Review: Bloodlines

Author: Richelle Mead

Pages: 421

Publisher: Razorbill

Source: Library

Challenge: Ultimate Reviewer's Challenge

Synopsis: Sydney is an alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of human and vampires. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives. When Sydney is torn from her bed in the middle of the night, at first she thinks she's still being punished for her complicated alliance with dhampir Rose Hathaway. But what unfolds is far worse. Jill Dragomir - the sister of Moroi Queen Lissa Dragomir - is in mortal danger, and the Moroi must send her into hiding. To avoid a civil war, Sydney is called upon to act as Jill's guardian and protector, posing as her roommate in the last place anyone would think to look for vampire royalty - a human boarding school in Palm Springs, California. But instead of finding safety at Amberwood Prep, Sydney discovers the drama is only just beginning.

Buy the Book (Amazon  )

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Vampire Academy is one of my favourite series ever. They're some of the best escapes from reality and I never get tired of these books. That's why I was so sad when reading Last Sacrifice (which you could probably tell if you read my review of it). That being said, I wanted to read Bloodlines but had a long list of fears. I should not have worried.

Fear # 1) I worried I wouldn't like Sydney. I did. A lot. She was a capable, strong women and walked a very fine line. Sydney'a childhood kind of sucked and she barely had any fun. I enjoyed watching Sydney change and learn about her fears or when she felt awkward. I never thought I'd think that before since in Vampire Academy Syndey's aloof and helpful but a stickler to the rules. Seeing more of her really made me appreciate the complexity of her character.

Fear # 2) Adrian. I was so fearful of Adrian. I wanted him to be with Rose and the idea of Adrian with someone else just bugged me. This is the part that impressed me: Adrian was in pain. He was getting over Rose. Their romance meant something to him and he didn't get over her quickly. What I'm trying to say is that if he had, I would have been disappointed. This makes Adrian a more real character to me. I loved Adrian in Bloodlines, he's one of my favourite characters ever. I enjoyed reading about him and want more.

Fear # 3) What happened to all the other main characters we knew and loved? Rose, Lissa, Christian, Dimitri? Guess what, THEY'RE THERE. At least for a little while or mentioned here and there. And it's really not as weird as I thought it would be to read about Rose compared to reading as Rose. I liked it because now I feel like I know the story from more perspectives and a little bit more in depth.

Fear # 4) Boring plot. Well, I wasn't bored. Never. Bloodlines wasn't like Vampire Academy with lots of action everywhere, it was more "stuff happens" ish than that. There's less thrill but still a mystery. You still never want to stop reading. You still finish the last page hungry for more. There's still surprises, mysteries, twists and of course, trouble. It's just a different kind. There are new characters that are set up, as well as an addition to the mythology. Definitely more info on Alchemists.

My last thought was that even if I hadn't have read Vampire Academy, I still would have enjoyed Bloodlines. I did like Bloodlines a lot because of Vampire Academy though so I think the series still has a ways to go in establishing itself. I can't wait to see where the story goes. (I hope it's really long.) I'll also stop comparing the two series after this review, as they're both good in their own ways. I'm wavering between 4 and 4.5 so I'll round up. 4.5 stars!

**** & 1/2 *

Top Ten Bookish Confessions

Top Ten Tuesday is an awesome meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish and though I very rarely participate in any type of meme anymore (I admit I suck) I thought the topic was interesting so I'm participating this week. Plus, I don't think you guys want yet another review.

So here are my top ten bookish and bloggish confessions.

1. I have a schedule for every book I read. It goes something along the lines of 3-4 library books, review books, and then personal titles. 

2. I rarely read books I got just for myself and not from the library or for review. It took me more than a year to read Angelfire, not because it was awful (it was pretty awesome) but because there are so many other books in the way. 

3. I never review more than one book on Netgally because I forget about them. Never mind my Kobo is broken right now (*sobs*) but in general I never use it. I have library books and review titles. I've forgotten ebooks before because I'm not used to them. I'll always review a hard copy faster than an ecopy. 

4. Before reading a book, I will search on Goodreads for a 5 star review and a 1 star review. I feel like that way I'll temper my expectations and I'll be better informed. 

5. I usually read longer reviews. I want someone to be specific about things they liked and didn't like, and I want details. I mostly write my reviews in a sort of essay format- intro, three paragraphs (about plot/characters/setting/interests/likes/dislikes), and conclusion (where I'll give a star rating). 

