Waiting on Wednesday (6)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine! Each week, bloggers spotlight what upcoming release they're eager for.

Title: The S-Word by Chelsea Pitcher

Released: May 7th 2013 

Summary from Goodreads:

"First it was SLUT scribbled all over Lizzie Hart’s locker.
But one week after Lizzie kills herself, SUICIDE SLUT replaces it—in Lizzie's looping scrawl.
Lizzie’s reputation is destroyed when she's caught in bed with her best friend’s boyfriend on prom night. With the whole school turned against her, and Angie not speaking to her, Lizzie takes her own life. But someone isn’t letting her go quietly. As graffiti and photocopies of Lizzie’s diary plaster the school, Angie begins a relentless investigation into who, exactly, made Lizzie feel she didn’t deserve to keep living. And while she claims she simply wants to punish Lizzie’s tormentors, Angie's own anguish over abandoning her best friend will drive her deep into the dark, twisted side of Verity High—and she might not be able to pull herself back out.
Debut author Chelsea Pitcher daringly depicts the harsh reality of modern high schools, where one bad decision can ruin a reputation, and one cruel word can ruin a life. Angie’s quest for the truth behind Lizzie’s suicide is addictive and thrilling, and her razor-sharp wit and fierce sleuthing skills makes her impossible not to root for—even when it becomes clear that both avenging Lizzie and avoiding self-destruction might not be possible."

Waiting on Wednesday (5)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine! Each week, bloggers spotlight what upcoming release they're eager for.

Title: Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick

Released: August 2013

Summary from Goodreads:

"Today is Leonard Peacock's birthday. It is also the day he hides a gun in his backpack. Because today is the day he will kill his former best friend, and then himself, with his grandfather's P-38 pistol.

But first he must say good-bye to the four people who matter most to him: his Humphrey Bogart-obsessed next-door neighbor, Walt; his classmate, Baback, a violin virtuoso; Lauren, the Christian homeschooler he has a crush on; and Herr Silverman, who teaches the high school's class on the Holocaust. Speaking to each in turn, Leonard slowly reveals his secrets as the hours tick by and the moment of truth approaches.

In this riveting look at a day in the life of a disturbed teenage boy, acclaimed author Matthew Quick unflinchingly examines the impossible choices that must be made—and the light in us all that never goes out."

Review: Something Strange and Deadly

Title: Something Strange and Deadly

Author: Susan Dennard
Release Date: July 24^th 2012
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 388
Source: Edelweiss

Summary: 

"The year is 1876, and there’s something strange and deadly loose in Philadelphia…

Eleanor Fitt has a lot to worry about. Her brother has gone missing, her family has fallen on hard times, and her mother is determined to marry her off to any rich young man who walks by. But this is nothing compared to what she’s just read in the newspaper—

The Dead are rising in Philadelphia.

And then, in a frightening attack, a zombie delivers a letter to Eleanor…from her brother.

Whoever is controlling the Dead army has taken her brother as well. If Eleanor is going to find him, she’ll have to venture into the lab of the notorious Spirit-Hunters, who protect the city from supernatural forces. But as Eleanor spends more time with the Spirit-Hunters, including their maddeningly stubborn yet handsome inventor, Daniel, the situation becomes dire. And now, not only is her reputation on the line, but her very life may hang in the balance."

My Thoughts: 

First off I just want to talk about the cover. Now while the cover itself is pretty, I have to admit I am not a fan of it. I don't feel that the cover represents what the book has to offer. It just doesn't work with me.

Now onto the review

Something Strange and Deadly actually surprised me by how much I ended up enjoying this book. Susan's writing style is what caught my attention and first drew me into the story. Everything flowed together properly and the descriptions were vivid and really brought the story to life. I love the Victorian era so the setting was something that I highly enjoyed and admired.

The characters weren't to shabby either. The main protagonist Elanor wasn't the typical young YA girl. What I mean by that is that she was actually a strong and determined heroine. I loved how Elanor fought for what she believed in and wasn't deterred away from adversity from the obstacles in her way and even the era she lived in. I just liked Elanor a lot and considering what she has to go through in this book I only gained more respect for her.

The Spirit Hunters also were an interesting bunch, especially Daniel. Daniel is the groups inventor and many times I was either swooning for him or wanted to slap him silly. Joseph who is the leader of the group was an extremely calm gentlemen and the complete opposite of Daniel. The last member was Jie, the fighter of the group. The team was crucial to the story but the only character I cared for was Daniel. Joseph came off a little too perfect for me and kinda creeped me out and Jie was awesome but there wasn't that much of her in the story to really get attached to her. So in the end, Daniel ended up being my favorite of the trio.

