3/30/14: Panic by Lauren Oliver

Panic
Cover: This is an interesting cover. It does catch your attention, but it really has nothing to do with the book.
Author: Lauren Oliver
Genre: Contemporary, Thriller, Mystery, Romance
Goodreads Blurb: Panic began as so many things do in Carp, a dead-end town of 12,000 people in the middle of nowhere: because it was summer, and there was nothing else to do.

Heather never thought she would compete in Panic, a legendary game played by graduating seniors, where the stakes are high and the payoff is even higher. She’d never thought of herself as fearless, the kind of person who would fight to stand out. But when she finds something, and someone, to fight for, she will discover that she is braver than she ever thought.

Dodge has never been afraid of Panic. His secret will fuel him, and get him all the way through the game, he’s sure of it. But what he doesn't know is that he’s not the only one with a secret. Everyone has something to play for.

For Heather and Dodge, the game will bring new alliances, unexpected revelations, and the possibility of first love for each of them—and the knowledge that sometimes the very things we fear are those we need the most.
Published/ing: March 4, 2014 Harpercollins 
Rating: 5/5 
Review: 

Panic was interesting read for me. I adore Lauren Oliver and the Delirium series, but I don't know. I think the idea of a contemporary book written by a dystopian author sounded appealing to me. 

Either way, I started it and got fifty pages in and just... stopped. 

But when I picked it up again I couldn't stop. Strange right?

The beginning was a bit boring to me and I thought the characters were whiny, but as I dived deeper into the book and the plot and conflicts began to unfold, I was completely taken by it. 

The idea of such an extreme game like Panic was absolutely frightening, but believable. And the way Lauren Oliver took to describing the each of the events was in such great detail. I felt like I was there, experiencing the anxiety and panic. 

The double point of view was confusing in the beginning, but got more understandable as you grew to know the characters more. Along with adoring the characters individually, I loved the relationships they formed. Bishop and Heather was such an interesting complex, especially how romantically and unromantically involved they were. 

The setting of the book was appropriate. Carp, a southern small town with a lot of teenagers and social classes. Completely appropriate place for an extreme and unhinged game like Panic. 

Overall, this book was really good. I don't know what happened me in the beginning there. I think I just got distracted. The characters and setting were great and Lauren Oliver's flawless writing made it even better. I hope to see Lauren Oliver write more in the future. 

Future News: 
Lauren Oliver will be releasing a new book called Rooms in the coming fall. 

3/21/14: Almost by Anne Eliot

Almost

Cover: I love the simplicity of it overall. I like how it ties into the book also. 

Author: Anne Eliot

Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Rape

Goodreads Blurb: At a freshman party she doesn't remember, Jess Jordan was almost raped.

...Almost. Very nearly. Not quite. Three years later, Jess has managed to make everyone believe she's better. Over it. Because she is.

...Almost. Very nearly. Not quite.

Unfortunately, until Jess proves she's back to normal activities, her parents won't discuss college. So, she lands a summer internship and strikes a deal with hockey jock, Gray Porter: He gets $8,000. She gets a fake boyfriend and a social life. 

Jess has no idea Gray signed on for reasons other than money. She also never expects to fall in love. But Gray’s amazingly hot, holds her hand all the time, and makes her forget that he’s simply doing his job. It’s like having a real boyfriend.

...Almost. Very nearly. Not quite.

Gray Porter is hiding secrets of his own. About Jess Jordan. About why he’s driven to protect her, why he won't cash her checks, or deny her anything she asks.

Published/ing: February 1, 2012 Butterfly Books

Rating: 5/5

Review:

This story touched my heart. It told an amazing story about a broken girl and a guilty boy in a terrifying world. It was funny and snarky and sweet. It was beautiful in every single way possible. 

 Guys I am not joking. This book made me unbelievably crazy with feels. I was crying and jumping up and down and smiling like an idiot.

I loved the ultimate character development between both characters. Jess learns more from herself. Jess digs deep and opens up. It all just touched me so much.

It was such a well written story and I will forever have no words for its perfection.  

Future News:
Anne Eliot is the author of Unmaking Hunter Kennedy and there is no news about future stories.

