Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard Review

 

Title: Wanderlove

Author: Kirsten Hubbard

Publisher: Delacorte Books

Date Published: March 13, 2012

Rating: 5 Stars

Are you a Global Vagabond?

No, but 18-year-old Bria Sandoval wants to be. In a quest for independence, her neglected art, and no-strings-attached hookups, she signs up for a guided tour of Central America—the wrong one. Middle-aged tourists with fanny packs are hardly the key to self-rediscovery. When Bria meets Rowan, devoted backpacker and dive instructor, and his outspokenly humanitarian sister Starling, she seizes the chance to ditch her group and join them off the beaten path.

Bria's a good girl trying to go bad. Rowan's a bad boy trying to stay good. As they travel across a panorama of Mayan villages, remote Belizean islands, and hostels plagued with jungle beasties, they discover what they've got in common: both seek to leave behind the old versions of themselves. And the secret to escaping the past, Rowan’s found, is to keep moving forward.

But Bria comes to realize she can't run forever, no matter what Rowan says. If she ever wants the courage to fall for someone worthwhile, she has to start looking back.-Goodreads

I know I haven't written a review in a while but I needed to write one for Wanderlove. This is one of those book. The type of book that just made me smile and when I finished it. I really don't know how to describe the book but I do know how to describe my feelings while reading this book and hopefully that will make you consider reading it. I was grinning like a maniac and turned on the Christmas lights that always hang on the wall. It made me want to travel even more than I wanted to before; it made me feel like it was possible. It's the type of book that made me so cheerful I ran outside in the rain with my sister and country danced barefoot in the grass while singing Celtic songs. It was the perfect book for me and was exactly what I have been looking for in a travel book.

Bria is different from most characters you find in this sort of novel, she's not whiny or the typical rich bitch, she's easy to relate to and is believable and likable. She's completely normal, it makes you believe that if she could survive traveling then you can. Starling and Rowan act as guides for Bria on this trip and the relationship between Bria and Rowan is a solid friendship and enjoyable to read. Rowan almost always had a book in his hand which made me like him even more and there were plenty of book references. I loved reading about what it's like to backpack around Central America, both the good things (Hostels have book exchanges?!) and the bad.  I love reading about the different places they traveled to, since I don't have the opportunity to travel I enjoy armchair travel. I really, truly loved this book. So go read it.

Waiting on Wednesday

 Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

The Raven Boys (Raven Cycle #1) by Maggie Stiefvater

Expected publication: September 18th 2012

Publisher:  Scholastic Press

 “There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark’s Eve,” Neeve said. “Either you’re his true love . . . or you killed him.”

It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive.

Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them—not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her.

His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble.

But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can’t entirely explain. He has it all—family money, good looks, devoted friends—but he’s looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents all the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul who ranges from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher of the four, who notices many things but says very little.

For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore.

Mermaid: A Twist on the Classic Tale by Carolyn Turgeon

 Title: Mermaid: A Twist on the Classic Tale

Author: Carolyn Turgeon

Publisher: Crown Publishing Group

Publication Date: March 1, 2011

Rating: 3 Stars

Princess Margrethe has been hidden away while her kingdom is at war. One gloomy, windswept morning, as she stands in a convent garden overlooking the icy sea, she witnesses a miracle: a glittering mermaid emerging from the waves, a nearly drowned man in her arms. By the time Margrethe reaches the shore, the mermaid has disappeared into the sea. As Margrethe nurses the handsome stranger back to health, she learns that not only is he a prince, he is also the son of her father's greatest rival. Sure that the mermaid brought this man to her for a reason, Margrethe devises a plan to bring peace to her kingdom.

Meanwhile, the mermaid princess Lenia longs to return to the human man she carried to safety. She is willing to trade her home, her voice, and even her health for legs and the chance to win his heart... -Goodreads

This book feels very much like the original Little Mermaid by Hans Christan Andersen but it gives a more in depth look at the characters and fleshes out the story. Of course, the story does take on a life of it's own separate from the original but, like I said, it feels the same.

