Read Your Name Challenge

I've finished!  After hours of reading the last book in my challenge, I've finished it!
Here are the books I've finished with this challenge.

*J- Just Another Girl, By: Melody Carson*
*E- Enemy, The, By: Charlie Higson*
*S- Sea Change, By: Aimee Friedman*
*S- Some Girls Are, By: Courtney Summers*
*C- Crescendo, By: Becca Fitzpatrick*
*A- A Match Made In High School, By: Kristin Walker*

Yeah!  Now it's time for the New Year!  Happy New Years!  2011!  15 minutes till midnight!

Crescendo Review

Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Pages: 427

Genre: Paranormal Romance

From: Christmas present :)

Synopsis: 

Feisty teen Nora Grey somehow survived the crises of Hush, Hush!, but dangers just as frightening loom in this standalone sequel. Patch, her guardian angel and love interest, appears to have a dark side and a wandering eye. Worse yet, he seems intent on obstructing Nora as she hunts for the truth behind her father's mysterious death. Even better than the first.

           Becca has an amazing writing style all her own that leaves me with no trouble seeing what she's trying to show me.  This novel has gotten me so confused!  Every twist in the plot leaves me totally clueless.  There's no way I could ever figure out what's coming next.  Becca obviously spent a lot of time mapping out the plot for this one.
           Some other reviews have found Nora a bit annoying.  I feel like I'm seeing her for the first time while I'm second guessing everyone else (except for Vee, she's my favorite character in this novel because she seems to be the only one looking out for Nora).  At the beginning Nora can't think straight because she's in love!  And she realizes she's being stupid, but the next time she sees Patch she blows up at him; this is something I can totally relate to.  Think about it how many times have you done something stupid, realized you were wrong, then acted the same way again? (More times than I can count.) In the middle Nora did get a bit annoying, but then another twist in the plot made me realize, if it was me I'd have chickened out by now, Nora is so brave to keep going even if she was on her own (except for Vee).  You realize what that means? Nora is a developed character!  Yeah, Becca you gave me the one thing I asked for from this book!
           Good authors have you believing something when behind the scenes they're doing something else.  Becca had me believing, believing to the point of wanting Nora to just leave it alone.  I'm so glad she didn't because there were some insane twists.  Wow!  This was a really great story, and I'm very happy to write that Becca Fitzpatrick exceeded my expectations with this book.  I can't wait for the next book! 

Characters: 9
Plot: 9
Suspense: 10
Theme: 8
Pace: 9
Mood: 9
Cover: 9
Overall:9- Amazing book.  I loved it and am proud to have it on my shelf.

Sea Change Review

Sea Change by Aimee Friedman

Publisher: Point

Pages: 290

Genre: Realistic Romance with a little fantasy

From: Library

Synopsis:

Sixteen-year-old Miranda Merchant is great at science...and not so great with boys. After major drama with her (now ex) boyfriend, she's happy to be spending the summer on small, mysterious Selkie Island, helping her mother sort out her late grandmother's estate.

On the lush, beautiful island, Miranda finds new friends and a community with a mystical history, presenting her with facts her logical, scientific mind can't make sense of. She also meets Leo, who challenges everything she thought she knew about boys, romance...and reality.

Is Leo hiding something? Or is he something that she never could have imagined?

             Anyone who has been to an island before would love this book.  On any island there's the locals places and there are the families that have summer house there.  Imagine if one of them had a relationship with a local.  Scandalize, I know.  But the world created in this book has something extra, mermaids, or at least there are plenty of legends looming around this island.
             I felt that this book was a bit in a rush, or actually it was building up at a nice pace then it got a bit faster and stopped with a wimpy excuse of a climax.  It was as if the book had been cut in half.  I really liked this book and if there isn't a sequel I will be very disappointed in this author.
            I felt as if I was really getting to know Leo with Miranda; he was a strong character that only have developed more with time.  Miranda was finding herself in this novel, and didn't discover who she was yet.  Another reason for a sequel.  I was really excited to see what type of person Miranda would become, but it never happened.  All of the other characters were like that they were just starting to show their true selves when the book ended.
           I was just beginning to discover the theme.  I know I've said this a lot, but it's true.  I know there were tons of themes in there, but the only one that was developed enough was: to find yourself you might have to change your surroundings and find something else first.
          I'm e-mailed Aimee Friedman to ask for a sequel, she seems to be planning one already, but I just wanted to put my reasons in there.  No answer yet, but if she does you guys will be the first to know.

