January was a slow reading month for me. Only managed to read five books towards my now 80 book challenge for 2014. Changed my goal because according to Goodreads I was four behind when my goal was set to 100.
Hopefully I can keep on track. But let's take a look back at my books for January.
1. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
Hearing so much love for this,I was scared to read it but I loved every minute. 5/5 stars
2. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Mass
Again heard amazing reviews. 5/5 stars
3. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak 5/5 stars
4. Abigail and Her Pet Zombie by Marie F. Crow 5/5 stars
5. The Ugly Duckling by Christian Hans Anderson 4/5 stars
That's all for January
Let me know what books you read in January or if you read any of the ones I read.
Happy Reading, Ashley
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Released:August 2nd,2012
Publisher:Bloomsbury
Series:Throne of Glass,Book One
Page Amount:404,Kindle Edition
Source:Overdrive media
"Meet Celaena Sardothien.
Beautiful. Deadly. Destined for greatness.
In the dark, filthy salt mines of Endovier, an eighteen-year-old girl is serving a life sentence. She is a trained assassin, the best of her kind, but she made a fatal mistake: she got caught.
Young Captain Westfall offers her a deal: her freedom in return for one huge sacrifice. Celaena must represent the prince in a to-the-death tournament—fighting the most gifted thieves and assassins in the land. Live or die, Celaena will be free. Win or lose, she is about to discover her true destiny. But will her assassin’s heart be melted?"
-Information from Goodreads.com
My Thoughts:
| This book is amazing!!! How do I get all my thoughts out? I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Calaena is a kickass female lead. I loved her point of view. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I really loved Throne of Glass because it reminded me of Alanna by Tamora Pierce. Alanna and Celaena are both women fighting to do the same heroic acts of men. 5/5 stars, Happy Reading, Ashley |
World After by Susan Ee
Released:November 18th,2013
Publisher:Skyscape
Series:Penryn and the End of Days,Book Two
Page Amount:314,US Paperback Edition
Source:Own
"In this sequel to the bestselling fantasy thriller, Angelfall, the survivors of the angel apocalypse begin to scrape back together what's left of the modern world.
When a group of people capture Penryn's sister Paige, thinking she's a monster, the situation ends in a massacre. Paige disappears. Humans are terrified. Mom is heartbroken.
Penryn drives through the streets of San Francisco looking for Paige. Why are the streets so empty? Where is everybody? Her search leads her into the heart of the angels' secret plans where she catches a glimpse of their motivations, and learns the horrifying extent to which the angels are willing to go.
Meanwhile, Raffe hunts for his wings. Without them, he can't rejoin the angels, can't take his rightful place as one of their leaders. When faced with recapturing his wings or helping Penryn survive, which will he choose?"
-Information from Goodreads.com
My Thoughts:
| Wow, World After was mind blowing. I loved the twist and turns. Didn't see anything coming. Super excited for the next three novels in this series. Can I just say I love Raffe. Because I do. 5/5 stars!!! Happy Reading, Ashley |
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
Released:August 16th,2011(first August 6th,2011)
Publisher:Crown Publishers
Page Amount:386, Kindle Edition
Source:Kindle
"It's the year 2044, and the real world is an ugly place.
Like most of humanity, Wade Watts escapes his grim surroundings by spending his waking hours jacked into the OASIS, a sprawling virtual utopia that lets you be anything you want to be, a place where you can live and play and fall in love on any of ten thousand planets.
And like most of humanity, Wade dreams of being the one to discover the ultimate lottery ticket that lies concealed within this virtual world. For somewhere inside this giant networked playground, OASIS creator James Halliday has hidden a series of fiendish puzzles that will yield massive fortune--and remarkable power--to whoever can unlock them.
For years, millions have struggled fruitlessly to attain this prize, knowing only that Halliday's riddles are based in the pop culture he loved--that of the late twentieth century. And for years, millions have found in this quest another means of escape, retreating into happy, obsessive study of Halliday's icons. Like many of his contemporaries, Wade is as comfortable debating the finer points of John Hughes's oeuvre, playing Pac-Man, or reciting Devo lyrics as he is scrounging power to run his OASIS rig.