Note: 
Sorry this is such a disappointingly small review. It lacks a lot of detail. I read this book a while ago and totally forgot to review it. Just know that it was extremely good.

~Monty  

3/21/14: The B-Side Diaries by Brian Joyce

The B-Side Diaries
Cover: I think the cover was absolutely appropriate for the story. It also really grabs the attention of the reader with its simplicity and uniqueness. 
Author: Brian Joyce
Genre: Contemporary, Inspirational
Goodreads Blurb: Rory is only seventeen years old and six months removed from his friends in Nashville, Tennessee when he receives the news that his best friend Christopher has died—and worse yet, he has been hand selected to deliver Christopher’s eulogy. Over the course of one weekend Rory must confront his fears of public speaking, falling in love, growing up, and losing a sense of what he calls home. Wrought with emotion, and fueled by teenaged doubt, friendship, and punk rock music—The B-Side Diaries unravels the truths about not only what it means to lose a close friend, but also the truths about what it means to be a teenager. Told through diary-like confessions from Rory’s perspective, The B-Side Diaries is written in a faux-memoir style, that pulls the reader into the mind of a teenager sorting out his life, and coming to grips with his loss of innocence. 

Think “The Big Chill” for teenagers meets Fat Kid Rules the World. 
Published/ing: October 31, 2013 Brian Joyce (self-published)
Rating: 4/5


Review:

I loved this book from start to finish.

First of all, the setting was probably my favorite part of the whole story. I was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee and as Rory, the grieving main character, explained the many special places and details of Nashville, I related to him. He always called it home, even though he had moved to Florida, as I do now, even though I don't live in Nashville any more.

Another aspect of the setting I liked was the "punk scene." Rory talked about his love for the music and his deceased friend's love and appreciation for the punk genre. That aspect of the story really made it unique. How the author described the music's feel and movement completed the setting of the story.

Moving on, the characters in the story were very individual. Each of the friends had a different back story; a different way they had been affected by Christopher. I actually wouldn't have minded if this story had been told in multiple points of views, because the characters were so easy to tell apart.

I just adored learning about this one character from all the other character's experiences and relationship with him. It was different and new.

The only con I had with the book is that at some points it was a bit slower than I would've preferred, but that was completely minor in spite of the magnificent writing.

Overall, this story was well thought out. The story that was told was perfectly balanced between thought-provoking metaphors and witty colloquialism. The characters were detailed and well rounded. The words you read in this book make you feel like Christopher was your friend too. It makes you want to be there to mourn with Rory.

Future News: 
There should be a post on this blog containing an interview with the author in the next few days.

~Monty

2/24/14: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

Cover: The cover was really one of the first reasons why I read this book. It drew me in and said "look at me! I'm different and new!"

Author: Ransom Riggs

Genre: Horror, Historical Fiction, Time-Travel, Fantasy

Goodreads Blurb: A mysterious island. An abandoned orphanage. A strange collection of very curious photographs.

It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive.

A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with haunting vintage photography, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows.

Published/ing: June 7th 2011 Quirk

Rating: 4.3/5

Review: 

This book delivered. When I first heard about it, I was extremely excited to start reading it. The pictures and the cover  really captivated me, and I thought it was so unique the way they tied into the story.

The main character, Jacob, was enjoyable. I think, though, that he was underdeveloped. He didn't have very much umph as a character. Especially in the beginning, when you first meet him, there isn't much to him. I actually had trouble discerning whether he was a guy or a girl.

The side characters were more developed than Jacob. I loved the mutant children and their mixed desires and thoughts on the world they live in. Emma was one of those great side characters. She had the personality of someone from the 1940s and the stubbornness of a girl who's grown up in a never ending loop of time.

The relationships between Jacob, his dad, and his grandfather were very well-developed. We see how a teenager's relationship with a parent is compared to grandparent. Also, the relationship between Jacob and his grandfather create the plot for the book, which I think is a great way to bring forth the plot and conflict.

The setting was  probably my overall favorite part. We go from Florida to Whales within a few chapters, making it seem like the transition would be complete crap, but Ransom Riggs really takes the time to develop the back drop and mood the little island off the country of Whales. It also adds to the the gothic element of the story and the overall theme.

