City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was a little lost at first since it has been years since I have read the first 2 books but I got into a groove rather quickly and was absorbed in it. This one was probably better than the others thus far. The whole Angel-Demon thing was great and I love how it was "us against them". I Don't want to do a spolier so that is the best I can give.

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Insurgent by Veronica Roth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Divergent was much better but I still enjoyed this one. This kinda seemed more all over the place. Divergent seems more focusesd and explainitory (as it should have been). Insrugent just seemed like it had so much to tell and tried to squeeze it into 500+ pages. But still I don't think Four will ever make me upset. So excited about the films but hate the wait!!!

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Divergent by Veronica Roth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved it of course! Ordered the next 2 in the series. I don't know why I've waited so long to read this! I did the same with The Hunger Games Trilogy Boxset but the good thing is that I don't have to wait for the next book to be released!

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Review: Dragonfly in Amber (Outlander #2) - Diana Gabaldon

Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Pages: 947
ISBN: 0440215625
Series: Outlander #2
Read: August 2012
Published: December 1993

At first this book was a little confusing because it started from the "present" (1968). I didn't quite understand where it was going. I thought that the story was ruined that way, until I finished it of course and I began to understand. It took me some time to read this only because it was summer and there are many things to do and sadly reading was not one of them. I always tried to put it first but then I had a family.

Anyways, there are so many people in this book that I forgot who was who. I even read the books back to back but it seems that the ones who I thought were not so important in the first book became important in the next.

Oh, Jamie! How does one not love him? The whole Jack Randall thing is just...crazy great. I hate his character but I love his character. It makes sense. Believe me. I just love the way Jamie thinks and I always say that men are not like him but then again it is way before there time.

This series is just wonderful and it's hard to find great books that mix up all the wonderful things that I like into one beautiful and suspenseful tale(s). What made this one so great was how well Gabaldon fused the past and present into one ball and made sense. Both came together wonderfully and just made beautiful sense. It is just hard to explain all the things that make this series great I am just hoping that it can stay great. I have only read the first 2 and I believe that there are 8 thus far...I hope Gabaldon can continue her great masterpiece.

Outlander #1 - Diana Gabaldon

Genre: Historical Fiction
Published: 1991
Series: Outlander #1
Pages: 850
Rating: 5/5 Stars
ISBN: 0440212561
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Read: May/June 2012

I loved this book from start to finish. Of course there are many MANY coincidental things but I really don't care. I was so intrigued by the story that I couldn't really rely on that issue. Not even half way through the book I went out and brought the remaining books within the series (well, whatever was in paperback anyways).

This book brings in everything I love about reading: History, time travel, mystery, romance, murder and all else you can imagine. Sorry there are no faeries nor are there any vampires but that's what makes it so wonderful. It's so real and yet it's not. The characters were superb and how Diana Gabaldon came up with these wonderful characters is beyond me. I am super curious as to see how the story goes especially since there are 13 books (and counting) within the Outlander series and all of them are well over 800 pages!

Now back to my beloved characters....

I loved Jamie from the start. I loved his ruthfulness. His courage. His immortality. His Innocence! He was my hero from the start. Don't get me wrong I loved Frank when I first heard him speak but many pages later, after I got over his mourning and sorrow, I kinda grew apart from him. I love how both of these men love Claire. They both adore her. I believe their love and it didn't bother me that Jamie always showed up. It is crazy all the horrific and strange things that had happened to him and I am sure will continue on. I believe that Jamie (whether he likes it or not) is fairly immortal! God what he went through but I love his willingness and determination. He may have given in at some point but having a great woman behind you always works magic!


This is the best depiction of Jamie yet. YUM!

http://youtu.be/F_dVolYyDRo

Review: Fifty Shades Darker - E.L. James

Genre: Romantic Fiction (?)
Pages: 394
Format: eBook (nook)
Published: September 2011
Rating: 2/5 Stars
Read: April 2012
Series: Fifty Shades #2

I wrote a review way back when I finished it and then some freaky reason it was erased and I just haven't mustered up the stamina to write another one but I just can't sit on it forever so here goes....