And then Wade stumbles upon the first puzzle.
Suddenly the whole world is watching, and thousands of competitors join the hunt--among them certain powerful players who are willing to commit very real murder to beat Wade to this prize. Now the only way for Wade to survive and preserve everything he knows is to win. But to do so, he may have to leave behind his oh-so-perfect virtual existence and face up to life--and love--in the real world he's always been so desperate to escape.
A world at stake.
A quest for the ultimate prize.
Are you ready?"
-Information from Goodreads.com
My Thoughts:
| Having heard so much hyper from Booktubers on Ready Player One. I wasn't sure how I would take to it. Ernest Clone wrote one neck of a fast paced action story. I could understand most of the 80s references, even though I was born in the late 80s. This story has me wanting to find an old Nintendo game console and play again like when I was a kid. If you've been on the fence about this one. Take my advice and pick it up. Give to the videogamer in your life. 5/5 stars!!!!! |
Making Faces by Amy Harmon
Released:October 20th,2013
Publisher:CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Page Amount:405,Kindle Edition
Source:Kindle
"Ambrose Young was beautiful. He was tall and muscular, with hair that touched his shoulders and eyes that burned right through you. The kind of beautiful that graced the covers of romance novels, and Fern Taylor would know. She'd been reading them since she was thirteen. But maybe because he was so beautiful he was never someone Fern thought she could have...until he wasn't beautiful anymore.
Making Faces is the story of a small town where five young men go off to war, and only one comes back. It is the story of loss. Collective loss, individual loss, loss of beauty, loss of life, loss of identity. It is the tale of one girl's love for a broken boy, and a wounded warrior's love for an unremarkable girl. This is a story of friendship that overcomes heartache, heroism that defies the common definitions, and a modern tale of Beauty and the Beast, where we discover that there is a little beauty and a little beast in all of us."
-Information from Goodreads.com
| My Thoughts: Making Faces is a roller coaster of emotions. Happy, sad, angry, love, joy, and death. Never have I had a book make me cry and laugh on the same page. I loved that Making Faces was set in Pennsylvania. I loved Fern and Ambrose. Their story is something that could be realistic. I will definitely reading more from Amy Harmon. Making Faces is one of those stories that will stay with you after reading. 5/5 stars, for Hercules!! Happy Reading, Ashley |
Hopeless by Colleen Hoover
Released:January 8th,2013(first released December 17th,2012)
Publisher:CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Series:Hopeless,Book One
Page Amount:488,Kindle Edition
Source:Kindle
"Sometimes discovering the truth can leave you more hopeless than believing the lies…
That’s what seventeen-year-old Sky realizes after she meets Dean Holder. A guy with a reputation that rivals her own and an uncanny ability to invoke feelings in her she’s never had before. He terrifies her and captivates her all in the span of just one encounter, and something about the way he makes her feel sparks buried memories from a past that she wishes could just stay buried.
Sky struggles to keep him at a distance knowing he’s nothing but trouble, but Holder insists on learning everything about her. After finally caving to his unwavering pursuit, Sky soon finds that Holder isn’t at all who he’s been claiming to be. When the secrets he’s been keeping are finally revealed, every single facet of Sky’s life will change forever.
Recommended for readers 17+ due to sexual content, harsh language and heavy subject matter."
-Information from Goodreads.com
My Thoughts:
| Trying to put into words on how this book was. I sorta guessed something that plays a big part of the plot. Hopeless takes you on a roller coaster of emotions. I did love Sky and Holder. Will be reading more from Colleen in the future. 4/5 stars, Happy Reading,Ashley |
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Released: September 18th,2007first released March 14th,2006)
Publisher:Knopf Books For Young Readers
Page Amount:552,US Paperback Edition
Source:Own
"It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will become busier still.
Liesel Meminger is a foster girl living outside of Munich, who scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement.