Characters: 7
Plot: 6
Suspense: 8
Theme: 6
Pace: 7
Mood: 8
Cover: 8
Overall:7.2- excellent writing for only half a book

Top Ten Tuesday (9)

I know this is late, but I was busy yesturday, you know all those holiday returns.  So this week's Top Ten Tuesday (hosted by the Broke and the Bookish) is Your Top Ten Favorite Books of 2010!

1. The Outsiders- Truly a beautiful story, and it was written by a teen, and it took place in the 50's (with greasers!), and it was the book that helped me grow up to realize what it means to be grown up. 
2. Mockingjay- I cried and cried, and cried. Suzanne's message was that powerful.  It would be wrong not to have this book on my Top Ten, and it would be #1 if not for the growning up thing.
3. The Enemy- Yes it's about zombies, and the end of the world, but this author has gone somewhere no one else would dare to go.  I judge other books by using this book.  I'm only a step away from swearing by it!  It was almost as powerful as Mockingjay.

4. The Tenth Circle- Yes, it's an adult book, but it's one every teen should read.  This book is real, and it happens.  Some critics (that aren't me) might think that this book was exsaggerated, but it's not Pretty Little Liars is exsaggerated, not this.  I read this with my mom, and we grew a lot closer because of it.

5. Meridian- I just finished this one, and I swear IT IS PERFECT!  Anyone who like paranormal romance get your head out of Twilight or Evermore, and read this one!  It's a good book, unlike the pervious mentioned. 

6. 68 Knots- I liked this book.  I felt that the characters where those kind of characeters that could do the most boring things in the world and I would still love to read about them.  Yet they didn't do boring things, they'll sailed a ship, and became pirates, and learned life lessons that they'll always have.  I'd reccomend this one to anyone that's interested.

7. Geektastic- this book as left me with a love for short stories that won't ever be replaced.  I'm not even a Trekkie or a huge Rocky Horror fan, (book nerd), but I just really liked how funny and real the stories were. The cover is pretty awesome too. 

8. The Ghost and the Goth- There's been a lot of hype about this book (or at least I think so), and it desireves it.  It's a really awesome book, and for a first book it's amazing!

9. Project 17- This book is about of group of teens that spend the night in a haunted, abandoned insane assilum.  It's creepy and well written.  (read it in a day because it was that good).  I liked and I'm TERRIFIED of ghosts so that shows how good it is. So...there.
Which cover do you like better?
10. Beach Blondes (the first three books of the Summer series)-  I read it over the summer when I was in Key West, and it's was perfect for that.  It takes place in the Keys, and I don't know if the authors ever been there (she made up a fake Key), but it was like she had been because as I'm reading this I see the things she's describing out the car window! 

Cover Challenge

Before the year ends I must read a book that's cover forfills the requirements.
Check these out!

1. A book with a mythical creature on the cover
*2. A book with a cover covered in words*
*3. Read a book with a prominent facial feature on the cover, such as lips, nose, eye, neck. (Nothing below neck)
*4. Read a book with a cover where a person's face is obscured / being hidden / not shown
*5. A book with a tree or trees anywhere on the cover
6. Read a book with a Tattoo on the cover.
7. Read a book with something on the cover that relates to or reminds you of your job
- e.g. I am a chef so I could read a book with food on the cover.
But if you are a PA for example you could use an element of your job like a phone or a computer, or something that has to with the company you work for. Just remember you would have to say why the cover fit in with your job.
8. Read a book that has a number or numbers on the cover.
9. Read a book that has a animal or animals on the cover
10. A book with a book or books on the cover
*11. A book with a silhouette on the cover (human or animal).
12. A book with one of the signs or symbols of the zodiac on the cover
*13. Wings on the Cover eg. the person can have wing or there can be a buttefly or bird angel etc. on the cover
*14. A book with one dominant color on the front*
*15. A cover with a flower/flowers on the cover (Garden with flowers count to)
16. Read a book with a lightning bolt on the cover.
17. Read a book with a lit candle on the cover.
18. Cover depicting something supernatural (including aliens); and
19. Cover which shows any celestial body.
20. Read a book that has a Shadow on it
*21. Read a book with a solitary woman on
22. Read a book with a flag/banner on the cover
*23. Read a book with a lake on the cover*
*24. Read a cover that depicts Weather conditions, like clouds, sunshine, rain, winds etc.*
*25. Read a book that has something on the cover that you love / one of your favourite things, examples: food, animals, travel etc.