The plot moved extremely fast in this book. There was always something going on and hardly ever any dull moments. One thing I liked was the zombies and the necromancy used in this story. There were a couple of creepy moments and I really enjoyed the “Dead Alerts” used to warn about the zombies coming. It was just kind of funny to know that the dead were so common they got there own alarm warning. I wished there were more zombies and zombie action but I enjoyed what there was of it. The cool inventions and steampunk elements were really cool. Especially what Daniel created and used. What I really loved was the mystery and adventure in this book. It kept me going because I wanted to know what happened to Elanor's brother and who the big bad villain was raising the dead.

The romance in this story developed slowly and sweetly and didn't result into instalove and idiot characters. It also didn't drown out the book. Daniel and Elanor's romance was funny and sweet and just really worked.

The plot twist at the end killed me and I can't wait to get my hands on the next book! I really enjoyed this zombie steampunk novel! Totally recommend. 

Rating: 4/5

Follow Friday

Follow Friday is hosted by Rachel of Parajunkee and Alison of Alison Can Read.

Question: When you step out of your USUAL genre what do you like to read? Best books in that genre?

Answer: I don't really have a specific genre that I read. To be honest I like variety and I usually pick a book i'm in the mood for versus it's genre. So I guess I have an eclectic taste rather then a set area of books I like. I tend to read YA and Adult more often then others I suppose but i'm game for anything! 

How about you? What book genres interest you?

Review: Shadows

Title: Shadows

Author: Ilsa J. Bick
Release Date: September 25^th 2012
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Pages: 528
Source: Gifted

Summary: 

"The Apocalypse does not end. The Changed will grow in numbers. The Spared may not survive.

Even before the EMPs brought down the world, Alex was on the run from the demons of her past and the monster living in her head. After the world was gone, she believed Rule could be a sanctuary for her and those she’d come to love.
But she was wrong.

Now Alex is in the fight of her life against the adults, who would use her, the survivors, who don’t trust her, and the Changed, who would eat her alive"

My Thoughts: 

After finishing Ashes last year, it was no surprise how badly I wanted this book. So when I finally got my hands on a copy I couldn't wait to tear into it. Unfortunately to my disappointment, Shadows fell flat for me. 

A huge problem I had with the story were the new multiple perspectives introduced in this book. To be honest It felt very sudden and confusing at first and it really threw me off from reading. I would have much rather of had Alex been the main protagonist like before because the other perspectives just felt so tedious and I often lost interest through a lot of the book. It was also difficult to care for certain characters because they were so new or I knew so little of them previously to actually care for them. The final blow for me was the climax at the end of the book. I know Ilsa was trying to create an intense atmosphere with the dual perspectives of two particular characters but the switching back and forth completely ruined it for me. Overall the new perspectives just left me with a big headache.

The pacing in this book really seemed to drag on through a lot of the story.The plot felt like it wasn't going anywhere for a long time and I struggled often with trying to motivate myself to finish certain chapters. Certain parts also felt extremely dull and boring. Considering how big this book is I was hoping it would read quicker but it felt even longer sometimes while reading it. It wasn't until the last third of the book that things started to finally pick up in pace and began to flow greatly. I was on the edge of my bed with excitement toward the end. The cliff hanger killed me though!

The horror in this story was just as creepy as the last one. The one thing I admire about Ilsa is how she isn't afraid to bring on the gruesome and ugly. Shadows had tons of violent and intense scenes and Ilsa's descriptions left me with such horrific imagery that I thought about in my sleep (totally creepy)! The ''zombies'' in this book are even worse than before and the things they do to survivors is so disturbing I often had to put the book down and look at kittens to get my mind back to normal. As gross as it sounds the “Changed” were my favorite thing about this book because of how they livened up the dullness and brought back suspense. 

Shadows just wasn't my cup of tea and it really pains me to say that considering how much I loved Ashes. I wouldn't say I hated this book, because I really did enjoy most of it. I think the dual perspectives are what ultimately bothered me the most. I plan to read the next book but hope it resembles Ashes rather than this one. 

Rating: 3/5  

Waiting on Wednesday (4)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine! Each week, bloggers spotlight what upcoming release they're eager for.

Title: The Dead and Buried by Kim Harrington 

Released: January 1st 2013

Summary from Goodreads:

"Jade loves the house she's just moved into with her family. She doesn't even mind being the new girl at the high school: It's a fresh start, and there's that one guy with the dreamy blue eyes. . . . But then things begin happening. Strange, otherworldly things. Jade's little brother claims to see a glimmering girl in his room. Jade's jewelry gets moved around, as if by an invisible hand. Kids at school whisper behind her back like they know something she doesn't.

Soon, Jade must face an impossible fact: that her perfect house is haunted. Haunted by a ghost who's seeking not just vengeance, but the truth. The ghost of a girl who ruled Jade's school — until her untimely death last year. It's up to Jade to put the pieces together before her own life is at stake. As Jade investigates the mystery, she discovers that her new friends in town have more than a few deep, dark secrets. But is one of them a murderer?"

Why I want to read this: 

I LOVE Kim Harrington and I will read anything she puts out. I can not wait to read her take on ghosts and haunted houses! This book has me excited for New Years day even more now! 

