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? :)