Here's the link to this challenge.  http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/413021-2-cover-challenge-planning-thread

Dystopia Challenge

This will be the second challenge I'll particapate in this year.  It's hosted by BA Reading Challenges.  I'm going for the Contagion level (15 post-apocolaystic books).  This will be a challenge, but I'll just read two a month or something like that ;) 

Here are some of the books I'll probably read for this challenge. 

1. Across the Universe by Beth Revis

2. Possession by Elana Johnson

3. Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky

4. Delirium by Lauren Oliver

5. Uglies by Scott Westerfield

6. The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

7. Birthmarked by Caragh M. O'Brien

8. Gone by Michal Grant

9. Incarceron by Catherine Fisher

10. Genesis by Bernard Beckett

11. The Line by Teri Hall

12. Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder

13. The Bar Code Tattoo by Suzanne Weyn

14. The Hollow People by Brian Keaney

15. Virtual War by Gloria Skurzynski

16. Wither by Lauren DeStanfano

17. Girl in the Arena by Lise Haines

It wasn't that hard to find fifteen (I would seventeen) for anyone having trouble just go to good reads and click on the "YA dystopia" list.  I'm going to have fun with this challenge. 

The Hanging Tree

Okay, so if you've read The Mockingjay then you know what about The Hanging Tree.  Well I was on Youtube and someone gave the song a melody, and it sounds amazing.  Listen for yourself. 

Told you, it's amazing isn't it!  AND it's a free download, just click the link below the video on Youtube.

Mockingjay Reiview

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Publisher: Scholastic

Pages: 390

Genre: Sci-fi

From: Library

Synopsis:

The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.
Who do they think should pay for the unrest?
Katniss Everdeen.
The final book in The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins will have hearts racing, pages turning, and everyone talking about one of the biggest and most talked-about books and authors in recent publishing history!!!!


This book is so sad, yet the most romantic thing I've ever read.  Of course it was still full of action, and it killed me to set it down.  I took it with me to the 7th Harry Potter! because I got to the movie an hour early.  Yet I didn't read it while I was waiting to go in the theater because we had to stand in line.
           Back to the review, If you've read the Hunger Games this book is so different.  It has hard-core plot, theme, conflict, etc.  Suzanne Collins draws you in with the first two action-filled books then slams down this powerful message that left me crying and spazzing around the house for two days straight.  Wow, Suzanne Collins is a genius!  Let break it down for you.
           American kids have never experienced war they don't know how traumatizing it is so they don't often appreciate all of the things they have.  In the Hunger Games kids follow Katniss threw the ware against the Capitol, then at the end she's so traumatized and Suzanne describes it so well that I could feel it.  Never before have I, an American kid, felt such horrible emotions before. I've already made a vow to make a bigger deal about Vetran's Day because vetran's are just like Katniss, so traumatized that sometimes they can't lead normal lives.  The very thought of WWII had me in tears.
           Everyone should read this book, I don't care if you don't like sad books, READ THIS! PLEASE.
           Suzanne Collins knows how to write a book.

Characters: 10
Plot: 10
Suspence: 10
Theme: 10
Pace: 10
Mood: 10
Cover: 10
Overall: 10- changed my life

Top Ten Tuesday (8)

Hosted by the Broke and the Bookish.  This week's topic is TOP TEN BOOKS I HOPE SANTA BRINGS. 

1. Cresendo by Becca Fitzgerald- Sequel to hush, hush.  I got the first book for Chirstmas last year so it seems right to have this one on my list.

2. Zombies vs. Unicorns- TEAM ZOMBIE!!!  shorties featuring zombies and unicorns
3. Hunger Games boxed set-  I MUST buy this (if santa doesn't bring it)

4. Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare-  I already own the rest of them

5. Halo by Alexandra Adornetto- it's about angels, amazing cover, I think I should get it.

6. Any ARCs-  I've never had an ARC, but I think it would be so cool to have one.  I'd would put it in a place of honor (after reading and reviewing it)

That's all on my list because I had a few other things on there (like the BACK TO THE FUTURE fifth aniversary boxed set). ;P There are plenty of books I want that I must pre-order. 