The relationship between Margrethe and Lenia was beautiful. They are both royalty, one a princess of land the other of sea. They are in the same situation yet they would trade places with each other in an instant. Unfortunately fate is not so kind, they must play the hand they are dealt. Lenia longs to be with the prince that she loves and will sacrifice everything to be with him. Margrethe is in awe of Lenia, meeting her was her chance to experience magic and she loves the the world the Mermaid princess comes from. Reality is never as sweet as fantasy, Lenia must go through much pain (physical and emotional) to reach her dream and even then a happily ever after is not guaranteed. Margrethe, unable to reach the sea, focuses making peace between two countries. I can't say I liked the prince but he served a purpose in the story, providing tension and many other high emotions for the main characters.

This was a good retelling of The Little Mermaid and I did enjoy it, although I cannot remember even one cheerful part in the book. The story pulled me into both the world, on land and also the one below the sea. Overall it was a good book.

Teaser Tuesday

 Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share 2 "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page (no spoilers)
• Include title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists.

     "Kat had often heard it said that asking a good thief to stop thinking would be like asking a shark to stop swimming, so she couldn't help herself as she walked away from the park that day, through the coming dusk of the city streets.
     But that didn't mean she didn't try." 
                ~ pg.90, "Uncommon Criminals" by Ally Carter                                                                                                                                          

Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

 

Title: Revolution

Author: Jennifer Donnelly

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: October 12, 2010

Rating: 3.5 Stars

BROOKLYN: Andi Alpers is on the edge. She’s angry at her father for leaving, angry at her mother for not being able to cope, and heartbroken by the loss of her younger brother, Truman. Rage and grief are destroying her. And she’s about to be expelled from Brooklyn Heights’ most prestigious private school when her father intervenes. Now Andi must accompany him to Paris for winter break.

PARIS: Alexandrine Paradis lived over two centuries ago. She dreamed of making her mark on the Paris stage, but a fateful encounter with a doomed prince of France cast her in a tragic role she didn’t want—and couldn’t escape.

Two girls, two centuries apart. One never knowing the other. But when Andi finds Alexandrine’s diary, she recognizes something in her words and is moved to the point of obsession. There’s comfort and distraction for Andi in the journal’s antique pages—until, on a midnight journey through the catacombs of Paris, Alexandrine’s words transcend paper and time, and the past becomes suddenly, terrifyingly present.-Goodreads

 The voices of the main characters in this book were strong and real and they pull you into their worlds. Andi especially felt real, despite being a jerk a lot of the time you can't help but hope that she'll make it out of the story alive. Her whole life fell apart when her brother died and when her father takes her to Paris she finds Alaxandrine's dairy and it becomes and her obsession. Even though they lived centuries apart their lives are connect and there's the feeling that if something happened to Alex, Andi would feel the effects just as deeply as the girl who lived through it.While Alex's story was interesting Andi's story was what I really cared about.

It was a well written book. I imagine it must be difficult to write characters that are from two different time periods but Jennifer Donnelly made it look easy. The way Alex's diary was written felt appropriate for the time period while Andi's first person was fitting for the 21st century. Each character had their own styles and distinct voice.

I really enjoyed this book but the last hundred pages were...odd. It was too big of a change too late in the story for me. It just felt odd and completely out of place. It was interesting, no doubt, but weird and shocking despite it being told that it would happen in the summery. Sadly, it's what made me decide to give it 3 stars instead of 4. Overall it was an interesting book with characters that make you invested in their outcome.

The Raven Boys Book Trailer by Maggie Stiefvater

Here is the amazing trailer for the highly anticipated new series by Maggie Stiefvater called The Raven Boys:

Insurgent

Title: Insurgent (Divergent #2)

Author: Veronica Roth

Publisher: HarperTeen

Publication Date: May 1, 2012

Rating: 5 Stars

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.-GoodReads

I loved this book. I read the first two chapters at Walmart because I figured I would be getting it in at the library the next day, I was hook from the first page. Unfortunately, the book did not come in at the library the next day and I had to wait until after Memorial day for the library to open back up again... and it still didn't come in. I was going insane, I couldn't read anything else while I waited. I needed Insurgent. When I finally got it I opened it up and finished it that night. It's been a year since I read Divergent and my brain had tricked me into believing that it really wasn't as good as I had remembered, Insurgent helped me remember everything I loved about the series. There was action and drama and tragedy, people jumping on and off of trains, betrayal and friendship. Who wouldn't love a book like that.

Insurgent also gives us a closer look at not only Amity (the peaceful) and Candor (the truthful) but also the Factionless. I love how detailed each group is. They're all beautiful in their own way, yet scarily flawed. I was hoping that the Factionless group would have a bit more depth but I imagine they will come up more in the currently untitled 3rd book so there is still time, I'm sure they have a role to play.

