REVIEW: Fracture Me (Shatter Me # 2.5) by Tahereh Mafi

Fracture Me (Shatter Me #2.5)  by Tahereh Mafi

Publication Date: December 17, 2013

Publisher: HarperCollins

Source: eBook Purchased by Reviewer

Buy it at: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

My rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

In this electrifying sixty-page companion novella to the New York Times bestselling Shatter Me series, discover the fate of the Omega Point rebels as they go up against The Reestablishment . Set during and soon after the final moments of Unravel Me, Fracture Me is told from Adam's perspective.


As Omega Point prepares to launch an all-out assault on The Reestablishment soldiers stationed in Sector 45, Adam's focus couldn't be further from the upcoming battle. He's reeling from his breakup with Juliette, scared for his best friends life, and as concerned as ever for his brother James safety. And just as Adam begins to wonder if this life is really for him, the alarms sound. It's time for war.

On the battlefield, it seems like the odds are in their favor - but taking down Warner, Adam's newly discovered half brother, wont be that easy. The Reestablishment can't tolerate a rebellion, and they'll do anything to crush the resistance...including killing everyone Adam has ever cared about. 

WTH?!?! I mean seriously, WTH?!?! From day one I have always been on the rare and "exclusive" Team Adam and now I'm seriously starting to wonder why. This was such a disappointing read for me. I mean, I don't even know who this person is but he's not MY Adam!! My Adam would NEVER think those horrible thoughts about Juliette. NEVER! I had a completely different idea about what this story would show me. I thought Adam's POV would be perfect. Seeing his love for Juliette and how strong and brave and caring he is. But now I'm learning that's he's not ANY of those things!!!

The only bright side to this is that we get to see just how badass Kenji is. I mean honestly, the swoons are sever here guys. He's just so dreamy!!! And James! James has more personality and bravery and strength in one pinky than Adam has ever had in his life!! Gotta love that kid!! So with all that said, I'm just dying to know where Tahereh is going with this story. There are so many different outcomes that my heart is aching just thinking about them all...wondering what outcome she will chose to give these characters...

REVIEW: Where She Went (If I Stay #2) by Gayle Forman

Where She Went (If I Stay #2)  by Gayle Forman

Publication Date: April 5, 2011

Publisher: Dutton Juvenile 

Source: Book Purchased by Reviewer

Buy it at: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

It’s been three years since the devastating accident…three years since Mia walked out of Adam’s life forever.

Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Julliard’s rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia’s home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future- and each other.

There were so many things that I liked about this book...but also a few that I disliked. Lets start with the likes...

I have to admit that I had really high hopes for this book. So naturally I feel a little let down by it. I mean, after If I Stay was such a beautifully heartbreaking story within the first chapter. I kind of expected this one to be just as emotional and beautiful. That's where the let down is for me.

My biggest thing is that Adam turned into such a douche! Actually a selfish and kind of heartless douche! I mean I get that he was broken hearted by what Mia did and by the whole situation but I really feel like his character should've handled it a lot better. I mean even when he finally sees Mia again and spends all that time with her that night it just all seems so forced and fake and that's because it's just not him. That's not who he is. Now don't get me wrong. I get WHY he would turn into the person he did but I just don't get how he could turn that way. That's not the Adam we knew from If I Stay. That's not the Adam we saw fight to see Mia in the hospital. Not the Adam we saw beg her stay in the first place. It's just not OUR Adam. But I guess you can never know how certain situations can change people and maybe this has always been the route Adam would take. I just thought he was stronger than all of that. Really, I think I'm just kind of fed up with all of my favorite characters changing their whole personality so suddenly. It just doesn't seem right to me and that seems to be a recurring theme lately that doesn't sit well with me. But im rambling...lets move on.

On a bright note, I am happy at the outcome of the relationship. Though not so happy on the road that took them there, it's still what I had hopes for the entire time and the author just wouldn't have done the book or the characters justice if she had chosen any other outcome. The ending was a little disappointing because it's just not what I saw happening in my head.

