Cruel Beauty Review

Cruel Beauty
by Rosamund Hodge


Published January 28th 2014 by Balzer + Bray
Genres: Fantasy, YA
Pages: 342
Format: Hardcover
Rating: 4/5 Stars
 

 

Description:

 

 

Graceling meets Beauty and the Beast in this sweeping fantasy about one girl's journey to fulfill her destiny and the monster who gets in her way-by stealing her heart.

Based on the classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast, Cruel Beauty is a dazzling love story about our deepest desires and their power to change our destiny.

Since birth, Nyx has been betrothed to the evil ruler of her kingdom-all because of a foolish bargain struck by her father. And since birth, she has been in training to kill him.

With no choice but to fulfill her duty, Nyx resents her family for never trying to save her and hates herself for wanting to escape her fate. Still, on her seventeenth birthday, Nyx abandons everything she's ever known to marry the all-powerful, immortal Ignifex. Her plan? Seduce him, destroy his enchanted castle, and break the nine-hundred-year-old curse he put on her people.

But Ignifex is not at all what Nyx expected. The strangely charming lord beguiles her, and his castle-a shifting maze of magical rooms-enthralls her.

As Nyx searches for a way to free her homeland by uncovering Ignifex's secrets, she finds herself unwillingly drawn to him. Even if she could bring herself to love her sworn enemy, how can she refuse her duty to kill him? With time running out, Nyx must decide what is more important: the future of her kingdom, or the man she was never supposed to love.

 

 

My Thoughts:

 

My first thought: This is not a contemporary, and it's a standalone! Don't get me wrong I love series as much as the next book worm however, this was a very refreshing read for me. I decided to continue my fantasy obsession by picking this book up and was not disappointed. Now this is not your typical Disney Beauty and the Beast retelling, this story is much darker and morbid. I found it a bit hard to get into it but once I did I finished the rest of it in one sitting! This book was very entertaining and unpredictable, a very well written book!

 

Quotes:

 

"Where you go, I shall go; where you die, I shall die, and there will I be buried."

 

"'Why is he scared of the dark?"

I meant the words for a joke, but Shade nodded seriously. "Like all monsters. Because it reminds him of what he truly is."



About the Author:

When my older brother was thirteen, he started a writing club with his friends and wouldn’t let me join because I was only eight. I promptly swore that I would become a writer and make him sorry.
He still isn’t sorry. (I checked.) But in 2014 I will publish my first novel with Balzer+Bray/HarperCollins, so I guess everything worked out okay.
Some other facts about me:

• I practice Shorinji Kempo, a Japanese martial art based on Shaolin Kung Fu.

• Cruel Beauty is my debut novel, but it is somewhere between the third and sixth that I ever completed, depending on how you count things. (There was the 40,000-word mess I called a novel when I was sixteen, and the 220,000-word mess I briefly pretended was a single novel in 2009.)

• NaNoWriMo changed my life and got me finishing novels again after a long hiatus. But Cruel Beauty is not a NaNoWriMo novel. (The NaNoWriMo project that changed everything was the 220,000-word mess. Someday I may even revise it.)

• I grew up as a homeschooler in Los Angeles, and I spent my childhood marinating in Greek mythology, which is where all the Greek elements in Cruel Beauty come from.

• Then I got a B.A. in English at the University of Dallas, and an M.St. in Medieval English at Oxford. Naturally, I moved to Seattle and got a job with computers.

• I have studied five languages (Spanish, French, Latin, Old Norse, and Japanese), though sadly I am still not able to speak any of them.

• I love some things more than T. S. Eliot’s poetry. But not many things.

• I am represented by Hannah Bowman of Liza Dawson Associates.

http://www.rosamundhodge.net/

My Life Next Door Review

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Published June 14th 2012 by Dial Books for Young Readers
Genres: YA, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 394
Format: Hardcover
Rating: 4.5/5




Description:

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

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

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

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

My Thoughts:

At first I expected a cliché, predictable love story about a girl falling in love with the boy next door. I was very surprised that there were other elements involved. I fell in love with the characters in this story and I couldn't really relate to the main female character, Sam. I still loved the story, characters, plot, and the ambiance of the book. This book is definitely getting my into a spring, contemporary mood!

Quotes:

"It's as though I don't make a ripple as I drop off the face of the earth." 

"The Garretts were my bedtime story, long before I ever thought I'd be part of the story myself."

