Book Review: Lucy Dakota: Rocky Mountain Beginnings by C.S. Shride

Lucy Dakota: Rocky Mountain Beginnings 
by Carol Sue Shride
Release Date: May 25th, 2011
Publisher: My Piece of the Puzzle
Paperback, 291 pages
Genre: Middle Grade Adventure
Buy a Copy: 
      Amazon | B&N | Book Depository

Goodreads Summary: Lucy Dakota is a typical teenage girl: confused yet intelligent, unhappy with her lot in life yet full of vitality and enthusiasm. Troubled by rocky relationships with friends and boyfriends, she finds it hard to fit in at school until she's invited to join an adventure scouting club and starts exploring the natural world. Her first adventures take place in the backcountry of her home state, Colorado, where she discovers her more daring side, as well as the young woman she is becoming. Join Lucy as she transforms from a timid, chubby tween who hides from school bullies in her teacher's office to a brave, spirited, globe-trotting leader on the hiking trail and beyond. This exciting new adventure series for young adults is sure to encourage readers to discover their strengths and take on the world, whether at school, home-or, like Lucy, skipping across the continents.

Cindy's Review:   
      Lucky Dakota is a persistent and strong narrator that tells us how she got to where she is today. To me, it seems like a great college entrance essay. Except maybe a bit too long. But we learn how Lucy finds her true self in the things she does. She learns her passion and everything she does leads to more and more adventures.

Reading about her adventures were definitely a blast. After the first few chapters of gaining her confidence, we learn that Lucy joined an outdoorsy type of club, where they go skiing and white water rafting. Sounds amazing! I wish our school would have this! 

Each adventure was like its own little story. And like me, Lucy likes to collect things along her trip, so she'd have a souvenir or a memory. I'm not a super outdoor person, but I must say, those hikes and sleds certainly sounds fun! 

      The writing style is definitely more for middle grade. Although Lucy herself was in high school, I felt like the way the story plays out and how things are told are suited more towards junior high students. The way Lucy narrates doesn't sound extremely sophisticated. Like me. I have a hard time trying to sound fancy and proper. The rest of the characters and romance in this book didn't play a big part. There were some characters that made a pretty big appearance, like Keri, but she isn't someone lovable. She sounds like a grade A queen bee. She sounds really fake. There is nothing in depth about her, maybe because she is that kind of person. 

Then, there's other characters I question about, like Dean. Lucy makes pretty bad choices as to picking friendships and relationships. But I guess that does happen in everyday high school life. We students do all make bad choices at one point of life. Another thing I would like to mention is Lucy's inability to pack correctly. I get it if it's the first time she's been on an overnight trip, but it seemed like she packed the wrong clothes every single time! She could asked someone, done research, or just check the weather! I have no comments here. 

      Overall, Lucy Dakota was an inspiring read about self-discovery and learning to know and love yourself. It is a novel middle grade scholars should consider reading.

The Rating: 8.5

Happy Reading~
  

Book Review: A Ranger's Tale by Mysti Parker

A Ranger's Tale (Tallenmere #1) 
by Mysti Parker
Release Date: December 18th, 2010 
Publisher: Melange Books
Content: PG-13
ARC Paperback, 324 pages
Source: Author
Attain a copy:
      B&N | Amazon

Goodreads Summary: In the fantasy world of Tallenmere, an elven noblewoman longed to leave her gilded cage. A half-breed former pirate wanted nothing more than to escape his guilty past. Easier said than done...

High elf Caliphany Aranea leads an enviable life as King Leopold's niece and daughter of Sirius, Leogard's most famous wizard. Yet, being forced to follow in her father's footsteps and being betrothed to a man she doesn't even like makes her want a taste of life outside the city walls. 

As a young boy, half-elf Galadin Trudeaux witnessed his parents' death at the hands of pirates. After being raised by those same murderers and forced to do their bidding, he escaped and now lives an honest life as a sea merchant and ranger. 

When two brutes at Leogard Harbor attempt to kidnap Caliphany while she dreams of faraway lands, Galadin comes to her rescue. Impressed by his skills, she asks him to train her as a ranger. Though he is hesitant at first to train a woman of her class, Caliphany's hefty sack of gold finally persuades him. Unfortunately, her father is not amused, and the two must escape before Caliphany faces a forced marriage and Galadin faces a noose. 

From that moment on she and Galadin embark on an adventure of a lifetime. Only if they can survive the trials ahead, will they find a love that stands the test of time.

Cindy's Review:

At a Glance/The Cover:

The cover is as appealing. I mean, if I were to be at a library, and be choosing out my book just from the cover, I probably wouldn't have pick this book. I know it's the contents and what's in it that counts, but like sometimes I would definitely pick out a book just looking at its cover. 

What the cover did give us what that there are 3 main characters. And there's probably going to be a love triangle. 