6. My new star rating system: 

1 star= Didn't like the book.

2 stars= An okay read, didn't particularly enjoy it but not too bad. 

3 stars= Liked the book. 

4 stars= Wow, really great read. 

5 stars= You can not top this. Everything I want from a book, no weaknesses, incredible. 

This rating system may not be visible yet (since most reviews i post here are very old). 

7. I use a mathematical approach to give a final star rating. Each book can get 1 to 5 points in the following categories: setting, my interest when reading, plot, characters, and mythology (I mostly read paranormals, but if contemporary it will be something like how realistic the book is). 

8. I dog ear books. Bad habit, I know. Since I've gotten some awesome bookmarks from authors I've stopped doing it as much. 

9. I prefer paranormal/fantasy to contemporary. Best books I've ever read have been in those two genres, no matter how much contemporary I read. 

10. On the library catalogue, mostly I pick books based on cover without reading the summary. If a cover makes a book look like it's in my genre, I'll probably request it 

So those are some of my confessions. I could probably go on, but more than 10 is overkill. What are some of yours? And thanks for visiting! 

Review: Code Name Verity

Author: Elizabeth Wein

Pages: 339

Publisher: Doubleday

Source: Review copy- thank you

Challenge: Ultimate Reviewer's Challenge

Synopsis: Two young women from totally different backgrounds are thrown together during World War II: one a working-class girl from Manchester, the other a Scottish aristocrat, one a pilot, the other a wireless operator. Yet whenever their paths cross, they complement each other perfectly and before long become devoted friends.

But then a vital mission goes wrong, and one of the friends has to bail out of a faulty plane over France. She is captured by the Gestapo and becomes a prisoner of war. The story begins in “Verity’s” own words, as she writes her account for her captors.

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Code Name Verity is one of those books that reminds me why I love to read. It's one of those hidden gems that readers are always searching for. It opens up a whole new world to the reader, and by the end of the story we feel like we know the characters so well they could be our friends.

The story takes place in Ormaie, France during the early stages of World War 2. A Scottish spy has been caught by the Gestapo and they are trying to glean information from her through any way possible. So the girl makes a deal. She has two weeks to write down everything she can remember about the Allies, their plans, and stuff about their aircrafts. Code Name Verity is her story of the events leading up to how she got caught. Moreso, it's a story of friendship.

Through her words, we get to know our main character very well. She is beautiful, strong and proud. She's also flawed in many ways- vain, temperamental. Her writing has so much voice that I couldn't help but keep reading. When the words stop, that will mean she has died. It's terrible to think about and the story isn't overly graphic but it is very dark with this threat lying in the background. She is a prisoner and it doesn't seem like she has any chance of getting rescued but as reader I couldn't help but hope for the best.

I said Code Name Verity is about friendship. In the poor girl's writing, we meet her best friend, Maddie. Maddie is a pilot and the two are a sensational duo. I enjoyed how they got to know each other despite their differences. Friendship isn't featured enough in YA so this was very refreshing for me.

The plot is very twisty. I can't reveal almost any details from the story because if I do, it will inevitably spoil some very important, powerful scene. I never knew where the story was going and there were some very shocking scenes. I stayed up very late to finish this book and it captured my attention very well. The only thing I didn't like about the book was that at some points, it felt a little long. Most of the length was necessary though, and I didn't realize why until later on. It's a book that is very easy to get into and also very memorable.

Ultimately, Code Name Verity is a unique view of World War 2 that shows how girls contributed to the war. Historically, it was very interesting learning of the technology back then and women's growing rights. It's not a very historical book though. The story is one of friendship and that is most definitely timeless. 4 stars,

****

Review: Eternal

Author: Gillian Shields

Pages: 368

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Source: Library

Challenge: Ultimate Reviewer's Challenge

Synopsis: This third book about the Mystic Sisterhood at Wyldcliffe Abbey School for Young Ladies is another romantic thriller with paranormal elements and deep mystery. This time our heroine is Sarah Fitzalan, the dependable, faithful friend to Evie and Helen, her sisters in the Mystic Way. But this term Sarah finds that their friendship is tested to the limits. Evie is turning her back on the Mystic Way after the sisterhood laid her beloved Sebastian’s soul to rest; Helen is distracted; and a new girl, wild child Velvet Romaine, seems set on stirring up more trouble at Wyldcliffe. Sarah struggles to keep the sisterhood together as the threat of attack from the dark coven looms. 

