May 31, 2014

Monthly Review: May.

Welcome to Turning Pages!

May is officially over in a little over two hours, which means I still have time to post my monthly review! I wasn't able to post earlier today, because I did spend the morning at a walk-a-thon, for my boyfriend's cousin who recently passed away. She was only a year or so older than me, and this walk will be something I will remember forever.

She is an absolutely beautiful girl, and she's in a much better place now.

But let's just get into the review...

Book Review:

Waiting on the Sidelines (Waiting on the Sidelines, #1)The Madman's Daughter (The Madman's Daughter, #1)Avalon (Avalon, #1)Shadow and Bone (The Grisha, #1)


Second StarThe Here and Now


It's Monday, What Am I Reading:

Avalon (Avalon, #1)Second StarChangeling (Order of Darkness #1)


Wednesday Memes:

While You're AwayToxic (Pretty Little Liars Series #15)Nantucket Blue


This Week's New YA Releases:

Rush by Eve Silver: Book CoverNow and Forever by Susane Colasanti: Book CoverCity of Heavenly Fire (The Mortal Instruments Series #6) by Cassandra Clare: Book CoverHungry by H. A. Swain: Book Cover


Other:



This Week's New YA Releases!

Welcome to Turning Pages!

This is a meme hosted here at Turning Pages, showcasing all of the new YA books coming out within the next seven days. Interested in any of the books mentioned below? Click on the books title, it'll take you to that book's Book Depository page, where you'll be able to read more about it!

Paperback:

Sometimes It Lasts by Abbi Glines: Book CoverCrushed (Pretty Little Liars Series #13) by Sara Shepard: Book CoverThe Wicked Within by Kelly Keaton: Book CoverThe Heartbreak Messenger by Alexander Vance: Book Cover


Where Beauty Lies (Sophia and Ava London Series #2) by Elle Fowler: Book CoverBlood Pact (Blood Books Series #4) by Tanya Huff: Book CoverRiches by Megan Cole: Book Cover


Hardback:

Toxic (Pretty Little Liars Series #15) by Sara Shepard: Book CoverHungry by H. A. Swain: Book Cover



May 29, 2014

Book Review: The Here and Now.

The Here and NowTitle: The Here and Now.
Author: Ann Brashares.
Series: No.
Pages: 242.
Source: Netgalley, for Review.
Publisher: Delacorte Press.
Published Date: 4/8/14.
Links:
Book Depository.
Goodreads.

Summary:

"Follow the rules. Remember what happened. Never fall in love.

This is the story of seventeen-year-old Prenna James, who immigrated to New York when she was twelve. Except Prenna didn’t come from a different country. She came from a different time—a future where a mosquito-borne illness has mutated into a pandemic, killing millions and leaving the world in ruins. 

Prenna and the others who escaped to the present day must follow a strict set of rules: never reveal where they’re from, never interfere with history, and never, ever be intimate with anyone outside their community. Prenna does as she’s told, believing she can help prevent the plague that will one day ravage the earth. 

But everything changes when Prenna falls for Ethan Jarves. "

My Thoughts:

The Here and Now is one of the first books I've read that include time travel, but no worries, I have seen a few movies on it, and I kind of know some things about how it works! Have you read any time travel books? Have any recommendations?

Prenna has lived in the past for about four years now, with her mother, to escape a mosquito borne illness that was killing people off left and right. People couldn't leave their houses, and were instead locked inside, with nets and bug spray; anything to keep the mosquitoes away! Prenna even lost her two brothers to the deadly disease, and her father to the time travel.

The day Prenna and parents were suppose to depart, her dad never showed up, so she and her mother were forced to go one their own. Neither of the two could explain why he never came, but assumed he chickened out, or had more important matters to take care of.

Coming from the future and living in the past, requires living by a large set of rules. Three which include no intimacy with a time native, keeping their real identity a secret and never to interefere with history (which I think kind of goes with the first two). To make sure that no one breaks any of these rules, there are a few leaders in charge that make sure to intimidate and scare anyone away from doing it...even if it means spying on them, and possibly killing them.

