Laquesha's bookshelf: all en-US Wed, 07 Feb 2024 12:42:03 -0800 60 Laquesha's bookshelf: all 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg Virals (Virals, #1) 7800188
As the friends discover their heightened senses and animal-quick reflexes, they must combine their scientific curiosity with their newfound physical gifts to solve a cold-case murder that has suddenly become very hot--if they can stay alive long enough to catch the killer's scent.

Fortunately, they are now more than friends--they're a pack. They are Virals.]]> 454 Kathy Reichs 1595143424 Laquesha 0 to-read 3.95 2010 Virals (Virals, #1)
author: Kathy Reichs
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2010
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/02/07
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Dead House 24396858 Three students: dead.
Carly Johnson: vanished without a trace.

Two decades have passed since an inferno swept through Elmbridge High, claiming the lives of three teenagers and causing one student, Carly Johnson, to disappear. The main suspect: Kaitlyn, "the girl of nowhere."

Kaitlyn's diary, discovered in the ruins of Elmbridge High, reveals the thoughts of a disturbed mind. Its charred pages tell a sinister version of events that took place that tragic night, and the girl of nowhere is caught in the center of it all. But many claim Kaitlyn doesn't exist, and in a way, she doesn't - because she is the alter ego of Carly Johnson.

Carly gets the day. Kaitlyn has the night. It's during the night that a mystery surrounding the Dead House unravels and a dark, twisted magic ruins the lives of each student that dares touch it.

Debut author Dawn Kurtagich masterfully weaves together a thrilling and terrifying story using psychiatric reports, witness testimonials, video footage, and the discovered diary - and as the mystery grows, the horrifying truth about what happened that night unfolds.]]> 400 Dawn Kurtagich 0316298689 Laquesha 0 to-read 3.67 2015 The Dead House
author: Dawn Kurtagich
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.67
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/01/09
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Dead House 24488078 Debut author Dawn Kurtagich is dead on in this terrifying psychological thriller!

Over two decades have passed since the fire at Elmbridge High, an inferno that took the lives of five teenagers. Not much was known about the events leading up to the tragedy - only that one student, Carly Johnson, vanished without a trace...


...until a diary is found hidden in the ruins.


But the diary, badly scorched, does not belong to Carly Johnson. It belongs to Kaitlyn Johnson, a girl who shouldn't exist Who was Kaitlyn? Why did she come out only at night? What is her connection to Carly?


The case has been reopened. Police records are being reexamined: psychiatric reports, video footage, text messages, e-mails. And the diary.


The diary that paints a much more sinister version of events than was ever made publicly known.]]> Dawn Kurtagich 1478959835 Laquesha 4 3.57 2015 The Dead House
author: Dawn Kurtagich
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.57
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2016/03/18
date added: 2023/11/24
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Talisman of El (T.O.E. Trilogy #1)]]> 12701339
One Planet.

Two Worlds.

Population: Human ... 7 billion.
Others ... unknown.

When 14-year-old Charlie Blake wakes up sweating and gasping for air in the middle of the night, he knows it is happening again. This time he witnesses a brutal murder. He's afraid to tell anyone. No one would believe him ... because it was a dream. Just like the one he had four years ago - the day before his dad died.

Charlie doesn't know why this is happening. He would give anything to have an ordinary life. The problem: he doesn't belong in the world he knows as home.

He belongs with the others.]]> 364 Alecia Stone 0957001908 Laquesha 0 to-read 3.99 2012 Talisman of El (T.O.E. Trilogy #1)
author: Alecia Stone
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.99
book published: 2012
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2020/11/27
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Complete Sherlock Holmes Short Stories - Unabridged - The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, the Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, the Return of Sherlock Ho]]> 15901513 942 Arthur Conan Doyle 178139234X Laquesha 0 4.47 1927 The Complete Sherlock Holmes Short Stories - Unabridged - The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, the Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, the Return of Sherlock Ho
author: Arthur Conan Doyle
name: Laquesha
average rating: 4.47
book published: 1927
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2019/02/08
shelves: to-read, short-story-collections-i-want-to-r
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Emperor's Soul (The Cosmere)]]> 13578175 Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection.

A heretic thief is the empire’s only hope in this fascinating tale that inhabits the same world as the popular novel, Elantris.

Shai is a Forger, a foreigner who can flawlessly copy and re-create any item by rewriting its history with skillful magic. Condemned to death after trying to steal the emperor’s scepter, she is given one opportunity to save herself. Though her skill as a Forger is considered an abomination by her captors, Shai will attempt to create a new soul for the emperor, who is almost dead.

Probing deeply into his life, she discovers Emperor Ashravan’s truest nature—and the opportunity to exploit it. Her only possible ally is one who is truly loyal to the emperor, but councilor Gaotona must overcome his prejudices to understand that Shai’s forgery is as much artistry as it is deception.

Brimming with magic and political intrigue, this deftly woven fantasy delves into the essence of a living spirit.]]> 192 Brandon Sanderson 1616960922 Laquesha 0 currently-reading 4.38 2012 The Emperor's Soul (The Cosmere)
author: Brandon Sanderson
name: Laquesha
average rating: 4.38
book published: 2012
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2018/05/08
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> <![CDATA[A Discovery of Witches (All Souls, #1)]]> 8667848
Deep in the stacks of Oxford's Bodleian Library, young scholar Diana Bishop unwittingly calls up a bewitched alchemical manuscript in the course of her research. Descended from an old and distinguished line of witches, Diana wants nothing to do with sorcery; so after a furtive glance and a few notes, she banishes the book to the stacks. But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring, and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library. Diana has stumbled upon a coveted treasure lost for centuries-and she is the only creature who can break its spell.

Debut novelist Deborah Harkness has crafted a mesmerizing and addictive read, equal parts history and magic, romance and suspense. Diana is a bold heroine who meets her equal in vampire geneticist Matthew Clairmont, and gradually warms up to him as their alliance deepens into an intimacy that violates age-old taboos. This smart, sophisticated story harks back to the novels of Anne Rice, but it is as contemporary and sensual as the Twilight series-with an extra serving of historical realism.]]> 592 Deborah Harkness 0670022411 Laquesha 0 currently-reading 4.01 2011 A Discovery of Witches (All Souls, #1)
author: Deborah Harkness
name: Laquesha
average rating: 4.01
book published: 2011
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2018/04/21
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The 5th Wave (The 5th Wave, #1)]]> 16101128 unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.

Now, it's the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth's last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie's only hope for rescuing her brother—or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up.]]> 457 Rick Yancey 0399162410 Laquesha 3 4.01 2013 The 5th Wave (The 5th Wave, #1)
author: Rick Yancey
name: Laquesha
average rating: 4.01
book published: 2013
rating: 3
read at: 2018/04/21
date added: 2018/04/21
shelves:
review:

]]> The Offering (The Pledge, #3) 12631527 True love—and world war—is at stake in the conclusion to The Pledge trilogy, a dark and romantic blend of dystopia and fantasy.

Charlie, otherwise known as Queen Charlaina of Ludania, has become comfortable as a leader and a ruler. She’s done admirable work to restore Ludania’s broken communications systems with other Queendoms, and she’s mastered the art of ignoring Sabara, the evil former queen whose Essence is alive within Charlie. Or so she thinks.

When the negotiation of a peace agreement with the Queendom of Astonia goes awry, Charlie receives a brutal message that threatens Ludania, and it seems her only option is to sacrifice herself in exchange for Ludanian freedom.

But things aren’t always as they seem. Charlie is walking into a trap—one set by Sabara, who is determined to reclaim the Queendoms at any cost.]]> 336 Kimberly Derting 1442445645 Laquesha 5
Definitely my favorite of the trilogy. Super short and fast paced. The ending was satisfying. The action kept my heart racing. My only qualm is Xander and FUCKING SAGE! I'm sorry, Eden died for you. You do not get to move on two weeks later. Nope 🙅🏾 Other than that, phenomenal conclusion to the series. I am going to miss these characters so much. ]]> 3.79 2013 The Offering (The Pledge, #3)
author: Kimberly Derting
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.79
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at: 2018/03/27
date added: 2018/03/27
shelves:
review:
WOW JUST WOW! FIVE STARS!!!

Definitely my favorite of the trilogy. Super short and fast paced. The ending was satisfying. The action kept my heart racing. My only qualm is Xander and FUCKING SAGE! I'm sorry, Eden died for you. You do not get to move on two weeks later. Nope 🙅🏾 Other than that, phenomenal conclusion to the series. I am going to miss these characters so much.
]]> The Essence (The Pledge, #2) 12631512 “Danger, dread, mystery, and romance� (Booklist) continue in the second book of The Pledge trilogy, as Charlie’s reign is under siege from the most unusual of enemies.

At the luminous conclusion of The Pledge, Charlaina defeated the tyrant Sabara and took her place as Queen of Ludania. But Charlie knows that Sabara has not disappeared: The evil queen’s Essence is fused to Charlie’s psyche, ready to arise at the first sign of weakness.

Charlie is not weak, but she’s being pushed to the brink. In addition to suppressing the ever-present influence of Sabara, she’s busy being queen—and battling a growing resistance determined to return Ludania to its discriminatory caste system. Charlie wants to be the same girl Max loves, who Brook trusts, but she’s Your Majesty now, and she feels torn in two.

As Charlie journeys to an annual summit to meet with leaders of nearby Queendoms—an event where her ability to understand all languages will be the utmost asset—she is faced with the ultimate betrayal. And the only person she can turn to for help is the evil soul residing within.]]> 341 Kimberly Derting 1442445599 Laquesha 4
Pros:
1) I'm a little obsessed with the world. I think the idea of a society segregated along the lines of language is really interesting. In this case, I thought it was executed well in the first novel and the second one continues building on the work already accomplished. We learn more about the Scablands and the other neighboring Queendoms.

2) The book features multiple perspectives, alternating between first person narration for Charlie and third person omniscient for everyone else. It strikes a balance between learning and developing Charlie's character and also giving the readers workable information about Ludania and everyone else.

3) None of the characters are super cringey so that's a bonus. Brook quite possibly is my favorite character. She is described as being this tough, badass character and to her credit, she maintains that throughout the book but there are moments when the readers are allowed to see her softness and her vulnerability, particularly towards the end of the novel.

4) I was surprised a few times while reading this, which is rare for me. Again, I think it goes back to the creativity of the world.


Cons:
1) My main problem again was how slow the progression was at first in the novel. The synopsis made it sound like this incredibly important summit was going to be the pinnacle of the novel and I just think, we took too long to get there.


]]> 3.73 2013 The Essence (The Pledge, #2)
author: Kimberly Derting
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.73
book published: 2013
rating: 4
read at: 2018/03/24
date added: 2018/03/24
shelves:
review:
I really enjoyed this book. It was a bit slow at the start. I found myself going "But when are they going to get to the Summit?". Ultimately, I loved it though for varying reasons.

Pros:
1) I'm a little obsessed with the world. I think the idea of a society segregated along the lines of language is really interesting. In this case, I thought it was executed well in the first novel and the second one continues building on the work already accomplished. We learn more about the Scablands and the other neighboring Queendoms.

2) The book features multiple perspectives, alternating between first person narration for Charlie and third person omniscient for everyone else. It strikes a balance between learning and developing Charlie's character and also giving the readers workable information about Ludania and everyone else.

3) None of the characters are super cringey so that's a bonus. Brook quite possibly is my favorite character. She is described as being this tough, badass character and to her credit, she maintains that throughout the book but there are moments when the readers are allowed to see her softness and her vulnerability, particularly towards the end of the novel.

4) I was surprised a few times while reading this, which is rare for me. Again, I think it goes back to the creativity of the world.


Cons:
1) My main problem again was how slow the progression was at first in the novel. The synopsis made it sound like this incredibly important summit was going to be the pinnacle of the novel and I just think, we took too long to get there.



]]> <![CDATA[City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments, #1)]]> 256683
This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know...]]> 485 Cassandra Clare 1416914285 Laquesha 3 the-favs 4.08 2007 City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments, #1)
author: Cassandra Clare
name: Laquesha
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2007
rating: 3
read at: 2018/03/14
date added: 2018/03/14
shelves: the-favs
review:

]]> Call Me by Your Name 98687 Call Me by Your Name is the story of a sudden and powerful romance that blossoms between an adolescent boy and a summer guest at his parents' cliff-side mansion on the Italian Riviera. Unprepared for the consequences of their attraction, at first each feigns indifference. But during the restless summer weeks that follow, unrelenting buried currents of obsession and fear, fascination and desire, intensify their passion as they test the charged ground between them. What grows from the depths of their spirits is a romance of scarcely six weeks' duration and an experience that marks them for a lifetime. For what the two discover on the Riviera and during a sultry evening in Rome is the one thing both already fear they may never truly find again: total intimacy.

The psychological maneuvers that accompany attraction have seldom been more shrewdly captured than in André Aciman's frank, unsentimental, heartrending elegy to human passion. Call Me by Your Name is clear-eyed, bare-knuckled, and ultimately unforgettable.]]> 248 André Aciman 0374299218 Laquesha 0 currently-reading 4.25 2007 Call Me by Your Name
author: André Aciman
name: Laquesha
average rating: 4.25
book published: 2007
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2018/03/09
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Across the Universe (Across the Universe, #1)]]> 8235178 A love out of time. A spaceship built of secrets and murder.

Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.

Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone—one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship —tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.

Now Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.]]> 399 Beth Revis 1595143971 Laquesha 0 currently-reading 3.77 2011 Across the Universe (Across the Universe, #1)
author: Beth Revis
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.77
book published: 2011
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2018/02/04
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> We Were Liars 16143347 A private island.
A brilliant, damaged girl; a passionate, political boy.
A group of four friends—the Liars—whose friendship turns destructive.
A revolution. An accident. A secret.
Lies upon lies.
True love.
The truth.

We Were Liars is a modern, sophisticated suspense novel from New York Times bestselling author, National Book Award finalist, and Printz Award honoree E. Lockhart.

Read it.

And if anyone asks you how it ends, just LIE.]]> 242 E. Lockhart 0385741278 Laquesha 5 3.65 2014 We Were Liars
author: E. Lockhart
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.65
book published: 2014
rating: 5
read at: 2018/02/04
date added: 2018/02/04
shelves:
review:
Ah, this was such a good book. It was a quick but captivating read. The writing style was incredible: a mix of really short and medium sentences that kept you on your toes. You're actually not really sure what's happening half of the time, the direction the author is taking the story in and BAM...the ending happens and you're shell shocked 😭😭😭
]]> <![CDATA[The Ocean at the End of the Lane]]> 15783514
Forty years earlier, a man committed suicide in a stolen car at this farm at the end of the road. Like a fuse on a firework, his death lit a touchpaper and resonated in unimaginable ways. The darkness was unleashed, something scary and thoroughly incomprehensible to a little boy. And Lettie—magical, comforting, wise beyond her years—promised to protect him, no matter what.

A groundbreaking work from a master, The Ocean at the End of the Lane is told with a rare understanding of all that makes us human, and shows the power of stories to reveal and shelter us from the darkness inside and out. It is a stirring, terrifying, and elegiac fable as delicate as a butterfly's wing and as menacing as a knife in the dark.]]> 181 Neil Gaiman 0062255657 Laquesha 4 4.00 2013 The Ocean at the End of the Lane
author: Neil Gaiman
name: Laquesha
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2013
rating: 4
read at: 2018/01/31
date added: 2018/01/31
shelves:
review:

]]> The Pledge (The Pledge, #1) 10637748
Charlie is intensely attracted to Max, even though she can't be sure where his real loyalties lie. As the emergency drills give way to real crisis and the violence escalates, it becomes clear that Charlie is the key to something much bigger: her country's only chance for freedom from the terrible power of a deadly regime.]]> 323 Kimberly Derting 1442422017 Laquesha 4 3.80 2011 The Pledge (The Pledge, #1)
author: Kimberly Derting
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.80
book published: 2011
rating: 4
read at: 2018/01/12
date added: 2018/01/31
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Sapphire Blue (Precious Stone Trilogy, #2)]]> 12637458
Gwen’s life has been a rollercoaster since she discovered she was the Ruby, the final member of the secret time-traveling Circle of Twelve. In between searching through history for the other time-travelers and asking for a bit of their blood (gross!), she’s been trying to figure out what all the mysteries and prophecies surrounding the Circle really mean.
At least Gwen has plenty of help. Her best friend Lesley follows every lead diligently on the Internet. James the ghost teaches Gwen how to fit in at an eighteenth century party. And Xemerius, the gargoyle demon who has been following Gwen since he caught her kissing Gideon in a church, offers advice on everything. Oh, yes. And of course there is Gideon, the Diamond. One minute he’s very warm indeed; the next he’s freezing cold. Gwen’s not sure what’s going on there, but she’s pretty much destined to find out.
]]> 354 Kerstin Gier 1250034167 Laquesha 3 4.07 2010 Sapphire Blue (Precious Stone Trilogy, #2)
author: Kerstin Gier
name: Laquesha
average rating: 4.07
book published: 2010
rating: 3
read at: 2018/01/04
date added: 2018/01/31
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Ruby Red (Precious Stone Trilogy, #1)]]> 12358349 Although I had never seen him before, I recognized him immediately. I'd have known his voice anywhere. This was the guy I'd seen on my last journey back in time.

Or more precisely, the one who'd kissed my doppelganger while I was hiding behind the curtain in disbelief.

Sixteen-year-old Gwen lives with her extended - and rather eccentric - family in an exclusive London neighborhood. In spite of her ancestors' peculiar history, she's had a relatively normal life so far. The time-traveling gene that runs like a secret thread through the female half of the family is supposed to have skipped over Gwen, so she hasn't been introduced to "the mysteries," and can spend her time hanging out with her best friend, Lesly. It comes as an unwelcome surprise when she starts taking sudden, uncontrolled leaps into the past.

She's totally unprepared for time travel, not to mention all that comes with it: fancy clothes, archaic manners, a mysterious secret society, and Gideon, her time-traveling counterpart. He's obnoxious, a know-it-all, and possibly the best-looking guy she's seen in any century . . . .]]> 322 Kerstin Gier 0312551517 Laquesha 3 I've never read a time travelling book before reading this one and I have to say, it was refreshing and extremely enjoyable. It was fast-paced and spontaneous. The characters were cute. And the past-present-future-noble-people references were interesting.

I feel as if I zipped through this novel. It was easy to read, there really were not many dull moments. I think because of the whole time travelling aspect, the constant travelling and moving, this read seemed quicker than most. I felt as if I just picked it up unread, and put it down ten seconds later completed.

I absolutely ADORED the characters in this novel! They were so adorable and just lovely AND British! Who doesn't love British people? I could literally hear the accents while I was reading. I thought it was kind of cool that you really don't know that much about the characters in the beginning but as the novel progresses, their past and their personality becomes somewhat of a mystery that begins unraveling with the turn of each page. All of the characters, in my opinion, well, all the main ones, were really well-developed and relatable and how could you not love them?

I could not keep myself from smiling every time a reference was made toward some past iconic figure. I thought that it was cool that famous scientists and people that I knew (well, not personally, obviously) were supposedly involved in this whole messed up time-travelling business. It kept me involved and half the times made me laugh. I know that this is fiction and that it's not true but it made me wonder...What if?

I honestly enjoyed reading this book but I didn't completely love it. Something about it just...idk, it wasn't perfect. Maybe it was the writing style, I'm not sure but I just know that it didn't totally captivate me in the way I think 5-star books should so...I gave it 4 stars:)]]> 3.99 2009 Ruby Red (Precious Stone Trilogy, #1)
author: Kerstin Gier
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.99
book published: 2009
rating: 3
read at: 2018/01/02
date added: 2018/01/31
shelves: cute-read, fast-paced, 2014-tbr-challenge
review:
Link to my blog review: Follow my blog!!!
I've never read a time travelling book before reading this one and I have to say, it was refreshing and extremely enjoyable. It was fast-paced and spontaneous. The characters were cute. And the past-present-future-noble-people references were interesting.

I feel as if I zipped through this novel. It was easy to read, there really were not many dull moments. I think because of the whole time travelling aspect, the constant travelling and moving, this read seemed quicker than most. I felt as if I just picked it up unread, and put it down ten seconds later completed.

I absolutely ADORED the characters in this novel! They were so adorable and just lovely AND British! Who doesn't love British people? I could literally hear the accents while I was reading. I thought it was kind of cool that you really don't know that much about the characters in the beginning but as the novel progresses, their past and their personality becomes somewhat of a mystery that begins unraveling with the turn of each page. All of the characters, in my opinion, well, all the main ones, were really well-developed and relatable and how could you not love them?

I could not keep myself from smiling every time a reference was made toward some past iconic figure. I thought that it was cool that famous scientists and people that I knew (well, not personally, obviously) were supposedly involved in this whole messed up time-travelling business. It kept me involved and half the times made me laugh. I know that this is fiction and that it's not true but it made me wonder...What if?

I honestly enjoyed reading this book but I didn't completely love it. Something about it just...idk, it wasn't perfect. Maybe it was the writing style, I'm not sure but I just know that it didn't totally captivate me in the way I think 5-star books should so...I gave it 4 stars:)
]]> <![CDATA[Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life (Dork Diaries, #1)]]> 19704845 Follow Nikki's life through sketches, doodles and diary entries as she starts her new school, battles with her mum for an iPhone and meets her arch-nemisis, the school's queen bee, Mackenzie.]]> 348 Rachel Renée Russell Laquesha 3 4.25 2009 Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life (Dork Diaries, #1)
author: Rachel Renée Russell
name: Laquesha
average rating: 4.25
book published: 2009
rating: 3
read at: 2014/07/14
date added: 2017/04/24
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Vampire Knight, Vol. 9 (Vampire Knight, #9)]]> 6801652
Cross Academy is attended by two groups of the Day Class and the Night Class. At twilight, when the students of the Day Class return to their dorm, they cross paths with the Night Class on their way to school. Yuki Cross and Zero Kiryu are the Guardians of the school, protecting the Day Class from the Academy's dark the Night Class is full of vampires!

A war among vampires has started at Cross Academy, and even Day Class students are being attacked. Kaname finally reveals his hidden plan to Zero, and Zero must choose on which side he will fight. But in order for Zero to defeat the enemy, he will have to take part in an atrocious act...]]> 200 Matsuri Hino 1421531720 Laquesha 5 4.31 2008 Vampire Knight, Vol. 9 (Vampire Knight, #9)
author: Matsuri Hino
name: Laquesha
average rating: 4.31
book published: 2008
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2016/12/04
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The School for Good and Evil (The School for Good and Evil, #1)]]> 16248113 The first kidnappings happened two hundred years before. Some years it was two boys taken, some years two girls, sometimes one of each. But if at first the choices seemed random, soon the pattern became clear. One was always beautiful and good, the child every parent wanted as their own. The other was homely and odd, an outcast from birth. An opposing pair, plucked from youth and spirited away.

This year, best friends Sophie and Agatha are about to discover where all the lost children go: the fabled School for Good & Evil, where ordinary boys and girls are trained to be fairy tale heroes and villains. As the most beautiful girl in Gavaldon, Sophie has dreamed of being kidnapped into an enchanted world her whole life. With her pink dresses, glass slippers, and devotion to good deeds, she knows she’ll earn top marks at the School for Good and graduate a storybook princess. Meanwhile Agatha, with her shapeless black frocks, wicked pet cat, and dislike of nearly everyone, seems a natural fit for the School for Evil.

But when the two girls are swept into the Endless Woods, they find their fortunes reversed—Sophie’s dumped in the School for Evil to take Uglification, Death Curses, and Henchmen Training, while Agatha finds herself in the School For Good, thrust amongst handsome princes and fair maidens for classes in Princess Etiquette and Animal Communication.. But what if the mistake is actually the first clue to discovering who Sophie and Agatha really are�?

The School for Good & Evil is an epic journey into a dazzling new world, where the only way out of a fairy tale is to live through one.]]> 488 Soman Chainani 0062104896 Laquesha 0 currently-reading 4.00 2013 The School for Good and Evil (The School for Good and Evil, #1)
author: Soman Chainani
name: Laquesha
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2013
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2016/03/18
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> Storm Siren (Storm Siren, #1) 18806259 “I raise my chin as the buyers stare. Yes. Look. You don’t want me. Because, eventually, accidentally, I will destroy you.�

In a world at war, a slave girl’s lethal curse could become one kingdom’s weapon of salvation. If the curse—and the girl—can be controlled.

