Book Review: Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston

Title: Wondrous Strange

Author: Lesley Livingston

Series: Wondrous Strange, Book 1

Publisher: HarperCollins Canada

Release Date: September 2009

Format: Paperback

Pages: 

Source: Bought it

My Rating: 4 stars

Since the dawn of time, the Faerie have taken. . . .
For seventeen-year-old actress Kelley Winslow, faeries are just something from childhood stories. Then she meets Sonny Flannery, whose steel-gray eyes mask an equally steely determination to protect her.
Sonny guards the Samhain Gate, which connects the mortal realm with the Faerie's enchanted, dangerous Otherworld. Usually kept shut by order of icy King Auberon, the Gate stands open but once a year.
This year, as the time approaches when the Samhain Gate will swing wide and nightmarish Fae will fight their way into an unsuspecting human world, something different is happening . . . something wondrous and strange. And Kelley's eyes are opening not just to the Faerie that surround her but to the heritage that awaits her.
Now Kelley must navigate deadly Faerie treachery—and her growing feelings for Sonny—in this dazzling page-turner filled with luminous romance.

I loved Wondrous Strange! I had my doubts when I started reading it because I'm not into faeries that much but this book was a big surprise for me. Faeries are a little too creepy for me but this book managed to keep all those aspects and facts about faeries without the creepiness.

Wondrous Stange is told both by Kelley-a 17-year old actress, and Sonny-a guard of the Gate which connects the mortal world and faerie world. I loved those two! They had such a connection and they were both down to earth. And Sonny.... he was so kick-ass and so into Kelley from the first moment even though he wouldn't admit it. And I loved LOVED that scene where the two of them were reading from Kelley's script.

The writing was also fantastic, it flowed so nicely that I didn't want to stop reading. The plot is original and you can see that Lesley has a strong connection with theatre and I loved all those theatre-related scenes. There are references of Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream play that I found interesting and let me tell you that you don't have to know Shakespeare's play to understand this book. Although it may make you want to read it. 

All of the characters were fantastic even the minor ones, and I loved how Kelley didn't believe Sonny right away about the faeries. She actually laughs at his face, something you don't see often.

This book is perfect for those who don't like faeries because this one is so different from all the other faerie books and so good it'll make you want to know more about them.

Frosy

Book Review: If I Stay

Title: If I Stay
Author: Gayle Forman 
Series: If I Stay, book 1 
Publisher: Speak 
Release Date: 2009
Format: Paperback
Pages: 234
Source: Bought
My Rating: 5 stars 


Synopsis

On a day that started like any other...
Mia had everything: a loving family, a gorgeous, adoring boyfriend, and a bright future full of music and full of choices. Then, in an instand all of that is taken from her. Caught between life and death, between a happy past and an unknowable future, Mia spends one critical day contemplating the only decision she has left-the most important decision she'll even make. Simultaneously tragic and hopeful, this is a romantic, riveting, and ultimately uplifting story about memory, music, living, dying, loving. 

Review
What can I say about this book. I can't believe I have been putting this book aside for so long. It's one of those books that will stay with you. I don't read contemporary books that much so I was little hesitant at first.

When I first read the synopsis I had no idea what was waiting for me during those first pages. Mia has an out-of-her-body experience and watches herself as doctors try to do everything they can to save her body. She had an accident and now she gets to see everything that happens around her even if her body is in coma. Being in this position is confusing but not as confusing as it is when she faces a choice of whether to live or stay. 


Mia has a lovely family and even lovelier boyfriend Adam. Adam plays a huge role in this book. Thinking of the book and wanting to say more about it I realize that I have to be very careful not to spoil anything. It's one of those books that you'll have to read to find out what it means to you. The book deals with loss, grief, loving and letting go. Music plays a central role in this book as Mia and her family and even her boyfriend are musicians or lovers of music. 


Gayle Forman captured me with her beautiful writing. As Mia faces the new reality of her life the author gives us a glimpse at her life before the accident. We get to know how she met Adam, know her parents and of course her love for the celo. 


This book is very emotional and deals with different kinds of emotions. Did I cry? Yes. Not throughout the entire book but there were certain parts that I just couldn't not to. The whole time reading this book I felt sad about what was happening. Saying that this book is awesome feels wrong somehow due to the dept this book has and what it deals with.


It's one those books that will stay with you for a long time after you're read it. If I Stay was kept in my mind for days after I read it and couldn't read another book because I wasn't ready to let it go. 


I would tell anyone who loves books to read this. I even got my mom interested in it, when she learned what was this book about, and she doesn't even read to begin with. 