Overall, it was still a great book and I highly recommend reading this story!

  

FEATURE: It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (#1)

***It's Monday! What Are You Reading? Is a weekly meme hosted by Book Journey***

Hi Swooners!

Here's my list of what I Finished, am Currently Reading, and what is Next in Line:

FINISHED:

CURRENTLY READING:

NEXT IN LINE:

FEATURE: Waiting on Wednesday (#10)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Hi Swooners :-)

This week my "can't-wait-to-read" pre-publication selection is:

The Retribution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Expected release date: June 10, 2014

Links: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

So there's no synopsis of the book on Goodreads (or anywhere else!) which is making me absolutly CRAZY!!! I mean, half the time those things never really quite match the book anyway, but at least it's something to hold on to until the book releases...CANT.FRICKEN.WAIT!!!!

Quotes (#6)

Hi Swooners,

So you know it's always a little crazy around the Holidays, right? Well, even though i've been a little slower with my reading lately doesn't mean I haven't been thinking about all these wonderful books to read. So, in honor of my obsessive personality, i've decided to share with you what i'm completely obsessed with lately. Here are some quotes from one of my all-time favorite books!!! One guess what that is!! (hehe)

"Books are easily destroyed. But words will live as long as people can remember them." Tahereh Mafi, Unravel Me

"Sticks and stones keep breaking my bones but these words, these words will kill me." Tahereh Mafi, Unravel Me

"Time goes on even when we do not." Tahereh Mafi, Unravel Me

"Tattoos, for example, are very hard to forget. I think there's something about the impermanence of life these days that makes it necessary to etch ink into our skins. It reminds us that we've been marked by the world, that we're still alive. That we'll never forget." Tahereh Mafi, Unravel Me

"'The truth," he says, "is a painful reminder of why I prefer to live among the lies.'" Tahereh Mafi, Unravel Me

"You know, you have a really strange way of telling me you're attracted to me." Tahereh Mafi, Unravel Me

"Nothing in this life will ever make sense to me but I can't help but try to collect the change and hope it's enough to pay for our mistakes." Tahereh Mafi, Unravel Me

"I'm falling apart and into his heart and i'm a disaster." Tahereh Mafi, Unravel Me

"I don't know much about anything in this world but I do know how to read the book written in his eyes." Tahereh Mafi, Unravel Me


Yea, i'm obsessing over Unravel Me BIG TIME folks!! Like, it's a serious problem right now. I just CAN'T FRICKEN WAIT for IGNITE ME to release already...is it February yet!??!!

REVIEW: Brooke (Under the Never Sky #2.5) by Veronica Rossi

Brooke (Under the Never Sky #2.5)  by Veronica Rossi

Publication Date: November 26, 2013

Publisher: HarperCollins

Source: eBook Purchased by Reviewer

Buy it at: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

The only fight she can’t win is the one for Perry’s heart. Following the stunning climax in Through the Ever Night, the Tides have been forced to see shelter from the Aether storms in a dismal, secluded cave. But Brooke’s memories of the cave go back much further, to when she and Perry used to come here together. That was before Perry fell in love with Aria and before Vale’s dealings with the Dwellers altered the course of the Tides forever.

Now, with her sister back from the haunting year in captivity and Aria lying unconscious in the sick bay, Brooke struggles to put the pieces of her life back together. Without Perry, who is she? And what is her role in this frightening new world? As these questions swirl about her, an old threat to the Tides resurfaces, and Brooke is forced to put the lives of her people before her own. But in taking this step outside herself, Brooke may finally discover what she truly wants.

When I first heard that Veronica Rossi was doing a novella in Brooke’s POV, I was less than happy. I never considered her more than a secondary character and definitely not to the point of needing her own story, but it was actually better than I thought it would be. Seeing her struggle with everything happening around her struck a chord with me. I will say, however, that I wasn’t in love with it.