In superbly crafted writing that burns with intensity, award-winning author Markus Zusak, author of I Am the Messenger, has given us one of the most enduring stories of our time."
-Information from Goodreads.com
My Thoughts:
| The Book Thief is an sad tale told by none other than Death. I had originally tried reading this back in January of 2013. But some personal issues I had experienced put me off. I received this book for Christmas. I started it right away. I know some that read this was brought to tears. It is a sad story. I myself did not cry. The Book Thief did touch my heart. It is a reminder of a part of the world's history. Hitler's reign in the 1940s was a tragic time to live through no matter who you were. I would recommend this to anyone who hasn't read this yet. Even though it's sad you can't put the book down. 5/5 stars, Happy Reading,Ashley |
Touch of Frost by Jennifer Estep
Released:August 1st,2011
Publisher:K-Teen
Series:Mythos Academy,Book One
Page Amount:350,US Paperback Edition
Source:Own
"My name is Gwen Frost, and I go to Mythos Academy; a school of myths, magic and warrior whiz kids, where even the lowliest geek knows how to chop off somebody's head with a sword and Logan Quinn, the hottest Spartan guy in school, also happens to be the deadliest. But lately, things have been weird, even for Mythos. First, mean girl Jasmine Ashton was murdered in the Library of Antiquities. Then, someone stole the Bowl of Tears, a magical artifact that can be used to bring about the second Chaos War. You know, death, destruction and lots of other bad, bad things. Freaky stuff like this goes on all the time at Mythos, but I'm determined to find out who killed Jasmine and why; especially since I should have been the one who died..."
-Information from Goodreads.com
My Thoughts:
I wasn't expecting to love this as much I did. But Touch of Frost glued me from the first page until the last. I loved Gwen and her gypsy gift. How she tried to do the right thing. I also enjoyed the twists and turns. I cannot wait to read the rest of this series.
5/5 stars.
Happy Reading, Ashle
The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
Released:April 1st,2006
Publisher:Disney Hyperion Books
Series:Percy Jackson and the Olympians,Book Two
Page Amount:288,US Hardback Edition
Source:Library
"The heroic son of Poseidon makes an action-packed comeback in the second must-read installment of Rick Riordan's amazing young readers series. Starring Percy Jackson, a "half blood" whose mother is human and whose father is the God of the Sea, Riordan's series combines cliffhanger adventure and Greek mythology lessons that results in true page-turners that get better with each installment. In this episode, The Sea of Monsters, Percy sets out to retrieve the Golden Fleece before his summer camp is destroyed, surpassing the first book's drama and setting the stage for more thrills to come."
-Information from Goodreads.com
My Thoughts:
I'm not sure how it is possible but The Sea of Monsters is even better than The Lightning Thief which is the first novel in this series. Percy grows more into himself and his being a DemiGod. There is of course a crazy journey he, Annabeth and Tyson.
Really loved this sequel. Definitely good for middle graders or even 5 to 6th graders. But it is a magical read.
5/5 stars, Happy Reading, Ashley
Starglass by Phoebe North
Released:July 23rd, 2013
Publisher:Simon and Schuster For Young Readers
Series:Starglass,Book One
Page Amount:448,US Hardback Edition
Source:Library
"Terra has never known anything but life aboard the Asherah, a city-within-a-spaceship that left Earth five hundred years ago in search of refuge. At sixteen, working a job that doesn't interest her, and living with a grieving father who only notices her when he's yelling, Terra is sure that there has to be more to life than what she's got.
But when she inadvertently witnesses the captain's guard murdering an innocent man, Terra is suddenly thrust into the dark world beneath her ship's idyllic surface. As she's drawn into a secret rebellion determined to restore power to the people, Terra discovers that her choices may determine life or death for the people she cares most about. With mere months to go before landing on the long-promised planet, Terra has to make the decision of a lifetime--one that will determine the fate of her people."
-Information from Goodreads.com
My Thoughts:
It took me over a hundred pages to get into Starglass. I did enjoy leading about the ship and Terra. I loved the ending.
