wishlist (#50)

On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every Saturday. It's where I list all the books I desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming.

Bad Girls Don't Die
Katie Alender
Bad Girls Don't Die # 1

Synopsis:
When Alexis's little sister Kasey becomes obsessed with an antique doll, Alexis thinks nothing of it. Kasey is a weird kid. Period. Alexis is considered weird, too, by the kids in her high school, by her parents, even by her own Goth friends. Things get weirder, though, when the old house they live in starts changing. Doors open and close by themselves; water boils on the unlit stove; and an unplugged air conditioner turns the house cold enough to see their breath in. Kasey is changing, too. Her blue eyes go green and she speaks in old-fashioned language, then forgets chunks of time.
Most disturbing of all is the dangerous new chip on Kasey's shoulder. The formerly gentle, doll-loving child is gone, and the new Kasey is angry. Alexis is the only one who can stop her sister — but what if that green-eyed girl isn't even Kasey anymore?

REVIEW: Under the Never Sky

Under the Never Sky

Veronica Rossi

Under the Never Sky #1

Synopsis: Aria is a teenager in the enclosed city of Reverie. Like all Dwellers, she spends her time with friends in virtual environments, called Realms, accessed through an eyepiece called a Smarteye. Aria enjoys the Realms and the easy life in Reverie. When she is forced out of the pod for a crime she did not commit, she believes her death is imminent. The outside world is known as The Death Shop, with danger in every direction.

As an Outsider, Perry has always known hunger, vicious predators, and violent energy storms from the swirling electrified atmosphere called the Aether. A bit of an outcast even among his hunting tribe, Perry withstands these daily tests with his exceptional abilities, as he is gifted with powerful senses that enable him to scent danger, food and even human emotions.

They come together reluctantly, for Aria must depend on Perry, whom she considers a barbarian, to help her get back to Reverie, while Perry needs Aria to help unravel the mystery of his beloved nephew’s abduction by the Dwellers. Together they embark on a journey challenged as much by their prejudices as by encounters with cannibals and wolves. But to their surprise, Aria and Perry forge an unlikely love - one that will forever change the fate of all who live UNDER THE NEVER SKY.

My thoughts: I sure hope I don't have to wait long for the sequel!  I am not very patient, although I would love the chance to reread this before the next book comes out.  I am in love with this book!  I love the plot, setting, characters....absolutely everything about this book!

Aria is a teenager who lives in Reverie, an enclosed city in which "Dwellers" use an eyepiece called a Smarteye and spend their time in virtual environments, called Realms.  She and her friend mistakenly trust a boy and his friend and journey with them into an area they don't want to get caught in.  In order to go there, they have to shut off their smarteyes.  They know it isn't safe, but they go anyway and are sure they will return before anything bad could happen.

Well, several bad things happen.  And in the end, Aria is blamed for it and kicked out.  She is sure she will die in the outisde world, called The Death Shop.  Aria meets Perry, an outsider who knows how to survive.  His nephew was taken by Aria's people and he is on his way to find him, but he needs Aria's help.  Aria has to learn how to depend on him and trust that he won't hurt her....which is very difficult for her to do as the last boy she trusted did hurt her.

At first Aria and Perry pick at each other and just don't seem to get along.  They both seem disgusted with each other.  Aria thinks Perry is a savage, and Perry doesn't like Aria's smell.  They have no concern for each other's feelings.  Perry makes it clear that he is using Aria to find his nephew, but that is it.  Otherwise, he doesn't want anything to do with her.  I think they were both taught to dislike each other's kind and that was all they knew at this point.  As they continue on their journey, they begin to fall in love.  They both seem to know that it won't last because Aria belongs on the inside while Perry belongs on the outside.

I love the whole idea of this pod Aria and other Dwellers live in.  What made them decide to create it?  What is it about this pod that makes them now unable to survive on the outside?  I have so many questions because this is such a different concept to me!  It is definitely different than other dystopian novels.  These smarteyes are quite interesting also.  Everything is virtual.  All it takes is the thought of moving their body, and their body moves.  It kind of makes me think they are all lazy, but I suppose it saves a lot of space!  The pod really doesn't have to be very big if they can do everything virtually.