I love Tris's character, she's grown so much since the first book. She's a strong kick-ass character who would rather take the risks herself than let anyone else. She has to make many hard choices and then deal with the consequences of those choices. She is brave, she is smart, and she is selfless. SHE IS DIVERGENT... wow, that was dramatic.... moving on.

The book is fast paced with many twists, turns, and lots of drama. The ending will leave you shocked and wanting more. Let us hope that Veronica Roth writes quickly.

Teaser Tuesdays

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share 2 "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page (no spoilers)
• Include title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists

"Yeh'll get yer firs' sight o' Hogwarts in a sec," Hagrid called over his shoulder, "jus' round this bend here."

Perched atop a high mountain on the other side, it's windows sparkling in the starry sky, was a vast castle with many turrets and towers.

--Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling pg. 111

The Grimm Legacy

 

Title: The Grimm Legacy

Author: Polly Shulman

 Publisher: Putnam Juvenile

Publication date: July 8, 2010

Rating: 3 Stars

Elizabeth has a new job at an unusual library— a lending library of objects, not books. In a secret room in the basement lies the Grimm Collection. That's where the librarians lock away powerful items straight out of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales: seven-league boots, a table that produces a feast at the blink of an eye, Snow White's stepmother's sinister mirror that talks in riddles.

When the magical objects start to disappear, Elizabeth embarks on a dangerous quest to catch the thief before she can be accused of the crime—or captured by the thief.
This was a really cute book and I think middle grade children especially will enjoy it. I loved to magic of the repository. Imagine being able to borrow Abraham Lincoln's top hat or Jane Austen's quill or even Cinderella's Glass Slipper. The Grimm Legacy tells about the importance of objects and, for the Grimm objects, the magic they hold.

I loved every scene with the magic mirror. The rhyming was awesome and the mirror was so incredibly creepy, but in a good way. Elizabeth was not always the most interesting character but I liked the way she treated Anjal's sister. She never put her down and always treated her like an equal which was different than Anjal treated her. I found Marc to be boring and Anjali was not much better but Andrew on the other hand was more interesting, although he acted like kind of an idiot near the end.


So, at the beginning of this review I say that the book is cute and so far I have only criticized it but now I'll tell you why I enjoyed it. I loved the idea of the world of magic and fairy tales. I loved that the main character worked in a library of objects of history and magic. I loved being introduced to that world. Was this book fantastic? No, but it was fun, there are technicalities that I could point out but I won't. My mind has gotten too picky, that's why I recommend this for a younger audience. They will be able to look at this book and experience the magic that my mind wouldn't let me fully enjoy.

Follow Friday

 

It's another Follow Friday. Sorry I haven't been reviewing as much as I should. I've been reading more than ever but school does get in the way of reviewing especially when the computer's at school mess up the formatting when I try to post something. But I'm back now and I'll be reviewing many books that I meant to months ago. On to the question.....

Question: Summer Break is upon us What would be the perfect vacation spot for you to catch up on your reading & relax?

Here's the truth, I read to escape to somewhere else, to visit different countries and different worlds, heck, I read just to escape my state. If I went on a vacation it would mean I would actually be somewhere other than home and while I love my books I would be out exploring instead of reading. If I wanted to get reading done I would just stay at home. If I wanted to relax I would go to the lake.If I wanted to go on vacation it would be far away. My dream places are: England, Greece, Ireland, Germany, China, India, Brazil, Virginia, Washington D.C., California, and many many more places.

Cleopatra's Daughter

 

Title: Cleopatra's Daughter

Author: Michelle Moran

Publisher: Crown Publishing Group

Publication Date: September 15, 2009

Rating: 3 1/2 Stars

The marriage of Marc Antony and Cleopatra is one of the greatest love stories of all time, a tale of unbridled passion with earth-shaking political consequences. Feared and hunted by the powers in Rome, the lovers choose to die by their own hands as the triumphant armies of Antony’s revengeful rival, Octavian, sweep into Egypt. Their three orphaned children are taken in chains to Rome; only two– the ten-year-old twins Selene and Alexander–survive the journey. Delivered to the household of Octavian’s sister, the siblings cling to each other and to the hope that they will return one day to their rightful place on the throne of Egypt. As they come of age, they are buffeted by the personal ambitions of Octavian’s family and court, by the ever-present threat of slave rebellion, and by the longings and desires deep within their own hearts.