The only problem I had with this book was that it got off to a slow-ish start. But once I got into it, I couldn't stop. 

As a whole, this book was extremely well written and very interesting. It was a good escape from the contemporary and dystopian genres. If you are looking for something newer and different, I think this book is a great choice. 

Future News:

The second book in the MPHPC series just recently came out in January, called Hollow City. The graphic novel was also just released. A third book for the series has yet to be announced. 

1/23/14: Independent Study by Joelle Charbonneau

Independent Study

Cover: It plays in well with the book, and isn't overly detailed. 

Author: Joelle Charbonneau 

Genre: Dystopian, Action and Adventure, Post-Apocalyptic

Goodreads Blurb:In the series debut The Testing, sixteen-year-old Cia Vale was chosen by the United Commonwealth government as one of the best and brightest graduates of all the colonies . . . a promising leader in the effort to revitalize postwar civilization. In Independent Study, Cia is a freshman at the University in Tosu City with her hometown sweetheart, Tomas—and though the government has tried to erase her memory of the brutal horrors of The Testing, Cia remembers. Her attempts to expose the ugly truth behind the government’s murderous programs put her—and her loved ones—in a world of danger. But the future of the Commonwealth depends on her.

Published/ing: January 7th, 2014 HMH Books for Young Readers

Rating: 5/5

Review: 

Yes. Yes. Yes.

This book continued my adoration for this series. 

So, being a dystopian book, you have a revolution to go along with your broken society, right? Right.

So it's book two and it's time for a revolution! What I like about this book though, is that the revolution and the whole revolting part is more complicated than it seems. We don't just have rebel group against government, but rebel group, president, part of government against part of government and powerful guy. It's really truly interesting all the politics in this book. 

Moving onto characters, Cia is just amazing. She is absolutely the same as I described her in the last book. She is calculating and smart. She is clever and can get herself out of sticky situations. In this book, I love all the inner conflict and turmoil that is affecting her. I love seeing how she pushes through it to focus on the conflict in front of her, but still has to think about all the people she might've killed, he friends might've killed, and the government killed. 

Thomas, her significant other (but not really anymore), has become a lot more quiet and conflicting. I really with I'd get to see a bit more into his POV soon just to see what's going through his head. 

I really liked all the side characters introduced in this book, and their effect on the plot. 

The only real downside I have for these books is I wish they were longer. They are only about three hundred or so pages each but I want more. 

Future News:

The final book in the trilogy, Graduation Day, will be out on June 17th of this year.

I really really liked this book, so I suggest you go find a copy now. Have a good night guys!

~Monty

1/16/14: Passion by Lauren Kate

Passion

Cover: I really like the designs of these covers, although they do seem a bit, I don't know, 'fake'. 

Author: Lauren Kate

Genre: Romance, Paranormal, Time-Travel, Historical Fiction

Goodreads Blurb: Luce would die for Daniel.

And she has. Over and over again. Throughout time, Luce and Daniel have found each other, only to be painfully torn apart: Luce dead, Daniel left broken and alone. But perhaps it doesn't need to be that way....

Luce is certain that something - or someone - in a past life can help her in her present one. So she begins the most important journey of thislifetime...going back eternities to witness firsthand her romances with Daniel...and finally unlock the key to making their love last.

Cam and the legions of angels and Outcasts are desperate to catch Luce, but none are as frantic as Daniel. He chases Luce through their shared pasts, terrified of what might happen if she rewrites history. Because their romance for the ages could go up in flames...forever.

Sweeping across centuries, PASSION is the third novel in the unforgettably epic FALLEN series.

Published/ing: June 14th 2011 Delacorte Press

Rating: 3.5/5

Review:

I definitely enjoyed  this book much more than the last two in the series. 

I think everything had a new depth to it. We get to see Luce actually develop as a character and question this 'undying love' that she is supposed to have with Daniel, and whether or not it is just the curse. She goes from being the foolish empty-headed girl with a crazy crush to being a bit more of a hero. Daniel also grows more as a character. He understands Luce's desire for truth. 