Some quotes. :) This is an ARC copy, so the quotes might not be the same as in the final copy. 

I want to see the world!

Ha. Don't everyone? I totally agree. 

The Characters/My Thoughts:

Before we get to the characters, I might as well start by saying what I liked and disliked about this book. 

Okay, so for me. I'm more of a YA fan. A teenager's POV. At most, new adult. I don't usually go towards the adult and kids and actually getting married and having a family section. But sometimes, it's just really nice to include kids in it. I can get hyped over the description of babies. And really though. I like the drama. Because babies always always involve drama. I don't like the school drama though. Or the gossiping kinds.  But in general, I like to watch dramas. Like TV ones. Not the ones I get to live through.

Shut up and steer.

Ayee captain. :) 

So I just spent that whole paragraph talking about me. Ugh. Okay. I'm going to talk some more. About me. LOL. I love fantasy, but there's just somethings I don't like. I love the idea of wizards, gracelings, talents, powers, goddesses, princes etc, but then I don't really go for the faeiries, werewolves, vampires, angels, supernaturals, etc . unless they're really good. I never really read one about elves. Because every time I think about them, they remind me of Christmas. Or St. Patrick's Day. 

But before I read the book, I did consider elves in the "I don't really go for" list. 

I do enjoy the idea that the main character is royalty, but the book didn't say much palace life, soo......either way, it was an interesting concept to read. I did thoroughly enjoy the book. The drama wasn't too dramatic, yet it wasn't boring. I liked that the main character actually went to places and didn't stay at one place.

I must say, this book definitely seems like a drama. Definitely. I can just imagine it as a movie or something. I really can. ;)

...Ellawen

Omg. That's such a pretty name. 

Caliphany - The characters. Finally. Cali. That's her nickname. I don't even know how to pronounce her name, but I like some unique names. Last time I checked, I'm pretty sure Cali is a full elf. She's a beautiful, high elf, supposedly full of elegance. Her family name Aranea is known throughout her country. Her mother is sister of the king. And her father, a really famous, good wizard. Yes yyes. Wizards! And Dumbledore. Either way, I like to think Cali as a princess. Ish.

I didn't like how Cali wavered in her love for Galadin. I was so mad. But then, everything turned out well. :) 

Galadin - Elves live really long. Even as a half elf like Galadin, you'll still live long. In a way, Galadin is a unique name, but if I heard it in the supermarket, I probably won't notice it very much. As of Caliphany. I'll notice that, alright. If you ever guessed Galadin is the one to marry Cali, you guessed right. 

At first, Galadin and Cali kind of meet in a coincidental way. Then they would meet a second time, while Cali was running away. Then, they eloped. Something like that. :D

Jayden - So there's Jayden. Who isn't low in the social status himself. He likes Cali. A lot. He might have been a cause of problems, but he hasn't been behind everything. When I first met him, I really didn't like. I found him too desperate. And such a  cock blocker. I mean, your girl is taken. Get over it. Find a different girl. She isn't your soul mate if she found the love of her life. Then, near the end, Jayden got better. And I actually pitied him. For not getting the one he loves. :'(

Yeah. I really didn't get that much quotes. :*( LOL. It's aight.

Overall Thoughts:

This book was a pretty quick and adventurous reads. Those who like watching movies or dramas, I bet you can sort of visualize scenes and plots and dramatic parts in your head. :) 

Oh yeah. And explaining the title. So basically, Galadin is known as a ranger. He hunts. And sells. He's not exactly that high in the social chart, but you know, Cali still loves him. :3

Thank you so much to Mysti Parker to send me this book. And as she says " Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy!" :) Although I don't drink coffee. ^^

The Rating: (1-10): 7.5

Happy Reading~ 

Book Review: Solstice High by Ardash Vartparonian

Welcome to my stop on the Solstice High Blog Tour

hosted by Virtual Author Book Tours.

Publisher: Strategic Book Group  (October 22, 2012)
Category: Urban Fantasy/Sci Fi/Young Adult
Tour Date: July- Early August, 2013
Available in: eBook and Print,  360  Pages

Blurb:

Matt, Rochelle, Daphne and Jonas are four students starting their senior year of high school, but suffer a freak-accident the very first day and start to realize that they are developing superhuman abilities. They quickly realize that the school principal, Mr. Devlin, has in fact more than just education on his agenda, and is using the school for his own purposes.

Not only must the four friends try to figure out what Devlin’s plans are, but when he will strike, and seeing as how they cannot turn to grown-ups for help without exposing themselves, must themselves grow-up in order to stop him. As well as learning to cope with these developing powers, the four teenagers must deal with the day-to-day muddles of being a teenager, such as volatile emotions, infatuations and family issues.

Cindy's Review:

At First Glance:

Well....I really thought this book would be a fun, hilarious read. Just judging from the teaser and all. It was funny at times, but this turns out to be more of an adventure. And I was also surprised to find some romance in it. Otherwise, it was the kind of book I expected it to be. A fun, high school read about powers. Haha.

