Book Review: Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler

BITTERSWEET:
Published: January 3, 2012
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 378 pages
Source: Amazon.com

Once upon a time, Hudson knew exactly what her future looked like. Then a betrayal changed her life, and knocked her dreams to the ground. Now she’s a girl who doesn’t believe in second chances... a girl who stays under the radar by baking cupcakes at her mom’s diner and obsessing over what might have been. 
So when things start looking up and she has another shot at her dreams, Hudson is equal parts hopeful and terrified. Of course, this is also the moment a cute, sweet guy walks into her life... and starts serving up some seriously mixed signals. She’s got a lot on her plate, and for a girl who’s been burned before, risking it all is easier said than done. It’s time for Hudson to ask herself what she really wants, and how much she’s willing to sacrifice to get it. Because in a place where opportunities are fleeting, she knows this chance may very well be her last...So when things start looking up and she has another shot at her dreams, Hudson is equal parts hopeful and terrified. Of course, this is also the moment a cute, sweet guy walks into her life... and starts serving up some seriously mixed signals. She’s got a lot on her plate, and for a girl who’s been burned before, risking it all is easier said than done. It’s time for Hudson to ask herself what she really wants, and how much she’s willing to sacrifice to get it. Because in a place where opportunities are fleeting, she knows this chance may very well be her last...

I have never read a Sarah Ockler book! So when I decided to pick up Bittersweet, I didn't know what direction it would take me in. But when I finished this one, I thought that it was great!

First, the characters. I think that this is the downfall of the story for me. I felt that Hudson was in a state of denial for a good chunk of the first half of the book. I can understand why she might be due to what happened in the prologue of the book, but I just didn't like her negative mood towards some things. And don't get me wrong, she wasn't always negative either. We also have great characters in the story that Sarah Ockler has crafted brilliantly together and weaved in and out through the story. 

Next, the writing style. This was probably my favorite part of the entire story. Sarah Ockler's voice in Bittersweet was just really great to read. The story always kept my interest, and the pacing was just awesome. I'm now going to have to check out Sarah Ockler's other two novels!

Finally, we have the the two most interesting-driven plot points: ice skating and Hurley's. I've always thought that ice skating seemed really fun, and so when it was incorporated in the story, I loved reading about it. And here comes another one of my favorite things about Bittersweet: Hurley's diner. Diner's just seemed really classic to me, and when that was brought in the story. I was sort of like: YES! 

Overall, Bittersweet was a light read that really showed a great look on love and forgiving. 

My Rating:

Book Review: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

CINDER:
Published: January 3, 2012
Publisher: Fewiel & Friends
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 387 pages
Source: Amazon.com
Series: The Lunar Chronicles, Book One

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth's fate hinges on one girl... Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She's a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister's illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai's, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world's future.

Alright, I'll be honest. I knew I was going to love this one. The whole concept of this futuristic telling of the fairy-tale Cinderella is original and just purely incredible. I honestly couldn't set this one down.

First, the writing style. So far, this book has the best third-person writing style out of all the third-person books that I have read this year. Marissa Meyer's voice really shined throughout the pages of this book, and it all flowed together nicely and neatly. I actually stayed up very late just to know what happens at the end! That's how much Cinder intrigued me.

Next, the characters. Wow. Cinder (the character, not the book) is such a great character. She's strong and hardworking, but you feel sorry for her because she's being abused by her stepmother, and she's also a cyborg. There's that set back. Iko, Cinder's android, was so funny and quirky. I read somewhere on Goodreads where somebody said that Iko was like Gus from the original fairy-tale. And I get that! Iko is like Cinder's sidekick. Adri (Cinder's stepmom) is a horrible and wicked person. I can not stand her. We also have other great characters like Prince Kai, Dr. Erland, Peony, and The Queen (Marissa Meyer let this character really get inside my head).

Now I just want to talk about just the storyline of this book. It's so awesome and unique! A futuristic version of the original fairy-tale Cinderella where Cinderella is a cyborg with a Prince, the magical ball, and moon people thrown in there? Sign me up! Marissa Meyer is simply a literary genius.

