Special Review, YA Dystopian

ARC Book Review: Fire and Flood by Victoria Scott

Veronica Porras (TTB)

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I was given an ebook copy of this book by Scholastic through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review

Goodreads Summary:

Tella Holloway is losing it. Her brother is sick, and when a dozen doctors can’t determine what’s wrong, her parents decide to move to Montana for the fresh air. She’s lost her friends, her parents are driving her crazy, her brother is dying—and she’s helpless to change anything.

Until she receives mysterious instructions on how to become a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed. It’s an epic race across jungle, desert, ocean, and mountain that could win her the prize she desperately desires: the Cure for her brother’s illness. But all the Contenders are after the Cure for people they love, and there’s no guarantee that Tella (or any of them) will survive the race.

The jungle is terrifying, the clock is ticking, and Tella knows she can’t trust the allies she makes. And one big question emerges: Why have so many fallen sick in the first place?

My Initial Thoughts:

I originally requested this book because Kayla over at The Thousand Lives was really excited. She was like REQUEST IT, and I did. I’d also heard it was the NEXT dystopian book and you guys know how much I love me some dystopian novels so I was like this sounds good. But then… Kayla didn’t like it and I was bummed. I started reading it with very low expectations.

Review:

Let’s just dive into this review. The first half of the book, I would give it a 3. The second half of the book I would give it a 4. At the beginning, Tella was really whiny and I could not believe she was the main character or a contender. I kept thinking to myself do I really have to put up with her for the rest of the novel? I thought about DNF’ing the book right then and there, but I decided to persevere, and I was happy I did.

*SPOILER ALERT*

Guy’s and Tella’s relationship is a complicated one. Some see their relationship as insta-love, but when you think about it. People in such crazy circumstances need some normalcy, and finding a partner or maybe a love interest is a very good way to find comfort, normality, and companionship in such dire situations. The thing about Guy that I loved is that he isn’t completely sold on this “attraction” or whatever you want to call it at first and she doesn’t really exactly know what to do about it either. They both know there can only be one winner.

I also found the whole idea of each contender having an animal with them to protect them was a pretty good unique thing to add to the “let’s throw people in the arena and kill each other for the prize” dystopian trope. It added a twist I didn’t know I had been wanting until I read it.

*SPOILERS OVER*

In conclusion, I like the concept and plot of this book. I like where it is going. If you want to check it out, go ahead! You’ll just have to get past the first 20% of the book, which is where I almost stopped reading it and gave it a DNF. After that it gets better and the plot thickens.

Rating: 3.5/5

Other

Alternate Reality Giveaway: The Paranormal

Veronica Porras (TTB)

Alternate Reality Giveaway

Hey guys!

I’m really sorry for posting this so late, but life got in the way and I also totally blanked out. (I’m so sorry Kayla, please don’t kill me). It is Day 4 and Today I will be talking about the Paranormal Genre within YA.

When you think of the Paranormal genre what do you think? Twilight? At least most people do. They think of shiny sparkly vampires and werewolves. Or you might think of the cliche, lonely (or average) girl meets a hunky mysterious guy who just screams DANGER yet she cannot resist him and he turns out to be a fairy, vampire, werewolf, etc.  The Paranormal genre has gotten such a bad rep that most of us kind of inwardly cringe when recommended a paranormal book. We shy away from it.

Today I don’t really want to touch upon the “bad” of the paranormal, but focus on the GOOD. I want to change your view that not all paranormal books are cringe-worthy and cliche.

First off, we have Vampire Academy. Yes, I know the title is a little cringe worthy, and the covers of the series aren’t one of a kind either, but the written word inside those pages is something you’re going to want to read. Richelle Mead has created this fascinating world where we have good vampires, bad vampires, and something called a dhamphir, a half human, half vampire hybrid. Also, the good vampires have “magical” powers which are connected to the four elements, and one extra one which… you’re going to have to read to find out about it cause it’s a big deal. Kayla was REALLY against reading any vampire book and paranormal stuff (unless we are talking about angels of course), but I convinced her to read this book. How did I accomplish this? I bought her the first book with the new cover. Let’s just say I have made her reconsider her vampire ban.

