Review: Burn for Burn

Burn for Burn by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Published: September 18th 2012
Pages: 368
Source: Library
Genre: Contemporary
Goodreads

BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY...
THEY GET EVEN.

Lillia has never had any problems dealing with boys who like her. Not until this summer, when one went too far. No way will she let the same thing happen to her little sister.

Kat is tired of the rumours, the insults, the cruel jokes. It all goes back to one person– her ex-best friend– and she's ready to make her pay.

Four years ago, Mary left Jar Island because of a boy. But she's not the same girl anymore. And she's ready to prove it to him.

Three very different girls who want the same thing: sweet, sweet revenge. And they won't stop until they each had a taste.

This is not a book that I would normally pick up, but I have heard a few people say they liked this book, so I decided I would have to give it a chance. Though I did enjoy this book more than I might have thought, in the end I really didn't enjoy it as much as I wanted to.

The only thing I really liked about this book was the island setting. Every scene seemed so pretty and exotic, it was perfect for this winter season. 

Burn for Burn is told in three different points of view, Kat, Mary, and Lillia. The split perspectives in this story did seem quite necessary, and I did like getting to know each character, but I really felt like Lillia was the dominant narrator of the three, when it should have been more equal. I don't feel like I learned the story of Kat or Mary as much as I wanted to and little simple aspects of their lives were just blank.

This  book is about revenge, and each girl wants to get  revenge on a different person for different reasons, and they help each other with each plot. The reasons for each girl wanting revenge I think are quite minimal. Mary is the only girl who I thought had a justified reason to want revenge, and even so the revenge they chose was mean and severe for each person. I really didn't like the methods chosen, or the motives.

The ending of the book was extremely rushed and confusing. I have no idea what was going on at parts of the last few chapters, and then the story just stops all of a sudden. The was no conclusion to the story, it was just empty. There is also going to be a sequel to this book. This book does not need a sequel. Despite the fact that the book ended not so well, there is no need for there to be more. The story could have ended the way it did.

Waiting on Wednesday- Star Cursed

Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood
Published: June18th 2012

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.

I wish they hadn't changed the cover style! I haven't actually read the synopsis that I put up above because I don't want to know what happens. I loved the first book SO MUCH that I really just want jump in the second I get a copy, and not know what to expect. The first book in the series is Born Wicked.

Review: Speed of Light

Speed of Light by Amber Kizer 

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Published: November 13 2012
Pages: 544
Source: Library
Genre: Paranormal, Romance
Goodreads

Fans will be thrilled with the final novel in the Meridian trilogy as the romance between Meridian and Tens heats up. And Juliet returns, but her obsessions leave her open to evil exploitation.

Meridian Sozu is a Fenestra, an angel infused human, destined to transition souls into the next world. Together with Tens Valdes, her soulmate and Protector, they've made a home in Indiana, making sure the dead safely enter the light and aren't stolen by the Dark, known as the Nocti.

Upon rescuing Juliet Ambrose from her terrible childhood, Juliet has become vulnerable without her Protector and grasps at any hope to find her parents, even when it's offered by a proven Nocti, Ms. Asura. Juliet is now faced with the horrible choice between uncovering her past and having a future.

Meanwhile, time may be running out for the hundreds of thousands preparing for the festivities surrounding the Indianapolis 500 car race. As centuries of secrets are revealed, the battles will pit Light versus Dark. Not all with survive as Meridian, Tens, and Julie join forces to try to thwart a potential tragedy.

I really wish more people knew about these books because I think it is one of the most addicting series I have ever read. I read the first book, Meridian, about a year before I started blogging, and I've loved every book in the series since. I was very excited when I got my hands on Speed of Light. This series is really hard to explain, so if you haven't heard of it before, check out the goodreads page for the first book here.

What I liked the most about this book was Juliet's progression and how much she grew from the beginning to the end. After the experiences she had been put through she was extremely isolated from everyone and quite a depressed character, so I was very excited when Fara appeared in the story and helped her a little bit. I really wish that they would have gained a more solid relationship though, I'm really not sure what Fara and Juliet are, and I want to learn more.

I was really eager to see the relationship between Meridian and Tens grow in this books, since it seemed to be somewhat stalled since it had begun. Though it took quite a while, it did grow like I had hoped, though the ending was a little... too much info for me I guess.