What really got me with this book though, was TIME TRAVEL! One of my all time favorite things. 

I loved how we got to go back and see Luce's past with Daniel. Through out the book we plunge deeper and deeper into this pit of time and personality and love. Everything was so accurate and beautiful. I can't even with how great it was to have all these different settings and conflicts and Luce and Daniels. 

The whole plot point with the 'breaking the curse' seemed a bit boring but when you jazz it up with history it actually turned out to be extremely interesting to me. 

Towards the end, when Bill, a character I absolutely adored until he turned out to be Satan (I kinda still liked him as Satan), changed the whole thing around, I was astounded. At first I though Bill was a bit too childish of a character to be in a book like this, but WOW DUDE way to pull that plot twist. I really liked that whole revelation moment. 

But the ending was a bit weird and confusing. They jumped around a lot and then all of sudden they were in Heaven and then they weren't and now Satan/Bill wants to take away two millenniums of time and Daniel, Luce, and the gang have to find where the angels originally fell. I got a bit confused. What about the curse? And, you know, God? Like I know from watching shows like Supernatural and such that God doesn't usually just come to the rescue, but I feel like the characters should've had that 'wait where's God' moment. You know? 

I hope, when Rapture comes in the mail from amazon tomorrow, that this gets a bit cleared up. Honestly, I'm kind of excited to read the next book. I hope it really smooths out and I get to give it a five star review (not very likely).  

Future News:

This series is expecting a movie, but nothing has been announced. This book series is completed. 

Hope you all have a good night! :)
~Monty

1/7/14: The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau

The Testing

Cover: I like the simplicity. And it also goes along with the story. 

Author: Joelle Charbonneau

Genre: Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic, Romance

Goodreads Blurb: Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Isn’t that what they say? But how close is too close when they may be one in the same? 

The Seven Stages War left much of the planet a charred wasteland. The future belongs to the next generation’s chosen few who must rebuild it. But to enter this elite group, candidates must first pass The Testing—their one chance at a college education and a rewarding career. 

Cia Vale is honored to be chosen as a Testing candidate; eager to prove her worthiness as a University student and future leader of the United Commonwealth. But on the eve of her departure, her father’s advice hints at a darker side to her upcoming studies--trust no one. 

But surely she can trust Tomas, her handsome childhood friend who offers an alliance? Tomas, who seems to care more about her with the passing of every grueling (and deadly) day of the Testing. To survive, Cia must choose: love without truth or life without trust.

Published/ing: June 4th 2013 Houghton Mifflin Books for Children 

Rating: 5/5

Review: 

Overall, each aspect of the book was strong. 

I liked how planned out and flowy the plot was. You knew how the book was broken up, but you didn't exactly know what was going to happen in those breaks. You knew she was going to be accepted for the Testing, and then go through the four stages and then hopefully make it to the end. But you didn't know how she would get through those stages. How it would affect the main character mentally, physically, or emotionally. 

The main character, Cia (interesting name), is probably up there with one of my favorite characters. She is strong without knowing it. She is realistic and calculating. But she isn't that special. She doesn't just magically has special skills. The book tells you her experiences so it's not just poof! fire or poof! caught an animal. 

I also found it interesting how she handled killing her fellow contestants. Now, throughout this review you'll probably compare a lot of things to the Hunger Games, because it is a good comparison. The Testing is like The Hunger Games on steroids. 

In The Hunger Games, when Katniss starts killing people, and we don't exactly see how that affects her. We see how the death of other contestants affect her, but not her own killings. 

With Cia, she is emotionally affected. She is scared to kill others, no matter how cruel they are. She is disgusted and afraid when she witnesses a fellow student die in front of her because of the test. While everyone else just casually brushes it off, she is genuinely freaking out. And I think that is awesome. She is not some perfect robot heroine. She is broken and scared. 

Also, back to the gun thing. She doesn't just magically know how to use the gun. She doesn't have great aim. It once again shows that she isn't a perfect heroine. She is being shot at and she doesn't want to shoot at a contestant but since her life relies on it, so she just does. And misses. And shoots again. And misses. Then she clips him in the shoulder and runs. 