Though, Brooke does seem to change a lot in this novella and I hope that Veronica Rossi shows a little bit more of this new side of Brooke in Into the Still Blue, I just feel like it was kind of forced. It all happened so quickly and slightly unnaturally. I hate to give spoilers, so the only other thing I will say that bothered me is that on her journey to move on from Perry, she takes a turn into scandalous waters. Not her best move, at all!

BUT…seeing her mature and grow up a bit was a nice change to her usually nasty demeanor, and it was pretty nasty in the novella. I enjoyed seeing her soften up a bit and learn to be a better person. I’m pretty sure that her sister, Clara, being back had a huge influence on that but I can also see that it was also her wanting to be a better person for her sister and her people. She’s a natural protector and I absolutely LOVE that about her because that’s how I am in my life. It’s my natural instinct to protect people and that’s something that me and Brooke share, which of course makes me relate to her more.

So overall, though there were some thing’s I disliked about this novella, I think it was a great read and great insight into Brooke.  Let’s see what Veronica does with this in Into the Still Blue!

FEATURE: Book Blitz: Ocean's Gift by Demelza Carlton

Ocean‘s Gift

(Ocean‘s Gift #1)

Blurb:

Sirens don’t fall in love with humans. For centuries it has been so…

But Sirena is different. She lost her first love to sharks and a storm, cursing the islands that

stole him from her. Times have changed and she must swim ashore once more, at the islands she once cursed.

Gone are the boats powered by sail and steam – jet boats with GPS are now the order of the day.

Enter Joe, the deckhand on the Dolphin. A handy man to have around when the lights go out. He’ll fix your generator and have the lights back on in no time, no worries. But can he seduce a siren? Or will she swim away, before he can uncover her secret?

A story about fishing, lobsters, beer and boobs, on some cursed islands off the West Australian coast. At least that’s how Joe tells it.

For Sirena, it’s a very different story.

Amazon / Barnes& Noble / Kobo / Smashwords 

Book Trailer:

Ocean‘s Infiltrator

(Ocean‘s Gift #2)

Blurb:

Sirena’s voice deals death and destruction with a single song. How long will Sirena let Joe live, now that he knows her secret?

Laila and Cantrella travel west to meet their sisters in the Atlantic Ocean, but the warm welcome they receive is shallower than the surrounding seas.

Mysterious Alexandre – who is he and what happened to him?

A story about seduction and sharks, parenthood and penguins, with plenty of beer and boobs to keep it interesting, at some coral islands off the coast of Western Australia, plus a few other places, too.

Trouble, take two. You’ll never look at mermaids the same way again.

Amazon / Barnes& Noble / Smashwords / Kobo

Meet the Author

Demelza Carlton

Demelza Carlton has always loved the ocean, but on her first snorkelling trip she found she was afraid of fish.

She has since swum with sea lions, sharks and sea cucumbers and stood on spray drenched cliffs over a seething sea as a seven-metre cyclonic swell surged in, shattering a shipwreck below.

Sensationalist spin? Hardly. She takes a camera with her to photograph such things to share later. She asserts that sharks are camera shy.

Demelza now lives in Perth, Western Australia, the shark attack capital of the world.

Twitter / Goodreads / Website

BLOG TOUR: Excerpt+GIVEAWAY: Girls Are Players (G.A.P. #2) by Ingrid Seymour

Girls Are Players (G.A.P. #2) by Ingrid Seymour

Publication Date: December 4, 2013

Publisher: PenDreams

Source: Provided by Author

Buy it at: Amazon

Tour Organized by: Oops I Read a Book Again

THE BOOK:

Jessica Norton is a villain in the body of a gorgeous, rich, college girl. She cheats, lies, plays with people’s feelings, and purposely breaks unsuspecting hearts to avenge a personal loss. She’s the kind of girl people love to hate- even if it’s just because she has it all. Except…she doesn't have it all. What she wants most is the love of her high school sweetheart, Taylor Drennon, the guy who got away, the one who left without telling her why and caused all her bitterness.

