A bookish Christmas

First of all, a belated MERRY CHRISTMAS. I hope you've had a wonderful one. I certainly had, and it's been a really bookish one, too, 'cause I got a lot of books: 

I'm so excited to read them all, and most of them have been on my TBR list forever. I hardly know where to start. But I can promise you a lot of reviews in the near future. Oh well, as soon as I'm able to put them down, that is.

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

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Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion...she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit--more sparkly, more fun, more wild--the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood. When Cricket--a gifted inventor--steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

My thoughts 

After reading Anna and the French Kiss I had to read the companion novel, Lola and the Boy Next Door, because I loved Perkins' writing in Anna. Actually, I loved everything about Anna. Anyway, I was very excited to read Lola, but as a companion novel I couldn't help compairing it to Anna at times, and for that I was a teeny bit disappointed. I think it lacked the warm feeling that Anna always left me with, and then I just didn't like Lola as a character as much as Anna. But that doesn't mean I didn't like Lola, because I really did. It was a fun and sweet read, and I'll definitely be rereading it in the future. 

It all begins with Lola being with her boyfriend, Max, who I couldn't decide if I liked or not. Well, right until I met Cricket, whom I very much preferred. He was just a very sweet guy. And the best part was, that he felt real, because he acted like every normal guy, you know, he didn't always say or do the right things. Anyway, Cricket and his family move back in the neighbor house, and Lola is left as confused as ever while all her long buried feelings for Cricket slowly come to life again. I liked this inner struggle she has, and how she constantly tries to find out what she wants, and who she really is. 

I really liked Lola, though she was certainly a different character with all her constant costume changes and all her colour. At first I didn't quite understand it, but then I came to like her passion for clothes. I like when a character knows what she wants to do and go for it, maybe because I never know what I want to do. But Lola dressed up all the time and she never cared what other thought.
Cricket was.. very much Cricket (if that makes any sense). He was this geeky boy who was a little awkward, and a whole lot of sweet. I kind of find it hard to discribe him properly, so I'll just think I'll leave it to you to get to know him yourself. Though I can say I wish he was my neighbor.     

I very much liked all the side characters. They all had a part in the story, and they all contributed to the story in their own way. I espacially liked Lola's dads, they were both funny and very likable as parents - and I liked that for once the parents actually play a part in the story about a teenager.
Another reason why I love Perkins' books is how she makes all her characters unique, they all have things that makes them them. From what they like, what they say and do, and even these little things as small habits. And she doesn't just tell they this characteristic, she shows it, and they keep them through out the book. I really appreciate these little details. 

One of the things I had looked forward to upon reading this book, was a tiny glimpse of Anna and St. Clair. And I got that, actually they were present much more than I had expected. And I absolutely loved that. They are some of my favourite fictional couples, so it was nice seeing them together, and they were, like, always together.

Overall, besides missing that warm and fluffy feel that I had hoped for after reading Anna I really liked Lola and the Boy Next Door. I'll definitely recommend it, both if you've read Anna but also just as a contemporary, though you might want to read Anna and the French Kiss first. 

Now I'll just have to wait for May to read the last one, Isla and the Happily Ever After, which features Isla and Josh's story. Eeep!

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Waiting on Wednesday (9)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week I'm waiting for:

Crash by Lisa McMann
Release date: January 8.

If what you see is what you get, Jules is in serious trouble. The suspenseful first of four books from the New York Times bestselling author of the Wake trilogy.

Jules lives with her family above their restaurant, which means she smells like pizza most of the time and drives their double-meatball-shaped food truck to school. It’s not a recipe for popularity, but she can handle that.

What she can’t handle is the recurring vision that haunts her. Over and over, Jules sees a careening truck hit a building and explode...and nine body bags in the snow.

The vision is everywhere—on billboards, television screens, windows—and she’s the only one who sees it. And the more she sees it, the more she sees. The vision is giving her clues, and soon Jules knows what she has to do. Because now she can see the face in one of the body bags, and it’s someone she knows. Someone she has been in love with for as long as she can remember.

In this riveting start to a gripping series from New York Times bestselling author Lisa McMann, Jules has to act—and act fast—to keep her vision from becoming reality.


I onlys just saw this book recently, but I think it sounds awesome, so I'm really looking forward to reading it! I haven't yet read anything by the author, though I've seen her Wake trilogy around. Perhaps I should read that too, if I like this one. Anyway, I'm excited about this book, and I really like the cover.


What are you waiting for this week? Leave a link below and let me know :)

Top Ten Books I Read In 2012

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

This week topic is: Top Ten Books I Read In 2012. 

1. Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout: When I picked this one up I didn't expect that much, though it had gotten some really good reviews. I certainly wasn't expecting to find my new favourite book, but that is exactly what Obsidian has become. 

2. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins: This is just the cutest book ever! And I love that it makes me all warm and fluffy inside. 

3. The Covenant series by Jennifer L. Armentrout: I can't pick a favourite in this series, I just love them all.

4. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare: I absolutely loved this book and the world that Clare has created.

