Favorite books in 2013

As the year is now coming to an end, I've been looking back on all the amazing books I've read this year. I've read a lot of different books and most of them I enjoyed very much. But here are my top 13 favorite books in 2013 - and man were they hard to pick!

    

            

13. Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta

12. Angelfall by Susan Ee

11. Just One Day by Gayle Forman

10. Easy by Tammara Webber

9. Apollyon by Jennifer L. Armentrout

           

     

8. The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen

7. Slammed by Colleen Hoover

6. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

5. The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

4. The Indigo Spell (and The Golden Lily) by Richelle Mead 

          

3. The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

2. The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

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...

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1. If I Stay by Gayle Forman

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Waiting on Wednesday (23)

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 on:

These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner

Release date: December 10.

It's a night like any other on board the Icarus. Then, catastrophe strikes: the massive luxury spaceliner is yanked out of hyperspace and plummets into the nearest planet. Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen survive. And they seem to be alone. 

Lilac is the daughter of the richest man in the universe. Tarver comes from nothing, a young war hero who learned long ago that girls like Lilac are more trouble than they’re worth. But with only each other to rely on, Lilac and Tarver must work together, making a tortuous journey across the eerie, deserted terrain to seek help. 

Then, against all odds, Lilac and Tarver find a strange blessing in the tragedy that has thrown them into each other’s arms. Without the hope of a future together in their own world, they begin to wonder—would they be better off staying here forever?

Everything changes when they uncover the truth behind the chilling whispers that haunt their every step. Lilac and Tarver may find a way off this planet. But they won’t be the same people who landed on it.

The first in a sweeping science fiction trilogy, These Broken Stars is a timeless love story about hope and survival in the face of unthinkable odds.

-oOo-

This book sounds awesome and look at that pretty cover! I've already read a lot of praising reviews for it already, so I really cannot wait to read it.

The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater

Now that the ley lines around Cabeswater have been woken, nothing for Ronan, Gansey, Blue, and Adam will be the same. Ronan, for one, is falling more and more deeply into his dreams, and his dreams are intruding more and more into waking life. Meanwhile, some very sinister people are looking for some of the same pieces of the Cabeswater puzzle that Gansey is after...

My thoughts

I was so happy that I got The Dream Thieves right after I finished reading The Raven Boys, as the latter ended on a bit of a cliff-hanger. The very last sentence in The Raven Boys really intrigued me and I hoped we'd get to know Ronan better, and I sure wasn't disappointed. The Dream Thieves was very much Ronan's book, and centered around his story and abilities, while still being linked to the overall story and mystery. 

I thought it was a very interesting and original concept that Ronan could pull things out of dreams. Ronan is a very complex character and I loved being able to dive into his story and try to figure him out. It's clear in the beginning of the book that Ronan has a lot of secrets, but what are they, and what do they mean? As his secrets were slowly uncovered so is Ronan, and despite all his rough edges - or maybe because of them - I grew to love him even more.

Some of the characters, mostly Blue and Gansey, took a backseat in this book, and I have to admit that I kind of missed them, cuz I love those two. There wasn't that much focus on their search for Glendower either, though it was still present in the story. Adam, however, had a larger role, as he was dealing with the aftermath of what happened that fateful night in The Raven Boys. He had a great character development, it is obvious that his sacrifice has changed him a lot, but also his move from his parents house has made a impact on him. 

There was a lot happening throughout the book, and sometimes I kind of wondered what some of it had to do with anything. Really, I was a bit confused sometimes. I still don't know what one of the characters introduced in this had to with the story and why did we had to have so many POVs from him? Maybe a re-read will enlighten me since Maggie Stiefvater hides central plots in plain sight and I'm not always too quick to catch on.

There were some very heartwrenching moments in this book, and while they were sad, they were also beautifully written. It's not often that you get your heart ripped in such a nice way. These moments gave the story a bittersweet edge and hinted at what is always looming over the story.

Of course this one ended on a cliff-hanger too. Grrr. And the next book won't come out until fall next year. I mean what the h***. The third book is now one of my most anticipated books for next year, and I can.not.wait to read it!

If you haven't read The Dream Thieves or started this series yet, I strongly urge you to do so. It is so incredible and has already taken a place on my favorite shelf. 

