Follow Friday #7

Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read where you meet and follow different bloggers.

Question of the Week: You are a matchmaker — your goal, hook up two characters from two of your favorite books. Who would it be? How do you think it would go?

Lets see... if you forget about the ages and their respective loved ones, I would probably take Rose from Vampire Academy and Jericho Barrons from Fever. Sure, she may be 18 and he is.. well, a lot older, LOL and if there was no Mac or Dimitri, I think Rose would be perfect to hook up for him. She is kickass and takes care of herself. And Barrons likes confidence and a natural ability to be strong.
Plus they would make a great duo fighting against monsters and vampires.

Jen's review of "The Selection" by Kiera Cass

The Selection by Keira Cass

Publication date: April 24th, 2012

Publisher: Harper Teen

Number of pages: 327

Format: Kindle

Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

Description:  For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

My Review:
There was so much hype surrounding this book. Both positive and negative, but I, for one, like to test things out for myself and form my own opinion. And that is just what I did.

I think we can all agree, the cover is absolutely gorgeous. It makes you feel as if you are at some dance or ball. It even looks like someone might wear to a fancy event in the 1800's.
I have to applaud the publishers and artist designer for making this book look quite pretty. I certainly approve.

I quite enjoyed this book. It gave an interesting take on the dystopian world. Sure, there was similarities to other books, but when you are writing in a genre where a lot of books have been done over over, it's natural that things tend to get similar at some point. But it still managed to stand out on its own.

America was an interesting character. She believed in love, tough and stubborn. If there was something she didn't want to do, she wouldn't do it. But of course, if she thought by doing something it might help or benefit her family, who she loves dearly, then she would do anything to make sure they have the best life possible.
You see, America is a number 5, which means artists, singers, performers. And by that stands for food not always being there on the table. You have to work for it and work for their kind of talents just doesn't come easily.
When she enters The Selection, she never imagined she would get chosen. But when she does, she'll soon have to get real because not only is this a competition where some girls would do anything to win, but it's also an experience she could never have envisioned for herself.

Then, we have her two love interests. Yes, girls and boys, there is a dreaded triangle. I know, I know. It seems they are everywhere these days. But I suppose, it's what makes things interesting, although in most cases you can tell which way things will go. But that's not always the case, like in this example.
We have Aspen, who is from America's home town, but in a lower caste then her. So, in some cases it might seem like their love is forbidden, because he'll never feel good enough for her.
But then we have Maxon. Who is royalty and has the country's needs at his hands. That's a tough position to be in.. for someone so young.
When America is forced to leave  Aspen and meets Maxon, things aren't picture perfect. Hell, they don't even get along at first. Although, with everything, that take a little time.
And by the end, America will see that he is an option for her affections, and she won't be sure what she should do, or where her heart lies.

This book is more about the romance then it is about any rebellion, although I am sure that will come up before the end of the series. I don't think it will be as bad or horrible as other Dystopian novels, such as, The Hunger Games and Divergent, but I think it will be there nonetheless.

I would like to point out that while I do like Aspen, and things are about to get interesting, not to mention complicated, I am  FULLY TEAM MAXON!
I look forward to see how things progress in the next book of this series. At this point I can't see who she will choose and end up with. It could be either of them, although I do secretly hope for Maxon.

                                                           Rating: 4/5

Jen's review of "Whisper" by Alyson Noel

Whisper (Riley Bloom #4) by Alyson Noel

Publication date: May 2012

Publisher: Macmillan

Number of pages: 194

Format: Paperback

Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

Description: This time, Riley might really have bitten off more than she’s ready for. After practically begging the Council for a more challenging Soul Catch, she is assigned an actual Roman gladiator—Theocoles, the Pillar of Doom. How is Riley, a skinny twelve-year-old, supposed to get through to him? Then she meets the beautiful Messalina, who convinces her that her only chance is to become part of this world. To accomplish this, Messalina helps Riley through a dramatic, mystical makeover, transforming her into the beautiful and mature teen she’s always wanted to be. Finally, Riley can experience her first boyfriend and her first kiss. With a dream this enchanting, will she ever want to leave?

First off, I would like to thank Pan Macmillan for giving me the chance to review this book in exchange for a honest review.