5. Unravelling by Elizabeth Norris: This was one of the surprises this year. I didn't know what to expect when I started reading it, but I was quickly caught up in the story and it was amazing. 

6. Persuasion by Jane Austen: I can't believe I haven't read this before this year. It was so very good, and I actually think it's my favourite Austen book. 

7. A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness: It's a bit long and descriptive at times, but I don't care, because I love the story and the characters. 

8. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: I'd been hesitant to read this, mostly because I'm not much into dystopias. But I'm so glad that I finally picked it up, and that I had the foresight to buy the next two at the same time.  

9. Mastiff by Tamora Pierce: I've always loved Pierce's books. And I really liked the Beka Cooper series, though I was a teeny bit disappointed in the second in the series, Bloodhound. But I had to read this last part, and I'm soo glad I did, 'cause I was blown away by this book. I absolutely loved it, and I think it has become my favourite of all her books.

10. I've got your number by Sophie Kinsella: Kinsella's books always make me laugh, and this was no different. I think this is my favourite of her books. 


What is your top ten books you've read this year? Leave a link below and let me know :)

Opal by Jennifer L. Armentrout

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No one is like Daemon Black.

When he set out to prove his feelings for me, he wasn’t fooling around. Doubting him isn’t something I’ll do again, and now that we’ve made it through the rough patches, well... There’s a lot of spontaneous combustion going on.

But even he can’t protect his family from the danger of trying to free those they love.

After everything, I’m no longer the same Katy. I’m different... And I’m not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I’m capable of. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won’t turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.

Together we’re stronger... and they know it.

My thoughts 

This book is absolutely and freaking amazing. No one is like Daemon Black. That is so true. And no other series is like the Lux series. I've been waiting for Opal in like forever. Okay, maybe just a few months, but it felt like forever with the ending in Onyx. So, obviously, I was very excited when I received this one in my mailbox yesterday. I did a little happy dance, ogled at the cover a bit and then started reading. I didn't stop until I reached the last page.

Opal start where Onyx ended. Dawson has come home and is slowly starting to readjust to his old life, though he'll never be the same. Just like he'll never forget Beth, and since she is still with the DOD, he's determinded to free her. Meanwhile everyone is still grieving the loss of Adam, and especially Dee is heartbroken. She is so different from the first two books, that I was kind of shocked at times. And I really missed the old Dee. 

Katy is still trying to come to terms with those decisions she made that resulted in the fatal ending of Onyx. I really felt sorry for her. She blamed herself for everything, but while she did made some bad decisions in wasn't all her fault. But Daemon is there for her, and he understood. I think we really get too see his sweet and loveable side in Opal, though his jerkface and attitude is never long gone. But he wouldn't be Daemon without that, would he now?

Katy and Daemon are finally a couple, and I loved seeing them together like that. Actually there was a bit more romance in this book, and did I like that? No, I loved it! Because they are perfect for each other. But they are Katy and Daemon, so of course they still argue. A lot. But that's exactly what I love about them, because they have this incredible chemistry. 

Both Katy and Daemon has changed a lot since Obsidian and I liked that because they have been through a lot and that had to change them. Katy had to face that she had turned from a normal book nerd to a kickass hybrid who had to do things she would never ever had dreamed about before, both good and bad. I liked this inner fight she had, and that she didn't just accept things and were fine about it. And I liked that she was still stubborn Katy who stood her ground and didn't let Daemon push her around.

I had no idea what this book had in store for Katy and Daemon, and I was actually surprised quite a bit of the time. But it gave me everything I'd hoped for and more.

Opal ended on a major cliffhanger, so prepare yourself. It's even worse than Deity (and that was a mean one), but at least Elixir was there to lessen my endless frustration (though I still crave Apollyon). BUT THIS?! Gahhh.. I could kill for Origin right now. Okay, maybe not. Unless it's Blake. Nah, scratch it - I would do that for free! Mwahaha. Anyway, I like how JLA can leave a book on a cliffhanger, but in a way that don't make you go completely nuts. So I do kind of think it's the perfect ending.   

I loved Opal and don't even ask if I would recommend it. Of course I will. But I'll recommend anything by JLA, she's just the best. This book certainly proves that.

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Waiting on Wednesday (8)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm waiting for:

This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith

Publication date: April 2. 

If fate sent you an email, would you answer?

When teenage movie star Graham Larkin accidentally sends small town girl Ellie O'Neill an email about his pet pig, the two seventeen-year-olds strike up a witty and unforgettable correspondence, discussing everything under the sun, except for their names or backgrounds. 

Then Graham finds out that Ellie's Maine hometown is the perfect location for his latest film, and he decides to take their relationship from online to in-person. But can a star as famous as Graham really start a relationship with an ordinary girl like Ellie? And why does Ellie want to avoid the media's spotlight at all costs? 

This books sounds soo cute! And I really liked Jennifer E. Smith's book The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight so I can't wait to read this one. 