Frosy

Book Review: Hush Hush

Title: Hush Hush

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

Series: Hush Hush, Book 1

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Release Date: 2009

Format: Hardcover

Source: Bought

My Rating: 3 stars

Synopsis

Patch's eyes were black orbs. Taking in everything and giving away nothing. Not that I wanted to know more about Patch. Since I hadn't liked what I'd seen on the surface, I doubted I'd like what was lurking inside. Only, this wasn't exactly true. I'd liked a lot of what I'd seen. Long, lean muscles down his arms, broad but relaxed shoulders, and a smile that was part playful, part seductive. I was in an uneasy alliance with myself, trying to ignore what had started to feel irresistible.

A SACRED OATH 

A FALLEN ANGEL

A FORBIDDEN LOVE

Romance was not part of Nora Grey's plan. She 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 who have fallen-and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost Nora her life.

Review

Hush Hush is the first book about angels I've read. I picked it up after hearing people raving about how good it is and with a cover like that, why wouldn't it be? When I read it the first time I wasn't impressed. Nora wasn't a strong character and her friend Vee is just plain annoying. Reading it though a second time changed my mind. Maybe I didn't like it the first time because I had read an incredible book before that, and no matter what I read next it wouldn't comprare. That's why I don't let myself read for a while after those kind of books so I can take them out of my system. But I couldn't wait for Hush Hush thinking it was that good. It's wasn't that good but it wasn't bad either.

The story is really good and the main thing that I didn't like was the characters. I have said it before, that I enjoy books mostly because of the plot not because the characters so much. When I have a great story with stunning characters, that's when the book is amazing for me. And the plot in this book was good and I do believe it gets better in the next two books (I haven't read them). But the characters weren't good. If the characters were written differently I may have enjoyed Hush Hush more.

Patch was a little abusive and I just couldn't believe how he talked to Nora and manipulated her without Nora even realizing it. Nora's best friend was just plain annoying and not a true friend to Nora. Vee should believe Nora and support her. It felt like she wasn't a friend to Nora at all. I couldn't believe how Nora could be friends with her. Patch was dark, silent and mysterious. Way too mysterious I would say. Now that I have read the book twice I still don't know Patch. Hopefully in the next book Crescendo I'll get to know him better.

Overall, I enjoyed it but wished there was more to it and I'm definitely going to read Crescendo. Should you read it? Why not. But if you have something else right now, go for that. 

Frosy

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Book Review: Stargazer

Title: Stargazer

Author: Claudia Gray

Series: Evernight, book 2

Publisher: HarperTeen

Release Date: 2009

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 329

Source: Bought

My Rating: 4 stars 

Synopsis

I kissed Lucas again, more slowly this time. We held each other tighter, and I started to wonder how much closer we could get-and then I remembered what it had felt like when I drank his blood.

The vampire in me was closer to the surface...

Evernight Academy: an exclusive boarding school for the most beautiful, dangerous students of all-vampires. Bianca, born to two vampires, has always been told her destiny is to become one of them.

But Bianca fell in love with Lucas-a vampire hunter sworn to destroy her kind. They were torn apart when his true identity was revealed, forcing him to flee the school.

Although they may be separated, Bianca and Lucas will not give each other up. She will risk anything for the chance to see him again, even if it means coming face-to-face with the vampire hunters of Black Cross-or deceiving the powerful vampires of Evernight. Bianca's secrets will force her to live a life of lies. 

Yet Bianca isn't the only one keeping secrets. When Evernight is attacked by an evil force that seems to target her, she discovers the truth she thought she knew is only the beginning...

My Review

In the first book we are left with Lucas leaving Evernight, a school occupied mostly by vampires, because he was a vampire hunter. Bianca is a vampire-sort of.

I put off reading this because I was so mad after reading the first book. I just couldn't believe how Bianca, since the series comes from her point of view, could actually lie about what she is. 

During the first half of Evernight you have no idea what is happening and then suddenly we discover Bianca is a vampire, drinking blood from cups all this time. 

Nevertheless, I got over it and got my hands on Stargazer because of Lucas. I just had to know more about him! And I did enjoy it!

The first pages seemed to pass really quickly. Bianca in this book wasn't shy at all. In the first book Evernight we begin to know her as a shy girl but a year after, she is more confident and sure about her self and her choices. Things between her and Lucas are hard since she is still in Evernight and he's somewhere else hunting vampires. Even though it seems impossible they still manage to see each other and each time their love grows stronger. 

Evernight though is still creepy and holds more secrets, that I thought was possible. I mean, I never saw this kind of twist coming up. The author managed to surprise me once more (in a good way this time) with a  twist in Bianca's life and I was a little bit socked how she managed to join vampires and ghosts into the story. 