In what I believe is the final book of the series, Riley Bloom has always wanted to have a challenging Soul Catch, she soon gets that very chance.
After been given her assignment and being told that she has to get the attention of and bring over the soul of a man -- gladiator who has been stuck in the same time for possibly thousands of years, in the same place.

After catching the attention of another girl in the arena, Messalina, who helps Riley transforms from a 12-year old girl into someone older who would fit in with their time.
But in doing so, this young girl gives something to Riley that she never thought she would get. A magical makeover which makes her even more beautiful and older than she really is. Stuck at 12? I don't think so.

While Riley tries to convince her assignment, Theocoles to cross over. That he isn't in the time that he thinks he is, but nothing seems to work. It's as if he can't hear her and only sees and hears what he wants to hear and see.
After Riley meets a new boy and gets her very first kiss, she'll start to think that maybe she doesn't have to go back. What is back there that isn't here? She has friends and a boy who actually likes her. She isn't that little 12 yr old girl anymore. She fits in here.
But she then soon discovers that not everything is as it seems, and maybe she is being played as a fool.

There are betrayals, new discoveries and interesting developments in this installment to the life of Riley Bloom.
It's probably the best book in this series. Riley will get everything she wants and more by the time you reach the final page of this book.

I admit, I kinda always wanted Riley to end up with Bodie eventually, as I have always liked their friendship and thought there was more do it that he wasn't saying.
But I won't say what does happen, but I think there was a definite breakthrough in terms of their relationship.

                                                            Rating: 4/5

Jen's review of "Insurgent" by Veronica Roth

Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth

Publication date: May 1st, 2012

Publisher: Harper Teen

Number of pages: 525

Format: Hardcover

Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

Description: 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.

It all started with the initiation.... One choice. Tris's choice. That's what it all comes down to. In the thrilling second book in Veronica Roth's 'Divergent' Trilogy comes a action packed sequel to the book we all fell in love with.
The last time we left Tris, she had just lost both of her parents and fought a war that she did not expect to happen.
The story picks up pretty much where it left off in Divergent. Tris, Caleb, Four, Peter and Marcus have left and are slowly making their way toward safety. But things don't go according to plan, as expected.

The group have to rely on each other even though, it might be the last thing they want to do. Not all of them get along and that causes for some quite tension-filled silences.

This book was insane. It was full of action, shocks and surprises along the way. Tris is as strong as ever, but she is going through so much just to try keep things together. After all, at the end of the day, she is still a 16 yr old teenage girl and the things she has gone through make her stronger, but they also affect her deeply.

Her relationship with Four, or whom we probably should refer to him as Tobias, gets stronger after each passing day, but things arent perfect. They go through some heartbreaking stuff. I guess the question is, whether they are strong enough to withhold it and come out better on the other side.

Unexpected betrayals, newcomers and surprising revelations make this book so much better than the first book. I could not put this down.
In this story, you get to understand more about the Divergents, more about each of the Factions. It was interesting to see because we didn't really know much about them before now.

Of course we then have the all dreaded cliffhanger... and then you think.. "You leave us with THAT?" Yes... and the suspense builds.
I look forward to see how the final book brings everything together and closes this amazing series off.  It's gonna be one hell of a year until the final book gets released.

                                                           Rating: 5/5

Cover Reveal:: HOUSE RULES

The cover for the 7th Chicagoland Vampires book has been revealed, and isn't it just gorgeous?

This is the blurb::

In a city full of vampires, trouble never sleeps.


At the tender age of 27, Merit became a sword-wielding vampire. Since then, she’s become the protector of her House, watched Chicago nearly burn to the ground, and seen her Master fall and rise. Now she’ll see her mettle—and her metal —tested like never before.


It started with two . . . Two rogues vanishing without a trace. Someone is targeting Chicago’s vampires, and anyone could be next. With their house in peril, Merit and her Master, the centuries old Ethan Sullivan, must race to stop the disappearances. But as they untangle a web of secret alliances and ancient evils, they realize their foe is more familiar, and more powerful, than they could have ever imagined.

