REVIEW: Slide

Slide

Jill Hathaway

Slide #1

Synopsis: Vee Bell is certain of one irrefutable truth—her sister’s friend Sophie didn’t kill herself. She was murdered.

Vee knows this because she was there. Everyone believes Vee is narcoleptic, but she doesn’t actually fall asleep during these episodes: When she passes out, she slides into somebody else’s mind and experiences the world through that person’s eyes. She’s slid into her sister as she cheated on a math test, into a teacher sneaking a drink before class. She learned the worst about a supposed “friend” when she slid into her during a school dance. But nothing could have prepared Vee for what happens one October night when she slides into the mind of someone holding a bloody knife, standing over Sophie’s slashed body.

Vee desperately wishes she could share her secret, but who would believe her? It sounds so crazy that she can’t bring herself to tell her best friend, Rollins, let alone the police. Even if she could confide in Rollins, he has been acting off lately, more distant, especially now that she’s been spending more time with Zane.

Enmeshed in a terrifying web of secrets, lies, and danger and with no one to turn to, Vee must find a way to unmask the killer before he or she strikes again.

My thoughts: Slide was a pretty good read.  I liked the mystery of the girls' deaths and trying to figure out who was the murderer.  This book reminded me of Wake by Lisa McMann, which was good as well, but I don't plan on continuing that series.  The Slide series, on the other hand, I do plan on continuing.  I didn't feel super close to any of the characters, but I was ok with that.  I had so much else on my mind that I wasn't really paying too much attention to the characters and their behaviors.



Vee literally sees the world through other people's eyes, along with her own.  When she passes out, she slides into someone else's mind and see's what they see.  She has seen plenty of things that she doesn't need/want to see, and one day when she sees her sister's friend Sophie get murdered, when everyone thinks she commited suicide, Vee's ability finally seems to have a purpose.  She seems to be very caring and compassionate, and as if she is trying to make everyone else happy.  I didn't like how she was ignoring her best friend though.  I really just didn't get it.  Sure, maybe once he seemed pretty guilty, but there was no reason before that!  The girls in this book all seemed really vulnerable, but like they had to put up a front.  They all acted real tough, but in the end they just seemed like regular girls!

This book really surprised me.  I was also a little confused at the end.  There were still so many loose ends.  It didn't make the book terrible, but I don't like having to come up with my own answers or guesses at the end of a book.  And that is just me personally, others may like it that way.  I like to think back and make the connections and figure out the answers to those loose ends.  I kind of had deja vu during the last few chapters.  It really sounded like another book I have read, but I have no idea which book that would be. 

I really enjoyed Slide, and plan on continuing this series.  I think the author really has her work cut out for her though, as I don't see what Vee could go through that would be worse than what she has already seen!

Random Acts of Kindness: February Wrap-Up

February went by so fast!  I am definitely ready for March though.  I didn't get anything for RAK this month, but I am ok with that because I still have a pile to read!

Here is what I sent:



The Calling by Kelley Armstrong

The Last Echo by Kimberly Derting

Both to Ivy at Ivy Reads

"Waiting On" Wednesday (#47)

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

Above
Leah Bobet

Synopsis: Matthew has loved Ariel from the moment he found her in the tunnels, her bee's wings falling away. They live in Safe, an underground refuge for those fleeing the city Above—like Whisper, who speaks to ghosts, and Jack Flash, who can shoot lightning from his fingers.

But one terrifying night, an old enemy invades Safe with an army of shadows, and only Matthew, Ariel, and a few friends escape Above. As Matthew unravels the mystery of Safe's history and the shadows' attack, he realizes he must find a way to remake his home—not just for himself, but for Ariel, who needs him more than ever before.

Cover Crazy: Undeadly

This weekly meme is hosted by The Book Worms and is used to show the covers we are crazy about!

Undeadly
Michele Vail
The Reaper Diaries #1

Synopsis: The day I turned 16, my boyfriend-to-be died. I brought him back to life. Then things got a little weird...Molly Bartolucci wants to blend in, date hottie Rick and keep her zombie-raising abilities on the down-low. Then the god Anubis chooses her to become a reaper—and she accidentally undoes the work of another reaper, Rath.
Within days, she’s shipped off to the Nekyia Academy, an elite school that trains the best necromancers in the world. And her personal reaping tutor? Rath. Who seems to hate her guts.
Rath will be watching closely to be sure she completes her first assignment-reaping Rick, the boy who should have died. The boy she still wants to be with.
To make matters worse, students at the academy start turning up catatonic, and accusations fly—against Molly. The only way out of this mess? To go through hell. Literally.

