In My MailBox -2

Not so many this week, but I'm still excited to start reading! Ever since I read Wicked Lovely, I've been captivated by Melissa Marr's world. :) In My MailBox is brought to us by: The Story Siren.



-Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr

Unbeknownst to mortals, a power struggle is unfolding in a world of shadows and danger. After centuries of stability, the balance among the Faery Courts has altered, and Irial, ruler of the Dark Court, is battling to hold his rebellious and newly vulnerable fey together. If he fails, bloodshed and brutality will follow.

Seventeen-year-old Leslie knows nothing of faeries or their intrigues. When she is attracted to an eerily beautiful tattoo of eyes and wings, all she knows is that she has to have it, convinced it is a tangible symbol of changes she desperately craves for her own life.

The tattoo does bring changes—not the kind Leslie has dreamed of, but sinister, compelling changes that are more than symbolic. Those changes will bind Leslie and Irial together, drawing Leslie deeper and deeper into the faery world, unable to resist its allures, and helpless to withstand its perils. . . .



-Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr

Seth never expected he would want to settle down with anyone—but that was before Aislinn. She is everything he'd ever dreamed of, and he wants to be with her forever. Forever takes on new meaning, though, when your girlfriend is an immortal faery queen.

Aislinn never expected to rule the very creatures who'd always terrified her—but that was before Keenan. He stole her mortality to make her a monarch, and now she faces challenges and enticements beyond any she'd ever imagined.

In Melissa Marr's third mesmerizing tale of Faerie, Seth and Aislinn struggle to stay true to themselves and each other in a milieu of shadowy rules and shifting allegiances, where old friends become new enemies and one wrong move could plunge the Earth into chaos.

(Amazon Product Description)

Wings by Aprilynne Pike

Rating: 4.2/5.0

Re-Read? Since this is the first in the series, it would be quite handy to have around to refresh my memory when the next comes out!

Recommend? I really do recommend this book-- I fell in love with the story. Again, Faeries. <3

Publisher: Harper Teen/290 pages

Synopsis:

Laurel was mesmerized, staring at the pale things with wide eyes. They were terrifyingly beautiful—too beautiful for words.

Laurel turned to the mirror again, her eyes on the hovering petals that floated beside her head. They looked almost like wings.

In this extraordinary tale of magic and intrigue, romance and danger, everything you thought you knew about faeries will be changed forever. (amazon product description)

My Thoughts:

Puberty takes on a whole new form in this debut novel, Wings, with a faerie spin. The first book in the series, we are introduced to a slew of characters, our main heroine being the lovely Laurel. Having just moved from a small town, home schooled (and vegan) Laurel is introduced to the public school system of Crescent City. Being the new kid on the block is hard enough, but when a flower literately sprouts up from Laurel's back, fitting in is the least of her worries (or is it the largest?).

Wings, in my opinion, contained everything that the first in the series should contain-- background, introduction to plot and of course a thorough introduction to our main characters (Laurel, David, and Tamani). I really do feel the characters were well developed (which is important to me). The story was kind of slow in the beginning (though personally, I couldn't put the book down) but I think it picked up pace pretty well. It all depends on what kind of reader you are and what you expect of a novel. The writing was simple, but I enjoyed it for what it was. For those who get easily fustrated by this, you do get used to it and I hardly noticed it since I was so engrossed in the plot.

Pike really created a totally new spin on Faeries, which now that I think about it, only makes sense! The world she invisioned, I can tell, is only going to get more intricate and detailed as the story progresses through the various novels. Wings really has me excited for a sequal! I absolutly fell in love with both Tamani and David-- I really don't know which I would choose! Both are polar opposites but both contain qualities that I (and Laurel!) find attractive. Love, growing up, faeries, trolls (???) and adventure-- Who wouldn't want to read this book?

One Lovely Blog Award

It seems in the past week I have won this award three times! I would like to say a big Thank You to those who nominated me: Michelle's Bookshelf, Escape in a Book, and Crakin' Spines and Takin' Names. It really means a lot since I'm just starting out. I want to make sure I am doing everything right!

According to this award, I am suppose to nominate 15 blogs that I have recently stumbled upon and that I think are Lovely. I think I can only get to 10, but Here goes!