Follow Friday

Follow Friday is hosted by Rachel of Parajunkee and Alison of Alison Can Read.

Question: What book do you think would make a great Halloween movie? Please explain in graphic detail of goriness...

My answer: I would have to say Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick would make a great Halloween movie. Ashes is filled with violent gory scenes made of fleshing ripping and head bashing action. I mean, who doesn't want to see a zombie movie on Halloween? 

What were your picks? :) 

Short Review: Undead

Title: Undead
Author: Kirsty McKay
Release Date: September 1st 2012
Publisher:The Chicken House
Pages: 272
Source: Netgalley


My Thoughts: 
I had no expectations for Undead and I think that's the best way to come into this book. Undead for me was a really funny and likable read! The humor is what I loved most about this book, it made the living dead seem slightly comical and fun. The actual story itself moves really fast. No long drawn out beginnings, just straight into the action.  The zombies in this book weren't too nasty, but Kirsty still gave them the element of creepy. The characters in this book were cliched with the typical mean popular girl, the nerd, the bad boy and the down to earth protagonist. Even if they were cliched I still enjoyed them. The plot was decent - fighting for survival in the cold English mountains. Although I didn't take away much for this book I still enjoyed it. Overall this book was a fun light read perfect for Halloween! 

Rating: 3/5 

Waiting On Wednesday (3)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine! Each week, bloggers spotlight what upcoming release they're eager for.

Title: Shadowlands by Kate Brian

Released: January 8th 2013

Summary from Goodreads:

"Rory Miller had one chance to fight back and she took it. Rory survived… and the serial killer who attacked her escaped. Now that the infamous Steven Nell is on the loose, Rory must enter the witness protection with her father and sister, Darcy, leaving their friends and family without so much as a goodbye.

Starting over in a new town with only each other is unimaginable for Rory and Darcy. They were inseparable as children, but now they can barely stand each other. As the sisters settle in to Juniper Landing, a picturesque vacation island, it seems like their new home may be just the fresh start they need. They fall in with a group of beautiful, carefree teens and spend their days surfing, partying on the beach, and hiking into endless sunsets. But just as they’re starting to feel safe again, one of their new friends goes missing. Is it a coincidence? Or is the nightmare beginning all over again?"

Why I want to read this: 

I love thrillers and this one just sounds amazing! I can't wait to find out what happens to Rory! (That cover ain't bad either).

Review: Anna Dressed In Blood

Title: Anna Dressed In Blood
Author: Kendare Blake
Release Date: August 30th 2011
Publisher: Tor Teen
Pages: 316
Source: Purchased 

Summary:

Cas Lowood has inherited an unusual vocation: He kills the dead. 
So did his father before him, until his gruesome murder by a ghost he sought to kill. Now, armed with his father’s mysterious and deadly athame, Cas travels the country with his kitchen-witch mother and their spirit-sniffing cat. Together they follow legends and local lore, trying to keep up with the murderous dead—keeping pesky things like the future and friends at bay.
When they arrive in a new town in search of a ghost the locals call Anna Dressed in Blood, Cas doesn’t expect anything outside of the ordinary: move, hunt, kill. What he finds instead is a girl entangled in curses and rage, a ghost like he’s never faced before. She still wears the dress she wore on the day of her brutal murder in 1958: once white, but now stained red and dripping blood. Since her death, Anna has killed any and every person who has dared to step into the deserted Victorian she used to call home.
And she, for whatever reason, spares his life.

My Thoughts: 

The first impression I had of this book was cover lust. I LOVED the cover and how totally creepy it was. Never had I seen a cover so pretty and disturbing at the same time and that made me really want to at least see what the book was about.

When I first began reading, I really enjoyed how I was reminded of the show Supernatural (huge fan)! It set the whole mood of the book for me and I just knew I was gonna love this book (and I did).

The mood of this story was fantastic, it was creepy, intense and foreboding with huge amounts of suspense and vivid detail strewn through out the story. It had everything I love in a creepy novel. Not many books can give me chills but Anna Dressed in Blood definitely did, especially during the violent parts which were super gory and intense! Even the characters were enjoyable in this YA horror novel.

Cas (the main character) is extremely snarky and sarcastic and hilarious protagonist, while his new friends Thomas (the psychic) and Carmel (bearable popular girl) served as great companions on the hunt for Anna (ghost bust team)! Speaking of Anna, she was my favorite character of all. Anna was one kick-ass anti-hero. I love characters that have depth, and Anna had that. There was so much more to her than a demonic killer ghost. Awful things happened to her that caused her to become what she is now. Anna was a complex character that added a lot to the reader experience. 

The action scenes in this book were great and kept me reading all night. The romance between Anna and Cas was sweet and tragic. It warmed yet broke your heart at the same time. The ending of the book left me craving more!

Overall this book is great for Halloween and horror lovers! I can't wait to pick up the second book Girl of Nightmares and continue on with Anna and Cas's story! Highly recommend! 

Rating: 4.5/5