But no matter how hard she tries, Prenna can't keep her mind off Ethan, during school and at night when she dreams about him. She knows she can never have a relationship with him, tell him who she is, or get too close.

Ethan knows Prenna, he recognizes her on the first day of school. She is the naked girl, that showed up by the creek in the forest four years ago. She is the girl with the crazy confused look in her eyes, who he gave his sweater to, and wrote his phone number on her arm. He knows exactly who Prenna is.

Prenna has always had the suspicion that the eye glasses and the vitamins the time travelers were using weren't what they claimed to be for. Somehow everything she did, everyone knew about, even when no one was around when Prenna did them. The glasses were claimed to be important for the time travelers damaged eyes, and the vitamins to keep them alive...but Prenna didn't believe a word.

Especially when she is approached by this homeless man, who claims to know who she is, and where she's from. He even informs her of some information he knows, and what's going to happen in the next few days. A scientist, who may be able to prevent/cure the mosquito borne illness will be murdered by her boyfriend, and Prenna knows she needs to stop him.

Prenna can't do it on her own. But with her best friend sent off to boarding school, her mom not standing up for herself, and the community doubting her, Prenna has no one...except for Ethan...She knows what she has to do, and that's stopping the murder.

Final Verdict:

I haven't read too many books that include time travel, but I am completely fascinated by how it works; how history and the future can change! When I realized that The Here and Now was revolved around time travel and the repercussions thereof, I was excited! (AND what an AWESOME title?!)

There was a bit of a struggle for me to get into this book, but it wasn't because of the book. I downloaded The Here and Now on my ipad, and I was just having a few technical difficulties. But after borrowing the book from my library, it was easy from there on out!

The Here and Now didn't have many characters, there was Prenna the main character, Ethan, her mother, the leaders of the community, and Prenna's friend, who only had a few lines. (AND one more person, but I don't want to give anything away!!).

Sadly I don't really feel much of a connection with any of the characters. Prenna wasn't really open. I mean she did give us some information about her feelings and what happened to her in the future, but I guess in a way I felt like I didn't know her. Ethan was a sweet guy and seemed to really care for Prenna, and I LOVED him for it. But again, I just felt confused as to how he knew so much about her. I understand that he was the one that found her in the woods, but what happened from there on out, for him to know so much? Did I miss something?

Don't even get me started on Prenna's mom, because of her I was strongly considering throwing the book across the room. Why wouldn't she be on Prenna's side? Why was she doing everything they told her to?

The ending...hmmm. I thought it was okay. But I did have a lot of questions about it. And here they are, why wasn't the leader (tyrant) of the community doing a lot more to prevent Prenna from finding out? And if Prenna and Ethan were able to complete their mission, wouldn't that have changed the entire future? Wouldn't Prenna be gone? Because if they completed it, the illness may have been prevented/cured, there would be no reason for Prenna to have traveled to the past, in the first place?

Overall I found the story to be okay. I felt like it wasn't as energetic as I was expecting it to be, especially since Prenna was pulling this HUGE move. There was one or two small twists and turns, and the ending was alright as well.


May 29-June 4 SYNC Audio Book Downloads!

Welcome to Turning Pages!

It's the third week of SYNC's free audio book downloads! I hope you guys are not only having an awesome summer, but also that you're reading A LOT of good books! This week, again, we have a YA Fiction read for free download, Confessions of a Murder Suspect, by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro.

Confessions of a Murder Suspect (Confessions, #1)



(The links above, will take you to each book's SYNC website, where you can download your free audio book!)


May 28, 2014

WWW Wednesday

Welcome to Turning Pages!

What am I currently reading?

Changeling (Order of Darkness Series #1)

With things a bit busy in my life right now, with school, finals around the corner, signing up for new classes, and EVERYTHING else going on, I'm only indulging in only one book right now, Changeling, by Philippa Gregory. Philippa Gregory has published so many books, and they seem to be every where I do, so it was about time I picked one of them and got started!

What did I just finish reading?

Nantucket BlueTilt

The last physical book I finished was Nantucket Blue, by Leila Howland, which was a PERFECT summer read! And I also finished listening to Tilt, by Ellen Hopkins, on my long rides to school and back home; which had so many emotions!