One more thing before I end this: THE. ENDING. Ahh! Marissa Meyer, why must you do that to us? Let me put this in a simple form: I. Need. The. Second. One. Right now. I can't wait for the other three books!: Scarlet (Red Riding Hood), Cress (Rapunzel), and Winter (Snow White). 

Overall, Marissa Meyer's debut novel was just so great. Go pick this one up right now!

My Rating:

In My Mailbox #7

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Book Review: Vesper by Jeff Sampson

VESPER:
Published: January 25, 2011
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 288 pages
Source: Amazon.com
Series: Deviants, Book One

Emily Webb is a geek. And she’s happy that way. Content hiding under hoodies and curling up to watch old horror flicks, she’s never been the kind of girl who sneaks out for midnight parties. And she’s definitely not the kind of girl who starts fights or flirts with other girls’ boyfriends. Until one night Emily finds herself doing exactly that . . . the same night one of her classmates—also named Emily—is found mysteriously murdered. 

The thing is, Emily doesn’t know why she’s doing any of this. By day, she’s the same old boring Emily, but by night, she turns into a thrill seeker. With every nightfall, Emily gets wilder until it’s no longer just her personality that changes. Her body can do things it never could before: Emily is now strong, fast, and utterly fearless. And soon Emily realizes that she’s not just coming out of her shell . . . there’s something much bigger going on. Is she bewitched by the soul of the other, murdered Emily? Or is Emily Webb becoming something else entirely— something not human? 

As Emily hunts for answers, she finds out that she’s not the only one this is happening to—some of her classmates are changing as well. Who is turning these teens into monsters—and how many people will they kill to get what they want?

I've heard great reviews for Vesper from bloggers who I trust on book reviews, so I needed to check this one out. What I got from this book was a very surprising and utterly awesome book!

The characters in Vesper were awesome. I loved both sides of Emily: daytime and nighttime. In daytime, she's a nerd who always has her head buried in a book or watching DVDs. But by night, she's a fearless and brave person who can do anything she wants -- she's invincible. I also really liked Emily's stepsister: she's funny and she always watches out for Emily when she most needs it. 

The writing in Vesper was the best part of this book. Jeff Sampson's literature voice was absolutely brilliant and stunning. He wrote the book in such a way and manner that really got me into the story and kept me flipping pages way past midnight while I was reading it. Jeff Sampson is a fresh, new voice in the YA world.

Also, another part that I loved in this book was the interviews scattered throughout the novel. It's written as how somebody would write it down if they were listening it for the first time on a tape-recorder. That was just another unique part of this book.

Overall, Vesper was a great book that has an incredible author narrating the story with other great twists incorporated throughout the book like a fearless protagonist and interesting interviews. I can't wait to read the sequel!

My Rating:

Book Review: Once in a Full Moon by Ellen Schreiber

ONCE IN A FULL MOON:
Published: December 28, 2010
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 292 pages
Source: Amazon.com
Series: Full Moon, Book One


Beware of a kiss under the full moon. It will change your life forever.

Celeste Parker is used to hearing scary stories about werewolves--Legend's Run is famous for them. She's used to everything in the small town until Brandon Maddox moves to Legend's Run and Celeste finds herself immediately drawn to the handsome new student. But when, after an unnerving visit with a psychic, she encounters a pack of wolves and gorgeous, enigmatic Brandon, she must discover whether his transformation is more than legend or just a trick of the shadows in the moonlight.

Her best friends may never forgive her if she gives up her perfect boyfriend, Nash, for Brandon, who's from the wrong side of town. But she can't deny her attraction or the strong pull he has on her. Brandon may be Celeste's hero, or he may be the most dangerous creature she could encounter in the woods of Legend's Run.

Psychic predictions, generations-old secrets, a town divided, and the possibility of falling in love with a hot and heroic werewolf are the perfect formula for what happens . . . once in a full moon.

Going into this book, I had no idea what to expect. What I got from this book, it was simple but enough to satisfy me.

