The Forsaken by Lisa M. Stasse

Title: The Forsaken

Author: Lisa M. Stasse

Pages: 375

Published: July 10, 2012

Level: Young Adult

Synopsis (Goodreads): 

As an obedient orphan of the U.N.A. (the super-country that was once Mexico, the U.S., and Canada), Alenna learned at an early age to blend in and be quiet—having your parents taken by the police will do that to a girl. But Alenna can’t help but stand out when she fails a test that all sixteen-year-olds have to take: The test says she has a high capacity for brutal violence, and so she is sent to The Wheel, an island where all would-be criminals end up.

The life expectancy of prisoners on The Wheel is just two years, but with dirty, violent, and chaotic conditions, the time seems a lot longer as Alenna is forced to deal with civil wars for land ownership and machines that snatch kids out of their makeshift homes. Desperate, she and the other prisoners concoct a potentially fatal plan to flee the island. Survival may seem impossible, but Alenna is determined to achieve it anyway.
Review: I originally picked this up at the library because I loved the cover and when I read the inside cover I was like

I needed this book. 

So today, guess what I did? 

I read the entire thing. 

That's right. 

The ENTIRE book. 

In eight hours. 

The entire time while I was reading this book, my expression literally was:

AWWWWW YEAHHHHH

Y'all needa read this.

This wonderful piece of dystopian wonderfulness. It's wonderful. 

I can't even compare it to The Hunger Games. 

This is the next big dystopian novel guys. 

Not even joking. 

So when this book gets a movie deal sometime in the future, just remember that I called it. 

GET YOUR HANDS ON THIS BOOK ASAP.

If you are worried about time issues like "Oh, it just came out, I think I'm going to wait because what if it has a big cliff hanger. I don't want to wait long for the second book to come out."

Don't wait. 

Take my word for it, there is no huge cliff hanger at the end. The author doesn't cut the book off in some big fight scene or whatever. 

The author is actually pretty nice. She's a librarian so I guess she can relate to readers' stress about cliff hangers. 

A lot of questions are answered, a lot of fighting takes place, lots of people die. 

But the ending is refreshing. 

Of course there needs to be another book, not all of the problems are resolved by any means. 

Of course I can't wait to get my hands on the next book. The author's writing skills are amazing! She captivated me in the first chapter. 

So please please PLEASE. 

Go read this book. 

Cover: 5/5

Character Rating: 4/5

Style: 5/5

Development: 6/5

Overall: 

*****

The Immortal Rules By: Julie Kagawa

Title: The Immortal Rules
Author: Julie Kagawa
Pages: 512
Level: Young Adult
Published: April 24, 2012




"In a future world, vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity."Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.


Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of "them." The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked--and given the ultimate choice. Die...or become one of the monsters.


Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.


Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend--a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.


But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what--and who--is worth dying for.


Review:


I don't even know where to begin. From the minute I read the synopsis, this book captivated me. It had an interesting plot line, one I certainly hadn't read before.
As I got into the book it surprised me even more because not only was it a new interesting vampire book (I mean come on, how many are out there thousands?), but it was also in a way a dystopian novel. Which really appealed to me.


At the beginning of the book it starts off with part one, when she's human. I knew that she was going to turn into a vampire, but... I don't know it's hard to explain. The first part of the book was like a small story inside of the book itself. As soon as you got attached to the characters they were ripped away and you had to meet  new ones. As well as in the second part. I mean it's kind of appealing because the plot never fails to remain interesting, but I'm so used to having to leave characters behind at the end of a book or series that it left me kind of heart broken considering it was the first 150 pages.


Eventually that stopped though and there was just one solid set of characters. I have to admit I liked almost all of the characters. By the end of the book I was really attached to each and every one (especially Darren), which was surprising because some of them were extremely obnoxious.


The plot also failed to bore me, which is probably the biggest plus out there. The only issue I had, which isn't even a major issue considering it's my opinion, but I hated the ending. You'll know what I'm talking about if you've read the book or once you do. I don't want to give away spoilers, but I'll just leave with the fact that Allison's and Zeke's relationship status at the end disappointed me. I am going to be dreading the wait for the next installment.

Cover: 4/5

Character Rating: 5/5

Style: 4/5

Plot Development: 5/5

Overall: *****

Blog Award!

Hey guys!

We've been nominated not once... not twice... but THRICE (thrice? three times?) for the Liebster award. 

The rules for this award are.....