What are you waiting for this week? Leave a link below and let me know :)

Top Ten Favorite New-To-Me Authors I Read In 2012

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

This week topic is: Top Ten Favorite New-To-Me Authors I Read In 2012.

1. Jennifer L. Armentrout: JLA has definitely become one of my all time favourite authors. I love all her books, and her upcoming books are my most anticipated books. I love her writing, her characters, her stories. Everything. And I've kind of been obsessing about her ever since I read Obsidian, which was the first book I read by her. And that has remained my favourite book.  

2. Stephanie Perkins: After reading Anna and the French kiss Ms. Perkins easily entered my favourite authors list. I'm so glad I discovered her this year, though I still can't believe I hadn't done it earlier. Anyway, I loved Anna and how Perkins made the story come alive and the characters seem so real. But what I loved most was how insanely giddy this book made me - it made me smile all the time, even when I wasn't reading it. I can't wait to read her companion novel, Lola and the Boy Next Door, and any other of her books to come. 

3. Elizabeth Norris: I was very impressed by Norris and her debut novel Unravelling. Her writing is amazing, and I almost couldn't believe that she has only written one book! And she is one of the few authors who has accomplished to really surprise me with the plot in her book. I was guessing and second guessing all the way through the book, and when everything was revealed I was like: whoaa! I can't wait to read the sequel, Unbreakable.

4. Deborah Harkness: I really liked Harkness' take on vampires and witches in The All Souls trilogy, it was new and different, and very interesting. Also, Harkness has a way of discribing that made it easy to imagine everthing. Like you were watching a movie instead of reading a book. I'm eagerly awaiting her last book in the trilogy. 


Well, that's it. Huh. I would have expected more authors on the list. I guess I haven't read that many book by new-to-me authors.

Who are your new favourite authors? Leave a link below and let me know.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

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Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris - until she meets Etienne St. Clair: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home. As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near - misses end with the French kiss Anna - and readers - have long awaited?

My thoughts 

I can't believe I've waited this long to read Anna and the French kiss. This book is absolutely amazing! And I think I'm in love with it - and of course Étienne St. Clair. Sigh. 

This book made me soo happy and giddy while I was reading it, and when I wasn't reading it made me giddy just thinking about it and know I was going to continue soon. I actually smile just thinking about. It must be love! 

I loved Perkins' writing, she made everything come alive, and she made the characters seem real. And I liked that each character had their own place in the story, they weren't just there, you know, to fill out the story. Another important character in this story (okay so it's not technically a character, but it kind of feels like that) is Paris. I think Perkins did a wonderful job discribing the city, so you could almost picture yourself there. Ah, it definitely made me want to go to Paris again.

I loved Anna a lot, she was a joy to read about and I liked seeing the story through her eyes. She had a wonderful voice. I liked how she freaked out about things like "what does this mean?", "does that mean..?" and "what do I do now?". It was so hilarious. And don't we all do that at times? I do think she, unintentionally, was a bit mean sometimes, but I liked that she acknowledged that - that she regretted it, and tried to make up for it. She has easily become one of my favourite protags.

I LOVED St. Clair! He was soo sweet. And, and... I've no words, and I actually think you have to experience him yourself. Though I can say, I liked that he wasn't perfect, and that he made some mistakes along the way, but I think that made him seem more real. He and Anna had a fantastic chemistry, and I liked how everything felt so natural with them. That their friendship was so genuine.  

This is certainly one of the best books I've read this year. It made me happy, it made me swoon and I loved it all the way through. If you haven't read this yet, I recommend you read it immediately, if you in any way like contemporaries!

I have to read the companion novel Lola and the Boy Next Door ASAP!

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ 

Waiting on Wednesday (7)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm waiting for:

The Collector by Victoria Scott. 
Publication date: Apirl 2.

He makes good girls...bad. 

Dante Walker is flippin’ awesome, and he knows it. His good looks, killer charm, and stellar confidence has made him one of hell’s best—a soul collector. His job is simple, weed through humanity and label those round rears with a big red good or bad stamp. Old Saint Nick gets the good guys, and he gets the fun ones. Bag-and-tag.

Sealing souls is nothing personal. Dante’s an equal opportunity collector and doesn’t want it any other way. But he’ll have to adjust, because Boss Man has given him a new assignment:

Collect Charlie Cooper’s soul within 10 days.

Dante doesn’t know why Boss Man wants Charlie, nor does he care. This assignment means only one thing to him, and that’s a permanent ticket out of hell. But after Dante meets the quirky, Nerd Alert chick he’s come to collect—he realizes this assignment will test his abilities as a collector, and uncover emotions deeply buried.

I  found this book recently and when I had read the blurb, I instantly added it to my TBR list. It sounds really good, and I can't wait to meet this Dante Walker. 

What are you waiting for this week? Leave a link below, and I'll be sure to check :)

Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward

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The third book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series.
A former blood slave, the vampire Zsadist still bears the scars from a past filled with suffering and humiliation. Renowned for his unquenchable fury and sinister deeds, he is a savage feared by humans and vampires alike. Anger is his only companion, and terror is his only passion—until he rescues a beautiful aristocrat from the evil Lessening Society.