I can't say I am a fan. I read the second in the series simply because I was hoping that I would not be lost in the sea of the fan fictioners. I thought that maybe, just maybe, that it was only the first that was terrible but then I realized that I wasted time in my life that I am never getting back. I mean, it was  "terrible, horrible" but it wasn't "Holy Hell" either. I read it right? so that's gotta stand for something. I can tell you that I will not read the third unless it is free and I have nothing else to read but given that I have a nook and over 600 books in my apartment I can't really see that happening.

I disliked it for the same reasons why I dislike Twilight I just couldn't stand the winy-ness but at least there was sex whereas is the latter......

Something good did come from this, it broadened my mind to what is out there and also that sex is sex is sex and should be embraced and not wasted on BS or not even being used. I also found out what BenWa balls where but those are my positives.

I can see however why many women like it because it's soft pron like Skinemax. I get it. I do but I am not joining in on the fun. I simply can't but I am giving a thumbs up to those who do like it. I am not judging you, just the book.

Review: Fifty Shades of Grey - E.L. James

Genre: Erotic Fiction

Format: eBook

Pages: 391

Published: May 2011

Series: Fifty Shades #1

Rating ?

It is truly hard to rate this book. I am not sure how I feel. It really angered me at points and yet I still continued on. I see now why women love this book: 1) it has many dirty scenes 2) a good looking young rich male will buy and do anything for "you" and lastly, 3) it's full of shit. People eat it up because it's not real nor will it ever be. OK maybe some of it I can believe and maybe that is why I continued on but seriously? that stalking crap is out. I don't care about all the money in the world I need my damned space! And I am more of a dom than a sub. Someone gives me crap...uh uh..no way.

Maybe some people like that, me not so much. It reminded me of a more dirty version (and less paranormal) than Twilight and I had this thought in my head the whole time reading before I read the reviews and it felt good to know that I was not alone. The writing is horrible but that also made it easy to read. Maybe that should be on my list?

Going back to my list, #2 is what I really think people gall over. He's handsome, rich, and wants to buy "you" everything and anything but "you/her" complaints (hmmm, Bella?). Most women would sign that stupid thing in mere seconds to have what she had (again me, not so much) call me old fashioned and sure I am a women I can handle some smut now and then but this was just ridiculous and just didn't sit right. The sex scenes were bearable but I just hated his domineering attitude and those damned "contracts" and not to mention his stalker behavior. I guess that's what turned me off and away (and of course the crap writing). Oh well, I guess I will continue on with the series simply because he doesn't love a good crime scene? You just can't look away and plus, I like to be in the know!

**UPDATED** I hate the damn Italics and I hate "Inner Goddess" I can totally do with out those (and probably "my sex")

Review: Fade - Lisa McMann

Genre: YA Fiction

Format: Trade Paperback

ISBN: 9781416974482

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Published: 2009

Read: February 2012

Series: Dream Catchers #2

This is such a quirky fun story. I gave the same rating to the first book Wake. I really enjoyed it. I like the dream sequences and I like how she is learning to use her "powers". The whole TiVo thing is pretty neat too. The things that really scared me in this book are the relationships with the teachers. I mean when I was younger we kinda hung out with some of the teachers but never was it uncomfortable or in a closed space. We would all hang out openly in a restaurant or what-have-you. It just scares me that I have 2 girls who may have to endure such thing when they get older.

Anyways, it is a good series and I am just hoping that I will like the last one, Gone, is just as good as the first to. I highly recommend for a light and interesting read.

Review: Wake - Lisa MnCann (Dream Catcher #1)

Genre: YA Paranormal Fantasy

Format: Trade Paperback

Pages: 210

ISBN: 9781416974475

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Series: Dream Catcher #1

Read: December 2011

That was a quick and interesting read. I fell right into it. I had it on my shelf for some time and decided to read it now because I simply needed a small book so I can finish my goal of 40 for the year. Now I have just one more to go!

I liked this book because it was interesting. It moved very fast but I think I liked that with this book. Some books drag out and I tend to lose interest. Most certainly with many YA books but this one made me go out and buy the other 2 in the series!

The characters were believable and of course I loved Cable. I wish I would know more about him and I think I may just find out. I especially loved that everyone thought he was the "new guy" when he got himself all shiny and new. There may have been a few things that I wish were more elaborated on but I am hoping that these things come forth with the next 2! As son as I get them in the mail I will get to them since I know I can read them in less than a day. Maybe I can get through them both within the day!