There are a lot of crazy things going on with the Nocti in Speed of Light... and it all seems REALLY convenient if you ask me.  The fact that they were already in the location that was about to be attacked was really unrealistic and I really wasn't very impressed with that little piece at all. I also thought it was just a little too convenient that another Fensetra suddenly shows up at the end, I don't want to spoil it too much but it was really just way too much to be a coincidence.

Like always, I love how interesting and captivating the story is. The way that the Fenestra stuff is done is so amazing, I love it!

Here's a quote that's very funny when it is taken out of context that I posted on twitter earlier.

"The pink cloud of bunny material swallowed the racing car from our view."

New Look

So it has recently come to my attention that my old blog template was screaming a little too much PURPLE PURPLE PURPLE. And so this is what happened. I still kept some purple, because that's sort of become my signature, but I added the gold to change it up a little bit. I really like it, and I think it's fresh compared to my old design.

If you've been following my blog for a while you probably have noticed how I like to change up my design a lot. I do all my designing and image creating myself, so I tend to change it up a lot more than other people, as well as being much more critical of my own work than I would be if another person had done the work. I'd love to hear what you think!

Review: Slide

Slide by Jill Hathaway

Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Publication Date: March 27th 2012
Pages: 250
Source: Library
Genre: Paranormal, Mystery, Romance
Goodreads

Vee Bell is certain of one irrefutable truth--her sister's friend Sophie didn't kill herself. She was murdered.

Vee knows this because she was there. Everyone believes Vee is narcoleptic, but she doesn't actually fall asleep during these episodes: When she passes out, she slides into somebody else's mind and experiences the world through that person's eyes. She's slid into her sister as she cheated on a math test, into a teacher sneaking a drink before class. She learned the worst about a supposed "friend" when she slid into her during a school dance. But nothing could have prepared Vee for what happens one October night when she slides into the mind of someone holding a bloody knife, standing over Sophie's slashed body.

Vee desperately wishes she could share her secret, but who would believe her? It sounds so crazy that she can't bring herself to tell her best friend, Rollins, let alone the police. Even if she could confide in Rollins, he has been acting distant lately, especially now that she's been spending more time with Zane.

Enmeshed in a terrifying web of secrets, lies, and danger and with no one to turn to, Vee must find a way to unmask the killer before he or she strikes again.

Back when Slide came out for the first time I remember hearing many good things about it, so I was very excited when I started reading it. Slide is the story of a girl named Vee who can slide into other people's bodies and see through their eyes. I really liked how interesting and new this idea was right from the beginning.

Vee, the main character, I really liked a lot. Because of her strange behavior she often acts like an outsider, and has a very interesting personality. She has pink hair- which I really liked, I wish she had kept it the entire book. She was much more alternative than many of the other characters in the book, and she finds a way to find the closest thing she can to normal, despite her strange life. I really liked her attitude throughout the story, despite the fact that she was sometimes quite bitter towards a few people that may not have deserved it. She was really interesting and fresh, and I really could imagine her being a real person.

The plot of this book follows a murder mystery, and with her interesting abilities there are many different perspectives of the story, and I really didn't expect the ending. I did think that sometimes some of the things that Vee would pick up on in the story were awe awfully convenient, and really didn't seem to be likely. She always seemed to slide into someone at just the perfect time each time, and that really isn't realistic.

I really found the setting and some of the characters extremely cliche and stereotypical. There were quite a lot of characters were quite the extreme of their group. There were many mean girls and cheerleaders, as well as the bad boys. I really don't mind a few of those in a story, but when there are as many as there were in this book I really start to not believe the setting. In my own experiences, I have never been in a school environment with that many 'mean' or 'bad' people that were that extreme, I just didn't like it.

Waiting on Wednesday 1/23/13 Pulse

Pulse by Patrick Carman
February 26th 2013
Goodreads

From New York Times bestselling author Patrick Carman, a teen fantasy-adventure of epic proportions. In 2051, some teens have a “pulse,” the power to move objects with their minds. Compulsively readable, with thrilling action scenes and a tender love story.

The year is 2051, and the world is still recognizable. With the help of her mysterious classmate Dylan Gilmore, Faith Daniels discovers that she can move objects with her mind. This telekinetic ability is called a “pulse,” and Dylan has the talent, too.

In riveting action scenes, Faith demonstrates her ability to use her pulse against a group of telekinesis masters so powerful they will flatten their enemies by uprooting street lights, moving boulders, and changing the course of a hurtling hammer so that it becomes a deadly weapon. But even with great talent, the mind—and the heart—can be difficult to control. If Faith wants to join forces with Dylan and save the world, she’ll have to harness the power of both.