Bella is instantly entranced by the seething power Zsadist possesses. But even as their desire for one another begins to overtake them both, Zsadist’s thirst for vengeance against Bella’s tormentors drives him to the brink of madness. Now, Bella must help her lover overcome the wounds of his tortured past, and find a future with her…

My thoughts 

This is by far my favourite book in the series. I absolutely loved Zsadist's story. When we met him in Dark Lover I was wary about him, and he didn't come off as very appealing. But when I read about him in Lover Eternal I was intrigued, and wondered what story lay behind that attitude. Therefore, I was very excited to read Lover Awakened, and I was not disappointed. Zsadist's story was.. whew, really something. He was truly a tortured soul. Broken. I felt for him (which he probably wouldn't like), both when he was all tough and pushing everybody away, and when he was all open and raw. What he'd been through.. I definitely made me understand him much better, made me understand why he was the way he was now, and that's saying something from how he appeared in Dark Lover. 

There were a few times along the story when I couldn't see how he would possibly get a HEA, how he could ever find himself and see his own worth. He had a long way to go, but Bella was there for him all the time, she helped him through, though it wasn't very easy for her. Bella was a very strong character. She kept pushing when everyone else would have run away screaming. She knew what she wanted, and wasn't afraid to want it, either. I really admired her for it. 

This was a very emotional book, and I went through a lot of emotions during this read. I got teary-eyed, I was shocked, horrified, exicted, laughing and swooning. I hadn't expected that last one, I mean it's Zsadist, not really swooning material. But I'm happy to say that I was so wrong. 

There was, however, one thing about this book that I didn't particularly liked, or rather which I don't like about Ward's writing style, and that is how she focuses a lot on the other characters in the story. I liked to know some of them better, but I just think it was a bit too much, they took too much room from the central story. Especially the parts with the lessers - I have to admit I actually skipped over most of it, except from one part near the end. Anyway, I wish there'd been more focus on Zsadist and Bella's story and that they had had more time together.

Overall, I loved this book. It's definitely a keeper, and it's already got a spot on my favourite shelf. If you've read the first two in the series, I'd certainly recommend you read this. If you haven't read the series, well, then I'd recommend you read it. 

“I was dead until you found me, though I breathed. I was sightless, though I could see. And then you came...and I was awakened.”

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Waiting on Wednesday (6)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm waiting for:

Four months after Ben disappeared through the portal to his home universe, Janelle believes she’ll never see him again. Her world is still devastated, but life is finally starting to resume some kind of normalcy. Until Interverse Agent Taylor Barclay shows up. Somebody from an alternate universe is running a human trafficking ring, kidnapping people and selling them on different Earths—and Ben is the prime suspect. Now his family has been imprisoned and will be executed if Ben doesn’t turn himself over within five days.

And when Janelle learns that someone she cares about—someone from her own world—has become one of the missing, she knows that she has to help Barclay, regardless of the danger. Now Janelle has five days to track down the real culprit. Five days to locate the missing people before they’re lost forever. Five days to reunite with the boy who stole her heart. But as the clues begin to add up, Janelle realizes that she’s in way over her head—and that she may not have known Ben as well as she thought. Can she uncover the truth before everyone she cares about is killed?

I absolutely loved Unravelling so I'm definitely looking forward to reading this sequel, especially because the first one ended on such a cliffhanger! Plus from the blurb, this book just sounds amazing.

What are you waiting for this week? Leave a link below, and I'll be sure to check it :) 

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

This week topic is: Top Ten Most Anticipated Books For 2013.

2013 offers a lot of great books, which I'm eagerly anticipating. Most of them are sequels, that I just can't wait to get my hands on, but there's some new ones as well, that I'm very excited to dive into.

1. Apollyon by Jennifer L. Armentrout: After the ending in Deity and Elixir, I simply cannot wait to read this. April.

2. Origin by Jennifer L. Armentrout: I can't get enough of Katy and Daemon, and though I haven't (obviously) read Opal yet, I'm already excited for the fourth book. And it's going to be in dual pov! Eeep! Summer.

3. Obsession by J. Lynn: Okay, so I'm just really looking forward to any book by JLA, and this is no exception, 'cause it's set in the same world as the Lux series, and it's an adult novel! March.

4. Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare: This is a very anticipated book, for I dying to know how it's all going to end. March.

5. Unbreakable by Elizabeth Norris: I loved Unravelling and it really left off on a cliffhanger, so can't wait to read this sequel. April.

6. Unchained by J. Lynn: This was actually supposed to be released this year, so I was crestfallen, when JLA announced it was pushed back to September 2013. But then I have another book to look forward to next year. September.

7. The Collector by Victoria Scott: I only recently discovered this book, but it sounds really good, so this has become yet another anticipated book for 2013. April.

8. This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith: This book sounds like such a sweet read, and when I saw it I immediately added it to my TBR list. I think I'm going to read more contemporary books in 2013. April.