Review: Bumped - Megan McCafferty

Genre: YA Fiction
ISBN: 9780061962745
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 323
Published: April 2011
Rating: 2.5/5 stars
Why I read it: Recommended by a friend
Series: Bumped #1
Read: December 2011

Okay so I have no idea on how to rate this. I didn't really like it but I didn't want to smash it against the wall, well, at least not at the end. There was a lot of touch and go in the beginning. It wasn't until the, um, scandal (?) until I kinda started to get into it and to start to understand the jargon. Maybe it is the Mom in me but the language was murder! I know things like this will happen because it always does and I know I use new language everyday and make up my own at points but these things happen gradually and it was gruesome in the beginning but I guess I just answered my own question then huh?

Well, I like the futuristic feel even though it was not too much into the future but who is to say teenage pregnancy for profit can't happen? I'd rather that then trying to flush their pregnancies down the toilet. (That is a whole other blog). I liked the ending and I am sure I will read the next in the series just because I liked the ending....

Review: I am Number Four (#1) - Pittacus Lore

Genre: YA SiFy Fantasy

ISBN: 9780061969553

Published: August 2010

Format: Hardcover

Series: Lorien Legacies #1

Pages: 440

Rating: 2/5stars

Read: September 2011

Did I miss something? I feel that everyone loved this book and even a movie was made from it! I must admit that I read the book and as soon as I closed it I put the movie on. They seemed similar but not like. So many things were turned around and cut out and blah blah. OK this is a book review not a film review nor a comparison but I don't know which one was better. Maybe the movie since I got a visual because I adore Jake Abel!

OK back to the book. I just felt that the characters were so one dimensional. I couldn't really see them and didn't quite understand them. They didn't have much feeling. I really enjoyed the plot and found it very interesting but it didn't make the grade in it's entirety. I am sure I will still read The Power of Six (#2) but this time I won't buy it. I wanted so much more from the book. I loved the whole training scene and really wish they would have put that into the film and I also loved the ending when...well, you know! I really enjoyed the whole idea of the aliens. Who you could only kill them in sequence and of how they knew who would be next due to the markings that they would get and I also love how they can only get stronger when they are all together. Well, we have yet to really see that but I can get the idea.

I can't leave this blog until I mention Pittacus Lore. First I hate how he used that name in the book as well. It is like "liking" your own status on Facebook. It is just something you don't do and I know that Lore is Jame Frey(author of A Million Little Pieces and is infamous for saying -to Oprah no less- that is was a true story but was later found that it was mostly BS). I don't blame him for making pseudonyms for his writings (there are more names) but just don't put your name on the cover and in the book -it's just weird.

Review: City of Ashes (Book #2) - Cassandra Clare

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pages: 454

ISBN: 9781416972242

Series: The Mortal Instruments #2

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Read: August 2011

Well, this is the second installment of The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare and it has been so long since I have read the first one, City of Bones so it was kinda hard for me to retrace and remember what had happened. I remembered a few key points like who's who but I got tied at certain pages and just was hoping that it would all come together in the end, in which it did. I am going to have to read the next few 2 books more closely together so I don't lose track of the stories.

I liked the book because it kinda had this adulty-youthful innocence to it. Does that make sense? I mean, I know that these are teenagers who think they know the world (what teen doesn't think that?) but having to grow up quickly under the crazy circumstances. Even know these are teenagers they talk with such authority and reassurance. Whatever I mean it makes sense to me.

Of course I love Jace too and I am glad he is not my brother! He is still up for grabs huh? I mean, I am almost positive that they are going to find out that they are not really related. I mean, come on, what are the building up for? I can read between the lines. It is a destined love! I am just going to have to put the next 2 books up a little on my list to prove my sanity!

Review: Mockingjay (Book #3) - Suzanne Collins

Genre: SyFy/Young Adult/Fiction

Pages: 390

ISBN: 9780439023511

Published: August 2010

Series: The Hunger Games #3 - Final

Rating: 4/5 Stars

First, it is a sad day that my beloved series has come to the end. The only thing that hold me together is knowing the movies will be out beginning in March 2012. Of course I am not alone in saying that this was not the best in the series. I thought it would turn out the same but differently. The ending was just boring and did nothing for me. (I love you Gale!) There were parts where I was just so excited and then I thought I knew what was going to happen and then....nothing. I predicted a lot of moves and saw what was going to come but there was just some parts that I was just left feeling empty and kinda sad that it happened the way it did for those of you who read it, I am sure you felt the same on some pages).