About the Author:

Huntley Fitzpatrick grew up dreamy and distracted in coastal Connecticut. She flourished in a family of bookworms where everyone always had their nose in a book. She kept an exhaustively thorough journal which frightened her boyfriends but has proved very useful in her career as a writer. Her debut contemporary Romance, MY LIFE NEXT DOOR, was published in June of 2012 by Penguin-Dial for Young Readers. Now she laughs with and eavesdrops on her six children who provide her with perspective and material. She is represented by the amazing Christina Hogrebe of the Jane Rotrosen Agency.

http://www.huntleyfitzpatrick.com/

Obsidian Review

Obsidian (Lux #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Published May 8th 2012 by Entangled Teen
Genres: YA, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Romance
Pages: 335
Format: Paperback
Rating: 5/5




Description:

Starting over sucks.

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring.... until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something...unexpected happens.

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.

If I don't kill him first, that is.

My Thoughts:

My friend has been urging my to read this series and once I picked this book up I couldn't put it down. The main character Katy was very relatable seeing as she has her own book blog. I loved the teasing between Katy and Daemon. I am already currently reading the second book, Onyx. The first book was really fast-paced and entertaining. I don't want to give much away, but I highly recommend this series so far!

Quotes:

"I've always found that the most beautiful people, truly beautiful inside and out, are the ones who quietly unaware of their effect."

"Kat, say something insulting. Come on."

About the Author:

Hey Guys! Please note: I don't send out ARCs for review. If you're interested in reviewing a book of mine before release date, please contact the appropriate publisher. I also do NOT check my Goodreads email.

To email me, please use the below addy.
jenniferlarmentrout@live.com

# 1 New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Jennifer L. Armentrout Lives in West Virginia.

All the rumors you heard about her state aren’t true.

Well, mostly. When she's not hard at work writing, she spends her time, reading, working out, watching zombie movies, and pretending to write.

She is the author of the Covenant Series (Spencer Hill Press), the Lux Series (Entangled Teen), Don't Look Back (Disney/Hyperion) and a yet untitled novel (Disney/Hyperion), and new YA paranormal series with Harlequin Teen.

Jennifer also writes New Adult and Adult romance under the pen name J. Lynn. The Gamble Brothers Series (Tempting the Best Man/Tempting the Player) and Wait for You. Under her pen name, she is published with Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

http://www.jenniferarmentrout.com/

Cress Review

Cress (The Lunar Chronicles #3)
by Marissa Meyer

Published: February 4th by Feiwel & Friends
Genres: YA, Fantasy, Science Fiction
Pages: 550
Format: Hardcover
Rating: 5/5
 
Description:

In this third book in the Lunar Chronicles, Cinder and Captain Thorne are fugitives on the run, now with Scarlet and Wolf in tow. Together, they’re plotting to overthrow Queen Levana and her army.

Their best hope lies with Cress, a girl imprisoned on a satellite since childhood who's only ever had her netscreens as company. All that screen time has made Cress an excellent hacker. Unfortunately, she’s just received orders from Levana to track down Cinder and her handsome accomplice.

When a daring rescue of Cress goes awry, the group is separated. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes at a high price. Meanwhile, Queen Levana will let nothing prevent her marriage to Emperor Kai. Cress, Scarlet, and Cinder may not have signed up to save the world, but they may be the only hope the world has.

My Thoughts:

This book! This series is just such a clever idea. I love how all of the characters end up together and meet each other. Once I got my hands on this book I finished within two days, even if it's a pretty large book. I read Cinder first when it came out and really enjoyed it. Then once Scarlet came out, and I loved it even more then Cinder. Marissa Meyer continues to keep her readers on the edge of their seats. Even though I was heartbroken that Wolf and Scarlet where separated for the majority of the book, this series remains one of my favorite. Now we must all wait till winter of 2015 till Winter the last book comes out!!!!

Quotes:

"Maybe there isn't such a thing as fate. Maybe it's just the opportunities we're given, and what we do with them. I'm beginning to think that maybe great, epic romances don't just happen. We have to make them ourselves."

About the Author:

I live in Tacoma, Washington, with my fiancé and our two cats. In addition to my slight obsession with books and writing, I'm big on road-tripping, wine-tasting, and hunting for antiques. I'm represented by Jill Grinberg.

http://www.marissameyer.com/

The List Review

The List by Siobhan Vivian



Published: April 1st 2012 by Push
Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
Pages: 332
Format: Hardcover
Rating: 4/5


Description:

An intense look at the rules of high school attraction -- and the price that's paid for them.

It happens every year. A list is posted, and one girl from each grade is chosen as the prettiest, and another is chosen as the ugliest. Nobody knows who makes the list. It almost doesn't matter. The damage is done the minute it goes up.

This is the story of eight girls, freshman to senior, "pretty" and "ugly." And it's also the story of how we see ourselves, and how other people see us, and the tangled connection of the two.