1. Each person must tell others 11 facts about themselves
2. Answer the 11 questions your tagger/s have posted then post 11 question for the people you tag.
3. Choose 11 people to tag and link them in you post
4. Notify the 11 people you tagged
5. NO TAG BACKS (DANG)

Witcha Facts:

1. My favorite show is Supernatural.
2. I love Peruvian food.
3. I collect elephant figurines.
4. I have an obsession with eyes.
5. My favorite season is Autumn.
6. I want to learn Russian and eventually move there.
7. I hate my feet.
8. I want to go bungee jumping badly.
9. I can’t wait for college.
10. Linkin Park is favorite band.

11. My favorite cookie is white chocolate chip with extra vanilla.

Zhanna Facts:

1. I'm a vegan. 

2. I'm an online shopaholic. Literally, that's all I've been doing this summer. 

3. I'm not athletic at all. 

4. I play piano.

5. I train service dogs.

6. I'm obsessed with my grapefruit lotion and soap. 

7. I hate driving.

8. I wish I was artistic.

9. I'm super obsessed with Harry Potter.

10. I have two sisters.

11. My favorite super hero is Spiderman.. but i'm seriously rethinking this. Thor is pretty hot. 

Questions from Candi from Just Can't Beat Books

1. What is your favourite piece of clothing? 

Witcha: Sweaters/Outerwear 

Zhanna: Do boots count?
2. What do you utmost hate? 

Witcha: I can’t stand shortening, it’s super nasty.  

Zhanna: Mean people. 
3. What can you not live without? 

Witcha: Books/Music 

Zhanna: FOOD
4. Who would be your fantasy boyfriend if you could have one? 

Witcha: A mix of Demitri Belikov (Vampire Academy), Adrian Ivashkov (Vampire Academy), Leonardo DiCaprio, and Jensen Ackles. 

Zhanna: Derek from the show Teen Wolf (MTV) His arms. That all I gotta say
5. Who are you most like from a book/ series? 

Witcha: I’d like to think I’m like Sydney from The Bloodlines series by Richelle Mead, just not nearly as smart. 

Zhanna: I don't think I'm like anyone. I wish I was Katniss Everdeen (Hunger Games) though :)
6. What book/ stories do you think should have a different ending and Why? 

Witcha:The ending to The Fault in our Stars was super upsetting, but at the same time I wouldn’t have it any other way. It was the most difficult to really come to terms with though, so I’d have to say The Fault in out Stars. 

 Zhanna: I would change the ending of the Mocking Jay. Its not what I though Katniss would ever do. :/
7. Name a song that would compliment the book you are reading right now? 

Witcha: I’m im-between books right now. 

Zhanna: Hmmm, I'm reading Fear by Michael Grant. There's a lot of fighting, hunger, and sickness. So probably something by Slipknot or Breaking Benjamin. Something angry..8. What shouldn't have a series or second novel in your opinion? 

Witcha:I would have been fine with just one book for If I stay by Gayle Forman, I actually only thought there was one book and was completely shocked when the second came out.

Zhanna: I have to agree with Witcha. The ending of If I Stay was fine the way it was. 9. What do you plan to do or have done with your life?  

Witcha: I want to travel the world.

Zhanna: I want to survive high school.10. What book should never be or been turned into a movie? 

Witcha: Twilight

Zhanna: The House of Night series I hear has a movie deal. NO. Please don't. This is a huge mistake.11. What book have you read that you think has been made into a successful movie? 

Witcha:The Hunger Games was pretty good, as well as Harry Potter so either of them.

Zhanna: The Harry Potter movies

Ana from The Adventures Within

1. Name the book that you regret buying and wish you hadn't read?

Witcha: Jars of Glass, my grandma made me buy it because the cover looked nice and it ended up being super boring and depressing.

Zhanna: Across the Universe. Wasn't what I was expecting. The writing didn't captivate me at all. 2. A book that you really want but haven't been able to buy it.

Witcha: Legend By Marie Lu

Zhanna: ^ YES. I need that book. 3. What actor or singer away would you want to meet if they were still alive? 

Witcha: No answer. 

Zhanna: John Lennon 4. Do you have an OCD?

Witcha: Not that I know of. 

Zhanna: I HAVE to use a book mark. I hate dog eared pages.5. If all the hot superheroes asked you out which one would you pick?

Witcha: Definitely Batman, Christian Bale is soooo hot.

Zhanna: MMMM THOR6. Your Phobias?

Witcha: Bugs

Zhanna: I hate going in airplanes. When I was younger I never had a problem with it but now its just scary. 

7. If you had a million dollars what would you do with it?

Witcha: I’d probably donate some, put some away for the future, and then buy books and shoes.