The fateful tale of Selene and Alexander is brought brilliantly to life in Cleopatra’s Daughter. Recounted in Selene’s youthful and engaging voice, it introduces a compelling cast of historical characters: Octavia, the emperor Octavian’s kind and compassionate sister, abandoned by Marc Antony for Cleopatra; Livia, Octavian's bitter and jealous wife; Marcellus, Octavian’s handsome, flirtatious nephew and heir apparent; Tiberius, Livia’s sardonic son and Marcellus’s great rival for power; and Juba, Octavian’s watchful aide, whose honored position at court has far-reaching effects on the lives of the young Egyptian royals. (Goodreads)

I really enjoyed reading this book, right from the first chapter I felt that it would be good and that does not happen to me often. There was so much historical detail and everything was described and explained, I felt like I had walked into Ancient Rome. Another great thing about this book is that the author did not shy away from the horrible and gruesome things that happened, that is one of the reasons this book felt so real. It also showed both the good and bad on each side. Even though the main character was Egyptian she did acknowledge that slaves were not treated any better in Egypt, she just had a different perspective now that she was in the power of an enemy in Rome. Likewise, Octavian was not always villainized, he did save some slaves from severe punishment for reason's only he knows.
 
The main storyline in Cleopatra's Daughter is supposed to be about The Red Eagle. That's where the mystery and excitement is supposed to come from but in my opinion it fell kind of flat. I'll be honest, the book is mainly just about day to day life for Selene and Alexander in Ancient Rome. Sometimes that did make it a little dull, I was hoping for more of a storyline but it was still an enjoyable and interesting read. The reason I read historical fiction is not only to be transported in time but also to learn. History is so exciting and interesting and there's so much of it that I don't know. Historical fictions are a way for me to learn without being bored to tears. I will definitely be checking out some of Michelle Moran's other books.

WWW Wednesday

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?

 My Answers:

What I'm currently reading? Much Ado About Nothing

What I recently finish? The Grimm Legacy

What I'll probably read next: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Scarlet

Title: Scarlet

Author: A.C. Gaughen
Publisher: Walker Childrens
Publication Date: February 14, 2012
Rating: 4 Stars

Posing as one of Robin Hood’s thieves to avoid the wrath of the evil Thief Taker Lord Gisbourne, Scarlet has kept her identity secret from all of Nottinghamshire. Only the Hood and his band know the truth: the agile thief posing as a whip of a boy is actually a fearless young woman with a secret past. Helping the people of Nottingham outwit the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham could cost Scarlet her life as Gisbourne closes in. It’s only her fierce loyalty to Robin—whose quick smiles and sharp temper have the rare power to unsettle her—that keeps Scarlet going and makes this fight worth dying for.-Goodreads

If you like Robin Hood, broody thieves with hearts of gold, or guys who can shoot a bows and arrows you'll love this book. Krazy Elf described it as a 'fangirl' book, I didn't fully understand what she meant until I read the book. It's not the greatest book in the whole wide world but it is FUN. It really is a fun read.

I didn't always like the characters but the characters actions never once seemed out of place so I didn't really mind. Scarlet is the type of MC that I love reading, not only does she have a bad attitude but she can kick butt! I loved it when she punched that guy in the face! Little John was a fun character, he provided most of the humor in the book. Rob is how you would expect, brooding and has the weight of the world on his shoulders. Surprisingly, my favorite character was the one mostly unseen. I really liked Much, he may have seemed like the weak link in the group but he was a great friend to Scarlet and he's such a sweetie.

One thing this book sometimes lacked was believability. The fighting in this book seemed unreal, especially given some of the injuries, although since it can be compared to the unreal fighting in the BBC Robin Hood it is another thing that did not bother me much.

Overall this was a loveable book, I read it all in one day. You may not think it's the best book or whatever but it is very likely you will have a blast reading it. So give it a chance.

Cinder (Lunar Chronicles #1)

Title: Cinder (Lunar Chronicles #1)

Author: Marissa Meyer
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Publication Date: January 3, 2012

Rating: 4 Stars

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth's fate hinges on one girl... Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She's a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister's illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai's, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world's future.-GoodReads

The best thing about Cinder is that even though it's a retelling of a well known fairytale it is so original. It's more of a Sci-fi book with bits of classic Cinderella details thrown in. I'm still blown away, Cinderella as a cyborg?! Hah! That's awesome!