Patrick Carman’s Pulse trilogy is a stunning, action-filled triumph about the power of the mind—and the power of love.

Does anyone else think this looks like the cover of Insurgent? I mean, really? Look it, there's barely a difference! But other than that, I have heard that a lot of people are liking this book!

Mid Janurary Update

Hello there, it's been quite a while since I've given you guys an update of new and exciting stuff going on with me and the blog.

So far this new year I've been having some amazing success in reading, and I've been extremely productive (seven books so far). I am very excited for all the things that are going to be going on the next few months with all of the lovely books that are coming out, and some of the events that will be going on. So far I don't have any set plans but I hope to get more involved with bookish things coming up.

I've started taking part in the ARCycling Program both donating and requesting. If you've never heard of the program, ARCycling is a program in which  bloggers put  ARCs they have up for grabs for a first come first serve basis, and once a week (Sundays) the list us put up for people to request off of. Now there are more rules than that, but that's the simple version. I should have a book on the list every week for at least the next month as I try to clean up some of the ARCs I no longer want. So far I have gotten one for myself as well, which is quite exciting.

Ideas? I love doing discussion posts and things that are not reviews sometimes. If you have any ideas please leave them in the comments, or tweet me @erikablogger! I would love your ideas!

Happy January, and thanks for reading!

Review: The Girl of Fire and Thorns

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson 

Publisher: Greenwillow
Published: September 20th 2011
Pages: 423
Source: Library
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Goodreads

Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness.
Elisa is the chosen one.

But she is also the younger of two princesses, the one who has never done anything remarkable. She can't see how she ever will.

Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king—a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.

And he's not the only one who seeks her. Savage enemies seething with dark magic are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people's savior. And he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake.

Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn’t die young.

Most of the chosen do.

For quite a long time I had no intention of reading this book, but I heard some really good things from a blogger, and I decided I had no choice. The Girl of Fire and Thorns was much different than I thought it might end up being. The story is extremely different than anything I have ever read. The main character, Princess Elisa, is the barer of a powerful stone bestowed upon her by god. At the very beginning of the story she is married to a man she has never before met, and whisked away to his castle far away from her home. Elisa is not the kind of person to be likely to hold such a power such as the god stone. After some time in the castle beginning her new life, she is taken away by kidnappers were the real action begins.

My favorite part of this story is how unlikely the main character is to be someone great. Elisa is the kind of person someone might say eats her feelings. She is in no way the kind of person someone would say is 'thin' she is quite the opposite. Despite this Elisa is extremely smart about things such as war and language and she has a very strong will to keep going. I loved this about Elisa, and she eventually does show her strength  and the power she holds inside herself.

The emotions in this book were really pure and simple. I really liked how realistic this book felt in that way, and Elisa never felt like a fake person in any situation.

I really liked the relationship building between the main character and several of the other characters in the story, including her relationship with her husband, and then those who she meets later in the book, including Humberto and the other traveling escorts.

I really got attached to this book. There was a point in which something happens to one of the characters that I had grown to like, and I got SO SAD. So Sad. This book is so addictive and interesting I could not put it down!

Review: Black City

Black City by Elizabeth Richards

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons BYR
Publication Date: November 13th 2012
Pages: 374
Source: Library
Genre: Fantasy/Dystopian, Romance
Goodreads

  A dark and tender post-apocalyptic love story set in the aftermath of a bloody war.

In a city where humans and Darklings are now separated by a high wall and tensions between the two races still simmer after a terrible war, sixteen-year-olds Ash Fisher, a half-blood Darkling, and Natalie Buchanan, a human and the daughter of the Emissary, meet and do the unthinkable—they fall in love. Bonded by a mysterious connection that causes Ash’s long-dormant heart to beat, Ash and Natalie first deny and then struggle to fight their forbidden feelings for each other, knowing if they’re caught, they’ll be executed—but their feelings are too strong.

When Ash and Natalie then find themselves at the center of a deadly conspiracy that threatens to pull the humans and Darklings back into war, they must make hard choices that could result in both their deaths.

I remember the first time I ever heard of this book, back when the cover was being reveled. I really knew nothing about the book at the time, but I knew I would have not add it to my list. Black City is a very interesting story that feels equal parts Dystopian and Fantasy. I really didn't know what to expect when I first picked it up, but I was happily surpised.