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Top Ten Sequels I Can't Wait To Get My Hands On

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

This weeks topic is: Top Ten Sequels I Can't Wait To Get My Hands On.

1. The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead: Ahhh, I can't wait to read this book! I think it's my most anticipated book this fall, and there's only two weeks left!! (insert major fangirling)

2. World After by Susan Ee: Also only two weeks left! I loved Angelfall so when I get my hands on this one... no one should come near me until I'm finished for their own good!

3. Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins: Okay, so this isn't as much a sequel as it is a companion novel, but I still can't wait to read it! Anna and the French Kiss is my all-time favorite book and Stephanie Perkins writes amazingly.

4. Cress by Marissa Meyer: This series is amazing and I'm soo looking forward to find out what happens next.

5. Reclessly Royal by Nichole Chase: Another companion novel I can't wait to get my hands on. 

6. The Raven Boys #3 by Maggie Stiefvater: This has neither a title nor a cover yet, but I can't freaking wait to read it. That ending in The Dream Thieves akjnfjlbgnervfkjh.

Apparently I'm not reading that many series right now - or most had the last book coming out this year - so I'm not waiting on that many sequels. Huh, that feels kind of strange. How about you, do you have a lot of sequels you can't wait to get your hands on? Leave a link and let me know!

I'm back!

I can't believe I haven't written a new post in a MONTH! Whoa, what just happened with time?! I've been busy lately with school and trying not to panic about my upcoming exams. I haven't read much either as I've been in a reading slump. Again. And then I just needed a bit of a break. Again. But from now on I hope to write a bit more on the blog, at least once a week. Seriously. However, I've been thinking about writing some different posts, more like book-related and not necessarily reviews.  

So today I thought I'll share with you what I've been spending a bit of my time with these past few weeks, and that is Emma Approved! Heard of that? It's acutally a new sort of adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma, done in vlog format. So funny! And they are free to watch on youtube right here. It has only just started, and they post two episodes a week. While I really enjoy them, they are not quite as funny or engaging as the adaption of Pride and Prejudice, also known as The Lizzie Bennet Diaries. If you haven't seen this yet and like Pride and Prejudice, you have to go watch it now. It's an amazing interpretation of the book - also through vlogging - and I love the story, the characters and reliving this wonderful story in a whole new way. 

The Lizzie Bennet Diaries

I also have a few reviews I need to finish of some amazing books I've read. I'll try to get them up very soon. 

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

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“There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark’s Eve,” Neeve said. “Either you’re his true love . . . or you killed him.”

It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive.

Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them—not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her.

His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble.

But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can’t entirely explain. He has it all—family money, good looks, devoted friends—but he’s looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents all the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul who ranges from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher of the four, who notices many things but says very little.

For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore.

My thoughts

Going into this I had no idea what The Raven Boys was about, and I think that’s the best kind of approach to a book. You have no expectations and nothing to spoil the events for you. So when I started this book I was both surprised and excited to have found a book combining all the things I love; a story of magic, ancient legends, family, love and friendship set in modern day. I felt like getting an unexpected gift you unknowingly really, really wanted.

Maggie Stiefvater is an exceptional writer, and she kind of make magic come alive before you through her words. The Raven Boys is told in third person and it is used to get a lot of different perspectives. This usually bothers me a lot, but not in this one. Instead, I loved getting different characters' perspective and the reasons behind their actions, and I think Maggie Stiefvater wove them all together perfectly. 

The story was truly amazing. I've always been fascinated by psychics, magic and ancient legends. It has so many layers, and so many hints and clues dropped everywhere - both to current story in the book and the overall story - that I think a re-read of the book will even more to the reader. It was at times intense, kept me at the edge of the seat, but also had me both laughing and anxious. But even though I loved the story, what I really think made this book was the characters. Holy moly. Maggie Stiefvater has created a cast of different, unique and intriguing characters that you cannot help loving. They all have strengths and weakness, and they each have their own story. 

I loved all the raven boys, Gansey, Ronan, Adam and Noah, but I do think my favorite were Gansey and Ronan. Gansey because there was something special about him, he was a rich kid who has everything, but he is always looking beyond, searching and needing to find something that might not be found. He's always there for the others, but is somehow lonely himself and, I think, maybe the one least understood. 