I will read the sequel, to see what becomes of everyone.
3/5 stars
Happy Reading, Ashley
Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood
Released:June 18th,2013
Publisher:Putnam Juvenile
Series:The Cahill Witch Chronicles,Book Two
Page Amount:384,US Hardback Edition
Source:Library
"With the Brotherhood persecuting witches like never before, a divided Sisterhood desperately needs Cate to come into her Prophesied powers. And after Cate's friend Sachi is arrested for using magic, a war-thirsty Sister offers to help her find answers—if Cate is willing to endanger everyone she loves.
Cate doesn't want to be a weapon, and she doesn't want to involve her friends and Finn in the Sisterhood's schemes. But when Maura and Tess join the Sisterhood, Maura makes it clear that she'll do whatever it takes to lead the witches to victory. Even if it means sacrifices. Even if it means overthrowing Cate. Even if it means all-out war.
In the highly anticipated sequel to Born Wicked, the Cahill Witch Chronicles continue Cate, Maura and Tess's quest to find love, protect family, and explore their magic against all odds in an alternate history of New England."
-Information from Goodreads.com
My Thoughts:
| Another book that has given me a broken heart. How could this have happened? Why? I'm still trying to gather my feelings. I only hope that things will change in book three. Which isn't set to come out until 2014. 5/5 stars Happy Reading, Ashley |
Reason To Breathe by Rebecca Donovan
Released:June 4th,2013(first released May 9th,2011)
Publisher:Skyscape
Series:Breathing,Book One
Page Amount:456,US Paperback Edition
Source:Library
"No one tried to get involved with me, and I kept to myself. This was the place where everything was supposed to be safe and easy. How could Evan Mathews unravel my constant universe in just one day?"
In the affluent town of Weslyn, Connecticut, where most people worry about what to be seen in and who to be seen with, Emma Thomas would rather not be seen at all. She’s more concerned with feigning perfection—pulling down her sleeves to conceal the bruises, not wanting anyone to know how far from perfect her life truly is. Without expecting it, she finds love. It challenges her to recognize her own worth―at the risk of revealing the terrible secret she’s desperate to hide.
One girl’s story of life-changing love, unspeakable cruelty, and her precarious grasp of hope: Reason to Breathe is the first installment of the acclaimed Breathing Series."
-Information from Goodreads.com
My Thoughts:
| There were times it was hard for me to read what Emma had been put through. Never wanted to actually throw a book before. This book pushes all your emotions to the breaking point and more. And the ending..... wow just WOW. 5/5 stars, Happy Reading, Ashley |
Prodigy by Marie Lu
Released:January 30th,2013
Publisher:Putnam Juvenile
Series:Legend,Book Two
Page Amount:371,US Hardback Edition
Source:Library
"Injured and on the run, it has been seven days since June and Day barely escaped Los Angeles and the Republic with their lives. Day is believed dead having lost his own brother to an execution squad who thought they were assassinating him. June is now the Republic's most wanted traitor. Desperate for help, they turn to the Patriots - a vigilante rebel group sworn to bring down the Republic. But can they trust them or have they unwittingly become pawns in the most terrifying of political games?"
-Information from Goodreads.com
My Thoughts:
| What did I just read. How could Day do this to June? Seriously my heart is broken. I really thought after everything these two characters would get a happy ending. No oh no my heart has been ripped out. Oh November please come quickly for a need Champion right now. 5/5 stars, Happy Reading, Ashley |
Pretty Witches All In A Row by Lisa Olsen
Released:September 30th 2011(first released October 1st,2011)
Publisher:CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Page Amount:296,Kindle Edition
Source:Kindle
"Someone is picking off a coven of witches one by one. Can Sgt. Nick Gibson and his team of detectives catch the killer before he loses the pretty witch who's got him under her spell?