Black City tells the story of Ash and Natalie, a girl and boy who live in the Black City after a terrible war that left everything in a chaotic mess. The two could not be more different, Natalie is the daughter of one of the most powerful woman in the country. She recently moved back into the Black City after the war, and she now goes to a school for those who tend to be much poorer than she. Ash is half Darkling, another type of intelligent creature who has recently come to living with humans. Darklings were the source of the recent war, and segregation is strictly enforced. Pure Darklings live in an enclosed area of the city, away from all humans. He is the only half blood in Black City, allowed to go to school with normal kids. They are not allowed to fall in love.

So the summery I wrote above pretty much sums up the entire story. They were not supposed to fall in love. At the beginning of the book I really couldn't help but compare it to Legend by Marie Lu. I loved Legend, but when books seem so much alike sometimes it's a little... odd. After a while the tone did change and I no longer had that comparison.

The characters were really hard for me to form an opinion about. I really didn't like or dislike either of the main characters. Both Natalie and Ash had very hard lives, and they both had times in which it was hard for me to really like them, but I didn't dislike them. I think I'm going to have to wait until the second book to really know for sure.

The romance in the book was extremely abrupt in this book. In the first chapter we get the first hint of what might happen and it really just pissed me off. Though the romance was cute, it really wasn't very realistic or logical. They didn't seem like people who would ever really be a couple.

There was a lot going on in this book. A LOT. Black City really is a very messed up place. There is political mayhem everywhere, Natalie keeps getting threatened, and then there is the very strange romance 'triangle' thing going on. It's not really a full out love triangle, but... it's just weird. Though there was so much happening, I really didn't ever feel lost for very long, if I did. I really liked how complex this story was. There was nothing predictable in it at all.

Waiting On Wednesday 1/16/13 Fragments

Fragments by Dan Wells
February 26th 2013

Kira Walker has found the cure for RM, but the battle for the survival of humans and Partials is just beginning. Kira has left East Meadow in a desperate search for clues to who she is. That the Partials themselves hold the cure for RM in their blood cannot be a coincidence--it must be part of a larger plan, a plan that involves Kira, a plan that could save both races. Her companions are Afa Demoux, an unhinged drifter and former employee of ParaGen, and Samm and Heron, the Partials who betrayed her and saved her life, the only ones who know her secret. But can she trust them?

Meanwhile, back on Long Island, what's left of humanity is gearing up for war with the Partials, and Marcus knows his only hope is to delay them until Kira returns. But Kira's journey will take her deep into the overgrown wasteland of postapocalyptic America, and Kira and Marcus both will discover that their greatest enemy may be one they didn't even know existed.

The second installment in the pulse-pounding Partials saga is the story of the eleventh hour of humanity's time on Earth, a journey deep into places unknown to discover the means--and even more important, a reason--for our survival.

This first book in this series was pretty insane, but really good at the same time so I have no idea what might happen in this book.

Review: Destroy Me

Destroy Me by Tahereh Mafi

Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: October 2nd 2012
Pages: 103
Source: eBook
Genre: Dystopian, Romance
Goodreads

Perfect for the fans of Shatter Me who are desperately awaiting the release of Unravel Me, this novella-length digital original will bridge the gap between these two novels from the perspective of the villain we all love to hate, Warner, the ruthless leader of Sector 45.

In Tahereh Mafi’s Shatter Me, Juliette escaped from The Reestablishment by seducing Warner—and then putting a bullet in his shoulder. But as she’ll learn in Destroy Me, Warner is not that easy to get rid of. . .

Back at the base and recovering from his near-fatal wound, Warner must do everything in his power to keep his soldiers in check and suppress any mention of a rebellion in the sector. Still as obsessed with Juliette as ever, his first priority is to find her, bring her back, and dispose of Adam and Kenji, the two traitors who helped her escape. But when Warner’s father, The Supreme Commander of The Reestablishment, arrives to correct his son’s mistakes, it’s clear that he has much different plans for Juliette. Plans Warner simply cannot allow.

Set after Shatter Me and before its forthcoming sequel, Unravel Me, Destroy Me is a novella told from the perspective of Warner, the ruthless leader of Sector 45.

WHY DO YOUR BOOKS DO TO ME JUST WHAT THE TITLE SAYS TAHERAH MAFI?!? WHY?!?