What I love:
*My favorite part of this cover is how dark it is.  I like bright vibrant colors, but the darkness just has me so interested!

*I like that the cover doesn't show all of the girl.  It doesn't even show all of her face.  And she's touching her face or her ear.  It would have been boring if she was just standing there doing nothing.

*Her hair color is gorgeous.  The cover is so dark, but her hair is light and her skin is light as well.  She isn't being hidden by any means!

*I like the black lacy-looking stuff at the bottom underneath the title.  From a distance, it looked as though it was a tattoo just on her arm.  I like it going all across the bottom though.  It is pretty and doesn't make the cover look so empty.

*I like the title.  It is a basic font, but it is really neat how the first letter and the last letter are larger than the rest...something I didn't notice when I first glanced at it.

REVIEW: The Raft

The Raft

S.A. Bodeen

Synopsis: Robie, 15, lives with her family on the Midway atoll, a group of islands in the middle of the Pacific. Her parents are scientists; it’s an isolated life. Robie enjoys visiting her aunt in Hawaii – she gets back and forth on a cargo plane that brings supplies to Midway.

During a visit, her aunt is called to the mainland for a work emergency, leaving Robie to get home on her own. On her flight back to Midway the cargo plane hits nasty weather, and goes down. It’s just Robie, the pilot, and Max, a co-pilot she’s never met till this flight, on board. Robie is pulled aboard a raft by Max, who is injured and slipping in and out of consciousness. They have a bag of candy and very little water between them. When they finally reach an island that seems abandoned, Robie hopes they’ll be found quickly. But she’s not sure she was even on the flight manifest. Her parents must be looking for her…aren’t they?

In THE RAFT, S.A. Bodeen creates a hair-raising suspense story that will have readers agonizing over the same question as Robie -- how long can they survive.

My thoughts: The Raft was quite an interesting read.  It was not like anything else I have read.  It was very suspenseful and kept me wondering.  It was very slow-going though, and some things were solved too easily. 

Robie seemed kind of stuck up and bratty in the beginning.  That may be typical for a girl her age, but the response she received from everyone else just seemed kind of odd.  She pretty much gets whatever she wants.  I did like how knowledgeable Robie was though.  She knew what to look for to find out where she was, as much as she could anyway. 

Max, the co-pilot, makes sure Robie gets out of the plane and onto the raft.  He was slipping in and out of consciousness.  Many times I questioned whether he was there at all.  I think Max and Robie were just destined to meet.  Robie is only 15 and I don't think she would have gotten through this without Max.  I liked how she would talk to Max when he was unconscious, and ask him questions even though she knew he wouldn't respond.  I think it really helped her keep going on. 

This was short and easy enough to read, but I found myself bored about 2/3 through.  It was very repetitive, and some things were just too easy for Robie.  It was a decent story, but I am not sure that I will be running out to tell my friends about it.



In My Mailbox (#57)

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. These are the books I bought or received this week.

Bought/Borrowed Books

Dead is So Last Year by Marlene Perez

Deadly Cool by Gemma Halliday

Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz

The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

Two Truths and a Lie by Sara Shepard

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

Netgalley...

Sisterhood Everlasting by Ann Brashares

Review Copy Cleanup Challenge

I am SO excited for this challenge!  I need a challenge to get me going on all of these review copies I have sitting around...and all of the netgalley books I have on my nook (because I have a serious requesting problem).  I finally got my library addiction under control, and then I just had to find netgalley! :)

This challenge is being hosted by Books, Biscuits, and Tea and Nyx Book Reviews.  This challenge is basically a challenge to read your review copies!  You can read the rules HERE.

Here's my plan:

1. Torn by Amanda Hocking

2. New Girl by Paige Harbison

3. Whisper by Alyson Noel

4. Embrace by Jessica Shirvington

5. Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter

6. Partials by Dan Wells

7. Pretty Crooked by Elisa Ludwig

8. Putting Boys on the Ledge by Stephanie Rowe

9. Spellcaster by Cara Lynn Shultz

10. The Embittered Ruby by Nicole O'Dell

11. The Key on the Quilt by Stephanie Grace Whitson

12. Intuition by J. Meyers

13. There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones

14. Love Lifted Me by Sara Evans

15. Ascend by Amanda Hocking

Now I know that this won't be exactly what I decide to read in March.  I have some other books I need to get through, and I may decide that I just don't want to read some of these right now.  I do want to get at least half-way through this list.  If you've read any of these already, let me know what you thought of them!  That way, I know what to read first!