Cinder was a great protagonist, she was strong, likeable, and you couldn't help but feel sorry for her. Kai was the same, I couldn't help but like him because of his willingness to do all that he could for his people. My favorite character by far was Iko, she brought a light heartedness to the book. I loved how a simple ribbon made her feel like she was dressing up and how she dreamed of going to the ball.

I really liked this book, it was well written, with good characters, and a strong plot. There were a few things that were predictable but I didn't really care, I'm not picky especially since this book threw enough curveballs at me that even though I guessed a few things there was always something else to throw me off. The ball was one of those scenes where you're going "what the heck!" The fact that they were still recovering from a war and that there was a plague added to the believability of the world. No matter how high advanced a world gets, the problems will change right along with it.

I wondered when I started Cinder if it was a series, when I reached the last page there was no doubt in my mind that it was. Even though the book is almost 400 pages it feels like it only scratched the surface. I am eager to see what Meyer does with the rest of the series.

Follow Friday

"Follow My Book Blog Friday" is a weekly meme hosted by Rachel at Parajunkee's View and Allison at Allison Can Read where bloggers make new friends!

Q: What would your prefer: reading your favorite book over and over again until you got sick of it OR reading 100s of mediocre books? And why?

This is a really tough question. I read a lot of 3 Star books and they are okay, but I live for the 4 & 5 Star books. I love falling in love with the characters and tumbling through the pages into their adventures. From my experience 3 Star and below books don't have very well developed characters and that is a must for me. On the other hand, I would never want to get sick of one of my favorite books. Now if it was a choice of rereading my favorite books vs reading 100 mediocre books I would choose my favorites. They are my comfort, they have helped me when I'm stressed, sad, angry, tired, and sick of the world. I love my books and I wouldn't give them up.

A Christmas Carol

Title: A Christmas Carol
Author: Charles Dickens
Publisher: Signet Classic
Publication Date: October 10, 1984 (first published winter 1843)
Rating: 4 Stars

This is the first Dickens book I've read and I think it was the perfect one to start off with. For starters, it's short, it's only a little over 100 pages (by my copy), and the first part is really funny! I can't even count how many times my sister has read me that first part, Dickens puts a lot of thought into the phrase "dead as a door nail", you'll have to read it to get it. I'm not explaining it well.

I love Scrooge's complete willingness to change the way he is, he sees the way he is and as soon as he gets the chance he has a complete change of heart. I started tearing up when he's begging the Ghost of Christmas Future to tell him that it's not too late for him to change. My favorite Ghost was the Ghost of Christmas Future. In my opinion that's the most powerful part of the book, filled with horror and sadness. It really drives the point home.

By the end of the book I was crying, I couldn't help myself, it was such a great ending. I walked away from that book with a warm feeling in my heart and I intend to read another Charles Dickens book when I get the chance.

Happy (late) Birthday Charles Dickens!

Little House in the Big Woods (Little House #1)

Title: Little House in the Big Woods (Little House #1)
Author: Laura Ingalls-Wilder
Publisher: Scholastic Books
Publication Date: Published 1960 (first published 1932)
Rating: 4 Stars

Meet Laura Ingalls, the little girl who would grow up to write the Little House books. Wolves and panthers and bears roam the deep Wisconsin woods in the late 1870's. In those same woods, Laura lives with Pa and Ma, and her sisters, Mary and Baby Carrie, in a snug little house built of logs. Pa hunts and traps. Ma makes her own cheese and butter. All night long, the wind howls lonesomely, but Pa plays the fiddle and sings, keeping the family safe and cozy.-GoodReads

I can't believe this is the first time I read this book. I loved it. If your looking for a book about everyday life in the late 1800's you won't find any better than this book. I loved reading about making maple sugar, and smoking meat, and..... just everything. It was absolutly fascinating. I was suprised to find myself laughing at some of the things also, and I don't laugh aloud when I'm reading. My dad asked me if I was laughing because is sounded like my sister tripped over something in the kitchen(CRASH!) or my book. It turned out to be my book.

Life back then was so different than life now. Everything could be used for something and nothing was ever wasted. It's amazing when looking at it from my perspective, someone who lives in a wasteful world. I think that was why she wrote the books. The Industrial Revolution was booming and the world had changed so much, I think she wanted people to remember the way things used to be and give people like us a taste of something we will never see.

