Until Beth by Lisa Amowitz

 

From Goodreads:

Talented rock guitarist Beth Collins has been barely holding herself together for months, ever since her boyfriend and bandmate became the latest victim in a string of suspicious disappearances. When her brother is injured an accident and she sees something dark billowing around him as he hovers close to death, she’s convinced her sanity is collapsing for good.

Then she's accepted by a boarding school for the musically gifted. All of her new friends are bursting with talent, but they're also keeping secrets. Can she trust Vincent, who's so sweet that his very touch makes her fears melt away? Or Xavier, who's trying to tell her something but is hiding even more?

And will anyone be safe when her true Talent comes out?

My Review:

This book was rather surprising for me. 

Things I liked: 

1) Beth- Although I found her to be kind of clueless in some parts but still really enjoyed her as a character. 

2) Vincent- I kind of found him to be creepy but I still really liked how he was with Beth. 

3) The writing- This author has a great writing style. I really enjoyed the mystery of it. 

4)  Xavier- Such an odd character but I looked passed that once his story was revealed. 


Things I was not fond of:

1) The end............................. seriously??? Why??

2) I kind of wish there was more explanation on certain things.


My rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 

*I received this book from NetGalley on a read and review basis.*

Denton Little's Deathdate by Lance Rubin

From Goodreads:

Denton Little's Deathdate takes place in a world exactly like our own except that everyone knows the day they will die. For 17-year-old Denton Little, that's tomorrow, the day of his senior prom.

Despite his early deathdate, Denton has always wanted to live a normal life, but his final days are filled with dramatic firsts. First hangover. First sex. First love triangle (as the first sex seems to have happened not with his adoring girlfriend, but with his best friend's hostile sister. Though he's not totally sure. See: first hangover.) His anxiety builds when he discovers a strange purple rash making its way up his body. Is this what will kill him? And then a strange man shows up at his funeral, claiming to have known Denton's long-deceased mother, and warning him to beware of suspicious government characters…. Suddenly Denton's life is filled with mysterious questions and precious little time to find the answers.

My Review:

So my friend and I picked 4 books to do a small readathon. This was my choice for "Book you are nervous to read". I am not sure why I was nervous to read this but boy am I glad I did.

Things I liked:

1) Denton- One of the best male protagonists I have read in quite some time. He did make mistakes but he was easily forgiven by me :)

2) The writing- This is the authors first book and boy oh boy he writes like a pro. I read this book in 1 sitting because I could not put this book down. 

3) Veronica- Not the most lovable characters but I liked her alot!

Things I was not fond of:

1) Taryn- I so did not feel sorry for this character. Most of the things she got I felt like she deserved. 

2) Phil- Oh my goodness! Why was he in this book huh?? Grr such a dumb character 

My rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

T5W- Title Fonts On Covers

I am going to try to do more Top 5 Wednesday posts if it is a topic that I like. If you would like to join you may check out the Goodreads group here. 

This weeks topic is Top 5 Title Fonts On Covers. Here are my favorite title fonts in no particular order. 

1) Perfect Ruin by Lauren DeStefano

 This whole cover is gorgeous but I really love the way the title is done. Definately one of the best title fonts ever!

2) The Devil and The Deep Blue Sea by April Genevieve Tucholke 

 Another gorgeous cover but I think the type font is what sets it apart from a lot of other books. I am a huge fan of the twirly fonts anyway.

3) Don't Look Back by Jennifer L. Armentrout 

 This font is rather simply but I really like how it is kind of sketchy( If that makes sense).

4) Pretty Girl-13 by Liz Coley

 I really love that this font looks kind of creepy in a way. I really like that it has a pink color inside it to.

5) Rush by Eve Silver

 I like this font because it is simply but its rather eye catching and it really makes you intrigued about the book. 

There is my top 5 Title Fonts on Covers. If you do this please leave a comment and let me know so I can check out your post.

Lies Beneath by Anne Greenwood Brown

From Goodreads:

Calder White lives in the cold, clear waters of Lake Superior, the only brother in a family of murderous mermaids. To survive, Calder and his sisters prey on humans and absorb their positive energy. Usually, they select their victims at random, but this time around, the underwater clan chooses its target for a reason: revenge. They want to kill Jason Hancock, the man they blame for their mother's death.