I loved her throughout the book. That 'never-give-up' attitude she gives throughout the whole book, through everything that she goes through. She's the perfect heroine to look up to, because she isn't perfect. She doesn't have amazing skills. She learns from experience and is intelligent. 

I also want to mention how the romance wasn't the main idea of the story. There wasn't a major love triangle. The guy isn't perfect. *slop claps for Joelle* 

I liked Thomas, Cia's counterpart, from the beginning; intelligent and in my mind, was pretty hot. But I had a bad hunch about him. 

He was so sweet and loving and had a cute crush on Cia the whole time and I thought they were just such a great couple. Like there's this one part when he confesses his love to her and finally says those three magic words, and her response was "I think I love you, too."

It made me happy because she wasn't sure of herself, and she didn't jump into it without being one hundred percent confident. 

I'm not gonna mention anything else for fear of spoilers.

The only downside I found to this book, was, although there were many exceptional side characters, they didn't have very absolute personalities. I didn't feel as sad as I usually did when they died (or other) because they didn't capture me. 

Other than that, I enjoyed the heck out of the book. And I think you would too. 

Future News:

The next book in the series actually came out today! The next book in the series comes on June 3rd of this year. 

1/7/14: The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown

Cover: Perfectly designed to make you just want to pick up the book.

Author: Holly Black

Genre: Fantasy, Post-Apocalyptic (kind of), Romance (kind of), Fiction

Goodreads Blurb: Tana lives in a world where walled cities called Coldtowns exist. In them, quarantined monsters and humans mingle in a decadently bloody mix of predator and prey. The only problem is, once you pass through Coldtown’s gates, you can never leave.

One morning, after a perfectly ordinary party, Tana wakes up surrounded by corpses. The only other survivors of this massacre are her exasperatingly endearing ex-boyfriend, infected and on the edge, and a mysterious boy burdened with a terrible secret. Shaken and determined, Tana enters a race against the clock to save the three of them the only way she knows how: by going straight to the wicked, opulent heart of Coldtown itself.

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown is a wholly original story of rage and revenge, of guilt and horror, and of love and loathing from bestselling and acclaimed author Holly Black.

Published/ing: September 3rd 2013 Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Rating: 5/5

Review: 

This books was so well written. 

I've never read anything from Holly Black before, but now I wish I had. 

The fantasy aspect was so well thought out and detailed. Same with the post-apocalyptic. I liked that the romance was not the main idea in the book.

The main character was strong. She made her own decisions and tried cleaning up her own messes. She new the right decisions. She tried saving others before saving her own life. 

Tana might not have been illustrated as a hero, but I think she is the perfect example of one. 

I liked how Holly tied in that historical aspect, taking the older vampire back to Russia and how they came to America. It really tied together how people in the  twenty-first century views vampirism to how it is viewed in more historical times. 

She really got every aspect to a good book down; fast paced plot, strong and well-written characters, and a detailed setting. 

Honestly, if you are a fan of anything I would suggest this book to you; Harry Potter, Twilight, Hunger Games, Lord of the Rings, and The Mortal Instruments, it all relates. 

This is an amazing book. Honestly if you haven't picked it up yet, you are missing out. 

Future News:

This is a stand alone book and there will not be a sequel (at least there isn't one planned)(I hope there is one). 

~Monty

12/26/13: Dangerous Dreams by Kami Garcia and Margret Stohl

Dangerous Dream

Cover: These covers are so very pretty, I love them so much!

Author: Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Genre: Fantasy, Gothic Southern, Romance

Goodreads Blurb: We've got some magical news for all you caster kids: "Beautiful Creatures" authors Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl are going back to Gatlin for an all-new spin-off series called "Dangerous Creatures"!

The series follows fan favorite characters (and on-again-off-again couple) Link and Ridley as they embark on fresh (and sure to be epic!) adventures. The series kicks off with the enovella "Dangerous Dream," available for download on December 17, followed by the release of the first book, "Dangerous Creatures," on May 6, 2014.

Published/ing: December 17th 2013

Rating: 3.5/5

Review:

There was nothing to special about this book. It was great to plunge back into the world of Casters and magic, but it wasn't great. I think if they plan on doing a multi-point of view book, there needs to be more conflict like in the actual books. I'm really excited to see where they go with their new series. 