As a slave in the war-weary kingdom of Faelen, seventeen-year-old Nym isn’t merely devoid of rights, her Elemental kind are only born male and always killed at birth � meaning, she shouldn’t even exist.

Standing on the auction block beneath smoke-drenched mountains, Nym faces her fifteenth sell. But when her hood is removed and her storm-summoning killing curse revealed, Nym is snatched up by a court advisor and given a choice: be trained as the weapon Faelen needs to win the war, or be killed.

Choosing the former, Nym is unleashed into a world of politics, bizarre parties, and rumors of an evil more sinister than she’s being prepared to fight . . . not to mention the handsome trainer whose dark secrets lie behind a mysterious ability to calm every lightning strike she summons.

But what if she doesn’t want to be the weapon they’ve all been waiting for?

Set in a beautifully eclectic world of suspicion, super abilities, and monsters, Storm Siren is a story of power. And whoever controls that power will win.]]> 333 Mary Weber 1401690343 Laquesha 0 3.67 2014 Storm Siren (Storm Siren, #1)
author: Mary Weber
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.67
book published: 2014
rating: 0
read at: 2016/03/18
date added: 2016/03/18
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Kissing the Witch: Old Tales in New Skins]]> 44537 2000 List of Popular Paperbacks for YA

]]> 228 Emma Donoghue 0064407721 Laquesha 0 3.89 1997 Kissing the Witch: Old Tales in New Skins
author: Emma Donoghue
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.89
book published: 1997
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2016/03/18
shelves: short-story-collections-i-want-to-r, to-read
review:

]]> New World Fairy Tales 13340658
Drawing on the original, unexpurgated tales collected by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, six of their most famous works are re-imagined in the rich and endlessly varied landscapes of contemporary America.

From the glass towers of Manhattan to the remoteness of the Blue Ridge mountains; from the swamps of Louisiana to the jaded glamour of Hollywood, New World Fairy Tales reclaims the fairy tale for the modern adult audience. A haunting blend of romance and realism, these stripped-back narratives of human experience are the perfect read for anyone who has read their child a bedtime fairy story, and wondered who ever said these were stories meant for children.]]> 155 Cassandra Parkin 1844718816 Laquesha 0 3.92 2011 New World Fairy Tales
author: Cassandra Parkin
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.92
book published: 2011
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2016/03/18
shelves: short-story-collections-i-want-to-r, to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories]]> 49011 126 Angela Carter 014017821X Laquesha 0 3.96 1979 The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories
author: Angela Carter
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.96
book published: 1979
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2016/03/18
shelves: to-read, short-story-collections-i-want-to-r
review:

]]> A Portable Shelter 25726385 180 Kirsty Logan 1906841233 Laquesha 0 3.92 2015 A Portable Shelter
author: Kirsty Logan
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.92
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2016/03/18
shelves: to-read, short-story-collections-i-want-to-r
review:

]]> <![CDATA[There Once Lived a Woman Who Tried to Kill Her Neighbor's Baby: Scary Fairy Tales]]> 6490566 The literary event of Halloween: a book of otherworldly power from Russia's preeminent contemporary fiction writer

Vanishings and apparitions, nightmares and twists of fate, mysterious ailments and supernatural interventions haunt these stories by the Russian master Ludmilla Petrushevskaya, heir to the spellbinding tradition of Gogol and Poe. Blending the miraculous with the macabre, and leavened by a mischievous gallows humor, these bewitching tales are like nothing being written in Russia-or anywhere else in the world-today.]]> 206 Ludmilla Petrushevskaya 0143114662 Laquesha 0 3.64 2009 There Once Lived a Woman Who Tried to Kill Her Neighbor's Baby: Scary Fairy Tales
author: Ludmilla Petrushevskaya
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.64
book published: 2009
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2016/03/18
shelves: to-read, short-story-collections-i-want-to-r
review:

]]> Italian Folktales 9807
Filled with kings and peasants, saints and ogres—as well as some quite extraordinary plants and animals—these two hundred tales bring to life Italy’s folklore, sometimes with earthy humor, sometimes with noble mystery, and sometimes with the playfulness of sheer nonsense.

Selected and retold by one of the country’s greatest literary icons, “this collection stands with the finest folktale collections anywhere� ( The New York Times Book Review ).

“For readers of any age... A masterwork.� � The Wall Street Journal

“A magic book, and a classic to boot.� � Time
]]> 800 Italo Calvino 0156454890 Laquesha 0 4.19 1956 Italian Folktales
author: Italo Calvino
name: Laquesha
average rating: 4.19
book published: 1956
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2016/03/18
shelves: to-read, short-story-collections-i-want-to-r
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Lady Midnight (The Dark Artifices, #1)]]> 25494343 Lady Midnight is a Shadowhunters novel.

It’s been five years since the events of City of Heavenly Fire that brought the Shadowhunters to the brink of oblivion. Emma Carstairs is no longer a child in mourning, but a young woman bent on discovering what killed her parents and avenging her losses.

Together with her parabatai Julian Blackthorn, Emma must learn to trust her head and her heart as she investigates a demonic plot that stretches across Los Angeles, from the Sunset Strip to the enchanted sea that pounds the beaches of Santa Monica. If only her heart didn’t lead her in treacherous directions�

Making things even more complicated, Julian’s brother Mark—who was captured by the faeries five years ago—has been returned as a bargaining chip. The faeries are desperate to find out who is murdering their kind—and they need the Shadowhunters� help to do it. But time works differently in faerie, so Mark has barely aged and doesn’t recognize his family. Can he ever truly return to them? Will the faeries really allow it?

Glitz, glamours, and Shadowhunters abound in this heartrending opening to Cassandra Clare’s Dark Artifices series.]]> 688 Cassandra Clare 1442468351 Laquesha 0 to-read 4.35 2016 Lady Midnight (The Dark Artifices, #1)
author: Cassandra Clare
name: Laquesha
average rating: 4.35
book published: 2016
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2015/11/29
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Vicarious (Vicarious, #1) 26114131
When Rose disappears and a ViSE recording of her murder is delivered to Gideon, Winter is devastated. She won’t rest until she finds her sister’s killer. But when the clues she uncovers conflict with the digital recordings her sister made, Winter isn’t sure what to believe. To find out what happened to Rose, she’ll have to untangle what’s real from what only seems real, risking her life in the process.]]> 336 Paula Stokes 0765380943 Laquesha 0 to-read 3.75 2016 Vicarious (Vicarious, #1)
author: Paula Stokes
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.75
book published: 2016
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2015/11/20
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> A Whole New World 24397040 What if Jafar was the first one to summon the Genie?

When Jafar steals the Genie’s lamp, he uses his first two wishes to become sultan and the most powerful sorcerer in the world. Agrabah lives in fear, waiting for his third and final wish.

To stop the power-mad ruler, Aladdin and the deposed Princess Jasmine must unite the people of Agrabah in rebellion. But soon their fight for freedom threatens to tear the kingdom apart in a costly civil war.

What happens next? A Street Rat becomes a leader. A princess becomes a revolutionary. And readers will never look at the story of Aladdin in the same way again.]]> 376 Liz Braswell 148470729X Laquesha 0 to-read 3.46 2015 A Whole New World
author: Liz Braswell
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.46
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2015/08/26
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Young Elites (The Young Elites, #1)]]> 20821111 I am tired of being used, hurt, and cast aside.

Adelina Amouteru is a survivor of the blood fever. A decade ago, the deadly illness swept through her nation. Most of the infected perished, while many of the children who survived were left with strange markings. Adelina’s black hair turned silver, her lashes went pale, and now she has only a jagged scar where her left eye once was. Her cruel father believes she is a malfetto, an abomination, ruining their family’s good name and standing in the way of their fortune. But some of the fever’s survivors are rumored to possess more than just scars—they are believed to have mysterious and powerful gifts, and though their identities remain secret, they have come to be called the Young Elites.

Teren Santoro works for the king. As Leader of the Inquisition Axis, it is his job to seek out the Young Elites, to destroy them before they destroy the nation. He believes the Young Elites to be dangerous and vengeful, but it’s Teren who may possess the darkest secret of all.

Enzo Valenciano is a member of the Dagger Society. This secret sect of Young Elites seeks out others like them before the Inquisition Axis can. But when the Daggers find Adelina, they discover someone with powers like they’ve never seen.

Adelina wants to believe Enzo is on her side, and that Teren is the true enemy. But the lives of these three will collide in unexpected ways, as each fights a very different and personal battle. But of one thing they are all certain: Adelina has abilities that shouldn’t belong in this world. A vengeful blackness in her heart. And a desire to destroy all who dare to cross her.

It is my turn to use. My turn to hurt.]]> 355 Marie Lu 0399167838 Laquesha 2
I was not a fan of this novel which is suckish because The Legend trilogy is one of my favourites. It did not "wow" and I had more issues with it than likes.

The premise of the novel is one that is overdone in YA literature, yes, but there was so much potential for growth and individuality and it did not live up to it in my opinion. It blended into the background AND also possessed one of the most cringeworthy aspects that I personally think a YA book can possess: energy. Any talk about energy, labeling it as a very physical thing and the root determinant of the supernatural turns me off.

I don't think that it can be done well. I'm not arguing the possibility of it being done well because everything is possible and if you've read a book in which "energy" as a very physical life force excels, then please drop me a line because I'm actually curious. I don't like this "book trope"...at all.

I enjoyed the succession of events in the story but none of the POVs through which they were seen except Enzo's. That's unfortunate because his POV made up only about 10 percent of the novel. The other times, it interchanged among Adelina, Raffaele and Teren, with Adelina being in the majority. Her POV was confusing and bothersome. She's a villain, I know she is.

Adelina delights in hurting people and it was different to read things from her perspective but again, not done well. Sometimes, I empathized with her because she truly needed it and I thought she was just misunderstood but I came to a realization that she's just a psychopath. Because of her botched POV, I saw other characters whom I don't believe to be terrible as terrible. All her enemies A.K.A the good guys who are not enemies of the reader or the general public were displayed as menaces for distancing themselves from her and her powers.

I didn't connect with most of the characters on a deep, emotional level and the one character that I truly loved *blank* because *blank blank blank*

Besides that, this novel was...okay. It was a quick read filled with lots of action and a crazy suspense-ridden ending but it fell way short for me. Despite all my disappointment though, I still plan on reading the sequel, if only to see what happens next and satisfy my need to complete things. Plus, I love Marie Lu's writing, even if I wasn't too fond of this particular book.]]> 3.87 2014 The Young Elites (The Young Elites, #1)
author: Marie Lu
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.87
book published: 2014
rating: 2
read at: 2015/06/30
date added: 2015/08/20
shelves:
review:


I was not a fan of this novel which is suckish because The Legend trilogy is one of my favourites. It did not "wow" and I had more issues with it than likes.

The premise of the novel is one that is overdone in YA literature, yes, but there was so much potential for growth and individuality and it did not live up to it in my opinion. It blended into the background AND also possessed one of the most cringeworthy aspects that I personally think a YA book can possess: energy. Any talk about energy, labeling it as a very physical thing and the root determinant of the supernatural turns me off.

I don't think that it can be done well. I'm not arguing the possibility of it being done well because everything is possible and if you've read a book in which "energy" as a very physical life force excels, then please drop me a line because I'm actually curious. I don't like this "book trope"...at all.

I enjoyed the succession of events in the story but none of the POVs through which they were seen except Enzo's. That's unfortunate because his POV made up only about 10 percent of the novel. The other times, it interchanged among Adelina, Raffaele and Teren, with Adelina being in the majority. Her POV was confusing and bothersome. She's a villain, I know she is.

Adelina delights in hurting people and it was different to read things from her perspective but again, not done well. Sometimes, I empathized with her because she truly needed it and I thought she was just misunderstood but I came to a realization that she's just a psychopath. Because of her botched POV, I saw other characters whom I don't believe to be terrible as terrible. All her enemies A.K.A the good guys who are not enemies of the reader or the general public were displayed as menaces for distancing themselves from her and her powers.

I didn't connect with most of the characters on a deep, emotional level and the one character that I truly loved *blank* because *blank blank blank*

Besides that, this novel was...okay. It was a quick read filled with lots of action and a crazy suspense-ridden ending but it fell way short for me. Despite all my disappointment though, I still plan on reading the sequel, if only to see what happens next and satisfy my need to complete things. Plus, I love Marie Lu's writing, even if I wasn't too fond of this particular book.
]]> <![CDATA[The Ruby Circle (Bloodlines, #6)]]> 8709528 THEY WILL BE TESTED

Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives.

Their forbidden romance exposed, Sydney and Adrian find themselves facing the wrath of both the Alchemists and the Moroi in this electrifying conclusion to Richelle Mead’s bestselling Bloodlines series.

When the life of someone they both love is put on the line, Sydney risks everything to hunt down a deadly former nemesis. Meanwhile, she and Adrian becomes enmeshed in a puzzle that could hold the key to a shocking secret about spirit magic, a secret that could shake the entire Moroi world and alter their lives forever.

Don't miss their unforgettable final chapter. . . .

LOVE WILL CONQUER ALL]]> 348 Richelle Mead 159514322X Laquesha 3
I quite enjoyed this novel but it was not my favourite of the series, definitely an anticlimactic follow up to Silver Shadows which was, in my opinion, incredible.

The plot was extremely fast-paced and constantly moving along from the get-go so I flew threw this novel. I think I read it in one day only. There was a lot of action and lots of twists and turns that left my heart racing and my blood pumping. Also, there were so many startling revelations, stuff that left me saying "What in the world?" but...the things that needed to be revealed just weren't.

Upon finishing The Ruby Circle, I still had a few unanswered questions, questions that are forever going to haunt me. It bothers me to no end when the final books in series leave me wondering. I don't want to wonder, I need to know what needs to be known. For example, what happened to the precious law that started this series? Was it ever overruled? Is it still in place? UGHH, I NEED TO KNOW!

Furthermore, I thought the conflict in The Ruby Circle was minor and it felt that way throughout this entire book. Initially, Jill had to be hidden away in Bloodlines because insane Moroi rebels wanted to murder her to dethrone Lissa. Since that piece of information was revealed in the first book, we have yet to see an appearance from these supposedly dangerous and unstable rebels and for the first five books, I was totally okay with that.

I was okay with that because the characters had a multitude of other things happening. Lots of things were going on: magic and witches and vampire hunters. I just assumed that all of this was a build up to the underlying, real, inceptive conflict: Moroi are seeking out Jill and they want to kill her. This problem was not mentioned past Bloodlines and it certainly made no appearance in The Ruby Circle.

It was as if it had been forgotten and that, coupled with the law, left me feeling as if I had no closure. There was no closure. Things didn't end in a way that was satisfying.

Besides those issues, it was a good read. It had all the elements of the past five books that I loved. There was humour, mystery, action and lots of romance. If this had been any other number in the series than the final book, I believe I would have given it a higher rating because it was actually enjoyable. As a final book though, it didn't do it for me and that bums me out because this is the first Richelle Mead book that I did not completely enjoy.]]> 4.21 2015 The Ruby Circle (Bloodlines, #6)
author: Richelle Mead
name: Laquesha
average rating: 4.21
book published: 2015
rating: 3
read at: 2015/07/08
date added: 2015/08/16
shelves:
review:


I quite enjoyed this novel but it was not my favourite of the series, definitely an anticlimactic follow up to Silver Shadows which was, in my opinion, incredible.

The plot was extremely fast-paced and constantly moving along from the get-go so I flew threw this novel. I think I read it in one day only. There was a lot of action and lots of twists and turns that left my heart racing and my blood pumping. Also, there were so many startling revelations, stuff that left me saying "What in the world?" but...the things that needed to be revealed just weren't.

Upon finishing The Ruby Circle, I still had a few unanswered questions, questions that are forever going to haunt me. It bothers me to no end when the final books in series leave me wondering. I don't want to wonder, I need to know what needs to be known. For example, what happened to the precious law that started this series? Was it ever overruled? Is it still in place? UGHH, I NEED TO KNOW!

Furthermore, I thought the conflict in The Ruby Circle was minor and it felt that way throughout this entire book. Initially, Jill had to be hidden away in Bloodlines because insane Moroi rebels wanted to murder her to dethrone Lissa. Since that piece of information was revealed in the first book, we have yet to see an appearance from these supposedly dangerous and unstable rebels and for the first five books, I was totally okay with that.

I was okay with that because the characters had a multitude of other things happening. Lots of things were going on: magic and witches and vampire hunters. I just assumed that all of this was a build up to the underlying, real, inceptive conflict: Moroi are seeking out Jill and they want to kill her. This problem was not mentioned past Bloodlines and it certainly made no appearance in The Ruby Circle.

It was as if it had been forgotten and that, coupled with the law, left me feeling as if I had no closure. There was no closure. Things didn't end in a way that was satisfying.

Besides those issues, it was a good read. It had all the elements of the past five books that I loved. There was humour, mystery, action and lots of romance. If this had been any other number in the series than the final book, I believe I would have given it a higher rating because it was actually enjoyable. As a final book though, it didn't do it for me and that bums me out because this is the first Richelle Mead book that I did not completely enjoy.
]]> <![CDATA[Silver Shadows (Bloodlines, #5)]]> 8709524 Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets—and human lives.

In The Fiery Heart, Sydney risked everything to follow her gut, walking a dangerous line to keep her feelings hidden from the Alchemists.

Now in the aftermath of an event that ripped their world apart, Sydney and Adrian struggle to pick up the pieces and find their way back to each other. But first, they have to survive.

For Sydney, trapped and surrounded by adversaries, life becomes a daily struggle to hold on to her identity and the memories of those she loves. Meanwhile, Adrian clings to hope in the face of those who tell him Sydney is a lost cause, but the battle proves daunting as old demons and new temptations begin to seize hold of him. . . .

Their worst fears now a chilling reality, Sydney and Adrian face their darkest hour in this heart-pounding fifth installment in the New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series, where all bets are off.]]> 380 Richelle Mead 1595143211 Laquesha 5
Initial Reactions After Reading This:











This sequel was not what I expected...at all and I mean that in the greatest way possible. I knew it was going to be amazing but this was just on a whole different level of AWESOMENESS.

Firstly, dual POVs. Thumbs up. Best thing that could've been done for this sequel. I felt that it was very well‐done and necessary given the circumstances that both Sydney and Adrian were in and the changes from one character's POV to the next were very smooth. It didn't feel jumpy at all and the interchanging POVs weren't very rapid as some books are. We had one POV per chapter and I loved it.

Getting to know more about the Alchemists' world was the real highlight of this novel. Before, it was mostly secretive and we didn't know much about this mysterious "re‐education" that everyone feared. Reading this was like stepping through the doors of a whole new world albeit a world that made me want to stab every single higher up alchemist in their eyeballs. Still, it was intriguing.

I fangirled so hard at the amount of Vampire Academy character cameos that were in Silver Shadows. I would attribute my emotions to how I feel when Arrowmakes an appearance in The Flash. Yep. THAT good. All of my babies were together again! Rose, Dimitri, Sonya, Christian. I WAS IN AWE OF EVERY SINGLE MOMENT.

I saw a butt ton of character growth in Silver Shadows, especially Sydney and Adrian. Something was subtly different about them. They got stronger; their love, the extent of what they could handle. There was nothing they wouldn't do to be together and though I had a few doubts about Sadrian initially, I'm happy to report that they're now dispelled and I SHIP THEM SO HARD! Particularly after that ending which I can't reveal because spoilers.

AH, I ADORED THIS NOVEL SO MUCH IT HURTS. So much action, suspense and swoon-worthy romance. It was everything I desired in a sequel and more. So. Much. More.]]> 4.33 2014 Silver Shadows (Bloodlines, #5)
author: Richelle Mead
name: Laquesha
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2014
rating: 5
read at: 2015/07/04
date added: 2015/08/16
shelves:
review:


Initial Reactions After Reading This:











This sequel was not what I expected...at all and I mean that in the greatest way possible. I knew it was going to be amazing but this was just on a whole different level of AWESOMENESS.

Firstly, dual POVs. Thumbs up. Best thing that could've been done for this sequel. I felt that it was very well‐done and necessary given the circumstances that both Sydney and Adrian were in and the changes from one character's POV to the next were very smooth. It didn't feel jumpy at all and the interchanging POVs weren't very rapid as some books are. We had one POV per chapter and I loved it.

Getting to know more about the Alchemists' world was the real highlight of this novel. Before, it was mostly secretive and we didn't know much about this mysterious "re‐education" that everyone feared. Reading this was like stepping through the doors of a whole new world albeit a world that made me want to stab every single higher up alchemist in their eyeballs. Still, it was intriguing.

I fangirled so hard at the amount of Vampire Academy character cameos that were in Silver Shadows. I would attribute my emotions to how I feel when Arrowmakes an appearance in The Flash. Yep. THAT good. All of my babies were together again! Rose, Dimitri, Sonya, Christian. I WAS IN AWE OF EVERY SINGLE MOMENT.

I saw a butt ton of character growth in Silver Shadows, especially Sydney and Adrian. Something was subtly different about them. They got stronger; their love, the extent of what they could handle. There was nothing they wouldn't do to be together and though I had a few doubts about Sadrian initially, I'm happy to report that they're now dispelled and I SHIP THEM SO HARD! Particularly after that ending which I can't reveal because spoilers.

AH, I ADORED THIS NOVEL SO MUCH IT HURTS. So much action, suspense and swoon-worthy romance. It was everything I desired in a sequel and more. So. Much. More.
]]> <![CDATA[How to Say I Love You Out Loud]]> 22718802 240 Karole Cozzo 1250063590 Laquesha 0 to-read 3.92 2015 How to Say I Love You Out Loud
author: Karole Cozzo
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.92
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2015/08/15
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Secrets Don't Keep (The Grove, #1)]]> 25725631
My name is Kera Collins, and I would do anything for a golden nod.

At first glance, my life appears perfect: the best friends, the best school, the attention of Dex Albright, the deliciously irresistible grandson to the Headmaster. All I need is the prestige behind La Boheme, an elite secret society formed within the walls of my school, and my life would be complete. Once I’m in, I’ll be the one with all of the secrets.

It’s just…no one told me these secrets could kill.]]> 253 Elora Nicole Ramirez Laquesha 0 to-read 4.25 2015 Secrets Don't Keep (The Grove, #1)
author: Elora Nicole Ramirez
name: Laquesha
average rating: 4.25
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2015/08/15
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Unravel Me (Shatter Me, #2) 13104080
It should have taken Juliette a single touch to kill Warner. But his mysterious immunity to her deadly power has left her shaken, wondering why her ultimate defense mechanism failed against the person she most needs protection from.

She and Adam were able to escape Warner’s clutches and join up with a group of rebels, many of whom have powers of their own. Juliette will finally be able to actively fight against The Reestablishment and try to fix her broken world. And perhaps these new allies can help her shed light on the secret behind Adam’s—and Warner’s—immunity to her killer skin.

Juliette’s world is packed with high-stakes action and tantalizing romance, perfect for fans of the Red Queen series by Victoria Aveyard and the Darkest Minds trilogy by Alexandra Bracken.

Ransom Riggs, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, raved: "A thrilling, high-stakes saga of self-discovery and forbidden love, the Shatter Me series is a must-read for fans of dystopian young-adult literature—or any literature!"]]> 480 Tahereh Mafi 0062085530 Laquesha 4 4.11 2013 Unravel Me (Shatter Me, #2)
author: Tahereh Mafi
name: Laquesha
average rating: 4.11
book published: 2013
rating: 4
read at: 2015/08/13
date added: 2015/08/13
shelves:
review:

]]> Fiona 25894088 Fiona moves from her unstable home in Texas to take an au pair job in a castle in the Scottish Highlands, her deceased mother’s homeland and the place she has always dreamed of visiting. In this riveting, character-driven second novel, the fairy tale life Fiona imagined turns into a nightmare when a decades-old family feud resurfaces and forces her to confront the ghosts of her past—and question her own sanity.