Publication date:: February 2013

Jen's review of "City of Lost Souls" by Cassandra Clare

City of Lost Souls (The Mortal Instruments #5) by Cassandra Clare

Published date: May 8th, 2012

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Number of pages: 540

Format: Paperback

Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

Description: The demon Lilith has been destroyed and Jace has been freed from her captivity. But when the Shadowhunters arrive to rescue him, they find only blood and broken glass. Not only is the boy Clary loves missing–but so is the boy she hates, Sebastian, the son of her father Valentine: a son determined to succeed where their father failed, and bring the Shadowhunters to their knees.

No magic the Clave can summon can locate either boy, but Jace cannot stay away—not from Clary. When they meet again Clary discovers the horror Lilith’s dying magic has wrought—Jace is no longer the boy she loved. He and Sebastian are now bound to each other, and Jace has become what he most feared: a true servant of Valentine’s evil. The Clave is determined to destroy Sebastian, but there is no way to harm one boy without destroying the other. Will the Shadowhunters hesitate to kill one of their own?

Only a small band of Clary and Jace’s friends and family believe that Jace can still be saved — and that the fate of the Shadowhunters’ future may hinge on that salvation. They must defy the Clave and strike out on their own. Alec, Magnus, Simon and Isabelle must work together to save Jace: bargaining with the sinister Faerie Queen, contemplating deals with demons, and turning at last to the Iron Sisters, the reclusive and merciless weapons makers for the Shadowhunters, who tell them that no weapon on this earth can sever the bond between Sebastian and Jace. Their only chance of cutting Jace free is to challenge Heaven and Hell — a risk that could claim any, or all, of their lives.

And they must do it without Clary. For Clary has gone into the heart of darkness, to play a dangerous game utterly alone. The price of losing the game is not just her own life, but Jace’s soul. She’s willing to do anything for Jace, but can she even still trust him? Or is he truly lost? What price is too high to pay, even for love?

In what would be one of the most anticipated and talked about upcoming books for 2012, the hype for this installment certainly delivered in spades. Given the end of City of Fallen Angels and that all so dreaded cliffhanger which Cassie left us on, it's easily understandable how you'd want to know what was going to happen next and how would Jace separate himself from Sebastian whose lifeforce has joined with his. Not an easy prediciment if you ask me.

There had been comments about City of Fallen Angels and how it wasn't up to par to what the series usually was in the first 3 books, and I have to agree. Some parts of the book weren't that interesting. But it wasn't like it was the worst book either. Sometimes not every book has to be perfect. It had its flaws and that's normal.

But come this installment and I felt things were back on track. I was glued to every single page like there was no tomorrow. There was exciting and thrilling events that I had to know what was going on, and what would happen next.

What I found was interesting was we got multiple POV's, but it was refreshing and nice to see. We got to see more of the relationship between Alec and Magnus. Got to understand how it wasn't all roses and flowers. They do have problems just like any other couple, and there was tears shed, that is for certain.

We also go to see the progressing relationships between Kyle/Maia, and Simon/Isabelle. And I think I need to make it clear right here. I don't know what part it happened, but somewhere during the course of this book Simon & Isabelle became my OTP for this series.

Don't get me wrong. I still love Jace and Clary, and even Alec and Magnus to death, but my God... Simon and Isabelle -- I don't know what it was about those two in this book, but there is no doubt that whatever it was pulled me in line and sinker.

There was quite a bit of character development and relationship building probably more so than in any other book, which was great to see.

People made mistakes. There was tears, heartbreak and reunions. I'd say it was almost perfect.

Sebastian... Ah, what can I say about him? I almost started to like him in the early stages of the book, but then his real motives were revealed and he did... things, and I was back to being disgusted with him for the remainder of it.

I just had hoped there was a small amount of good in him even just for the fact he was still the son of Jocelyn. But no, I was fooled. I had hoped that he could changed.

This was a fantastic way to bring the series back. I even had developed some theories based on appearances by Brother Zachariah. About who he is... you tell me your theories and I'll tell you mind. Maybe we might match up and have the same thoughts on this topic.

And I got to admit, I couldn't help but almost die during a particular scene that happened that involved a TID/Will & Tessa thing in this book where it involved two core TMI characters. You will understand what I mean -- I hope?