Nick must cast aside his disbelief and delve into the world of the supernatural to solve the case. On hand to help is Annaliese, a member of the coven who claims to have had a prophetic dream at the exact time of each victim's death, offering clues to the identity of the killer. Can he accept the 'proof' offered by unconventional means or is she deliberately leading him astray to hide her own secrets? To cloud the issue, a local evangelist is telling anyone who asks that the victims had it coming. Is religious mania the motive for murder, or is it something more personal?"
-Information from Goodreads.com
My Thoughts:
| Really loved this book. Even though it took a while to it was only because of the reading slump I've been in. I loved Nick and Anna and the mystery of the murders. Did not see the ending coming. Wish there was another book. 5/5 stars, Happy Reading, Ashley |
The Next Always by Nora Roberts
Released:November 1st,2011
Publisher:Berkley Trade
Series:Inn Boonsboro Trilogy,Book One
Page Amount:352,US Paperback Edition
Source:Library
"The historic hotel in Boonsboro has endured war and peace, the changing of hands, and even rumored hauntings. Now it's getting a major face-lift from the Montgomery brothers and their eccentric mother. As the architect in the family, Beckett's social life consists mostly of talking shop over pizza and beer. But there's another project he's got his eye on: the girl he's been waiting to kiss since he was sixteen.
After losing her husband and returning to her hometown, Clare Brewster soon settles into her life as the mother of three young sons while running the town's bookstore. Though busy and with little time for romance, Clare is drawn across the street by Beckett's transformation of the old inn, wanting to take a closer look...at both the building and the man behind it.
With the grand opening inching closer, Beckett is happy to give Clare a private tour - one room at a time, in between blueprint meetings and kindergarten pickups. It's no first date, but these stolen moments are the beginning of something that could arouse the secret yearning that resides in Clare's independent heart - and open the door to the extraordinary adventure of what comes next.."
-Information from Goodreads.com
My Thoughts:
I was craving a Nora Roberts novel. It has been a long time since reading anything by her. Seeing this at my library I picked it up. Was not disappointed, in The Next Always our two lead characters Clare and Beckett have they're share of painful pasts. However when he asks for her help in bringing the inn back to life. They develop feelings for one another. The fact that Clare's three young sons love him just melts her heart even more.
I loved watching Clare and Beckett become close. Beckett babysitting the boys was a good laugh. This was a quick and easy read.
4/5 stars, Happy Reading, Ashley
The Look of Love by Bella Andre
Released:June 13th,2011(first released January 1st, 2011)
Publisher:Harlequin
Series:The Sullivans,Book One
Page Amount: 384,Kindle Edition
Source:Overdrive media
"With THE LOOK OF LOVE, bestselling author Bella Andre introduces you the Sullivan family. In this fun and emotional contemporary romance series, when a Sullivan bad boy falls...he falls hard. And it's forever.
Chloe Peterson is having a bad night. A really bad night. The large bruise on her cheek can attest to that. And when her car skids off the side of a wet country road straight into a ditch, she’s convinced even the gorgeous guy who rescues her in the middle of the rain storm must be too good to be true. Or is he?
As a successful photographer who frequently travels around the world, Chase Sullivan has his pick of beautiful women, and whenever he’s home in San Francisco, one of his seven siblings is usually up for causing a little fun trouble. Chase thinks his life is great just as it is—until the night he finds Chloe and her totaled car on the side of the road in Napa Valley. Not only has he never met anyone so lovely, both inside and out, but he quickly realizes she has much bigger problems than her damaged car. Soon, he is willing to move mountains to love—and protect—her, but will she let him?
Chloe vows never to make the mistake of trusting a man again. Only, with every loving look Chase gives her—and every sinfully sweet caress—as the attraction between them sparks and sizzles, she can’t help but wonder if she’s met the only exception. And although Chase didn’t realize his life was going to change forever in an instant, amazingly, he isn’t the least bit interested in fighting that change. Instead, he’s gearing up for a different fight altogether…for Chloe’s heart."
-Information from Goodreads.com
My Thoughts:
The Look of Love follows Chole and Chase. Who meet accidentally on the road during a rain storm. Chase lets her stay with him. What is supposed to be only a night becomes a week. Chase discovers there is more to her then meets the eye.