Fiona, an independent loner with wild red hair, leaves her fractured home in Texas for a brand-new life in the Scottish Highlands to be the au pair for Poppy Mackenzie, the young daughter of her mother’s recently deceased childhood friends. Fee, as she’s called, is thrilled to be free of her less-than-ideal home life. But there’s another motive driving her eagerness to flee to the Highlands: the desire to reconnect with her mother, who succumbed to suicide after a long battle with schizophrenia when Fiona was only twelve, leaving her to live with distant relatives of her absentee father.

Fee doesn’t have much time to settle into her new home—a castle maintained by the Mackenzie family fortune—before a series of strange events starts to make her question her sanity. As the attacks on her mental health become more and more intense, Fee finds herself both the pawn and the target in a ruthless, greed-driven plot with roots that go all the way back to her mother. Alone and friendless in a foreign country and half-convinced she’s losing her mind—just like her mother—Fee must rely on her wits and her street smarts to save not only herself but also the lives of her newfound Scottish family.

Meredith Moore’s smart, classic-meets-cool storytelling style delivers fast-paced twists and gobs of drama with raw emotion and literary flair.]]> 384 Meredith Moore 1595147845 Laquesha 0 to-read 3.76 2016 Fiona
author: Meredith Moore
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.76
book published: 2016
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2015/08/13
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Symptoms of Being Human 22692740 The first thing you’re going to want to know about me is: Am I a boy, or am I a girl?

Riley Cavanaugh is many things: Punk rock. Snarky. Rebellious. And gender fluid. Some days Riley identifies as a boy, and others as a girl. The thing is…Riley isn’t exactly out yet. And between starting a new school and having a congressman father running for reelection in uber-conservative Orange County, the pressure—media and otherwise—is building up in Riley’s so-called “normal� life.

On the advice of a therapist, Riley starts an anonymous blog to vent those pent-up feelings and tell the truth of what it’s REALLY like to be a gender fluid teenager. But just as Riley’s starting to settle in at school—even developing feelings for a mysterious outcast—the blog goes viral, and an unnamed commenter discovers Riley’s real identity, threatening exposure. Riley must make a choice: walk away from what the blog has created—a lifeline, new friends, a cause to believe in—or stand up, come out, and risk everything.]]> 335 Jeff Garvin 0062382861 Laquesha 0 to-read 4.09 2016 Symptoms of Being Human
author: Jeff Garvin
name: Laquesha
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2016
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2015/08/13
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Dark Days Club (Lady Helen, #1)]]> 15993203
On the eve of eighteen-year-old Lady Helen Wrexhall’s presentation to the queen, one of her family’s housemaids disappears-and Helen is drawn into the shadows of Regency London. There, she meets Lord Carlston, one of the few who can stop the perpetrators: a cabal of demons infiltrating every level of society. Dare she ask for his help, when his reputation is almost as black as his lingering eyes? And will her intelligence and headstrong curiosity wind up leading them into a death trap?]]> 485 Alison Goodman 0670785474 Laquesha 0 to-read 3.78 2015 The Dark Days Club (Lady Helen, #1)
author: Alison Goodman
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.78
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2015/08/13
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Cut Both Ways 23718736
Then Will meets Brandy, a cute and easy-to-talk-to sophomore. He’s totally into her too—which proves, for sure, that he’s not gay. So why does he keep hooking up with Angus on the sly?

Will knows he can’t keep seeing both of them, but besides his new job in a diner, being with Brandy and Angus are the best parts of his whole messed-up life. His divorced parents just complicate everything. His father, after many half-baked business ventures and endless house renovations, has started drinking again. And his mom is no help—unless loading him up with a bunch of stuff he doesn’t need plus sticking him with his twin half-sisters counts as parenting. He’s been bouncing between both of them for years, and neither one feels like home.

Deciding who to love, who to choose, where to live. Whichever way Will goes, someone will get hurt. Himself, probably the most.]]> 340 Carrie Mesrobian 0062349902 Laquesha 0 to-read 2.94 2015 Cut Both Ways
author: Carrie Mesrobian
name: Laquesha
average rating: 2.94
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2015/08/12
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> More Than This 21969786
As he struggles to understand what is happening, the boy dares to hope. Might this not be the end? Might there be more to this life, or perhaps this afterlife?

From multi-award-winning Patrick Ness comes one of the most provocative and moving novels of our time.]]> 480 Patrick Ness 1406350486 Laquesha 0 to-read 3.94 2013 More Than This
author: Patrick Ness
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2013
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2015/08/11
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> From Where I Watch You 18978515
But the past holds many secrets, and they come to light as Kara faces a secret terror. Someone is leaving her handwritten notes. Someone who knows exactly where she is and what’s she’s doing. As they lead her to piece together the events that preceded Kellen’s terrible, life-changing betrayal years before, she starts to catch glimpses of her dead sister: an unwelcome ghost in filthy Ugg boots. If Kara doesn’t figure out who her stalker is, and soon, she could lose everything. Her chance of escape. The boy she’s beginning to love and trust. Even her life.]]> 304 Shannon Grogan 1616955546 Laquesha 0 to-read 3.61 2015 From Where I Watch You
author: Shannon Grogan
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.61
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2015/08/11
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Of Dreams and Rust (Of Metal and Wishes, #2)]]> 17558151
In the year since the collapse of the slaughterhouse where Wen worked as her father’s medical assistant, she’s held all her secrets close. She works in the clinic at the weapons factory and sneaks away to nurse Bo, once the Ghost, now a boy determined to transform himself into a living machine. Their strange, fragile friendship soothes some of the ache of missing Melik, the strong-willed Noor who walked away from Wen all those months ago—but it can’t quell her fears for him.

The Noor are waging a rebellion in the west. When she overhears plans to crush Melik’s people with the powerful war machines created at the factory, Wen makes the painful decision to leave behind all she has known—including Bo—to warn them. But the farther she journeys into the warzone, the more confusing things become. A year of brutality seems to have changed Melik, and Wen has a decision to make about him and his people: How much is she willing to sacrifice to save them from complete annihilation?]]> 320 Sarah Fine 1442483636 Laquesha 0 to-read 3.90 2015 Of Dreams and Rust (Of Metal and Wishes, #2)
author: Sarah Fine
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.90
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2015/08/11
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Esio Trot 194755 80 Roald Dahl 0224064924 Laquesha 4 3.76 1990 Esio Trot
author: Roald Dahl
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.76
book published: 1990
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2015/08/10
shelves:
review:

]]> The Twits 31456 96 Roald Dahl 0141318309 Laquesha 4 3.97 1980 The Twits
author: Roald Dahl
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.97
book published: 1980
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2015/08/10
shelves:
review:

]]> James and the Giant Peach 6689 176 Roald Dahl 0375814248 Laquesha 5 4.04 1961 James and the Giant Peach
author: Roald Dahl
name: Laquesha
average rating: 4.04
book published: 1961
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2015/08/10
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Charlie Bucket, #1)]]> 6310 (back cover)]]> 176 Roald Dahl 0142403881 Laquesha 5 4.16 1964 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Charlie Bucket, #1)
author: Roald Dahl
name: Laquesha
average rating: 4.16
book published: 1964
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2015/08/10
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Iron Trial (Magisterium, #1)]]> 20578940 295 Holly Black 0545522250 Laquesha 4 3.96 2014 The Iron Trial (Magisterium, #1)
author: Holly Black
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.96
book published: 2014
rating: 4
read at: 2015/08/04
date added: 2015/08/10
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Four: A Divergent Story Collection (Divergent, #0.1-0.4)]]> 18126198 Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Divergent with a special edition of Four, a collection in the #1 New York Times bestselling series that captured the hearts of millions of readers and inspired a series of major motion pictures starring Shailene Woodley. This edition features exclusive content from Veronica Roth and beautiful reimagined cover art from award-winning illustrator Victo Ngai.

Readers first encountered Tobias as "Four" in Divergent and will find more of this charismatic character's backstory told from his own perspective in Four: A Divergent Collection. When read together, these long narrative pieces illuminate the defining moments in Tobias's life, from his transfer from Abnegation to Dauntless, his initiation, and the decisions of loyalty—and love—that Tobias makes in the weeks after he meets Tris Prior.

“The same mix of tension, uncertainty, and hope that made the original stories irresistible. A welcome trip down memory lane.� �Publishers Weekly

“Fans of Divergent who can’t get enough—and maybe even the rare reader who missed the first rush—will snap up this story collection told. It will fly off the shelves and for good reason.� —ALA Booklist]]> 285 Veronica Roth 0062285688 Laquesha 3 3.94 2014 Four: A Divergent Story Collection (Divergent, #0.1-0.4)
author: Veronica Roth
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2014
rating: 3
read at: 2015/08/04
date added: 2015/08/10
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Legacy of Kings (Blood of Gods and Royals, #1)]]> 23569428
Alexander, Macedonia’s sixteen-year-old heir, is on the brink of discovering his fated role in conquering the known world but finds himself drawn to a newcomer�

Katerina must navigate the dark secrets of court life while hiding her own mission: kill the Queen. But she doesn’t account for her first love�

Jacob will go to unthinkable lengths to win Katerina, even if it means having to compete for her heart with Hephaestion, a murderer sheltered by the prince.

And far across the sea, Zofia, a Persian princess and Alexander’s unmet betrothed, wants to alter her destiny by seeking the famed and deadly Spirit Eaters.

Weaving fantasy with the shocking details of real history, New York Times bestselling author of Sex with Kings Eleanor Herman reimagines the greatest emperor the world has ever known, Alexander the Great, in the first book of the Blood of Gods and Royals series.]]> 428 Eleanor Herman 0373211724 Laquesha 0 to-read 3.65 2015 Legacy of Kings (Blood of Gods and Royals, #1)
author: Eleanor Herman
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.65
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2015/08/10
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Wickedpedia (Point Horror) 13316289
Cole and Gavin love playing practical jokes through Wikipedia. They edit key articles and watch their classmates crash and burn giving oral reports on historical figures like Genghis Khan, the first female astronaut on Jupiter. So after the star soccer player steals Cole's girlfriend, the boys take their revenge by creating a Wikipedia page for him, an entry full of outlandish information including details about his bizarre death on the soccer field.

It's all in good fun, until the soccer player is killed in a freak accident . . . just as Cole and Gavin predicted. The uneasy boys vow to leave Wikipedia alone but someone continues to edit articles about classmates dying in gruesome ways . . . and those entries start to come true as well.

To his horror, Cole soon discovers that someone has created a Wikipedia page for him, and included a date of death. He has one week to figure out who's behind the murders, or else he's set to meet a pretty grisly end.
]]> 224 Chris Van Etten 054541587X Laquesha 1 3.29 2014 Wickedpedia (Point Horror)
author: Chris Van Etten
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.29
book published: 2014
rating: 1
read at: 2015/08/08
date added: 2015/08/08
shelves:
review:

]]> Opposition (Lux, #5) 13644055 Katy knows the world changed the night the Luxen came.

She can't believe Daemon welcomed his race or stood by as his kind threatened to obliterate every last human and hybrid on Earth. But the lines between good and bad have blurred, and love has become an emotion that could destroy her—could destroy them all.

Daemon will do anything to save those he loves, even if it means betrayal.

They must team with an unlikely enemy if there is any chance of surviving the invasion. But when it quickly becomes impossible to tell friend from foe, and the world is crumbling around them, they may lose everything� even what they cherish most—to ensure the survival of their friends…and mankind.

War has come to Earth. And no matter the outcome, the future will never be the same for those left standing.

This edition includes SHADOWS, a Lux Prequel Novella]]> 533 Jennifer L. Armentrout 1622662644 Laquesha 5 4.32 2014 Opposition (Lux, #5)
author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
name: Laquesha
average rating: 4.32
book published: 2014
rating: 5
read at: 2015/08/08
date added: 2015/08/08
shelves:
review:

]]> Girl Against the Universe 22297294
Sixteen-year-old Maguire knows the universe is against her. No matter how many charms she buys off the internet or good luck rituals she performs each morning, horrible things happen when she's around. Like that time the roller coaster jumped off its tracks. Or the time the house next door caught on fire. Or the time her brother, father, and uncle were all killed in a car crash--and Maguire walked away with barely a scratch.

Despite what her therapist tells her, Maguire thinks it's best to hide out in her room, far away from anyone she might accidentally hurt. But then she meets Jordy, an aspiring tennis star who wants to help her break her unlucky streak. Maguire knows that the best thing she can do for him is to stay away, but it turns out staying away might be harder than she thought.]]> 400 Paula Stokes Laquesha 0 to-read 4.10 2016 Girl Against the Universe
author: Paula Stokes
name: Laquesha
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2016
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2015/08/08
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Liars, Inc. 18009950
When Preston wants his own cover story to go visit a girl he met online, Max doesn’t think twice about hooking him up. Until Preston never comes home. Then the evidence starts to pile up—terrifying clues that lead the cops to Preston’s body. Terrifying clues that point to Max as the murderer.

Can Max find the real killer before he goes to prison for a crime he didn’t commit? In a story that Kirkus Reviews called "Captivating to the very end," Paula Stokes starts with one single white lie and weaves a twisted tale that will have readers guessing until the explosive final chapters.]]> 362 Paula Stokes 0062323288 Laquesha 0 to-read 3.57 2015 Liars, Inc.
author: Paula Stokes
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.57
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2015/08/08
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Red Queen (Red Queen, #1) 17878931
The Reds are commoners, ruled by a Silver elite in possession of god-like superpowers. And to Mare Barrow, a seventeen-year-old Red girl from the poverty-stricken Stilts, it seems like nothing will ever change.

That is, until she finds herself working in the Silver Palace. Here, surrounded by the people she hates the most, Mare discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy the balance of power.

Fearful of Mare's potential, the Silvers hide her in plain view, declaring her a long-lost Silver princess, now engaged to a Silver prince. Despite knowing that one misstep would mean her death, Mare works silently to help the Red Guard, a militant resistance group, and bring down the Silver regime.

But this is a world of betrayal and lies, and Mare has entered a dangerous dance - Reds against Silvers, prince against prince, and Mare against her own heart...]]> 383 Victoria Aveyard 1409151174 Laquesha 3
Red Queen is centered around a world in which your worth to society is determined by the colour of your blood. On one hand, we have the Silvers who are rich, noble and afforded the best in life because of the peculiar talents that they possess and then, we have the lowly Reds who bend their knees to serve Silvers and are severely disenfranchised. Our protagonist, Mare Barrow, is Red and she has been all her life, having no unique gifts or so she thinks before she has a horrible accident which should have resulted in her death but actually helps to reveal a hidden power within her in front of a court of Silvers. In order to appease the questioning Silvers and explain her gift to them, the king and queen decide to make Mare pretend to be a long lost princess and she is forcefully thrown into the practised, lavish life of court but soon finds out that the perfect facade is not all it seems.

I liked Red Queen, I didn't love it as much as some people but it was a fair read.

I enjoyed the plot of the novel very much with all its twists and turns, the smoothness of it and the fluidity of the writing but at the same time, it was nothing special. Just another dystopian book about a girl breaking the system, discovering some hidden talent and falling in love along the way. While reading, I was able to draw many similarities between this book and other fantasy/dystopian YA books that I've read namely Shadow and Bone and it bothered me a little. This isn't to say that I did not have fun reading it because I did! It had my heart pounding and it was so action-packed and fast-paced and I did not expect ANY of those plot twists. However, I find myself tired of the traditional dystopian book route. You know, underprivileged girl...or boy (let's not be sexist) is different from the pre-determined structure of society and decides to rebel against it, usually with some poorly crafted love interest at her side. Things go from bad to worse, there's danger and in the end, things either work out fine or they're bitterly killed off by the author (yes, I'm talking about you, Veronica Roth).

I did not appreciate, at all, the inconsistency with Mare's character. I'm not sure if anyone noticed the shifts in who she was but I did. At the start of the novel she is this sarcastic, badass thief who will do anything to protect her family. We move to court and she suddenly loses all skill and needs saving literally every two seconds. She joins the Scarlet Guard, aids in the assassination of people and then bitches about how cruel assassination really is. Something bad happens and she doesn't care that killing is cruel anymore, she wants to do it. Trouble descends on her and instead of being the sly pickpocket that she was at the beginning of the book, she becomes this helpless shell that wants to curl in on itself.

I don't understand...why?! And it has nothing to do with her adapting to changing environments. No, this girl has multiple personalities and instead of starting a revolution, maybe she needs to just take some pills.

At the center of RQ, we have this confusing love...quadrilateral? Because it consists of four people: Mare, Kilorn, Cal and Maven. The reason for its inclusion in the novel eludes me because it is pointless. On one hand, Mare feels for Kilorn, her best friend since childhood whom she would protect with her life. Then, she has this weird relationship with Cal, the boy who showed her kindness but is also slated to marry her worst enemy. Next, we have this awkward developing relationship throughout the novel with Maven and...it was too much for me.

I must admit though, I like the thought of Cal and Mare, even though I wanted to kick Cal where the sun doesn't shine throughout most of this novel.

Even though RQ is as cliche and overhyped as they come, I am still excited to read book two for two reasons: 1)Cal and 2)THE FREAKING PLOT TWIST/CLIFFHANGER AT THE END!! OMG! I would recommend this book to fans of dystopian even though it might just be a regurgitation of everything that you've read before but hey, dystopian's your thing, you're probably used to that. ]]> 4.04 2015 Red Queen (Red Queen, #1)
author: Victoria Aveyard
name: Laquesha
average rating: 4.04
book published: 2015
rating: 3
read at: 2015/05/01
date added: 2015/08/07
shelves:
review:


Red Queen is centered around a world in which your worth to society is determined by the colour of your blood. On one hand, we have the Silvers who are rich, noble and afforded the best in life because of the peculiar talents that they possess and then, we have the lowly Reds who bend their knees to serve Silvers and are severely disenfranchised. Our protagonist, Mare Barrow, is Red and she has been all her life, having no unique gifts or so she thinks before she has a horrible accident which should have resulted in her death but actually helps to reveal a hidden power within her in front of a court of Silvers. In order to appease the questioning Silvers and explain her gift to them, the king and queen decide to make Mare pretend to be a long lost princess and she is forcefully thrown into the practised, lavish life of court but soon finds out that the perfect facade is not all it seems.

I liked Red Queen, I didn't love it as much as some people but it was a fair read.

I enjoyed the plot of the novel very much with all its twists and turns, the smoothness of it and the fluidity of the writing but at the same time, it was nothing special. Just another dystopian book about a girl breaking the system, discovering some hidden talent and falling in love along the way. While reading, I was able to draw many similarities between this book and other fantasy/dystopian YA books that I've read namely Shadow and Bone and it bothered me a little. This isn't to say that I did not have fun reading it because I did! It had my heart pounding and it was so action-packed and fast-paced and I did not expect ANY of those plot twists. However, I find myself tired of the traditional dystopian book route. You know, underprivileged girl...or boy (let's not be sexist) is different from the pre-determined structure of society and decides to rebel against it, usually with some poorly crafted love interest at her side. Things go from bad to worse, there's danger and in the end, things either work out fine or they're bitterly killed off by the author (yes, I'm talking about you, Veronica Roth).

I did not appreciate, at all, the inconsistency with Mare's character. I'm not sure if anyone noticed the shifts in who she was but I did. At the start of the novel she is this sarcastic, badass thief who will do anything to protect her family. We move to court and she suddenly loses all skill and needs saving literally every two seconds. She joins the Scarlet Guard, aids in the assassination of people and then bitches about how cruel assassination really is. Something bad happens and she doesn't care that killing is cruel anymore, she wants to do it. Trouble descends on her and instead of being the sly pickpocket that she was at the beginning of the book, she becomes this helpless shell that wants to curl in on itself.

I don't understand...why?! And it has nothing to do with her adapting to changing environments. No, this girl has multiple personalities and instead of starting a revolution, maybe she needs to just take some pills.

At the center of RQ, we have this confusing love...quadrilateral? Because it consists of four people: Mare, Kilorn, Cal and Maven. The reason for its inclusion in the novel eludes me because it is pointless. On one hand, Mare feels for Kilorn, her best friend since childhood whom she would protect with her life. Then, she has this weird relationship with Cal, the boy who showed her kindness but is also slated to marry her worst enemy. Next, we have this awkward developing relationship throughout the novel with Maven and...it was too much for me.

I must admit though, I like the thought of Cal and Mare, even though I wanted to kick Cal where the sun doesn't shine throughout most of this novel.

Even though RQ is as cliche and overhyped as they come, I am still excited to read book two for two reasons: 1)Cal and 2)THE FREAKING PLOT TWIST/CLIFFHANGER AT THE END!! OMG! I would recommend this book to fans of dystopian even though it might just be a regurgitation of everything that you've read before but hey, dystopian's your thing, you're probably used to that.
]]> A Monster Calls 8621462
At seven minutes past midnight, thirteen-year-old Conor wakes to find a monster outside his bedroom window. But it isn't the monster Conor's been expecting - he's been expecting the one from his nightmare, the nightmare he's had nearly every night since his mother started her treatments. The monster in his backyard is different. It's ancient. And wild. And it wants something from Conor. Something terrible and dangerous. It wants the truth.

From the final idea of award-winning author Siobhan Dowd - whose premature death from cancer prevented her from writing it herself - Patrick Ness has spun a haunting and darkly funny novel of mischief, loss, and monsters both real and imagined.]]> 226 Patrick Ness 1406311529 Laquesha 0 to-read 4.35 2011 A Monster Calls
author: Patrick Ness
name: Laquesha
average rating: 4.35
book published: 2011
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2015/08/06
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Soundless 24751478 In a village without sound�

For as long as Fei can remember, no one in her village has been able to hear. Rocky terrain and frequent avalanches make it impossible to leave the village, so Fei and her people are at the mercy of a zipline that carries food up the treacherous cliffs from Beiguo, a mysterious faraway kingdom.

When villagers begin to lose their sight, deliveries from the zipline shrink. Many go hungry. Fei and all the people she loves are plunged into crisis, with nothing to look forward to but darkness and starvation.

One girl hears a call to action�

Until one night, Fei is awoken by a searing noise. Sound becomes her weapon.

She sets out to uncover what’s happened to her and to fight the dangers threatening her village. A handsome miner with a revolutionary spirit accompanies Fei on her quest, bringing with him new risks and the possibility of romance. They embark on a majestic journey from the peak of their jagged mountain village to the valley of Beiguo, where a startling truth will change their lives forever�

And unlocks a power that will save her people.]]> 267 Richelle Mead 1595147632 Laquesha 0 to-read 3.38 2015 Soundless
author: Richelle Mead
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.38
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2015/08/06
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Walk on Earth a Stranger (The Gold Seer Trilogy, #1)]]> 17564519 Gold is in my blood, in my breath, even in the flecks in my eyes.

Lee Westfall has a strong, loving family. She has a home she loves and a loyal steed. She has a best friend—who might want to be something more.

She also has a secret.

Lee can sense gold in the world around her. Veins deep in the earth. Small nuggets in a stream. Even gold dust caught underneath a fingernail. She has kept her family safe and able to buy provisions, even through the harshest winters. But what would someone do to control a girl with that kind of power? A person might murder for it.

When everything Lee holds dear is ripped away, she flees west to California—where gold has just been discovered. Perhaps this will be the one place a magical girl can be herself. If she survives the journey.

The acclaimed Rae Carson begins a sweeping new trilogy set in Gold Rush-era America, about a young woman with a powerful and dangerous gift.]]> 436 Rae Carson 0062242911 Laquesha 0 to-read 3.93 2015 Walk on Earth a Stranger (The Gold Seer Trilogy, #1)
author: Rae Carson
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.93
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2015/08/06
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Tell the Wind and Fire 16221851
Lucie Manette was born in the Dark half of the city, but careful manipulations won her a home in the Light, celebrity status, and a rich, loving boyfriend. Now she just wants to keep her head down, but her boyfriend has a dark secret of his own—one involving an apparent stranger who is destitute and despised. Lucie alone knows the young men’s deadly connection, and even as the knowledge leads her to make a grave mistake, she can trust no one with the truth.