It's going to take a concerted effort to lure the aquaphobic Hancock onto the water. Calder's job is to gain Hancock's trust by getting close to his family. Relying on his irresistible good looks and charm, Calder sets out to seduce Hancock's daughter Lily. Easy enough, but Calder screws everything up by falling in love - just as Lily starts to suspect there's more to the monster-in-the-lake legends than she ever imagined, and just as the mermaids threaten to take matters into their own hands, forcing Calder to choose between them and the girl he loves.

My Review:

This was my second mermaid read. I read this one after Of Poseidon and dang this was a far jump from that book.

Things I liked:

1) Calder- One of the love to hate characters but you just can't help but love him.

2) Lily- I felt so bad for her in the beginning. I really enjoyed her as a character. 

3) The writing- I loved the way this was written. The book is so short but so much happens that you never had time to be bored and it really made you want to read the second book so much more.

4) The Plot- I like how this was a different spin on mermaids. I won't give away what I mean but you should just read it to find out :)

Things I was not fond of:

1) The ending. It was not a cliff hanger or anything which is nice but I feel like it just ended without warning. I was not that unsatisfied by the ending because I still gave the book a great rating but I just wish the ending was something more.(If that even makes sense to anyone)

My rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

What We Saw by Aaron Hartzler

From Goodreads:

Kate Weston can piece together most of the bash at John Doone’s house: shots with Stacey Stallard, Ben Cody taking her keys and getting her home early—the feeling that maybe he’s becoming more than just the guy she’s known since they were kids.

But when a picture of Stacey passed out over Deacon Mills’s shoulder appears online the next morning, Kate suspects she doesn’t have all the details. When Stacey levels charges against four of Kate’s classmates, the whole town erupts into controversy. Facts that can’t be ignored begin to surface, and every answer Kate finds leads back to the same question: Where was Ben when a terrible crime was committed?

My Review:

Let me first say that I feel like this book is one that you should go into without know to much about it. It will be a better reading experience!

Things I liked:

1) Kate- I feel like in this book she went through so many different emotions that it was crazy but that is why I really liked her because it was like she was an actual person with feelings.

2) The writing- I found this writing to be quite addicting. It really kept you intrigued as to what was going to happen. 

3) The subject of this book is something that is not handled alot in YA and I really liked where this author took this story. 

Things I was not fond of:

1) The only thing I did not like was the shaming of the victim in this situation. I do understand why it was there but at times I just wanted to smack them all in the head and be like wake up! 

I would recommend this book to anyone. It is just amazing!!

My rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

*This book was received by Edelweiss on a read and review basis*

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

From Goodreads:

Lissa Dragomir is a Moroi princess: a mortal vampire with a rare gift for harnessing the earth's magic. She must be protected at all times from Strigoi; the fiercest vampires - the ones who never die. The powerful blend of human and vampire blood that flows through Rose Hathaway, Lissa's best friend, makes her a dhampir. Rose is dedicated to a dangerous life of protecting Lissa from the Strigoi, who are hell-bent on making Lissa one of them.

After two years of freedom, Rose and Lissa are caught and dragged back to St. Vladimir's Academy, a school for vampire royalty and their guardians-to-be, hidden in the deep forests of Montana. But inside the iron gates, life is even more fraught with danger... and the Strigoi are always close by.

Rose and Lissa must navigate their dangerous world, confront the temptations of forbidden love, and never once let their guard down, lest the evil undead make Lissa one of them forever...

My Review:

This book was my pick for a mini readathon my friend and I did. This was my pick for "A book from a genre you don't normally read" Since I haven't read a vampire book since Twilight this is what I chose.

Things I Liked:

1) Rose- I found her to be annoying in some parts of this book but I still really enjoyed her character and wanted to know more of her story.

2) Lissa- Great supporting character. Enough said :)

3) Dimitri- Oh my my. I am sure Im not suppose to like him but I so did. I think its because he's Russian so it was inevitable that I would.

4) I can see why so many people like this author. Her writing is sooo good and addicting. 

Things I was not fond of:

1) I feel like at times this book kind of dragged and not much happened. I didn't really mind because the writing was so good which made me want to continue with the series. That is always a good sign.

My rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Ash & Bramble by Sarah Prineas

 

From Goodreads:

 When the glass slipper just doesn’t fit…

The tale of Cinderella has been retold countless times. But what you know is not the true story.