What do I plan on reading next?

Water WarStephen Downing Is Dead

The next two books I'm picking up are review books, Water War, by Stephen Foehr and Stephen Downing is Dead, by Dan Goss Anderson. This are two books that are murder, mystery, crime books, that I'm pretty interested in reading!


Waiting on Wednesday

Toxic (Pretty Little Liars Series #15)Title: Toxic.
Author: Sara Shepard.
Summary:

"It's finally summer in Rosewood, Pennsylvania, which means afternoons at the pool, high school graduation—and the end of the scandal that has rocked the town for years. Or so everyone thinks. It's been weeks since police caught the notorious stalker and murderer known as A. But Hanna, Aria, Emily, and Spencer know that the real A is still out there. And as long as A is on the loose, nothing can ever go back to normal . . . if there is such a thing as normal in Rosewood.

Hanna is offered the role of a lifetime—in a movie about her life. Aria's paintings go viral, until her fine art escalates to the art of war. Spencer starts an antibullying blog but finds that her homepage is as dangerous as her home life. And Emily goes behind bars to reconnect with the only girl who ever stole her heart.

But these little liars need to watch their backs. They should know by now that A never forgives and never forgets. And this time, A is determined to bring them down—once and for all."

Release Date: 6/3/14.

Why I'm Waiting:

I absolutely LOVE The Pretty Little Liars series, and I've been meaning to catch up on them! There's just always something going on in these books, they always incorporate fashion, drama, romance, and friendship. And I REALLY like the way the colorful covers look, standing on my white bookshelf. If you haven't started reading this, I recommend buying the box sets and getting starting ASAP!


May 26, 2014

April Giveaway Winner!

Welcome to Turning Pages!

April has been over....for quite a while, but once again I'm only now coming around to picking and announcing the winners...sorry?

I've just been a bit busy, trying to keep up with homework, catch up with reviews, blah, blaahh, blah...excuses, I know.

Anyways, a lot of people entered and two winners were chosen! One from the US for the ARC of Perfect Lies, and one International winner for a book up to a $10 value from Amazon!

And without further-a-do (or excuses) here are the winner!

(Drum roll please!)

The winner of Perfect Lies....


....is, Jessica @Peace Love Books!

The winner of the $10 book of choice....


...is Jessica Andrews. @The Words I Read.

Thank you ALL so much for entering my giveaway!! Didn't win this one? No worries I have another giveaway going on, RIGHT NOW!


Book Review: Second Star.

Second StarTitle: Second Star.
Author: Alyssa B. Sheinmel.
Series: No.
Pages: 248.
Source: Netgalley, for Review.
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
Published Date: 5/13/14.
Links:
Book Depository.
Goodreads.

Summary:

"A twisty story about love, loss, and lies, this contemporary oceanside adventure is tinged with a touch of dark magic as it follows seventeen-year-old Wendy Darling on a search for her missing surfer brothers. Wendy’s journey leads her to a mysterious hidden cove inhabited by a tribe of young renegade surfers, most of them runaways like her brothers. Wendy is instantly drawn to the cove’s charismatic leader, Pete, but her search also points her toward Pete's nemesis, the drug-dealing Jas. Enigmatic, dangerous, and handsome, Jas pulls Wendy in even as she's falling hard for Pete. A radical reinvention of a classic, Second Star is an irresistible summer romance about two young men who have yet to grow up--and the troubled beauty trapped between them."

My Thoughts:

Second Star is a Peter Pan retelling, but not any average one, instead it involves lots waves, and LOTS surfer boys. Before I started reading Second Star, I was a little nervous but also curious to see how Alyssa Sheinmel would pull this kind of retelling off. I mean who would be Tinkerbell, how does the faerie dust come in, and surfing, how does that tie in?

I just had tons of questions, that desperately needed some answers, so I finally picked up the book and started to read.

The main character in Second Star is a recent high school graduated named Wendy Darling, who is headed to college in the fall. The first time she bumps into Pete, is during a bonfire on the beach to celebrate their graduation. She can't believe someone would be surfing out in the dark, and can't stop herself from taking a closer look to see who it is...if it might be one of her brothers...