Blood and secrets alike spill out when revolution erupts. With both halves of the city burning, and mercy nowhere to be found, can Lucie save either boy—or herself?]]> 360 Sarah Rees Brennan 054431817X Laquesha 0 to-read 3.45 2016 Tell the Wind and Fire
author: Sarah Rees Brennan
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.45
book published: 2016
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2015/08/06
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Orphan Queen (The Orphan Queen, #1)]]> 18081228
She is a princess. When the Indigo Kingdom conquered her homeland, Wilhelmina and other orphaned children of nobility were taken to Skyvale, the Indigo Kingdom’s capital. Ten years later, they are the Ospreys, experts at stealth and theft. With them, Wilhelmina means to take back her throne.

She is a spy. Wil and her best friend, Melanie, infiltrate Skyvale Palace to study their foes. They assume the identities of nobles from a wraith-fallen kingdom, but enemies fill the palace, and Melanie’s behavior grows suspicious. With Osprey missions becoming increasingly dangerous and their leader more unstable, Wil can’t trust anyone.

She is a threat. Wraith is the toxic by-product of magic, and for a century using magic has been forbidden. Still the wraith pours across the continent, reshaping the land and animals into fresh horrors. Soon it will reach the Indigo Kingdom. Wilhelmina’s magic might be the key to stopping the wraith, but if the vigilante Black Knife discovers Wil’s magic, she will vanish like all the others.

Jodi Meadows introduces a vivid new fantasy full of intrigue, romance, dangerous magic, and one girl’s battle to reclaim her place in the world.]]> 391 Jodi Meadows 0062317385 Laquesha 0 to-read 3.95 2015 The Orphan Queen (The Orphan Queen, #1)
author: Jodi Meadows
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2015/08/06
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Go Set a Watchman 24817626 To Kill a Mockingbird. Maycomb, Alabama. Twenty-six-year-old Jean Louise Finch�"Scout"—returns home from New York City to visit her aging father, Atticus. Set against the backdrop of the civil rights tensions and political turmoil that were transforming the South, Jean Louise's homecoming turns bittersweet when she learns disturbing truths about her close-knit family, the town and the people dearest to her. Memories from her childhood flood back, and her values and assumptions are thrown into doubt. Featuring many of the iconic characters from To Kill a Mockingbird, Go Set a Watchman perfectly captures a young woman, and a world, in a painful yet necessary transition out of the illusions of the past—a journey that can be guided only by one's conscience. Written in the mid-1950s, Go Set a Watchman imparts a fuller, richer understanding and appreciation of Harper Lee. Here is an unforgettable novel of wisdom, humanity, passion, humor and effortless precision—a profoundly affecting work of art that is both wonderfully evocative of another era and relevant to our own times. It not only confirms the enduring brilliance of To Kill a Mockingbird, but also serves as its essential companion, adding depth, context and new meaning to an American classic.]]> 278 Harper Lee 0062409859 Laquesha 0 to-read 3.28 2015 Go Set a Watchman
author: Harper Lee
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.28
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2015/08/06
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[A Darker Shade of Magic (Shades of Magic, #1)]]> 22055262
Kell was raised in Arnes—Red London—and officially serves the Maresh Empire as an ambassador, traveling between the frequent bloody regime changes in White London and the court of George III in the dullest of Londons, the one without any magic left to see.

Unofficially, Kell is a smuggler, servicing people willing to pay for even the smallest glimpses of a world they'll never see. It's a defiant hobby with dangerous consequences, which Kell is now seeing firsthand.

After an exchange goes awry, Kell escapes to Grey London and runs into Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations. She first robs him, then saves him from a deadly enemy, and finally forces Kell to spirit her to another world for a proper adventure.

Now perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, they'll first need to stay alive.]]> 400 V.E. Schwab 0765376458 Laquesha 0 to-read 4.04 2015 A Darker Shade of Magic (Shades of Magic, #1)
author: V.E. Schwab
name: Laquesha
average rating: 4.04
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2015/08/06
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[An Ember in the Ashes (An Ember in the Ashes, #1)]]> 20560137 This is a previously-published edition of ISBN 9781595148032.

Laia is a slave.

Elias is a soldier.

Neither is free.

Under the Martial Empire, defiance is met with death. Those who do not vow their blood and bodies to the Emperor risk the execution of their loved ones and the destruction of all they hold dear.

It is in this brutal world, inspired by ancient Rome, that Laia lives with her grandparents and older brother. The family ekes out an existence in the Empire’s impoverished backstreets. They do not challenge the Empire. They’ve seen what happens to those who do.

But when Laia’s brother is arrested for treason, Laia is forced to make a decision. In exchange for help from rebels who promise to rescue her brother, she will risk her life to spy for them from within the Empire’s greatest military academy.

There, Laia meets Elias, the school’s finest soldier—and secretly, its most unwilling. Elias wants only to be free of the tyranny he’s being trained to enforce. He and Laia will soon realize that their destinies are intertwined—and that their choices will change the fate of the Empire itself.]]> 446 Sabaa Tahir Laquesha 0 to-read 4.28 2015 An Ember in the Ashes (An Ember in the Ashes, #1)
author: Sabaa Tahir
name: Laquesha
average rating: 4.28
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2015/08/06
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Sword of Summer (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, #1)]]> 15724396
One day, Magnus learns that someone else is trying to track him down—his uncle Randolph, a man his mother had always warned him about. When Magnus tries to outmaneuver his uncle, he falls right into his clutches. Randolph starts rambling about Norse history and Magnus's birthright: a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years.

The more Randolph talks, the more puzzle pieces fall into place. Stories about the gods of Asgard, wolves, and Doomsday bubble up from Magnus's memory. But he doesn't have time to consider it all before a fire giant attacks the city, forcing him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents. . . .

Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die.]]> 512 Rick Riordan 1423160916 Laquesha 0 to-read 4.22 2015 The Sword of Summer (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, #1)
author: Rick Riordan
name: Laquesha
average rating: 4.22
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2015/08/06
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #1)]]> 16096824
Dragged to a magical kingdom for the murder of a faerie, Feyre discovers that her captor, his face obscured by a jewelled mask, is hiding far more than his piercing green eyes would suggest. Feyre's presence at the court is closely guarded, and as she begins to learn why, her feelings for him turn from hostility to passion and the faerie lands become an even more dangerous place. Feyre must fight to break an ancient curse, or she will lose him forever.]]> 419 Sarah J. Maas 1619634449 Laquesha 0 to-read 4.17 2015 A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #1)
author: Sarah J. Maas
name: Laquesha
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2015/08/06
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> I Am Her Revenge 18658071 She can be anyone you want her to be.
Vivian was raised with one purpose in life: to exact revenge on behalf of her mother. Manipulative and cruel, Mother has deprived Vivian not only of a childhood, but of an original identity. With an endless arsenal of enticing personalities at her disposal, Vivian is a veritable weapon of deception.

And she can destroy anyone.
When it’s time to strike, she enrolls in a boarding school on the English moors, where she will zero in on her target: sweet and innocent Ben, the son of the man who broke Mother’s heart twenty years ago.

Anyone� except for the woman who created her.
With every secret she uncovers, Vivian comes one step closer to learning who she really is. But the more she learns about herself, the more dangerous this cat and mouse game becomes. Because Mother will stop at nothing to make sure the truth dies with her.]]> 336 Meredith Moore 0698157745 Laquesha 2 3.53 2015 I Am Her Revenge
author: Meredith Moore
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.53
book published: 2015
rating: 2
read at: 2015/08/06
date added: 2015/08/06
shelves:
review:

]]> Zac and Mia 20256715 The Fault in Our Stars meets Eleanor and Park in this tough and tender young adult novel that's a lot about love (and a little about cancer).

Winner of the 2012 Australian Text Prize

"When I was little I believed in Jesus and Santa, spontaneous combustion, and the Loch Ness monster. Now I believe in science, statistics, and antibiotics." So says seventeen-year-old Zac Meier during a long, grueling leukemia treatment in Perth, Australia. A loud blast of Lady Gaga alerts him to the presence of Mia, the angry, not-at-all-stoic cancer patient in the room next door. Once released, the two near-strangers can't forget each other, even as they desperately try to resume normal lives. The story of their mysterious connection drives this unflinchingly tough, tender novel told in two voices.]]> 289 A.J. Betts 0544331648 Laquesha 2 Follow my blog for more reviews:

I received an e-galley of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I expected to enjoy this book a lot more than I actually did. Hmm...I honestly have no clue how to describe the emotions that this novel evoked from me but I am going to try in the most coherent way possible.

When I initially started reading this, it felt very The-Fault-In-Our-Stars-esque to me and I loved it because that is one of my favourite books. Zac's tone was very humorous and he was instantly a likable character, much like Augustus Waters, though instead of having an obsession with metaphoric resonances, he had one with medical statistics. Zac was cute and annoying, he was cutely annoying and you just wanted to slap him but kiss and hug him and play call of duty with him and just forget the fact that he had leukemia. Mia, on the other hand, was the most frustrating and self-absorbed character ever. I wanted to kill her and then resurrect her to kill her again. She was SO selfish. I mean, I get that she had osteosarcoma and had to adjust to major lifestyle changes, especially the fact that she doesn't have her leg anymore but there she is, bitching about her 98% chance of cancer survival while everyone who has cancer realizes how lucky she is and would KILL to have her odds. I just could not for the life of me fathom how one human being could manage to be so dull and unsympathetic.

This novel has a lot of really weird quirks that just grabbed me. For example, the title of the book is "Zac and Mia" and also, the book is separated into three sections: Zac, And, Mia. In the first part, Zac is the sole narrator. In the second part, Zac and Mia dual narrate and in the third part, it's all annoying-as-hell Mia, all the time. It was different and really intrigued me. I also enjoyed Zac and Mia's way of communication while they're stuck in the hospital; there's literally a wall between them and they knock on it like it's their own form of morse code. That was just so adorable!

The character development in the story was phenomenal, particularly for Mia. At the beginning of the book, everything that came out of her mouth made me want to strangle her. At the end of the book, she was mildly annoying but not nearly as much as she had been at the start. She was a completely new person, less shallow and dare I say lovable. Though character development was great, I didn't really get what Zac and Mia had together. They barely knew each other and what time they spent chatting over Facebook in the hospital, Mia insulted Zac for most of it. Even when they were out of the hospital, there really was no romantic connection, there wasn't really much of a friendship. I didn't really understand how their relationship escalated the way it did, to the point where Mia depended on Zac. I just didn't feel their friendship/relationship or whatever it was.

The premise of the novel was very raw and had to deal with very real topics and I think that it flowed well and it made sense but I do not feel like the issue in the story was handled very well. I don't think that this book did anything for me, mostly because the ending was so abrupt and did not solve the problem. The problem was left wide open and there was no sense of closure that should come with stand-alone books. Many questions were left unanswered, both about the health and romance of the main characters and that was not okay with me.

This book was quick to read but it fell short for me, I just did not connect and I decided to give it 2 cupcakes.]]> 3.51 2013 Zac and Mia
author: A.J. Betts
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.51
book published: 2013
rating: 2
read at: 2014/09/30
date added: 2015/08/06
shelves:
review:
Follow my blog for more reviews:

I received an e-galley of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I expected to enjoy this book a lot more than I actually did. Hmm...I honestly have no clue how to describe the emotions that this novel evoked from me but I am going to try in the most coherent way possible.

When I initially started reading this, it felt very The-Fault-In-Our-Stars-esque to me and I loved it because that is one of my favourite books. Zac's tone was very humorous and he was instantly a likable character, much like Augustus Waters, though instead of having an obsession with metaphoric resonances, he had one with medical statistics. Zac was cute and annoying, he was cutely annoying and you just wanted to slap him but kiss and hug him and play call of duty with him and just forget the fact that he had leukemia. Mia, on the other hand, was the most frustrating and self-absorbed character ever. I wanted to kill her and then resurrect her to kill her again. She was SO selfish. I mean, I get that she had osteosarcoma and had to adjust to major lifestyle changes, especially the fact that she doesn't have her leg anymore but there she is, bitching about her 98% chance of cancer survival while everyone who has cancer realizes how lucky she is and would KILL to have her odds. I just could not for the life of me fathom how one human being could manage to be so dull and unsympathetic.

This novel has a lot of really weird quirks that just grabbed me. For example, the title of the book is "Zac and Mia" and also, the book is separated into three sections: Zac, And, Mia. In the first part, Zac is the sole narrator. In the second part, Zac and Mia dual narrate and in the third part, it's all annoying-as-hell Mia, all the time. It was different and really intrigued me. I also enjoyed Zac and Mia's way of communication while they're stuck in the hospital; there's literally a wall between them and they knock on it like it's their own form of morse code. That was just so adorable!

The character development in the story was phenomenal, particularly for Mia. At the beginning of the book, everything that came out of her mouth made me want to strangle her. At the end of the book, she was mildly annoying but not nearly as much as she had been at the start. She was a completely new person, less shallow and dare I say lovable. Though character development was great, I didn't really get what Zac and Mia had together. They barely knew each other and what time they spent chatting over Facebook in the hospital, Mia insulted Zac for most of it. Even when they were out of the hospital, there really was no romantic connection, there wasn't really much of a friendship. I didn't really understand how their relationship escalated the way it did, to the point where Mia depended on Zac. I just didn't feel their friendship/relationship or whatever it was.

The premise of the novel was very raw and had to deal with very real topics and I think that it flowed well and it made sense but I do not feel like the issue in the story was handled very well. I don't think that this book did anything for me, mostly because the ending was so abrupt and did not solve the problem. The problem was left wide open and there was no sense of closure that should come with stand-alone books. Many questions were left unanswered, both about the health and romance of the main characters and that was not okay with me.

This book was quick to read but it fell short for me, I just did not connect and I decided to give it 2 cupcakes.
]]> <![CDATA[The Darkest Minds (The Darkest Minds, #1)]]> 10576365
Now sixteen, Ruby is one of the dangerous ones.

When the truth comes out, Ruby barely escapes Thurmond with her life. Now she’s on the run, desperate to find the one safe haven left for kids like her—East River. She joins a group of kids who escaped their own camp. Liam, their brave leader, is falling hard for Ruby. But no matter how much she aches for him, Ruby can’t risk getting close. Not after what happened to her parents.

When they arrive at East River, nothing is as it seems, least of all its mysterious leader. But there are other forces at work, people who will stop at nothing to use Ruby in their fight against the government. Ruby will be faced with a terrible choice, one that may mean giving up her only chance at a life worth living.]]> 488 Alexandra Bracken 1423157370 Laquesha 0 to-read 4.16 2012 The Darkest Minds (The Darkest Minds, #1)
author: Alexandra Bracken
name: Laquesha
average rating: 4.16
book published: 2012
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2015/08/06
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Hush, Hush (Hush, Hush, #1) 6339664 A SACRED OATH
A FALLEN ANGEL
A FORBIDDEN LOVE

Romance was not part of Nora Grey's plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how hard her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch comes along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Patch draws Nora to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is and seems to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For she is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost Nora her life.]]> 391 Becca Fitzpatrick 1416989412 Laquesha 0 to-read 3.93 2009 Hush, Hush (Hush, Hush, #1)
author: Becca Fitzpatrick
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.93
book published: 2009
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2015/08/06
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Sword and Verse (Sword and Verse, #1)]]> 22065067
That would be challenging enough, but training alongside Prince Mati could be her real undoing. And when a romance blossoms between them, she’s suddenly filled with a dangerous hope for something she never before thought possible: more. Then she’s approached by the Resistance—an underground army of slaves—to help liberate the Arnath people. Joining the Resistance could mean freeing her people…but she’d also be aiding in the war against her beloved, an honorable man she knows wants to help the slaves.

Working against the one she loves—and a palace full of deadly political renegades—has some heady consequences. As Raisa struggles with what’s right, she unwittingly uncovers a secret that the Qilarites have long since buried…one that, unlocked, could bring the current world order to its knees.

And Raisa is the one holding the key.]]> 384 Kathy MacMillan 0062324616 Laquesha 0 to-read 3.45 2016 Sword and Verse (Sword and Verse, #1)
author: Kathy MacMillan
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.45
book published: 2016
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2015/08/05
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Shatter Me (Shatter Me, #1) 13455782
The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn’t hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don’t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war � and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she’s exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.]]> 338 Tahereh Mafi 0062085506 Laquesha 4 3.72 2011 Shatter Me (Shatter Me, #1)
author: Tahereh Mafi
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.72
book published: 2011
rating: 4
read at: 2014/01/08
date added: 2015/08/02
shelves: 2014-tbr-challenge, fast-paced
review:
Team Adam so far, Warner just kind of seems like a villain to me. I kind of softened up to him after reading his logs about Juliette but...still Adam stole my heart :)
]]> <![CDATA[Drift & Dagger (Salt & Storm, #2)]]> 24396880 I’ve always been a monster. And monsters destroy things. Things like magic and friendships and futures.

Mal used to have a home, a best friend, and a secret. But he lost all three on the day Essie Roe exposed him as a blank. Blanks cannot be cursed or saved or killed by magic. And everyone is afraid of them—even Mal himself.

Now Mal travels the world in search of dangerous and illegal magical relics, never stopping in any one place too long. When his partner in crime, Boone, hears of a legendary dagger that can steal magic, Mal knows he finally may have found a way to even the score with Essie. Crossing oceans and continents, Mal and Boone travel from Boston to Paris to Constantinople in search of the dagger. Finding it would mean riches, fame, and revenge—but only if Mal can control the monster inside him.

Kendall Kulper weaves a vivid story of betrayal and determination—and the road to forgiveness—in this new adventure set in the world of Salt & Storm.]]> 368 Kendall Kulper 0316404535 Laquesha 0 to-read 3.76 2015 Drift & Dagger (Salt & Storm, #2)
author: Kendall Kulper
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.76
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2015/08/02
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> I Crawl Through It 24396864 Our big explosion is coming any day now. Can’t you hear the ticking?

Four teenagers are on the verge of exploding. The anxieties they face at every turn have nearly pushed them to the point of surrender: senseless high-stakes testing, the lingering damage of past trauma, the buried grief and guilt of tragic loss. They are desperate to cope, but no one is listening.

Tick.

So they will lie. They will split in two. They will turn inside out. They will even build an invisible helicopter to fly themselves far away…but nothing releases the pressure. Because, as they discover, the only way to truly escape their world is to fly right into it.

Tick.

The genius of acclaimed author A.S. King reaches new heights in this groundbreaking work of surrealist fiction; it will mesmerize readers with its deeply affecting exploration of how we crawl through traumatic experience—and find the way out.

Tick.]]> 319 A.S. King 031633409X Laquesha 0 to-read 3.38 2015 I Crawl Through It
author: A.S. King
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.38
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2015/08/02
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> City of Savages 22556945
When strangers arrive in the park, carrying a shocking message, Sky and Phee discover there’s more to Manhattan—and their family—than either of them had imagined. As disturbing secrets about the island begin to surface, Sky and Phee have no choice but to break the rules to uncover the full truth of their long-shrouded history. When their search for answers erupts into violence, the girls must flee into Manhattan’s depths, where their quest for a better future will force them to confront the island’s dark and shocking past.

Lee Kelly’s gripping debut novel is a pulse-pounding journey through a city that’s as strange as it is familiar, where nothing is black-and-white and buried secrets can haunt.]]> 410 Lee Kelly 148141030X Laquesha 0 to-read 3.70 2015 City of Savages
author: Lee Kelly
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.70
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2015/08/02
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Six Impossible Things 23250087 1. Kiss Estelle.
2. Get a job.
3. Cheer my mother up.
4. Try not to be a complete nerd/loser.
5. Talk to my father when he calls.
6. Figure out how to be good.

Nerd-boy Dan Cereill is not quite coping with a reversal of family fortune, moving, new-school hell, a mother with a failing wedding cake business, a just-out gay dad, and an impossible crush on Estelle, the girl next door. His life is a mess, but for now he's narrowed it down to six impossible things�

In this charming story of one guy’s efforts to get it together when his life is falling apart, award-winning author Fiona Wood introduces an irresistible voice and a delightfully awkward character who is impossible to forget.]]> 304 Fiona Wood 0316242160 Laquesha 0 to-read 3.50 2010 Six Impossible Things
author: Fiona Wood
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.50
book published: 2010
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2015/08/02
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Vengeance Road (Vengeance Road, #1)]]> 23719270
When her father is murdered for a journal revealing the location of a hidden gold mine, eighteen-year-old Kate Thompson disguises herself as a boy and takes to the gritty plains looking for answers—and justice. What she finds are untrustworthy strangers, endless dust and heat, and a surprising band of allies, among them a young Apache girl and a pair of stubborn brothers who refuse to quit riding in her shadow. But as Kate gets closer to the secrets about her family, a startling truth becomes clear: some men will stop at nothing to get their hands on gold, and Kate’s quest for revenge may prove fatal.]]> 327 Erin Bowman 0544466381 Laquesha 5
I was sent an Advanced Readers Copy of this novel by the publisher, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions stated are solely mine and I was not compensated for this review.

Vengeance Road piqued my interest from the instant that I read the synopsis and that it why I joined its street team and also braved my fear and insecurity of my blog not being good enough to request an ARC. Forget everything that you think you know about western novels and mentally prepare yourself for the most exhilarating, mind‐blowing, heart‐stopping, feels‐inducing ride of your life.

Kate Thompson is out to avenge the death of her father by the hands of the infamous Rose Riders and will stop at nothing to put a bullet through their skulls. Disguised as a boy and accompanied by the Colton brothers, she embarks on a journey to unravel the mystery surrounding his death.

My love for the level of detail in Vengeance Road is unparalleled. There were so many historical aspects and they were extremely well done. Erin Bowman presented the setting of the Wild West perfectly, taking a timeline that is typically overdone and transforming it into a captivating piece of YA literature that few are likely to overlook.

The setting was beautiful, the plot was original and had my heart palpitating, the stand‐out characters will forever have a place in my heart but the aspect of this novel that reached out, grabbed me and sucked me in was the use of accents. A lot of times in YA, the readers are informed that a certain character is British or Japanese or Australian but unless it is specifically written, there's no way we could tell from their speech. The southern accents that the characters in Vengeance Road possessed made my little fangirl heart squeal with joy and I think that it added to the overall authenticity of the novel. Pretty much, it made me feel like a cowgirl:



The characters shone out to me like sunbeams. They were all very round, complex and had their own quirks. Whether you loved them or wanted to rip their guts out and strangle them with it, you knew a lot about them and had an in depth feel for their personalities. My favourite character, by far, was our protagonist, Kate. She was stubborn, fiercely loyal, sarcastic and showed an immense amount of strength in a society where women aren't regarded as having any.

I particularly loved the evolution of this character. Kate went from being this grief‐ridden girl on this blind quest for vengeance, thinking that she needed nothing and no one to someone who laughed, welcomed help and love, someone who understood the cost of vengeance. Kate was an amazing character to read about because she wasn't just a pile of anger and violence. There was a multitude of layers to her personality.

The plot twists in Vengeance Road were twistier than twizzlers so...pretty twisty. Shock, shock, shock, shock, shock and more shock! When I honestly thought I couldn't be shocked further, I WAS SHOCKED FURTHER! The angles thrown at the reader were so unexpected and creative but also made me want to cry and hit things.



I WAS A BUCKET OF EMOTIONS. One minute I was happy, then devastated, then outraged. I could not keep my feelings in check. It was impossible.



An irresistible western novel woven with threads of mystery, romance and heartbreak, Vengeance Road is a must read. That, in a nutshell, is why I chose to give it five cupcakes. It was one of my most anticipated reads of this year and it surpassed all expectations. If there's any book that you read this September, let it be this one, it will not disappoint. ]]> 3.82 2015 Vengeance Road (Vengeance Road, #1)
author: Erin Bowman
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.82
book published: 2015
rating: 5
read at: 2015/07/01
date added: 2015/08/02
shelves:
review:
Follow my blog for more reviews:

I was sent an Advanced Readers Copy of this novel by the publisher, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions stated are solely mine and I was not compensated for this review.

Vengeance Road piqued my interest from the instant that I read the synopsis and that it why I joined its street team and also braved my fear and insecurity of my blog not being good enough to request an ARC. Forget everything that you think you know about western novels and mentally prepare yourself for the most exhilarating, mind‐blowing, heart‐stopping, feels‐inducing ride of your life.