The Characters:

Matt - Matt? Hmmm. Well, the first thing I learned about him was that he's gay. It's not meant to be insulting. But I mean, it's a pretty big ish? part of the story. The power he got was changing into an animal. Any, I believe.  Like a bat. Tiger. Etc. Once he does, he gets the animal's strength and other things. Overall, he"s a pretty cool guy. 

Rochelle - Rochelle is the queen bee of the school. Surprisingly, she hangs out with her group. Even if Matt is gay and all. And Daphne isn't the most popular girl. She does use quite a lot of cuss words but that's a modern trend right? Haha. At least in school it's modern. Especially when you're the queen bee. Rochelle's power is telekinesis. Which means she can make things move using only her mind. She can even fly and make herself float. 

Daphne - Daphne is the other girl of the group. She's my favorite character for some. Maybe it's her romance interest with Hunter. ;D Rochelle calls her the redhead girl. I feel like she's closer with Matt than the other two in the group. Daphne's power is the use of fire, light, etc. Something like that. She can burn people. Hunter's the opposite. He's ice. That just makes it more romantic. ;D 

Jonas - Jonas is like the school jock. If you know what I mean. If I'm not getting this from another book I recently read, I believe Jonas is the captain of the lacrosse team. But I maybe wrong. I think he's the swimming captain though. Jonas has the power to heal. So he can heal cuts, bleeding, etc. I think he can even bring back the dead. And one huge thing. He has a crush on Rochelle. Rochelle, of course, doesn't know at all. 

Mr. Devlin - The evil mastermind of the whole thing with superpowers and such. He sends his minions to kill the four of them.....and well. He's doesn't really act mean and all at school, but he is evil.

At the end of this book, there are many deaths. Don't worry, none of them are fist-wrenching, heart-stabbing deaths, so for those who doesn't like to cry, you probably won't cry.

Final Thoughts:

I think this was a nice adventure read. And I truly enjoyed the unexpected romance that appeared in there between Daphne and Hunter. <3 I want to say, kids can read it, since it's just so entertaining, but they can't. 

This book filled in a lot of things you expect from a book. Like you can say it's mature, because it does have some mature stuff in it, but it's not serious at all, like in a new adult book. Ugh. I can't even describe anything, because I'll confuse myself. 

Either way, you should give this one a try if you enjoy adventure, romantic YA books. ;) 

I rate this an 8~

Author Bio:

Ardash Vartparonian was born in London but raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. At the age of 18 he began his debut novel, Solstice High, and continued writing throughout his last year of school and first year of university, where he moved back to the UK to study English Literature at Edinburgh University. Now a fourth year student, Ardash enjoys going out with his friends, watching horror movies and reading fantasy book while trying to keep up with his university work. Find out more at http://sbpra.com/ardashvartparonian/

Links:

Facebook

Google+

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Book Depository

Happy Reading~ 

Blog Tour: Gaijin Cowgirl by Jame Dibiasio

Welcome to my stop on the Gaijin Cowgirl Blog Tour

hosted by Virtual Author Book Tours. 

Blurb:

Working Tokyo nightclubs is easy money for beautiful and troubled American Val Benson – until a client with a rather unusual hobby – painting the private parts of his female liaisons – reluctantly gives up a map to a stash of Japanese war loot and tempts his favorite girl into a dangerous treasure hunt.
The Congressman’s daughter is not the only one interested in the map: Yakuza, bent cops, human traffickers, rogue CIA agents and her father are hot on her trail, snapping at her high heels.
So begins the dark, epic journey of a new anti-hero of Asian Noir, a protagonist both ambiguous and courageous, and utterly unreliable. From comfort women and tomb-raiding in Japanese-occupied Burma to the murderous echoes of the Vietnam War, long forgotten crimes come roaring back to life, as Val leaves a trail of destruction and chaos in her wake.
Together with her best friend, the equally unreliable nightclub hostess Suki, Val travels through Tokyo, Hong Kong and Bangkok to the Thai-Burmese borderlands for a dramatic showdown with her pursuers. Finding the treasure before everyone else does is her only hope for survival, and perhaps redemption.

Cindy's Review: Yes, this book is definitely not one of the books I normally read. And yes, it doesn't really fit the genre I read in, but I must say, it's nice for a short, refreshing change. I mean, every book has suspense. The YA Fantasy books I like to read. Definitely has suspense in it. But nothing compares to an adventure book. A book of running away across the world. Now those kind of books, leave you breathless. 

Although, I'm not planning to read more of these adventure books anytime soon, I still have that huge pile of to-be-read list,  but this was definitely an entertaining break. Imagine it as a short break from work. Like going bungee jumping instead of sitting in your office, typing up all those reports. Yep. Totally refreshing. But of course, you'll probably not bungee jump anytime soon after. Of course, unless you get too addicted and want to make it your career. Now I'm getting way off topic. Let's go back to that review, shall we?