Destroy Me is the Novella  between Shatter Me and Unravel Me. Destroy Me gives us a chance to see from Warner's point of view from the point in which Juliette gets away from him in Shatter Me. I really enjoyed this novella, and I really liked how I got to learn so much more about a character that was really only seen in one light before.

I really liked the chance to see a part of the story through Warner's eyes. In Shatter Me we only get the perspective of Warner being the bad guy, but in this story we get to see why Warner is the way he is. There is so much more depth to his character, and he has his own scars just like Juliette. We also get to she just why he really wanted Juliette around a little bit, which I thought was quite interesting. 

This book actually introduces Warner's father into the story. Warner's father is extremely high up in the government, or military or something (I forget) and he is an extremely frightening person. I really liked that we got to meet him because he was mentioned at least once in Shatter Me, and getting to meet him really built the world a little better.

I feel like this is a super short review, but I suppose that's okay because it's a novella. Now, waiting for Unravel Me might just unravel me. The anticipation and wait is just killing me and I want it now now now.

Review: Enshadowed

Enshadowed by Kelly Creagh 

Publisher: Atheneum
Publication Date: August 28th 2012
Pages: 429
Source: Library
Genre: Paranormal, Romance
Goodreads

 True love takes a twisted turn in the second book of this modern Gothic romance trilogy channeling the dark brilliance of Edgar Allan Poe.While Varen remains a prisoner in a perilous dream world where the terrifying stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life, Isobel travels to Baltimore to confront the dark figure known throughout the world as the Poe Toaster. This man, the same man who once appeared to Isobel in her dreams and abandoned her in Varen’s nightmare world, holds the key to saving Varen.

     But when Isobel discovers a way to return to this dream world, she finds herself swept up in a realm that not only holds remnants of Edgar Allan Poe’s presence, but has also now taken on the characteristics of Varen’s innermost self. It is a dark world of fear, terror, and anger.

     When Isobel once more encounters Varen, she finds him changed. And now Isobel must face a new adversary—one who also happens to be her greatest love.

The first book in this series became one of my all time favorites when I read it about a year ago. Ever since finishing that last book I have been eagerly awaiting the release of Enshadowed. I had very high expectations for this book, and though I did love this book, I didn't love it as much as I was hoping I would. 

I have to say, I don't think much could have been changed to make this book any better than it was. After what happened at the end of Nevermore, Isobel has a whole lot of stuff to try and deal with. A LOT. There is no way that this book could end up being anything but super emotional and crazy, and it was. I really admired how this book really did emotional and crazy with out it being hard to understand super over the top.

If you have not read Nevermore, first of all I really don't understand why you are reading this review. If you haven't read Nevermore, go to my review of that book. Sorry it's not my best review ever, it's older. Okay. Back on topic. At the end of Nevermore, the book becomes insanely creepy and a bit scary even. There is a lot of creepy in this book. There are several instances where Isobel is haunted in her dreams by various creatures and flat out cruel images that just... well... ruin her life slowly. The creepy was done extremely well.

After what happened in the last book I really liked where this book was taken to move the plot along. It might have been a little better if there had been a little more action, but... at the same time I felt like it was pretty close to perfect. I really don't know how the author could have come up with it. I'm curious to see where the story is taken next!

The only thing that I really didn't like was the lack of Varen. I really wished there had been a little more of him, even thought that's really hard in this situation. There is a scene that involved Varen that just BROKE MY HEART. I got so sad!!

Waiting on Wednesday 1/9/13 The 39 Deaths of Adam Strand

The 39 Deaths of Adam Strand by Gregory Galloway
Publication Date: February 21st 2013

Adam Strand isn't depressed. He's just bored. Disaffected. So he kills himself—39 times. No matter the method, Adam can't seem to stay dead; he wakes after each suicide alive and physically unharmed, more determined to succeed and undeterred by others' concerns. But when his self-contained, self-absorbed path is diverted, Adam is struck by the reality that life is an ever-expanding web of impact and forged connections, and that nothing—not even death—can sever those bonds.

In stark, arresting prose, Gregory Galloway finds hope and understanding in the blackest humor.

The summery of this book make me curious. What in the world could be going on?