Kate Thompson is out to avenge the death of her father by the hands of the infamous Rose Riders and will stop at nothing to put a bullet through their skulls. Disguised as a boy and accompanied by the Colton brothers, she embarks on a journey to unravel the mystery surrounding his death.

My love for the level of detail in Vengeance Road is unparalleled. There were so many historical aspects and they were extremely well done. Erin Bowman presented the setting of the Wild West perfectly, taking a timeline that is typically overdone and transforming it into a captivating piece of YA literature that few are likely to overlook.

The setting was beautiful, the plot was original and had my heart palpitating, the stand‐out characters will forever have a place in my heart but the aspect of this novel that reached out, grabbed me and sucked me in was the use of accents. A lot of times in YA, the readers are informed that a certain character is British or Japanese or Australian but unless it is specifically written, there's no way we could tell from their speech. The southern accents that the characters in Vengeance Road possessed made my little fangirl heart squeal with joy and I think that it added to the overall authenticity of the novel. Pretty much, it made me feel like a cowgirl:



The characters shone out to me like sunbeams. They were all very round, complex and had their own quirks. Whether you loved them or wanted to rip their guts out and strangle them with it, you knew a lot about them and had an in depth feel for their personalities. My favourite character, by far, was our protagonist, Kate. She was stubborn, fiercely loyal, sarcastic and showed an immense amount of strength in a society where women aren't regarded as having any.

I particularly loved the evolution of this character. Kate went from being this grief‐ridden girl on this blind quest for vengeance, thinking that she needed nothing and no one to someone who laughed, welcomed help and love, someone who understood the cost of vengeance. Kate was an amazing character to read about because she wasn't just a pile of anger and violence. There was a multitude of layers to her personality.

The plot twists in Vengeance Road were twistier than twizzlers so...pretty twisty. Shock, shock, shock, shock, shock and more shock! When I honestly thought I couldn't be shocked further, I WAS SHOCKED FURTHER! The angles thrown at the reader were so unexpected and creative but also made me want to cry and hit things.



I WAS A BUCKET OF EMOTIONS. One minute I was happy, then devastated, then outraged. I could not keep my feelings in check. It was impossible.



An irresistible western novel woven with threads of mystery, romance and heartbreak, Vengeance Road is a must read. That, in a nutshell, is why I chose to give it five cupcakes. It was one of my most anticipated reads of this year and it surpassed all expectations. If there's any book that you read this September, let it be this one, it will not disappoint.
]]> Evolution (E, #2) 25347049
With the Sentries under his control and Grey’s army defeated, Matt is more powerful than ever. Eden is little more than his prisoner, but that line is blurring as her affection for him grows. Now, as the Outpost faces total destruction, Matt must sacrifice the possibility of attaining Eden’s love in the vague hope that her past might hold the key to saving them all.

Eden’s journey will begin to unravel the mysteries of her previous life, reveal dangerous new questions, and change not only the future of Outpost Three, but shape the course of history.

This eagerly anticipated sequel to Kate Wrath’s E begins an epic quest into the dark, dystopian landscape of Eden’s world.

*This is an alternate cover edition of ASIN B00OFBC6WK.]]> Kate Wrath Laquesha 4
I was sent an egalley of this novel by the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions stated are mine and I was not compensated for this review.

It was so difficult for me to write this review, mainly because I enjoyed this sequel a whole lot and every sentence I attempted to string together either contained the words OMG or ASDFGHJKL.

This book started off on a very slow and somewhat disappointing note for me. I would go days on end without picking it up and I believe that my initial disinterest had more to do with how busy I was and the length of time that I spent away from this world rather than the content of the actual story because as soon as my exams were over, I was just sucked back into this very complex society of violence, erasures and killer robots and I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT!

Eden, as a protagonist, was wonderful and I was very happy to see a lot of development of her character. She was a strong, level-headed lead, able to make tough decisions, encourage others and also, kick some robot butt when necessary but she wasn't just strong. I felt that in Evolution she became a rounder character and the various layers that existed in her personality shone through. Though she could wield a knife better than any man, she could also cry and show emotion.

The developing love triangle in the Evolution aided in unearthing a bout of resentful feelings from me towards one of the main characters, Jonas. I adored Jonas in the first novel and I absolutely hated him in this one. He was annoying, sullen, pessimistic, whiny and my tolerance level for him was nonexistent. He interchanged between loathing Eden and being jealous that she was laughing with Matt (the sexy beast) and Apollon (who is the most adorable human ever). Maybe I am biased for disliking this character because of my love for Matt, maybe I see him as a threat (not really, Matt is hot) but either way, I wanted to strangle him because Matt and Eden forever...Meden! I was also sad that Matt didn't have as much of an impact in this novel as in the first and he only made a tiny appearance in the beginning.

The plot of this novel was very different from the first. Whereas in E the story was confined to the tiny area of the Outpost, in Evolution there were no such boundaries. The characters were out in the wild where danger lurked around every corner. They were traipsing blindly through mile upon mile of frost in search of something that might only exist in Eden's head, all in the hope of saving the outpost from impending doom. THERE. WAS. SO. MUCH. VIOLENCE. Wolves and bears and foxes trying to eat people, severed arms and insane Amazon-like women domesticating men. Quiet moments were a thing of the imagination, the novel was always flowing and I particularly enjoyed the fact that the readers kept learning more and more about the old world versus the new world we were exposed to in E and Eden and Jonas' past. Insane discoveries were made and...OMG THAT ENDING!

An intense, satisfying novel filled with love, violence and heart-stopping self-discovery, Evolution is a sequel that did not disappoint.
]]> 4.27 2014 Evolution (E, #2)
author: Kate Wrath
name: Laquesha
average rating: 4.27
book published: 2014
rating: 4
read at: 2015/06/01
date added: 2015/07/16
shelves:
review:
Follow my blog for more reviews:

I was sent an egalley of this novel by the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions stated are mine and I was not compensated for this review.

It was so difficult for me to write this review, mainly because I enjoyed this sequel a whole lot and every sentence I attempted to string together either contained the words OMG or ASDFGHJKL.

This book started off on a very slow and somewhat disappointing note for me. I would go days on end without picking it up and I believe that my initial disinterest had more to do with how busy I was and the length of time that I spent away from this world rather than the content of the actual story because as soon as my exams were over, I was just sucked back into this very complex society of violence, erasures and killer robots and I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT!

Eden, as a protagonist, was wonderful and I was very happy to see a lot of development of her character. She was a strong, level-headed lead, able to make tough decisions, encourage others and also, kick some robot butt when necessary but she wasn't just strong. I felt that in Evolution she became a rounder character and the various layers that existed in her personality shone through. Though she could wield a knife better than any man, she could also cry and show emotion.

The developing love triangle in the Evolution aided in unearthing a bout of resentful feelings from me towards one of the main characters, Jonas. I adored Jonas in the first novel and I absolutely hated him in this one. He was annoying, sullen, pessimistic, whiny and my tolerance level for him was nonexistent. He interchanged between loathing Eden and being jealous that she was laughing with Matt (the sexy beast) and Apollon (who is the most adorable human ever). Maybe I am biased for disliking this character because of my love for Matt, maybe I see him as a threat (not really, Matt is hot) but either way, I wanted to strangle him because Matt and Eden forever...Meden! I was also sad that Matt didn't have as much of an impact in this novel as in the first and he only made a tiny appearance in the beginning.

The plot of this novel was very different from the first. Whereas in E the story was confined to the tiny area of the Outpost, in Evolution there were no such boundaries. The characters were out in the wild where danger lurked around every corner. They were traipsing blindly through mile upon mile of frost in search of something that might only exist in Eden's head, all in the hope of saving the outpost from impending doom. THERE. WAS. SO. MUCH. VIOLENCE. Wolves and bears and foxes trying to eat people, severed arms and insane Amazon-like women domesticating men. Quiet moments were a thing of the imagination, the novel was always flowing and I particularly enjoyed the fact that the readers kept learning more and more about the old world versus the new world we were exposed to in E and Eden and Jonas' past. Insane discoveries were made and...OMG THAT ENDING!

An intense, satisfying novel filled with love, violence and heart-stopping self-discovery, Evolution is a sequel that did not disappoint.

]]> Pride and Prejudice 25419886 358 Jane Austen 1511810963 Laquesha 0 to-read 4.42 1813 Pride and Prejudice
author: Jane Austen
name: Laquesha
average rating: 4.42
book published: 1813
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2015/07/09
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Fallout (Lois Lane, #1) 23110163 304 Gwenda Bond 1630790052 Laquesha 5 the-favs
I won this novel in a giveaway, all opinions stated are solely mine and I was not compensated for my review.

Lois Lane: Fallout follows Lois Lane (obviously), a teenage girl who has moved countless times because of her father's military job and plans to stay under the radar and fit in at her newest school. Her plans, however, are quickly interrupted when she witnesses firsthand the principal's unsympathetic dismissal of a girl's claims of bullying by her creepy classmates known as the Warheads. Driven by her newly acquired job at the Daily Scoop and her deep-rooted need for the truth, she attempts to fix things with the aid of her friends and a mysterious (not really) boy with an alias of SmallvilleGuy but soon finds out that the problem is a lot more complicated than it seems.

My literal reaction to receiving a book where the protagonist is not only a comic book character but one of my FAVOURITE comic book characters:




I went into this book expecting so much and I was NOT disappointed. I loved every moment of it; every sassy comment from Lois, every sardonic and grim moment involving the Warheads, everything! One of the features of this novel which just sealed the deal for me was the character development and I am just going to take a moment to talk about my two favourite characters: Lois Lane (of course) and SmallvilleGuy.

Their relationship was...weird but good! They've never met each other and their only real physical contact has been in the realms of a video game. Lois doesn't even know his name! Normally, something like this would turn me off but it was such an integral part of what this book was, it was a catalyst to many events and I would be lying through my teeth if I said I did not love it! I am a massive Smallville fan and from the get go, every time there was some small description of SmallvilleGuy that Lois could not connect, I would scream "Superman!". It was invigorating to know something that the protagonist did not.

Speaking of our protagonist, she was such a kickass lady! She was funny and pushy and strong-minded and not to mention loyal! I lived for every confrontation she had with her father or the Warheads or the principal! Her badassery (not a word, I know) was on a whole different level and when she got herself into sticky situations, she didn't need help, she was just like:




The fact that a guy she met through the internet was the only person with the ability to tame her wiliness was also, admittedly, very cute.

The plot of the book was very interesting and fast-paced. I think it took me two days to finish and I took a lot of breaks. It had a very Nancy Drew feel to it and who doesn't love Nancy Drew? Gwenda Bond took what I initially thought was going to be a very basic bullying plot line and twisted and turned it into something exciting and memorable, something very different from what I would have imagined, something that I am going to fangirl about for a really long time.

If you are a comic book/superhero nerd (like myself), you must pick this up. It is very modern twist on Superman, a turning of tables where Superman is not the hero, his girl is! It definitely shows that you do not need to be from another planet, you don't need a fancy cape or powers to be someone's hero and I quite enjoyed that message. The fangirl in me lit up because we got to see a different side of a classic and well-loved tale. It was comparable to fan fiction but so much better!

Read this! Read this! Why are you still here? You should be at the bookstore buying this! I loved this book so much and I thought it was a standalone so naturally, this was my reaction to finding out that it is, in fact, going to be a series and I will get to experience more of Lois and more of this world:



]]> 3.87 2015 Fallout (Lois Lane, #1)
author: Gwenda Bond
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.87
book published: 2015
rating: 5
read at: 2015/06/01
date added: 2015/06/17
shelves: the-favs
review:


I won this novel in a giveaway, all opinions stated are solely mine and I was not compensated for my review.

Lois Lane: Fallout follows Lois Lane (obviously), a teenage girl who has moved countless times because of her father's military job and plans to stay under the radar and fit in at her newest school. Her plans, however, are quickly interrupted when she witnesses firsthand the principal's unsympathetic dismissal of a girl's claims of bullying by her creepy classmates known as the Warheads. Driven by her newly acquired job at the Daily Scoop and her deep-rooted need for the truth, she attempts to fix things with the aid of her friends and a mysterious (not really) boy with an alias of SmallvilleGuy but soon finds out that the problem is a lot more complicated than it seems.

My literal reaction to receiving a book where the protagonist is not only a comic book character but one of my FAVOURITE comic book characters:




I went into this book expecting so much and I was NOT disappointed. I loved every moment of it; every sassy comment from Lois, every sardonic and grim moment involving the Warheads, everything! One of the features of this novel which just sealed the deal for me was the character development and I am just going to take a moment to talk about my two favourite characters: Lois Lane (of course) and SmallvilleGuy.

Their relationship was...weird but good! They've never met each other and their only real physical contact has been in the realms of a video game. Lois doesn't even know his name! Normally, something like this would turn me off but it was such an integral part of what this book was, it was a catalyst to many events and I would be lying through my teeth if I said I did not love it! I am a massive Smallville fan and from the get go, every time there was some small description of SmallvilleGuy that Lois could not connect, I would scream "Superman!". It was invigorating to know something that the protagonist did not.

Speaking of our protagonist, she was such a kickass lady! She was funny and pushy and strong-minded and not to mention loyal! I lived for every confrontation she had with her father or the Warheads or the principal! Her badassery (not a word, I know) was on a whole different level and when she got herself into sticky situations, she didn't need help, she was just like:




The fact that a guy she met through the internet was the only person with the ability to tame her wiliness was also, admittedly, very cute.

The plot of the book was very interesting and fast-paced. I think it took me two days to finish and I took a lot of breaks. It had a very Nancy Drew feel to it and who doesn't love Nancy Drew? Gwenda Bond took what I initially thought was going to be a very basic bullying plot line and twisted and turned it into something exciting and memorable, something very different from what I would have imagined, something that I am going to fangirl about for a really long time.

If you are a comic book/superhero nerd (like myself), you must pick this up. It is very modern twist on Superman, a turning of tables where Superman is not the hero, his girl is! It definitely shows that you do not need to be from another planet, you don't need a fancy cape or powers to be someone's hero and I quite enjoyed that message. The fangirl in me lit up because we got to see a different side of a classic and well-loved tale. It was comparable to fan fiction but so much better!

Read this! Read this! Why are you still here? You should be at the bookstore buying this! I loved this book so much and I thought it was a standalone so naturally, this was my reaction to finding out that it is, in fact, going to be a series and I will get to experience more of Lois and more of this world:




]]> Zac and Mia 15757486 When I was little I believed in Jesus and Santa, spontaneous combustion, and the Loch Ness monster. Now I believe in science, statistics, and antibiotics.

So says seventeen-year-old Zac Meier during a long, grueling leukemia treatment in Perth, Australia. A loud blast of Lady Gaga alerts him to the presence of Mia, the angry, not-at-all-stoic cancer patient in the room next door. Once released, the two near-strangers can’t forget each other, even as they desperately try to resume normal lives. The story of their mysterious connection drives this unflinchingly tough, tender novel told in two voices.]]> 310 A.J. Betts Laquesha 2 given-up-hope, slow-paced
I received an e-galley of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I expected to enjoy this book a lot more than I actually did. Hmm...I honestly have no clue how to describe the emotions that this novel evoked from me but I am going to try in the most coherent way possible.

When I initially started reading this, it felt very The-Fault-In-Our-Stars-esque to me and I loved it because that is one of my favourite books. Zac's tone was very humorous and he was instantly a likable character, much like Augustus Waters, though instead of having an obsession with metaphoric resonances, he had one with medical statistics. Zac was cute and annoying, he was cutely annoying and you just wanted to slap him but kiss and hug him and play call of duty with him and just forget the fact that he was sick. Mia, on the other hand, was the most frustrating and self-absorbed character ever. I wanted to kill her and then resurrect her to kill her again. She was SO selfish. I mean, I get that she had osteosarcoma and had to adjust to major lifestyle changes, especially the fact that she doesn't have her leg anymore but there she is, bitching about her 98% chance of cancer survival while everyone who has cancer and lower odds realizes how lucky she is and would KILL to have her odds. I just could not for the life of me fathom how one human being could manage to be so dull and unsympathetic.

This novel has a lot of really weird quirks that just grabbed me. For example, the title of the book is "Zac and Mia" and also, the book is separated into three sections: Zac, And, Mia. In the first part, Zac is the sole narrator. In the second part, Zac and Mia dual narrate and in the third part, it's all annoying-as-hell Mia, all the time. It was different and really intrigued me. I also enjoyed Zac and Mia's way of communication while they're stuck in the hospital; there's literally a wall between them and they knock on it like it's their own form of morse code. That was just so adorable!

The character development in the story was phenomenal, particularly for Mia. At the beginning of the book, everything that came out of her mouth made me want to strangle her. At the end of the book, she was mildly annoying but not nearly as much as she had been at the start. She was a completely new person, less shallow and dare I say lovable. Though character development was great, I didn't really get what Zac and Mia had together. They barely knew each other and what time they spent chatting over Facebook in the hospital, Mia insulted Zac for most of it. Even when they were out of the hospital, there really was no romantic connection, there wasn't really much of a friendship. I didn't really understand how their relationship escalated the way it did, to the point where Mia depended on Zac. I just didn't feel their friendship/relationship or whatever it was.

The premise of the novel was very raw and had to deal with very real topics and I think that it flowed well and it made sense but I do not feel like the issue in the story was handled very well. I don't think that this book did anything for me, mostly because the ending was so abrupt and did not give either a bad/good resolution to the problem. The problem was left wide open and there was no sense of closure that should come with stand-alone books. Many questions were left unanswered, both about the health and romance of the main characters and that was not okay with me.

This book was quick to read but it fell short for me, I just did not connect and I decided to give it 2 cupcakes.
]]> 3.66 2013 Zac and Mia
author: A.J. Betts
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.66
book published: 2013
rating: 2
read at: 2014/10/01
date added: 2015/06/12
shelves: given-up-hope, slow-paced
review:


I received an e-galley of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I expected to enjoy this book a lot more than I actually did. Hmm...I honestly have no clue how to describe the emotions that this novel evoked from me but I am going to try in the most coherent way possible.

When I initially started reading this, it felt very The-Fault-In-Our-Stars-esque to me and I loved it because that is one of my favourite books. Zac's tone was very humorous and he was instantly a likable character, much like Augustus Waters, though instead of having an obsession with metaphoric resonances, he had one with medical statistics. Zac was cute and annoying, he was cutely annoying and you just wanted to slap him but kiss and hug him and play call of duty with him and just forget the fact that he was sick. Mia, on the other hand, was the most frustrating and self-absorbed character ever. I wanted to kill her and then resurrect her to kill her again. She was SO selfish. I mean, I get that she had osteosarcoma and had to adjust to major lifestyle changes, especially the fact that she doesn't have her leg anymore but there she is, bitching about her 98% chance of cancer survival while everyone who has cancer and lower odds realizes how lucky she is and would KILL to have her odds. I just could not for the life of me fathom how one human being could manage to be so dull and unsympathetic.

This novel has a lot of really weird quirks that just grabbed me. For example, the title of the book is "Zac and Mia" and also, the book is separated into three sections: Zac, And, Mia. In the first part, Zac is the sole narrator. In the second part, Zac and Mia dual narrate and in the third part, it's all annoying-as-hell Mia, all the time. It was different and really intrigued me. I also enjoyed Zac and Mia's way of communication while they're stuck in the hospital; there's literally a wall between them and they knock on it like it's their own form of morse code. That was just so adorable!

The character development in the story was phenomenal, particularly for Mia. At the beginning of the book, everything that came out of her mouth made me want to strangle her. At the end of the book, she was mildly annoying but not nearly as much as she had been at the start. She was a completely new person, less shallow and dare I say lovable. Though character development was great, I didn't really get what Zac and Mia had together. They barely knew each other and what time they spent chatting over Facebook in the hospital, Mia insulted Zac for most of it. Even when they were out of the hospital, there really was no romantic connection, there wasn't really much of a friendship. I didn't really understand how their relationship escalated the way it did, to the point where Mia depended on Zac. I just didn't feel their friendship/relationship or whatever it was.

The premise of the novel was very raw and had to deal with very real topics and I think that it flowed well and it made sense but I do not feel like the issue in the story was handled very well. I don't think that this book did anything for me, mostly because the ending was so abrupt and did not give either a bad/good resolution to the problem. The problem was left wide open and there was no sense of closure that should come with stand-alone books. Many questions were left unanswered, both about the health and romance of the main characters and that was not okay with me.

This book was quick to read but it fell short for me, I just did not connect and I decided to give it 2 cupcakes.

]]> <![CDATA[The Summer of Shambles (Ondine #1)]]> 19835286
15-year-old Ondine is struggling to fit in at Psychic Summercamp and doubts she possesses any of her family's magical abilities. She resolves to leave, determined to follow her own path and be a normal teenager. Whatever normal is in a place like Brugel.

On the way home Ondine is shocked when her pet ferret Shambles starts talking - in a cheeky Scottish accent no less! He is in fact a young man trapped in a witch's curse. When he briefly transforms into his human self, Ondine is smitten. If only she can break the spell for good, Shambles can be handsomely human on a full-time basis.

During the summer, these two misfits uncover a plot to assassinate a member of the royal family and discover a secret treasure that has remained hidden for decades. This attracts the attention of the arrogant Lord Vincent, and Ondine can't help being drawn in by his bad-boy charm.

With so many demands on Ondine's attentions - and affections - normal has never seemed so far away.

The Summer of Shambles is the first in the four-part ONDINE series. Fans of The Princess Bride or the Confessions of Georgia Nicolson series will love this delightfully quirky fairytale.]]> 182 Ebony McKenna Laquesha 3
I had a really hard time reviewing this book and also reading it because while it was enjoyable and really fast-paced, it just was not my style but that take away from the overall quality of the read. I think that the setting and description was done really well, especially considering the fact that the novel took place in a made up country. The plot was unique, if a little predictable. I found the characters to be rather dull and uninteresting.

The novel was set in the fictional land of Brugel, a European country that was a result of the authors a imagination. Though it was made up, I can say that it felt very real, the country had their own flag (which was shown in the book) and their own slang and traditions. Also, it was really cute that a glossary summarizing each of the unknown terms in the book was provided at the end of every chapter. It made it easier to read and added a lot of intrigue.

The plot of the book was interesting but at times, it felt pretty predictable and draggy. I can't even tell you how much it annoys me when a book drags endlessly. It also didn't help that the writing style was a bit childish and concise, leaving little room for character development which is on my hust-have list of things that make or break a story.

Again, further emphasis is placed on the characters who I didn't really feel any sort of connection with. It was nice reading about their life but after I closed the book, I didn't feel like there was anything worth holding onto. They weren't the characters that I would avidly gush to other readers about, they were just there which bothered me. As interesting as their story was, they didn't captivate me in the way I was hoping they would.

Overall, the book was...good-ish. It was nice and quick to read but I won't gushing about it anytime soon. For the reasons listed above, I decided to give this one 3 cupcakes cause it was semi-sweet :)]]> 3.63 2010 The Summer of Shambles (Ondine #1)
author: Ebony McKenna
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.63
book published: 2010
rating: 3
read at: 2014/10/01
date added: 2015/06/12
shelves:
review:


I had a really hard time reviewing this book and also reading it because while it was enjoyable and really fast-paced, it just was not my style but that take away from the overall quality of the read. I think that the setting and description was done really well, especially considering the fact that the novel took place in a made up country. The plot was unique, if a little predictable. I found the characters to be rather dull and uninteresting.

The novel was set in the fictional land of Brugel, a European country that was a result of the authors a imagination. Though it was made up, I can say that it felt very real, the country had their own flag (which was shown in the book) and their own slang and traditions. Also, it was really cute that a glossary summarizing each of the unknown terms in the book was provided at the end of every chapter. It made it easier to read and added a lot of intrigue.

The plot of the book was interesting but at times, it felt pretty predictable and draggy. I can't even tell you how much it annoys me when a book drags endlessly. It also didn't help that the writing style was a bit childish and concise, leaving little room for character development which is on my hust-have list of things that make or break a story.