Val Benson - She just gives the total bad girl image. Not the rip jeans, showing her guts, wearing heavy make-up, and making out 24/7 kind of bad. Val is the definition of the real bad. The one that smokes, deals with gangsters, seeing the black market, and being a criminal kind of bad. Of course, she' s not a criminal but just seems like one, since she's running away with a treasure map, finding treasure and all. And she doesn't really deal with black market. Her dad probably does. Well, smoking. She still smokes. Either way, Val makes up one heck of an amazing main character. 

Val also had problems with her dad. She just doesn't like him. But in the end, I liked how she made up with him before it was too late. And I also enjoy reading those Japanese terms. Reading about another country is always fun. Gaijin Cowgirl just reminds me a little of Geronimo Stilton series because of it's wild, crazy treasure hunting adventures. It also reminds me a bit of the show, "The Amazing Race" because Val definitely went to a lot of places. 

Either way, happy reading. And if you need a break from reading books you normally read, here's a book for you. ;D 

I rate this an 8~

Author Bio: 

Jame DiBiasio is an award-winning financial journalist and editor. He is author of the non-fictionThe Story of Angkor (published by Silkworm Books in 2013) and blogs at http://asiahacks.com. He lives in Hong Kong.

P.S. It's really cool how he lives in Hong Kong. Don't ya think?

Links: 

Amazon

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Facebook

Publisher

Blog: http://asiahacks.com

Giveaway: 

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Book Review: Incarceron by Catherine Fisher

Incarceron (Incarceron #1) 
by Catherine Fisher
Release Date: February 8th, 2011
Publisher: Firebird Fantasy
Genre: YA Fantasy
Format: Paperback, 442 pages
Source: JMMS Library
ISBN: 978-0-14-241852-9
Get a Copy: B&N | Amazon

Goodreads Summary: Incarceron is a prison so vast that it contains not only cells and corridors, but metal forests, dilapidated cities, and wilderness. It has been sealed for centuries, and only one man has ever escaped. Finn has always been a prisoner here. Although he has no memory of his childhood, he is sure he came from Outside. His link to the Outside, his chance to break free, is Claudia, the warden's daughter, herself determined to escape an arranged marriage. They are up against impossible odds, but one thing looms above all: Incarceron itself is alive . . .

Cindy's Review: I borrowed this book, I guess, for fun. Truthfully, I saw my friend's little sister reading this and she said it was good, so I decided to give it a try. This book didn't really blow my mind or grab my attention nonstop. Maybe it was because I was reading this during CST testings and I just couldn't focus. I think I flipped through pages more than reading. I got bored. So I probably skipped a lot of important stuff. But I'm pretty sure I got the basics down though. 

The key in the cover is basically the key that connected Finn's world and Claudia's world. Finn is inside the Incarceron, like a prisoner. No one had gotten out of that prison. And the prison is a one huge, scary thing too. Incarceron is like a robot. People created him. But Incarceron started getting its own brain and crontrolling itself. No one can stop Incarceron. 

Finn lives inside Incarceron. He was told that he was born in there. When he found a crystal key, he realized it was his opportunity to escape. So far, only the legendary Sapphique had ever escpaed this prison. And it's only a legend. The key can channel to Claudia.

Claudia has the same crystal key. Therefore, Claudia and Finn can talk to each other, even though he lives in a different world. Claudia is about to get married to a prince, but he isn't the original heir to the throne. It was said that the queen had killed Giles for a chance for her son to be king. And Claudia definitely doesn't want to marry him..

So I've decided, this one's gonna be a mighty short review. Cuz I'm not exactly feeling that I know a lot of this book right now. ;/ 

It wasn't until later I realized Catherine Fisher was the author of the Snow-Walker Saga. I really really loved that book. So, let's hope this book just wan't written for me. 

Rating: (1-10): 7.5

Happy Reading~ 

Book Review: The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken

The Darkest Minds (The Darkest Minds #1) 
by Alexandra Bracken 
Release Date: December 18th, 2012
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Genre: Young Adult Dystopia Romance 
Format: Hardcover, 488 pages
Source: Liana/Bought from Walmart
ISBN: 978-1-4231-5797-3
Get a Copy: B&N/Amazon 

Goodreads Summary: When Ruby woke up on her tenth birthday, something about her had changed. Something alarming enough to make her parents lock her in the garage and call the police. Something that gets her sent to Thurmond, a brutal government “rehabilitation camp.” She might have survived the mysterious disease that’s killed most of America’s children, but she and the others have emerged with something far worse: frightening abilities they cannot control.

Now sixteen, Ruby is one of the dangerous ones.

