ETERNAL EDEN.

Eternal Eden by Nicole Williams

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I'm a hopeless romantic (despite what people may think ;)) so I really enjoyed this book. For a debut I thought it was well executed. It lagged a bit in the beginning because I couldn't figure out what the big secret was. After I found out the basic premise of the story it flowed well for the rest of the book. I found that I was really irritated with some of the characters. And the way that the author had described these people, my emotions were on high alert! I felt myself cringing at John's touch or swooning whenever William was mentioned. It's slightly reminiscent of Twilight, and I hate to compare the two but I couldn't help but find some recurring themes between the two: forbidden love, good vs. evil, immortal vs. mortal, true love and a selfless need to do anything to protect the one you loved, as well as "marriage" before intimacy. I would say this is a definite recommendation for fans of Twilight. I do think there will be a lot of people that disagree with me and won't like this book because of the similar themes to Twilight but from a larger perspective the story as a whole is COMPLETELY different and, I think, definitely worth a read.



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DIVERGENT.

Divergent by Veronica Roth

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


For a debut novel I have to say that Veronica Roth truly out-did herself. This book was pure addiction. With dystopia being such a hot genre right now, this book completely blew me away with how different it was from other dystopias. Yes, there is a corrupt government hungry for power. Yes, there is a heroine fighting to save her life as well as the lives of those she loves. Yes, there is violence and blood and pain and love and an all too familiar reality. But this book is so much more than all of those things. It makes you think about the kind of person you are. Perhaps what faction you might fit into and if the decisions you make in life are because you are selfless, or brave, or honest, or smart, or kind. It's amazing. Truly a MUST-READ of 2011 if I ever saw one!!

For fans of "The Hunger Games" and "Matched".



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UNEARTHLY.

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I finally finished this book. It took me about two weeks and it wasn't for lack of trying!! I was so busy that I found myself reading only a few chapters each night. It was actually a good thing for me because I tend to fly through books and read them within a day or two and this way it stayed with me longer. It was great that the story was dragged out because that way it was able to stay with me longer. I really loved this story and it was a little different from other angel-themed books that I've read. Often, it is the guy that is the angel and he has to protect the girl, usually his love interest, from some crazy spiritual being that's trying to break them apart. In this story, Clara is an angel-blood. That means that she is part human and part angel. Her mother is an angel-blood and her father is a human. Every Angel-blood has a purpose and it starts to manifest within their 16th year of life. Your purpose is the reason for your existence basically. When you get to that age, you start having visions of your purpose. From the few clues that Clara has gotten from her visions, she and her family decide to move to Wyoming from California so Clara can meet the boy she sees in her vision that she thinks she is supposed to save.

In Wyoming, Clara encounters Christian, the boy from her visions and she finds that she's instantly attracted and drawn to him in more ways than just purpose-related. She also meets Wendy, a girl who is quick to welcome her when there are others who aren't so hospitable. I don't want to say more but this was a VERY good book and Clara finds herself torn between two worlds and two sides of herself; her Angelic side and the side of her that wants to be a regular human girl.



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DEMONGLASS.

BOOK TWO in the HEX HALL series by Rachel Hawkins.

Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This sequel was WAY better than it's predecessor! Not to say that "Hex Hall" wasn't good because I liked it, I did.. but not in the way that I fell in love with other books that I had read this year. So when I decided to read "Demonglass" it was more for the purpose of reading just because I had read the first one. But was I in for a shock!! This book had all the sarcasm, danger, excitement and romance that I wish the first one had a little bit more of.

I just LOVE the relationship between Sophie and Archer.. but I have to say that I also have a soft spot for Cal. I like that this book has a different twist on all things supernatural/paranormal. The book ended with so many unanswered questions and such a cliffhanger that I can't wait to read the next in the series. OH, and it alludes to another plot in the storyline that has to do with Sophie's mom. I was already suspicious but the ending only confirmed all that I had been guessing at! Good read :)



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THE SURVIVORS.

The Survivors by Amanda Havard

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


WOW. I'm saying this is amazing (HONESTLY) because it sounded really interesting when I read the plot of the story but I didn't think it was going to be THIS great. This takes supernatural to a whole new level. It deals with a basic story "Salem witch trials" and elevates it into this ridiculous supernatural ensemble!! I really loved the beginning of the story and Sadie's "memoirs" but I could not have foreseen where the story would go from mid-way into the book. I was very surprised and am definitely into this new genre of re-invented classics! Because it takes a common story like witch trials or Nosferatu and gives it a modern twist. LOVE!