Second, we have The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer. This book is creepy as heck, and the sequel is even creepier. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it is paranormal done well. The book confuses you in a good way. You are just as confused as the main character. You are both experiencing everything at the same time. Honestly though, If I had known they were as creepy as they are, I wouldn’t have read them because I don’t like reading scary stuff, but nonetheless it is good Paranormal YA. We do not see the cliche tropes (she’s is actually the dangerous one *hint*hint*), or the really unbelievable (in a bad way) insta-love.

Third, we have The Morganville Vampire Series. The vampires in this series are more of the traditional kind. The story is a little bland, but in no way is it cliche. I think its the writing style which makes me call it bland, yet I read the first 5 books in two months. I was hooked. At the time when I read them the books were only in that funky trade paperback version, but they were republished not too long ago and will now look beautiful on your bookshelf.

Lastly, I will give two examples of good Paranormal YA that turned bad. The first example is The Blue Bloods Series. The first four books had me at edge of my seat, they were unique and different. Then the fifth book came out and the story spun out of control. Like it went off the path it originally was on. It didn’t feel like I was reading the BB series anymore. I was really bummed. The second example is the House of Night Series. I like to call the HoN series a greek mythology and vampire hybrid. I was in love with this series during the first five books, but then came book 6, and then 7… and then 8…. and you get the picture. The story was stretched out because of the huge fandom (it was riding along the twilight wagon) and the books started going nowhere. I felt like we had been there and done that. Then it started getting really cliche and I lost all interest.

The Paranormal YA genre is a genre one has to tread carefully and search for the diamonds in the rough. They are out there and shouldn’t be judged along with its companions on the shelf.

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Are there any paranormal books that you’ve read recently that you have loved? Do tell! I need to add some books to my never ending TBR pile. 😀

Other

Alternate Reality Giveaway: Trivia Crossword Answers

Veronica Porras (TTB)

Alternate Reality Giveaway

Welcome back to Day 2 of our giveaway! Today is our first “fun” post, and Kayla and I put together a crossword puzzle based on some of our favorite fantasy and paranormal books. (Honestly though, I had way more fun watching Kayla go a bit crazy while making the list.) Click here to be taken to Kayla’s blog, where she has the initial questions and puzzle for you to fill out. Don’t forget to have fun! We didn’t make them too hard. 😀

After you’re finished come back here and check out your answers and report your scores below!

AR Trivia Answers

ACROSS:

  • 3) Audra’s first piece of food in years – Fries
  • 10) Starship Violet and Tarver meet on – Icarus
  • 12) Jack Force’s angelic name – Abbadon
  • 13) The _______ sing the praises of the truth, but they never tell you how much it costs.” – Candor
  • 14) Angel found in the Fairchild manor – Ithuriel
  • 15) Said “I suppose that now, I must become more than either.” – Tris
  • 16) Raffe’s true name – Raphael

DOWN:

  • 1) The original number of entries in The Testing (in numerals) – 108
  • 2) The true name of Eragon’s self-forged sword – Brisingr
  • 4) The Darkling’s symbol – Eclipse
  • 5) The mark Rose receives after the battle in Shadow Kiss – Zvezda
  • 6) The Shape of Zel’s DNA in Control – Infinite
  • 7) The Epic that killed David’s father – Steelheart
  • 8) Said this line: “Rose is in red, but never in blue, sharp as a thorn, fights like one too.” – Adrian
  • 9) Fruit Scarlet first gives Wolf – Tomato
  • 11) The politically correct term for the Bugger invaders in Ender’s Game – Formic

So how did you do? Comment below and let us know! And don’t forget to enter our giveaway!

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Tuesday Meme

Top Ten Books On My Spring 2014 TBR List

Veronica Porras (TTB)

toptentuesday-1Thank you The Broke and The Bookish for creating this wonderful feature!