Cassandra Clare did an amazing job working on this novel. I am constantly amazed at the amount of research and world building she puts into this series, and also TID. It's the kind of thing that keeps you addicted book after book. Page after all. It's the kind of work I aspire to.

I applaud you, Cassie.

To end this review off, I am not happy that we have to now wait TWO YEARS for the final installment. Yes, we might get Clockwork Princess early next year, but then it's ANOTHER year for the final The Mortal Instruments installment. But I suppose, being the final books of each series that they take extra time and effort to making sure everything gets tied up in the end and to make sure it's the best work you could do for your characters and story.

                                                           Rating: 5/5

Jen's review of "Dreamfever" by Karen Marie Moning

Dreamfever (Fever #4) by Karen Marie Moning

Publication date: August 18th, 2009

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Number of pages: 388

Format: Hardcover

Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

Description: MacKayla Lane lies naked on the cold stone floor of a church, at the mercy of the erotic Fae master she once swore to kill. Far from home, unable to control her sexual hungers, MacKayla is now fully under the Lord Master’s spell.…In New York Times bestselling author Karen Marie Moning’s stunning new novel, the walls between human and Fae worlds have come crashing down. And as Mac fights for survival on Dublin’s battle-scarred streets, she will embark on the darkest—and most erotically charged—adventure of her life.


He has stolen her past, but MacKayla will never allow her sister’s murderer to take her future. Yet even the uniquely gifted sidhe-seer is no match for the Lord Master, who has unleashed an insatiable sexual craving that consumes Mac’s every thought—and thrusts her into the seductive realm of two very dangerous men, both of whom she desires but dares not trust.

As the enigmatic Jericho Barrons and the sensual Fae prince V’lane vie for her body and soul, as cryptic entries from her sister’s diary mysteriously appear and the power of the Dark Book weaves its annihilating path through the city, Mac’s greatest enemy delivers a final challenge.…

It’s an invitation Mac cannot refuse, one that sends her racing home to Georgia, where an even darker threat awaits. With her parents missing and the lives of her loved ones under siege, Mac is about to come face-to-face with a soul-shattering truth—about herself and her sister, about Jericho Barrons…and about the world she thought she knew.

Let me first say, when I first read this book I had just gotten into the series and read the first 3 books in an instant. But then, you know what? I had to wait over a year until this book and let me tell you --- I wasn't pleased at all. I was so very obsessed by that point that the thought of waiting so long displeased me to say the least.

This is the fourth installment to this amazing series by Karen Marie Moning. Just when you thought it couldn't get any better, especially after that one hell of a cliffhanger that we were left off in Faefever, and boy was it insane.
The first page takes us back to the scene of the crime in Mac's POV, and the second chapter takes place with Dani -- since Mac is unable to respond at this present time.

When we come back to Mac, she isn't herself. We find out the damage that was done for her and just who her saviors were. There is one person in particular that will do anything to bring her back to herself, no matter what he or she does. It's something fans might swoon at, or some might just think and understand it's something that has to be done in order for Mac to get back to her super self, and the world the way he is... she is needed.

Mac goes through quite the journey during this book. If anything.. it just makes her stronger on the other side, and even she gains some interesting abilities that she might not have had before. The question is... where did they come from, and who or what is Mac turning into?

There are still millions of questions regarding Barrons, but we do find out some little bits of information where he is concerned, and it's one Mac didn't even see coming.

Mac soon finds herself involved with all sorts of people, including Barrons, Vlane, Rowena and the Sidhe-seers, Christian and even has an encounter or two of the mysterious Ryodan, who sounds mighty like Barrons does in the way he talks. Is there a connection?

Mac and Barron's relationship furthers along. Things change. Things progress, and when you get to the end of the book.. you feel like there is some sort of breakthrough between these two. Whether that's good or bad remains to be seen.
She still seems pretty in denial about how she feels about him.. We as readers could see it a mile off, but Mac on the other hand.. and even Barrons tend to be a little slower to understanding this.

There is of course a major cliffhanger and makes you crazy just to think this is how she chooses to end the book. 

This book is one thrilling adventure to the next. Non stop action and exciting events that roll around. The world you find yourself in just gets more dangerous and exciting by the moment. And you'll start to wonder whether it can go back to normal.