I loved seeing Aria grow from this naive girl with no clue how to survive in this new world, to a strong, brave, independent woman.  She never got overly upset with Perry's comments either.  It really didn't take her long to adapt to this new world and do what is needed to survive.  Not once did she give up or lay down to die.

Perry seems so angry and careless about anyone but himself at the beginning.  It didn't take him long to give up the act though.  I think even if he didn't act that way, Aria would have helped him.  Perry has lived on the outside his whole life, and he knows how to survive.  He is strong and is an excellent archer.  He acts tough, but he is really a sweet tender guy.

This book releases next week on January 3rd.  I know that I am not the only person who has absolutely loved this book, so do yourself a favor and go pick up this book!

My rating: ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ 

REVIEW: Tithe

Tithe

Holly Black

The Modern Faerie Tales #1

Synopsis: Sixteen-year-old Kaye is a modern nomad. Fierce and independent, she travels from city to city with her mother's rock band until an ominous attack forces the sixteen-year-old back to her childhood home. There, amid the industrial, blue-collar New Jersey backdrop, Kaye soon finds herself an unwilling pawn in an ancient power struggle between two rival faerie kingdoms -- a struggle that could very well mean her death.

My thoughts: I totally expected more out of this book.  A lot of people kept telling me that this was an awesome book and they can't believe I haven't read it yet!  Well, I had seen it around for a while and never picked it up.  It wasn't a terrible read, it was just slow.  I liked that there was a lot of background to the main plot of this book, but it didn't really keep me turning the pages.  I love books about faeries and that whole world, but I think for me, it really has to be done right.

Kaye is a 16 year old girl who has moved around quite a bit because of her mother's rock band.  Her mother isn't really a part of Kaye's life.  Sure, she is there, but she doesn't really seem to care.  Kaye doesn't go to her mother when she needs help.  Kaye had seen faeries as a child, but nobody believed her.  She still believes in them, and she seems to kind of act different on purpose, because nobody believed her.  She accidently enchants a boy into falling in love with her, while making a broken fake horse move.  She then meets Roiben, and she knows right away that he is a faerie.  She meets up with her old faerie friends and finds out that she needs to break the tithe, a ritual in which a mortal is sacrificed.  The plan is that she will pretend to be a mortal and she will be saved before the sacrifice actually occurs.  By the end of this book, Kaye is put complete in the middle of the faerie world and learns very quickly who she can and cannot trust.

When thinking back about the characters, I feel like there wasn't much to them.  I don't really know anything about Corny or Kaye's friend.  There was a lot of background given on Kaye, but not much time spent on the other characters.

I love fey and the whole faerie world.  I wasn't really impressed with the mental image (or lack of) I was getting as I was reading this book.  Looking back now, it seems as though there must have been a lot of unnecessary details, because this book missed a lot of important details.

My rating: ☺ ☺ ☺ 

Wrapping Up 2011 Readathon: Day 9

I can't believe it is day 9 already!  That means the readathon is almost over!  Here is my update for days 7 and 8.

Check out my previous updates:

Days 1 and 2

Days 3 and 4

Days 5 and 6

Day 7:

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Start: 16

Finish: 288

Pages: 273

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Start: 1

Finish: 67

Pages: 67

Pages read today: 340

Total pages read: 2427

Total books read: 8

Day 8:

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Start: 68

Finish: 391

Pages: 324

Darkest Mercy by Melissa Marr

Start: 1

Finish: 153

Pages: 153

Pages read today: 477

Total pages read: 2904

Total books read: 9

REVIEW: A Temptation of Angels

A Temptation of Angels

Michelle Zink

Goodreads Description:Even angels make mistakes in this page-turning epic romance...

When her parents are murdered before her eyes, sixteen-year-old Helen Cartwright finds herself launched into an underground London where a mysterious organization called the Dictata controls the balance of good and evil. Helen learns that she is one of three remaining angelic descendants charged with protecting the world's past, present, and future. Unbeknownst to her, she has been trained her whole life to accept this responsibility. Now, as she finds herself torn between the angelic brothers protecting her and the devastatingly handsome childhood friend who wants to destroy her, she must prepare to be brave, to be hunted, and above all to be strong, because temptation will be hard to resist, even for an angel.