Ronan, on the other hand, was so different from Gansey, he's rough on the edges and such a complex character, burdened with dark secrets. It all made him very interesting, and I was eager to learn even more about him. 

Blue was another favorite, and I liked her sensible eccentric personality. She was stubborn and courageous, and often spoke up her mind. I also felt like I could easily relate to her and her relationship with her family, and how she feels left out by being the only one who doesn't have any psychic abilities. 

Overall, The Raven Boys was an exceptional, amazing story. It's a book I think I will often come back to, and a book I can't stop thinking about. 

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Cover reveal: Don't Look Back by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Samantha is a stranger in her own life. Until the night she disappeared with her best friend, Cassie, everyone said Sam had it all-popularity, wealth, and a dream boyfriend. 

Sam has resurfaced, but she has no recollection of who she was or what happened to her that night. As she tries to piece together her life from before, she realizes it's one she no longer wants any part of. The old Sam took "mean girl" to a whole new level, and it's clear she and Cassie were more like best enemies. Sam is pretty sure that losing her memories is like winning the lottery. She's getting a second chance at being a better daughter, sister, and friend, and she's falling hard for Carson Ortiz, a boy who has always looked out for her-even if the old Sam treated him like trash. 

But Cassie is still missing, and the facts about what happened to her that night isn't just buried deep inside of Sam's memory-someone else knows, someone who wants to make sure Sam stays quiet. All Sam wants is the truth, and if she can unlock her clouded memories of that fateful night, she can finally move on. But what if not remembering is the only thing keeping Sam alive?

Goodreads  |  Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble

Release date: April 15, 2014

About the author

# 1 NEW YORK TIMES and 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 is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optionend for major motion picture.

She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

Twitter  |  Facebook  |  Website

Angelfall by Susan Ee

It's been six weeks since angels of the apocalypse descended to demolish the modern world. Street gangs rule the day while fear and superstition rule the night. When warrior angels fly away with a helpless little girl, her seventeen-year-old sister Penryn will do anything to get her back.

Anything, including making a deal with an enemy angel.

Raffe is a warrior who lies broken and wingless on the street. After eons of fighting his own battles, he finds himself being rescued from a desperate situation by a half-starved teenage girl.

Traveling through a dark and twisted Northern California, they have only each other to rely on for survival. Together, they journey toward the angels' stronghold in San Francisco where she'll risk everything to rescue her sister and he'll put himself at the mercy of his greatest enemies for the chance to be made whole again.

My thoughts

This is one of those times where I think a hype is fully deserved. Wow, this book was amazing. I don't quite know how to tell you just how special this book was. Right off, it doesn't seem much different than other YA dystopia books, but that's only until you turn the very first page. I was sucked into the story and couldn't let go. It was funny, creepy, intense, actionpacked and snarky in a perfect blend. I never knew what was going to happen next. 
I was utterly impressed by Susan Ee's writing, I don't know exactly what it was, but it just made the story flow effortless. 

I loved the story and how the angels were portrayed as the "bad guys" like they were in the old stories from the Bible. The mystery, however, is why they have suddenly attacked Earth. And are all the angels evil?
I also liked how the angels weren't the only dangerous part in the story; after the angels have created havoc and destroyed cities, humans will do anything to survive in this post-apocalyptisc world, even if it means turning against each other, often with fatal results. Nothing is safe anymore, and there's nowhere to turn for help. I think this gave the story even more of an edge, while it was still very believable.

I absolutely loved Penryn, she was such an awesome heroine. Really. She was independent and used to taking care of her family and would do anything to keep them safe. But still, she knew when she needed help, and she accepted that. She could protect herself, and kicked some major ass, and she didn't wait around for someone else to come safe her. And she definitely did not go around swooning over Raffe, she just didn't have time for that. 

Raffe was mysterious and I had a hard time figuring him out. At first it was clear that he only made the deal with Penryn because he had to, and that he didn't think highly of her. Then he would protect her without really needing to. He sent mixed signals, and I loved trying to sort him out.  