My Thoughts:

This is my very first book I have read by Siobhan Vivian and it is very well written. It was a quick read for me that once I started I couldn't put down. This book wasn't a fluffy contemporary read, it would make for a great book club book. Due to its topics; eating disorders, physical appearance, relationships and more!

Quotes:

"Sometimes, when you get something new, you trick yourself into believing it has the power to change absolutely everything about you."

About the Author:

Siobhan Vivian is the author of THE LIST, NOT THAT KIND OF GIRL, SAME DIFFERENCE, and A LITTLE FRIENDLY ADVICE. She also co-wrote BURN FOR BURN, the first novel in a planned trilogy, with her best friend JENNY HAN. She currently lives in Pittsburgh.

http://www.siobhanvivian.com/

Meant to Be Review

Meant to Be by Lauren Morrill
Published: November 13th 2012 by Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary
Pages: 304
Format: Hardcover
Rating: 5/5 Stars


Description:

Meant to be or not meant to be . . . that is the question.

It's one thing to fall head over heels into a puddle of hazelnut coffee, and quite another to fall for the—gasp—wrong guy. Straight-A junior Julia may be accident prone, but she's queen of following rules and being prepared. That's why she keeps a pencil sharpener in her purse and a pocket Shakespeare in her, well, pocket. And that's also why she's chosen Mark Bixford, her childhood crush, as her MTB ("meant to be").

But this spring break, Julia's rules are about to get defenestrated (SAT word: to be thrown from a window) when she's partnered with her personal nemesis, class-clown Jason, on a school trip to London. After one wild party, Julia starts receiving romantic texts . . . from an unknown number! Jason promises to help discover the identity of her mysterious new suitor if she agrees to break a few rules along the way. And thus begins a wild goose chase through London, leading Julia closer and closer to the biggest surprise of all: true love.

Because sometimes the things you least expect are the most meant to be.

My Thoughts:

MTB was such a sweet contemporary. While reading this book I was either smiling or laughing out loud. This book is set in London which makes this book that much better. Even though, of course, there were a few cliché and cheesy parts. Overall, this was a very cute and fluffy read. Perfect for this spring!

Quotes:

"Why does everyone think a girl who prefers books to people must be in want of a life."

"I don't use airplane bathrooms. As a rule. And I really don't like breaking rules. (It's kind of one of my rules.) I mean, if I'm going to plummet to my death, it's not going to be with my pants around my ankles."

About the Author:

My name is Lauren, and I wrote a book called Meant to Be. It’s available pretty much anywhere books are sold, but I recommend checking out your local indie. I’ve been told it’s very funny and swoony, and I think you should buy it. My second YA contemporary novel, Being Sloane Jacobs, hits shelves on January 7, 2014. I’m currently hard at work on a third book.
I love YA books, roller skates, public radio, the Internet, road trips, my dog Lucy, and my guy Adam. And I’m a Nerdfighter ‘fo LIFE.

Like Loading...

The Sky is Everywhere Review

 
The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

 
 





Published: March 9th 2010 by Dial

Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary

Pages: 288

Format: Hardcover

Rating: 5/5 Stars

 

 

 

Description:

 

Seventeen-year-old Lennie Walker, bookworm and band geek, plays second clarinet and spends her time tucked safely and happily in the shadow of her fiery older sister, Bailey. But when Bailey dies abruptly, Lennie is catapulted to center stage of her own life - and, despite her nonexistent history with boys, suddenly finds herself struggling to balance two. Toby was Bailey's boyfriend; his grief mirrors Lennie's own. Joe is the new boy in town, a transplant from Paris whose nearly magical grin is matched only by his musical talent. For Lennie, they're the sun and the moon; one boy takes her out of her sorrow, the other comforts her in it. But just like their celestial counterparts, they can't collide without the whole wide world exploding.

This remarkable debut is perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen, Deb Caletti, and Francesca Lia Block. Just as much a celebration of love as it is a portrait of loss, Lennie's struggle to sort her own melody out of the noise around her is always honest, often hilarious, and ultimately unforgettable.

 

My thoughts:

 

This book focuses on how people grieve differently when they lose someone they love. Jandy Nelson writes a beautiful debut book. This book brings you on an emotional roller coaster that you must get on!

 

Quotes:

 

 "The sky is everywhere, it begins at your feet."

 

"Grief is forever. It doesn't go away; it becomes part of you, step for step, breath for breath."

 

"And then he smiles, and in all the places around the globe where it's night, day breaks."

 

About the Author:

 

Jandy Nelson received a BA from Cornell, an MFA from Brown in poetry, and another MFA from Vermont College in writing for children and young adults. A literary agent for many years, she is also a published poet. The Sky Is Everywhere is her first novel. Jandy lives in San Francisco. www.jandynelson.com, www.theskyiseverywhere.com