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HEX HALL.

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This book was good. I wasn't completely ENAMORED by it but 3 stars is still pretty good coming from me. I thought that it had some funny parts here and there and did a good job of keeping with the "supernatural high school" theme. There wasn't much of a romance in this book if only fleetingly at times (I'm a hopeless romantic so I like the romance). The overall story is pretty different. Yes it includes witches, warlocks, vamps, fey and werewolves but the story isn't your typical "Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry" lol! It actually ventures away into white vs. dark witches, which I found interesting. I think I'll give "Demonglass" (the sequel) a try.



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WHERE SHE WENT.

Where She Went by Gayle Forman

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


When I first read "If I Stay," I was so affected by it that I kept thinking about it for days after. It got me thinking about all the things that matter in my life and I thought, "How could a book do that? Make you wonder about things you don't normally think of and bring it to such an important level for you to re-think their importance?" And I realized that Gayle Forman is one of those rare authors who really leaves her emotions on the page so that you feel them too.

One of my favorite things about "If I Stay" was the musical references. "Where She Went" had an abundance of artists and songs that only an audiophile would recognize at first glance. (ie: Sufjan Stevens... MAJOR BROWNIE POINTS!)

But what really captured me was the story. The first story was so heartbreaking, so devastatingly sad... you can't get passed the bad to see the good. Only in the very end can you see hope. In this sequel, I loved that it alluded to the sadness and loss and pain, but put in a twist here and there of happy memories, and these flashbacks were my favorite part of the book. It does what all good sequels do by filling in the blanks that the first story left out.

I loved this book, maybe even more than the first one and I think it's a great read for anyone who has lost someone that may struggle to make that next move. The next step in moving on. Such a great story, slightly tragic and exceedingly romantic. Started this book only earlier today and finished it in mere hours. Truly a GOODREAD.



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CITY OF FALLEN ANGELS.

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


[slightly spoilery, nothing major]

ONE DAY. That's all it took!! Became a shut-in reading this book! Quite reminiscent of the time I read "Deathly Hallows" which is saying something!!

AMAZING!!! Dark, dangerous, sexy! I love Cassie Clare's books because I know that when I'm picking up that book I'm in for a GREAT read. The storyline has all the love and drama and danger of all the previous Mortal Instruments books but this one stepped it up a HUGE notch! It was exciting from beginning to end and the ending left you with a sense of "Oh come on!! What happens next!" I love books like this that will keep me on my toes.

The same romantic love story between Jace and Clary is there but with an even sexier undertone than before. And the dangerous twist is an added bonus!

Simon having a more central role was also a nice change because I love getting to know more about other characters.

Isabelle is as beautifully dangerous as ever!! I love her relationship with Clary... and even Maia. Girls gotta stick together!

I do wish there had been more Alec and Magnus action but hey, sometimes even characters need to take a break. (pun intended).

All the other characters, Luke, Jocelyn, Maryse were all great too, as well as some newbies that I quite enjoyed!!

This book ended on such a cliffhanger I will not know what to do with myself until the next books come out! (Oh that's right! I'll read Clockwork Prince ;))

Anyway, amazing book, amazing read, amazing plot... just AMAZING. Loved it cover to cover!



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MATCHED.

Matched by Ally Condie

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Good storyline. A little reminiscent of "The Hunger Games" but only that it's set in the future in a society ruled by the government. I loved how the story could have gone one of two ways. And when you're reading it you really don't know how it's going to end up at first. I also liked the characters and felt attached to both Xander and Ky. I like books that don't make you favor one over the other right away, that way each character gets an equal following. =) I also really liked Cassia as the main character. You can tell that she's torn over what to do and she's not entirely selfish like most other leading ladies. I'm curious to see how the rest of the story plays out.



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I AM NUMBER FOUR.

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Really good read. Very different story. I don't read much sci-fi but I enjoyed this one. Can't wait for the next book and in the mean time I might catch the movie adaptation. Definitely recommend for sci-fi fans.



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Nine of us came here. We look like you. We talk like you. We live among you. But we are not you. We can do things you dream of doing. We have powers you dream of having. We are stronger and faster than anything you have ever seen. We are the superheroes you worship in movies and comic books—but we are real.

Our plan was to grow, and train, and become strong, and become one, and fight them. But they found us and started hunting us first. Now all of us are running. Spending our lives in shadows, in places where no one would look, blending in. we have lived among you without you knowing.

But they know.

They caught Number One in Malaysia.
Number Two in England.
And Number Three in Kenya.
They killed them all.