All Sarah has to keep her going is her connection with her earth powers and a promise she cannot break. Must she sacrifice herself for the sake of her friends and sisters? Will her sisters join her, or will help come from unexpected sources, like her Romany ancestors, and a love she’d only just dared hope for?

Buy the Book (Amazon/)

I didn't know what to expect going into Eternal. I had read Betrayal and Immortal all in Evie's perspective so I was surprised upon getting the book that the story was about Sarah. That made sense; Evie's story was finished. I enjoyed reading about Evie's romance with Sebastian but Eternal was about Sarah.

Sarah has always felt like the supportive best friend. She's kind and helps everyone but secretly she wants her own story. I was fascinated by her character. She had a very distinctive personality and I was really curious about her part in the story.

The other characters we've known are there as well as Velvet Romaine, the rich rock star's daughter who's role in everything hasn't been revealed yet. I, again, liked the characters but I didn't love them. Some parts that were meant to be devastating got from me a reaction of basically thinking "That sucks!" and then continuing on. I'm not sure why I wasn't so emotionally invested in the story- I was more so in Evie's. Perhaps it's because I miss reading about Sebastian who I did care about.

Plot wise, there was a lot of suspense and build up. There was again a big mystery and almost the entire book was waiting for the big finish and what would happen. I liked that there was mystery and suspense but I wished all throughout there was as much action as in the end. I know that's impossible but just wanting more action to keep me more focused and hooked would have helped make the book even better.

Eternal is a book that was good but that didn't satisfy me. I think it's personal because I didn't love the story even though it was well done. If you've read the other books, be sure to read Eternal. It ends with a promise for much bigger and possibly awesome things to come . 3 stars,

***

Review: A Need So Beautiful

Author: Suzanne Young

Pages: 267

Publisher: Balzer & Bray

Source: Library

Challenge: Ultimate Reviewer's Challenge

Synopsis: We all want to be remembered. Charlotte's destiny is to be Forgotten...

Charlotte’s best friend thinks Charlotte might be psychic. Her boyfriend thinks she’s cheating on him. But Charlotte knows what’s really wrong: She is one of the Forgotten, a kind of angel on earth, who feels the Need—a powerful, uncontrollable draw to help someone, usually a stranger.

But Charlotte never wanted this responsibility. What she wants is to help her best friend, whose life is spiraling out of control. She wants to lie in her boyfriend's arms forever. But as the Need grows stronger, it begins to take a dangerous toll on Charlotte. And who she was, is, and will become--her mark on this earth, her very existence--is in jeopardy of disappearing completely.

Charlotte will be forced to choose: Should she embrace her fate as a Forgotten, a fate that promises to rip her from the lives of those she loves forever? Or is she willing to fight against her destiny--no matter how dark the consequences.

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A Need So Beautiful was so different from every other angel story out there. Yes, I know everyone says that but this time I'm 100% serious. For one, the girl is the angel. Second, she's a different kind of angel. Third, her story was so emotional for me.

The scariest thing I can imagine is being forgotten. I can't imagine losing myself and not existing. That's exactly what poor Charlotte has to go through as she will be Forgotten. That concept hit true. We met Charlotte's friends and family and ended up bonding and loving them just to end up with this dilemma.

I really liked the characters. Charlotte was such a cool character; all supportive and sweet without being a passive pushover. Her love for everyone in her life was genuine and I wasn't ever bored with her.

The side characters were just as good. Harlin was the perfect romantic interest. Finally we have a relationship that's been ongoing since before the book begins. A relationship that is healthy, I mean. He (like all the other side characters) is unique and has history. Sarah, Charlotte's best friend also called to me. She was damaged and hurt but impulsive and passionate. Her relationship with her dad and her search for the one really made me sympathize with her though the story wasn't that long.

I actually read this book in one sitting. The story was on the short side but still very satisfying. Except for the ending. Watch out for that curveball! After the last page, I'm left having absolutely no idea what could possible happen next. (Side note- I've read what happens next, and that's pretty good too!)

The plot itself was more emotional than action packed. It was about Charlotte making a choice and discovering who she was. I thought as a plot it was solid- not overly enthralling, but calm and evenly done. Enough action to keep you interested, but not too much. This kept me flipping pages but I can't say this was the most suspenseful book I've ever read.