Pin has no recollection of who she is or how she got to the Godmother’s fortress. She only knows that she is a Seamstress, working day in and out to make ball gowns fit for fairy tales. But she longs to forsake her backbreaking servitude and dares to escape with the brave young Shoemaker.

Pin isn’t free for long before she’s captured again and forced to live the new life the Godmother chooses for her—a fairy tale story, complete with a charming prince—instead of finding her own happily ever after.

Sarah Prineas’s bold fairy tale retelling is a dark and captivating world where swords are more fitting than slippers, young shoemakers are just as striking as princes, and a heroine is more than ready to rescue herself before the clock strikes midnight

My review:

Let me start of by saying that I love fairy tale retellings. Also I love Cinderella so this was so up my alley. 

Things I liked:

1) Pin- Although I thought her personality needed to be worked on I still really enjoyed her. 

2) Shoe- My favorite character and literally the only reason I liked this book so much

  

3) I liked the twist of the fairytale. I feel like some fairy tale retellings try to hard but this one was done so well and it was unexpected.

Things I was not fond of:

1) The second half of this book was just odd. The first half I was all into it then the second half happened and I felt like it dragged in some spots.

2) I don't feel like there was enough back story on either character. I would have liked more.

My rating: ♥♥♥♥ 

*I received this book from Edelweiss on a read and review basis*

One by Sarah Crossan

From Goodreads:

Tippi and Grace share everything—clothes, friends . . . even their body. Writing in free verse, Sarah Crossan tells the sensitive and moving story of conjoined twin sisters, which will find fans in readers of Gayle Forman, Jodi Picoult, and Jandy Nelson.

Tippi and Grace. Grace and Tippi. For them, it’s normal to step into the same skirt. To hook their arms around each other for balance. To fall asleep listening to the other breathing. To share. And to keep some things private. The two sixteen-year-old girls have two heads, two hearts, and each has two arms, but at the belly, they join. And they are happy, never wanting to risk the dangerous separation surgery.

But the girls’ body is beginning to fight against them. And soon they will have to face the impossible choice they have avoided for their entire lives.

My review:

I am literally still thinking about this book. It was that great!

Things I liked:
1) I liked the verse style of this book. This was the first book that read in that style and I really thought that made the story more enjoyable.

2) Tippi and Grace- I thought both girls were great. Even though they are conjoined they still had rather different personalities and I loved them both

3) Dragon- Wow what a great sister. She had her issues but she was still there for both her sisters.

4) Yasmeen and Jon- The lovely friends who didn't care what Tippi and Grace looked like they still wanted to be there friends.

5) The Mom- Wow this woman went through so much with Tippi and Grace but still was such a great mother!


Things I was not fond of:
1) The ending- I do not want to give away spoilers but this isn't isn't on this list because I thought the ending was horrible I just wish it didn't go there.


This book is so good. It was written beautifully. I would recommend this book to everyone. Literally buy it the day it comes out. Go. Run!

My rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

*I received this book from Edelweiss on a read and review basis*

Mirrored by Alex Flinn

 

From Goodreads: 

A modern, multi-generational tale of Kendra, the witch from "Snow White," who trains Violet, an ugly, lonely, and heartbroken girl in the 1980s who transforms herself into "the fairest one of all" but still cannot win Greg's heart, and Celine, Greg's daughter with Violet's high school rival, Jennifer.

My Review:

This review will be different from my others because there was little to nothing I actually liked about this book. 

First off we have Violet who is picked on for her looks. Yes I felt bad for her but not that much at all.  I really didn't like the message this book sent about girls who are insecure about their looks.

Next we have Gary. The guy that Violet is trying to win over. One thing about Gary is he is such a jerk and Violet is trying everything to win him over. Why?? Don't ask me because it annoyed the crap out of me. 

I felt like this book was all over the place. The "Snow White" aspect of it was just so dumb. It really made no sense.

Finally we have the lovely Celine. She is the beautiful one and boy did she let you know. She was dull and just complained so much. 

To some this review all up I would have to say that I was bored, uninterested, and just wanted this book to end.  It took me so long to read because it was not exciting at all.