Lucas and Bianca's moments left me breathless and can't wait to grab Hourglass to see what happens to them next. They have so many obstacles to overcome that I wonder when they'll get a chance just to be.

I liked Balthazar's character growth. We got a glimpse of his life and how he was turned into a vampire. I liked him and it was hard not to route for him, since he has a major crush on Bianca. I loved Lucas, especially when he was jealous. He was irresistible. Lucas did also grow in this book. He learned that not everything around him is white and black, and learned, first to think then to act. Bianca played a huge role there.

Overall, I liked it. Claudia Gray managed to create an eerie atmosphere focusing on the romance and mysteries of Evernight. I would recommend reading this even if you slightly liked Evernight. This book is much better than Evernight and can hope the rest of the books are as good as this if not better. 

Frosy 

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Secret Society >> Book Review

Title: Secret Society

Author: Tom Dolby

Publisher: HarperTeen

Date Published: 2009

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 341

Source: Bought it

My Rating: 4 stars

Synopsis

53 Gansevoort Street

1:00 A.M.

You know what to do.

Secrets, secrets are not fun.

Secrets, secrets hurt someone...

An eccentric new girl. A brooding socialite. The scion of one of New York wealthiest families. A promising filmmaker. As students at the exclusive Chadwick School, Phoebe, Lauren, Nick, and Patch already live in a world most teenagers only dream about.

They didn't ask to be Society members. But when three of them receive a mysterious text message promising success and fame beyond belief, they say yes to everything. Even to the harrowing initiation ceremony in a gritty warehouse downtown, and to the ankh-shaped tattoo they're forced to get on the nape of their necks. 

Once they're part of the Society, things being falling into place for them. Week after week, their ambitions are fulfilled. It's all perfect-until a body is found in Central Park with no distinguishing marks except for an ankh-shaped tattoo.

My Review

I had this book for a while before I picked it up. I'm not really interested in reading about the high societies of New York so I was a little hesitant at first. 

To be honest the cover was the thing that drew me close to it, and then I read the summary and it sounded like something I would enjoy. 

The book started slow and the four different points of view were a little confusing but after a few pages I managed to get used to it.

The characters weren't developed enough as the author used third person narrative. I did love them of course especially Phoebe which was the only one who questioned everything about this society form the beginning. She and Nick I think make an adorable couple although we don't get to see many moments of them. I think the main reason I want to read the next book The Trust, is because of them and Nick's relationship with his best friend. Nick is such a good friend and person that he'll do anything for the ones he loves.

I found the story line simple and predictable. There weren't many surprises as I thought it may have and by the end of the book you'll be left with a lot of unanswered questions that I believe will be resolved in the next book.

Overall, I liked and found it addictive for some reason. I can't point at what it is but I want to find more about the characters and what are they going to do next.

Frosy 

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The abc's of Kissing Boys >> Book Review

Title: The abc's of Kissing Boys

Author: Tina Ferraro

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Date Published: 2009

Format: Paperback

Pages: 215

Source: The library

My Rating: 5 stars

Synopsis

Parker Stanhope has played soccer practically since she could walk. And now that she’s a high school junior, everything she’s worked for is finally coming together. She's paid her dues on the field, and as an upperclassman she's a shoo-in for the varsity team. Anyway, the coach moves everyone from JV up to varsity. It's just what happens. 

But that's not what happens.

This year Coach Hartley moved up every JV player but two-and one of those was Parker. 

Parker has spent her life being a team player, but as soon as school starts, she's stuck with (horror of horrors) the freshmen, and her love of the game is seriously beginning to fail. Worse? Her friends her own age are cutting her loose, and now the freshmen kid across the street is the only person who'll give her the time of day. 

But Parker's determined to get her life back. She has to get on the varsity team, and she has the perfect plan. The only catch? She has to trick her way into a place in the kissing booth at the school's annual sport's fair, then pull a stunt crazier than any she could ever dream up on her own. But the kiss has to look real. And Parker is less than experienced in playing that sort of field.

Parker knows that practice makes perfect. Now she just has to find the right coach...

My Review

The ABC's of Kissing Boys is a really fun and quick read. I enjoyed every aspect of this book. Parker, a junior, came up with a plan to get her into varsity soccer that involved kissing a boy. The thing was that she had no experience in kissing boys. So her neighbor Tristan, and a freshman, comes to her rescue. 

The romance between those two was adorable and even though Tristan was younger than Parker, he was very mature for his age. I would say even more than Parker, but by the end of the book she matures enough to make the right decisions.