Again, further emphasis is placed on the characters who I didn't really feel any sort of connection with. It was nice reading about their life but after I closed the book, I didn't feel like there was anything worth holding onto. They weren't the characters that I would avidly gush to other readers about, they were just there which bothered me. As interesting as their story was, they didn't captivate me in the way I was hoping they would.

Overall, the book was...good-ish. It was nice and quick to read but I won't gushing about it anytime soon. For the reasons listed above, I decided to give this one 3 cupcakes cause it was semi-sweet :)
]]> <![CDATA[Shadow and Bone (Shadow and Bone, #1)]]> 10194157 Alternative Cover Edition #1

Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.

Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.

Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha . . . and the secrets of her heart.]]> 358 Leigh Bardugo 1250048117 Laquesha 4 the-favs
This is less of a "review" and more of a visual collection of my thoughts on this novel.




I was so bored when I initially started reading this. I was deep in a major reading slump, had heard so much about this one, decided to try it out and it was a bit too slow for my taste. Immediately, we're plunged into this world of people with names that are really difficult to pronounce, weird powers and a protagonist telling all while secretly pining for her best friend. *eye roll*

Fast forward 40 pages and it just got me like:




Strange just got really strange and the novel took a turn from slightly mediocre to WTF just happened?! We've got weird skiffs moving across dark, barren wastelands, dinosaur-like creatures eating people and a mysterious, handsome stranger called "The Darkling." Colour me intrigued.

Then, we're thrown into the world of the Grisha when Alina discovers her hidden talent and has to adapt to new surroundings. Surprise, surprise, she's extremely powerful, she has the Darkling's favour and is making frenemies and flat-out bitchy enemies everywhere. The image below is me in reaction to how cliche that was:




My basic reaction to anything about the Darkling:




What can I say? I just have a thing for bad boys who can cut a bitch in half if need be.

Then...stuff gets real and I lose it! I was shocked, I wanted to punch something and kick and scream. I. WAS. NOT. READY.

Visual depiction of how not ready I was:




This insensitive crushing of my heart by Leigh Bardugo did have two upsides. One was that I got to see our main character, Alina, in a whole new light. For the majority of this novel, I was apathetic towards her, she was...meh. And this thing (not telling what it is) brought to life a fire inside of her (quite literally as well). She became strong and gave me reason to like her!

The other thing was Malyen and Alina, Malina! At the start of the novel when Alina was head over heels for Mal and he didn't notice her, I could not deal. The one-sided relationship bothered me and it irked me even more when she was taken by the Darkling who had discovered her gift to Os Alta. The best friend-protagonist romances in YA literature always suck because we never get much exposure to the "best friend" and I believe that person is majority of the time disadvantaged in the love triangle. We get a glimpse of them for honestly five seconds and then the main character is whisked away on some journey with a sexy stranger whom readers get maximum exposure to so obviously, we ship them.

I was insanely happy that this thing that happened happened and I was able to meet Mal and learn more about who he was and how he interacted with Alina. I loved it! I love them! And I feel like I am going to get attacked by all the Darkling lovers but let me explain. I love the Darkling but...not for Alina. The relationship between Mal and Alina seemed more natural and less tense and a lot of the time had me like this:




Turns out the really insane thing was just a warm up for the really really insane thing and OMG, this was me:




Reaction to this novel being over:




The ending left me with so many questions that I guess are going to have to be answered by the other two books in the trilogy which I am extremely eager to pick up.

Bottom line: this was not a perfect read. There were many moments that had me face palming and rolling my eyes to the Heavens but there were also a lot of moments that made me smile and scream and flat-out fangirl. This novel made me feel...everything, a whirlwind of emotions it was. I am not a Fantasy expert, I rarely read that genre because generally those books focus a lot on world-building which drowns me. This, however, had a lot of world-building weaved in with the plot of the story and you would learn more as it progressed so it was not an information dump for which, I was very grateful. I feel like it was...not to be rude...quite honestly, dummy Fantasy. You know, a guide to Fantasy for the beginners and I quite enjoyed it.]]> 3.93 2012 Shadow and Bone (Shadow and Bone, #1)
author: Leigh Bardugo
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.93
book published: 2012
rating: 4
read at: 2015/05/01
date added: 2015/06/12
shelves: the-favs
review:


This is less of a "review" and more of a visual collection of my thoughts on this novel.




I was so bored when I initially started reading this. I was deep in a major reading slump, had heard so much about this one, decided to try it out and it was a bit too slow for my taste. Immediately, we're plunged into this world of people with names that are really difficult to pronounce, weird powers and a protagonist telling all while secretly pining for her best friend. *eye roll*

Fast forward 40 pages and it just got me like:




Strange just got really strange and the novel took a turn from slightly mediocre to WTF just happened?! We've got weird skiffs moving across dark, barren wastelands, dinosaur-like creatures eating people and a mysterious, handsome stranger called "The Darkling." Colour me intrigued.

Then, we're thrown into the world of the Grisha when Alina discovers her hidden talent and has to adapt to new surroundings. Surprise, surprise, she's extremely powerful, she has the Darkling's favour and is making frenemies and flat-out bitchy enemies everywhere. The image below is me in reaction to how cliche that was:




My basic reaction to anything about the Darkling:




What can I say? I just have a thing for bad boys who can cut a bitch in half if need be.

Then...stuff gets real and I lose it! I was shocked, I wanted to punch something and kick and scream. I. WAS. NOT. READY.

Visual depiction of how not ready I was:




This insensitive crushing of my heart by Leigh Bardugo did have two upsides. One was that I got to see our main character, Alina, in a whole new light. For the majority of this novel, I was apathetic towards her, she was...meh. And this thing (not telling what it is) brought to life a fire inside of her (quite literally as well). She became strong and gave me reason to like her!

The other thing was Malyen and Alina, Malina! At the start of the novel when Alina was head over heels for Mal and he didn't notice her, I could not deal. The one-sided relationship bothered me and it irked me even more when she was taken by the Darkling who had discovered her gift to Os Alta. The best friend-protagonist romances in YA literature always suck because we never get much exposure to the "best friend" and I believe that person is majority of the time disadvantaged in the love triangle. We get a glimpse of them for honestly five seconds and then the main character is whisked away on some journey with a sexy stranger whom readers get maximum exposure to so obviously, we ship them.

I was insanely happy that this thing that happened happened and I was able to meet Mal and learn more about who he was and how he interacted with Alina. I loved it! I love them! And I feel like I am going to get attacked by all the Darkling lovers but let me explain. I love the Darkling but...not for Alina. The relationship between Mal and Alina seemed more natural and less tense and a lot of the time had me like this:




Turns out the really insane thing was just a warm up for the really really insane thing and OMG, this was me:




Reaction to this novel being over:




The ending left me with so many questions that I guess are going to have to be answered by the other two books in the trilogy which I am extremely eager to pick up.

Bottom line: this was not a perfect read. There were many moments that had me face palming and rolling my eyes to the Heavens but there were also a lot of moments that made me smile and scream and flat-out fangirl. This novel made me feel...everything, a whirlwind of emotions it was. I am not a Fantasy expert, I rarely read that genre because generally those books focus a lot on world-building which drowns me. This, however, had a lot of world-building weaved in with the plot of the story and you would learn more as it progressed so it was not an information dump for which, I was very grateful. I feel like it was...not to be rude...quite honestly, dummy Fantasy. You know, a guide to Fantasy for the beginners and I quite enjoyed it.
]]> <![CDATA[The Selection (The Selection, #1)]]> 10507293
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.]]> 336 Kiera Cass 0062059939 Laquesha 3
This book definitely did not live up to my expectations. I gave it three cupcakes so obviously I enjoyed it a little but not as much I was hoping to enjoy it. That being stated, I sectioned off this review into different sections to help me distinctly justify my reasons for saying that because I know that a lot of people really like this trilogy but I cannot truthfully say that I am huge fan of this book, sadly. Let's start from the outside of the book and work our way into the inside.

Cover
I loved the cover of this book, as I do with most books that have gorgeous girls in beautiful dresses on the cover. It wasn't just the girl though. It was the fact that it perfectly described what the story was about, gave the reader an exact idea of what they would be getting themselves into. I, personally, get so annoyed when the covers of books tell you absolutely nothing about the literature inside. I am completely baffled as to why publishers pick covers that in no way relate to the premise of the books. Why?

Synopsis
The synopsis of this book could go and die in a hole for all I care because it did nothing for me. It, unfortunately did not compel me to read this book because it was so boring and cliche and immediately hinted at the the fact that there was going to be a love triangle. Why would you do that? I wanted to figure that out for myself, thank you very much. It was poorly written and...no, I could not.

Protagonist
America Singer took the cake for being the most boring protagonist ever. She was not funny, she was not badass, she was not the silent killer type. She was just America and America kind of either put me to sleep most of the time or annoyed the hell out of me. I feel as if every good YA character should have a niche, something, anything that makes them unique and I truly believe that America has two: her uncanny ability to be oblivious even in the most obvious situations and her disposition to make absolutely dreadful decisions that inevitably causes everyone around her to hate her or be jealous. I mean, it's time for you to wake up and smell the coffee, America, you are never being released from this contest and Maxon likes you, stop pretending like it's not true! As a result of this, no attachment grew between me and this character; she was kind of flat most of the time and not an ideal female lead.

The Premise and Plot of the Book
The world that was described in this book was intriguing and I immediately became enveloped in this world. Honestly, whether it is a TV show or a book/comic, I enjoy anything that involves kingdoms and castles. I'm a sucker for those types of things and for that reason, I devoured this book. However, I found the actual plot of the book to be immensely irritating. It was so predictable, nothing surprised me and I did not feel like any real conflict existed. There were attacks and such but it was not major and that kind of sucked the life out of the book. This idea could have been developed so well and could have been really epic but it was played safe and lacked for me. There was not much of a story because again, I knew everything that was going to happen and I wasn't even spoiled, everything was obvious to everyone except America.

The Love Triangle
The love triangle of this book was sub-par and unbalanced, I was not a fan. First of all, I felt like we barely got to know Aspen, he was hardly in the book. The character development in this book sucked but Aspen's was the worst of all. We knew what we knew about him through America and that was very little because she was trying to get over him. By the time he started to appear more, the readers would have already gained a lot of attachment to Maxon and that's unfair. The romance in this book was flimsy and unrealistic. America was calm having to share Maxon with twenty-something other girls, though a bit jealous, she handled it well and trust me, no woman does that. Everything between Maxon and America seemed awkward and mechanical and I could not. I could not with the romance, I could not with the love triangle, I could not with Aspen and Maxon, I just could not.

Now, you all are probably wondering why I rated this book three cupcakes if I had so many problems with it. That is because, despite all the horrible things I think about the book, it was a guilty pleasure read. I flew threw it and loved the kind of Gossip Girl feel that it possessed and even though I hated many, many things about the book, I enjoyed reading it and am looking forward to picking up the second novel in the trilogy even though I can probably just guess what's going to happen.]]> 4.07 2012 The Selection (The Selection, #1)
author: Kiera Cass
name: Laquesha
average rating: 4.07
book published: 2012
rating: 3
read at: 2014/07/22
date added: 2015/06/12
shelves: 2014-tbr-challenge, fast-paced
review:
Follow my blog!:

This book definitely did not live up to my expectations. I gave it three cupcakes so obviously I enjoyed it a little but not as much I was hoping to enjoy it. That being stated, I sectioned off this review into different sections to help me distinctly justify my reasons for saying that because I know that a lot of people really like this trilogy but I cannot truthfully say that I am huge fan of this book, sadly. Let's start from the outside of the book and work our way into the inside.

Cover
I loved the cover of this book, as I do with most books that have gorgeous girls in beautiful dresses on the cover. It wasn't just the girl though. It was the fact that it perfectly described what the story was about, gave the reader an exact idea of what they would be getting themselves into. I, personally, get so annoyed when the covers of books tell you absolutely nothing about the literature inside. I am completely baffled as to why publishers pick covers that in no way relate to the premise of the books. Why?

Synopsis
The synopsis of this book could go and die in a hole for all I care because it did nothing for me. It, unfortunately did not compel me to read this book because it was so boring and cliche and immediately hinted at the the fact that there was going to be a love triangle. Why would you do that? I wanted to figure that out for myself, thank you very much. It was poorly written and...no, I could not.

Protagonist
America Singer took the cake for being the most boring protagonist ever. She was not funny, she was not badass, she was not the silent killer type. She was just America and America kind of either put me to sleep most of the time or annoyed the hell out of me. I feel as if every good YA character should have a niche, something, anything that makes them unique and I truly believe that America has two: her uncanny ability to be oblivious even in the most obvious situations and her disposition to make absolutely dreadful decisions that inevitably causes everyone around her to hate her or be jealous. I mean, it's time for you to wake up and smell the coffee, America, you are never being released from this contest and Maxon likes you, stop pretending like it's not true! As a result of this, no attachment grew between me and this character; she was kind of flat most of the time and not an ideal female lead.

The Premise and Plot of the Book
The world that was described in this book was intriguing and I immediately became enveloped in this world. Honestly, whether it is a TV show or a book/comic, I enjoy anything that involves kingdoms and castles. I'm a sucker for those types of things and for that reason, I devoured this book. However, I found the actual plot of the book to be immensely irritating. It was so predictable, nothing surprised me and I did not feel like any real conflict existed. There were attacks and such but it was not major and that kind of sucked the life out of the book. This idea could have been developed so well and could have been really epic but it was played safe and lacked for me. There was not much of a story because again, I knew everything that was going to happen and I wasn't even spoiled, everything was obvious to everyone except America.

The Love Triangle
The love triangle of this book was sub-par and unbalanced, I was not a fan. First of all, I felt like we barely got to know Aspen, he was hardly in the book. The character development in this book sucked but Aspen's was the worst of all. We knew what we knew about him through America and that was very little because she was trying to get over him. By the time he started to appear more, the readers would have already gained a lot of attachment to Maxon and that's unfair. The romance in this book was flimsy and unrealistic. America was calm having to share Maxon with twenty-something other girls, though a bit jealous, she handled it well and trust me, no woman does that. Everything between Maxon and America seemed awkward and mechanical and I could not. I could not with the romance, I could not with the love triangle, I could not with Aspen and Maxon, I just could not.

Now, you all are probably wondering why I rated this book three cupcakes if I had so many problems with it. That is because, despite all the horrible things I think about the book, it was a guilty pleasure read. I flew threw it and loved the kind of Gossip Girl feel that it possessed and even though I hated many, many things about the book, I enjoyed reading it and am looking forward to picking up the second novel in the trilogy even though I can probably just guess what's going to happen.
]]> The Reason I Stay 21942875 Jack Daniels is the cure to all evils.
Sex should be casual and, preferably, anonymous.
Giving a damn is for nurses, philanthropists and suicide hotlines.

My name is Mathew Rogers and those are the values I built my adult life around. They are also the reason I had to forsake everything I loved in Seattle and embark on a solitary road trip across the country, with no direction other than searching for the next small town, the next girl, and the closest liquor store.

Boredom, frustration and a series of unfortunate decisions led me to the rickety-ass town of Jolene, Alabama—a town I wanted to leave behind from the moment I passed the welcome sign. But it was there where I met her. The girl who made me question everything I’ve always believed in, and the only one who has ever had the power to break my heart.

Her name is Lexie.
She’s beautiful, and I’m pretty sure she hates me.
And for once in my life, I give enough of a damn that I keep finding a reason to stay.]]> Patty Maximini Laquesha 5 Overall, I really enjoyed this read, it was fantastic and I think that all of you guys should read it because it takes the New Adult genre and really makes it into something special and memorable. With that being said, I decided to give this one 5 cupcakes.]]> 3.85 2014 The Reason I Stay
author: Patty Maximini
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.85
book published: 2014
rating: 5
read at: 2014/10/01
date added: 2015/06/12
shelves:
review:

Overall, I really enjoyed this read, it was fantastic and I think that all of you guys should read it because it takes the New Adult genre and really makes it into something special and memorable. With that being said, I decided to give this one 5 cupcakes.
]]> Paper Towns 6442769 Who is the real Margo?

Quentin Jacobsen has spent a lifetime loving the magnificently adventurous Margo Roth Spiegelman from afar. So when she cracks open a window and climbs into his life—dressed like a ninja and summoning him for an ingenious campaign of revenge—he follows. After their all-nighter ends, and a new day breaks, Q arrives at school to discover that Margo, always an enigma, has now become a mystery. But Q soon learns that there are clues—and they're for him. Urged down a disconnected path, the closer he gets, the less Q sees the girl he thought he knew...]]> 305 John Green 014241493X Laquesha 5
Give it up for the third John Green book I have read and loved! Wow, three in a row. I think it's safe to say that he's one of my favourite authors. I love him and adore his work. This book was fantastic. The characters were so cute and lovable. The plot was really interesting and didn't drag at all. And the ending...once again Mr. Green you have succeeded in breaking my heart.

In every John Green book I've read, he's managed to make me fall in love with his characters. They're usually really weird but intriguing and have some type of interesting quirk. In TFIOS, Hazel and Augustus had an obsession with metaphors. In Looking for Alaska, Pudge has a thing for last words. In this book, Margo has a thing for random capitalization and disappearing, Radar had an obsession with the omnictionary, Ben with proms and Quentin with Margo. The characters were just cute and made me LOL all the time and their wacky personalities really added life to the story.

The plot of this book was really captivating and mysterious, like I was with Quentin 100% searching for Margo, I loved it. It kept me interested. It wasn't...sad, more developmental, I watched the characters grow from start to finish and it was awe-inspiring. And it was funny, John Green took a serious situation, the disappearance of a loved one, and added charm and quirk to it and it worked.

UGHHH! The ending, man. Do you have to break my heart all the time, Mr. Green? I love you but I also love happy, expected resolutions (not really). It didn't exactly turn out the way I thought it would but I was satisfied, I thought it was a perfect ending.

So, yeah I loved this book, I could not put it down, it was amaze-balls and totally deserved my awesome five cupcake rating.

]]> 3.68 2008 Paper Towns
author: John Green
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.68
book published: 2008
rating: 5
read at: 2014/06/01
date added: 2015/06/12
shelves:
review:
Follow my blog:

Give it up for the third John Green book I have read and loved! Wow, three in a row. I think it's safe to say that he's one of my favourite authors. I love him and adore his work. This book was fantastic. The characters were so cute and lovable. The plot was really interesting and didn't drag at all. And the ending...once again Mr. Green you have succeeded in breaking my heart.

In every John Green book I've read, he's managed to make me fall in love with his characters. They're usually really weird but intriguing and have some type of interesting quirk. In TFIOS, Hazel and Augustus had an obsession with metaphors. In Looking for Alaska, Pudge has a thing for last words. In this book, Margo has a thing for random capitalization and disappearing, Radar had an obsession with the omnictionary, Ben with proms and Quentin with Margo. The characters were just cute and made me LOL all the time and their wacky personalities really added life to the story.

The plot of this book was really captivating and mysterious, like I was with Quentin 100% searching for Margo, I loved it. It kept me interested. It wasn't...sad, more developmental, I watched the characters grow from start to finish and it was awe-inspiring. And it was funny, John Green took a serious situation, the disappearance of a loved one, and added charm and quirk to it and it worked.

UGHHH! The ending, man. Do you have to break my heart all the time, Mr. Green? I love you but I also love happy, expected resolutions (not really). It didn't exactly turn out the way I thought it would but I was satisfied, I thought it was a perfect ending.

So, yeah I loved this book, I could not put it down, it was amaze-balls and totally deserved my awesome five cupcake rating.


]]> Obsidian (Lux, #1) 12578077
When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I’d pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring� until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something� unexpected happens.

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon’s touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I’m getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.

If I don’t kill him first, that is.]]> 335 Jennifer L. Armentrout Laquesha 4
Obsidian was a breath of fresh air. I went it into expecting a lot as it is frequently described as "Twilight meets aliens" and despite what everyone says, Twilight is my love and aliens are so HOT! Jennifer L Armentrout did not disappoint as I thoroughly enjoyed the story. The first 50-pages or so were a bit dull and uneventful but it quickly picked up and I could not put it down. I loved the characters instantly because they were so distinct and memorable. I also thought that it was really really cute that the protagonist, Katy, was actually a book blogger, it made it a lot easier to relate to her. She was not monotonous, stupid or self-involved, she was kind and feisty and might I just say, her relationship with Daemon, who is BAE, was so pure and entertaining. I didn't at all feel like it was rushed, no deep, heartfelt confessions of love in this book! Daemon's unrelenting love and protectiveness for the ones that he cared about really stuck with me, and though he was a douchebag about 3/4 of the time, the other 1/4 he was the sweetest little alien in the world.

The world of the Luxen and the Arum were original, I've never read anything like that before and while I did get some Twilight vibes from this novel, it was a book by itself that needed no comparison. Fast-paced, original and noteworthy, Obsidian is the book to talk about.]]> 4.14 2011 Obsidian (Lux, #1)
author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
name: Laquesha
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2011
rating: 4
read at: 2014/12/01
date added: 2015/06/12
shelves:
review:


Obsidian was a breath of fresh air. I went it into expecting a lot as it is frequently described as "Twilight meets aliens" and despite what everyone says, Twilight is my love and aliens are so HOT! Jennifer L Armentrout did not disappoint as I thoroughly enjoyed the story. The first 50-pages or so were a bit dull and uneventful but it quickly picked up and I could not put it down. I loved the characters instantly because they were so distinct and memorable. I also thought that it was really really cute that the protagonist, Katy, was actually a book blogger, it made it a lot easier to relate to her. She was not monotonous, stupid or self-involved, she was kind and feisty and might I just say, her relationship with Daemon, who is BAE, was so pure and entertaining. I didn't at all feel like it was rushed, no deep, heartfelt confessions of love in this book! Daemon's unrelenting love and protectiveness for the ones that he cared about really stuck with me, and though he was a douchebag about 3/4 of the time, the other 1/4 he was the sweetest little alien in the world.

The world of the Luxen and the Arum were original, I've never read anything like that before and while I did get some Twilight vibes from this novel, it was a book by itself that needed no comparison. Fast-paced, original and noteworthy, Obsidian is the book to talk about.
]]> Onyx (Lux, #2) 13047090 BEING CONNECTED TO DAEMON BLACK SUCKS�

Thanks to his alien mojo, Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarro connection. So I’ve sworn him off, even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But we’ve got bigger problems.

SOMETHING WORSE THAN ARUM HAS COME TO TOWN

The Department of Defense is here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we’re linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And there’s this new boy in school who’s got a secret of his own. He knows what’s happened to me and he can help, but to do so, I have to lie to Daemon and stay away from him. Like that’s possible. Against all common sense, I’m falling for Daemon. Hard.

BUT THEN, EVERYTHING CHANGES

I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. And I have to tell Daemon, even though I know he’s never going to stop searching until he gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me?

NO ONE IS WHO THEY SEEM. AND NOT EVERYONE WILL SURVIVE THE LIES.]]> 421 Jennifer L. Armentrout Laquesha 4
Moving onto Onyx where we already have a clear idea of what Daemon and his family are and things are back to normal. Almost. You know, with the slight exception of Katy now having some weird alien mojo after an event which I can't explain in detail without spoiling all of you who haven't read the book. To top it off, the DOD (basically, like a deranged version of MEN IN BLACK) is snooping around and then, there's a new guy at school who's cute but seems too good to be true. What could possibly go wrong?

I really enjoyed Obsidian but I LOVED Onyx. I like to think of it as that child of some famous person that becomes way more famous than the famous person. The action WAS literally non-stop. You got to see a whole new side of Daemon and the lengths he would go to to protect his family. His and Katy's relationship just goes from 0 to 100 real quick! The laughs and the tears, all the feels were felt while reading this and the cliffhanger at the end! I just don't know what to think. Onyx was a page turner in a class of its own.]]> 4.23 2012 Onyx (Lux, #2)
author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
name: Laquesha
average rating: 4.23
book published: 2012
rating: 4
read at: 2014/12/01
date added: 2015/06/12
shelves:
review:


Moving onto Onyx where we already have a clear idea of what Daemon and his family are and things are back to normal. Almost. You know, with the slight exception of Katy now having some weird alien mojo after an event which I can't explain in detail without spoiling all of you who haven't read the book. To top it off, the DOD (basically, like a deranged version of MEN IN BLACK) is snooping around and then, there's a new guy at school who's cute but seems too good to be true. What could possibly go wrong?