First, the writing style. Once again, Ellen Schreiber has one of the most simplest writing style.  And that's absolutely all right! Her writing style was the actual thing that captivated me into the story. I've heard that she has a simple writing style before from somebody reviewing her other series, the Vampire Kisses series, and that's what makes us have more books in her series. The writing style was enough to hook me in and finish it within two days.

Next, the characters. I want to talk about one of the side-characters, Nash, first. Nash has a huge ego that I cannot stand. Celeste, our main character, was a wonderful character and Ellen Schreiber gave her a wonderful voice. Another great character in the story was Brandon. He's a outsider, but he always is looking out for her and making sure she's okay. That's the kind of thing I like in a character.

Finally, we have the novel itself. While Once in a Full Moon was just a simple, yet paranormal, novel with great characters and a writing style that captured me into the story.

My Rating:

Book Review: The Secret Sisterhood of Heartbreakers by Lynn Weingarten

THE SECRET SISTERHOOD OF HEARTBREAKERS:
Published: December 27, 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 352 pages
Source: Amazon.com

If there’s an upside to having your heart broken, it’s this: A broken heart makes you brave. 

The first day of sophomore year doesn’t go the way Lucy planned. After a summer apart from her boyfriend, she’s ready to greet him with a special surprise and instead gets a shocking one in return: He’s breaking up with her. Beyond devastated, Lucy has no idea how she’s going to make it through homeroom, let alone the rest of her life. 

Enter three stunning girls with the unnatural ability to attract boys and an offer Lucy can’t refuse: They can heal her heart in an instant. And then she’ll be one of them—a member of a sisterhood that is impervious to heartbreak and has access to magic distilled from the tears of brokenhearted boys. But to gain their power, Lucy must get a guy to fall in love with her the old-fashioned way, and then break his heart in the next seven days. 

While the sisterhood may need another Heartbreaker, Lucy’s only desire is to get her ex back. But how far is she willing to go, and who is she willing to cross to get what she wants?

So I chose this book to be my Valentine's Day read. I wouldn't say that it's the 'happiest' of Valentine's Day reads I could have chose from, but I went with this one. This book had some great factors but some major flaws.

First, the writing style. I honestly think that Lynn Weingarten is one of the best third person's storytellers. I have not read her other book, but judging on the writing style of this one, I may just have to. The writing isn't awkward, and it's actually really great. I loved how she described things in the book, and I could see the book being played in my head as if it was a movie.

Next, the characters. Oh... no. I thought that almost every character was great and quirky and just a well-rounded character in this book -- except for one: Lucy, our main protagonist. Now we're heading into rough waters here if I, the reader, is having trouble with the protagonist. On almost every page, I heard the world "Alex" and how much she misses him and how much she wants him back. I can understand how your heart may be broken, but I do not like hearing it through the entire novel. But all the other characters were great! I think either Olivia, one of the Sisterhood members, or Tristan, Lucy's best friend, was my favorite. 

Then, we just have the storyline. This is what bumps the star rating back up. I love this storyline. For some reason, I found it interesting to read about getting vengeance over a broken heart. I thought that the story was unique and original, and the story always did keep my attention. It was just Lucy I had problems with!

Overall, THE SECRET SISTERHOOD OF HEARTBREAKERS had a great writing style, an unbelievable storyline, but, unfortunately, a very annoying main character.

My Rating: 

In My Mailbox (6)

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Book Review: Dead to You by Lisa McMann

DEAD TO YOU:

Author: Lisa McMann

Published: February 7, 2012

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Format: Hardcover

Page Count: 243 pages

Source: Amazon.com

Fun Fact: This is Lisa McMann's sixth novel

Ethan was abducted from his front yard when he was just seven years old. Now, at sixteen, he has returned to his family. It's a miracle... at first. Then the tensions start to build. His reintroduction to his old life isn't going smoothly, and his family is tearing apart all over again. If only Ethan could remember something, anything, about his life before, he'd be able to put the pieces back together. But there's something that's keeping his memory blocked. Something unspeakable...

In Dead to You, Lisa McMann presents us with a story with well-thought out characters, a dark and, in a way, frightening novel, and a writing style that hooks the reader into the story.