I enjoy Ridley's character a lot. She is so tough and powerful, but yet vulnerable. She is independent, yet is dependent. She is always conflicted with herself. It just gives so much depth to the character and the story. 

Getting to see her point of view was definitely great for her character development.  

Future News:

As seen above, Dangerous Creatures, the first book in the series, will be published on May 6th of 2014.

*sorry that this review is extremely short, there wasn't much to say about the book itself*

~Monty

12/26/13: Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Leviathan

Will Grayson, Will Grayson

Cover: This isn't actually the cover, I just like this version better. The original cover is very boring if you ask me.

Author: John Green and David Levithan

Genre: Romance, Contemprary, coming-of-age

Goodreads Blurb: One cold night, in a most unlikely corner of Chicago, two teens—both named Will Grayson—are about to cross paths. As their worlds collide and intertwine, the Will Graysons find their lives going in new and unexpected directions, building toward romantic turns-of-heart and the epic production of history’s most fabulous high school musical.

Hilarious, poignant, and deeply insightful, John Green and David Levithan’s collaborative novel is brimming with a double helping of the heart and humor that have won both of them legions of faithful fans.

Published/ing: April 6th, 2010 Dutton's Children

Rating: 2.5/5

Review:

This book could've been a lot better. 

It was just so boring. 

I loved the characters, even though they were all pretty static the whole time. The plot was really slow and unchanging. Nothing exciting happened. 

When Will Grayson and Will Grayson met, I thought it could've been bigger, a bit changing. Both of their personalities could've been a bit more than just one unchanging trait. They could've contrasted more. 

The ending was pretty cute, and the idea was nice, but this could've been written better, which is sad to say because I love John Green and have always wanted to read David Levithan's books. 

I was really disappointed in this book. But oh well.  

~Monty

12/23/13: Fracture Me by Tahereh Mafi

Fracture Me

Cover: Excellent. I like that they are all fitting together.

Author: Tahereh Mafi

Genre: Dystopian, Romance, Other

Goodreads Blurb: In this electrifying sixty-page companion novella to the New York Times bestselling Shatter Me series, discover the fate of the Omega Point rebels as they go up against The Reestablishment. Set during and soon after the final moments of Unravel Me, Fracture Me is told from Adam's perspective.

As Omega Point prepares to launch an all-out assault on The Reestablishment soldiers stationed in Sector 45, Adam's focus couldn't be further from the upcoming battle. He's reeling from his breakup with Juliette, scared for his best friend's life, and as concerned as ever for his brother James's safety. And just as Adam begins to wonder if this life is really for him, the alarms sound. It's time for war.

On the battlefield, it seems like the odds are in their favor—but taking down Warner, Adam's newly discovered half brother, won't be that easy. The Reestablishment can't tolerate a rebellion, and they'll do anything to crush the resistance . . . including killing everyone Adam has ever cared about.

Fracture Me sets the stage for Ignite Me, the explosive finale in Tahereh Mafi's epic dystopian series. It's a novella not to be missed by fans who crave action-packed stories with tantalizing romance like Divergent by Veronica Roth, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, and Legend by Marie Lu.

Published/ing: December 17th, 2013 HarperCollins

Rating: 4/5

Review:

It has been a while since I hopped back into this series. When I was first reading this, I got really confused. I didn't know who was speaking or what was happening. Now, after a bit, my knowledge of the characters and situation came back, but I think since the last book was published a little less than a year ago, Tahereh could've added a bit more detail just to jock my memory.

Otherwise, I missed Juliette's point of view. I know it was supposed to be about Adam and his point of view, but the writing seemed awkward. It wasn't at all like Shatter Me or Unravel Me, the main books, writing wise.

Now if we are talking about plot movement then BOOM BANG BAM. Something was happening every second. I couldn't put it down. I like that the characters aren't the only things moving the plot along. I like the raw conflict.

I cannot wait for the final book to come out. I cannot get enough of Juliette's world.

Future News:

February 4th, 2014 is when the final installment in this series will be published. 