I loved this story. I know some might find this instant love. I think it develops as Chase and Chole open up to one another.
This is an adult romance so there is some sexy times.
This was my second time reading a book by Bella and I loved it.
5/5 stars, Happy Reading, Ashley
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Released:June 28th, 2005(first released January 1st, 2005)
Publisher:Miramax Books/Hyperion
Series:Percy Jackson and the Olympians,Book One
Page Amount:375, US Hardback Edition
Source:Library
"Percy Jackson is about to be kicked out of boarding school... again. And that's the least of his troubles. Lately, mythological monsters and the gods of Mount Olympus seem to be walking straight out of the pages of Percy's Greek mythology textbook and into his life. And worse, he's angered a few of them. Zeus' master lightning bolt has been stolen, and Percy is the prime suspect.
Now Percy and his friends have just ten days to find and return Zeus' stolen property and bring peace to a warring Mount Olympus. But to succeed on his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the true thief: he must come to terms with the father who abandoned him; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend; and unravel a treachery more powerful than the gods themselves."
-Information from Goodreads.com
My Thoughts:
| As I gather my thoughts on what I'm sure is the first book in a fantastic series. I can't help but wonder why I hadn't picked this up sooner. I heard nothing but amazing things about The Lightning Thief and the rest if the series. I loved everything about this book. As an adult reader I could relate to the characters and their struggles. This book could be read by anyone. I loved the Greek mythology intern woven throughout the story line. I had flashbacks to learning about the Greek Gods in seventh grade English class. And the feels, I can say I went through them all. Give this to anyone interested in Greek mythology, or anyone who needs to read an awesome book!!!! I'd give this a million stars if I could. 5/5 stars!! |
In The After by Demitria Lunetta
Released: June 25th, 2013
Publisher:Harper Teen
Series:In The After,Book One
Page Amount:455,US Hardback Edition
Source:Library
"They hear the most silent of footsteps.
They are faster than anything you've ever seen.
And They won't stop chasing you...until you are dead.
Amy is watching TV when it happens, when the world is attacked by Them. These vile creatures are rapidly devouring mankind. Most of the population is overtaken, but Amy manages to escape—and even rescue “Baby,” a toddler left behind in the chaos. Marooned in Amy’s house, the girls do everything they can to survive—and avoid Them at all costs.
After years of hiding, they are miraculously rescued and taken to New Hope, a colony of survivors living in a former government research compound. While at first the colony seems like a dream with plenty of food, safety, and shelter, New Hope slowly reveals that it is far from ideal. And Amy soon realizes that unless things change, she’ll lose Baby—and much more."
Rebellious, courageous, and tender, this unforgettable duo will have you on the edge of your seat as you tear through the pulse-pounding narrow escapes and horrifying twists of fate in this thrilling debut from author Demitria Lunetta."
-Information from Goodreads.com
| My Thoughts: In The After is a fast paced post-apocalypse book. With strange beings killing human kind. Our lead character Amy believes she is the sole survivor. Until one day she comes across Baby. Her and Baby whether many challenges. Amy is a strong willed female character who isn't afraid to fight to the death if that is what's needed. She can do anything in order to keep Baby and herself safe. They are rescued from people who are living in New Hope. Amy isn't sure about their safety in New Hope. But she tries her best to fit in. I was very shocked with all the twists and turns. Especially the last few chapters. While reading In The After, couldn't help but be reminded of The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey. Fans of that book would love this as well. 5/5 stars!! Happy Reading, Ashley. |
Fear:13 Stories of Suspense and Horror by Various Authors
Released: September 2nd, 2010(first released August 7th 2010)
Publisher: Speak
Page Amount:224, US Paperback Edition
Source:Library
"Turn the pages if you dare. . . .In this collection of thirteen fabulously chilling stories from thirteen true masters of suspense, including fiveNew York Times bestsellers and a number of Edgar Award nominees, all edited by none other than R. L. Stine, nothing is what it seems. From cannibalistic children, to an unwitting date with a vampire, to a crush on a boy who just might be a werewolf, no scary stone is left unturned. A must-have for all fans of the genre!"