My rating: ♥♥
*I received this book from Edelweiss on a read and review basis* 

Of Poseidon by Anna Banks

From Goodreads:

Galen is the prince of the Syrena, sent to land to find a girl he's heard can communicate with fish. Emma is on vacation at the beach. When she runs into Galen—literally, ouch!—both teens sense a connection. But it will take several encounters, including a deadly one with a shark, for Galen to be convinced of Emma's gifts. Now, if he can only convince Emma that she holds the key to his kingdom...

My Review:

This book really surprised me

Things I liked:

1) Emma- She really was not one of those stereotypical girl characters. She was not needy or annoying. She really knew what she wanted and was just badass.

2) Galen- At first I thought he was a jerk but he turned into a character I really loved.

3) The writing was addicting. I found it was funny in parts but also made you want to know what was going to happen.

Things I was not fond of:

1) I felt like there were not many shocking moments. Not much really went on. My rating is pretty much based on the fact that I really enjoyed the writing and the characters.

2) This goes hand in hand with the previous one. I felt like this book was kind of predictable. Everything you thought was going to happen did. I kind of hoped there would be more mystery.

My rating: ♥♥♥♥

5 Songs That Make You Cry- The Friday Five

So on YouTube there is a new video series called The Friday Five. It was created by Sara Crawford. If you would like to join you may check it out here. One thing y'all may not know about me is that I love music. I no longer have a YouTube channel but I really wanted to start doing this on my blog. Btw I did make the top picture. I know it sucks but I had to have something lol.

This weeks topic is " 5 Songs That Make You Cry". Here is my list of 5 songs.


1) Sarah McLachlan- Angel

I feel like this is rather explanatory. Back when I used to watch regular tv(before Netflix)there were those lovely shelter commercials. They always play this song and I remember just bawling. Eventually I had to just turn the channel when one of those commercials came on because not only is the commercial sad but so is this song.

2) Aurea- Busy For Me

I am aware that this is not the best sung song but dang the emotion in this artists voice is so raw and awesome. Really makes you feel sorry for her. I cannot tell you how many times I have listened to this song when I need a really good cry( which does sound odd to me lol)

3) Sugarland- Stay

Another raw emotional song. I like how this video is just the artist and is very minimal. Literally everytime I hear this song or see the video I cry like a baby. 

4) Bob Carlisle-Butterfly Kisses 

This song is just so heartbreaking. The whole story of this song is great. The way it is sung just gets me everytime. So good. 

5) Glen Campbell- I'm Not Gonna Miss You

Oh my goodness. I have only listened to this a handful of times because it is just so sad but at the same time just makes you really think about life.

There is my Friday Five. If you decide to do this let me know so I can check out your post/video

Soul Corrupted(Of Angel and Demons 2) by Lisa Gail Green

*Be advised this is the second book in a series.There will be spoilers*

From Goodreads:

n Soul Corrupted, the sequel to Soul Crossed, life in Heaven isn’t all "happily ever after" for Josh and Grace. Now Guardian Angels, they are entrusted with finding and saving the next potential Antichrist. But Grace is consumed with worry about her family, which is dealing with the aftershocks of her death. She's particularly concerned about her brother Noah, who has turned down a dangerous path of drugs and violence—and she's frustrated by the rules of Heaven, which forbid her from contacting them.

Josh has troubles of his own. A former Demon, he questions his ability to guide troubled souls to the light. When he discovers that Noah made a deal with Lucifer and has even been hanging around with Josh’s old Demon pal, Keira, he makes a forbidden counter-deal with the Devil to save Noah's soul. Josh's side of the bargain? He has to sever his relationship with Grace.

Josh and Grace's world is about to spin out of control, testing the limits of true love and blurring the border between Heaven and Hell.

My Review:

Let me just say that I read the first book of the series earlier this year. I was so excited for this book to come out since I loved the first one so much!

Things I liked:

1) The writing was so well done. I think Lisa Gail Green does the best multiple POV's I have ever read!

2) Josh and Grace- I liked how there relationship progressed in this book. The romance in this was not overdone which I always appreciate.

3) Keira- So this girl was not my favorite in the first book but I really got her story in this book and really liked her POV in this book.

4) Noah- Oh boy. I don't want to spoil for you but read it and I am sure you will understand.

Things I was not fond of:

1) One of the reasons for my rating is because I found that some parts of this book were kind of boring and dragged.

2) The cliffhanger- Yes I really want to read the third book now so bad but grr cliffhangers!

My rating: ♥♥♥♥

*I received this book from NetGalley on a read and review basis*