Not surprisingly, Jessica’s evil has made her a pariah. Alone, without friends or Taylor’s love, her college life is a nightmare. She’s haunted by her own mistakes and drowning in lack of direction. Something needs to change. So when the first opportunity to turn her life around presents itself, she takes it. Home for Christmas break, Jessica runs into Taylor. His unexpected friendliness seems like an invitation to rekindle their love. Inspired by a drastic idea that will both distance her from her heinous reputation and pull her closer to Taylor, she decides to transfer to OSU where he attends under a football scholarship.

Confident she can regain his heart, Jessica reenters Taylor’s life with a splash. Failing to naturally lure him closer, she is then forced to rely on her old games and underhanded scheming. Though Jessica’s heart is in the right place, it is hidden from Taylor by her blunders. More than once their powerful chemistry takes control, leading Jessica to believe she’s winning. But, it’s a hot and cold affair, and she’s not the only one to blame for their stormy love. If Jessica can only coax Taylor into explaining why he doesn't want her, maybe she could finally walk away from him for good, maybe she could finally be happy.

THE AUTHOR:

About Ingrid Seymour

Ingrid Seymour loves, loves, loves to write. Her favorite genres are Young Adult and New Adult fiction.  Her debut novel “The Guys Are Props Club” is an NA contemporary romance which she immensely enjoyed writing.  Her favorite outings involve a trip to the library or bookstore where she immediately gravitates toward the YA section. She’s an avid reader and fangirl of many amazing books. She’s sure that one day she’ll see one of her books made into a movie. She likes to dream big ;)

Website / Facebook  / Twitter  / Pinterest / Goodreads / Newsletter 

EXCERPT:

Taylor stood in the shadow of one of the large, open French doors, but I knew it was him immediatly. The slant of his shoulders, the casual way he stood with one hand inside his pocket, not to mention his tall, elegant frame.

I felt myself melt into a puddle.

He was just a guy, for God's sake - nothing more than a flesh and blood man. He shouldnt have this power over me, not after all this time.

He stepped out of the shadows. Moonlight fell on his face, and I nearly gasped. He was smiling tentatively, silver eyes wide and expectant. His smooth, brown hair wasnt cropped like the last time i'd seen him. It was a little long and stylish. A questioning arch disturbed the perfect line of his eyebrows.

"Jessica," he greeted in a low tone.

I blinked several times as I waited for my brain to jump start my lungs. My name on his lips, a sound I once took for granted, now literally left me breathless.

THE GIVEAWAY:

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FEATURE: Waiting on Wednesday (#9)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Hi Swooners :-)

This week my "can't-wait-to-read" pre-publication selection is:

Being Sloane Jacobs by Lauren Morrill

Expected release date: January 7, 2014

Links: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Summary from Goodreads:

Meet Sloane Emily Jacobs: a seriously stressed-out figure-skater from Washington, D.C., who choked during junior nationals and isn’t sure she’s ready for a comeback. What she does know is that shed give anything to escape the mass of misery that is her life.

Not meet Sloane Devon Jacobs, a spunky ice hockey player from Philly who’s been suspended from her team for too many aggressive hip checks. Her punishment? Hockey camp, now, when she’s playing the worst she’s ever played. If she messes up? Her life will be over.

When the two Sloanes meet by chance in Montreal and decide to trade places for the summer, each girl thinks she’s the lucky one: no strangers to judge or laugh at Sloane Emily, no scouts expecting Sloane Devon to be a hero. But it didn’t occur to Sloane E, that while avoiding sequins and axels she might meet a hockey hottie-and Sloane D, never expected to run into a familiar (and very good-looking) face from home. Its not long before the Sloanes discover that convincing people you’re someone else might be more difficult than being yourself.

Well color me intrigued!!! This sounds like such a fun read!! Cant wait!

BLOG HOP: The Twelve Days of New Adult Giveaway Hop

Hi swooners,

Welcome to The Twelve Days of New Adult Giveaway Hop. This hop is hosted by Stuck In Books

As many of you may already know, I absolutely LOVE New Adult books! So in honor of that, I am giving away one eBook of your choice by author J. Lynn.