The last ones I'm not sure are going to be released next year, but they are rumored for release:

9. Sentinel by Jennifer L. Armentrout: JLA said in an annoucement for another book that the Covenant series would end in Fall 2013, so I hope that means Sentinel will be released next year, and I cannot wait for that, although it's going to be a little sad with it being the last one in the series.

10. Book 3 in the All Souls trilogy by Deborah Harkness: I think this might be relased next year, but I'm not all sure. But I do know I'm looking forward to reading it!

Wow, there's a lot of books coming out in March and April! I think I better start saving up.

What are your top ten most anticipated books for 2013? Leave a link below, and I check it out :)

My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent

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She doesn't see dead people. She senses when someone near her is about to die. And when that happens, a force beyond her control compels her to scream bloody murder. Literally.
Kaylee just wants to enjoy having caught the attention of the hottest guy in school. But a normal date is hard to come by when Nash seems to know more about her need to scream than she does. And when classmates start dropping dead for no apparent reason, only Kaylee knows who'll be next.

From Goodreads.

My thoughts 

I don't really know what I think about this book. I enjoyed it a great deal, some parts were definitely pageturning, but I wasn't that into the story or the characters. It do think the story was unique, and I've never read anything like it before, but I also thought the whole concept was a bit.. I dunno.. weird? Sometimes I didn't think it made much sense, and I was just like huh? But in the end most of it was neatly explained, and I was almost satisfied. Maybe it's because I'm just not that familiar with the death/reaper thing.

I liked Kaylee. She was a rational heroine, who were quick to put things together, which was very nice. She sometimes jumped to some weird conclusions, but I couldn't blame her, because I probably would too, if I experienced the same things. I think she was a strong person, and even though she had to make some tough decisions, I liked that she stood by them afterwards. I especially liked how she handled things, that she accepted them and acted on them, and that she went forward instead of whining about things she wouldn't be able to change anyway.

I didn't think you got to know either Nash or Tod very well, there just didn't seem to be much focus on the character traits, or enough how they were like. From what I learned about Tod, I think he's a very interesting character, and I might want to learn more about him, if I continue to read the series. I don't think I got to know nearly enough about Nash, except for him smelling good (really Kaylee, you noticed that a lot!). So I'd definitely have liked to know the characters better, and I wish that Vincent would have used a bit more time on revealing something more about them.

Also, the romance, I think the that was very.. sudden? I mean, everything happened so fast. Kaylee and Nash were just starting to know each other, and they were suddenly deeply in love, and neither of them seemed to question anything about the relationship or just the other person. Odd. I would have liked a sort of development there.

Am I going to read the next book in the series? I don't know. I'm not going to rush to read it, and I'm not particular inclined to read it, but if it should ever somehow come my way, I definitely think it might read it.

☆ ☆ ☆

Waiting on Wednesday (5)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm waiting for:

 

If the only way to save the world was to destroy what you loved most, would you do it?
The clock is ticking. Everyone must choose.
Passion. Power. Secrets. Enchantment.
Danger closes in around the Shadowhunters in the final installment of the bestselling Infernal Devices trilogy.

I've been waiting for this since I read the last page of Clockwork Prince almost a year ago, and there's is still such a long time till March 19. And while I'm dying to read this, and also a bit worried about reading it, because I really can't see how it can possibly end happily.. I think that however it will end, and whoever Tessa chooses, the ending will be bittersweet, maybe even sad. And I don't think I'll be ready for that, or that I'll want to read that, but on the other hand I need to know what happens next for Tessa, Will and Jem. *sigh*

But enough whinning.. What are your WoW this week? Leave a link below, and I'll be sure to check it out :)

Opal trailer reveal

It's no secret that I absolutely adore Jennifer L. Armentrout and her books. I especially LOVE the Lux series and Daemon! So of course I had to take part in the Opal trailer review, and I'm proud to present it to you right here on my blog. But before you watch the trailer, check out the gorgeous cover for the book:

Opal (The third book in the Lux Series)

Available in both print and digital version on December 18, 2012
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

And now ... the trailer!

 

Official Opal Book Trailer



Squeee!! Isn't it amazing?! Okay, it doesn't show that very much about the book, but I liked the recap of the first two books, Obsidian and Onyx. I think Pepe and Sztella did a great job with this, and they really do resemble Daemon and Kitten - or how I imagine they look, anyway. But now I seriously can't wait to read Opal. I sooo glad there's less than a month until it's released.

 

USA TODAY Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russel Loki.
Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She also writes adult romance under the name J. Lynn.

Check out Jennifer L. Armentrout on the following sites:

Facebook | Twitter | Official Website




What do you guys think about the trailer? Leave a comment below, and let me know :)

Deity by Jennifer L. Armentrout

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History is on repeat, and things didn’t go so well the last time.

Alexandria isn’t sure she’s going to make it to her eighteenth birthday–to her Awakening. A long-forgotten, fanatical order is out to kill her, and if the Council ever discovers what she did in the Catskills, she’s a goner… and so is Aiden.