12/19/13: Let it Snow by John Green, Maureen Johson, and Lauren Myracle

Let it Snow

Cover: I love this cover! It's so perfectly pretty!

Author: John Green, Maureen Johnson, Lauren Myracle

Genre: Romance, Holiday

Goodreads Blurb: An ill-timed storm on Christmas Eve

buries the residents of Gracetown under multiple feet of snow and causes quite a bit of chaos. One brave soul ventures out into the storm from her stranded train and sets off a chain of events that will change quite a few lives. Over the next three days one girl takes a risky shortcut with an adorable stranger, three friends set out to win a race to the Waffle House ( and the hash brown spoils), and the fate of a teacup pig falls into the hands of a lovesick barista.
A trio of today's bestselling authors - John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle- brings all the magic of the holidays to life in three hilarious and charming interconnected tales of love, romance, and kisses that will steal your breath away.

Published/ing: October 2nd, 2008 Speak

Rating: 5/5

Review:

I've read a lot of John Green books, all of which were exceptionally written. I love all the Cassandra Clare and Maureen Johnson joint books like the Bane Chronicles. I've only read one of Lauren Myracle's books, Shine. That was also quite good.

So you can imagine that I had high expectations for this book.

And did it fulfill those expectations.

While I was reading it, I couldn't grasp how perfectly tied together every detail was. Lauren, Maureen, and John must've sat down and just drew up a graph of every single way they could stencil the perfect, most quirky love story between six different characters.

I can't even.

It was the absolute perfect book for Christmas. It had the perfect small town, heavy snow setting. I liked the different characters. Three different characters and they all had completely different personalities. Heck, all of the characters had different personalities, different quirks, different desires.

It impresses me to an infinite extent.

The conflict that brought all the characters together in the end was also perfect. How the two main settings, Waffle House and Starbucks, brought them all together. It was a beautiful Christmas story. Perfect for this time of year, because it created and developed the age old idea of a Christmas miracle.

And for that I give John, Maureen, and Lauren a standing ovation.

Good luck with your exams, if any of you have them left, and have a Merry Christmas. :)
~Monty

12/18/13: Waiting on Wednesday: Landline by Rainbow Rowell

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that features upcoming books that we're looking forward to!

Landline

Cover: I love it. I love that it looks like the others and will look fabulous on my shelf.

Author: Rainbow Rowell

Genre: Romance, YA

Goodreads Blurb: Georgie McCool knows her marriage is in trouble. That it’s been in trouble for a long time. She still loves her husband, Neal, and Neal still loves her, deeply — but that almost seems besides the point now.

Maybe that was always besides the point.

Two days before they’re supposed to visit Neal’s family in Omaha for Christmas, Georgie tells Neal that she can’t go. She’s a TV writer, and something’s come up on her show; she has to stay in Los Angeles. She knows that Neal will be upset with her — Neal is always a little upset with Georgie — but she doesn’t expect to him to pack up the kids and go home without her.

When her husband and the kids leave for the airport, Georgie wonders if she’s finally done it. If she’s ruined everything.

That night, Georgie discovers a way to communicate with Neal in the past. It’s not time travel, not exactly, but she feels like she’s been given an opportunity to fix her marriage before it starts . . .

Is that what she’s supposed to do?

Or would Georgie and Neal be better off if their marriage never happened?

Published/ing: July 8th, 2014 St. Martin's Press

Page Count: 320

I honestly cannot wait for another Rainbow book. I adored Fangirl and really liked Elanor and Park. This is going to be exceptional. 

~Monty

12/17/13: Top Ten Tuesday: Writer Newbies

This meme is hosted by The Broke and The Bookish. 

December 17: Top Ten New-To-Me Authors I Read In 2013

On this topic I could write a million authors, but I'll just do my favorite new ones of this year.