Hello guys. Surprised to see me? I am too. It’s a miracle type of day! Life is still kicking my butt which is why there are no pictures (I know I know), but I am alive and still here! Anyways, I saw this topic and I said to myself “ Veronica, do you really want to go there… really go there?” and I’ve decided that Yes, I am going to go there. This my friends is a very dangerous list. And in all honestly, I should say its my Summer 2014 TBR List, but I shall be bending the rules.

1. Breathe, Annie, Breathe by Miranda Kenneally

2. Silver Shadows by Richelle Mead

3. #Scandal by Sarah Ockler

4. Four: A Divergent Collection by Veronica Roth

5. Panic by Lauren Oliver

6. The Immortal Crown by Richelle Mead

7. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han

8. Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins

9. Take Me On by Katie McGarry

10. The One by Kiera Cass

Are you planning on reading any of these precious babies?

Other

Alternate Reality Giveaway (March 15 – March 31)

Veronica Porras (TTB)

Alternate Reality Giveaway

Hi guys! I’m excited to announce my first ever collaboration giveaway! I am doing this giveaway together with Kayla over at The Thousand Lives (she’s freaking awesome) and we have some good stuff for you all. If you haven’t followed her yet, click here so you can keep up with all of the awesomeness! 

Over the next two weeks, until March 31st, Kayla and I will be posting back and forth on our blogs, and working together on some posts as well that are all a part of this interactive giveaway. This giveaway was designed with our blog friends and readers in mind, giving you the opportunity to win free stuff, but also have fun at the same time!

If you haven’t guessed by the title on our lovely banner (which was created by Kayla, you guys go boost her ego cause I am not going to 😛 ), this giveaway’s theme is Alternate Realities, which is our blanket name for paranormal, fantasy, fairy tale, and post-apocaltypic tales. So if you’re a huge contemporary lover, consider this your entry level course into the unknown! And if you’re a huge fan of these genres, welcome to the club!

Our posts will be split two ways: discussion (code for: fangirling) and fun/interactive games. Kayla will be discussing fantasy books (angels and demons) and fairy tales reworks. I will be discussing all things that creep in the night (basically paranormal), and the post-apocalyptic stories that will make you extremely grateful you are an inhabitant of Earth. Once per week, Kayla and I will combine our efforts and have a bit of fun, and maybe most likely make fools of ourselves.

Schedule of Posts:

Monday 3/17 – Kayla discusses angels and demons, and spotlights our first giveaway book

Wednesday 3/19 – Alternate Reality trivia crossword puzzle!

Friday 3/21 – I will discuss paranormal novels, and feature our second giveaway book

Monday 3/24 – Kayla discusses the “fairy tales reworked” trend in YA right now, and features our third giveaway book

Wednesday 3/26 – Kayla and I will take a survey and comment on each others’ answers. Warning: the claws are coming out!

Friday 3/28 – I will discuss post-apocalyptic tales, and spotlight our final giveaway book

Monday 3/31 – Final wrap up, and announcing the giveaway winners!

And here is what you guys have been waiting for! THE PRIZES!

Grand Prize Winner:

1 $10 book of their choice

ARC of Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge

Paperback of Ignite by Erica Crouch

Runner Up Winner:

ARC of Her Dark Curiosity by Megan Shepherd

Paperback of Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer

BOTH winners will also receive a few extra goodies! I won’t spill all our secrets, but I can tell you that one of them is a mix CD made by Kayla which includes over four hours of music!

And now for the part no one ever really reads: The Rules.

You must be 13 years or older to enter.

All contestants under the age of 18 must have parental permission to enter.

All giveaway entries will be received through rafflecopter.

Book Giveaway ends March 29th, 2014 at 11:59pm USA Pacific Coast Time.

Book Giveaway is open to USA and Canada residents only!

There will be two winners, a Grand Prize Winner and a Runner Up Winner.

Winner will be announced and contacted on Monday March 31st, 2014.