The end also sets up for the finale, being the last book in the series.. It's been one hell of a ride.

Rating: 5/5

In My Mailbox #5

In My Mailbox is a weekly blog post hosted by Kirsti over at The Story Siren and inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.

Not much these week only these two:
 

   

These are titles which I purchased this past weekend.

Black Dawn (Morganville Vampires #12) by Rachel Caine
Until I Die by Amy Plum

Follow Friday #6

Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee's View and Alison Can Read, which is basically a way to follow blogs and make new friends.
It's pretty easy. Head over to the hosts page, check out some blogs and follow. Make sure you let them know you are following otherwise they won't know.


For this week's question:Summer Break is upon us! What would be the perfect vacation spot for you to catch up on your reading and relax?


Hm.. summer? *looks outside* looks like Autumn to me, LOL Yeah.. the fact I am on the opposite side of the world might have something to do with it.
But in this case..I think somewhere quiet and peaceful. Maybe somewhere with a beach? My family and I used to go camping down by the border of this state and the next which was isolated and nice and peaceful. I think that would be a nice spot to get some relaxing and catching up on some reading, although I haven't been there since I was young.
Other than that...maybe down to Queensland where its nice and warm most of the time, and I think if you are anywhere on vacation you should be able to relax no matter what you are in the world.

Jen's review of "White Witch" by Trish Milburn

White Witch (The Coven #1) by Trish Milburn

Publication date: March 1st, 2012

Publisher: Bell Bridge Boks

Number of pages: 188

Format: Kindle

Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

Description: Witchcraft Is Her Family’s Business.No One Quits The Family And Lives To Tell About It. “Jax” Pherson has power, enough power to know her future will end in service to the dark coven her father controls. Unless she can stay hidden in a small community in the mountains of North Carolina. She must find a way to live without magic and deny the darkness she feels welling up inside her—the same dark power that fuels the covens around the world. All she wants is a normal life. A boyfriend. Friends. Some place to belong, but all too soon Jax’s barely begun new life hangs in the balance when she discovers that the boy she’s attracted to is sworn to kill her kind. He’s a hunter with good reason to kill everything that goes bump in the night. Even the most fleeting use of her power is tantamount to signing her death warrant and will bring both hunter and coven down on her. But can she walk away when her friends are threatened by an old evil? Something created by the magic of witches? Jax’s only hope of survival is to convince the boy she loves to forget everything he’s ever been taught and help her find a way to fight the covens. To believe there is some good in her.

Thanks to Bell Bridge Books and Netgalley for allowing me to review this title in exchange my honest review and take on this book. It has been a pleasure. 

After escaping from her family controlled by her dark coven father, Jax runs toward a small town in North Carolina where she hopes will be far enough for her to start a new life without magic. All she wishes is to be normal and not be in the life that she was.
Things are easy said then done. Its not too soon that she meets a boy who she discovers is everything she has been taught to stay away from. A human. A hunter. It's the worst possible boy to fall for.
Her head knows that, but tell that to her heart.

Jax soon sees that she can't run from who she is. The closer she and the new boy in her life start to get, she suddenly realizes that she doesn't care. These two have this insane attraction that not even the forces would be able to keep them apart.

Everything is not all daisies and roses, because a newcomer arrives in town just as things are getting to normal. A blast from her not-to-distant past and the two join forces and discover certain things that make them see everything they had been told their entire life has been a lie.
They start to wonder whether they really know the truth about who they are, and their abilities. But one thing is for sure: they are about to find out even if it's the last thing they ever do in that town.

This was an enjoyable, if not short read. It was a nice story, even though I didn't feel a lot actually happened and when it did it wasn't until half way until the end.
I feel the story could have been executed better, but it was nice nonetheless. I enjoyed Jax as a character, but I do wish we could have seen when she escaped her father and the events that led up to it. I think it might have had more of an impact.

There was a bit of a cliffhanger at the end, and I guess it will spring into the second book to this series to see where Jax goes and what happens next.
I did like the interesting take Trish had on the Witch genre and her world that she created about Jax and her family and magic was not one I had read about before, so I would have to applaud her for that.
I definitely will check out the next book when it comes out to see if the story builds up with more excitement.

                                                          Rating: 3/5