First, the characters. Ethan was... different for me. Yes, he was abducted when he was little, but his voice at sometimes was just so flat and bland, while other times, he would be full of rage or be sparky. Ethan's mom was my favorite. I believe that everybody needs their own person cheerleader, and the mom in this story is one of the best I've read about. Anything Ethan did, she supported him just like a good mother should. And Gracie was so cool! Even though she's little, I loved reading about her. And Blake is just a plain out jerk and some points in this book.

Next, we have Lisa McMann's captivating writing style. Once I started reading this book, I honestly couldn't stop. The way that she described everything in the story was thought out and overall, it was just such an interesting writing style!

Then, we have the entire story itself. I've never read a story about child abduction, and after I read it, I know now that I would be absolutely terrifying to be taken away from your family. And the passage on the back of the book just makes this story all the more interesting! Lisa McMann has crafted together an excellent novel.

Finally, we have the ending. What was that, Lisa McMann?! No spoilers here, but she leaves the ending in a way that there could be a second book, but then due to the storyline and everything that happens in the book, there can't be a sequel. Why must you do this to us, Lisa McMann?!


Overall, Dead to You was a great read that was fast-paced, intriguing, and captivating.


My Rating:

Book Review: Wither - Lauren DeStefano

WITHER:
Author: Lauren DeStefano
Published: March 22, 2011
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 358 pages
Source: Amazon.com
Series: Book One in the Chemical Garden Trilogy

 By age sixteen, Rhine Ellery has four years left to live. She can thank modern science for this genetic time bomb. A botched effort to created a perfect race has left all males with a lifespan of 25 years, and females with a lifespan of 20 years. Geneticists are seeking a miracle antidote to restore the human race, desperate orphans crowd the population, crime and poverty have skyrocketed, and young girls are being kidnapped and sold as polygamous brides to bear more children.

When Rhine is kidnapped and sold as a bride, she vows all she can do to escape. Her husband, Linden, is hopelessly in love with her, and Rhine can't bring herself to hate him as much as she'd like to. He opens to her a magical world of wealth and illusion she never though existed, and it almost makes it possible to ignore the clock ticking away her short life. But Rhine quickly learns that not everything in her new husband's strange world is what it seems. Her father-in-law, an eccentric doctor bent on finding the antidote, is hoarding corpses in the basement. Her fellow sister wives are to be trusted one day and feared the next, and Rhine is desperate to communicate to her twin brother that she if safe and alive. Will Rhine be able to escape -- before her time runs out?

Together with one of Linden's servants, Gabriel, Rhine attempts to escape just before her seventeenth birthday. But in a world that continues to spiral into anarchy, is there any hope for freedom?


"Wither was creepy, elegant, and overall, a great dystopian novel. Lauren DeStefano has writing talents that are beyond amazing!"

I wanted to start reading Wither so I could prepare for the sequel, Fever. And after I read the last word on page 358, I knew that Lauren DeStefano had created a great first book.

First, the writing style. Lauren DeStefano's voice is so gorgeous. It was so beautiful how she described everything in this masterpiece, yet very frightening, world that she has created. Lauren DeStefano is a gifted writer, and she's a debut author!

Next, the writing style. Rhine is one of the best characters I've ever read about. She's determined to escape this horrible, trapped life that she now has to get back to her brother. Yes, she did have her moments where she did like Linden, her new husband, but she always reassured herself that she has to get back to her brother, Rowan. Jenna and Cecily, her sister wives, were also excellent and well-developed characters. Jenna was always the shy one who knew that she didn't want this life, and Cecily is the type of girl who thinks that this life is so wonderful. Linden is another great character, and I despise his father, Housemaster Vaughn. He's such a wicked and twisted human being! But Lauren DeStefano did an incredible job with her characters.

Then, we just have the storyline. Males living until 25, with women until 20? This novel was pure and original. Everything that happened in this book was well executed.

Can we talk about the ending? No spoilers here, folks, but I will say, I did not expect the the last three chapters of the book. This ending was on my mind days after I read it, and I just couldn't get enough of this book.