Winners must respond within 48 hours of receiving, “You have won!” message.

New winner will be drawn if original winner has not responded within the 48 hour period.

Winner will be determined through the rafflecopter random generator.

You must trust us with your address or else, no book. Sorry!

You can enter below in the rafflecopter box/link, and make sure to come back for our follow up posts!

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Reviews, ya contemporary

Book Review: Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Veronica Porras (TTB)

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Goodreads Summary:

Cath is a Simon Snow fan.

Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan . . .

But for Cath, being a fan is her life — and she’s really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it’s what got them through their mother leaving.

Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fan fiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere.

Cath’s sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can’t let go. She doesn’t want to.

Now that they’re going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn’t want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She’s got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words . . . And she can’t stop worrying about her dad, who’s loving and fragile and has never really been alone.

For Cath, the question is: Can she do this?

Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? Writing her own stories?

And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?

My Initial Thoughts:

I didn’t have any expectations at all. I know that a lot of people loved Eleanor & Park, but I didn’t let that get my expectations high because it is always a 50/50 chance that I will like a very loved book of the masses.

Review:

(So, I started writing this review back in September of  2013 when I had just finished reading Fangirl and after all this time, I can finally articulate exactly what I want to say. Yes, it took that long to digest it. It was that good.)

I think not having any expectations did wonders to the experience I had with reading this book. It took me by surprise! I loved almost every second I spent reading it. It was absolutely amazing and I don’t regret reading this book for a minute.

What really blew me away is the fact that Rainbow Rowell created some amazing characters. They are all well rounded and well developed characters that one does not think twice about their believability. Seriously. It’s so gosh darn good that I have zero complaints. I even like Nick as a character. Yeah, I can’t believe I just said that either.

But…. Can we talk about Levi? Gosh, that hunk of a man that melts my coffee-loving heart. Where can I find my own Levi? Anyone? I want my own Cowboy, Barista, Fangirl lover. I never knew I could find a man that is not a “city” man attractive. I will be honest though. There were a few chapters in the book where I wasn’t happy with Levi’s actions, but he totally made up for it so I forgave him.

In literature it is very common to see a single mother raising her kids, but it is more often than not rare to see a single dad raising his kids. Why? I’m guessing because in our society today (at least in the United States) it is more common to hear talk or know a single mother with kids, than a single dad with kids. I really loved that Rainbow Rowell deviated from the norm. It gave us, the reader, something….different yet still plausible and convincing.

Lastly, I just want to touch upon something everyone has talked about, the awkwardness of being a Fangirl. This book perfectly captured the “awkwardness” that comes with being a fangirl. No, I am not saying it is bad, nor am I saying that in a negative way. If I were to fangirl at work per say (which honestly I have come so close to doing because ANJIE text’s me information about my real life ship and I almost can’t contain myself) people would look at me all weird and even question my sanity. The awkwardness of being a fangirl is taken away when one fangirls in a place where one can fangirl. Like If I am at Kayla’s house, it is perfectly normal to fangirl and her mom and sister will only laugh and not think badly of me (although Kayla’s dog Princess is a whole other story. I kinda freak her out, but I forgive her for judging me LOL). Everyone “fangirls” but no one ever addresses it. THIS BOOK ADDRESSED ALMOST EVERYTHING THAT COMES WITH BEING A FANGIRL and that is why I am so enamored with it. This may be fiction, but it is also a peak into the life of many girls today. It’s a peak into our generation and I love that.

(Can you not tell by now how much I just LOVE Ms. Rowell’s work? LOL)

There are many other things I still have left to discuss [like fan fiction, college, family, etc], but for the sake of the length of the review, I will stop here.

I am giving this book A++++ yet I know this book is not for everyone. I will leave you with this final thought though, if not read the book for enjoyment, read it to understand a part of this era’s generation. You will not have a better insight into the life of a Fangirl than this brilliant piece of literature.

Rating: 5/5

ABC's

The ABC’s (2)

Veronica Porras (TTB)

abcbanner1

Isn’t Andi’s ABC’s banner cute? I thought so too.