Michelle Zink masterfully weaves historical fantasy with paranormal romance to create a gripping tale of love and betrayal.

My thoughts:  I am pretty sure it is safe to say that I will love anything Michelle Zink writes.  I have read all four of her books, and loved them all.  I really love that in all of her books, the characters have a purpose.  She doesn't write about just anyone.  All of the characters are carefully planned and have important roles in her stories.

Sixteen year old Helen is woken in the middle of the night by her mother, who is telling her things that just aren't making sense.  Helen is going to have to run away.  The most important things she needs are her necklace, a key, and the address to the house of two brothers who will protect her.  Her mother says goodbye and sends Helen on her way in a sort of secret passageway in her bedroom.  I think Helen knows that she will never see her parents again, but doesn't admit it to herself.  She has to sit still in this passageway until the bad guys are gone.  While she is there, she realizes that her house is on fire.  Despite being scared, she doesn't run off.  She waits until she knows it is safe for her to get away.

After making it to the brothers' house, Helen learns that she is one of the last three descendents to protect the past, present, and future.  The others have been murdered.  She also learns that everything she has learned as a child was meant to prepare her for this time in her life.  Everything starts making sense to her, except for the reason why her parents had to die.  She still isn't ready to accept that they are really gone, but she keeps moving forward.  While they are searching for answers, Helen sees a childhood friend that she was led to believe was actually an imaginary friend.  She realizes that he is definitely real and that he has played a role in her parents' death.  Helen and the brothers don't immediately know exactly who is coming after them, but that they have to survive.  If they don't,

this person will have control of the past, present, and future...and have the ability to change the whole world.

Helen is such a sweet girl.  Many times I felt like she had to be younger than 16.  Little things she would say or do made me think she is to naive to be 16.  From the time she met the brothers, she wanted in on everything. She knew it was dangerous and that she didn't know everything they did, but she didn't want to sit alone in their house either.  She definitely grew up in this book.  She started out so sweet and innocent, but she is a fighter.  I think a part of her wanted revenge for her parents' death, as she still didn't seem to understand what her role is exactly in protecting the past, present, and future. 

I really wish there was more than just this!  This could be a complete new series, but I am afraid that it isn't. :(  However, I am very excited for what new idea Michelle Zink has going on in her mind right now!  Can't wait to see what is coming next!

My rating: ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ 

Top 10 of 2011: Day 5

Welcome to the Top 10 of 2011 on Annabell's Book Nook! This is hosted by Confessions of a Bookaholic, Fiktshun, and Two Chicks on Books. Every day, from December 26 to December 30, a new "Top 10" will be posted.

Now that it is Day 5, I have the opportunity to look forward to what I will read in 2012.  I can already tell that 2012 is going to be a great year in books!  Now I just need a better paying job and 48 hours in a day so I can keep up with all of these great books!

Top 10 Books I'm Looking Forward to in 2012



1. Two Truths and a Lie

Sara Shepard

The Lying Game # 3

2. Before I Wake

Rachel Vincent

Soul Screamers # 6

3. Insurgent

Veronica Roth

Divergent # 2



4. Taken by Storm

Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Raised by Wolves # 3

5. Arise

Tara Hudson

Hereafter # 2

6. Endlessly

Kiersten White

Paranormalcy # 3

7. A Beautiful Evil

Kelly Keaton

Gods and Monsters # 2

 

8. The Calling

Kelley Armstrong

Darkness Rising # 2

9. Underworld

Meg Cabot

Abandon Trilogy # 2

10. Once

Anna Carey

Eve # 2







REVIEW: Graffiti Moon

Graffiti Moon

Cath Crowley

Goodreads Description: Senior year is over, and Lucy has the perfect way to celebrate: tonight, she's going to find Shadow, the mysterious graffiti artist whose work appears all over the city. He's out there somewhere—spraying color, spraying birds and blue sky on the night—and Lucy knows a guy who paints like Shadow is someone she could fall for. Really fall for. Instead, Lucy's stuck at a party with Ed, the guy she's managed to avoid since the most awkward date of her life. But when Ed tells her he knows where to find Shadow, they're suddenly on an all-night search around the city. And what Lucy can't see is the one thing that's right before her eyes.