If that’s not freaky enough, whenever Alex and Seth spend time “training”–which really is just Seth’s code word for some up-close and personal one-on-one time–she ends up with another mark of the Apollyon, which brings her one step closer to Awakening ahead of schedule. Awesome.

But as her birthday draws near, her entire world shatters with a startling revelation and she’s caught between love and Fate. One will do anything to protect her. One has been lying to her since the beginning. Once the gods have revealed themselves, unleashing their wrath, lives will be irrevocably changed… and destroyed.

Those left standing will discover if love is truly greater than Fate…

My thoughts 

OH.MY.GOSH. This book was just amazing! I was blown away by it. I think it's the best in the series so far. So much happened - and a lot I hadn't seen coming. All the questions from Half-blood and Pure were finally answered, and everything just came together. I was glued to the pages, and when I didn't read (it happened) I couldn't stop thinking about it. I think I went through all emotions possible, and that ending.. cliffhanger much?!

Alex has grown and become more mature. She doesn't have that many "knee-jerk reactions", which I honestly think was nice, because she sometimes did the most stupid and reckless things when she wasn't thinking. I really liked her in this one.  

There was a lot more of Aiden in this book. Yay! If Pure was Seth's book, this is definitely Aiden's. And while I loved him before, it's nothing to now - he is just perfect and totally swoon-worthy! We also get to see more sides to him, which I loved.  

And Seth? I hate him, and that's all I'm going to say.

When you've read Deity be sure to have Elixir (Aiden's novella) nearby, because you'll want to throw youself at it from the moment you've read the last word of Deity. I certainly did.

Well, I don't think I'll be say that much more about Deity, because it's actually really hard to review books that I love. Know the feeling? I don't think I'll be able to do it justice, and some books just need to experienced - Deity is one of those. All I can say is well done JLA. Well done. Can I have Apollyon now?!

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Breaking Dawn - Part II, movie review

I went to see the Breaking Dawn, Part II yesterday, which I've been looking forward to since I saw the first part last year. I didn't quite know what to expect, well of course I've read the books, but as you know that not always what happens in the movie. And actually I was just happy to see the conclusion and have it all wrapped up.

So without further ado, I saw the movie and was completely blown away. This movie is sooooo good! It has easily become my favourite of them all, and I'm going to use a word I never thought I was going to use on a Twilight movie: Epic! Yeah, I really think it was an epic conclusion to the saga, and it really wrapped it up very nicely.

But I won't say anything about it, because I wouldn't want to spoil it for those who haven't yet seen it. I'd just say, that if you're in doubt about whether you want to see this last part, I definitely think you should. It's really worth it.
I do think there were some minor flaws in it, mostly technical ones which I think was a shame. I mean, with that much time to make it, and such a huge budget, they could at least have fixed these things. But anyway, they didn't ruin the awesomeness of this movie!

And with this movie, it's nice to see the franchise come to an end in this wonderful way.


Next stop will be The Hobbit: An unexpected journey! Yay!

Waiting on Wednesday (4)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's Waiting on Wednesday is the fourt book in the Covenant series by the amazing Jennifer L. Armentrout:

Alex is now 18... and nothing will ever be the same again. War is coming, and when the gods are involved, no one is safe.

I just finished Deity and Elixir a few days ago, and now I cannot wait to read Apollyon, especially not after that cliffhanger. OMG! I absolutely love this series and everything about it. Actually, I love anything by JLA!
Also I can't wait for the blurb to come up, which should be soon, according to JLA. Yay!
And how gorgeous is that cover?!


What's your WoW this week? Leave a link below, and I'll definitely check it out :)

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

This week topic is: Top Ten Books I'd Want On A Deserted Island.

This is going to be difficult, because I don't think I could imagine being on a deserted island without all my books! So picking ten is going to be a tough choice. 

1. Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout: Because this has become my favourite book - ever! It has everything I'm looking for in a book, and JLA is the best writer.

2. Half-blood/Pure/Deity/Elixir by Jennifer L. Armentrout: Okay, I know it's not just one book, but they belong together, right? And I really love this series. I read the last books two days ago, and I'm thinking about reading it again.

3. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare: I love the world Clare has created, and I don't think I'd ever tire of this book.

4. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: I cannot imagine a place where a don't have this book. I love it, and you can never get enough of Elizabeth and Darcy.

5. A discovery of witches by Deborah Harkness: I love this story and the vampires and witches in it. Besides, this is a brick of a book, and being on a deserted island definitely requires a lot reading material.

6. Juliet by Anne Fortier: This is such a sweet story, and I like anything inspired by Romeo and Juliet and the forbidden love.

7. Unravelling by Elizabeth Norris: I recently discovered this, and absolutely loved it! Norris writes amazingly, and it's not often that I get this surprised while reading.

8. The Belgariad by David Eddings: I know, this is also the whole series, but I really love these books, and have to read them at least once a year.

9. I've got your number by Sophie Kinsella: I think I need something to laugh about, when I'm on a deserted island. And I laughed a lot while reading this.

10. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: I'd really like to read this again, since I've only read it once before, and I think it was amazing.

Yay, I actually managed to keep it on 10 - well, more or less, anyway.

Cursed by Jennifer L. Armentrout

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Dying sucks--and high school senior Ember McWilliams knows firsthand. After a fatal car accident, her gifted little sister brought her back. Now anything Ember touches dies. And that, well, really blows. Ember operates on a no-touch policy with all living things--including boys. When Hayden Cromwell shows up, quoting Oscar Wilde and claiming her curse is a gift, she thinks he's a crazed cutie. But when he tells her he can help control it, she's more than interested. There's just one catch: Ember has to trust Hayden's adopted father, a man she's sure has sinister reasons for collecting children whose abilities even weird her out. However, she's willing to do anything to hold her sister's hand again. And hell, she'd also like to be able to kiss Hayden. Who wouldn't?
But when Ember learns the accident that turned her into a freak may not've been an accident at all, she's not sure who to trust. Someone wanted her dead, and the closer she gets to the truth, the closer she is to losing not only her heart, but her life. For real this time.

My thoughts 

This book was really an emotional rollercoaster! I think I was feeling most possible emotions; I was angry, frustrated, despaired, happy, laughing and then I had some 'awww' moments. Ember goes through so much and I was really frustrated for her. At one time at was so annoyed that I wanted to throw the book at the wall - 'cause really everybody seemed so mean to Ember - but then I realised that Ms. Armentrout is one good writer to make you feel so much, and being able to get you to feel Ember's emotions. I could put myself in Ember's place and I think I would do exactly the same as she does. So that made it easy to relate to Ember, well not with the killer touch part and that, but with everything that happens to her and keeps happening to her!

I liked the story, and I think it was quite believable. I didn't trust anybody, everybody seemed to have dark intentions or secrets, and I think the only one I didn't question was Olivia - I figured she wouldn't want to kill Ember, since she borught her back from death. Anyway, that left me in constant supense, and there was a lot of twist and turns and hadn't seen coming. One of my suspicions was confirmed, but the rest.. man, I don't know how JLA does it. I think my head was spinning just as much as Ember's.

I liked Ember as a character. She was rational, smart and tough. But while she had this tough appearance I loved the small glimpses of uncertanity and vulnerability underneath and how lonely her curse has made her. I can't imagine how it must be to never be able to touch anybody or anything living at all. And I loved her strength, and how determined she was even though she had the odds against her, and how she stood on her own through it all.
And then there's Hayden. A huge part of the time reading I didn't really know what to think of him. I mean, he was really sweet and he was always there for Ember, but then sometimes I didn't understand what he had going or why he acted like he did. But I actually think it made him interesting, though I did want to punch him a few times. But there were some very sweet moments between him and Ember, and I'm not going to say more than that.

I wish the book had been longer, because I wasn't quite finished with the story when the last page had been turned. Not to say that the ending wasn't good or anything, I just wanted to spend some more time with the characters and in this world.

So, I definitely recommend this book - I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm in forever awe of Jennifer L. Armentrout's writing. Just keep them coming, and I'll sure read all her books!

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Waiting on Wednesday (3)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's Waiting on Wednesday is:

History is on repeat, and things didn’t go so well the last time.

Alexandria isn’t sure she’s going to make it to her eighteenth birthday–to her Awakening. A long-forgotten, fanatical order is out to kill her, and if the Council ever discovers what she did in the Catskills, she’s a goner… and so is Aiden.

If that’s not freaky enough, whenever Alex and Seth spend time “training”–which really is just Seth’s code word for some up-close and personal one-on-one time–she ends up with another mark of the Apollyon, which brings her one step closer to Awakening ahead of schedule. Awesome.

But as her birthday draws near, her entire world shatters with a startling revelation and she’s caught between love and Fate. One will do anything to protect her. One has been lying to her since the beginning. Once the gods have revealed themselves, unleashing their wrath, lives will be irrevocably changed… and destroyed.

Those left standing will discover if love is truly greater than Fate…

I just finished Half-blood and Pure so I'm totally dying to read Deity!! Especially since Pure ended with a cliffhanger, and I almost started scrutinizing the blank pages in the end to see if there was anymore, but nooo. And I want more Aiden ♥
Luckly, it's due next week, so that isn't such a long time. Right? o.O

What is your WoW this week? Leave a link below and I'll definitely check it out!

Half-blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout

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The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi-pure-bloods-have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals-well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures. Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1:Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden. Unfortunately, she's crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn't her biggest problem--staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck.

My thoughts 

Jennifer L. Armentrout has become one of my favourite authors and she sure didn't disappoint me with Half-blood. It was funny, interesting, thrilling, steamy and excitting. JLA writes amazingly, and I was imediately sucked into the story, and wasn't released until the last page was turned. The story was very good, and I really liked the world JLA built with the Convenant, the differences and rules between the halfs and pures, and how it was all linked to the Greek Mythology. It was interesting and believable. And then I just like anything that has to do with Greek Mythology.
I have to admit that I sort of guessed some of the major plot lines quickly, so I wasn't always very surprised. But it didn't really matter much, as I was so consumed in the way everything was revealed, and mostly how Alex reacted to things, 'cause that really wasn't predictable.
Half-blood did remind me a bit about Vampire Academy in the beginning, but as it progressed it definitely became a book of it's own. Besides, I liked Alex a lot better than Rose.