The book, besides the romance, deals with friendship. Parker throughout the book gets challenged and is wary about who her real friends are. Sometimes I got frustrated and wanted to yell at her to make her see who her real friend are but she managed to figure that out. 

What I also loved was the chapter-headings! The author managed to give kissing advice on each letter of the alphabet! 

Overall I loved this book and I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys YA books. 

Frosy 

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Never Cry Werewolf >> Book review

Title: Never Cry Werewolf 

Author: Heather Davis

Publication: Harper Teen

First Published: 2009

Format: Hardcover 

Pages: 212

My Rating: 3.5 stars

Moonlight can totally change your life.

And it all stars so simply.

You. Him. 

The moon.

You're toast.

Okay, so maybe Shelby has made a few mistakes with boys lately (how was she supposed to know Wes had "borrowed" that Porsche?). But her stepmother totally overreacts when she catches Shelby in a post-curfew kiss with a hot senior: Suddenly Shelby's summer plans are on the shelf, and she's being packed off to brat camp. It's good-bye, prom dress; hello, hiking boots.

Things start looking up, though, when Shelby meets follow camper (and son of a rock star) Austin Bridges III. But soon she realizes there's more to Austin than crush material-his family has a dark secret, and he wants Shelby's help guarding it. Shelby knows that she really shouldn't be getting tangled up with another bad boy...but who is she to turn her back on a guy in need, especially such a good looking one? One thing's for sure: That pesky full moon is about to get her into trouble all over again.

He wasn't the type of guy you'd think was cute right away, but he was definitely the type that made you want to keep looking. Dark hair spilled down his forehead, and his olive-toned skin gleamed in the dim light. He stood motionless, like he was daring anyone to say something. When he took off his sunglasses, I found myself staring into deep, amber brown eyes. 

"Austin Bridges the Third," whispered Ariel. "What is he doing here?"

My Review

Never Cry Werewolf is very different from the usual werewolf books. Austin which is the werewolf, and I don't think this is a spoiler since the title and the summary indicates that this is a werewolf story, in this case he is the bad wolf. His wolfy habits are treated as an illness.

There nothing cool about being a werewolf in this book. It's really scary I think and it was nice  change.

Shelby is a girl that will help anyone in need especially if the person in need is a very good looking guy. And that's what got her in brat camp. As a character she's very likable and knows the difference between good and bad. She just can't help herself from helping others even if it means that she'll get in trouble. She changes throughout the book and you can see the change in her through her actions. 

Austin seems to have so much more to offer and I hope I see a sequel to this book. His family sounds fascinating! His accent, don't get me wrong because I love guys with British accent, seemed a little out of place but overall he was enjoyable. Shelby and Austin's chemistry didn't convince me but I think the reason was that the book is short and the circumstances made it difficult.

Overall I liked it and I would suggest it for those who are seeking a light read and something different. 

Frosy 

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Practice Makes Perfect >> Book Review

Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James

paperback pages: 291

My Rating 4 stars

WHEN IT COMES TO THE LAWS OF ATTRACTION...

Payton Kendall and J.D. Jameson are lawyers who know the meaning of objection. A feminist to the bone, Payton has fought hard to succeed in a profession dominated by men. Born wealthy, privileged, and cocky, J.D. has fought hard to ignore her. Face-to-face, they're perfectly civil. They have to be. For eight years they have kept a safe distance and tolerated each other as coworkers for one reason only: to make partner at the firm. 

...THERE ARE NO RULES.

But all bets are off when they're asked to join forces on a major case. Though apprehensive at first, they begin to appreciate each other's dedication to the law-and the sparks between them quickly turn into attraction. But the increasingly hot connection does not last long when they discover that only one of them will be named partner. Now it's an all-out war. And the battle between the sexes is bound to make these lawyers hoe under the collar...

My Review

This book falls into the contemporary romance category and it's the second book I read from this author. I must say I'm starting to become a fan of her books. 
Her writing is simple yet refreshing. I haven't read any other contemporary adult romance books, expect her other book Something About You. 
So I am not an expert on that area. But she managed to captivate me with her witty characters and laugh aloud moments.


Payton and J.D. are people that live to work. They are both on the run to become partner and that adds more fuel to they never ending arguments. 
J.D. I think is my favourite one. Such a nice guy, really. He doesn't seem so nice at first but in the ending from his part at least, just makes you forget everything. 
You couldn't deny the attraction between them from the first moment you see them together. Even though they argued all the time I couldn't see how they came and hated each other.
It's a really good book and the author knows a great deal about lawyers. She was one.
I loved the dialogue between those too. I'm more of a dialogue type so I love books with lots of it! And this one definitely has plenty.


