October Wrap Up!

Review: The Uprising (The Forsaken #2) by Lisa M. Stasse

Edition: Hardcover
Pages: 400
Publish Date: August 6, 2013
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian
Series: Yes
Goodreads Rating: 3.70 (670 ratings)

"I'm ready for whatever happens next,' I murmur to Liam. Then I tilt my head back and glance up at him. Our eyes lock. 'I'm ready for war."

Holy crapplejacks. That ending. Honestly it is killing me not having The Defiant on hand so I can immediately read it. 

The Uprising continues from the end of The Forsaken after Liam and Alenna escaped The Wheel. This book is following their journey back to the wheel with the help of the rebel scientists - including Alenna's Mom and eventually Liam's Dad - to try and create and new rebel base using the army of those who were sent their, Drones, villager, travelers, and rebels. 

But the tribes are not as willing as predicted. With a new Monk leading a more highly organised army of drones all plans to attack the UNA are put on hold in order to attack the Monk and his delusional army. 

The romance, suspense, new and old characters, and amazing action makes this instalment so thrilling and you will be unable to catch your breath by the end, and I will be left breathless until I give in and buy The Defiant.

I hope people will give this second book a chance, I know a lot of people like myself got the Forsaken as a discount book, so please READ IT, and then read this book, and hopefully join me in reading the last book.

Thanks for reading! 

Review: Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Edition: Hardcover
Pages: 433
Publish Date: September 10, 2013
Publisher: St Martin's Griffin
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Series: No
Goodreads Rating: 4.21 (113,546 ratings)

THAT'S IT!?!?!?!?!
NOOOOOOOOOOOO :( :( :''''( !!!!

Such. A. Good. Book! 
So as with most hyped books that everyone loves and I typically hate, I had no faith what-so-ever in this book. I originally bought it from Value Village intending on giving it to my sister because she's a total dork and I thought she'd relate well to Cath. But HELL NO. My sister and I are just like Cather and Wren, but I am totally Cath, the girl who hid out in her room all first year of college and drank mass amounts of diet coke, and ate a lot of subway. While my sister is the one who makes friends so easily and everyone loves. She may be a dork who loves HP but she's not at all like Cath. 

So as most people have noticed with this book that it is really relatable, though I never read Harry Potter, I am a total fangirl and used to write and read a lot of fanfiction so I found so many similarities that just made me feel so good (HURRAY I'm not alone!). 
And Levi, damn Levi. I totally feel the same way, keep all potential boyfriends away from my sister, cause the second they meet her I just pail in comparison, I need a guy like Levi to tell me that it was no question, he loved her despite never having met her sister, that their differences made him love Cath more because he truly loved every quirky part to her.

So my whole Over Hyped Books Challenge is tanking so far, I've loved both of the ones I've gotten through, and this one as with Anna and The French Kiss totally deserve the hype surrounding them. This is just the sweetest contemporary that makes you feel normal and that maybe fangirling hermits do have a chance at love. 

ONE COMPLAINT: I WANTED MOOOOOOOORRRREEEE!
Therefore...4.75 stars...still gets 5 on goodreads and onto my favourites shelf but I needed mooooooreee :( !!

Review: Making Faces by Amy Harmon

Edition: ebook
Pages: 405
Publish Date: October 12, 2013
Publisher: Smashwords
Genre: New Adult Contemporary
Series: No
Goodreads Rating: 4.47 (18,246 ratings)

So I'll start off by saying that yes, I enjoyed this story. The characters were well developed the whole premise and objective of the story was beautiful, but it had it's flaws. Mainly for me it was the third person writing, it is one of my biggest pet peeves that I will normally stop reading a book or avoid one when I learn it's told in third person. Though it was well done I still can't stand that writing style. I also wanted more...I felt the ending was so abrupt and just flashed by...
I know everyone gives this book 5 stars and all but I just can't. 
It's symbolism, use of quotes and whole beauty and the beast/ugly duckling portrail made it a beautiful story, the supporting characters were perfect as was the writing. I look forward to more of Amy Harmon's books, but I was just hoping for more with this one. 

Review: Ways to Live Forever by Sally Nicholls

Edition: Paperback
Pages: 215
Publish Date: January 7, 2008
Publisher: Marion Lloyd Books
Genre: YA Realistic Fiction
Series: No
Goodreads Rating: 4.19 (3,754 ratings)

Though I loved Before I Die (Now is Good) more than this, it was a very quick and emotional read. It was also thought provoking, where with Before I Die you were following Tessa who was a teenager, very relatable. But Relating back to your eleven year old self and imagining dying from cancer at such a young age is painful and very emotional. 
It was also fun reading through a young boys mind, it was written so well in the fact that it was simple, strait to the point, and just plain magical. 
It makes me want to read more middle grade novels because when I was that age I didn't like reading, so it would be fun to read through the mind of a younger you. It just entirely changed my reading experience.