Overall, Wither is a great novel that promises to be the beginning of an excellent trilogy. I can't wait until Fever comes out!

My Rating:

Author Interview: K.M. Walton, author of Cracked

Today, I have with me K. M. Walton, author of CRACKED!

Let's begin the interview!

One: What did you know first while writing CRACKED: the characters or the story?

A: The characters. I knew I wanted to write a book that alternated back and forth between perspectives, so I had to develop them both before writing a single word.

Two: If you could choose any author to write a book with, who would it be and why?

A: I’d say John Green, because the dude is a genius.

Three: What made you want to write a book about bullying and suicide?

A: I spent twelve years as a teacher, ten of them teaching middle school language arts. Anti-bullying was always my number one focus – either underlying or the focus of the unit. I also ran a summer day camp called Camp Kindness, and the campers spent the week learning about tolerance, empathy, volunteering, donating and kindness. Anti-bullying is part of my DNA.

Four: Which character do you prefer to write about: Victor or Bull?

A: Oooh, that’s like asking a mother which child she loves more! Honestly though, I loved writing in both boys’ voices. They became living, breathing human beings to me.

Five: When did you first start writing CRACKED?

A: I started in the spring of 2008 and never looked back.

Six: Can you give us your description of how you acted when you found out that your book would be published?

A: Shock. Overwhelming joy. Lots of screaming. Tears. Tight hugs from my two sons and husband.

Seven: What author influences you in writing?

A: I’m a huge fan of A. S. King, Libba Bray, John Green, Lev Grossman, Sherman Alexie, Ransom Riggs, Jennifer Donnelly, and J. K. Rowling.

Eight: Do you love or hate the editing process?

A: Even though it is a hard process, I love editing and revising. Getting feedback from my critique partners and editor, and doing the work associated with revision, always makes the book better. I’m a big fan of better.

Nine: Describe your book in one sentence.

A: Two sixteen-year-old boys—one the bully, one the victim—both endure abuse at home and end up in the same psych ward…in the same room.

Ten: Do you have any other book ideas planned?

A: I just completed the first round of revisions on my second novel about an overweight teenaged girl, whose life spirals out of control after being bullied and abused. It doesn’t have a title yet, but it releases from Simon Pulse in the Spring of 2013.

Thank you very much for hosting me today, Brad!

Be sure to read K. M. Walton's wonderful debut CRACKED!

Click here to go to this book's Goodreads page!

Click here to order this book on Amazon!

Book Review: Cracked - K. M. Walton

CRACKED:
Published: January 3, 2012:
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 311 pages
Source: Amazon.com
*Debut Novel*

Sometimes there's no easy way out.

Victor hates his life. He has no friends, gets beaten up at school, and his parents are always criticizing him. Tired of feeling miserable, Victor takes a bottle of his mother's sleeping pills -- only to wake up in the hospital. 

Bull is angry, and takes all his rage out on Victor. That makes him feel a little better, at least a little. But it doesn't stop Bull's grandfather from getting drunk and hitting him. So Bull tries to defend himself with a loaded gun.

When Victor and Bull end up as roommates in the same psych ward, there's no way to escape each other or their problems. Which means things are getting worse -- much worse -- before they get better... 

"K. M. Walton's debut novel tugged at my heartstrings with this tale of two boys who have been drastically affected in their lifetime. Cracked is absolutely brilliant!"

When I first heard of this novel, I honestly didn't know what to expect. So when I ordered it on Amazon and started it, my breath was taken away at how beautiful and great the book was!

This book was incredible.

First, the writing style. I loved K. M. Walton's voice in these two boys. I felt for them (even Bull), and whenever something horrible would happen (something like abuse), it really pulled at my heart. I loved that this story was about bullying and basically trying to overcome a bully, and I appreciate K. M. for crafting the story like she did.

Next, the characters. Like I said before, Victor and Bull made me feel sad and happy. I felt bad for Victor right from the get-go, and I finally came to understand Bull's mean ways. And the way that K. M. put them in the situations they got into really made me breathless. She's a very talented writer!