The very worst part of the book was the children at the end. I felt disgusted and wrong but I guess that is what had to be done, but still I felt horrible reading it and it left a bad taste in my mouth.

But my favorite characters are of course Gale and Haymitch and where I am supposed to love Peeta I just couldn't believe he was so true and genuine. I guess that's just my personality. I had my ins and outs with Katniss and just figured I better just leave it be because you can either love her or hate and I just can't figure out which side on I am on. I also couldn't understand Annie but I don't blame her for anything and of course who couldn't fall in love with Finnick??!!

It was a great series and I haven't felt this much love for a series in...well, never! SO thank you Ms. Collins for a fantastic journey and I will see you at the movies!!!

Review: Catching Fire #2 - Suzanne Collins

Genre: Young Adult SiFi fantasy

ISBN: 9780439023498

Pages: 391

Series: The Hunger Games #2

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Published: September 2009

Talk about a cliffhanger! Jeez!! It is going to be a sad day when I finish out this series. This was by far my fave thus far. I hear reviews about Mockingjay stating that it is really good but not as good as the first 2. I left it home so it is going to be a horrible commute home. But I will be happy when I crack open that spine to the final book in the series.

There are many reasons why I liked this one a tad better than the first: I love how the really bring in more people and give more personalities to the one we already have grown to love. There is a better understanding of the Capitol. The most important, is the rise of the people.

I hear people saying the are "Team Peeta" and "Team Gale" but I am like Katniss, and I just can't choose. I love Peeta for his poise and vulnerability and I love Gale for being strong and forgiving. In a perfect world, can't she have both???

I will start Mockingjay tonight in hopes that I can deal with the devastation of an ending the my most beloved series!

Review:The Hunger Games #1 - Suzanne Collins

Genre: Young Adult SiFi Fantasy

Pages: 374

Format: Hardcover

ISBN: 9780439023483

Series: The Hunger Games #1

Rating: 5/5

What was I thinking?? I brought the first 2 books because I trusted my fellow readers and when Mockingjay (the third in the series) came out, I went ahead and pre-ordered it. I kept putting it off and promising myself I will get to it but never really doing it. Then, I moved and I let someone borrow my next read and I read it so quickly that I needed something to read and this series was just sitting there begging to be read. I figured it was a YA so I should fly through it but that is an understatement. I truly love it and I am about 39% (according to GR) through the second installment, Catching Fire. I just can't believe I waited this long. I truly and absolutely loved the first and I can feel I will love the rest of the series.

This was and is such a crazy read. It's a little harsh because of all the killing and deaths for a YA but I guess it is simply age appropriate. This is a sick sad society where they put 24 people who are between 12 and 18 years old, into an extreme environment where they are to fight to the death and the last one standing is the victor. there are 12 districts and 2 are chosen at random to take part in this madness, one male and one female, for each district. So the only one who would really kinda know each other personally are the two from each district. Well, once the games begin, boy do they begin!

This is such an intense quick read that I highly recommend to all ages about 15 years-old.

Review: Where She Went (#2) - Gayle Forman

Genre: Young Adult Fiction

Pages: 264

ISBN: 9780525422945

Series: If I Stay #2

Rating: 4/5 Stars

It took me some time to read this but for personal reasons only. I think I would have read this is a day if I had the opportunity. It was a very good read. It was interesting to really understand the minds of the young couple, Adam & Mia. There were time when I just couldn't believe the decisions that they made being as young as they are but I guess it can happen. I really liked the book just the way it was. In the beginning I was a little angry because I thought it was going to end entirely different but it ended perfect and I couldn't ask for anything more.

The first book in the series, If I Stay was more about Mia and her thoughts and this book, being the second in the series, was more about Adam. It was nice to think that in such height and weight of the story it still turned out to be very touching.

Review: Absoultely, Positively - Heather Webber

Genre: Science Fiction

Series: 3 of 3?

Format: Mass Market Paperback

ISBN: 9780312946159

Pages: 307

Rating: 3/5 Stars

I really liked the first 2 books in the Lucy Valentine series. This one was good and I did enjoy it , however, it was not the best in the series. Heather Webber is super cute and is very dedicated to her writing. You can find her everywhere! I never really read books like this but I won a copy of the first book Truly, Madly and was sold. Heather is on Facebook, Goodreads, and seems to pop up everywhere!! I really do enjoy her and I really liked this series.

