Wednesday, April 28, 2010

E-Books and E-Readers?

So I was sent some e-books the other day. I thought I’d be perfectly fine reading them. And so far I have been, but it takes forever to finish the book because the Internet is so close! I get distracted very easily, like right now I’m writing this post instead. I just wanted to know what you guys think of e-books and e-readers. Do you love them? Hate them? Do you think reading on the computer will ruin your eyes? Do you have an E-reader?

Tell me what you think! I’d love to here from you.

--Danielle
(and now I’m back to reading)

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

In My Mailbox!!!!


So these are my first actual ARC’s that I’ve received in book form (I have a few e-books). I am so excited to read them! The first is The extraordinary secrets of April, May and June by Robin Benway. I loved her book Audrey, Wait! So I can’t wait to read this one. The next is The Eternal Ones by Kristen Miller. By just reading the summary on the back I’m excited to read this. The last one is The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff. The cover is very creepy yet interesting and the summery is the same. This definitely looks like a book that should be read ‘after dark’ as Maggie Stiefvater quotes on the cover.

All these books were sent to me by Gillian at Razor Bill. I just want to thank-you again. These look amazing and I’ll definitely enjoy reading them. My reviews will be up as soon as possible!

--Danielle

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Jekel Loves Hyde

By: Beth Fantaskey

I actually received this book from Beth Fantaskey as a prize for her trailer contest. I was one of the runner-ups. So I was extremely excited to read this book. I was checking my mail everyday after school and waiting around for the UPS guy to come. When it finally did I immediately started to read, and I devoured the book in less then two days. Only stopping to eat, sleep, and of course go to school.

“Jill Jekel has always obeyed her parents’ rules – especially the one about never opening the mysterious, old box in her father’s office. But when her dad is murdered, and her college savings disappear, she's tempted to peek inside, as the contents might be key to a lucrative chemistry scholarship.

To better her odds, Jill enlists the help of gorgeous, brooding Tristen Hyde, who has his own dark secrets locked away. As the team of Jekel and Hyde, they recreate experiments based on the classic novel, hoping not only to win a prize, but to save Tristen’s sanity. Maybe his life. But Jill’s accidental taste of a formula unleashes her darkest nature and compels her to risk everything – even Tristen’s love – just for the thrill of being… bad.”

Jekel Loves Hyde has the most original plot. It’s so different from anything I’ve ever read, which made it so enjoyable to read. I’ve never read the “Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde” but the next time I go to my local library I’ll make sure to check it out. Before reading this book I didn’t know much about Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde besides a Scooby-Do episode I remember watching when I was younger. So you don’t need much background information before reading Jekel Loves Hyde.

As you read through the book you’ll think you have everything figured out, but then when you least expect it, a huge plot twist pops outs, which makes the novel so thrilling to read. You’ll also get very attached to the characters. Jill was very easy for me to relate to, there are so many similarities between us. Then Tristen is the perfect guy (minus his secrets of course). I love his accent and the fact he was a piano prodigy.

The only complaint I have about the book was the end it felt rushed. I wished in some places that there were more descriptions about what was happening. Other then that the book was amazing, and I think everyone should read it, even if sci-fi or fantasy isn’t something you normally would.

Here was my trailer for the contest-

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Shiver

By: Maggie Stiefvater

The cover of this book was simple and elegant, yet interesting enough to draw me in. Shiver is about a girl named Grace who has a strange obsession with a wolf, and Sam who happens to be a werewolf. The werewolves in this story are human in the summer when it’s warm but change to wolves in the winter when it starts to get cold. When the two of them meet, while Sam is human, the romance starts and they struggle to be together as winter approaches. Sadly, as the werewolves get older they are human for a shorter time each year, till one year they just don’t change any more. Sam thinks this is his last year.


I loved how the story was told in both Sam and Grace’s point of views, even though some chapters were bizarrely short. The transition from one point of view to the next flowed nicely and was never confusing. The two characters were relatable because they have their flaws and the romance was just simply perfect. They were meant to be together, you never doubt it as you read the book.


While the plot was original, it moved at a very slow pace. So even though Maggie’s writing was beautiful and cleverly descriptive, I found myself getting bored and waiting for something to happen. It wasn’t until the end when the pace picked up. With the last chapter leaving you satisfied but wanting more. For the reader it’s perfect ending.


Even though it’s not one of my favorite books, I’d still recommend it to anyone who loves a cute romance story. I’ll also be waiting patiently for the next book in the series ‘Linger’ which comes out on July 20, 2010.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Fallen

By: Lauren Kate

I'm not going to lie, the cover of this book made me put off reading it for a couple of months. It has this gothic scary vibe to it. Usually that’s not something I want to read but I needed some books to bring on vacation, so I finally pick this one up. There were so many good reviews on "Fallen" I couldn't just not read it. Now I'm adding to the many raving reviews about this book.

"Seventeen-Year-Old Luce is a new student at Sword & Cross, an unwelcoming boarding/reform school in Savannah, Georgia. Luce’s boyfriend died under suspicious circumstances, and now she carries the guilt over his death with her as she navigates the unfriendly halls at Sword & Cross, where every student seems to have an unpleasant—even evil—history.
It’s only when she sees Daniel, a gorgeous fellow student, that Luce feels there’s a reason to be here—though she doesn’t know what it is." (Summary on the hardcover edition)

Just reading the prologue had me hooked. Through out the whole story Luce tries to find out the mystery about Daniel, and many other people at her new school. There is also an exciting love triangle between Luce, Daniel and Cam (a popular boy at the school). For about 3/4 of the book I wasn't sure which guy I liked better. Which made the story interesting and kept me reading. The end of the book will surprise you (So will a couple characters) and leave you hanging. It leaves you waiting and wanting the next book. (Which comes out September 28) I would recommend this book to everyone who likes romance and mystery.

Friday, April 16, 2010

City of Glass

Author: Cassandra Clare

The first two books in the series were incredible. So I was expecting City of Glass to be just as good. I was not let down. Cassandra Clare did an outstanding job once again. When i sat down and read the book I couldn't get up. It grabbed me didn't let go until the last page. I would be lying in bed saying just one more chapter and then a unexpected twist would jump out. Then of course I would find myself needing to know what happens next.

The world that was created in these books was so unlike anything that I've read before, and I've read more than enough fantasy books to compare with. As you read you become so deeply attached to the characters, you find yourself thinking about then when you're done. Jace, one of the main characters, makes you laugh out loud at his sarcastic remarks. And Clary, the heroine of the story, is so brave yet realistic, so it's very easy to relate to her and want to be her.

Cassandra Clare doesn't drag on her writing like some authors. Every page is filled with excitement, danger, and romance. I would recommend this book (and the whole series) to anyone who's 14 or older.

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