Then, there's just the actual story. I hate bullying, and when Bull would do something to Victor, I wanted to jump into the pages of Cracked and force Bull to stop being a horrible and wicked person. This book kept me up all night, and I finished it in just a day. This book was such a great book.

One more thing before I wrap this all up: the pacing. K. M. Walton paced this novel perfectly, and I always wanted to keep reading the story just to find out what exactly would happen. The story and characters always intrigued me, and I loved this story! And... it had short chapters! I love short chapters in a book. I have no idea why, but I do!

Overall, I highly recommend you go get this novel! :D

My Rating:

 

In My Mailbox #5

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Book Review: Twisted - Sara Shepard

TWISTED:

Published: July 5, 2011

Publisher: HarperTeen

Format: Hardcover

Page Count: 305 pages

Series: Book 9 in the Pretty Little Liars series
*Pretty Little Liars is a hit TV Show as well!*

It’s been a year since the torturous notes from A stopped and the mystery of Alison DiLaurentis’s disappearance was finally put to rest. Now seniors in high school, Aria, Spencer, Hanna and Emily are older, but they’re not any wiser. The Pretty Little Liars have more secrets than ever - twisted secrets that could destroy the perfect lives they’ve worked so hard to rebuild.

Aria’s jealous of her boyfriend’s new exchange student. Spencer’s getting a little too cozy with her soon-to-be-stepbrother. Hanna’s one scandalous photo away from ruining her dad’s Senate campaign. And Emily will do anything to get a swim scholarship.

Worst of all: Last spring break in Jamaica, they did something unforgivable. The girls are desperate to forget that fateful night, but they should know better than anyone that all secrets wash ashore … eventually.

"In the ninth book of the highly addictive Pretty Little Liars series, I honestly was suspecting to be disappointed. Believe me, I wasn't. Sara Shepard came back strong in this novel, and I'm very pleased!"

I've loved the Pretty Little Liars series by Sara Shepard since November 15, 2011, when I read the first book. Ever since then, I've found this series very addicting and hard to put down. And this series was originally suppose to be eight books. I was expecting a story that was just continuing on and on, but this book was absolutely incredible, as every Sara Shepard book is. 

This book was very fast-paced and wonderful. 

First, the characters. As always, I expect the same from each character. I expect Hanna to be a preppy jerk, Spencer to be also preppy, but not so much of a jerk, Aria to just be kind of nice, but can snap on anyone, and Emily to be the sweet and innocent one. Sara Shepard does a great job giving these characters teen qualities that, in fact, do actually seem realistic.

Next, the writing style and pacing. As always, Sara Shepard is a skilled writer and knows how to pace her books well. Her writing style is beyond belief because she makes me think I'm in Rosewood with our characters, right beside them as they go through everything that they are going through. It's hard for a writer to make me feel that way.

Then, we have A. A is so despicable and wicked and cruel, but I hate to love him/her and love to hate him/her. Sara Shepard delivers one of the best villains of all time. The way that A has all this information on all these girls and uses it against them to blackmail them just always makes me excited when A comes up during parts in the book!

Finally, the novel itself. Twisted did deliver everything I was hoping it would and more. I highly recommend you go check out this series! 

My Rating:

Book Review: Bewitching - Alex Flinn

BEWITCHING:

Published: February 14, 2012

Publisher: HarperTeen

Format: ARC

Page Count: 336 pages

Source: Melina @ Reading Vacation

Series: Book One in The Kendra Chronicles

Kendra Hilferty is a witch. Yes, a witch -- and she has been for hundreds of years. She might be known for the inventive curse she put on one beastly teen guy, but there is more to her story. Here, she chronicles her immortal existence, from first discovery of her powers. While always good intentioned, Kendra has found that her bewitching can backfire, and her magic turns versions of The Princess and the Pea and The Little Mermaid -- set against the real-world backdrops of Versailles and the sinking of the Titanic -- on their heads. Kendra's reminiscences of her past are wrapped around a real-time Cinderella story in which she is trying to play fairy godmother . . . to the stepsister. With dark twists, hilarious turns, and unexpected endings, BEWITCHING is a contemporary read for fairy-tale lovers, fantasy fans, and anyone looking for more Alex Flinn.