Overall I liked this book a lot and I would read this again. I'm definitely going to read her other two books and I would suggest you picking one up too.


Frosy

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Vacations From Hell >> Book Review

Vacations From Hell by various authors

(5 short stories)

paperback pages: 280

My Overall Rating 3.5 stars

Life's a beach...

and then you're undead?

In this must-have collection, five of today's hottest writers-Libba Bray (A GREAT AND TERRIBLE BEAUTY), Cassandra Clare (CITY OF BONES), Claudia Gray (EVERNIGHT), Maureen Johnson (13 LITTLE BLUE ENVELOPES), and Sarah Mlynowski (BRAS & BROOMSTICKS)- tell supernatural tales of vacations gone awry. Lost luggage is only mildly unpleasant compared to bunking with a witch who holds grudge. And a sunburn might be embarrassing and painful, but it doesn't last as long as a curse. Of course, even in the most hellish of situations, love can thrive...

From light and funny to dark and creepy, these stories have something for everyone. When vacation time comes, you definitely won't want to leave this collection at home!

My Review

Vacations From Hell is a book that holds 5 short stories. Stories about vacations, that didn’t end up well. And of course each of them had their share of paranormal.

I will review each one of them. It’s really hard to give you an idea for each of them without spoiling them because of their short length, the stories start right away.
So I’ll try my best.

CRUISIN, by Sarah Mlynowski
My Rating 1 star

This story follows two girls that are cruising when they hear rumours of vampire attacks on cruises. Basically these two girls go on vacation without their parents and the one of them has a goal to achieve. This goal though seems to be interrupted by vampires or maybe not. I can’t say much because I will spoil it. 

Overall I didn’t like it.

I DON’T LIKE YOUR GIRLFRIEND, by Claudia Gray
My Rating 5 stars

This story is about witches and a group of women that practises their magic. 

Every summer they gather together in order to practice magic together. For their husbands it’s a vacation, because one of the rules says that men are forbidden to know about their magic. 
Cecily doesn’t want to go because Kathleen will be there. They hate each other. 
Cecily though finds out that Kathleen has been messing around with magic, breaking one of the rules. She tries to tell her mother but she doesn’t believe her so it’s up to her to try to solve it. 

I liked this story, it’s my favourite of all five stories and I would definitely read it if it was a novel. There was an incident actually that I wanted to share with you. My highest rated stories were actually kind scary and definitely creepy. So when I was reading this story, there was a scene where this Cecily was practising her magic under the light of some candles. And while I was reading the exact scene the lights in my house went off, and if I was alone I would surely have freaked out! Lol.

Overall I would suggest reading this short story if you like reading about witches.


THE LAW OF SUSPECTS, by Maureen Johnson
My Rating 5 stars 

I loved this story! 
It’s about two sisters who go to Paris for the summer but they end up in an old village where there is no phone line and their cell phones don’t have any bars. If it wasn’t only for that, there aren’t also any people near them expect their really scary neighbour that lives next door. 

I can say there isn’t anything really paranormal in it but it’s for sure creepy and scary. I now look at my neighbours with another eye. Lol.

There is also a small romantic encounter in this book. Nothing as a full length book could provide but let me tell you something I got from this story. Looks can deceive.

Overall loved it and I hope it becomes someday a full length novel.

THE MIRROR HOUSE, by Cassandra Clare
My Rating 3.5 stars

Ok, this reminded me her trilogy Mortal Instruments. The story wasn’t similar to her trilogy, but the sister and brother thing was. 
So this is a story about a brother and sister who are in love. 

They are not actually blood related but by law related. Their parents got married and now they are on their vacation all together trying to hide the fact that they are more than brother and sister.

As the days pass they find a beach where a strange lady lives in a house full of mirrors. That lady captures her brother and now it’s up to her to find the way to save him. 

Overall, not crazy about it. The brother and sister set me off a little, mostly because she has already done it but the story line didn’t appeal to me much.

NOWHERE IS SAFE, by Libba Bray
My Rating 4.5 stars

I liked this story a lot! And it was the scariest of them all!

So this story is about 4 Americans who travel around Europe and they come across a small village with a weird name and even weirder reputation. In their travel brochure it says that the village is haunted by evil spirits. They laugh about it and think they should see the place thinking it will be an ordinary, even boring village.
What they find though is human sacrifices to the Satan and they wish they hadn’t gone there.

I can’t say much but it’ll make your skin crawl.

Overall I would like to read this as a full length story but I would make sure it’s day and long before I go to bed.


Frosy


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