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

When they arrive at East River, nothing is as it seems, least of all its mysterious leader. But there are other forces at work, people who will stop at nothing to use Ruby in their fight against the government. Ruby will be faced with a terrible choice, one that may mean giving up her only chance at a life worth living.

Cindy's Review: Haha. So this book was like a pass-me-down recommendation. It was recommended to my friend Liana from Dalena, therefore Liana bought the book. I heard Dalena give great recommendations and I talked to Dalena so I decided to read the book. (Liana didn't even read it yet. HAHA.)

"Lesson learned! You're falling next time, darlin', because, man, you have a hard head...."
Herher. I love how Liam can joke around even though they're trying to run away. 

The Cover: 

You see that symbol right there? It's the symbol of the government's cruelty towards children. It's the symbol people at the "rehalbilitation camp" and they're evil. Anyways, just by looking at this book and reading the teaser, my friend, Wen said it sounded good. So *winks looks like it's a catchy cover.

"-that is not my child!"
Like omg. Who can forget their baby completely? For a second, I really thought Ruby woke up in the wrong house. LOL.

The Characters: 

Ruby- When Ruby was then, her parents disowned her. Or her parents forgot her. I don't know. Maybe she made her parents forget her. I don't really get that part. But either, on the day of her tenth birthday, she was dragged to concentration camp. There they were classified as colors. Green and Blue were the less dangerous ones. And Yellow and Red were kind of dangerous. But the most dangerous was Orange. Orange can change thoughts, read minds, and control actions. The amazing Slip Kid was Orange. And Ruby? Ruby's Orange but she made others think she was a Green. But Ruby doesn't know how to use her powers.

"Rabbits need dignity and, above all, the will to accept their fate."
This quote can be so random, but in a way, it affects the main character and her decisions. Omg. I like this quote cuz it involves rabbits. I love bunnies. ;D

Liam - This hottie right here is nineteen? I think he's nineteen or was it seventeen. Haha. I forgot. I read too many books to remember. I just know that they're in their teens and their hot. Yep. Such an awesome reader. He's the leader of the group that goes around places with him. In his group, there's a guy named Chubs and an eleven-year-old named Zu. All three of them escaped out of the prison camp children are dumped in. I'm pretty sure Liam is the oldest, therefore he's the leader. Zu was the one who saved Ruby and Chubs don't really like Ruby at first, but Liam insisted that Ruby stayed with them. ;D

"His hand came up to brush the stray strands of hair off the back of my neck."
That's how all relationships starts getting serious. It's either that, or they straight up kiss. I like this version better. :)

The Plot: 
When Ruby was ten, she was dragged away by PSF officers to the Thurmond "rehabilitation camp" among all the other children from 9-16 (I believe). There, she spent six years listening to what people tell her to do. She stays quiet. She makes a friend, named Sam. Six years later, Sam stuck up for her, but Ruby couldn't do anything to save her friend from the torture PSF officers give them. Soon, Ruby was saved by a doctor named Dr.Begbie. 

It turns out Dr. Begbie works for the organization against the camps and she works to save kids like Ruby. But Ruby doesn't trust Begbie (her real name is Kate, I think. Sorry. My memory problems. Omg.) Ruby runs away from Kate and her boyfriend Rob and in the end, she finds Liam's group. Ruby stayed with Liam and yes, they slowly fell in love. Haha. <3 

Both Ruby and Liam wants to find the Slip Kid. Apparently the Slip Kid could provide food and all those resources for kids like them. But when Ruby finally finds him, Ruby soon learns who the Slip Kid really is and what damage he could really do. 

I can't believe I forgot to add Ruby's abilities. Ruby can mind read and control another person's thoughts. She's an Orange. And there aren't much Oranges out there. Perhaps only the Slip Kid and her. Because they're the last few. And only the Oranges can change things all around. 

"I'm so sorry......for everything."
Seems like the sad part is here. Here comes my tears. LOL. 

The Extras:
Ohmergerd, The ending. I could cry. Actually I think I did. Omg. I kind of wish the book ended like so that it would be a sad ending and I could cry and love this book forever. But it's a series, so at least there's a chance for a happy ending. ;)

This book kind of reminds of Graceling by Kristin Cashore. But mind reading and controlling was an ability in Graceling also. And people are also identified through their abilities in both books. ;) And both have awesome romance in it. ;D 

The Rating: (1-10): 9.9!

Happy Reading~

Book Review: Double Crossed by Ally Carter

Double Crossed: A Spy and Thieves Book (Gallagher Girls # 5.5; Heist Society #2.5)
by Ally Carter 
Release Date: January 22nd, 2013
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Genre: Young Adult Fiction Contemporary Thriller Spy 
Format: ebook, 82 pages
Source: Netgalley 
ISBN: 978-1-4231-8747-9
Get It: B&N/Amazon (Currently FREE!) 