"Alex Flinn is one of the greatest fairy-tale tellers of all time, and she definitely proves herself with, in my opinion, her best novel to date."

I read Beastly and Cloaked by Alex Flinn back in 2011 (I still need to read A Kiss in Time!), and loved them both. I thought that Alex Flinn told the fairy-tales in such a great and modern way, and when I found out that this novel was coming out, I nearly had a panic attack because Kendra was my favorite character from Beastly! Going more depth into her story was so much fun, and this book was simply wonderful.

This novel was absolutely stunning. Alex Flinn has weaved a modern fairy-tale that left me breathless, and every minute I was reading this, I was always pleased.

First, the characters. Kendra is one of the best characters in YA Literature ever! I love how she always does things for good, but she's sarcastic and magical. I felt for Emma a lot during the novel of how she was being pushed around by her stepsister and almost everybody in school. This novel had some of the elements that the movie Mean Girls did! There was jerk in there named Courtney who I hated. But the character that I wanted to throw off of a building and hopefully land on a moving semi-truck was a wicked character by the name of Lisette. I cannot stand Lisette! I hate mean characters, especially when the mean characters are mean to the protagonists. Ugh. Team Emma! 

Next, the writing style. I loved how Alex Flinn made this a contemporary novel with fairy-tale aspects thrown in here and there. When she wrote about Kendra in her earlier days, she described everything so well! Through all of Kendra's journey, Alex Flinn never let me down. She's one of the best fairy-tale tellers!

Then, we have Kendra's journeys! From her finding out that she's a witch, to her in The Princess and the Pea, to The Little Mermaid, all the way to the Titanic, and finally to present day, Kendra's journeys were always fast-paced and fascinating. I loved every second of this novel! I picked it up and I just couldn't put it down.

Finally, the novel itself. Alex Flinn did an incredible job on this book, and I honestly think that it's her best book out of the ones that I've read! Bewitching had everything I was looking for in a fairytale.

Overall, Alex Flinn's Bewitching was a wonderful story where good always conquers evil with fairy-tale aspects mixed into the story. It was utterly fantastic!

My Rating:

Book Cover Reveal: Spring Frost by Kailin Gow

Alright, here is the big thing happening on my blog!:

My blog is hosting the cover reveal for Kailin Gow's seventh novel in the epic and bestselling Frost series, SPRING FROST

Here is the cover to the highly anticipated novel, SPRING FROST!

Isn't this cover awesome?!

Go to SPRING FROST's Goodreads page here

Pre-order SPRING FROST at Amazon here

SPRING FROST is expected to release on April 9, 2012! 

Waiting on Wednesday (5)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine! 

My pick of the week is...

Insurgent - Veronica Roth (Divergent, #2)

Goodreads Summery: *DON'T READ IT IF YOU HAVEN'T READ DIVERGENT*

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so. 

How could I not want this book?!?! DIVERGENT was an incredible dystopian read last year, and I'm actually going to be re-reading it and posting a review of it on my blog. I want to jump back into the world of Tris and Four, like, yesterday. May 1 needs to get its butt here! 

Leave the link to your Waiting on Wednesday so I can check it out! 

:D

YA Novels Coming Out This Week: February 7

Here's a list of the YA novels coming out this week!:

 Dead to You - Lisa McMann

Goodreads | Amazon

 The Wood Queen - Karen Mahoney

Book Two in The Iron Witch Trilogy

Goodreads | Amazon

In Too Deep - Amanda Grace

Goodreads | Amazon

 Born Wicked - Jessica Spotswood

Book One in the Cahill Witch Chronicles 

Goodreads | Amazon

 The Rivals - Daisy Whitney

Book Two in the Mockingbirds series

Goodreads | Amazon

 The One That I Want - Jennifer Echols 

Goodreads | Amazon

 Two Truths and a Lie - Sara Shepard

Book Three in The Lying Game series

Goodreads | Amazon