Wendy's two younger, twin brothers have gone missing seven or eight months ago. While her parents are moping around and convinced that they will never see their children again, Wendy is believes that they are somewhere out there catching the next wave to surf.

She's determined to find them, even when her parents aren't and her best friend tries to convince her that they are dead, and won't be coming back. Wendy pushes all those thoughts aside and heads out on her own to find them.

On first ride down the shore, she quickly runs into Pete again. She does get a bit side tracked and spends a few hours with him in a small cave right on the beach. Wendy is so tempted to ask him, if he might know or have see her two brothers, but she doesn't want to ruin this moment with him.That day she learns that Pete is a runaway, and that he lives with a group of teenagers in an abandoned house.

When Wendy finally decides to pack her things and go on a search, she begs her best friend to cover for her. When she finally agrees, Wendy isn't really sure where to start, but the best place would be with Pete and the other surfer runaways, maybe someone there know her brothers or has at least seen them.

With all odds going against her, and even a betrayal by two people that were the closest to her, Wendy isn't willing to believe what everyone is telling her. She knows that John and Micheal are somewhere out in the ocean, and therapists, hospitals, her parents, and her best friend aren't going to keep her from thinking that.

Final Verdict:

Second Star was such an emotional roller coaster, that I was strapped in for the ride! There were so many feels in this book, from Wendy's missing her two brothers, the rivalry between her and Belle, the betrayal Wendy felt from two characters in the story, and some romance as well!

Before I start talking about anything else, let's discuss the "retelling". The retelling is what suckered me into reading Second Star, out of my love for Peter Pan and for curiosity of how Alyssa Sheinmel would pull it off. But I don't think the retelling went along with this story. Besides naming the characters after Peter Pan characters, flying is now surfing and faerie dust is a drug, there really isn't too much else. I don't think Second Star needed to considered a "retelling" I feel if the characters names were different, this would still have been an amazing read.

There were a lot of good characters in this book, Wendy, Pete, Jas, Belle, Wendy's best friend, and some of the guys. Wendy wasn't willing to just give up on her brothers, she still had hope, which I liked and found courageous. Pete was a caring leader, who knew exactly what he had to do to keep his group safe. Belle was the perfect mean girl, and even opened up a bit towards the end. Jas was the faerie dust dealer, who seems to be this bad (ish) boy, but he also opens up and is so much more than that.

Overall I enjoyed Second Star! The ending left me heart broken, but sometimes sad endings are good too! I don't think this one needed to be a retelling, because I feel that the story itself is really good. If you are looking for something sad, but meaningful to read this summer, Second Star is the book for you!


May 24, 2014

Book Review: Shadow and Bone.

Shadow and Bone (The Grisha, #1)Title: Shadow and Bone.
Author: Leigh Bardugo.
Series: Yes, #1.
Pages: 358.
Source: Purchased.
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Published Date: 6/5/12.
Links:
Book Depository.
Goodreads.

Summary:

"The Shadow Fold, a swathe of impenetrable darkness, crawling with monsters that feast on human flesh, is slowly destroying the once-great nation of Ravka.

Alina, a pale, lonely orphan, discovers a unique power that thrusts her into the lavish world of the kingdom’s magical elite—the Grisha. Could she be the key to unravelling the dark fabric of the Shadow Fold and setting Ravka free?

The Darkling, a creature of seductive charm and terrifying power, leader of the Grisha. If Alina is to fulfill her destiny, she must discover how to unlock her gift and face up to her dangerous attraction to him.

But what of Mal, Alina’s childhood best friend? As Alina contemplates her dazzling new future, why can’t she ever quite forget him?"

My Thoughts:

Shadow and Bone has been floating around the blogosphere for almost two years now, and has been pretty popular since. It resurfaced when the second book was released and is coming back up again now that the third book, Ruin and Rising is coming out in less than a month! Now that the third and final book in the Grisha trilogy is just coming around the corner, I knew it was about time that I get started on these books!