-Information from Goodreads.com
My Thoughts: This is a really great collection of scary and suspenseful stories. 13 creepily tales to get you in the mood for Halloween. Or to read on All Hallows Eve to give you a spooky night. Enjoyed all the stories, especially R.L. Stone's Welcome to the Club. If you are a fan of suspense and horror stories then check this book out. 5/5 stars, Happy Reading, Ashley. |
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
Released: September 10th, 2013
Publisher:St. Martin's Press
Page Amount: 438, US Hardback Edition
Source:Library
A coming-of-age tale of fanfiction, family, and first love.
Cath is a Simon Snow fan.
Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan.... But for Cath, being a fan is her life—and she's really good at it. She and her twin, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it's what got them through their mother leaving.
Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fanfiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere.
Cath's sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can't let go. She doesn't want to.
Now that they're going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn't want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She's got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend; a fiction-writing professor who thinks fanfiction is the end of the civilized world; a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words...and she can't stop worrying about her dad, who's loving and fragile and has never really been alone.
For Cath, the question is: Can she do this? Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?"
-Information from Goodreads.com
My Thoughts:
| Rainbow Rowell is becoming one of my favorite contemporary authors. I will admit I get a little anxious reading a book that is really hyped up. But Fangirl definitely deserves all the praise and love it's getting. A subject we as loving bookworms know, being enchanted by a book and series. Losing yourself in that world for a short time. But no matter what the story stays with you. Reading this I know I'll experience it again for the first time. Because I've already fell in love with these characters and this beautiful world. Closing the book it felt like I was saying good bye to my beloved friends. I will be getting this for my own collection. And reread it from time to time. So if you love reading about someone who loves to read and write. That is the book lover in all of us. And has real life issues interwoven. Then Fangirl is the book for you. 5/5 stars!!!! Happy Reading, Ashley |
Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
Released: October 26th, 2010(first released January 1st 2010)
Publisher: Knopf Books For Young Readers
Page Amount:260, US Hardback Edition
Source:Library
“I’ve left some clues for you.
If you want them, turn the page.
If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please.”
So begins the latest whirlwind romance from the bestselling authors ofNick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions?
Rachel Cohn and David Levithan have written a love story that will have readers perusing bookstore shelves, looking and longing for a love (and a red notebook) of their own."
-Information from Goodreads.com
My Thoughts:
I found this to be cute and perfect to read around the holiday season to add another element to the story. I long to find a notebook and have someone fall in love with me like this.
5/5 stars, Happy Reading
The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken
Released: December 18th, 2012
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Series: The Darkest Minds, Book One
Page Amount: 488, US Hardback Edition
Source:Library
"When Ruby woke up on her tenth birthday, something about her had changed. Something alarming enough to make her parents lock her in the garage and call the police. Something that gets her sent to Thurmond, a brutal government "rehabilitation camp." She might have survived the mysterious disease that's killed most of America's children, but she and the others have emerged with something far worse: frightening abilities they cannot control.
Now sixteen, Ruby is one of the dangerous ones.
When the truth comes out, Ruby barely escapes Thurmond with her life. Now she's on the run, desperate to find the one safe haven left for kids like her-East River. She joins a group of kids who escaped their own camp. Liam, their brave leader, is falling hard for Ruby. But no matter how much she aches for him, Ruby can't risk getting close. Not after what happened to her parents.
When they arrive at East River, nothing is as it seems, least of all its mysterious leader. But there are other forces at work, people who will stop at nothing to use Ruby in their fight against the government. Ruby will be faced with a terrible choice, one that may mean giving up her only chance at a life worth living."
-Information from Goodreads.com
My Thoughts:
Hearing all the hyper from Booktubers and book reviewers alike. I couldn't help but have high hopes for The Darkest Minds. Now don't get me wrong I did enjoy the idea and plot of the story. However the glued from the start factor didn't come to me. I am glad to have read about Ruby and Liam.