Zhanna: I'd save it for college and my future house. It would have a big library :)8. If you could visit any country in the world, where would you go?

Witcha: RUSSIA, for sure.

Zhanna: It changes all the time but right now I would say Spain. 9. Favorite Ice Cream Flavor 

Witcha: Lucama (Its Peruvian)

Zhanna:  Vanilla10. Something you can't live without?

(Answers above)

Karen from Karen's Choice Books

1. Do you hate more than 3 people?

Witcha: Nope

Zhanna: LOL What?????
2. Do you own a Britney Spears CD?

Witcha: I actually own three. hah

Zhanna: Its around here somewhere...
3.Name of thing that is always on your mind?

Witcha: Food

Zhanna: Mah boyfriend ^.^
4. The worst book you have ever read?

Witcha: The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate was by far the worst book I’ve ever read. I’ll never forgive myself for reading it.

Zhanna: Jars of Glass was pretty bad. It couldn't hold my attention. 5. Do you jugde the book on it's cover?

Witcha:Of course, that’s originally what gets me interested.

Zhanna: YUP
6. Are you sarcastic?

Witcha: All the time.

Zhanna: ^ yup
7. How many books do you own?

Witcha: About 160

Zhanna: Too many. I have two bookcases though :)
8. Ever had braces?

Witcha: Yup

Zhanna: Yep. Gone now though :)

9. Do you own a gun?

Witcha: No

Zhanna: No
10. Have you ever called your teacher mommy?

Witcha: No, I've never called anyone mommy. 

Zhanna: No.
11.McDonalds or Wendys

Witcha: Neither

Zhanna: ^ Same

So now for the blogs we nominate. We could only think of a couple blogs because hey, we can't tag people back which sucks. 

1. The Book Babe

2.  Delibrarie

3.  Diane from Blog that Book out!

Y'all can just choose whatever questions you want from above to answer because this post is just too dang long. 

Happy Summer :)

The Calling by Kelley Armstrong

Title: The Calling (Book two)
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Pages: 326
Level: Young Adult
Published: April 10, 2012

Synopsis (from Goodreads): Maya Delaney's paw-print birthmark is the mark of what she truly is -a skin-walker. She can run faster, climb higher, and see better than nearly everyone else. Experiencing intense connections with the animals that roam the woods outside her home, Maya knows it's only a matter of time before she's able to Shift and become one of them. And she believes there may be others in her small town with surprising talents.

Now Maya and her friends have been forced to flee from their homes during a forest fire they suspect was deliberately set. Then they're kidnapped, and after a chilling helicopter crash, they find themselves in the Vancouver Island wilderness with nothing but their extraordinary abilities to help them get back home.

Review: 


I was beyond excited for this book to be published. After waiting, god knows how patiently after that awful cliff-hanger, I nearly peed my pants when I saw The Calling sitting all lonely like on a shelf at the library. It nearly called my name.... Get it? Cuz you know its called The Calling and you know whatever, that was really bad....


Anyways, I started reading it and I just wasn't pulled into the story like I was with the first book. Or called into the story... Okay, I really need to stop but I just can't help myself. 


The Calling was just too predictable. I wasn't on the edge of my seat like I usually am with Armstrong's books. 


On the bright side, Kelley is blending her two young adult series with the third book of the trilogy. Now that I'm excited for. 

Cover: 3/5

Character Rating 3/5

Style: 4/5

Development: 3/5

Overall:

***.5

(Just cuz I'm nice ^.^)

Clockwork Prince By: Cassandra Clare

Title: Clockwork Prince
Author: Cassandra Clare
Pages: 498
Level: Young Adult
Published: December 6, 2011




In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street—and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa’s powers for his own dark ends.
With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister’s war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move—and that one of their own has betrayed them.
Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, but her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will—the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?
As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart.


Review:


I had been dreading reading this book because it had been so long since I had read Clockwork Angel and I couldn't remember anything. I really regret putting it off, this book was extremely good.


The plot development was not slow, I never found myself bored, seeing as to when a certain part was going to be over.


Every time I set this book down, I felt the need to pick it back up and continue on. I liked all the characters, I did feel that Tessa was annoying at some moments, but most main characters are.


Near the end of the book, I'm not going to spoil anything, but my heart broke. I am so upset with Cassandra Clare and her lame decisions. Otherwise the book was great. If you read the book, and want to talk feel free to comment. :)

Cover: 4/5

Character Rating: 4/5

Style: 4/5

Development: 5/5

Overall: ****