The banter between Penryn and Raffe was hilarious, and they seriously cracked me up. 

“A little weird? That was freakin' Bizarroville."
He pauses and looks back at me. 
"Are you speaking English?” 

There was a touch of romance, maybe more like a little tension between them, but it never took over the story. They both had more serious things to focus on, but I loved seeing them slowly change their look and understanding of each other. 

The only thing I didn't like about this book was that it was a bit too creepy for me at times. I don't read horror books because they honestly scare me so much. Yes, I'm a bit of a wuss. So when I suddenly stumpled over that in Angelfall I'm sure I sported some crazy expressions while I cringed from the book. But it was only a small part so it wasn't too bad, and I will still read the sequel, World After, even if Susan Ee hinted at it being even more creepy.

Angelfall is a book not to be missed. The story was fast-paced and engaging, the characters were believable, and Penryn is what you secretly have been missing in most other YA heroines. A new favorite for me, and another long wait for the next book, which I just cannot wait to read.

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ 

Waiting on Wednesday (22)

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 on:

World After (Penryn and the End of Days # 2) by Susan Ee

Release date: November 19.

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?

-oOo-

So I just finished Angelfall earlier this week and after that last page I need this book!! 

What are you waiting on this week? Leave a link and let me know!

Top Ten Books On My Fall 2013 TBR List

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

This weeks topic is: Top Ten Books On My Fall 2013 TBR List. 

To be released this fall

1. The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead: This is probably my most anticipated book this fall. I seriously cannot wait to read it. I go into total fangirl mode goes whenever I think or hear about it.

2. Sentinel by Jennifer L. Armentrout: The last book in the series! I'm so eager to find out how it all end, though I'm sad there won't be more books after this.

3. Just One Year by Gayle Forman: Just One Day made a huge impression on me, and that ending..! This book better come ASAP in my mailbox when it's released!

4. Allegiant by Veronica Roth: I loved Divergent, but was honestly not overly impressed by Insurgent. I still can't wait to read Allegiant though.

5. World After by Susan Ee: I just finished reading Angelfall and I need this sequel NOW. 

Already released

6. The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater: I've read a lot of praising reviews for it and plan on reading this some time soon.

7. Pivot Point by Kasie West: If I ever get this from the library (they are sooo slow) this is on the top of my TBR pile. I can't wait.

8. The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa: I've had this on my shelf for so long, maybe I'll finally get to it this fall.

9. Shadows by Jennifer L. Armentrout: I've read all the books in the Lux series except this and I'll definitely have to change that. I got this one for free a week or so ago, so now I'm finally getting around to reading it. Can't wait for Dawson and Bethany's story.



10. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell: I hope I'll get my hands on this one sometime during the fall, because it sounds really good and I've heard some very good things about it.

What is on your fall TBR list? Leave a link and let me know :)

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

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The fates of Cinder and Scarlet collide as a Lunar threat spreads across the Earth...

Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She's trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she'll be the Commonwealth's most wanted fugitive.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit's grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn't know about her grandmother or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother's whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner.

My thoughts

Scarlet picks up right where Cinder ended and this book is a retelling of the little red riding hood, and what a retelling! I really liked Cinder, but I think Scarlet was even better. It was a bit slow in the beginning, but then things got real and I could. not. put. the. book. down. I was on the edge of my seat, holding my breath and trying to turn the pages fast enough. 

Scarlet's grandmother has disappeared without a trace, but the police has just dropped the case, leaving Scarlet hopeless and furious. Then she meets Wolf, a street fighter, who might be able to help her, but can she trust him? In the mean time Cinder has escaped prison and is trying to find a way to temporary safety. But what should she do next? And can she stop Queen Levana before she claims Earth?

Scarlet was a great heroine. She was strong, independent and had quite a temper. She'd do anything to save her grandmother, and she had to go through a lot to find her. I think she was very brave, and I liked how she stood her ground and didn't take anything from anybody. 
I had a had a hard time figuring Wolf out. He seemed tough and dangerous, but was at the same time so shy and cautious around Scarlet. He was not what I expected, but I really liked him a lot. His and Scarlet's interaction were my favorite parts of the books, and even though they'd only known each other for a couple of (very eventful) days, their attraction seemed so believable and I couldn't help rooting for them. 