Goodreads Summary: Macey McHenry—Glamorous society girl or spy-in-training?

W.W. Hale V—Heir to an American dynasty or master thief?

There are two sides to every coin. Whether these two can work together is a tossup.

Born into privilege, Macey and Hale are experts at mingling with the upper class. But even if they’ve never raised an eyebrow at the glitz, neither teenager has ever felt at home with the glamour.

When Macey and Hale meet at a society gala, the party takes a dangerous turn. Suddenly they’re at the center of a hostage situation, and it’s up to them to stop the thugs from becoming hostile. Will Macey’s spy skills and Hale’s con-man ways be enough to outsmart a ruthless gang? Or will they have to seek out the ultimate inside girl to help?

The worlds of Heist Society and the Gallagher Girls collide in Ally Carter’s fast-paced, high-stakes and tantalizing new story. Get a behind the scenes glimpse as Ally delivers an irresistible thriller that is full of her signature style and savvy twists.

Cindy's Review: I think Ally Carter is just freakinfantastic! She's so cool! Omg. Ally Carter combined her two series together and the characters finally met! Even though the series took place in a different time period and the characters lead different lives, Ally found a way to make them meet! That's fabulousness~ ;D LOL. Cuz I love all the characters. 

"At last, Macey saw something that she was absolutely not expecting. A boy."

Ooohhh, Macey McHenry's flirting skills are back....but don't hate her just yet.

The Cover:

Hmmm...a necklace. I wonder why.....well, there's gonna be a necklace in the book. It's kind of like a mystery. Like the Boxcar Children kind (which I used to love when I loved mysteries back when I was younger) but more action-packed and romantic in a way. It's gonna get you on your edge of your seats with the oozing sexiness of spies and (good) thieves. Haha. Yeah. 

"And for the first time that evening, Macey was impressed. 'Oh, you're good.' "

And I'm impressed. Whoever can impress Macey McHenry must be impresssive. Gotta pay more attention to Hale now. 

The Characters:

Macey McHenry - When I first met Macey in book 1 of the Gallagher Girls series, I'd Tell You I Love, But Then I'd Have to Kill You (I know, long title, but awesome quote there. ;D) I was like, "Gosh, Macey such a b****." But then, Macey became a whole lot better and finally recognized Cammie Morgan as the main character and the "leader" of the pack. Cammie's fabulous. Can't wait till one day, she relishes all her spy skills and leave everyone in awe. ;) Can't wait for #6 in the GG series! 

"You think you're gorgeous. But I'm the one guy here who knows better."

You better watch out, Macey. xD

Hale - Hale, on the other hand, is this sexy thief guy, who....sounded so sexy in the book. ;) Honestly, I wasn't paying enough attention in the Heist Society series to correctly remember Hale and Kat Bishop. So sorry about that, Hale. Hale is just this really cool, outgoing guy who catches girls' attentions. Yep. Caught Macey's attention. 

"Because of that."

This is getting good. Because of what?

The Plot: 

So for those who didn't know, Hale and Macey are kind of high-classed, despite who they secretly are, a spy and a thief. They both have rich parents, with huge parties to attend to. I love the way Ally Carter writes. Omg. So they attend this meeting and their bored. Like really bored. Until.....they caught sight of each other, ;D, even though both of them are like dating someone. And they realize something was suspicious.

They didn't know anything about each other, but then when it turns out both of them knew way too much information to be a normal teenager, they decide to work together to solve whatever problem is going to happen. They call to their outside sources, Abby Cameron and Kat Bishop (so they met too! ;D) to help them, especially when now they're locked up in a huge room with other guests with guns to their heads. 

So in this exciting, short novella, suspense-packed mystery, Macey and Hale has to pretend to be dating to get of this mess. Haha. I love that part. 

"You're cute when you're annoyed."

I love that they flirt when they're both taken and they basically have a gun in their face.

The Extras:

So this book is currently free in Amazon and Barnes and Nobles! And Smashwords (probably, I didn't check). So go check it out! I suggest you read the Gallagher Girl series and The Heist Society series first, but it wouldn't hurt to get a free book! Plus, you just wouldn't know the characters like the people who read the series before do, but I think it would be okay to read the novella without reading the series. Just like meeting new characters. ;)

This book has Hale and Macey POV so that should be interesting knowing Hale's POV. ;) 

P.S I'm going to book quotes in between paragraphs of my review. ;) So I can entertain my readers. LOL. 

The Rating: (1-10): 9.5

Happy Reading~ 

Book Review: Origin by Jessica Khoury

Origin 
by Jessica Khoury
Release Date: September 4th, 2012
Publisher: RazorBill/Penguin Group
Format: Hardcover, 394 pages
Source: Book Signing @ a bookstore w/Jessica Khoury
ISBN: 978-1-59514-595-6
Get a Copy: 
      Barnes and Nobles
      Amazon

Goodreads Summary: Pia has grown up in a secret laboratory hidden deep in the Amazon rain forest. She was raised by a team of scientists who have created her to be the start of a new immortal race. But on the night of her seventeenth birthday, Pia discovers a hole in the electric fence that surrounds her sterile home--and sneaks outside the compound for the first time in her life.