Scene from Pure in Aiden's pov

Just wanted to mention, that Jennifer L. Armentrout has been so gracious as to write another scene from Aiden's pov. Yay! This is the scene when Alex is on the Brew, and is acting a liiitle.. yeah, you know. Anyway, you should definitely go read it, 'cause it is great, like really freaking amazing! And it's Aiden♥ Need I say more?

You can read it here.

Cover reveal: Unbreakable

Yay, the cover for Unbreakable by Elizabeth Norris has been revealed! I've been very much looking forward to this since reading Unravelling, as there hasn't been much to find about this second book. But now both the cover and the official blurb has been revealed, and boy it sounds great.   

(If you haven't read Unravelling and want to, then don't read the blurb below, 'cause theres a lot of spoilers). 

Here it is:

 

Four months after Ben disappeared through the portal to his home universe, Janelle believes she’ll never see him again. Her world is still devastated, but life is finally starting to resume some kind of normalcy. Until Interverse Agent Taylor Barclay shows up. Somebody from an alternate universe is running a human trafficking ring, kidnapping people and selling them on different Earths—and Ben
is the prime suspect. Now his family has been imprisoned and will be executed if Ben doesn’t turn himself over within five days.

And when Janelle learns that someone she cares about—someone from her own world—has become one of the missing, she knows that she has to help Barclay, regardless of the danger. Now Janelle has five days to track down the real culprit. Five days to locate the missing people before they’re lost forever. Five days to reunite with the boy who stole her heart. But as the clues begin to add up, Janelle realizes that she’s in way over her head—and that she may not have known Ben as well as she thought. Can she uncover the truth before everyone she cares about is killed?

 

Eeeep! I'm so excited! I loved Unravelling and I have really high hopes for Unbreakable, which I'm sure Elizabeth Norris will deliver. And I can't wait to read more about Janelle and Ben.  

It'll be realeased on April 23, 2013 (such a loooong time), and you can read more about it here.

 

If you haven't read Unravelling I'd definitely recommed it.

Okay, so I haven't been posting very much recently, because I'm very busy with school right now with exams and other stuff coming up >.<

But, but, but.. I'm very soon going to post reviews of some awesome books by Jennifer L. Armentrout that I'm very excited to share with you, so stay tuned!

By the way, I'm on Goodreads now so feel free to befriend me.

Waiting on Wednesday (2)

Waiting on wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's Waiting on Wednesday is:

 

Between the pissed off creatures that want demon-hunter Lily Marks dead and the fallen angel who just … wants her, Lily is about ready to trade in forever for a comfy job in a cubicle farm.

Mortal enemies, the fact that Lily and Julian are civil to one another is enough to have her thrown out of the Sanctuary. Even she can build a laundry list of why getting close to him is career suicide, but she can’t shake her not-so angelic stalker or how he brings her dangerously close to ecstasy.

As if Lily already didn’t have enough problems, the hits just keep coming. Blindsided when a traitor is discovered working from within the Sanctuary, Lily is shocked to find he’s determined to get her kicked out. Her relationship with Julian provides the perfect fuel for suspicion, and she quickly finds herself being hunted by well, everyone. Her only hope is to discover the real traitor before she loses everything—and she’ll need Julian’s help. That is, if Julian is really there to help her … or destroy her.

Yeah, being a Nephilim isn’t everything it’s cracked up to be.

 

This book was actually due to be released yesterday, which I had very much been looking forward to, since I love the author and the story seems really good. Then it was pushed back to September 24, 2013, and was like; eh what? WHAT?? NOOO! I'll have to wait almost an entire YEAR?! That just kind of suck...


What is your WoW? Leave a link below.

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

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St. Vladimir’s Academy isn’t just any boarding school—it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s—the very place where they’re most in danger...Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy’s ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world’s fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever.

My thoughts 

I can't really decide whether I like this book or not. Some parts of it I wasn't all that impressed by and some I thought was interesting and fun. I liked the concept of the story and I think the writing was pretty good. Actually the writing was kind of addictive. I don't know how Mead does it, but when I started reading I couldn't put it down even though I didn't like it all that much in the beginning. Weird, but in a good way. I think. 

The story was good, but not extrodinary. I did like the world Mead had built with the Moroi, Stigoi and dhampirs. It seemed to all fit together and was very believable. I think the whole academy setting was interesting and provided a 'real wolrd' touch to the paranormal element; how gossip, social hierarchy, friends, enemies and love all were relatable or, in any case, real.

One of the best things was the bond between Rose and Lissa. I liked that even though it was a first person narrator, you got a clear insight into Lissa's feelings and view and that you get to see things from her pov without Rose being there. Cool.