Top Ten Tuesday 1/8/12

Top Ten Bookish Goals For 2013

1. Read 105 books in 2013. I made it to 100 in 2012, and it was pretty close, so I'm not going much higher this year but it'll still be a challenge. 
2. Write More Reviews. I usually don't post more than one review a week, even though I read enough to have two per week.
3. Write More Discussion Posts. This past year I've been writing about one discussion post a month, and I really like the feedback I get on them. 
4. Get Out There. This year I will be hitting my second blogoversary, and even though I now far from  being a newbie, I don't exactly feel like I've gotten myself 'out there' yet. 
5. Get a Personalized Blog Design & URL. I've been telling myself I'm going to do both of these things for quite a long time, but it never happens. 
6. Go to a Conference. This is still in the works but I'll let you know if/when I'm going!
7. Get Over My Fear of Book Requesting. I don't request review books much, and when I do I request ebooks mostly, but it is FREAKING SCARY people.
8. Schedule More. Scheduling saves lives, but I don't do it enough and I really, really should. 
9. Come Up With a Reading Schedule. This is probably why it can take me up to a week to read a book. I don't give myself a deadline. 
10. Meet People. Hi. I'm Erika, what's your name? 

Romance Overload

Source

When was the last time you read a book that was romance free? When I asked myself that question I had to look back quite a ways. In 2012, of the books I read for enjoyment, only 4 did not include romance.

I think this is just insane. I really like YA romance novels, but when I really start to think about it I start to realize how much romance really plays into books today. It seems like today we are experiencing a romance overload.  I'm not sure what to think about all the love stories out there.

There are all sorts of kinds of romance books out in the YA community. There are the traditional romance novels that center on the relationships. There are stories that focus on something else but have romance on the side (lots of these). And finally there are love triangles and insta-love, both of which are becoming pet-peeves in the bookish community. And these are only the example that I can think of, I'm sure there are more out there.

Now, don't think I don't like romance. I love romance stories, but I REALLY like it when a story is good without there being romance involved. One good example of this is Eon: Dragoneye Reborn, there is no romance in that book at all and it is phenomenal.

Some books that do well romance free, I think, can be good for teens to experience because they can give examples of how people can be strong and independent individuals without the need to have a romantic partner in their life.

I really think something what hooks people to some books is the romance (me included), and if it weren't for that relationship, the book would really not be all that interesting. Of course, that is only if the book isn't romance centered, but I think you've got the idea.

This really is a complicated subject. I'd love to know your feelings, and I'm curious to find out how many books you read for enjoyment in 2012 that did not include a romance factor.

Review: City of Bones

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare 

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication Date: March 27th 2007
Pages: 485
Source: Library
Genre: Paranormal, Romance
Goodreads

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder -- much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing -- not even a smear of blood -- to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know. . . .

Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.

I know there is probably a whole mob of people out there ready to run me over now that they know that I haven't read ANY Cassandra Clare books until now... and I've been blogging for nearly two years. *sigh* Yep. I'm a terrible book blogger. --In my defense, I did try reading Clockwork Prince a while ago, and I just could not do it. After seeing a movie trailer for City of Bones I decided I would give it a chance, seeing as there would be a movie and all, and it really did spark my interest.

Here's the trailer, if you're interested, or if you have no idea what the book is about. 

Though this trailer got me really excited for the book, I have to say that I wasn't the biggest fan of City of Bones. I really didn't like the characters in this book. The main character, Clary, really wasn't the kind of character I wanted to read about. Clary seemed like a typical damsel in distress several times throughout the entire book. Whenever she ended up in some sort of dangerous situation, she always needed to be saved by someone else.

I never really felt any sort of connection with any of the other characters either. No one really felt like they were introduced enough, or brought out enough for me to really like or dislike them.

There was a relationship that was briefly formed in the story, and i just didn't see the spark. I really didn't like it, I felt like the relationship was really unnecessary, and just... strange. 

The only thing that might make me interested in reading the next book in this series was the ending. There is something revealed at the end that is revealed that I just can't... I did NOT expect it AT ALL. I was so surprised, I just want to know more.

Top Ten Tuesday 1/1/13

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the ladies over at Broke and Bookish

This Week's Topic: 

Top Ten Books I Resolve To Read In 2013

There are so many books that I've wanted to read for so long, I really hope I can get some of them read in the coming year!
In no particular order, Here are some titles I've been wanting to read for quite a while. 

• Pride and Prejudice
• Graceling
• The Book Thief
• Code Name Verity 
• Warm Bodies
• Pretty Little Liars
• Sea
• Will Grayson, Will Grayson
• An Abundance of Katherines
• Ruby Red 

Crossed out books have been read.