I really enjoyed Obsidian but I LOVED Onyx. I like to think of it as that child of some famous person that becomes way more famous than the famous person. The action WAS literally non-stop. You got to see a whole new side of Daemon and the lengths he would go to to protect his family. His and Katy's relationship just goes from 0 to 100 real quick! The laughs and the tears, all the feels were felt while reading this and the cliffhanger at the end! I just don't know what to think. Onyx was a page turner in a class of its own.
]]> Champion (Legend, #3) 14290364 He is a Legend.
She is a Prodigy.
Who will be Champion?

June and Day have sacrificed so much for the people of the Republic—and each other—and now their country is on the brink of a new existence. June is back in the good graces of the Republic, working within the government’s elite circles as Princeps-Elect, while Day has been assigned a high-level military position.

But neither could have predicted the circumstances that will reunite them: just when a peace treaty is imminent, a plague outbreak causes panic in the Colonies, and war threatens the Republic’s border cities. This new strain of plague is deadlier than ever, and June is the only one who knows the key to her country’s defense. But saving the lives of thousands will mean asking the one she loves to give up everything.

With heart-pounding action and suspense, Marie Lu’s bestselling trilogy draws to a stunning conclusion.]]> 369 Marie Lu 0399256776 Laquesha 5 the-favs
Champion was everything. It was everything that Legend and Prodigy was but MORE. Firstly, let's talk (but not really talk because I'll spoil you) about the ending and the central conflict surrounding Day. Let's discuss Day and June's relationship and the fact that they are a year older than they were in Prodigy. Let me tell you how mature Day's little brother Eden has gotten and let me fangirl to you and scream my feels about the action in this novel!

Prodigy ended with some cry-worthy news about Day, my baby and I cried, I really did. It is further explored in this novel and is a source of conflict. It is difficult to discuss this without giving too much away. He...wasn't himself throughout Champion. Even though he tried to be, he physically couldn't and at the end, it did not matter because it didn't solve anything and crushed me. The ending was so sad but happy and refreshing at the same time because issues were...solved and there was a chance for a new beginning. I was satisfied but I wasn't because now it's over. Vague, I know but it was the best I could do.

June and Day's relationship deteriorates at the close of Prodigy and sees no real improvement at the beginning of this novel as the one year time frame between the two books is not only symbolic of the maturity of June and Day but also a growing apart as they haven't spoken in a year. Because of this, it is quite interesting to see them interact for the first time and sort of get back into the groove of working together and rediscovering why they cared so much for each other. I know that I said that I did not enjoy the romance in my review of Prodigy but this novel made me change my mind. I still think that it was rushed but it's pure and sweet and there's something fitting about it; a poor slum sector boy somehow finding love in a previously snobby Ruby sector girl.

Much of Legend and Prodigy was centered around finding Day's younger brother, Eden, who was described as being weak and innocent. That is not the case in the novel. Maybe it was the suffering that he endured at the hands of the Republic which caused him to lose most of his eyesight or his memories of the harsh times in the slum sectors, but he blossomed into a brave, noble little boy and I loved it. He adapted a Day-like mentality and he fought (figuratively) when his brother literally couldn't. I thought it was an ironic change albeit a cute one.

I knew that Marie Lu was NOT to disappoint with the action in the novel. I had high expectations and I was not let down! Picture the guns, fighter jets and roof-scaling action from the first two novels, then multiply that by 10000 and you have Champion. A very accurate picture of me while reading this:




I can't even describe how much this trilogy as a whole meant to me, specifically this novel, without babbling like an idiot and I know that this review doesn't have any particular organization or structure and I sincerely apologize for that. I have so many more things that I want to say but when I try to write them down, I sound like the dullest person alive. Hopefully, the message is clear. I love this trilogy. I think Marie Lu can do no wrong and I would recommend it to literally anyone.]]> 4.32 2013 Champion (Legend, #3)
author: Marie Lu
name: Laquesha
average rating: 4.32
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at: 2015/03/01
date added: 2015/06/12
shelves: the-favs
review:


Champion was everything. It was everything that Legend and Prodigy was but MORE. Firstly, let's talk (but not really talk because I'll spoil you) about the ending and the central conflict surrounding Day. Let's discuss Day and June's relationship and the fact that they are a year older than they were in Prodigy. Let me tell you how mature Day's little brother Eden has gotten and let me fangirl to you and scream my feels about the action in this novel!

Prodigy ended with some cry-worthy news about Day, my baby and I cried, I really did. It is further explored in this novel and is a source of conflict. It is difficult to discuss this without giving too much away. He...wasn't himself throughout Champion. Even though he tried to be, he physically couldn't and at the end, it did not matter because it didn't solve anything and crushed me. The ending was so sad but happy and refreshing at the same time because issues were...solved and there was a chance for a new beginning. I was satisfied but I wasn't because now it's over. Vague, I know but it was the best I could do.

June and Day's relationship deteriorates at the close of Prodigy and sees no real improvement at the beginning of this novel as the one year time frame between the two books is not only symbolic of the maturity of June and Day but also a growing apart as they haven't spoken in a year. Because of this, it is quite interesting to see them interact for the first time and sort of get back into the groove of working together and rediscovering why they cared so much for each other. I know that I said that I did not enjoy the romance in my review of Prodigy but this novel made me change my mind. I still think that it was rushed but it's pure and sweet and there's something fitting about it; a poor slum sector boy somehow finding love in a previously snobby Ruby sector girl.

Much of Legend and Prodigy was centered around finding Day's younger brother, Eden, who was described as being weak and innocent. That is not the case in the novel. Maybe it was the suffering that he endured at the hands of the Republic which caused him to lose most of his eyesight or his memories of the harsh times in the slum sectors, but he blossomed into a brave, noble little boy and I loved it. He adapted a Day-like mentality and he fought (figuratively) when his brother literally couldn't. I thought it was an ironic change albeit a cute one.

I knew that Marie Lu was NOT to disappoint with the action in the novel. I had high expectations and I was not let down! Picture the guns, fighter jets and roof-scaling action from the first two novels, then multiply that by 10000 and you have Champion. A very accurate picture of me while reading this:




I can't even describe how much this trilogy as a whole meant to me, specifically this novel, without babbling like an idiot and I know that this review doesn't have any particular organization or structure and I sincerely apologize for that. I have so many more things that I want to say but when I try to write them down, I sound like the dullest person alive. Hopefully, the message is clear. I love this trilogy. I think Marie Lu can do no wrong and I would recommend it to literally anyone.
]]> Prodigy (Legend, #2) 13414446 371 Marie Lu 0399256768 Laquesha 5 the-favs
Prodigy picks up right where Legend left off, right after June saves Day from the hands of Commander Jameson and the Republic. They are on the run for their lives, well, walk because Day's leg is injured and are blindly seeking the rebellion group known as the Patriots. Upon finding them, they strike a deal with its dubious leader, Razor: he'll help them find Day's brother, Eden and fix Day's leg IF they take part in a plot to kill the new Elector Primo, Anden. Using Anden's affection for June to their advantage, they weave a masterful plan to assassinate the new leader but...is he as evil and vindictive as Razor wants them to believe?

Now, you all know how I felt about Legend! It was my everything, it IS my everything, I loved it SO much and I daresay that Prodigy was BETTER! Yes, it was, I didn't believe that was remotely possible but it happened. I was actually anticipating this novel to have a severe case of Sequel Syndrome but BOY was I wrong. The story itself was kickass and had so much action and adventure! I especially enjoyed the dual point of views that fluctuated between Day and June's narration, more so since they were apart for the majority of this novel. And I really really really love the characters.

Mix a fast-paced plot with loads of action and badassery and you get two things : 1) an absolutely phenomenal novel and 2)an extraordinarily happy reader. Prodigy was everything that I could have hoped for. A lot of the writing in Legend focused on character and world development while in this novel, those things were kind of minimal considering that we knew most things already so from the get-go, it was EPIC! There were so many betrayals and gut-wrenching moments that I felt like I was in the novel with these characters, tagging along through their experiences and the majority of the time, I did this:




Dual narration is not something that I ever really have a positive opinion on. I usually hate it but it adds so much to the novels in this trilogy, it's difficult to NOT like it. In the first novel, it reinforced the deception and treachery that existed between Day and June when she was hunting him and in Prodigy, it allowed us, the readers, to see the contrasting settings that they were both in when they were apart, June being with Anden and Day living with the Patriots. It also intrigues me because it enables us to catch a glimpse of how similar and different Day and June are but also why they work so well with each other. There are also those really really cute moments where they both react to situations happening to them and they're wondering "What is June thinking?" or "What is Day thinking?" and it's like, I know...




The character development in this novel is out of this world. I feel for them, I actually care a lot about their lives, almost as if they were real people. Day is my favourite character, I love him maybe a fraction of a centimeter more than June and I literally cried, that's all I can say without spoiling things, I literally cried. He is young but owing to the things that he's been exposed to, he's not innocent and has a very real view of the world. Despite everything that he's been through, he somehow manages to be kind and generous and funny and charismatic and I think that's part of the reason why he's such an easy character to love. He works with June and I cannot fathom for the life of me how he is able to look past her background and all the despicable things that she did to him and his family but...he does and it makes for quite the cute, if a bit rushed, romance.

The romance, I feel like it would have been endearing if it hadn't been introduced so early. I think it should have been saved for the final book where Day and June would have been more familiar with each other. I mean, they're on the run for their lives and could be killed at a moment's notice, I just don't think that there was any room for romantic relations in this novel. Camaraderie is a thing that still exists, people. Despite the botched romance, my love stands. It wasn't a major hindrance in the novel as it was a tiny aspect of it and every other fantastic thing blurred out this flaw. It's kind of hard to care about the semi-romance when you're so busy studying the assassination plot and the ridiculously sad and nail-biting conclusion!

Let's just reiterate how awesome I thought Prodigy was. Action that made your heart palpitate and sweat drip from your pores. Check. Engaging and effective dual point of views that made the novel 10000 times more astounding. Check. Evil, cynical characters and also, lovable, winsome characters that made me feel EVERYTHING. Check. All the above features combine to create a powerful sequel that has you craving the final book and yes, I gave it five cupcakes because it was a delicious read.]]> 4.24 2013 Prodigy (Legend, #2)
author: Marie Lu
name: Laquesha
average rating: 4.24
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at: 2015/03/01
date added: 2015/06/12
shelves: the-favs
review:


Prodigy picks up right where Legend left off, right after June saves Day from the hands of Commander Jameson and the Republic. They are on the run for their lives, well, walk because Day's leg is injured and are blindly seeking the rebellion group known as the Patriots. Upon finding them, they strike a deal with its dubious leader, Razor: he'll help them find Day's brother, Eden and fix Day's leg IF they take part in a plot to kill the new Elector Primo, Anden. Using Anden's affection for June to their advantage, they weave a masterful plan to assassinate the new leader but...is he as evil and vindictive as Razor wants them to believe?

Now, you all know how I felt about Legend! It was my everything, it IS my everything, I loved it SO much and I daresay that Prodigy was BETTER! Yes, it was, I didn't believe that was remotely possible but it happened. I was actually anticipating this novel to have a severe case of Sequel Syndrome but BOY was I wrong. The story itself was kickass and had so much action and adventure! I especially enjoyed the dual point of views that fluctuated between Day and June's narration, more so since they were apart for the majority of this novel. And I really really really love the characters.

Mix a fast-paced plot with loads of action and badassery and you get two things : 1) an absolutely phenomenal novel and 2)an extraordinarily happy reader. Prodigy was everything that I could have hoped for. A lot of the writing in Legend focused on character and world development while in this novel, those things were kind of minimal considering that we knew most things already so from the get-go, it was EPIC! There were so many betrayals and gut-wrenching moments that I felt like I was in the novel with these characters, tagging along through their experiences and the majority of the time, I did this:




Dual narration is not something that I ever really have a positive opinion on. I usually hate it but it adds so much to the novels in this trilogy, it's difficult to NOT like it. In the first novel, it reinforced the deception and treachery that existed between Day and June when she was hunting him and in Prodigy, it allowed us, the readers, to see the contrasting settings that they were both in when they were apart, June being with Anden and Day living with the Patriots. It also intrigues me because it enables us to catch a glimpse of how similar and different Day and June are but also why they work so well with each other. There are also those really really cute moments where they both react to situations happening to them and they're wondering "What is June thinking?" or "What is Day thinking?" and it's like, I know...




The character development in this novel is out of this world. I feel for them, I actually care a lot about their lives, almost as if they were real people. Day is my favourite character, I love him maybe a fraction of a centimeter more than June and I literally cried, that's all I can say without spoiling things, I literally cried. He is young but owing to the things that he's been exposed to, he's not innocent and has a very real view of the world. Despite everything that he's been through, he somehow manages to be kind and generous and funny and charismatic and I think that's part of the reason why he's such an easy character to love. He works with June and I cannot fathom for the life of me how he is able to look past her background and all the despicable things that she did to him and his family but...he does and it makes for quite the cute, if a bit rushed, romance.

The romance, I feel like it would have been endearing if it hadn't been introduced so early. I think it should have been saved for the final book where Day and June would have been more familiar with each other. I mean, they're on the run for their lives and could be killed at a moment's notice, I just don't think that there was any room for romantic relations in this novel. Camaraderie is a thing that still exists, people. Despite the botched romance, my love stands. It wasn't a major hindrance in the novel as it was a tiny aspect of it and every other fantastic thing blurred out this flaw. It's kind of hard to care about the semi-romance when you're so busy studying the assassination plot and the ridiculously sad and nail-biting conclusion!

Let's just reiterate how awesome I thought Prodigy was. Action that made your heart palpitate and sweat drip from your pores. Check. Engaging and effective dual point of views that made the novel 10000 times more astounding. Check. Evil, cynical characters and also, lovable, winsome characters that made me feel EVERYTHING. Check. All the above features combine to create a powerful sequel that has you craving the final book and yes, I gave it five cupcakes because it was a delicious read.
]]> <![CDATA[Just For You (Escape to New Zealand, #0.5)]]> 22736814

Hemi Ranapia isn’t looking for love. Fun, yes. Love, not so much. But a summer fishing holiday to laid-back Russell could turn out to be more adventure than this good-time boy ever bargained for.


Reka Harata hasn’t forgotten the disastrously hot rugby star she met a year ago, no matter how much she wishes she could. Too bad Hemi keeps refusing to be left in her past.


Sometimes, especially in New Zealand’s Maori Northland, it really does take a village. And sometimes it just takes a little faith.


NOTE: This 36,000-word (120-page) novella begins about six years before the events of JUST THIS ONCE, and yes, it gets a little steamy at times, because Reka and Hemi are just that way. It can be read as a stand-alone book, even if this is your first escape to New Zealand.]]> 120 Rosalind James Laquesha 3
This book is a prequel novella to the Escape to New Zealand series and occurs before the series starts so it can be read as a standalone which I did and honestly, I enjoyed reading the book, it was cute but it's not something that I would personally read over and over again. It was really short, I read it in a day with a ton of pauses in between but everything felt rushed sometimes. I loved that I got to learn a ton of New Zealand slang words and culture. The actual story was really cute if a bit predictable and overdone.

I happen to really like when books are short and fast-paced. Short and fast-paced over long and drawn out any day. This book was exactly like that even though, I've not been really in the reading mood lately, I was able to finish it in record time. However, even though I enjoyed that aspect of the book, I felt that at some points stuff was butchered and rushed through e.g the romance, the character development. I get that it is a novella but I felt like time could've been spared for the important features of the book. Though it was a quick read, the rushing through of those features made the book a little less desirable for me.

The sheer amount of New Zealand phrases and culture in this was just...AHH! I loved it, I felt like I was travelling to the place without leaving my house and it was cool! There were so many lavish descriptions and it made me want to be in New Zealand. I learned some new words and I could live there. Seriously, because of this book, which had a frickin' New Zealand phrase glossary, I think that I would survive, like hardcore survive a day, possible two in New Zealand. Crazy huh?

The premise of this book was good and I read like the wind but I didn't feel like it was original and I didn't get a sense of genuineness from the romance in the story. It all just felt done before but it was funny. I mean, the characters were cool, their relationship was interestingly hilarious. Idk, for some reason, I just could not stop giggling and face-palming at the romance.

All in all, it was a decent read, a good one but it was more on the not-perfect side than the perfect side. Moreover, I enjoyed it, I both liked and disliked stuff about it and I feel like the bad stuff cancelled out the good stuff and the good stuff cancelled out the bad stuff so I was left with nothing. In which case, I did not know how to rate this book because it wasn't my cup of tea but I feel like it might be someone else's. In the end, I went ahead and decided to give this book 3 cupcakes because it's kind of the middle ground I think where the book is not so bad but it's not perfect either.]]> 4.05 2014 Just For You (Escape to New Zealand, #0.5)
author: Rosalind James
name: Laquesha
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2014
rating: 3
read at: 2014/09/01
date added: 2015/06/12
shelves:
review:


This book is a prequel novella to the Escape to New Zealand series and occurs before the series starts so it can be read as a standalone which I did and honestly, I enjoyed reading the book, it was cute but it's not something that I would personally read over and over again. It was really short, I read it in a day with a ton of pauses in between but everything felt rushed sometimes. I loved that I got to learn a ton of New Zealand slang words and culture. The actual story was really cute if a bit predictable and overdone.

I happen to really like when books are short and fast-paced. Short and fast-paced over long and drawn out any day. This book was exactly like that even though, I've not been really in the reading mood lately, I was able to finish it in record time. However, even though I enjoyed that aspect of the book, I felt that at some points stuff was butchered and rushed through e.g the romance, the character development. I get that it is a novella but I felt like time could've been spared for the important features of the book. Though it was a quick read, the rushing through of those features made the book a little less desirable for me.

The sheer amount of New Zealand phrases and culture in this was just...AHH! I loved it, I felt like I was travelling to the place without leaving my house and it was cool! There were so many lavish descriptions and it made me want to be in New Zealand. I learned some new words and I could live there. Seriously, because of this book, which had a frickin' New Zealand phrase glossary, I think that I would survive, like hardcore survive a day, possible two in New Zealand. Crazy huh?

The premise of this book was good and I read like the wind but I didn't feel like it was original and I didn't get a sense of genuineness from the romance in the story. It all just felt done before but it was funny. I mean, the characters were cool, their relationship was interestingly hilarious. Idk, for some reason, I just could not stop giggling and face-palming at the romance.

All in all, it was a decent read, a good one but it was more on the not-perfect side than the perfect side. Moreover, I enjoyed it, I both liked and disliked stuff about it and I feel like the bad stuff cancelled out the good stuff and the good stuff cancelled out the bad stuff so I was left with nothing. In which case, I did not know how to rate this book because it wasn't my cup of tea but I feel like it might be someone else's. In the end, I went ahead and decided to give this book 3 cupcakes because it's kind of the middle ground I think where the book is not so bad but it's not perfect either.
]]> Incarnate (Newsoul, #1) 8573642
Ana is new. For thousands of years in Range, a million souls have been reincarnated over and over, keeping their memories and experiences from previous lifetimes. When Ana was born, another soul vanished, and no one knows why.

No soul

Even Ana’s own mother thinks she’s a nosoul, an omen of worse things to come, and has kept her away from society. To escape her seclusion and learn whether she’ll be reincarnated, Ana travels to the city of Heart, but its citizens are afraid of what her presence means. When dragons and sylph attack the city, is Ana to blame?

Heart

Sam believes Ana’s new soul is good and worthwhile. When he stands up for her, their relationship blooms. But can he love someone who may live only once, and will Ana’s enemies—human and creature alike—let them be together? Ana needs to uncover the mistake that gave her someone else’s life, but will her quest threaten the peace of Heart and destroy the promise of reincarnation for all?

Jodi Meadows expertly weaves soul-deep romance, fantasy, and danger into an extraordinary tale of new life.]]> 374 Jodi Meadows 0062060759 Laquesha 4 the-favs
The night Ana was born, the light in the temple at the centre of Heart went out and the soul scanner could not identify her soul which was supposed to have been Ciana's. As a result of this, she is disliked by most of the reincarnated souls who fear that they are next to be replaced and has lived all of her life tucked away in Purple Rose Cottage with her hateful mother who believes that she is a "nosoul", a disease that needs to be rid of. On her eighteenth birthday, she sets off on a journey to Heart with a mission to find out why she was born.

To be quite honest, it was extremely difficult to get into this book at first because the premise took some getting used to but moving past that, I think that Incarnate was a fantastic read. I really enjoyed reading Ana's story because she was such a relatable character and she was innocent so her interactions with new things and new people were intriguing. Also, I loved the abstract idea of love and how it can exist in any way, shape or form. Furthermore, there was so much action in this novel that I couldn't NOT like it.

It took me about two weeks to really sit down and force myself to power through this novel because I was so confused about EVERYTHING. Confused about the world and the terminology; "quindecs" and "years". I still don't fully understand the "years" but I'm hoping that the other two books clear things up for me. To top that off, I felt like the story just kind of dove into Ana leaving for Heart without much explanation of reincarnation so for the first fifty pages, I didn't know left from right.

Ana, as a protagonist, was well done. Props to Jodi Meadows. She was so inexperienced and ignorant of the world of souls and reincarnation. It made reading the story a lot more enjoyable because we, the readers, were learning and discovering and exploring alongside her. Ana was sarcastic and perceptive and somehow ridiculously good at overhearing other people's conversations.

Love was a major theme in Incarnate, from the rededication of souls to the growing relationship between Sam and Ana, it was everywhere. Jodi Meadows shows that love is not physical and isn't based on outward appearances and arbitrary things like age. Sam has lived for hundreds of lifetimes and this is Ana's first and despite the fact that he is over a thousand years her senior and she knows that he has had past forms and lovers, she is able to fall for him. It was heart-warming and an intriguing take on love.

Action littered almost every page of Incarnate, there was so much of it. It was honestly impossible to put this novel down. There were dragons guys! Dragons! It left my heart racing and whoa. Just whoa. No words.

In conclusion, I just want to reiterate how much of a ride this book was. The plot of this book was insane. Insanely creative and insanely well-written. Though I had trouble getting into it, it was still fantastic, superb, unlike anything I've ever read. I loved it and gave it four cupcakes (in case you were wondering).
]]> 3.74 2012 Incarnate (Newsoul, #1)
author: Jodi Meadows
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.74
book published: 2012
rating: 4
read at: 2015/02/01
date added: 2015/06/12
shelves: the-favs
review:


The night Ana was born, the light in the temple at the centre of Heart went out and the soul scanner could not identify her soul which was supposed to have been Ciana's. As a result of this, she is disliked by most of the reincarnated souls who fear that they are next to be replaced and has lived all of her life tucked away in Purple Rose Cottage with her hateful mother who believes that she is a "nosoul", a disease that needs to be rid of. On her eighteenth birthday, she sets off on a journey to Heart with a mission to find out why she was born.

To be quite honest, it was extremely difficult to get into this book at first because the premise took some getting used to but moving past that, I think that Incarnate was a fantastic read. I really enjoyed reading Ana's story because she was such a relatable character and she was innocent so her interactions with new things and new people were intriguing. Also, I loved the abstract idea of love and how it can exist in any way, shape or form. Furthermore, there was so much action in this novel that I couldn't NOT like it.

It took me about two weeks to really sit down and force myself to power through this novel because I was so confused about EVERYTHING. Confused about the world and the terminology; "quindecs" and "years". I still don't fully understand the "years" but I'm hoping that the other two books clear things up for me. To top that off, I felt like the story just kind of dove into Ana leaving for Heart without much explanation of reincarnation so for the first fifty pages, I didn't know left from right.

Ana, as a protagonist, was well done. Props to Jodi Meadows. She was so inexperienced and ignorant of the world of souls and reincarnation. It made reading the story a lot more enjoyable because we, the readers, were learning and discovering and exploring alongside her. Ana was sarcastic and perceptive and somehow ridiculously good at overhearing other people's conversations.