I was happy to see Cinder again and following her next steps. Along with her is Captain Thorne and he was just hilarious. There was even a Kai cameo and we get to see some of his struggles after the events in Cinder. I loved how the stories of Cinder and Scarlet were connected and finding those little clues to both of their stories. It was also interesting seeing more of the world Meyer has created, and she makes it all come alive with her amazing writing. The plot of the series is expanding, and Scarlet had a lot going on. I really like how each book in the series has its own story while still being a part of the overall story. I can't wait to read the continuation in the third book, Cress. 

Overall, this was an amazing book. I love Meyer's writing, the world and all the characters. If you haven't yet started this series I highly recommend it.

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Waiting on Wednesday (21)

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 on:

Sentinel by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Release date: November 2.

It's a beautiful day for a war.

As the mortal world slowly slips into chaos of the godly kind, Alexandria Andros must overcome a stunning defeat that has left her shaken and in doubt of their ability to end this war once and for all.

And with all the obstacles between Alex and her happily-ever-after with the swoonworthy Aiden St. Delphi, they must now trust a deadly foe as they travel deep into the Underworld to release one of the most dangerous gods of all time.

In the stunning, action-packed climax to the bestselling Covenant series, Alex must face a terrible choice: the destruction of everything and everyone she holds dear… or the end of herself.

-oOo-

I cannot wait to read this book! Sentinel is one of my most anticipated books this year, though I'm kind of sad that it's the last book. Then there won't be more Aiden :( But I still can't wait to find out how it's all going to end. 

What are you waiting on this week? Leave a link and let me know.

Origin by Jennifer L. Armentrout

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Daemon will do anything to get Katy back.

After the successful but disastrous raid on Mount Weather, he’s facing the impossible. Katy is gone. Taken. Everything becomes about finding her. Taking out anyone who stands in his way? Done. Burning down the whole world to save her? Gladly. Exposing his alien race to the world? With pleasure.

All Katy can do is survive.

Surrounded by enemies, the only way she can come out of this is to adapt. After all, there are sides of Daedalus that don’t seem entirely crazy, but the group’s goals are frightening and the truths they speak even more disturbing. Who are the real bad guys? Daedalus? Mankind? Or the Luxen?

Together, they can face anything. 

But the most dangerous foe has been there all along, and when the truths are exposed and the lies come crumbling down, which side will Daemon and Katy be standing on? 

And will they even be together?

My thoughts

Origin was one of my most anticipated books this year, and it did not disappoint. The stakes are definitely raised and it was indeed a gamechanger. It was also very different from the previous three. After that crucial ending in Opal I was eager to find out what happened to Katy and what Daemon would have to do to get to her. From the cover and the blurb it sounded like he was literaly going to burn down the world to save her, so I was a bit surprised to how the events unfolded in the first part of the book. 

Katy has been captured by Daedalus and has to go through some horrifying things and some of it kept me on edge. But she also learned more about them, the Luxen and the Arum. If you've read Obsession you know it was already hinted at the Luxen might be far different from what we'd learnt so far. Katy doesn't know what to think and who to trust, but if Daedalus is right it will change everything. 

In the meantime Daemon does everything he can to find Katy, even if it means sacrificing himself. But will he be able to find her and to what price? 

The story was great and I flew through the pages, having to know what happened next. And I truly never knew what was going to happen. It was a bit slow in the beginning, but the middle and ending easily made up for that. There was a lot revealed in this book, and we get a look into Daedalus and their secrets. Some of the things were kinda creepy and the whole possible alien invasion was pretty scary - but that might be because alien invasions scares the sh!t out of me. Also, the whole thing with the origins was both interesting and scary too and frankly very different from what I expected. 

But beside the action and the revelations, there was also sweet and swoony moments in the book, which were my favorites, and JLA sure knows how to write them. JLA always makes me laugh out loud several times during her books, and Origin was no exception. I laughed so hard a couple of times I was glad I was all alone while reading! 