“There's no point having wishes if you don't at least try to do them” 

― Sally Nicholls, Ways to Live Forever

This is just simply one of those books that you have to read. There's no question, it's like any other sad story where the main character dies, BUT you get to follow their story, all the happy and sad. There's no question. 

“Things I Want to Happen After I die: You're allowed to be sad, but you're not allowed to be too sad. If you're always sad when you think about me, then how can you remember me?

—Sam McQueen” 

Review: Anna and The French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Edition: ebook
Pages: 400
Publish Date: January 1, 2010
Publisher: Speak
Genre: Young Adult Romance
Series: No
Goodreads Rating: 4.13 (133,998 ratings)

well I obviously had my doubts, but I freakin loved this book! It was entirely worth all the hype surrounding it. This book tops Sarah Dessen, Huntley Fitzpatrick and all the other YA contemporary romance novels. I cannot wait to read the next two if they're anything like this one. 

Review: Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo

Edition: Audiobook
Pages: 4 hours 16 minutes
Publish Date: November 2, 2010
Publisher: Oasis Audio
Genre: Non Fiction Biography
Series: No
Goodreads Rating: 4.01 (162,316 ratings)

I will state one thing. I am not religious. But THIS was life beautiful. I don't believe there is one all powerful being we call God who's running the show, but I do believe that the spirits of those you love are watching over you, and in experiences like this you get to see them and they'll help you or they'll take you with them to your next life. I know religion is so diverse and questionable and many beliefs are hated on. But I may not believe in some things, this book just cemented the hope to see loved ones again, that there is somewhere else for when your stuck between life and death. 
Now onto the book...this is definitely a classic story for religious groups, but generally it's just a book that makes you smile. The first part went through the pain of Colton being so sick which was hard, but after that the talk of heaven and seeing Jesus was said with such a childlike innocence that you couldn't help but be touched by this story.
No, I don't believe in God or Jesus, but this book made me smile and gives hope to others. 
3.5 stars. I only read this book so I could see the movie and I was in fear of the heavy preaching I was anticipating, but it was told with such casualty that it didn't seem as overwhelming and - forgive me for saying - annoying. 
I strongly recommend this book to people who do believe, and even for those who don't. I look forward to seeing the movie now that I've finished the book.

Review: Ruining You (Ruining #2) by Nicole Reed

Edition: eBook
Pages: 215
Publish Date: January 26, 2013
Publisher: Createspace
Genre: New Adult Romance
Series: Yes
Goodreads Rating: 4.30 (8,406 ratings)

Such a good ending! 
Despite Jay's attempt at suicide she is still alive. After months in a rehab facility to combat her depression and grief over the loss of JT. Receiving but not replying to any of the letter sent to her by her family, friends, and especially Kane. She ends up making a new friend in Eli with a similar story. He lost his boyfriend after coming out to his parents, ironically in a car wreck just like JT. After a lot of therapy she finally decides to come home. But it's not what she was expecting. They say when you leave rehab you need to get back to a normal life and start building a future. But her family and friends don't make her life seem normal. Family is constantly hovering and her friends and Kane are the back up team. 
After handling the controversy of opinions about the rape by the star coach or who's to blame for JT's death she is trying desperately to work her way through it all while trying to figure out if she wants Kane to move on from her or with her. 
In the end she chooses to let him love her and take care of her. She also decides to be involved with Coach Bruce Branch's trial after discovering that he is so fixated on her that despite being out on a bond to stay away from her he still stalks her.
After weeks of bliss with the coach being followed by police after a break in at Jay's house she decides that for JT's birthday she was going to go to his grave....alone. 
The last person you expect to show up with a gun and intent to kill is not Bruce Branch, but his wife. Admitting that she knows all about his fascination with Jay and that she wants her out of the picture she pulls the trigger. 
But not before she can make the kill shot JT's brother shows up and stops her. 
This mess pretty much threw the whole idea of a trial out the window, so after being released from the hospital with a minor graze wound, Jay and Kane take that much needed vacation...to Vegas ;)

Review: Ruining Me (Ruining #1) by Nicole Reed

Edition: eBook
Pages: 149
Publish Date: September 26, 2012
Publisher: Createspace
Genre: New Adult Romance
Series: Yes
Goodreads Rating: 4.11 (11,407 ratings)

So I've never read a true love triangle book except Twilight and lets be serious we all knew who was going to win her heart. But with Jay it was really hard for her, in summary there is 3 guys who are in love with her.
JT: The childhood love who she broke up with after the event that ruinned her happened. 
Rhye: The bad boy she used to forget her past
Kane: The guy who she falls in love with and who wants her future.