Happy Birthday Laura Ingalls-Wilder!

Celebrating Dickens and Ingalls-Wilder

Today is Charles Dickens 200th birthday! Could you imagine a world that didn't have his books? So many of his books are titles you've probably heard of if even if you have not read them: A Tale of Two Cities, Great Expectations, Oliver Twist, Little Dorrit, Hard Times, and probably most well known of all A Christmas Carol. I am ashamed to say that I have never read a book by Charles Dickens, today that is going to change. In honor of his birthday I am going to read A Christmas Carol. It is one of my sister's favorite books and she has been bugging me about reading it. So, Happy Birthday Dickens! You will not be soon forgotten.

Another birthday today is Laura Ingalls-Wilder. She turns 145 today. She is another author, like Dickens, that you cannot imagine the world without. Her Little House books are always there to remind us what it was like in the days before the Industrial Revolution. You may be shock to hear that I had not read any of her books before today either. I used to watch the movie and the TV show and I started the first book a few times but never made it through. I just finished reading Little House in the Big Woods this morning and will later be posting my review. Happy Birthday Laura!

Firelight (Firelight #1)

Title: Firelight (Firelight #1)
Author: Sophie Jordan
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: September, 7th 2010
Rating: 3 Stars

A hidden truth.
Mortal enemies.
Doomed love.

Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life. Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki—a descendant of dragons whose greatest defense is her secret ability to shift into human form.

Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. The only bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life. Although she is irresistibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will's dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away—if it dies she will be left as a human forever. She'll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.

Mythical powers and breathtaking romance ignite in this story of a girl who defies all expectations and whose love crosses an ancient divide.-GoodReads

This story idea was original, I'll give it that. It's not everyday you read a book about a girl who can change back and forth between human and dragon(draki). I liked the story for the most part. I disliked the romance. I started getting sick of obsessive romances not long after I got out of Twilight. Actually, probably even before that. I have read way too many of them and I'm just not interested in the same old thing. Who knew "true love" could go out of style.

The story was good but now that I come to think about it, I didn't actually like any of the characters. I didn't dislike them, I just didn't with connect to them. I probably would have liked the book much better if I had. Jacinda's constant back-and-forth about staying or leaving gets really annoying. Will seemed to be the type male character that is in most YA Paranormals, flat and prone to violence.

And after all that because of the last 30 pages, and also my inability to give up on a book, I have already put the sequel on hold at the library. I can't help myself.

The Summer of Cotton Candy (Sweet Seasons #1)

Title: The Summer of Cotton Candy (Sweet Seasons #1)
Author: Debbie Viguié
Publisher: Zondervan
Publication Date: May 1, 2008
Rating: 2 Stars

Most people think The Zone is an amusement park, but Candy Thompson knows it's really a slave labor camp. What else would you call a summer job that requires a sixteen-year-old girl to set aside her whole social life for the privilege of standing out in the hot sun selling cotton candy? Still, there are perks---particularly the mysterious hunk in the Lone Ranger costume. Behind that mask are the most amazing eyes Candy has ever seen. Who is that masked man? But someone else is just as interested. And romantic competition isn't the only problem. Besides being hard work, The Zone is eating up major time. How is Candy supposed to stay involved in church? Worse yet, will she lose her best friend, Tamara, who resents how Candy's job limits their time together? This is NOT the summer Candy hoped for! But as she is about to discover, the summer of cotton candy will be the greatest summer of her life.-GoodReads

First of all, Debbie Viguié should design a theme park, I'd go to it in a heartbeat. Now that we've got that out of the way let's start the review.

I wasn't a big fan of this book, The writing wasn't great and I thought the characters were either flat or underdeveloped. That said, it was still a short, cute, fun book. I loved the park at night and the scavenger hunt(I thought it was going to be lame) at the end. I won't tell you who won the hunt though, it's a spoiler, SHHHHH!

I didn't like that Candice felt the need to judge Lone Ranger Dude's life. Sure, he doesn't know what to do with his life and since he's at a place that he loves working he doesn't really care, there's nothing wrong with that. I say if you like your job you are ahead of 75% of the world.

I'd say that this series is for a younger reading audience. Maybe I would have like this when I younger, I've read reviews by people who LOVE this book, it just wasn't for me.