Love was a major theme in Incarnate, from the rededication of souls to the growing relationship between Sam and Ana, it was everywhere. Jodi Meadows shows that love is not physical and isn't based on outward appearances and arbitrary things like age. Sam has lived for hundreds of lifetimes and this is Ana's first and despite the fact that he is over a thousand years her senior and she knows that he has had past forms and lovers, she is able to fall for him. It was heart-warming and an intriguing take on love.

Action littered almost every page of Incarnate, there was so much of it. It was honestly impossible to put this novel down. There were dragons guys! Dragons! It left my heart racing and whoa. Just whoa. No words.

In conclusion, I just want to reiterate how much of a ride this book was. The plot of this book was insane. Insanely creative and insanely well-written. Though I had trouble getting into it, it was still fantastic, superb, unlike anything I've ever read. I loved it and gave it four cupcakes (in case you were wondering).

]]> Hagridden 22847712 252 Samuel Snoek-Brown 0989173798 Laquesha 2
I went into this novel knowing absolutely nothing about the Civil War and I think I almost finished it with a good knowledge of it. I don't know but I felt like there was too much information and it kind of took away from the story. It slowed down the pace by a lot and it made the book boring and not fun to read.

I was quite indifferent to the characters in this novel. The only one I partially enjoyed reading about was Buford and even then, not that much. I did not get attached to them because I didn't learn a lot about them, especially "the girl" whose name I didn't even know while reading this. They were all bland and faded into the background for me.

While I did really enjoy the premise of the novel and the idea of the struggle that the two women faced, I was confused by the direction that the novel was taking coming down to the end. There were psychopaths skinning wolves, women jumping down wells and my mind could not fathom the relevance of all that was happening. I thought, though, that the novel was true to the happenings of the Civil War. It felt real and the writing was quite descriptive and very free-flowing.

I decided to give this novel two cupcakes because I mostly did not fancy it but there were some elements that I like. For example, the accuracy of the historical event and the sneaky little sexual innuendos here and there. It was not my favourite but if you enjoy historical fiction novels, I think that you should definitely give it a go, you might actually find yourself liking it.]]> 4.22 2014 Hagridden
author: Samuel Snoek-Brown
name: Laquesha
average rating: 4.22
book published: 2014
rating: 2
read at: 2014/12/01
date added: 2015/06/12
shelves:
review:
I received this novel in exchange for an honest review from the publisher. I didn't quite enjoy this book, I just don't think it agreed with me. It was very condensed with history (and yes, I know that it's a historical fiction novel) and it made for a rather slow pace. The characters were not really memorable to be quite honest, nothing about them grabbed me and the actual story didn't interest me as much as I thought it would. I got about 220 pages into this novel which is near completion and I felt like I was struggling to finish it which is horrible because I'm not at school, I shouldn't fight to finish books so...I didn't.

I went into this novel knowing absolutely nothing about the Civil War and I think I almost finished it with a good knowledge of it. I don't know but I felt like there was too much information and it kind of took away from the story. It slowed down the pace by a lot and it made the book boring and not fun to read.

I was quite indifferent to the characters in this novel. The only one I partially enjoyed reading about was Buford and even then, not that much. I did not get attached to them because I didn't learn a lot about them, especially "the girl" whose name I didn't even know while reading this. They were all bland and faded into the background for me.

While I did really enjoy the premise of the novel and the idea of the struggle that the two women faced, I was confused by the direction that the novel was taking coming down to the end. There were psychopaths skinning wolves, women jumping down wells and my mind could not fathom the relevance of all that was happening. I thought, though, that the novel was true to the happenings of the Civil War. It felt real and the writing was quite descriptive and very free-flowing.

I decided to give this novel two cupcakes because I mostly did not fancy it but there were some elements that I like. For example, the accuracy of the historical event and the sneaky little sexual innuendos here and there. It was not my favourite but if you enjoy historical fiction novels, I think that you should definitely give it a go, you might actually find yourself liking it.
]]> <![CDATA[The Fiery Heart (Bloodlines, #4)]]> 9833184 Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets and human lives.
In The Indigo Spell, Sydney was torn between the Alchemist way of life and what her heart and gut were telling her to do. And in one breathtaking moment that Richelle Mead fans will never forget, she made a decision that shocked even her. . .
But the struggle isn't over for Sydney. As she navigates the aftermath of her life-changing decision, she still finds herself pulled in too many directions at once. Her sister Zoe has arrived, and while Sydney longs to grow closer to her, there's still so much she must keep secret. Working with Marcus has changed the way she views the Alchemists, and Sydney must tread a careful path as she harnesses her profound magical ability to undermine the way of life she was raised to defend. Consumed by passion and vengeance, Sydney struggles to keep her secret life under wraps as the threat of exposure and re-education looms larger than ever.
Pulses will race throughout this thrilling fourth installment in the New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series, where no secret is safe.]]> 420 Richelle Mead 1595143203 Laquesha 5 the-favs The Fiery Heart picks up right where The Indigo Spell left off. It's actually one of the things that I love about this series, it doesn't waste time with unnecessary details, it just gets right into the nitty-gritty of things. Sydney's younger sister, Zoe, has arrived and she not only has to worry about hiding her escalating relationship with Adrian from her but also the fact that she is soon to be a sworn in member of a witch coven and is working to uncover the secrets of the organization that she has lived in fear of her entire life. Obviously, life isn't perfect and stuff happens but skip skip skip, I don't want to spoil anyone so let's just move onto my spoiler-free review!

I loved this novel, as I have loved every Richelle Mead novel that I have ever read. It was fantastic. The plot was fast-paced and breathtaking. Sydney and Adrian, SADRIAN! Also, the massive cliffhanger at the end gave me all the feels! And kind of made me want to kill every Alchemist in existence, exclusive of Sydney, of course.

Richelle Mead's stories function like a human body would; there are many different features but they all somehow work together to create a beautiful and utterly intriguing tale. For starters, The Fiery Heart interchanged between Sydney and Adrian's point of view which was new, she's never done it with the other books of the series, but it worked. Many times, while reading the other books, I'd find myself wondering what Adrian was up to while Sydney and the gang were at school. Now, we get to not only find out what Adrian does during the day, but also get an insight as to how his mind works, how he actually feels about everything: Sydney, his aunt's death, life. There's also the magic element of the book and Sydney constantly discovering something new and the troubles that she has in that part of her life. I think that when you join that with Sydney's alchemist ink findings, moroi-strigoi transformation news, relationship conflict between Jill and Eddie and Trey and Angeline AND still having to hide all of that from Zoe, it seems like a bit much. BUT, it isn't! Somehow, someway ,unknown to all of mankind, Richelle Mead makes all of these aspects of the novel fit like a glove and work in perfect harmony. Not only is the novel amazing but it is also constantly moving. There are no dragging moments and you never want to put it down (which is good and bad if you're like me and have the world of homework to do).

To be honest, I was a bit iffy about the whole Sydney-Adrian relationship when it first kicked off but I must say, this book sealed the deal for me and made every negative thought evaporate! Their relationship makes my heart melt every time they're in the same room together, it is so sweet and adorable how deeply they've fallen for each other. It also brings about a sense of closure and makes me happy that Adrian is no longer pining over his lost relationship with Rose (Rimitri for life!) because I feel like he deserves the all-encompassing love that he has with Sydney and shouldn't have to worry about her falling for another guy. And the level of sarcasm that is present in their relationship KILLS me, LOL every time!

I can't talk about it without potentially spoiling everyone reading this review but the cliffhanger at the end had me like:



And also like:



But mostly like:



In short, not unexpectedly, Richelle Mead created another masterpiece that has me anxiously awaiting the sequel. Thankfully, I have ordered both Silver Shadows and The Ruby Circle and they are on their way! Yay! For those of you hesitant to dive into this world, maybe you've read the Vampire Academy series or maybe you haven't (you should), don't hesitate any longer! Jump on this bandwagon and ride it into the sunset because you will not regret it. It was fantastic and I don't even need to say this but I'm going to say it anyway, I gave it five cupcakes.
]]> 4.33 2013 The Fiery Heart (Bloodlines, #4)
author: Richelle Mead
name: Laquesha
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at: 2014/11/01
date added: 2015/06/12
shelves: the-favs
review:
The Fiery Heart picks up right where The Indigo Spell left off. It's actually one of the things that I love about this series, it doesn't waste time with unnecessary details, it just gets right into the nitty-gritty of things. Sydney's younger sister, Zoe, has arrived and she not only has to worry about hiding her escalating relationship with Adrian from her but also the fact that she is soon to be a sworn in member of a witch coven and is working to uncover the secrets of the organization that she has lived in fear of her entire life. Obviously, life isn't perfect and stuff happens but skip skip skip, I don't want to spoil anyone so let's just move onto my spoiler-free review!

I loved this novel, as I have loved every Richelle Mead novel that I have ever read. It was fantastic. The plot was fast-paced and breathtaking. Sydney and Adrian, SADRIAN! Also, the massive cliffhanger at the end gave me all the feels! And kind of made me want to kill every Alchemist in existence, exclusive of Sydney, of course.

Richelle Mead's stories function like a human body would; there are many different features but they all somehow work together to create a beautiful and utterly intriguing tale. For starters, The Fiery Heart interchanged between Sydney and Adrian's point of view which was new, she's never done it with the other books of the series, but it worked. Many times, while reading the other books, I'd find myself wondering what Adrian was up to while Sydney and the gang were at school. Now, we get to not only find out what Adrian does during the day, but also get an insight as to how his mind works, how he actually feels about everything: Sydney, his aunt's death, life. There's also the magic element of the book and Sydney constantly discovering something new and the troubles that she has in that part of her life. I think that when you join that with Sydney's alchemist ink findings, moroi-strigoi transformation news, relationship conflict between Jill and Eddie and Trey and Angeline AND still having to hide all of that from Zoe, it seems like a bit much. BUT, it isn't! Somehow, someway ,unknown to all of mankind, Richelle Mead makes all of these aspects of the novel fit like a glove and work in perfect harmony. Not only is the novel amazing but it is also constantly moving. There are no dragging moments and you never want to put it down (which is good and bad if you're like me and have the world of homework to do).

To be honest, I was a bit iffy about the whole Sydney-Adrian relationship when it first kicked off but I must say, this book sealed the deal for me and made every negative thought evaporate! Their relationship makes my heart melt every time they're in the same room together, it is so sweet and adorable how deeply they've fallen for each other. It also brings about a sense of closure and makes me happy that Adrian is no longer pining over his lost relationship with Rose (Rimitri for life!) because I feel like he deserves the all-encompassing love that he has with Sydney and shouldn't have to worry about her falling for another guy. And the level of sarcasm that is present in their relationship KILLS me, LOL every time!

I can't talk about it without potentially spoiling everyone reading this review but the cliffhanger at the end had me like:



And also like:



But mostly like:



In short, not unexpectedly, Richelle Mead created another masterpiece that has me anxiously awaiting the sequel. Thankfully, I have ordered both Silver Shadows and The Ruby Circle and they are on their way! Yay! For those of you hesitant to dive into this world, maybe you've read the Vampire Academy series or maybe you haven't (you should), don't hesitate any longer! Jump on this bandwagon and ride it into the sunset because you will not regret it. It was fantastic and I don't even need to say this but I'm going to say it anyway, I gave it five cupcakes.

]]> <![CDATA[Chasing Luck (Serendipity, #1)]]> 22013978
At the age of seven, Malerie walked away from a bombing that left hundreds dead—including her mother. When a crazed gunman kills her guardian on her eighteenth birthday, Malerie suspects there may be more to her survival than luck. A mysterious code holds the key to her future, and a reluctant white knight holds the key to her heart.

A loner wearing emotional armor�

Ace is a twenty-year-old entrepreneur focusing on two things in life: financial security and a life without ties. A life that doesn't risk losing the ones who matter. When Ace is hired to secretly act as a bodyguard for Malerie, he faces an unwanted attraction that threatens to sabotage his heart. Can Ace find the courage to love a girl with a death wish?]]> 314 Brinda Berry 0991632036 Laquesha 5
I think that all of the characters in Chasing Luck were interesting, relatable and memorable but I have to say that I loved Malerie the most. She was my favourite and throughout reading this novel, an indescribable connection was formed, somehow linking me to this character. She is "lucky" or maybe "cursed" as was the lone survivor of a bombing that she lost her mom to and again, when she was shot during gunfire at a restaurant where she lost her uncle; she should have died but didn't. Because of all that she's witnessed, she has a perpetual fear of accidents which is why she's been homeschooled all her life and refuses to leave home to attend college. I don't know why but I just felt for this character, her problems seemed very real and her emotions just gave me all the feels!

The writing style of the author was concise but at the same time, it was extremely descriptive and it flowed really well. It wasn't long and drawn out, like most contemporary books are, it was perfect for the story and I really liked it. Also, I really loved how, at the beginning of each chapter, the author included a quote from Jelly Bean Queen, which was Malerie's favourite band. You guys know how I feel about chapter quotes, they are the best thing of life!

The actual plot of this story was so suspenseful and also very romantic, it had me hanging onto every single word. I enjoyed reading about Ace and Malerie's developing relationship and I can't spoil you guys but everything happens and there are so many plot twists and turns that you will never want to put this book down!

I decided to give this one five cupcakes, I thought that it was an amazing read filled with love and mystery and I would recommend it to just aboout anyone.
]]> 3.55 2014 Chasing Luck (Serendipity, #1)
author: Brinda Berry
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.55
book published: 2014
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2015/06/12
shelves:
review:
This novel was an amazing and really entertaining one and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I felt a really deep connection with the main character, Malerie, her character was really developed. Also, the writing style of the author was really beautiful and it flowed well. The plot of the story just jumped out and grabbed me.

I think that all of the characters in Chasing Luck were interesting, relatable and memorable but I have to say that I loved Malerie the most. She was my favourite and throughout reading this novel, an indescribable connection was formed, somehow linking me to this character. She is "lucky" or maybe "cursed" as was the lone survivor of a bombing that she lost her mom to and again, when she was shot during gunfire at a restaurant where she lost her uncle; she should have died but didn't. Because of all that she's witnessed, she has a perpetual fear of accidents which is why she's been homeschooled all her life and refuses to leave home to attend college. I don't know why but I just felt for this character, her problems seemed very real and her emotions just gave me all the feels!

The writing style of the author was concise but at the same time, it was extremely descriptive and it flowed really well. It wasn't long and drawn out, like most contemporary books are, it was perfect for the story and I really liked it. Also, I really loved how, at the beginning of each chapter, the author included a quote from Jelly Bean Queen, which was Malerie's favourite band. You guys know how I feel about chapter quotes, they are the best thing of life!

The actual plot of this story was so suspenseful and also very romantic, it had me hanging onto every single word. I enjoyed reading about Ace and Malerie's developing relationship and I can't spoil you guys but everything happens and there are so many plot twists and turns that you will never want to put this book down!

I decided to give this one five cupcakes, I thought that it was an amazing read filled with love and mystery and I would recommend it to just aboout anyone.

]]> <![CDATA[Under the Never Sky (Under the Never Sky, #1)]]> 13068776 Since she'd been on the outside, she'd survived an Aether storm, she'd had a knife held to her throat, and she'd seen men murdered.

This was worse.

Exiled from her home, the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland � known as The Death Shop � are slim. If the cannibals don't get her, the violent energy storms will. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He's wild � a savage � and her only hope of staying alive.

A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry views Aria as sheltered and fragile—everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he needs Aria's help too; she alone holds the key to his redemption. Opposites in nearly every way, Aria and Perry must come together to survive. Their unlikely alliance forges a bond that will determine the fate of all who live under the never sky.]]> 376 Veronica Rossi 0062131958 Laquesha 4
My review of this book might be just a little bit weird because I read it at the end of September and to be honest, I can't really remember much about what happened. I remember enjoying this book a lot, I think I gave it four cupcakes while reading so with that being said, I am going to try to review it as best as I can given my lack of memory. K? K.

The plot of this novel, more specifically, the world was extremely original! I mean, I love Science Fiction books and I can honestly say that I have never read anything like this before. Picture Star Wars, mixed with Pocahontas and Justice League. I don't know why I made that comparison but that's kind of the vibe that I got from reading this. Star Wars because the idea of the different virtual realms and progressive forms of communication just screamed space. I mean, you could literally fall in love and practically do anything within your mind. The Pocahontas aspect came from the fact that people who didn't operate within the realms were known as "savages" and they lived in tribes and did pretty traditional tribe things. Justice League because I didn't really know how to explain the fact that these "savages" possessive extra-sensory abilities, that is, super hearing, smelling and even, seeing. The world was so completely unique and weird, totally completely weird but enjoyable.

I didn't quite enjoy the "romance" between Perry and Aria but I loved reading about them, as well as, the other characters in this novel. I particularly loved Roar. He was just so witty and incredibly funny, he stole the attention in every chapter that he was in from the moment that he was introduced. There were also really cute and quite frankly awkward (in a good way) moments between Aria and Perry when she's learning to adjust to the fact that she is no longer in the world of Realms (refer to the first time she got her period HAHA). Though the romance fell really short for me, I felt like the characters were solid and lovable.

The ending of this book was a bit anti-climatic. I still have a desire to continue on with the trilogy but it was a bit mellow and not how I expected it to be given the events coming down to the end of the book. I mean, it was intriguing and left me wondering but...idk, I just didn't feel it too much.

For the reasons given above, at least the ones I can recall at the moment, I decided to give this book 4 cupcakes. It was a quick read with a really interesting premise and very well-developed characters. I would recommend it to all the lovers of sci-fi out there, it's definitely worth checking out.]]> 3.94 2011 Under the Never Sky (Under the Never Sky, #1)
author: Veronica Rossi
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2011
rating: 4
read at: 2014/11/01
date added: 2015/06/12
shelves:
review:


My review of this book might be just a little bit weird because I read it at the end of September and to be honest, I can't really remember much about what happened. I remember enjoying this book a lot, I think I gave it four cupcakes while reading so with that being said, I am going to try to review it as best as I can given my lack of memory. K? K.

The plot of this novel, more specifically, the world was extremely original! I mean, I love Science Fiction books and I can honestly say that I have never read anything like this before. Picture Star Wars, mixed with Pocahontas and Justice League. I don't know why I made that comparison but that's kind of the vibe that I got from reading this. Star Wars because the idea of the different virtual realms and progressive forms of communication just screamed space. I mean, you could literally fall in love and practically do anything within your mind. The Pocahontas aspect came from the fact that people who didn't operate within the realms were known as "savages" and they lived in tribes and did pretty traditional tribe things. Justice League because I didn't really know how to explain the fact that these "savages" possessive extra-sensory abilities, that is, super hearing, smelling and even, seeing. The world was so completely unique and weird, totally completely weird but enjoyable.

I didn't quite enjoy the "romance" between Perry and Aria but I loved reading about them, as well as, the other characters in this novel. I particularly loved Roar. He was just so witty and incredibly funny, he stole the attention in every chapter that he was in from the moment that he was introduced. There were also really cute and quite frankly awkward (in a good way) moments between Aria and Perry when she's learning to adjust to the fact that she is no longer in the world of Realms (refer to the first time she got her period HAHA). Though the romance fell really short for me, I felt like the characters were solid and lovable.

The ending of this book was a bit anti-climatic. I still have a desire to continue on with the trilogy but it was a bit mellow and not how I expected it to be given the events coming down to the end of the book. I mean, it was intriguing and left me wondering but...idk, I just didn't feel it too much.

For the reasons given above, at least the ones I can recall at the moment, I decided to give this book 4 cupcakes. It was a quick read with a really interesting premise and very well-developed characters. I would recommend it to all the lovers of sci-fi out there, it's definitely worth checking out.
]]> Glass Sword (Red Queen, #2) 23174274 Urodziłam się, żeby zabić króla i zakończyć rządy terroru, zanim naprawdę się zaczną.

Jednej rzeczy Mare Barrow jest pewna: że jest inna.

Jej krew jest czerwona � to kolor pospólstwa � ale jej Srebrna zdolność, moc kontrolowania błyskawic, zmieniła ją w broń, nad którą dwór królewski chce przejąć kontrolę.

Ścigana przez Mavena, mściwego Srebrnego króla, Mare postanawia odnaleźć i zwerbować innych Czerwono-Srebrnych wojowników, żeby dołączyli do rebelii. Sama jednak ląduje na zabójczej ścieżce i ryzykuje, że stanie się dokładnie takim potworem, jakiego próbuje pokonać.

W elektryzującym drugim tomie cyklu „Czerwona Królowa" nasila się walka między rosnącą armią rebeliantów i podzielonym według koloru krwi światem, który znają od zawsze, a Mare musi też walczyć z mrokiem, jaki rozrasta się w jej duszy.]]> 444 Victoria Aveyard 0062310666 Laquesha 0 to-read 3.79 2016 Glass Sword (Red Queen, #2)
author: Victoria Aveyard
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.79
book published: 2016
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2015/05/31
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Compulsion (The Heirs of Watson Island, #1)]]> 20759498 Three plantations. Two wishes. One ancient curse.

All her life, Barrie Watson has been a virtual prisoner in the house where she lives with her shut-in mother. When her mother dies, Barrie promises to put some mileage on her stiletto heels. But she finds a new kind of prison at her aunt’s South Carolina plantation instead—a prison guarded by an ancient spirit who long ago cursed one of the three founding families of Watson Island and gave the others magical gifts that became compulsions.

Stuck with the ghosts of a generations-old feud and hunted by forces she cannot see, Barrie must find a way to break free of the family legacy. With the help of sun-kissed Eight Beaufort, who knows what Barrie wants before she knows herself, the last Watson heir starts to unravel her family's twisted secrets. What she finds is dangerous: a love she never expected, a river that turns to fire at midnight, a gorgeous cousin who isn't what she seems, and very real enemies who want both Eight and Barrie dead.]]> 433 Martina Boone 1481411225 Laquesha 0 to-read 3.84 2014 Compulsion (The Heirs of Watson Island, #1)
author: Martina Boone
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.84
book published: 2014
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2015/05/02
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Alienated (Alienated, #1) 22215758
Handpicked to host the first-ever L'eihr exchange student, Cara thinks her future is set. Not only does she get a free ride to her dream college, she'll have inside information about the mysterious L'eihrs that every journalist would kill for. Cara's blog following is about to skyrocket.

Still, Cara isn't sure what to think when she meets Aelyx. Humans and L'eihrs have nearly identical DNA, but cold, infuriatingly brilliant Aelyx couldn't seem more alien. She's certain about one thing no human boy is this good-looking.

But when Cara's classmates get swept up by anti-L'eihr paranoia, Midtown High School suddenly isn't safe anymore. Threatening notes appear in Cara's locker, and a police officer has to escort her and Aelyx to class.

Cara finds support in the last person she expected. She realizes that Aelyx isn't just her only friend; she's fallen hard for him. But Aelyx has been hiding the truth about the purpose of his exchange, and its potentially deadly consequences. Soon Cara will be in for the fight of her life-not just for herself and the boy she loves, but for the future of her planet.]]> 346 Melissa Landers 1423185250 Laquesha 0 to-read 3.86 2014 Alienated (Alienated, #1)
author: Melissa Landers
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.86
book published: 2014
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2015/05/02
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Things We Know by Heart 17571215
After Quinn loses her boyfriend, Trent, in an accident their junior year, she reaches out to the recipients of his donated organs in hopes of picking up the pieces of her now-unrecognizable life. She hears back from some of them, but the person who received Trent’s heart has remained silent. The essence of a person, she has always believed, is in the heart. If she finds Trent’s, then maybe she can have peace once and for all.

Risking everything in order to finally lay her memories to rest, Quinn goes outside the system to track down nineteen-year-old Colton Thomas—a guy whose life has been forever changed by this priceless gift. But what starts as an accidental run-in quickly develops into more, sparking an undeniable attraction. She doesn't want to give in to it—especially since he has no idea how they're connected—but their time together has made Quinn feel alive again. No matter how hard she’s falling for Colton, each beat of his heart reminds her of all she’s lost…and all that remains at stake.]]> 291 Jessi Kirby 0062299433 Laquesha 0 to-read 3.94 2015 Things We Know by Heart
author: Jessi Kirby
name: Laquesha
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2015/04/25
shelves: to-read
review:

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