The only problem is she wants to forget her past and doesn't want a future. That monster took that from her. Going from everyones favorite girl with the stunning smile, turned to self destructive and self punishing girl who pushes all who loves her away. After that monster, the football coach and all around family man and pillar in the community, takes her virginity and continues to lay claim over her. Especially when she begins to move on. 
After meeting Kane things begin to turn around, which those from her past begin to notice. JT comes back making his plea for a second chance, same as Rhye. Rhye never had much stake in her future, where as that's all JT and Kane want. Toward the end of the book her choice turns out to be easy, after getting her old life back she ends up with JT. But her past continues to haunt her, and the demon is finally revealed to everyone after a confrontation between the coach and Jay was somehow filmed. Those who idolized him like her boyfriend are furious and get in there cars to confront him. 
This choice turns deadly, literally. Before even reaching the coaches home JT and Jay's friend Cal get in a car crash, both do not make it. Jay does exactly what she had planned before her will to live came back. Turning to her stash of pills she attempts suicide. 
Waking in the psyche ward to her family, friends, and Kane.
Even though he didn't win her heart with JT in the picture, he knows that the love is still there between both of them, and fully intends to be there for her....TO BE CONTINUED!

I totally wanted it to be Kane who won her heart, but not in this way. That was so heartbreaking. Yet the whole situation between her and all these guys was slightly annoying....but that's my only complaint. I cannot wait to read the next book, I've already started but I've got a few others to get through before that. 

Over Hyped Books Reading Challenge

So as mentioned in a few reviews recently, I tend to be one of those people who doesn't like over hyped books. some examples...

I know MANY people have loved these books obviously considering all of them have more than 4 star ratings on goodreads, but I didn't enjoy any of them. Maybe it was too much hope for a really good book or the pressure to enjoy it like with TFIOS or any John Green book for that matter, but I've read three of his and hated and barely finished two of them and don't understand what I ever enjoyed in TFIOS. I know it's an extremely unpopular opinion but I've now read too many books that are similar that truly put this book to shame. As for The Maze Runner...that book does not deserve any of the hype, I'm sorry but a bunch of boys trapped in a maze is not a good story line or movie. There are way better dystopians that deserve to be made into movies or atleast have a better following. 

So to the whole point of this post is that I have many more over hyped books that I'm in fear of reading because I don't enjoy reading books and not enjoying it. But I'm going to do it. Here are my many over hyped books that I only have because of the pressure to read them.

The goal is to read all of these by the end of the year! Then I will do a collective review once all of them are finished to announce how many of these over hyped books I actually enjoyed...I'll have you know I'm not all that optimistic but I figured since I already surpassed my goal of 50 books this year by more than double that maybe I should strive for another goal that may be more challenging. 

WISH ME LUCK! :)

Review: How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff

Edition: eBook
Pages: 165
Publish Date: November 30, 2004
Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books 
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian
Series: No
Goodreads Rating: 3.60 (21,884 ratings)

Read the book and watched the movie in the same day. Both of which were alright. There were many differences but I enjoyed them both. 
Though I did prefer the book, for the obvious reason of how the book is written in a way that you only know everything from Daisy's recollection, so there isn't much dialogue. I hadn't read much of the synopsis before reading the book, but I did see the movie trailer which is what got me to read the book. So I knew the army was going to separate everyone which broke my heart so bad. But there's more to this book, because it is dystopian, which in the beginning I though was kind of weird because it's a book about the war and seemed more like realistic fiction, but there is so much more. The whole telepathy thing made it more interesting. 
The movie made Edmond look kind of weird though...mainly with the whole cow and other animals thing. 
Anyways, this is a book review! I'm at about 3.5 stars. It was slightly boring despite the events, and I'm a romance junky, so with only a slight romance between Edmond and Daisy (cousins falling in love...totally normal) it wasn't enough for me. 
I just can't seem to find a really good book this month.
Thanks for reading!