Are you going to join in?  If so, what are you planning on reading?

Where it Began Giveaway Winner

Where it Began is probably one of my favorite books!  That is why I decided to do a giveaway of the arc I received!  I really hope the winner loves it as much as I did!

Congratulations to.....

Lexi H. 

I really hope you enjoy this book Lexi!  Congratulations!

On My Wishlist (#58)

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.

Wondrous Strange
Lesley Livingston
Wondrous Strange #1

Synopsis: 17 year-old Kelley Winslow doesn’t believe in Faeries. Not unless they’re the kind that you find in a theatre, spouting Shakespeare—the kind that Kelley so desperately wishes she could be: onstage, under lights, with a pair of sparkly wings strapped to her shoulders. But as the understudy in a two-bit, hopelessly off-off-Broadway production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, wishing is probably the closest she’s going to get to becoming a Faerie Queen. At least, that’s what she thinks... In this fun, urban fantasy, Kelley's off-stage life suddenly becomes as complicated as one of Shakespeare’s plot twists when a nighttime trip to Central Park holds more than meets the mortal eye.

Up-Coming Releases 2/26-3/3

Here are the new releases I am looking forward to this next week. What are you looking forward to?

Pandemonium
Lauren Oliver
Delirium #2
Releases February 28

When the Sea is Rising Red

Cat Hellisen

Releases February 28

A Touch Morbid
Leah Clifford
A Touch Trilogy #2
Releases February 28

Shooting Stars

Allison Rushby

Releases February 28

Partials
Dan Wells
Partials #1
Releases February 28

REVIEW: Born Wicked

Born Wicked

Jessica Spotswood

The Cahill Witch Chronicles #1

Synopsis:  Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they're witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship--or an early grave.
Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with six months to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word... especially after she finds her mother's diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family's destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate stars scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra.
If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren't safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood -- not even from each other.

My thoughts:  I am so ready for book 2!  This book was amazing, and it just got more amazing as I kept reading.  I couldn't put it down.  I can't even count how many times my jaw dropped.  My emotions were all over the place, and I really felt like I could relate to some extent to the main character, Cate.

I think I loved every single character in this book, all for their own reasons.  I really feel like I could go on and on about each of them.  However, I am just picking a few.  Cate is absolutely selfless.  She promised her mother that she would protect her sisters.  And Cate has every intention of keeping that promise, no matter what.  When dreamy Paul, her best friend from her childhood, comes back into her life, she puts her feelings aside and still puts her sisters first.  Paul is sweet, caring, smart, a gentleman, etc.  I would say he is the perfect man maybe?  I kept waiting for something to happen that would make me change my mind about him, but nothing changed my mind about him.  He is so patient and really genuinely cares about Cate.  I really liked that Paul and Cate could still be a little childish together, and sort of act as if they were still in their childhood.

Maura is pretty selfless as well, like Cate.  She told Cate to not use her (Maura) and her sister (Tessa) as an excuse to not marry.  She tells Cate that she needs to say yes because the man may not ask twice.  Tessa is such a little sister.  She is naive, but not ridiculously naive.   She just seemed typical for that age.  Tessa really cares about her sisters also, and sometimes I think she thinks about things more than her older sister Maura. 

I really enjoyed reading about these girls growing to become respectable ladies.  Their governess Elena did quite a good job, but the girls also really put forth effort too.  I just really loved these sisters!

I was surprised at many parts of this book.  The Sisterhood wasn't quite what I thought it would be.  And all of these other characters were not as they seemed either!  The ending surprised me as well.  I kind of hate it so much I love it.  I hate it for many reasons, but this ending makes the most sense.  I really wish it could be a happy ending for everyone, but then that would be the end!  The ending to this book was perfect in that it sets up the plot for the next book.

"Waiting On" Wednesday (#46)

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

Pure
Jennifer L. Armentrout
Covenant #2

Synopsis: There is need. And then there is Fate...