If you want to know how this blog feature works, click here and it will take you to her original post where it all started.

tommy-hilfiger-blue-magazine-tote-product-1-17324214-0-283597706-normal_large_flex

Tommy Hilfiger Magazine Tote $49

I really want this tote bag. Why? One, I’m obsessed with bags. Two, I want a bag that fits everything that I carry. Third, 45 is not that expensive.

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Breathe, Annie, Breathe by Miranda Kenneally 

I really loved Ms. Kenneally’s last book and I just need this right now in my life. Her books always get me out of a reading slump, which many of you know I’m currently in.

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Mercer Soft Shirt – Grid Print

I love to shop at NY and Company. They have different cuts and styles of slacks which helps you look fashionable when you have to wear business attire to work. They also have cute tops a lot of the time. This shirt may not exactly fit the business category, but I can totally wear this on the weekend. I want it. My birthday is next week on wednesday… anyone want to buy it for me? 😉

Editor Letter, Random

[POLL CLOSED] What Should Veronica Read Next? & Book Reading Slump

Veronica Porras (TTB)

Hello everyone! Did you see I just posted a review about an hour ago?! I know. I’m shocked too. Right now I’m in a transition period. New Job and Back in School Part Time.

Those two factors have put me in a sort of reading slump because I don’t feel like I can commit my time completely to a book. I am in the middle of four books (I think) and I can’t keep reading them or go back to them. I’m thinking of doing a poll, a “What Should Veronica Read Next” poll.

Here are the books I sort of want to read. I need your help to choose the next book I will read. The books listed in the poll is a combination of books I own that I haven’t read and review copies. Please help me!

Reviews, YA Dystopian

Book Review: Independent Study (The Testing #2) by Joelle Charbonneau

Veronica Porras (TTB)

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Goodreads Summary:

In the series debut The Testing, sixteen-year-old Cia Vale was chosen by the United Commonwealth government as one of the best and brightest graduates of all the colonies . . . a promising leader in the effort to revitalize postwar civilization.

In Independent Study, Cia is a freshman at the University in Tosu City with her hometown sweetheart, Tomas—and though the government has tried to erase her memory of the brutal horrors of The Testing, Cia remembers. Her attempts to expose the ugly truth behind the government’s murderous programs put her—and her loved ones—in a world of danger. But the future of the Commonwealth depends on her.

My Initial Thoughts:

Honestly? I was freaking out. The Testing left off with a  HUGE cliffhanger that I didn’t know where this was going. I didn’t bring my hopes up just in case it wasn’t as good as The Testing. Sometimes sequels can be disappointing.

Review:

Oh Boy. Oh Boy. Oh Boy. I’m so giddy because this book surpassed my expectations. I’m internally jumping up and down right now. I’m really starting to like Cia. The development of her character was awesome and we also got to finally know what happened to Zendra and Tomas. Dun Dun Duuuuuun!  I’m not going to tell you guys, so go read the book if you haven’t.

Independent Study did not fall into the sequel slump category (or is it the sophomore category? I forget). It felt as an equal to the first book. Great sequel. The action, The politics, The Action (yes, I had to say that again) and The never ending tests. It was all brilliant! I started reading around 9 or 10 pm and finished it at 1am. I couldn’t even fall asleep because it had my blood pumping and the adrenaline rushing through my body.

I know a lot of people don’t like The Testing Trilogy because it has a few similar qualities to THG. I think being compared to THG is an honor and shouldn’t be a turn off if you’re planning on reading the book. Marketing is a tricky business and sometimes the marketing team of the publishing companies take risks and say stuff like “The Next Hunger Games” because they are trying to say, “Guys this is good and has some of the same traits as THG so if you liked THG you might just like this one too!” Sometimes slogans like these do get overused (I’m looking at Twilight and how it gave vampires a VERY negative light.)

Overall, read this book and read this series. It’s amazing!

Rating: 5/5