Review: Just One Day by Gayle Foreman

Edition: eBook
Pages: 300
Publish Date: January 8, 2013
Publisher: Dutton Books
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Series: No
Goodreads Rating: 4.06 (29,182 ratings)

Going into this book I had very little faith that I would like it. Though I loved If I Stay and Where She Went this particular book didn't really seem like my cup of tea but the hype drew me into it. The last books I read because of the hype was Eleanor and Park and The Maze Runner, both of which I did not enjoy. So now I've read Just One Day and I have to say it was not what I expected. It was more that just one day, and that one day was kind of meaningful and cute, not as life altering as I thought it would be, and when that one day ended I was so confused! Huge cliffhanger thinking Willam left her, or maybe it was her who left him, and then you have to go through college with Allyson and her controlling parents, and Allyson's adventure in trying to find Willam and more importantly Lulu. Finding her Independence, changing her own future, and making her way back to Paris. to find him.
And so she does...and that's when it ends, him just opening the door for her..THAT"S IT!? 
Now to the main part, was the hype right or wrong? Was it the same as Eleanor and Park and The Maze Runner?
YES. Yes it was. The one day seems very boring and uninteresting if I'm honest. The supporting characters were somewhat interesting but mostly irritating. The stupid ending after all that searching! I know there's another book that follows right from the end of just one day but after this I could care less about what happens for Allyson and Willam. 
I seem to not be having a very good month for start, maybe the next pick will be one no one has hyped because clearly I don't like anything that everyone else likes.
I know others have enjoyed this book and I'm glad you did, I loved If I Stay and Where She Went and I'm sorry that I did not enjoy more of Gayle Foreman's work. 
Thanks for reading!

Review: With This Heart by R.S. Grey

Edition: eBook
Pages: 318
Publish Date: March 25, 2014
Publisher: Create Space Independent 
Genre: New Adult Romance
Series: No
Goodreads Rating: 4.25 (3,358 ratings)

Overall I did enjoy this story, it had a lot of sadness and death but most of all it had a beautiful love story. There's something about two complete strangers trusting eachother enough to go on a road trip together and give eachother their hearts. 

In summary this book follows Abby Mae McAllister as she finds her own way to live the life she was given after accepting that she wouldn't have had any life at all without this heart. 
With overprotective parents and a slew of doctors and meds Abby just needs to get away from it all and scatter the ashes of her past (don't worry it's not her old heart but all the old medical papers) while finding the family who's son had to die so she could live. 
After meeting Beck as she is in a funeral parlor purchasing an urn for the ashes he somehow weasels his way into her road trip.
And so it begins, the epic journey of Abby's new life, new heart, and first love. 
The trip is cut short the first time as Abby's friend who encouraged her to go on the road trip has succumbed to her own illness. Starting the road trip again is hard but with their feelings laid bare Abby and Beck make the journey again, doing exactly what they planned. What they hadn't planned for was Abby beginning to reject her new heart.
After over a week in the hospital and Beck's semester at MIT starting soon Abby makes the decision she's been dreading. Not wanting to hold Beck back from his dreams as her old heart had done to her she lets him go, or forces him more like. 

“Love will make you reckless. It can drag out parts of you that common sense and fear usually keep hidden away. Because love is selfless and selfish.” 

― R.S. Grey, With This Heart

One Year Later...
Abby is as healthy as ever and about to start college at Boston University in a writing course, coincidentally only a few minute walk from the MIT campus.
Making her grand gesture by posting their story and a request to help find Beck all across the MIT campus, she asks him to meet her. And so he does, and they begin again.

Review: The Resolution of Callie and Kayden by Jessica Sorensen

MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK OF 2014!
Edition: Paperback
Pages: 296
Publish Date: September 30, 2014
Publisher: Create Space
Genre: New Adult Romance
Series: Yes
Goodreads Rating: 4.23 (878 ratings)

FINALLY. I'm so happy yet so sad that their story is over but it was a wonderful happily ever after.
Callie and Kayden both have suffered in the past, and now a year later they are still battling their demons. And with them finding their way back into their lives they'll need eachother more than ever.
Though this book focuses more on Kayden's demons as he finds out where his parents ran away to and that his father dies. But we do get closure for Callie as well, though she had moved forward she still felt safer after running into Caleb the boy who raped her and was her brothers best friend and getting him arrested, as well as standing her ground and not letting him affect her.
Kayden struggles more with accepting his demon is dead and gone, avoiding turning to the blade as he's done in the past he turns to Callie.
In the end they both have the strength to leave the darkness of their past behind by remembering the good moments and making more moments with eachother.
In the end they get their happily ever after and will continue to move forward in life together.