I am Number Four.

I am next.

READING LIST 2010.

(I've recently posted this under the BOOKS section of my blog, but I have yet to fix those other pages to make each post a NEW post as opposed to just one post that I continue to update. Anyway here is the list of books that I read in 2010.)

Here is a list of books that I read in 2010. This isn't a complete list, just the ones I remembered to keep track of. A lot of these books became some of my very favorites. So if you are looking for something new to read, check out this list and see which suits your fancy. Also, I've posted a lot of reviews for various books on this list under the HOME section of my blog. Look through them before you decide, however some may contain spoilers.

1.) The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
2.) Catching Fire (a Hunger Games novel) by Suzanne Collins
3.) The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
4.) The Mortal Instruments: City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
5.) The Mortal Instruments: City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
6.) Sweet Little Lies (an L.A. Candy novel) by Lauren Conrad
7.) Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen
8.) Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
9.) The Magicians by Lev Grossman
10.) The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner (a Twilight novella) by Stephenie Meyer
11.) The Carrie Diaries by Candace Bushnell
12.) White Cat by Holly Black
13.) Charlie St. Cloud by Ben Sherwood
14.) Eat, Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
15.) If I Stay by Gayle Forman
16.) Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr
17.) Ink Exchange (a Wicked Lovely novel) by Melissa Marr
18.) Mockingjay (the final book in the Hunger Games trilogy) by Suzanne Collins
19.) Fragile Eternity (a Wicked Lovely novel) by Melissa Marr
20.) Clockwork Angel (the 1st novel in the Infernal Devices series) by Cassandra Clare
21.) Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
22.) Sugar & Spice (the final book in the L.A. Candy series) by Lauren Conrad
23.) Beautiful Darkness (the second book in the Caster Chronicles) by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
24.) Fallen by Lauren Kate
25.) Torment (a Fallen novel) by Lauren Kate
26.) Incarceron by Catherine Fisher

So there's my list! and I've also started the book following Incarceron entitled Sapphique by Catherine Fisher. Pretty good so far...

TORMENT.

The second novel in Lauren Kate's "Fallen" series.


"How many lives do you need to live before you find someone worth dying for? In the aftermath of what happened at Sword & Cross, Luce has been hidden away by her cursed angelic boyfriend, Daniel, in a new school filled with Nephilim, the offspring of fallen angels and humans. Daniel promises she will be safe here, protected from those who would kill her. At the school Luce discovers what the Shadows that have followed her all her life mean - and how to manipulate them to see into her other lives. Yet the more Luce learns about herself, the more she realizes that the past is her only key to unlocking her future...and that Daniel hasn't told her everything. What if his version of the past isn't actually the way things happened...what if Luce was really meant to be with someone else?"


NOTE: contains MAJOR spoilers. just saying.


Torment by Lauren Kate

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Great book!! I still wish we were able to find out a little bit more about Daniel and Luce as they were in the past. Such a tease!! And the only disappointment that I have (okay two disappointments)

1.) That Luce and Daniel (who have supposedly loved each other for thousands of years in different lifetimes, in different settings, and almost always come to find each other no matter where they are) struggle with the most minutiae of problems in this book. I mean it's one thing for Daniel to be completely beside himself with fear that Luce is just going to burst into flames right in front of him (let's face it, it's happened to him more times than he can count), yet whenever they get together they fight over the most trivial of things (her hair color, why can't she know the truth?, and why can't she be with him now?). What happened to all that trust that Luce had in Daniel in "Fallen"? Suddenly she forgot that she SHOULD trust his judgment when after all she trusted him when he told her that she was reincarnated every 17 years and that every single one of her lifetimes they fall in love resulting in her ultimate demise! It's just a little ridiculous to think that she could believe that, yet not believe him when he tells her to not leave school and be safe because people are hunting her.

Also, her turning around to kiss another guy?? Really?? I thought you were so in love that you are beside yourself with an overflowing devotion each time you're near him!! Did Luce happen to forget all of that when Miles showed up at her window?? I don't know, maybe it's just me. (I'm ranting; but I just hate that people who are so "devoted" can turn around and betray their "true love" like that. ie: Bella and Edward are engaged, Bella kisses Jacob; Bella is a slut.) & i know i know!! this is all a part of the reason why these books are so addicting... because they're written so well where you hate to love the 3rd wheel which in this case is Miles, because he really is a sweetheart.

and 2.) (despite my qualms about Daniel and Luce's destructive (literally!!) relationship, I am a hopeless romantic despite all that. And I love the parts of the book when they are together and sweet to each other, because they truly are in love. So with that said, the next book cannot come out sooner, and the ending was an AWFUL way to make readers wait until next year.... with so many unanswered questions and DYING to know what happens next :)! Loved it! Agonizingly waiting for 'Passion' to come out next summer. Lucky for me I have a growing list of books to read to tie me over until then.