Shadow and Bone, follows the journey of two young orphans Alina and Mal. When younger, the two became very close friends in the orphanage, but now years later they have enlisted in the army and are going on their newest mission which requires them to travel through the Shadow Fold.

The Shadow Fold is river running through a mountain range, and has a history of murder, and death. Not many troops have made it through, and those who have, had lost more than half of their ships and men. Alina and Mal's troop is slowly making their way through the Fold, but it doesn't take long for the blood bath to begin.

When Alina is attacked by this massive monster she isn't sure what to do. She tries to protect her fellow soldier, as well as herself, but all she can recall before passing out, is this HUGE flash of light. When she finally comes back to her consciousness, Alina is quickly informed of what happened and is ripped away from her troop and Mal. She can barely make eye contact with him, from across the room, when she is dragged away.

Alina isn't sure what's going on and why she is being held prisoner...or if she even is. Instead of traveling with the solider's she is escorted by the Darkling and his guards. The Darkling informs her that she has a very poweful super ability and that that's what saved her in the Fold. He goes on to explain that he is trying to correct his great great grandfather's mistake of building the Fold, and that Alina will play a huge role in doing so.

While she hasn't seen or heard from Mal in quite a few days, Alina's life has completely changed. She is going to dances, wearing beautiful gowns and makeup, and is spending a lot of time with the Darkling. More time than anyone else has.

Things seem to be going good. Alina is in training to strengthen and learn to control her power, has made a new friend and is ready to put an end to the fold. But she also really misses Mal and is worried about him. But somethings just don't seem right, and Alina quickly learns that things aren't what she thought.

She knows what she has to do, but the only way Alina can get this done is with the help of Mal...

Final Verdict:

With books like Shadow and Bone, I'm not looking for romance, I'm not looking for the right guy to say the right thing. I'm looking for action, for magic and for something that excites me. Shadow and Bone gave me exactly what I wanted. While there was some like romance, it wasn't overpowering, and it didn't cast a shadow over everything else.

Alina was a strong leading female character that I like in these types of books, because who would want a damsel in distress, that always needs saving...no one. She did get a bit swayed by the Darkling's looks and charm, but quickly made everything right. I liked her! We didn't get to hear much about Mal, but what I did learn and witness from him towards the end of the book I LOVED.

Overall Shadow and Bone was an interesting and good read! The ending was made of true friendship, bravery and a little bit of love. There were even some big twists and turns that I didn't see coming from two of the characters! *I'm not saying who!! Even though I am REALLY tempted to!*

The only thing I struggled with, was imaging what the Fold looked like. There wasn't much information on how the Fold was created (besides who it was created by) or what it ACTUALLY was. The only way I knew that it was a river running through a mountain range is from looking at the map in the front flap of the book.

I've already purchased the second book, and WILL be putting it into my TBR pile for next month! I'm dying to see how Alina and Mal's journey continues!

Favorite Quotes:

"'You're shaking,' he said. 'I'm not used to people trying to kill me.' 'Really? I hardly notice anymore.'"

"'I need you to do something for me.' He snorted. 'You mean other than deserting the army, scaling mountains, and freezing my ass off on the cold ground ever night?'"



This Week's New YA Releases!

Welcome to Turning Pages!

This is a meme hosted here at Turning Pages, showcasing all of the new YA books coming out within the next seven days. Interested in any of the books mentioned below? Click on the books title, it'll take you to that book's Book Depository page, where you'll be able to read more about it!

Paperback:

The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano by Sonia Manzano: Book CoverIgnited by Corrine Jackson: Book CoverPlayed by Liz Fichera: Book CoverThe Lucy Variations by Sara Zarr: Book Cover


Gated by Amy Christine Parker: Book CoverThe Savage Blue by Zoraida Cordova: Book Cover


Hardback:

City of Heavenly Fire (The Mortal Instruments Series #6) by Cassandra Clare: Book CoverTake Me On by Katie McGarry: Book CoverThe Girl with the Windup Heart (Steampunk Chronicles Series) by Kady Cross: Book CoverWe Are the Goldens by Dana Reinhardt: Book Cover