You Are So Undead to Me Review

I finished this book before Harry Potter week.

You Are So Undead To Me by Stacey Jay



Publisher: Razorbill

Pages: 263

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Got from: Library

Synopsis:

Fifteen-year-old Megan Berry is a Zombie Settler by birth, which means she's part-time shrink to a bunch of dead people with a whole lot of issues.
All Megan wants is to be normal—and go to homecoming, of course. Unfortunately, it's a little difficult when your dates keep getting interrupted by a bunch of slobbering Undead.
Things are about to get even more complicated for Megan. Someone in school is using black magic to turn average, angsty Undead into flesh-eating Zombies, and it's looking like homecoming will turn out to be a very different kind of party—the bloody kind.
Megan must stop the Zombie apocalypse descending on Carol, Arkansas. Her life—and more importantly, homecoming—depends on it.

           This book starts out pretty good, except Megan seams shallow.  It goes quickly and the zombie aspect is interesting.  Not bad writing style either, but then the books gets worse and worse. 
           Megan is a shallow character with below average reasoning skills.  She is obsessed with the upcoming homecoming dance.  When it comes to her supernatural powers she hates them (a less stronger word would be inaccurate) all she can do is complain about it.  As for the other characters they are just as annoying and even more underdeveloped.
           Romance dominates the plot of the book.  This is so disappointing; the Settler society is very interesting.  The author doesn't go into as much detail as I'd like.  Although she does take the time to go into some detail.  This book is like a bad cross between Generation Dead and Evermore.  Zombies and unrealistic romance.
           Even though this review is mainly complaining, the book actually wasn't that bad it was a fast paced, light read.  Then the worst possible thing that could happen, happened.  At the end of the book after they defeat the bad guy then...Eathan, the hot boy of the novel, claims that even though he's only known Megan for a couple of weeks he's in love with her.  Half of those weeks he spent with his tongue down some other girl's throat.  This is what ruined the book for me.  I won't be looking for the sequel.

Characters: 3
Plot: 3
Suspense: 4
Theme: 2
Pace: 4
Mood: 3
Cover: 4
Overall: 3- highly disappointing

*there is a sequel to this, but I'm not going to post a picture*

Blog Hop Friday (2)

I love blog hops.  Even though this is only my second one I've been particapating in them for awhile now.  This meme is hosted by Crazy-for-Books.com. 

This week's question is: What do you consider most important in a book?  The plot or the characters?-  Ohhh.  I don't know they're both very important, but I guess the characters.  If a character is amazing, and I can realate to them, then I couldn't care less what they do.  Look at how Sarah Dessen writes.  Her characters are what makes her a best seller. 

Top Ten Tuesday (7)

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the Broke and the Bookish.  This weeks topic is What Top Ten Books are you Anticipating for 2011?  *Not in any order.*  I love looking at other people's lists!

1. City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare- I love this series, I'm surprised to not see it on the first few blogs I looked at.  Check out the awesome cover!

2. Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck-  This one is on my sidebar because It looks so exciting!  It's about a girl who has to go to India to break a curse with a tiger.  There's romance, action, I can't wait till it comes out in January!

3. Unearthly by Cythia Hand- this is going to be in my 2011 debut authors challenge.
4. Tempestous by Lesley Livingston- this the third book in the Wondours Strange series (that I love) it comes out in January!

5. Always a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough- The sequel to Once a Witch, which is a great book about a girl who has no powers in a world of witches.  This comes out in August.

6. Fateful by Claudia Gray- I saw this one on Bloody Bookaholic.  It's about a girl who has fallen in love with a werewolf in the year 1912...wait for it...on the titanic.  LOOK AT THIS ONE!!!
7. Wolfsbane by Andrea Cramer- haven't gotten the first one yet (I know), but I'm still super excited for the sequel!

8. Across the Universe by Beth Revis- this has been a lot of people's blogs and it looks amazing.  It comes out soon I think. 

9. Breath of an Angel by Karyn Henley- This is in my 2011 debut Authors Challenge.  I love angel (yet I also love zombies) so this one sounds good.  I can't wait!
10. Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton-  this is on a lot of people's lists, and I thought it was already out, but that just shows how much I know :P.