Giveaway:

• 1 eBook of any New Adult title from author J. Lynn

• 1 winner will be picked (US ONLY)

• Ends December 12, 2013

• Hosted by Lexi Swoons

Rules:

• To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form below

• Must be 18 years of age or older

• Contest is open to US entries ONLY

• Winner will be announced on the blog via Rafflecopter

• Winner will be notified via email

• Check out my giveaway policy for more info

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Below is a list of bloggers who ALSO have a giveaway! Dont forget to check them out too!

FEATURE: Book Blast + Giveaway: Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi and Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige

Hi Swooners,

Sorry for the looooong delay in getting this giveaway started. It's been a crazy three weeks for me! Here is my first giveaway for two awesome excerpts I received from YALLFest 2013!!

The first excerpt is for:

Ignite Me (Shatter Me #3) by Tahereh Mafi

Expected release date: February 4, 2014

Links: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Summary from Goodreads:

Juliette now knows she may be the only one who can stop the Reestablishment. But to take them down, she’ll need the help of the one person she never thought she could trust: Warner. And as they work together, Juliette will discover that everything she thought she knew-about Warner, her abilities, and even Adam-was wrong.

The second excerpt is for:

Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige

Expected release date: April 1, 2014

Links: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

 

Summary from Goodreads:

I didn’t ask for any of this. I didn’t ask to be some kind of here.

But when your whole life gets swept up by a tornado-taking you with it-you have no choice but to go along, you know?

Sure, I’ve read the books. I’ve seen the movies. I know the song about the rainbow and the happy little blue birds. But I never expected Oz to look like this. To be a place where Good Witches can’t be trusted, Wicked Witches may just be the good guys, and winged monkeys can be executed for acts of rebellion. There’s still the yellow brick road, though-but even that’s crumbling.

What happened?

Dorothy. They say she found a way to come back to Oz. they say she seized power and the power went to her head. And now no one is safe.

My name is Amy Gumm-and I’m the other girl from Kansas.

I’ve been recruited by the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked.

I've been trained to fight.

And I have a mission:

Remove the Tin Woodman’s heart.

Steal the scarecrows brain.

Take the Lions courage.

Then and only then-Dorothy must die!

Giveaway:

• 3 excerpts of Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi and Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige

• 3 winners will be picked (US ONLY)

• Ends December 14, 2013

• Hosted by Lexi Swoons

Rules:

• To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form below

• Must be 18 years of age or older

• Contest is open to US entries ONLY

• Winners will be announced on the blog via Rafflecopter

• Winners will be notified via email

• Check out my giveaway policy for more info

a Rafflecopter giveaway

BLOG TOUR: Book Blitz and Giveaway for Sworn to Conflict (Courtlight #3) by Terah Edun

SWORN TO CONFLICT, the third book in Terah Edun’s young adult fantasy COURTLIGHT series, will be released this December 6! Not familiar with the series? Check all three books in here and get a chance to win awesome prizes!

Title: Sworn to Conflict (Courtlight #3)

Author: Terah Edun

Date of Publication: December 6, 2013

Ciardis Weathervane fought for the living dead and won. But worse than taking on a mass murderer, was her discovery that she had been deceived by her friends. Now she needs to not only fight a war in the North and survive, but also decide where she stands in the midst of competing sides.

A threat to all she holds dear lies in the North and her heart is not the only thing she might lose. A massive army awaits in the mountain pass, surging closer to the gates of the southern lands. Nothing the Algardis army has done so far has dissuaded their march forward and Ciardis finds out that her powers to enhance are needed now more than ever.

As she faces her greatest fears on the battlefields and her heart is torn between her love of Sebastian and loyalty to her family, Ciardis must choose her fate carefully. For in her path, lies the destiny of the empire.

This third novel continues the story of Ciardis Weathervane from Sworn To Transfer.

For those new with the series (you can catch up now!), here are the blurbs for the first two books.