Lucy Valentine has some sorta psychic ability and she can find lost object when someone is thinking of that object. It leads her to find missing people and solves many other mysteries sometimes funny situations. But what draws me into the books is of how real Lucy character is. Even though "abilities" are non-existent, I liked her as a person. I especially feel in love with Sean and I would love to know more about his story since we only got a little taste of it.

There is a lot I can say about this book and say who I loved and who I hate but the book isn't so long and detailed I feel like I would give it all away but it is a nice comforting quick read so you can probably read the series in a week or two!

HAPPY READING!!!!

Deeply, Desperately (Lucy Valentine #2) - Heather Webber

Genre: ChickLit
Format: Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780312946142
Pages: 302
Rating 4 Stars

OK, I normally don't read ChickLit but I think I should more often. It was definitely a good read. I won Heather Webber's first book in the series, Truly, Madly and loved it so when this one came out a few months back I just had to have it and I read it very quickly because I just couldn't put it down. I just kept smiling. I know that it was very predictable and at points to be a little"girly" but I enjoyed the getaway from all the usual books I read. Her next book Absolutely, Positively comes out in February and I am sure I will reserve it like I did this one.

I love Sean and Lucy's relationship. It just makes you feel good that they may still be relationships that are as passionate without being based on sex. It is hard to believe but you want to believe so it is kinda nice. I loved Sean's Ex-fiance. She just made me laugh and I know that there are people like her out there and it is a bit scary that people can go to such extremes for their own sake and no one else's. There are many things that I can discuss here but I think you'd better read it first because it is truly a good cozy read that will leave a smirk on your face for a few days!

The Titan's Curse - Rick Riordan

Genre: YA SiFi Fantasy

Format: Softcover

ISBN: 9787423101482

Pages: 312

Rating: 4/5

Of course I loved it! Why wouldn't I? I never really was one for sifi nor fantasy but once I started this series I just had to continue on. This one was just as good as the first. I wasn't crazy about the second, The Sea of Monster, but all in all it didn't stop me. I am sure I mentioned this in another post, but I really enjoy this concept of Greek Gods and young people being in charge , believe me, it makes sense!

I really am falling in love with Percy! He is just a great kid and he will grow to be an even greater person or a cocky one. It can go either way and after reading the ending of this book I am leaning more towards the cocky! Not so much a Luke, maybe Percy will stay good but I can tell you he may turn arrogant but hey, this is just a thought! I really think his personality will change though.

I can definitely read between the lines and I kinda predicted what will happen at the end but it still kinda had a good shock value and I know what will happen in the other books and yet I still want to read it! I love books like that. It still makes you interested even with it's predictability. Reading this makes me feel young again and whenever I read books like this I get annoyed by the language but then I keep telling myself that it is meant to be written for younger people and then my brain goes into young world and it's kinda nice!

Life as we Knew it - Susan Beth Pfeffer

Genre: YA Fiction
Pages: 337

Format: Softcover

ISBN: 9780152061548
Rating: 4/5

I gotta admit I really did enjoy this one. I didn't know it was a series until I got to the end and I was very excited. There were some flaws of course but in the end I rated it based on the entertainment factor. I read it in 1.5 days and it kept me awake and I wanted to continue reading it so...

It is based on a young teenage girl, Miranda, who writes in her journal and I think it is an easy way to write a book because there are many details that you can leave out. It begins with her living a normal life with her friends and family and there are talks and news about a meteor that is expected to hit the moon and when it does it literally pushes the moon closer to earth and all these catastrophic events unravel and it's like the world comes to an end. All these things happen, earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcano eruptions. Half of the known world is pretty much gone and it is in Miranda's journal that we learn this much but that it all we know which also makes the story good because it is pretty much all she knows too. There are no more news and how will she get any more information? It is definitely a good story and I am very much happy to get to the next installment< The Dead and the Gone, which is another teenage boy who lives in NYC and it is now his story of how these events effect him.

I gotta admit this is one of the few YA's that I truly enjoy and I wish I would have known how good it was before for I would have brought the box set! I wonder if there will be more after the 3?? Perhaps in the making...????