Free in the jungle, Pia meets Eio, a boy from a nearby village. Together, they embark on a race against time to discover the truth about Pia's origin--a truth with deadly consequences that will change their lives forever.

Origin is a beautifully told, shocking new way to look at an age-old desire: to live forever, no matter the cost.

Cindy's Review:  So for starters, I must express my gratitude towards my friend who recommended me to buy this book. I went to a book signing with my friend and book buddy, Liana. I only brought like $25 with and there were four authors. Marie Lu, Andrea Cremer, Brenna Yovanoff, and Jessica Khoury and I had to decide which book I should buy to get it signed. I already had Marie Lu's legend with me, so I had to decided between three authors. I already read Andrea Cremer's Nightshade, but it was an ebook. Too bad I couldn't get it signed. ;( So I guess in the end it was between two authors. Well, actually my friend was like your choice, whichever book you like to buy, but then she added that Origin was really good. The cover of Origin also looked very appealing so being me, who rely on covers decided Origin seemed like a great book, so I got that one. 

The Cover: 

And well, my judging covers actually helped a lot because once again, that skill did not fail me. This book was such a fabulous fabulous book. OMG. I really love books that aren't a sereis, because I don't have to chase after and wait impatiently for the next book to come. I can get it over with and love it forever. 

So that purple flower the girl is holding on the cover is called elysia. Elysia is the flower that helps create immortality. 

The Characters:

So I really really love how this book is so well put together and everything is crystal clear. The setting of this book takes place in a jungle where the main character, Pia was born and grew up in. The jungle has a lab area called Little Cam that is kept secretly. The government kind of knows but the public doesn't. The lab had been there since 1904 when a flower is discovered that causes immortality. But it has to be passed down five generations for the immortality to start working and Pia is the fifth one. She is what you call perfect.

Pia - Okay, Pia is kind of like this spoiled, but outgoing girl. She's loud, she's the center of attention, but she also has to nerve to defy others and go do her own thing. She always says she's perfect in the beginning. Pia listens to what people tell her to do, like the lab scientists. She has been for 16 years. But now, she's starting to question things. Question what immortality is really about. And what she has to do. And why she has to do it.

Eio -  Eio is like super duper awesome. So in the book, he's buff. :))) And he's like just freakin awesome. He meets Pia around the middle of the book and he tells Pia more about the life outside of Little Cam. Eio's background also had helped Pia a lot. Together, they find out what the scientists are really doing and what it means for the rest of the world.

Aunt Harriet - Aunt Harriet is like a really big part of the story. In the whole Little Cam, Aunt Harriet is the only one Pia can trust. That's right, not even her mother. Harriet covers for Pia when Pia sneaks out to see Eio. I think Aunt Harriet is just awesome even though Pia is annoyed at her at first. Aunt Harriet also encouraged Pia's discovery of what the scientists are doing to her.

The Extras:

I really really love the ending. Omg. It was like most fabulous awesome amazing ending ever. Omg it's Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious-ly awesome. Okay. I don't get myself, but you get the idea. Honestly, it was like one of the best endings I've ever read. 

The Rating: (1-10): 10! 

That fabulous ending~ 

Happy Reading~

Cindy 

Book Review: The Things a Brother Knows by Dana Reinhardt

The Things a Brother Knows 
by Dana Reinhardt
Release Date: September 13th, 2011
Publisher: Ember
Format: Paperback, 256 pages
Source: John Muir Middle School Library
ISBN: 978-03758-44560
Get a Copy: 
      Barnes and Nobles
      Amazon

Goodreads Summary: Levi's older brother Boaz returns from fighting with the Marines in the Middle East. He's safe. Levi's family has waited three long years for this. But Boaz is no longer the brother Levi thought he knew. Even if nobody else wants to see it, Levi can tell that Boaz has changed; something's wrong. When Boaz announces he's off to hike the Appalachian Trail, Levi knows he's lying. He's heading somewhere else. So Levi follows, determined to understand who his brother was, what he's been through, and how to bring him home again.

Cindy's Review: The Things a Brother Knows is another one of the CYRM 2013 nominee. This is in the Young Adult section competing against Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl and Matched by Ally Condie. I honestly think it won't win due to how famous and popular Beautiful Creatures and Matched is. It's a battle between those two books. Personally, who would I choose? Hmmm. Even though I like the Beautiful Creatures series better than Matched and I think Matched isn't the best written book ever, I think I'll still choose Matched for the Young Adult section. 

The Cover: 
The cover is okay to me. The only comment I made about it that Levi in the cover does not look 5'9" or was it 5'11"? I forgot.