Title: Sworn to Raise (Courtlight #1)

Author: Terah Edun

Date of Publication: April 10, 2013

Seventeen-year-old Ciardis has grown up in poverty, a cleaner in a small vale on the outskirts of the empire. But beneath her empire’s seemingly idyllic surface lies a hidden secret. Whispers of an inept crown Prince are growing ever louder—intensified by the five year anniversary of the soulbond initiations.

Amidst scandalous whispers, Ciardis finds herself chosen to train for the Companion’s Guild. She leaves her home and sets off on a personal journey to become a Court Companion. A position she’d never thought possible for a lowly servant to obtain, she must prove that she has the skills to attract a Patron.

But she must master those skills quickly. If the legends are true, only Ciardis can harness the power to raise a Prince in an Imperial Court sworn to bring him down.

This sensational series debut melds intricate storylines with remarkable characters and unforgettable magic. Sworn To Raise is ideal for fans of Kristin Cashore, Michelle Sagara, and Maria Snyder.

Purchase from Amazon | B&N

Title: Sworn to Transfer (Courtlight #2)

Author: Terah Edun

Date of Publication: September 17, 2013

Eighteen-year-old companion trainee Ciardis Weathervane has won the friendship of the royal heir and saved his claim to the throne. Yet her interference in the inheritance rights leaves more harm done than good. The Ameles Forest lies unprotected and its inhabitants are dying.

As humans begin to die in gruesome deaths, the Emperor dispatches the royal heir to the forests with the solution to the kith concerns.

With enemies closing ranks in Sandrin, Ciardis can little afford to leave the city’s nest of vipers to take on a new task. But she’s given no choice when her loyalty to the crown and courts are called into question.

To keep the Companions’ Guild happy and the favor of the Imperial Court, Ciardis will be tested in frightening new ways, especially when she’s faced with an obstacle that could risk the lives of her friends and the family she never thought she had.

This second novel continues the story of Ciardis Weathervane from Sworn To Raise.

Purchase from Amazon | B&N

About Terah Edun

Terah Edun is a young adult fantasy writer born and raised in the Atlanta metropolitan area, who transplanted to the Northeast region for college, and has spent years living abroad in South Sudan and Morocco. She writes the stories that she always loved to read as a young girl.

She prefers tales of adventure, magic, fellowship and courtship – in other words high fantasy. But she’s not adverse to the occasional contemporary fantasy coming her way. Sometimes you’ll see cloaks, daggers, independent and strong girls, independent and strong guys, sweet and soft spoken girls, sweet and soft spoken guys, sparkly magic and irritatingly know-it-all boys. The book she’s currently working on is SWORN TO SECRECY, the fourth in the Courtlight series.

Outside of writing, she’s an international development professional with a penchant for Starbucks.

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Giveaway

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REVIEW: Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi

Through the Ever Night (Under the Never Sky #2)  by Veronica Rossi
Publication Date: January 8, 2013
Publisher: HarperCollins
Source: Book Purchased by Reviewer
Buy it at: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

It’s been months since Aria learned of her mother’s death.

Months since Perry became Blood Lord of the Tides, and months since Aria last saw him.

Now Aria and Perry are about to be reunited. It’s a moment they've been longing for with countless expectations. And it’s a moment that lives up to all of them. At least, at first.

Then it slips away. The Tides don’t take kindly to former Dwellers like Aria. And the tribe is swirling out of Perry’s control. With the Aether storms worsening every day, the only remaining hope for peace and safety is the Still Blue. But does this haven truly exist?

Threatened by false friends and powerful temptations, Aria and Perry wonder, can their love survive through the ever night?

Well I have to admit that this book was sooooooooooooo much better than its predecessor, Under the Never Sky. It took me a while to actually get into the first one, while this book just flowed so much better and had me hooked the entire time. Not a dull moment was had!

I think the author did a great job with the characters growth as well. It was such a great feeling to see Aria go from a weak, scared Dweller to a strong, fearless Aud. I think that even though she resisted the outside world in the beginning, she fully embraced it when she learned the truth about what she was.