• Huntley Fitzpatrick
• Huntley wrote one of favorite books this year, My Life Next Door. I'm ad so excited to read her next few books when they come out!
• Kevis Hendrikson
• He is definitely a new author for me this year. I appreciated getting the chance to read his books this year.
• Marie Lu
• OoOoOo, probably my favorite dystopian author this year. Her books blew me away.
• Lauren Kate
• I'm still reading her series, Fallen, and I don't know what I think of them yet. I think I'm leaning towards three stars, but I don't know, maybe she'll surprise me!
• Madeleine Roux
• I really loved falling into her zombie novels, Allison Hewitt is Trapped and Sadie Walker is Stranded, and really must read her Asylum novel.

• Rainbow Rowell
• I think she'll be on everyone's list this year. Quite the breakthrough writer. 

• John Green
• I DO NOT REGRET A THING. These books were so good and I love what John does with his brother and everything about it is wonderful and happy.
• Tahereh Mafi
• I think these books were so very unique. Shatter Me and Unravel Me just blew me away. 
• Cassandra Clare
• Ha. Hahaha. See John Green.
• Tamera Ireland Stone
• I also enjoyed divulging my self in her books. I liked that romantic and timey wimey feel they had. 

~Monty

12/15/13: My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

My Life Next Door

Cover: It's too cute and applies to the book perfectly.

Author: Huntley Fitzpatrick

Genre: Contemporary, Romance

Goodreads Blurb: "One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time."

The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, messy, affectionate. And every day from her rooftop perch, Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs up next to her and changes everything.

As the two fall fiercely for each other, stumbling through the awkwardness and awesomeness of first love, Jase's family embraces Samantha - even as she keeps him a secret from her own. Then something unthinkable happens, and the bottom drops out of Samantha's world. She's suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?

A transporting debut about family, friendship, first romance, and how to be true to one person you love without betraying another

Published/ing: June 14th, 2012 Dial Books for Young Readers

Rating: 5/5

Review:
*giggles* I really liked this book.

I loved it start to finish. I absolutely could not put it down.

It started out very "forbidden love" and "teenage girl with a disappointing life" and then it pulled away from those main themes and made it its own.

I liked the main protagonist, Samantha, who really thinks. Not your typical "oh he's goo looking" or "oh my mom will punish me because of this" but really, actually thinks about her situation.

This whole review is technically me geeking out about how realistic this book is.

I love the foil families. The Reeds who are very pristine and exact and proper, and then the Garretts, who are compassionate and heck tic and chaotic. I liked the idea that Samantha Reed grew up longing to have a family like the Garretts, and then finally have her dream come true when a certain (beautiful) boy comes knocking at her window.

And when we finally get to meet ALL of the Garretts, I liked that each and every kid, from youngest to oldest, had different personalities. It was so entertaining for me to see Samantha in such an unfamiliar environment.

The romance aspect of the book, between Jase Garrett and Samantha Reed was so dam realistic. I loved that they were so quirky and imperfect. Like, that's what I expect from a relationship; not some perfect fairy tale. I just teared up at how great it was.

I couldn't believe this was Huntley's first book. She deserves a standing ovation for how amazing it was. It frustrates me beyond belief how perfect it was. I could not find a single flaw.

I don't think I can emphasize how much I loved this book. Everyone needs to read it.

Future News:
There will be a sequel (more of a spin-off than a sequel) scheduled to come out 2015.

12/11/13: W...W...W...Wednesday: Hey...Guys...

Wednesday's meme is hosted by Should Be Reading.

• Currently Reading
• I am currently reading Being Friends With Boys by Terra Elan McVoy. I hope to write a nice long review for this one, along with two other contemporary books I read. Also, this book has a really pretty cover :).

• Finished Reading
• I read a lot of books the past few weeks (over NaNoWriMo and Exam Study Guide making). A couple of those books are Firebrand by Antony John (amazing sequel to Elemental), My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick, and Anna and the French Kiss (CUTESY TOOTSIEY) by Stephanie Perkins. All of which, I enjoyed. 

• To Read
• I want to read a bunch of books, in fact I have a huge stack, since Christmas is coming up, but my top two are Let It Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle and Passion, the third book in the Fallen series, by Lauren Kate. 

Sorry I haven't been on lately. Between NaNo and Exams it's been insane. I want to get out a few reviews, but between all the exam crap going on, it might not be too likely. Oh well. I've missed this. :)

Have a good Wednesday,

~Monty