Tag: YA

Reviews, YA Dystopian

Short Book Review: Shatter Me (Shatter Me #1) by Tahereh Mafi

Veronica Porras (TTB)

Shatter-Me-Wallpapers-shatter-me-series-31468951-1680-1050

Goodreads Summary:

Juliette hasn’t touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn’t hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don’t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war – and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she’s exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

Review:

I started reading this book without knowing much except that Juliette has this power that is lethal. I didn’t know where it was going and boy was I happy not to have this book spoiled. I absolutely loved Shatter Me. The beginning of the book, the unique writing, was what kept  me reading. It was new, it was different. I really loved how Juliette’s narration style changed throughout the course of the novel.

and… Adam, that boy! He is the perfect love interest in my opinion. Warner is a great villain. Villains aren’t written like that anymore. Villains need character development as well and most of the time, they are flat. I was gladly surprised Warner was not one dimensional.

I really can’t wait to read Destroy Me and Unravel Me.

Rating: 5/5

Reviews, ya romance

Short Book Review: Suite Dreams by Rachel Hawthorne

Veronica Porras (TTB)

9780061688065Goodreads Summary:

Hello, mate!
(Practicing my Australian.* How am I doing?)

I’m so glad the timing worked out for this couch exchange. I’ll be crashing on yours by the time you get to mine.** If you run into any problems, just find Alyssa. She’ll help you out with whatever you need.***

Your couch-swapping mate,
Rick

*That’s cute. Go have fun in Australia and leave ME—your girlfriend for an entire semester—to waste away on campus, alone.

**Um, think again. Your couch is already taken.

***Great. Now I’ve got to find a place for the (unbelievably hot, it turns out) Aussie to crash. But there’s only one couch available: the one in my dorm room. . .

Review:

This book was so fluffy and cute that it made me want to move to Vermont and find this couch swapping business so I can have a Aussie stay at my couch too… Just Kidding! [Kind of… 😉 ]

Suite Dreams is the ORIGINAL NEW ADULT genre. Why do I say that? Because it has older characters that are in college. That seems to be the formula of a lot of New Adult books nowadays. I prefer books like Suite Dreams than the New Adult Books that are hitting the bookshelf’s today.

Suite Dreams is wholesome PG rated romance which I love. It’s cute, it’s well written, it may be a little far-fetched at times, but who said I wanted reality when I’m reading a book. Especially a fluffy romance.

I recommend this book to someone who wants a fun short read or anyone trying to get out of a reading slump. It will lift your spirits and make everything look dandy.

Rating: 4/5

Book Spotlight

Book Spotlight #4: Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton

Veronica Porras (TTB)
Angelfire
Angelfire

Written by: Anjieeeb

Angelfire is a trilogy that is overshadowed by many other angel/nephilim YA trilogies, but it is just as good, and I would even say better than most. Angelfire kept me on my toes the entire time I was reading it, and the twists in the plot kept me up at night. This trilogy is a must read for fantasy and angel aficionados.

Book Title: Angelfire

Author: Courtney Allison Moutlon

Originally Published: 2011

Goodreads Summary:

First there are nightmares.
Every night Ellie is haunted by terrifying dreams of monstrous creatures that are hunting her, killing her.

Then come the memories.
When Ellie meets Will, she feels on the verge of remembering something just beyond her grasp. His attention is intense and romantic, and Ellie feels like her soul has known him for centuries. On her seventeenth birthday, on a dark street at midnight, Will awakens Ellie’s power, and she knows that she can fight the creatures that stalk her in the grim darkness. Only Will holds the key to Ellie’s memories, whole lifetimes of them, and when she looks at him, she can no longer pretend anything was just a dream.

Now she must hunt.
Ellie has power that no one can match, and her role is to hunt and kill the reapers that prey on human souls. But in order to survive the dangerous and ancient battle of the angels and the Fallen, she must also hunt for the secrets of her past lives and truths that may be too frightening to remember.

Tuesday Meme

Top Ten Books We’ve Read So Far In 2013

Veronica Porras (TTB)

toptentuesday-1Thank you The Broke and The Bookish for this wonderful Tuesday Feature.

Today’s Top Ten Tuesday is: Top Ten Books I’ve Read So Far In 2013! Today is the first post Anjie will be participating in so we will be splitting this post into my Top 5 and her Top 5. Here we go!

Veronica’s:

1. The Unearthly Trilogy by Cynthia Hand:

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand
Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Apart from The Infernal Devices, I hadn’t been enjoying any fantasy or paranormal series as of late but the Unearthly Trilogy made me remember why I loved reading Fantasy when I was younger. The plot twists, the characters, the world, and the roller coaster ride that are the books are something you need in your life. Trust me.

2. The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler

The Book of Broken Hearts
The Book of Broken Hearts by Srah Ockler

I am a fan of Sarah Ockler and her new book did not disappoint, but made my love for her books intensify. This book envelopes family, romance, and tragedy all in one. It will break your heart in a good way.

3. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

I don’t know what I could say to make you want to read this book. I will let the book speak for itself. Go buy it and then, we’ll talk.

4. Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally

Catching Jordan by Miranda
Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally

Who knew I could relate to a girl who is the captain of the football team, but I did. I loved this book in so many ways. This book was real, not in a tragic sense as we see in a lot of recent YA books, but in a sense how in life ,we don’t always get what we expect and sometimes, it is exactly what we need.

5. Perfect Scoundrels by Ally Carter

Perfect Scoundrels by Ally Carter
Perfect Scoundrels by Ally Carter

Kat Bishop is one of my favorite female characters of all time. This book brought out a whole new side to Kat and Hale. Any book by Ally Carter is like chocolate to me. Pure unadulterated chocolate.

 

Anjie’s:

6. The Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

Favorite book and favorite trilogy of all time. I thought it ended perfectly, it did smother me in feels but I was happy and it was truly beautiful and tragic at the same time.

Clockwork Princess by Casandra Clare
Clockwork Princess by Casandra Clare

7.The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead

The Indigo Spell (Bloodline #3) by Richelle Mead
The Indigo Spell (Bloodlines #3) by Richelle Mead

One word, SYDRIAN. It was beautiful and a cliffhanger in the end to keep you on your toes until the next book.

8.Boundless (Unearthly #3) by Cynthia Hand

Boundless (Unearthly #3) by Cynthia Hand
Boundless (Unearthly #3) by Cynthia Hand

This trilogy is one of my favorites and this last book was so intense and had so many twists, I thought my head was going to explode.

9. Shadows in the Silence by Courtney Allison Moulton

Shadows in the Silence by
Shadows in the Silence by Courtney Allison Moulton

Great ending to a great trilogy. The actions of the main character, Ellie, really helped make this a favorite.

10. The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter
The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

First book in the trilogy and it really surprised me. It’s a twist in the usual Greek mythology that will make you love Hades. It was an easy and entertaining read.

 

What are some of your Top Books of 2013?

Reviews, YA Paranormal

Short Book Review: Boundless (Unearthly #3) by Cynthia Hand

Veronica Porras (TTB)

boundless

Goodreads Summary:

The past few years have held more surprises than part-angel Clara Gardner could ever have anticipated. Yet from the dizzying highs of first love, to the agonizing low of losing someone close to her, the one thing she can no longer deny is that she was never meant to live a normal life.

Since discovering the special role she plays among the other angel-bloods, Clara has been determined to protect Tucker Avery from the evil that follows her . . . even if it means breaking both their hearts. Leaving town seems like the best option, so she’s headed back to California – and so is Christian Prescott, the irresistible boy from the vision that started her on this journey in the first place.

As Clara makes her way in a world that is frighteningly new, she discovers that the fallen angel who attacked her is watching her every move. And he’s not the only one. . . . With the battle against the Black Wings looming, Clara knows she must finally fulfill her destiny. But it won’t come without sacrifices and betrayal.

In the riveting finale of the Unearthly series, Clara must decide her fate once and for all.

Review:

I’m going to start off by talking about the epilogue. What the heck was that?! I even slept on it, hoping that in the morning my dislike of the epilogue would die down, but it has only intensified. People say that the epilogue of Clockwork Princess was bad, this was worse. Much worse.

This book had so many twists that once you start it, you will not be able to put it down. It had been a while since a series had done that to me. Boundless along with the rest of the Unearthly Trilogy sucked me in and I was gone. I had to keep reading. I neglected all of the other books I had been reading.

Clara and Christian came a long way, and Tucker broke my heart. So did Christian. I was surprised by how much I ended up loving Jeffrey. I think I can say that I almost love all of the characters equally. Cynthia Hand did a good job with making the reader become attached to every character. This book left me sad, with a pain in my chest, and it is not a story I will easily forget.

The Unearthly Trilogy is one of the best series I have ever read. 

Rating: 5/5

Rating System:

1/5: I hate it.

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

3/5: I like it /A fun read.

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

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

Reviews, YA Paranormal

Short Book Review: Hallowed (Unearthly #2) by Cynthia Hand

Veronica Porras (TTB)

hallowed-cynthia-hand

Goodreads Summary:

For months Clara Gardner trained to face the fire from her visions, but she wasn’t prepared for the choice she had to make that day. And in the aftermath, she discovered that nothing about being part angel is as straightforward as she thought.

Now, torn between her love for Tucker and her complicated feelings about the roles she and Christian seem destined to play in a world that is both dangerous and beautiful, Clara struggles with a shocking revelation: Someone she loves will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning.

In this compelling sequel to Unearthly, Cynthia Hand captures the joy of first love, the anguish of loss, and the confusion of becoming who you are.

Review:

All aboard the Cynthia Hand train!

I absolutely loved Hallowed. The writing was better. The plot got juicer. The love triangle became even more intense. Ladies and Gentlemen, the sequel to Unearthly was not just better, it was phenomenal. I seriously hope that Boundless, the last book in the Unearthly trilogy, does not falls short when put next to this book.