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FALLEN.

Fallen by Lauren Kate

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Really good read. Easy to follow the storyline once you get a grip on who the different characters are. I have to admit that before reading I read a review that explained the big secret but I was still surprised and it actually helped my confusion to know what the deal was with Daniel and Luce. I think people who follow religion will be interested in reading this because it does allude to particular things that one might be more familiar with if they've studied religion or are a bit more familiar with the Bible. SPOILERY: for example, a girl named Gabbe, short for Gabrielle, that happens to also be an angel... Angel Gabriel ring a bell? Or the snake in the grass is quite reminiscent of the serpent in the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Or perhaps these are all merely coincidental. :) Either way, this book was very interesting and surprising. But what I loved most was the romantic element. These are star-crossed lovers who can rival even Romeo & Juliet! (just the premise of the story, not that the writing is as brilliant as Shakespeare... however still well-written) The story, when you really look at it, is truly heart-breaking, and I wish more of the novel had revolved around it instead of prepping you for it. Because you really don't get to the "good stuff" until the book is almost finished. Still, couldn't put it down and can't wait to pick up the sequel, "Torment."



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SUGAR AND SPICE.

I know most of my posts have been about books but what can I say? I'm a huge bookworm. And also, I haven't had time to post all of the craftier things I've been doing like knits and jewelry. But those things will be coming soon. Anyway, I posted my review of "Beautiful Darkness" by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl but I forgot that before I read that book I finished "L.A. Candy" by Lauren Conrad so here is my review for that.

Sugar and Spice by Lauren Conrad

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Read this book in a day. Such an easy read and I wish it was a bit longer. I always say if you're a fan of "The Hills" then this particular series will be perfect for you. This is the last book in Lauren Conrad's "L.A. Candy series" and I have to say that I was a little surprised at how abruptly it ended. When I picked it up I didn't realize it was the last book in the series, so the ending leaves a LOT to be desired because you wonder what the story is after it ends. Other than that, overall it was a pretty good read.



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BEAUTIFUL DARKNESS.

Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This book was just as good as the first if not better! I really loved the introduction of new characters and how the story worked around them as well as the existing main characters. Lena and Ethan's relationship has such a great storyline and at times even though it was a little heartbreaking it was all necessary to make a great and surprising story. Truly loved it and can't wait for the next in the series. I feel like I always say this, but it's easily become one of my favorites! :)



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BEAUTIFUL CREATURES.

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Ethan cannot wait until he graduates to get out of his small, predictable town of Gatlin, North Carolina. The most exciting thing to happen each year is the reenactment of the civil war.

Gatlin seems to be the town that time forgot and as Ethan struggles to find something to tie him to this little town, after his mother passed away last Spring and his father has unexpectedly become the town recluse as a result, he finds himself being drawn to the new student at Jackson High, Lena Duchannes. The irony? Lena is the niece of the town's "Boo Radley" which immediately makes her an outcast with most of the people in town AND Lena happens to be the unnamed face of a girl that Ethan has been having very realistic dreams about for the past couple of months.

The story unravels into a twisted dark fantasy about love, loss and life as a secret Lena's unwilling to share turns Ethan's entire world into chaos. An unforgettable and addicting read! Great story! Loved all the plot twists. Puts a modern take on classic southern setting. I really enjoyed all of the allusions to modern ideas. The dark fantasy of the book was really enhanced with the theme of it being set in the South. I really loved that the storyline was completely unpredictable and truly something I had never read before. Absolutely a favorite!! Can't wait for the sequel "Beautiful Darkness" which will be available October 12, 2010.



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CLOCKWORK ANGEL.

the Infernal Devices book one...


NOTE** contains minor spoilers.

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I LOVED Clockwork Angel just as much as TMI. I think I may like MI more just because I've been able to read 3 books in that particular world as opposed to 1 in ID. I have to say the plot twists really threw me for a loop but I cannot wait to see what happens to Tessa, Will and Jem along with Jessamine, Sophie, Charlotte, Henry and even Gabriel because his character left me intrigued. It's like Alec (the Lightwood part) with Jace's attitude which I love the idea of!! Can't believe I have to wait an entire year to find out what happens next! Book was amazing and I highly recommend it for Cassandra Clare fans or just fans of fantasy in general.