I think Rossi's best character development was with Perry, though. Seeing his journey to becoming Blood Lord of the Tides was so great to read. It's amazing how his compassion and determination were seen as childish and weak in the beginning, but one incident earns him the respect and trust of the tribe. Meanwhile, he was doing what he had always tried his best to do, which was protect the Tribe. Proving his journey to be genuine and realistically showing that loyalty and trust are earned!

Now Sable, on the other hand, is a total dog! He is just as horrible as I imagined him to be! He seems "not-to-bad" at first. He treats Liv well and seems like he cares about her, but that's all a rouse! He has nothing but malicious intent and we later learn when certain situations involving Liv (and Cinder!) arise.

One issue I had with this book, which I also had with Under the Never Sky, is the lack of world-building. We still have no idea how the world ended up the way that is was, filled with Aether storms and people separated into different status groups (ie: Dwellers and Outsiders)

Another issue I had, which isn't a huge deal, is the cover of this book. I don't normally comment on covers, but this one really bothers me. I know that the guy on the cover is supposed to be Perry, but that's not how I pictured Perry at all! He's way to boyish and clean-cut on the cover...shouldn't he be more rugged and savage looking? Maybe it's just my opinion, but yea...that's not my Perry!

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I think Veronica Rossi did a great job with this story!

FEATURE: Waiting on Wednesday (#8)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Hi Swooners :-)

This week my "can't-wait-to-read" pre-publication selection is:

Cress (Lunar Chronicles #3) by Marissa Meyer

Expected release date: February 4, 2014

Links: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Summary from Goodreads:

Rapunzel’s tower is a satellite. She can’t let down her hair- or her guard.

In this third book in the bestselling Lunar Chronicles series, Cinder and Captain Thorne are fugitives on the run, with Scarlet and Wolf in tow. Together, they’re plotting to overthrow Queen Levana and her army.

Their best hope lies with Cress, who has been trapped on a satellite since childhood with only her netscreens as company. All that screen time has made Cress an excellent hacker- unfortunately, she’s just received orders from Levana to track down Cinder and her handsome accomplice .

When a daring rescue goes awry, the group is separated. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes at a high price. Meanwhile, Queen Levana will let nothing stop her marriage to Emperor Kai. Cress, Scarlet, and Cinder may not have signed up to save the world, but they may be the only ones who can.

FEATURE: Thoughts on Catching Fire (The Movie)

Morning swooners,

So before I say anything else, I have to let you know that there are SPOILERY WATERS UP AHEAD! READ WITH CAUTION!! 

Now, where was I? Right! I was about to tell you that I was actually able to see Catching Fire this weekend....twice! And after having gone through an emotional three day recuperation period, I find that I am STILL.NOT.OKAY!!

So, finding inspiration from my friends Betsy and Melody over at Bookcrastinators in Wonderland, I have decided to express my feelings about this movie via GIFs because there are truly not enough words in the dictionary to explain my emotions right now...

For those of you that haven't seen the movie...you need to do so ASAP!! For those you of that haven't read the books yet...what are you waiting for??? Special invitations come via screams on this blog and I'm officially screaming at you to GO READ THIS SERIES!!!! (Then we can flail around talking about our feeeeeelingssss)

So here it goes, this is my heart on a platter for you. Do with it what you will, it's emotionally damaged anyway!

While watching the previews, anxiously waiting for the movie to start:

When Feature Presentation came on the screen:

From then on is when I really become an emotional wreck!!!

When Katniss shoots the turkey and has a "meltdown"

Swooning over Gale:

Swooning over Peeta:

When we meet Finnick:

Swooning over Finnick:

When Effie is sad for Peeta and Katniss:

Whenever President Snow is around:

When Cinna is attacked in front of Katniss:

***Realizing that Peeta will NEVER be the same***

When the Dome breaks and they rescue Katniss:

Emotionally distressed after the movie:

So that's me in a nutshell swooners. I still have so many emotions to work through right now, but I know I will get there. When I start thinking about what Mockingjay has in store, my eyes truly tear up. For now though, I will deal with this emotional roller coaster day-by-day.

My advice: