Reviews, YA Dystopian

Review: Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth

Insurgent by Veronica Roth
Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Goodreads:

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris’s initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth’s much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

What I liked:

I liked that Insurgent had the same feeling of dread, excitement, and heart pounding adrenaline that Divergent had. It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole entire time. The ending was… perfect. Veronica Roth is the only author I approve of using that type of torturous cliffhanger on me.

What I disliked:

I don’t really have anything negative to say about the book except that I kept thinking, “Dear women let me breath!!” At the same time, it is also why I like it. I am a very complicated person when it comes to this series. It also seemed that Insurgent lacked the ‘love’ part of the story. What redeemed the lack of love in the book was the ending, when Four did what he did (if you read this book already, you know what he did) and believed Tris. The understanding and loyalty between these two just gets to me. They may just be one of my favorite pairings at the moment.

Overall:

Insurgent was phenomenal. I loved every second of it and I can only hope Allegiant is going to be as good as the first two books in the trilogy.

Rating: 5/5

Rating System:

1/5: I hated it.

2/5: It had some redeeming qualities but overall, not a good book.

3/5: I liked it (A fun read).

4/5: I really like it, but something was missing.

5/5: I love it! It’s as close to perfection as it can get!

To-Read

NetGalley Readings

I was approved and given a copy of each of the following books in exchange for a review. Both books are currently in your local bookstore so if they seem interesting, go check them out or buy them! I will be posting a review on each book in the next few weeks.

Happy Reading!

A-Corner-of-White

Goodreads Summary:

Madeleine Tully lives in Cambridge, England, the World – a city of spires, Isaac Newton and Auntie’s Tea Shop.

Elliot Baranski lives in Bonfire, the Farms, the Kingdom of Cello – where seasons roam, the Butterfly Child sleeps in a glass jar, and bells warn of attacks from dangerous Colours.

They are worlds apart – until a crack opens up between them; a corner of white – the slim seam of a letter.

A mesmerising story of two worlds; the cracks between them, the science that binds them and the colours that infuse them.

‘Perfectly strange, and absolutely comical and heartfelt … Jaclyn Moriarty is one of the most original writers we have.’ – Markus Zusak

thetwistedwindow

Goodreads Summary:

The new guy at Tracy’s school is handsome, intense, and desperately needs her help—but there’s something about him that isn’t quite right 

High school junior Tracy Lloyd is unsure about the new guy in school. Brad Johnson is attractive, smart, and polite, but Tracy can’t help but feel he watches her too closely. Then one day Brad confides in Tracy a horrible secret: His little sister Mindy has been kidnapped by his stepfather, and he needs Tracy’s help to get her back. But even as Tracy commits to a plan to help her vulnerable new friend, details emerge that suggest nothing is what it seems.
The Twisted Window is a zigzagging thriller that keeps readers guessing up until the final page. This ebook features an illustrated biography of Lois Duncan including rare images and never-before-seen documents from the author’s personal collection.

Book Spotlight

Book Spotlight #2 All-American Girl by Meg Cabot

 

Another segment of Book Spotlight is brought to you by yours truly, The Talking Bookworm.

All-American Girl is a book I loved when I read in high school. Meg Cabot was my favorite author through middle school and high school and I still love her writing, but she hasn’t come out with any new YA books the past few years (or anything apart from the Princes Diaries Series). It seems she has switched her focus to adult fiction for the time being. Hope you like my recommendation for the month of April!

all-american-girl

Book Title: All-American Girl (All-American Girl #1)

Author: Meg Cabot

Org. Publication Date: August 2003

Goodreads Summary:

Samantha Madison is an average, cool Washington, D.C., teen: She loves Gwen Stefani (who doesn’t?), can draw like nobody’s business, and enjoys being opposite to her sister’s annoying ultra-social personality. But when she ditches art class one day, she doesn’t expect to be jumping on the back of a wannabe presidential assassin. Soon the young hero is receiving worldwide acclaim for her bravery, having dinner with her family at the White House, and is even being named teen ambassador to the UN. As if this weren’t enough, she and David, the president’s son, strike up a friendship that everyone wants the dirt on, which starts to give her romantic “frisson” feelings. Unfortunately, Sam thinks her sister’s boyfriend, Jack, is the true love of her life, and she makes a few wrong turns that could screw up what she’s developing with David. Will she ever stop following what she knows and start following what she sees?

 

Happy Reading! 🙂

Editor Letter, To-Read

April Book Blast from the Past Preview

That Summer by Sarah Dessen
That Summer by Sarah Dessen

Hello everyone! Just wanted to let you know that I will be doing Book Blast from the Past on That Summer by Sarah Dessen. If you guys want to know what it is about here is the Goodreads Summary:

For fifteen-year-old Haven, life is changing too quickly. She’s nearly six feet tall, her father is getting remarried, and her sister—the always perfect Ashley—is planning a wedding of her own. Haven wishes things could just go back to the way they were. Then an old boyfriend of Ashley’s reenters the picture, and through him, Haven sees the past for what it really was, and comes to grips with the future.

Happy Reading!

Editor Letter

April Blog News

Hello Everyone!

Happy April Fools Day (if you live in the USA that is)!

This month of April I’m going to try to start participating in The Broke and The Bookish Top Ten Tuesday Meme. I have another book haul post coming soon and let’s not forget about Book Blast from the Past and Book Spotlight #2 this month.

  • Book Blast from the Past will be posted April 6th (which is the first saturday of this month)
  • Book Spotlight #2 will be posted April 11th (which is the second thursday of this month).

I believe that is all the news I have as of now for the month of April so keep on reading and you’ll see a post of mine shortly in your inbox/reader/dashboard.

Happy Reading!

Editor Letter, Random

March Recap

This month has been a crazy and busy month for myself but I’ve managed to post 4 book reviews and finish reading a total of 9 books!

The books were:

  1. Both Sides of Time by Caroline B. Cooney: Review 4/5
  2. Gameboard of the Gods (Age of X#1) by Richelle Mead: Review 5/5
  3. The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden by Jessica Sorensen: I absolutely disliked this book. I am never again going to buy a book that I’ve heard nothing about. I was really disappointed by the amount of sex stuff in it which made me skip a lot of the book. The quality of the writing was also horrid. I don’t understand the hype around this book. 1/5
  4. Juliet Immortal (Juliet Immortal #1) by Stacey Jay: It took me 3 months to finish this book. I found it hard to get into it and the characters weren’t relatable at all. 3/5
  5. If We Kiss by Rachel Vail: Another book I was disappointed in. I’m happy I only paid a dollar for it on my nook. 2/5
  6. Imperium (Cicero #1) by Robert Harris: Review 5/5
  7. Influence: Science and Practice by Robert B. Cialdini: I had to read this book for a class and I found it very interesting. Its a fun academic read. 5/5
  8. Perfect Scoundrels (Heist Society #3) by Ally Carter: Review 5/5
  9. A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America by Ronald Takaki: This book was eye opening and brilliant. A must read for all Americans and Cultural Generational Americans. 5/5

If you would like to recommend books that I should read or would like to discuss any of these books with me feel free to leave a comment.

Happy Reading!

Editor Letter, To-Read

UPDATE: Currently Reading?

Hello everyone!

I am writing to you today from my cave [aka my dorm room]. I’m sorry there hasn’t been that many reviews the past couple of weeks. I have a very valid reason, University. Yes, you read right. My excuse is school, but I am still trying to update and read for “fun” as much as I can so here are the books that I am currently reading:

  1. Insurgent by Veronica Roth
  2. Perfect Scoundrels by Ally Carter
  3. Delirium by Lauren Oliver
  4. Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare [ebook]
  5. Capital Girls by Ella Monroe [ebook]
  6. Imperium by Robert Harris (This is a hybrid book. I am reading it for class and fun.)

Which book will I be reviewing next? My money is on Delirium since I am about 80% done with it, but it can be anyones game. I’ve never had so many books on hold before. I used to be a person that could only read one book at a time but that has changed. I promise to give you guys a book review within a week so hold on to your horses, the Talking Bookworm is back!

Happy Reading and Have a Blessed Day!

Book Spotlight

Book Spotlight: #1 Getting Over Garrett Delaney

Hello Readers!

Today debuts another new segment called, “Book Spotlight”. Book Spotlight will be every second Thursday of the month. If the day or frequency changes, I will let you guys know!

This Thursday I recommend:

abby mcdonald - getting over garret delaney

 

Book Title: Getting Over Garrett Delaney

Author: Abby McDonald

Org. Pub Date: January 24th, 2012

Goodreads Summary:

Seventeen-year-old Sadie is in love: epic, heartfelt, and utterly one-sided. The object of her obsession — ahem, affection — is her best friend, Garrett Delaney, who has been oblivious to Sadie’s feelings ever since he sauntered into her life and wowed her with his passion for Proust (not to mention his deep-blue eyes). For two long, painful years, Sadie has been Garrett’s constant companion, sharing his taste in everything from tragic Russian literature to art films to ’80s indie rock — all to no avail. But when Garrett leaves for a summer literary retreat, Sadie is sure that the absence will make his heart grow fonder — until he calls to say he’s fallen in love. With some other girl! A heartbroken Sadie realizes that she’s finally had enough. It’s time for a total Garrett detox! Aided by a barista job, an eclectic crew of new friends (including the hunky chef, Josh), and a customized self-help guide, Sadie embarks on a summer of personal reinvention full of laughter, mortifying meltdowns, and a double shot of love.

 

Now, Get off the computer and read it! You won’t regret it!

Adult Fantasy, Reviews, Special Review

Book Review: Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead

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This is an unconventional review because this book hasn’t been published yet. The book will be released to the public June 4th, 2013 (in the United States). This review will be staying spoiler free for that very reason and I’ve made a new structure for this type of review. Thank you Net Galley and Dutton for providing me with an advanced copy of the book.

Goodreads Summary: In a futuristic world nearly destroyed by religious extremists, Justin March lives in exile after failing in his job as an investigator of religious groups and supernatural claims. But Justin is given a second chance when Mae Koskinen comes to bring him back to the Republic of United North America (RUNA). Raised in an aristocratic caste, Mae is now a member of the military’s most elite and terrifying tier, a soldier with enhanced reflexes and skills.

When Justin and Mae are assigned to work together to solve a string of ritualistic murders, they soon realize that their discoveries have exposed them to terrible danger. As their investigation races forward, unknown enemies and powers greater than they can imagine are gathering in the shadows, ready to reclaim the world in which humans are merely game pieces on their board.

Gameboard of the Gods, the first installment of Richelle Mead’s Age of X series, will have all the elements that have made her YA Vampire Academy and Bloodlines series such megasuccesses: sexy, irresistible characters; romantic and mythological intrigue; and relentless action and suspense.

Review:

This book blew me away. Why? Because I didn’t know Richelle Mead’s writing was capable of changing in a very good way. Unlike the Vampire Academy Series or the Bloodlines Series where the reader find themselves only in Rose’s or Sydney’s mind, in Gameboard of the Gods the story is told through many point of views with different lenses. I believe this to be a absolutely brilliant move on behalf of Ms. Mead. Normally, books that have several narrators throw me off because there seems to be something missing, but somehow Richelle Mead was able to find the perfect balance and make it work. I do see some similarities in the structure of the book/series to that of the Bloodlines series and the Vampire Academy series.

There was only one thing I did not like in this book and that was that it had a sex scene in it. I’m a person that tries to avoid books with sex scenes. Nonetheless, this is a great book! Another Richelle Mead masterpiece. There is a reason as to why she is one of my favorite authors.

Edit:

After almost three months since I’ve read Gameboard of the Gods, I love this book even more. As I sat thinking, drinking my morning coffee, the way Richelle Mead made me uncertain about the main characters through the first half of the book. I couldn’t decided who I did and didn’t like. That has never happened to me before and that is another reason why you need to read this book.

Rating: 5/5

Rating System:

1/5: I hated it

2/5: It had some redeeming qualities but overall, not a good book

3/5: I liked it (A fun read)

4/5: I really like it, but something was missing

5/5: I love it! It’s as close to perfection as it can get!

Editor Letter, Random

Liebster Award

liebster-award1

The wonderful teenagebooknut has nominated me for the Liebster Award! Honestly, I am shocked. I had not in a million years expected someone to nominate for the Liebster Award. I had been awarded one for my  tumblr blog but I would have not expected one here. Thank you for nominating me!

Some of you may be wondering what is this award? Well it’s an award given to blogs with under 200 followers to give them some drive and a bit of motivation to keep on working hard. What you have to do is answer the eleven questions you’re given and then leave eleven more question for eleven nominations of your choice.

… and here I go!

1. If, for the next ten minutes, you could talk to anyone you wanted (from the past, future, present, fiction, anything), who would you talk to? and what would you say?

Jesus. I would not know what to ask him or say to him though.

2. Looking back on your life so far, what have been your Top 3 moments?

Well, my first would be giving my life to Christ when I was 5. I am a christian. The second significant moment in my life would be when I graduated High School and my third significant moment would be when I entered University.

3. If you had the choice to live at any time of your choice, when would you choose and why?

I would choose to be born in 1989 instead of 1991. I like this era but there is something about being able to experience the 90’s more fully. I really liked the 90’s. 🙂

4. What was your favourite childhood television program? Why?

I loved to watch a spanish television show named “The Flying House”. Every time the three main characters would enter the house they would travel back in time to an important part in history. I love time traveling stuff.

5. If you had to pick one person in life who inspires you the most, who would that person be? Is there a reason you picked him/her?

My mother. She has been through so many hardships that I admire her for being the strong and grounded person she is today. The average person would be crazy by now if they went through everything that my mom has gone through. She is really an inspiration and gives me the strength to keep going. If she could do it, so can I. Nothing is impossible.

6. What is your all time favourite song?

Wow, this is hard. Ummm… I would have to say “Who I am Hates Who I’ve Been” by Relient K. It really speaks volumes about humanity and how our actions have consequences not only affecting ourselves but others as well.

7. What’s your worst/best memory of  school and why?

My best memory of school is music class. I didn’t even see it as a class. I saw it as a midday break to do something I loved.

8. For a zombie apocalypse, what would be your weapon of choice and why?

A machete because it can be more efficient than a gun.

9. Where is your favourite place in the world?

Home, where ever that may be.

10. What is the one most embarrassing thing you have ever done?

That I can not tell you. Haha. Nice try though 😉

11. If you ever won the lottery, honestly, what would you do?

Some of my money would be donated to a non-profit organization and part of it would be used to open the Bakery/Cafe my mom has always wanted to own. If there is anything left, I would buy myself a house and put the rest into savings.

 

I don’t have a very exciting life and I hope my answers didn’t bore you to sleep. Thanks again for this award!

Happy Reading!