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MOCKINGJAY.

the final book in The Hunger Games trilogy...


NOTE** contains spoilers!!



I knew that I would read this book within a day. The first two in the series were SO good I just could not put them down after I started reading. I just wanted to know the ending so badly that I sped through the pages until all my questions were answered. This is a story that stays with you for many days after you've finished reading it. It's a story about war, loss, love and freedom. And about how it's not just a game when peoples' lives are at stake...

As I literally am turning the last page I cannot even begin to describe what an emotional ride this series has been. "Mockingjay" marks an AMAZING ending to an already amazing series. The surprises and twists that this book sends you on is a palpable thing. You feel like a player in the games; constantly glancing over your shoulder to see if you're being chased. I kept turning the pages and getting ahead of myself to find out if my favorite characters would survive. Katniss and Peeta's relationship was always expected to triumph, but the problems that occured along the way caught me off guard. I really love Gale's character, but as the story evolved I knew that he wasn't right for Katniss. It is perfect that he is her best friend only, as it should be. And I can honestly say that although the ending was quite unexpected, I knew there would be some ridiculous turn of events after a 76th hunger games was announced!! The epilogue was a sweet ending with the line, "there are much worse games to play." Collins has done it again in writing a sequel that surpasses the novel that precedes it. Such a fantastically and intelligently written series. I rank this trilogy as high as i do Harry Potter, which is high praise indeed. A definite MUST READ!

THE HUNGER GAMES.

Just a heads up that "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins (the third and FINAL book of The Hunger Games trilogy) comes out tomorrow August 24, 2010. It is an AMAZING series that I cannot wait to finish and if you haven't read this series you are truly missing out. That is all. :)

WICKED LOVELY.

Finished this book in a frenzy to find out the ending. I found myself torn between flying through the pages to savoring the last two chapters because I didn't want the story to end!! It's a great thing however, that there are still three more books to the series, not including this one, and a 5th apparently that should be out sometime next spring. I was so engaged in this book and the storyline that I couldn't sleep; I just kept turning pages. It really draws you into this fantastical world filled with crazy, unique and terrifying characters that you almost wonder whether or not the author was inebriated or high when she thought it up and wrote about it. Anyone who can think up a story world like this must be very gifted indeed.

I was really surprised by how much i liked this book. I do tend to go for Y/A fantasy-fiction and this book was on my list for a while but I was just never that drawn to it that I HAD to pick it out of all others on my list. Suffice it to say that I wish I had picked it up sooner! Melissa Marr does a fantastic job mixing faery tale with modern concepts and emotions. Problems that arise in her story, although quite extraordinary and unique, will still stir up emotions that readers can relate to. It was a good stepping stone in understanding the folklore and legends surrounding the idea of faeries. Most concepts were easy to understand if you've read The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare because some terms and ideas overlap between the two sagas.

You grow close to the characters and torn between which ones you should like and which ones you should... not entirely hate but like a little less given the circumstances. I found myself really despising Keenan's character at first but when it became apparent as to who he was to end up with everything cleared up. Aislinn was a favorite from the beginning, as were Donia and Seth. You really feel attached to these characters, as in any other story that draws your attention enough to finish the book within a couple days, and find yourself secretly hoping the end goes well for them. Very well thought out writing and researching went into this book which you can tell by the way the words just suck you into the story and the romantic chemistry between the characters is an added bonus.

Rule #3: Don't stare at invisible faeries.

Aislinn has always seen faeries. Powerful and dangerous, they walk hidden in mortal world. Aislinn fears their cruelty—especially if they learn of her Sight—and wishes she were as blind to their presence as other teens.

Rule #2: Don't speak to invisible faeries.

Now faeries are stalking her. One of them, Keenan, who is equal parts terrifying and alluring, is trying to talk to her, asking questions Aislinn is afraid to answer.

Rule #1: Don't ever attract their attention.

But it's too late. Keenan is the Summer King who has sought his queen for nine centuries. Without her, summer itself will perish. He is determined that Aislinn will become the Summer Queen at any cost—regardless of her plans or desires.

Suddenly none of the rules that have kept Aislinn safe are working anymore, and everything is on the line: her freedom; her best friend, Seth; her life; everything.

Faerie intrigue, mortal love, and the clash of ancient rules and modern expectations swirl together in Melissa Marr's stunning 21st century faery tale.


Check out my review of Wicked Lovely and other books at good reads.