Being destined to become some kind of supernatural electrical outlet isn't exactly awesome--especially when Alexandria's "other half" is everywhere she goes. Seth's in her training room, outside her classes, and keeps showing up in her bedroom--so not cool. Their connection does have some benefits, like staving off her nightmares of the tragic showdown with her mother, but it has no effect on what Alex feels for the forbidden, pure-blooded Aiden. Or what he will do--and sacrifice--for her.

When daimons infiltrate the Covenants and attack students, the gods send furies--lesser gods determined to eradicate any threat to the Covenants and to the gods, and that includes the Apollyon... and Alex. And if that and hordes of aether-sucking monsters didn't blow bad enough, a mysterious threat seems willing to do anything to neutralize Seth, even if that means forcing Alex into servitude... or killing her.

When the gods are involved, some decisions can never, ever be undone.

Top Ten Tuesday (#15)

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This feature includes some sort of a top ten list, related to books. I have decided to participate here and there, when there is a top ten list that I can contribute.

Top Ten Books I'd Quickly Save If My House Was Going To Be Abducted By Aliens

I don't keep books after I have read them, except for a few I have from my childhood.  So, my list consists of books I have not read, but really want to read.





The Good Father by Diane Chamberlain

Soul Thief by Jana Oliver

Torn by Amanda Hocking

Ascend by Amanda Hocking

Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard

A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

The Beach Street Knitting Society and Yarn Club by Gil McNeil

Touch of Frost by Jennifer Estep

Die for Me by Amy Plum

Cover Crazy: A Great and Terrible Beauty

This weekly meme is hosted by The Book Worms and is used to show the covers we are crazy about!

A Great and Terrible Beauty
Libba Bray
Gemma Doyle #1

Synopsis:

A Victorian boarding school story, a Gothic mansion mystery, a gossipy romp about a clique of girlfriends, and a dark other-worldly fantasy--jumble them all together and you have this complicated and unusual first novel.
Sixteen-year-old Gemma has had an unconventional upbringing in India, until the day she foresees her mother's death in a black, swirling vision that turns out to be true. Sent back to England, she is enrolled at Spence, a girls' academy with a mysterious burned-out East Wing. There Gemma is snubbed by powerful Felicity, beautiful Pippa, and even her own dumpy roommate Ann, until she blackmails herself and Ann into the treacherous clique. Gemma is distressed to find that she has been followed from India by Kartik, a beautiful young man who warns her to fight off the visions. Nevertheless, they continue, and one night she is led by a child-spirit to find a diary that reveals the secrets of a mystical Order. The clique soon finds a way to accompany Gemma to the other-world realms of her visions "for a bit of fun" and to taste the power they will never have as Victorian wives, but they discover that the delights of the realms are overwhelmed by a menace they cannot control. Gemma is left with the knowledge that her role as the link between worlds leaves her with a mission to seek out the "others" and rebuild the Order. A Great and Terrible Beauty is an impressive first book in what should prove to be a fascinating trilogy.

What I love:
*I love that the girl is turned around, but her head is turned so that we can still see her face.  She is beautiful.  I think the back of her dress makes it look so feminine. 

*I love that her hair is up in a low bun so that you can see her upper back.  Her hairstyle works perfectly with the dress, which is meant to show skin. 

*The title fills the whole cover, which I love.  It makes me think the title is important, that it really means something.  The author's name is so pretty, with the color and the font.

In My Mailbox (#56)

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. These are the books I bought or received this week.

Traded/Gifted/Tour Books

Darker Still by Leanna Renee Hieber

Destined by Jessie Harrell

Slide by Jill Hathaway

Torn by Amanda Hocking

Ascend by Amanda Hocking

Immortal City by Scott Speer


Books I Bought/Borrowed

The Ashleys by Melissa de la Cruz

Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles

Madame Tussaud by Michelle Moran

A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray
Rebel Angels by Libba Bray

City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

Fracture by Megan Miranda

Born Wicked by Jennifer Spotswood

What did you get in your mailbox?

On My Wishlist (#57)

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.

The One That I Want
Jennifer Echols

Synopsis: Gemma can't believe her luck when the star football player starts flirting with her. Max is totally swoon-worthy, and even gets her quirky sense of humor. So when he asks out her so-called best friend Addison, Gemma's heartbroken.
Then Addison pressures Gemma to join the date with one of Max's friends. But the more time they all spend together, the harder Gemma falls for Max. She can't help thinking that Max likes her back--it's just too bad he's already dating Addison. How can Gemma get the guy she wants without going after her best friend's boyfriend?