The Characters/Plot: 
Levi - Levi is 17, almost 18 when his brother, Boaz who is perfect and popular came back from the army. When Boaz came back, he changed completely and was quiet all the time. One day Boaz packed and started to take a walking trip to Washington D.C. 

Levi thought there was something wrong with Boaz, so Levi also decides to go follow Boaz. Together they walked across the country to Washington D.C. 

The ending was kind of sad. I actually cried. LOL. 

The Extras: 
I think this book was kind of boring compared to the other two books. Even though there is some romance, I just don't seem to connect with this book. ;(

Parpar = butterfly    

So if you want to read my review for Beautiful Creatures (Caster Chronicles #1), here it is: 
http://bookaholicfaggots.blogspot.com/2012/09/book-review-beautiful-creatures-by-kami.html

And if you want Beautiful Darkness (Caster Chronicles #2) review:
http://bookaholicfaggots.blogspot.com/2012/09/book-review-beautiful-darkness-by-kami.html

And the Beautiful Chaos (Caster Chronicles #3) review: 
http://bookaholicfaggots.blogspot.com/2012/10/book-review-beautiful-chaos-by-kami.html

And lastly Beautiful Redemption (Caster Chronicles #4) review: 
http://bookaholicfaggots.blogspot.com/2013/01/book-review-beautiful-redemption-by.html

Okay. I dunno why just advertised Beautiful Creatures series so much. LOL.

Oh. And I don't have a review of Matched on my blog because I read that book all the way back in sixth grade and I didn't have a blog yet back then. LOL. 

The Rating:
(1-10): 7.5

Happy Reading~

Blog Tour: Drawn to You by Janel Rodriguez Ferrer

Welcome to my stop on the Drawn to You Blog Tour

hosted by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Click HERE to see the rest of the tour schedule.

 Blurb: 

Rock Your Destiny! 

Gina Santiago is a thirteen-year-old "Nuyorican" with rock star dreams, so when she's accepted into the prestigious New York Academy of Arts and Talents for art instead of music, she's crushed. To make matters worse, the student body at the Upper East Side school is divided into "schollies" (students on scholarship, like her) and "dollies" (rich kids with "dollars"). But Gina discovers that there is one thing that brings schollies and dollies-and dancers, singers, actors, artists, and musicians-together: music! Maybe she can make her dreams come true after all....

Cindy's Review: 

This book was a simple juvenile fiction read that inspires kids to follow their dreams. I'm so glad I decided to do this blog tour. I've been reading young adult so much nowadays, I forgot how fun it is to read middle school books. Middle school books are entertaining and captivating, just like the young-adult books, except without all the romance drama. Even if there is romance, the authors keep it light and at ease.

Drawn to You was such a good book! The ending almost killed me! I know this book just came out, but I really can't wait for the next book! And even though, I say romance is gone, whew! A nice rest, I still maybe want just a little romance. Just a little. Because there' s this one character I want Gina to be with. ;)

I love how Gina forms a band at her new school. I love how she follows her dream even though her mother discourages her. I just love the ending of this story. Reminds me a bit of


Janel will be awarding Winner's Choice of a $25 gift card to iTunes (music) or, Capezio (dance), or Utrecht (art supplies) to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.


Author Bio:
    Like her main character, Gina Santiago, Janel is a Nuyorican who attended a Manhattan high school of the arts as an art major. Unlike Gina, she isn’t very good at guitar and doesn’t have a rock band to call her own. Truth be told, she never dreamed of becoming a guitarist. Instead, from the time she was a tween she dreamed of becoming a published author of a book series. And since you're reading this, you can see that her dream has come true!
   Her first hint of an idea for the Arts-Angels series began way back when she received a pendant of St. Michael the Archangel for her sixteenth birthday.
   She lives with her twin sister, Jennifer (who got a pendant of St. Joan of Arc that same birthday but hasn’t written any books about it), in New York City.

Links: 

Website: www.theartsangels.com

Blog: http://janelrodriguezferrer.wordpress.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JanelRodriguezFerrer.

E-mail: janelrodriguezferrer (at) theartsangels (dot) com.

Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Arts-Angels-Track-Drawn-You/dp/1936214911/ref=sr_1_1?
s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1355357021&sr=1-1&keywords=janel+rodriguez+ferrer

Amazon UK:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Arts-Angels-Track-Drawn-You/dp/1936214911

Barnes and Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-arts-angels-track-1-janel-rodriguez-ferrer/1113051508?
ean=9781936214914

Alibris: http://www.alibris.com/booksearch?qwork=23571060

Australia: https://www.betweenreads.com.au/book/the-arts-angels-track-1-drawn-to-you.do

India: http://books.indiangiftsportal.com/book/artsangels-track-1-janel-rodriguez/
9781936214914

Happy Touring~