I liked the dual pov in Origin and it was great seeing both Katy and Daemon's side and see how they reacted to the same situations. I love both characters, but I don't think Katy was very prominent in the story, and I kind of missed her at times. Daemon on the other hand stole the spotlight and made this his very own book. He was his usual arrogant, snarky self and with a lot of awesome one-liners, but at the same time we get to see a lot of his sweet and tender side through his pov. I loved getting to know him even better and to understand his motives.

But why oh why did Origin have to end on another cliffhanger?! Just as I thought I was safe this time around she goes and does that! Now the wait for the final book, Opposition, seems even longer. I'll just be waiting around here. 

If you've read the previous books I highly recommend Origin, it will change everything you know about the world JLA has created. A great addition to the series.

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

1 Year Blogoversary!

So it's a year ago today that I started blogging! I almost can't believe it. So much has happened since then, and I've learnt so much about blogging and books. And I've met a lot of amazing bloggers!

A big THANK YOU to all my followers, I heart everyone of you. Everytime I get a new follower I do a little happy dance. Seriously. And everytime someone leaves a comment I'm so excited, arms flailing and everything. There are actually someone who reads what I write! And then there were these bloggers who said they really liked my blog! Whoaa!  Okay, enough with the exclamation marks. !!! Yeah, as you can see everyone of you means a lot to me, and makes me want to keep blogging, because I love to talk about books. And you keep following even in those periods (and there have been many and long ones) where I didn't blog at all. So thank you, thank you!
I would have loved to do a giveaway, but it'll have to wait a bit, because I'm a bit low on money due to buying school books and stuff. But I will do one some time as a thank you to all you amazing followers.

Source

I haven't blogged as much as I had hoped this past year. When I started blogging it was my intention to post reviews regularly, but that didn't really happen. In just the last couple of weeks I haven't even written one post! The reason is that the last year has been a bit up and down for me. I hope to change that, so I'll be blogging and commenting a lot more in the future.

A to Z book survey

Jamie over at The Perpetual Page-Turner made this fun A to Z book survey, and I thought I'd join in.

Author you’ve read the most books from:

Jennifer L. Armentrout.

Best Sequel Ever:

I think that would be The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa. I love this series, but that book was simply amazing!

Currently Reading:

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen.

Drink of Choice While Reading:

II don't really drink anything while I read. Too busy reading. 

E-reader or Physical Book?

Psysical book! But I do love my E-reader too.

Fictional Character You Probably Would Have Actually Dated In High School: 

Jase from My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick.

Glad You Gave This Book A Chance:

Cinder by Marissa Meyer. 

Hidden Gem Book:

Speechless by Hannah Harrington.

Important Moment in your Reading Life:

Making this blog and joining Goodreads. It was so nice to meet other people who love books as much as I do, and that I can gush about books with.

Just Finished:

The Selection by Kiera Cass.

Kinds of Books You Won’t Read:

Horror books and zombie books. They just freak me out!

Longest Book You’ve Read:

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (924 pages).

Major book hangover because of:

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare. I think it took me about a week before I could even look at another book.

Number of Bookcases You Own:

Two, both tall ones.

One Book You Have Read Multiple Times:

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins. My all-time favorite book.

Preferred Place To Read:

My chair in the living room - under my blanket.

Quote that inspires you/gives you all the feels from a book you’ve read: 

Ahh, this is a difficult one. I love quotes from books and I have many favorite ones, but if I have to choose one that gives me all the feels from a book it'd be this: “I realize now that dying is easy. Living is hard.” - If I Stay by Gayle Forman. 

Also this quote: "I do, Augustus. I do." - The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. Right in the feels.

Reading Regret: 

Not really any reading regrets, but I do kind of regret not joining Goodreads before I did.

Series You Started And Need To Finish(all books are out in series): 

Unbreakable series by Elizabeth Norris. Actually, there's only to books in the series, but I really need to read that last one!

Three of your All-Time Favorite Books:

Anna and the French Kiss, If I Stay and Slammed.

Unapologetic Fangirl For:

Bloodlines series by Richelle Mead. 

Very Excited For This Release More Than All The Others: 

Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins. Just give me the book already!!

The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead.

Worst Bookish Habit:

Umm.. being super careful with my books, bordering on OCD?

X Marks The Spot: Start at the top left of your shelf and pick the 27th book: 

Anna and the French Kiss.