What really distinguishes this book is the overall tone of the mythology. Honestly, there isn't too much angel lore thrown in. I think that it's possible for someone who doesn't read about the supernatural to enjoy A Need So Beautiful. I'm sure the mythology will grow but I felt less like I was reading a paranormal than I was reading a contemporary. Which to me, isn't really bad or good but to someone else that may be a selling point. What was there was thought provoking and I had many questions.

A Need So Beautiful is a promising start to what I think will be a great series. I really liked this book and thought it was exactly what I needed. 4 stars,

****

Cover Wars: Alice in Zombieland vs Fissure

Cover Wars is when I post two covers, and you basically get a week to vote for your favourite. The winner continues on to next week, and it's kind of cool seeing which covers work and which don't. In the comments section we can discuss what we like about what cover, and it's basically some fun and friendly competition.

Last week was probably the most talented Cover Wars yet, because I personally absolutely adored both covers. Alice in Zombieland made it on top and this week will face very tough competition in Fissure by Lily Collins.



What I absolutely adore about both of these covers is that they seem to actually fit with the book. Alice in Zombieland has the cards and the blond girl with the blue dress, which obviously alludes to Alice in Wonderland. Fissure is about a very sad girl that escapes into the world of books to free herself from her life. Both these covers are great first impressions because they tell you a little something about the book you'll be reading.

Now, the question is which cover do you prefer most? Remember to vote now!

Which is your favourite cover?

Review: Leaving Paradise

Author: Simone Elkeles

Pages: 303

Publisher: Flux

Source: Library

Challenge: Ultimate Reviewer's Challenge

Synopsis: Nothing has been the same since Caleb Becker left a party drunk, got behind the wheel, and hit Maggie Armstrong. Even after months of painful physical therapy, Maggie walks with a limp. Her social life is nil and a scholarship to study abroad—her chance to escape everyone and their pitying stares—has been canceled.

After a year in juvenile jail, Caleb’s free . . . if freedom means endless nagging from a transition coach and the prying eyes of the entire town. Coming home should feel good, but his family and ex-girlfriend seem like strangers.

Caleb and Maggie are outsiders, pigeon-holed as "criminal" and "freak." Then the truth emerges about what really happened the night of the accident and, once again, everything changes. It’s a bleak and tortuous journey for Caleb and Maggie, yet they end up finding comfort and strength from a surprising source: each other.

Buy the Book (Amazon/The Book Depository)

Simone Elkeles is a genius! I have so much love for her Perfect Chemistry series so when I saw Leaving Paradise at the library I had to pick it up and read it. I'm glad I did because Simone's stories alway appeal to me.

First off, let me tell you about the characters. We have Caleb (I love him!) and Maggie (awesome and strong) who are our would-be couple. In Simone's books there's always a twist as to why the couple can't be together. This time it's because Caleb drove drunk from a party and hit Maggie. He didn't check if she was okay, he just left her there. Maggie was sent to the hospital and resulted in numerous surgeries for her leg and a limp while Caleb had to serve his time at a juvie jail.When I first met Caleb, he garnered very hot and cold reactions from me. I'd like him, but then he'd do something and I'd feel iffy about. Later on in the book though I loved him. He won my respect and trust, plus he was so sexy and protective of Maggie Poor Maggie hasn't had an easy time. The accident left her scared to move on and a loner. She lost her spirit. I really connected with Maggie. Since there were alternating perspectives, I got to see all of Maggie. She's not unlike myself and I enjoyed reading about her reactions

 There were other mentionable characters (like Grandma) whom I also liked. I have to mention that there were many characters who were cliché. Normally I hate that but sometimes it works. That doesn't mean I don't want to know more about the characters' motivations and stuff. If that's something that bothers you, you may have a problem with this book.

Another thing I need to mention was the plot and pacing. After being introduced to the concept the plot slowed down. There was a ton of build up and when I look at that 100 in between pages, I don't remember much. At that point there wasn't anything really drawing me in until Caleb and Maggie finally got together and a plot point was revealed. That point right there made so much sense but I never even considered it. I literally reread the page 3-4 times. I love twists being thrown at readers that way. Keeps the story interesting, you know?

All in all, I liked this story. I still adore Perfect Chemistry more but this is a great choice for a contemporary romantic read. I was sucked in, which is my regular reaction with Simone's books but I wasn't totally enamored. I'm really curious to see what happens next. If you're a fan of Simone Elkeles, check Leaving Paradise out! 3.5 stars,

 *** & 1/2  *