I don’t know exactly how I feel about Angela yet. Something about her seems to be off. I am also warming up to Christian, a lot. I would be a fool to say I am not starting to root for Christian. The twists that were in this novel regarding Clara’s father, Jeffrey and other characters were done great and I never saw them coming. It kept me on my toes. You know a book is good when it turns your mind into mush. 🙂

Rating: 5/5

Rating System:

1/5: I hate it.

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

3/5: I like it /A fun read.

4/5: I really like it.

5/5: I love it!

Book Spotlight

Book Spotlight #3 The Selection by Kiera Cass

Veronica Porras (TTB)

Book Spotlights are back! *pops fireworks*

I really love book spotlights because they give me a chance to feature a book that may not be featured otherwise that I love. This week we have The Selection, which is dystopian meets the bachelor meets a complicated love triangle. It seems to me that a lot of people haven’t read this book yet and I want to remedy that. It is a great book and the second book in the trilogy is out as well.

10507293

Book Title: The Selection

Author: Kiera Cass

Originally Published: 2012

Goodreads Summary:

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn’t want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she’s made for herself—and realizes that the life she’s always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.(

NA Romance, Reviews

Short Book Review: Crossing the Line Novella(Pushing the Limits #1.5) by Katie McGarry

Veronica Porras (TTB)

crossing the line (2)Goodreads Summary:

Lila McCormick, Echo’s best friend from Pushing the Limits, first met Lincoln Turner when tragedy struck both their lives. But she never expected their surprise encounter would lead to two years of exchanging letters—or that she’d fall for the boy she’s only seen once. Their relationship is a secret, but Lila feels closer to Lincoln than anyone else. Until she finds out that he lied to her about the one thing she depended on him for the most.

Hurting Lila is the last thing Lincoln wanted. For two years, her letters have been the only thing getting him through the day. Admitting his feelings would cross a line he’s never dared breach before. But Lincoln will do whatever it takes to fix his mistakes, earn Lila’s forgiveness—and finally win a chance to be with the girl he loves.

Review:

This is a nice fluffy read for those who loved Pushing the Limits. We get to see Lila, Echo’s best friend, in a new light as she is having to deal with her own problems. In Pushing the Limits, we saw her as the ditzy but protective best friend. I even doubted she would stay by Echo’s side, but in this story we see how much she loves Echo and that she would do anything for her. Even though it was short, it is a novella after all, I really liked it. In the few pages we  had, we got to know not only lila but lincoln really well and were able to understand and empathize. I almost want to say I liked Crossing the Line more than Pushing the Limits. If you liked Pushing the Limits, I’m pretty sure you’ll like this novella as well. (Both Echo and Noah make a cameo appearance.)

Rating: 4/5

Rating System:

1/5: I hate it.

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

3/5: I like it /A fun read.

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

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

Reviews, ya contemporary

Short Book Review: Catching Jordan (Hundred Oaks #1) by Miranda Keneally

Veronica Porras (TTB)

Score_CVR.indd

Goodreads Summary:

“Whoever said football and girls don’t mix hasn’t read Catching Jordan. I couldn’t put it down ” — Simone Elkeles, New York Times bestselling author of the Perfect Chemistry series

ONE OF THE BOYS

What girl doesn’t want to be surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out? Jordan Woods isn’t just surrounded by hot guys, though-she leads them as the captain and quarterback of her high school football team. They all see her as one of the guys and that’s just fine. As long as she gets her athletic scholarship to a powerhouse university.

But everything she’s ever worked for is threatened when Ty Green moves to her school. Not only is he an amazing QB, but he’s also amazingly hot. And for the first time, Jordan’s feeling vulnerable. Can she keep her head in the game while her heart’s on the line?

Review:

I was a bit skeptical about this book because I thought to myself I can not in any way relate to Jordan, I’m not a football player but after reading the first chapter at Barnes & Nobles, I went against my previous stance and bought the book. This book was perfect. Some people say it was cliche but I have a different opinion. To me it was the opposite of cliche. The love triangle was very different in the sense of I didn’t expect it to turn out like it did. I loved this book and the fact that Jordan stood up for herself and when she saw that something was wrong for her, she changed her behavior and did what was best for her. In YA we see a lot of female characters be at the mercy of the guy and I loved that Jordan was not that girl.

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!

Tuesday Meme

Top Five Books Dealing With Tough Subjects

Veronica Porras (TTB)

toptentuesday-1

(Disclaimer: My list this time is not detailed and is short. Why? I have finals next week but I don’t want to miss this week’s topic. I love my tuesday meme’s. They make me happy. *cue sappy music*)

Thank you The Broke and The Bookish for creating the Top Ten Tuesday Meme. It is lovely. Now onto this weeks Top Ten Tuesday List!

Top Ten Five Books Dealing With Tough Subjects

1. Looking For Alaska by John Green

2. The Liar Society by Lisa Roecker

3. Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen

4. Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

5. Amy and Roger’s Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

What are some books you thought would be fluffy or at least not as tough to read as you originally thought? or What are some books you knew would be tough to read but loved anyways?