Your latest book purchase:

The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen. I loved this book and can't wait to re-read it.

ZZZ-snatcher book (last book that kept you up WAY late):

Clockwork Princess. I couldn't stop reading, and I had to know how it ended. I think was around two or three when I finished.

The Selection by Kiera Cass

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

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

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

My thoughts

Beware, this turned out to be a very long review with a lot of ranting. 
Generally, I don't like when reviews compare a book to another, especially those very popular books, if there's only a few elements in common - and let's face it, it's almost impossible to write truly original books these days. So unless there are some very obvious similarities (or it's a rip-off), I don't think it's fair to the book to compare it to other books. However, with The Selection I'm going to be guilty of exactly this, because the first half part of this book so reminded me of The Hunger Games, just without the brutality and noone has to kill anybody to win. It's more like a princess version of The Hunger Games. Wow, that sounded even more weird when I wrote it! 

But let me explain. The Selection happens every time the crown prince of Illéa (which is like the new US or what's left after fatal wars) comes of age and need to marry. Every girl in the country at the appropriate age can sign up to enter the Selection, which is a contest of thirty-five girls fighting over the prince, the last one left gets to be his wife and princess. The prince choose who leaves so it's not like they really have to compete. The Selection reminded me of the reaping in THG except that you sign up on your own and it doesn't happen every year. The Selection is a reality show, where the progress is followed by camera for the whole country to see. And the weekly report is led by a famous and loved host, who interviews all the girls and talks with Maxon. Caesar Flickerman anyone?

Next was the castes: The people of Illéa are divided into castes, depending on their trade and their birth, and the lowest castes are the most poor. So, basically it you'd want to move up on the scale. This reminded me of the different districts, except here they coexist. 
America is a five, which means she's a singer and quite poor. She's in love with a six, Aspen, who's a servant and can barely afford anything. He is supporting his whole family, always letting the younger kids get his share. Also, he is proud and while he loves America, he doesn't like that she'll have to become a six if she marries him, and that she is helping him with food and stuff. In the end he breaks up with her right before she is to enter the Selection. He reminded me of Gale both in appearance and in person. I did not like Gale. 

All in all, that first part of the book very much read like The Hunger Games princess style. But in spite of that I found myself caught up in the story and actually had a hard time putting the book down. I don't what it was about it, but it was a lot of fun most of the time, even if it was somewhat predictable. There was a twist in the story near the end that I had seriously seen coming from one of the very first chapters, it was so obvious. So when it happened I was a bit disappointed with the author that she didn't do something more original. 

I couldn't decide if I really liked America. I mean, she was an okay herione, but there was something.. lacking in her. She had a lot of the same qualities as the mainstream YA heroine, and nothing really set her apart. At times I thought she was whiny, but without it never being too much. She still loved Aspen, but was angry with him at the same time. She couldn't love Maxon because she still had those unsorted feelings for Aspen, though eventually she starts to warm up to him. Yes, another love-triangle in the making. Le sigh. 
The funniest parts of the book was America and Maxon's interaction. He was simply sooo cute and confused by all the ladies he had to choose from. America quickly comes clean with him, that she certainly isn't interested in him and she's very honest with him. They soon form a friendship, but is that really all he wants? And does she?

At first I thought the idea with Maxon having to choose a wife between the thirty-five girls was weird, but okay. As the story progressed, however, and I started to root for him and America, it kind of grossed me out that he could date thirty-five different girls - and do whatever with them - and that he actually did that. I kind of hoped he would focus solely on America even though she made it clear she wasn't interested. Yeah, I'm not much for a hero courting a lot of other girls that is not our heroine. 

At last there's all those rebels attacking that just doesn't make much sense. We never figure out why they do it, and it seemed pretty random, making it feel like a way to move the plot along more than anything else. Maybe it'll be further explained in the sequel? Also, this new could have been explained a lot better. I had no idea what it was really like and how the US had ended up being a monarchy. Whaaat? 

Despite this very long rant, I really did enjoy this book. It was fun and a pageturner, and I think I'll be reading the sequel. If you liked The Hunger Games and would want to read it princess style you should definitely give this a shot, if only for the interludes with America and Maxon that are so funny and sweet.

☆ ☆ ☆