I do plan seeing where the rest of the series goes. I gave this 4/5 stars. Happy Reading, Ashley
Coraline by Neil Gaiman
Released: April 24th, 2012(first released January 1st,2002)
Publisher: HarperCollins
Page Amount: 162, US Paperback Edition
Source: Own
"Coraline discovered the door a little while after they moved into the house. . . ."
When Coraline steps through a door to find another house strangely similar to her own (only better), things seem marvelous.
But there's another mother there, and another father, and they want her to stay and be their little girl. They want to change her and never let her go.
Coraline will have to fight with all her wit and courage if she is to save herself and return to her ordinary life.
Celebrating ten years of Neil Gaiman's first modern classic for young readers, this edition is enriched with a brand-new foreword from the author, a reader's guide, and more."
-Information from Goodreads.com
My Thoughts:
| I watched the movie adaptation of Coraline. Didn't know it was a book. So I wanted to compare the two. I really enjoyed the book. Coraline is one very brave young girl in deed. I think this would be the perfect Halloween read. Or an early spooky read to get you ready for the Halloween season. Which is why I picked it up. Great read for all ages. Even being an adult I found my heart racing at times. Will be reading more of Neil Gaiman's work in the future. 5/5 stars, Happy Reading, Ashley |
Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
Released: October 4th, 2011(first released August 31st, 2010)
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Series: The Infernal Devices, Book One
Page Amount: 479, US Paperback Edition
Source: Own
"Magic is dangerous --but love is more dangerous still.
When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.
Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What’s more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.
Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by --and torn between--two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length . . . everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world. . . . and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all."
-Information from Goodreads.com
My Thoughts:
Hearing how much better the Infernal Devices series is to the Mortal Instruments is. I was a bit hesitated to start. I didn't really love City of Bones the first time I read it. However Clockwork Angel is different. Maybe it taking place in the Victorian era is a factor. Or that Tessa is a kick ass female lead.
My Thoughts:
Hearing how much better the Infernal Devices series is to the Mortal Instruments is. I was a bit hesitated to start. I didn't really love City of Bones the first time I read it. However Clockwork Angel is different. Maybe it taking place in the Victorian era is a factor. Or that Tessa is a kick ass female lead.
| Still trying to figure out my thoughts on this. However I will say I'm not on Team Will or Team Jem. They both bring something to the table. I wish these had been published before City of Bones. Looking forward to reading book two and book three. 5/5 stars!!! Happy Reading, Ashley |
Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by April Genevieve Tucholke
Released:August 15th, 2013
Publisher:Dial
Series:Between, Book One
Page Amount: 360, US Hardback Edition
Source: Library
"You stop fearing the devil when you’re holding his hand…
Nothing much exciting rolls through Violet White’s sleepy, seaside town… until River West comes along. River rents the guest house behind Violet’s crumbling estate, and as eerie, grim things start to happen, Violet begins to wonder about the boy living in her backyard.
Is River just a crooked-smiling liar with pretty eyes and a mysterious past? Or could he be something more?
Violet’s grandmother always warned her about the Devil, but she never said he could be a dark-haired boy who takes naps in the sun, who likes coffee, who kisses you in a cemetery... who makes you want to kiss back.
Violet’s already so knee-deep in love, she can’t see straight. And that’s just how River likes it.
Blending faded decadence and the thrilling dread of gothic horror, April Genevieve Tucholke weaves a dreamy, twisting contemporary romance, as gorgeously told as it is terrifying—a debut to watch."
-Information from Goodreads.com
My Thoughts:
| This book was creepy, and I didn't know whether or not to hate River or love him. This isn't like anything I've read. Reminded me of an Edgar Allen Poe story. Was glued from the firs page. This gothic, dark and twisted debut novel of 2013. Is amazing and hard to keep down. I think this would perfect to read around Halloween. 5/5 stars, Happy Reading, Ashley |
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