Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce

Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce
Released: 1983
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Series: Song Of The Lioness, Book One
Page Amount: 231 US Paperback
Source: Own/gift

"Alanna of the Trebond has always yearned to become a warrior maiden, and she's not about to let little things like the wrong gender or her mysterious, magical powers known as the Gift get in the way. She manages to disguise herself as a boy so thoroughly that she gains admittance to the palace military academy and quickly establishes herself as the most talented of the new knights-in-training. What she doesn't count on however, is just how hard it can be to maintain her secret over time--- not only does her womanhood become more difficult to conceal but so too does the growing force of her healing magic. And when only sorcery can save her friend, Prince Jonathan, from a fatal illness, Alanna faces the most difficult decision of her life: Should she use her Gift, thus revealing her true nature? or lose her dearest friend for the sake of her most cherished dreams?"
Information from the synopsis from the book

My Thoughts:
I've heard amazing things about Tamora Pierce's books. With that being said I was a bit nervous reading this with all the awesome things I heard. I was like you're not going to love it as much as a fellow book blogger and friends have. I was so wrong, Alanna is amazing!! She's a totally kick ass character and the world in Tortall I want to live there.

This is a medieval fantasy with this amazing female character who isn't afraid to go for what she wants. Even if she does have to dress up like a boy. And she wants to be a knight!!If  you haven't picked up this book yet GO for it!!

I really want the rest of the series, like yesterday!! Thanks to Misty at The Book Rat for recommending me this.

5/5 stars, Happy Reading, Ashley

Revived by Cat Patrick

Revived by Cat Patrick
Released: May 8th 2012
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Page Amount: 336
Source: Library

" As a little girl, Daisy Appleby was killed in a bus crash. Moments after the accident, she was brought back to life.


A secret government agency has developed a drug called Revive that can bring people back from the dead, and Daisy Appleby, a test subject, has been Revived five times in fifteen years. Daisy takes extraordinary risks, knowing she can beat death also means a new name, a new city, and a new life. When she meets Matt McKean, Daisy begins to question the moral implications of Revive, and she discovers the agency's true goals, she's at the center of something much larger---- and more sinister--- than she ever imagined."
-Information from Goodreads.com 

My Thoughts:
I really loved this book. Daisy is one tough chick for surviving death 5 times and moving around. But when she comes to Omaha, Nebraska everything about herself and her world will be forever changed from brother  and sister Matt, and Audrey. Things change for the program as well.

This one is a roller coaster from the start. Couldn't put this down for a second. I wish there was another book to this. I would love too see where Daisy ends up next. And if her and Matt cross paths again...
Oh please I would love another book to this!!

All in all I really enjoyed it and plus the cover is pretty amazing!! 5/5 stars, Happy Reading, Ashley

What She Left Behind by Tracy Bilen

What She Left Behind by Tracy Bilen 
Released: May 1st 2012
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Page Amount: 236
Source: Library

" Don't even think of leaving...I will find you," he whispered.
Guaranteed.


Sara and her mom have a plan to finally escape Sara's abusive father. But when her mom doesn't show up as expected, Sara's terrified. Her father says she's on a business trip, but Sara knows he's lying. Her mom is missing--- and her dad had something do with it.


With each day that passes, Sara's more on edge. Her friends know that something's wrong, but she won't endanger anymore with her secret. And her dad growing increasingly violent, Sara must figure out what happened to her mom before its too late...for them both."
-Information from Goodreads.com 

My Thoughts:
This was a difficult book for myself to read. Due to the subject matter of the storyline.  Being a person whom  had grown up in the same type of situation as Sara, I could relate to her fear and pain.  There were times I had to put the book down. I relived those memories reading Sara's account of what she was going through. Tracy did a wonderful job with writing this. My heart was broken throughout this tale.

Luckily at the end there is a happy ending for Sara and her mom. As well as my family.

This book isn't for the light hearted. This is a heartbreaking debut novel of 2012. I am looking forward to reading more books by Tracy in the future.

5/5 stars, Happy Reading, Ashley

Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins

Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins
Released: May 1st 2012
Publisher: HarperTeen
Series: The Sweet Trilogy, Book One
Page Amount: 454
Source: Library

"Embrace the Forbidden
What if there were teens whose lives literally depended on bad influences? 


This is the reality for sons and daughters of fallen angels.


Tenderhearted Southern girl Anna Whitt was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She's aware of the struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but Anna, the ultimate good girl, has always had the advantage  of her angel side to balance the dark side. It isn't until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage and her willpower is put to the test. He's the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.


Forced to face her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns?"
-Information from Goodreads.com 

My Thoughts:
WOW, This isn't like the other angel books I have read. Sweet Evil pushes your buttons from the start. How I wish Kaidan and Anna had a chance to be together. I actually felt bad that they couldn't be.

This is a debut novel for 2012. And I must say what an amazing angelic debut it is!!

Cannot wait for book two that's if HarperTeen is smart and signs the rights. What are they waiting for? I need more Kaidan NOW!!

5/5 stars, Happy Reading, Ashley

Belles by Jen Calonita

Belles by Jen Calonita 
Released: April 10th 2012(first released April 10th 2010)
Publisher:  Poppy
Series: Belles, Book One
Page Amount: 356
Source: Library


"Fifteen-year-old Isabelle Scott loves her life by the boardwalk on the supposed wrong side of the tracks in North Carolina. But when tragedy strikes, a social worker sends her to live with a long-lost uncle and his preppy privileged family. Isabelle is taken away from everything she’s ever known, and, unfortunately, inserting her into the glamorous lifestyle of Emerald Cove doesn’t go so well. Her cousin Mirabelle Monroe isn’t thrilled to share her life with an outsider, and, in addition to dealing with all the rumors and backstabbing that lurk beneath their classmates’ Southern charm, a secret is unfolding that will change both girls’ lives forever."

- Information from Goodreads.com

My Thoughts:

I have to be honest this is one of the books, that I judge it by the cover. From the cover I thought this would be a typical girly-girl story. Belles is so much more than. Its the story of Izzie Scott a girl from the wrong side of the tracks. Having her world turned up side down. To find something she never knew she had. Read this book if you have the guts to do it!! I loved it. Cannot wait for Winter Belles, to see where Izzie and the Monroe's go next. P.S. the ending was very shocking!! 5/5 stars, Happy Reading, Ashley!!