My thoughts:  I really don't know how I feel about this book.  It wasn't amazing, and really the only purpose I see in any of this book is that Lucy is trying to find Shadow.  It wasn't fast paced and really there wasn't a whole lot going on.  It did get a lot better towards the end, though.  I was much more interested when Lucy figured out that Shadow was right in front of her.  I also really liked reading about the graffiti and glass blowing.  I am not very artsy, so I am sure many others will get much more out of this book than I did.

Lucy is pretty much in love with some guy she has never met (or she thinks she hasn't met him).  She just knows that he is a really good graffiti artist and has a love and respect for art like she does.  One night she ends up at a party with Jazz, Ed, Leo, Dylan, and Daisy.  Jazz is her best friend, but at this point, she is pretty interested in Leo.  Dylan and Daisy are working out their problems, so that leaves Lucy and Ed.  She isn't too excited about spending time with Ed, as they had quite a date where she ended up breaking his nose.  She seems quite annoyed with Ed, and not very interested at all.  However, I think it is just much more the awkwardness because she broke his nose, than her real feelings for him.  Many times in this book I was thinking that Lucy is pathetic.  I think she would have felt pretty pathetic if Shadow had turned out to be a big loser.

Ed, Leo, and Dylan all know who Shadow and his buddy Poet are.  So they agree to bring the girls around town in "search" of him.  They really just end up everywhere, and many times it seems as though they have all forgotten why they are there.  In the end, Lucy is still obsessed with Shadow, even though she has no clue who he is.

This book was pretty good.  It was definitely different than what I typically read, but it was still enjoyable.  I know that many others really appreciate this book, so I still think you need to go out and read it!

My rating: ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ 

Happy New Year 2012 Giveaway Hop

Welcome to the Happy New Year 2012 Giveaway Hop!  This giveaway hop is hosted by I am a Reader, Not a Writer and Babs Book Bistro.  It runs from December 30 to January 3.  To check out the other blogs that are participating, go HERE.

Enter to win ONE of the following:

Shattered Dreams by Ellie James

Falling Under by Gwen Hayes

Soul Thief by Jana Oliver

Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon

Giveaway Rules:

You must live in the U.S.

You must follow via GFC.

Extra entries:

Follow on Twitter +1

Like on Facebook +1

Friend on Goodreads +1

Comment on any review +1

I will contact the winner via email.  The winner will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen!

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REVIEW: Clockwork Angel

Clockwork Angel

Cassandra Clare

The Infernal Devices #1

Goodreads Description: Magic is dangerous--but love is more dangerous still.

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by--and torn between--two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length...everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world...and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

My thoughts:  I loved this book!  I am pretty sure the next book I buy will be Clockwork Prince.  I also intend on picking up Cassandra Clare's other series, The Mortal Instruments.  This whole world is something that I can't even imagine.  This series is so different from anything else I have read, which is the main reason why I love it!

There are many other reasons why I love this book.  I love everything about Tessa.  I love that she is such a fighter, even though she didn't really know what she was fighting.  I also love that she is constantly learning more about herself and her new world.  I really feel like I wasn't just thrown in the middle of a story.  I liked that this started at the beginning, where I could know Tessa before her life changed.

I love the relationships in this book.  There wasn't a ton of romance, but I really enjoyed the parts that did have a little romance.  Tessa and Will would make a great team.  I think Will regretted giving in even a little bit that one time, because now he is back to himself.  He insists that he is not interested, but quite often his behaviors make me think otherwise.  It really makes the "romance" part so interesting!  I do hope that there is much more of Tessa and Will in the sequel!

Tessa's brother surprised me.  I was so happy when Tessa found him and everybody was safe in the institute.  However, he quickly disappointed me.  After all she has done to find him, it is as if he has forgotten (or made himself forget) that Tessa is his sister!  I have many thoughts about his role for the next book as well.  I really hope that either we find out that he was under someone else's control and had no choice in his decision making, or that he dies.  I know that is terrible to say, and terrible to have Tessa go through that.  However, I think if neither one of those things happens, he will keep coming back to hurt Tessa some more.  And I really like Tessa and she does not deserve to be hurt!

This book didn't really surprise me.  I knew that it was going to be amazing! :)  I plan on picking up Clockwork Prince very soon, as I don't think I can go on much longer knowing it's out there and that I haven't bought it yet!

My rating:  ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ 



Cover Reveal: Before I Wake

Before I Wake

Rachel Vincent

Soul Screamers # 6

July 2012

I love this series!  I thought If I Die was the last book, but I was so excited once I read it and realized that there had to be more!  I am so excited for Before I Wake to be released, and I just LOVE this cover! 

If you have not read this series, I highly recommend picking it up soon!

Top 10 of 2011: Day 4

Welcome to the Top 10 of 2011 on Annabell's Book Nook! This is hosted by Confessions of a Bookaholic, Fiktshun, and Two Chicks on Books. Every day, from December 26 to December 30, a new "Top 10" will be posted. I am really looking forward to this, because I'd like to reflect back on what I have read in 2011 before looking forward to what I will read in 2012.

Today is "Top 10 Characters of 2011", and we are allowed to choose what type of characters if we want to be more specific.  So I decided that because I focused on the boys yesterday, that I would focus on the girls today.

Top 10 Heroines of 2011

1. Katniss

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

2. Tris

Divergent by Veronica Roth

   

3. Juliette

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

4. Bryn

Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

5. Aria

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

6. Rhine

Wither and Fever by Lauren DeStefano

     

7. Rose

Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead

8. Katsa

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

 

9. Tessa

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

10. Meghan

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa      

Mid-Winter's Eve Blog Hop Giveaway Winner!

Thank you to everyone who entered this giveaway!  I really appreciate all of my followers, old and new!  And I sure hope that my giveaways show my appreciation!

And the winner is......

Sarah from Bookish Sarah

 
Make sure you check out my other giveaway!
300 Follower Giveaway (Ends 12/31)

Wrapping Up 2011 Readathon: Day 7

Here is my update for days 5 and 6. 

Check out my previous updates:

Days 1 and 2

Days 3 and 4

Day 5:

Tithe by Holly Black

Start: 61

Finish: 331

Pages: 271

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Start: 1

Finish:154

Pages: 154

Pages read today: 425

Total pages read: 1842

Total books read: 6

Day 6:
Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
Start: 155
Finish: 384
Pages:  230

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Start: 1
Finish:15
Pages: 15

Pages read today: 245
Total pages read: 2087
Total books read: 7

Top 10 of 2011: Day 3

Welcome to the Top 10 of 2011 on Annabell's Book Nook! This is hosted by Confessions of a Bookaholic, Fiktshun, and Two Chicks on Books. Every day, from December 26 to December 30, a new "Top 10" will be posted. I am really looking forward to this, because I'd like to reflect back on what I have read in 2011 before looking forward to what I will read in 2012.

Top 10 Book Boyfriends of 2011

1. Dimitri Belikov

Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

 

2. Adam Kent

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

3. Four

Divergent by Veronica Roth

4. Bram Griswold

Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel

5. Tod Hudson

If I Die by Rachel Vincent

6. Asher

A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies

7. Joshua

Hereafter by Tara Hudson

8. Perry

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

9. Ash

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

10. Caleb

Eve by Anna Carey

"Waiting On" Wednesday (#38)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine. Here is what I am waiting on:

 Breaking Beautiful
Jennifer Shaw Wolf

Goodreads Description:

Allie lost everything the night her boyfriend, Trip, died in a horrible car accident—including her memory of the event. As their small town mourns his death, Allie is afraid to remember because doing so means delving into what she’s kept hidden for so long: the horrible reality of their abusive relationship.
When the police reopen the investigation, it casts suspicion on Allie and her best friend, Blake, especially as their budding romance raises eyebrows around town. Allie knows she must tell the truth. Can she reach deep enough to remember that night so she can finally break free? Debut writer Jennifer Shaw Wolf takes readers on an emotional ride through the murky waters of love, shame, and, ultimately, forgiveness.

Top 10 of 2011: Day 2

Welcome to the Top 10 of 2011 on Annabell's Book Nook! This is hosted by Confessions of a Bookaholic, Fiktshun, and Two Chicks on Books. Every day, from December 26 to December 30, a new "Top 10" will be posted. I am really looking forward to this, because I'd like to reflect back on what I have read in 2011 before looking forward to what I will read in 2012.

Top 10 Book Covers of 2011

What are your favorite covers of 2011?