I nominate:
1- The Book Pixie
2- Fantastic Book Review
3- Pirate Penguin's Reads
4- Book Bunny
5- Reading Rocks
6- Bloody Bookaholic
7- So Many Books, So Little Time
8- {Insert Book Title Here}
9- Katie's Bookshelf
10- Cornucopia of Reviews

Please check them out! They have lovely blogs and have been wonderful to me! <3

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Re-Read? Definitely. Especially right before I read anymore of the series.

Recommend? I recommend this to anyone who has a taste for anything to do with the fey, teenage coming to terms stories, and an entertaining read. I do want to suggest an age recommendation though. I would say 15 and up because it contains sexual and drug and alcohol references.

Synopsis:

Rule #3: Don't stare at invisible faeries.

Aislinn has always seen faeries. Powerful and dangerous, they walk hidden in mortal world. Aislinn fears their cruelty—especially if they learn of her Sight—and wishes she were as blind to their presence as other teens.

Rule #2: Don't speak to invisible faeries.

Now faeries are stalking her. One of them, Keenan, who is equal parts terrifying and alluring, is trying to talk to her, asking questions Aislinn is afraid to answer.

Rule #1: Don't ever attract their attention.

But it's too late. Keenan is the Summer King who has sought his queen for nine centuries. Without her, summer itself will perish. He is determined that Aislinn will become the Summer Queen at any cost—regardless of her plans or desires.

Suddenly none of the rules that have kept Aislinn safe are working anymore, and everything is on the line: her freedom; her best friend, Seth; her life; everything.

Faerie intrigue, mortal love, and the clash of ancient rules and modern expectations swirl together in Melissa Marr's stunning 21^st century faery tale.

My Thoughts:

There is always a choice. But what if none of your options bring you where you want to be? What do you choose then? Aislinn is a pretty normal girl, well besides the fact that she can see faeries. She has her own life, friends, and a best friend that is a potential could be boyfriend. Besides the wicked faeries she has no choice but to see, her life isn't that bad. That is, until one of them starts following her. Aislinn's rules can no longer help her and she begins to wonder if there is anything that can?

Wicked Lovely goes through the POV of both Aislinn, the Summer King Keenan and the Winter Girl. It really is great knowing what is also going on with Keenan, Aislinn's pursuer. Keenan is not really a bad guy. He doesn't want to take Aislinn's life away from her but the other choice is a grim one. What if Aislinn was actually the one? You learn that Keenan also has a love of his own, and no matter how he tries, he can never repent for what he's done to her. It is really sad actually. I loved both love stories that are winded together in this one book.

Wicked Lovely had me not able to put it down! The characters were so real. I felt I really got to know them throughout the book. That is an important aspect for me in novels, especially a series. A problem for me with this novel was sometimes the pace would pick up and it would kind of blur what was happening. I would be reading a page and all of a sudden something would happen, and I would have no idea where it came from. These were very far apart and very small, but it was something that bothered me.

Faerie stories like this always surprise me. I go in expecting one thing, and get another. It was a very pleasant surprise in this case. I absolutely loved the world Marr crafted for her Faeries. It was a unique hierarchy and I enjoyed figuring out all the aspects of the plot. Again, I took away that the books main lesson is finding ones true self. Before, Aislinn was just living day by day, always on the look out for the faeries no one but her (and her Grams) could see. In the end, she finds a purpose. Also, never underestimate love. It could surpise you. Wicked Lovely was a great start to the series and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next two books. All and all, a phenomenal page turning read.

Waiting on Wednesday -1

The Van Alen Legacy by Melissa De La Cruz

Release date: October 6, 2009

Amazon Product Description:

"With the stunning revelation surrounding Bliss's true identity comes the growing threat of the sinister Silver Bloods. Once left to live the glamorous life in New York City, the Blue Bloods now find themselves in an epic battle for survival. Not to worry, love is still in the air for the young vampires of the Upper East Side. Or is it? Jack and Schuyler are over. Oliver's brokenhearted. And only the cunning Mimi seems to be happily engaged.

Young, fanged, and fabulous, Melissa de la Cruz's vampires unite in this highly anticipated fourth installment of the Blue Bloods series."

This is my first waiting on Wednesday! I really can't wait for this book to come out. So far, I thoroughly enjoy the Blue Blood series. Waiting on Wednesday is brought to us by Breaking The Spine.

Teaser Tuesday -1

This weeks Teaser Tuesday is an excerpt from Wicked Lovely (my current read!) by Melissa Marr. This is my first time participating with Teaser Tuesday, but it sounded like fun so here goes!

My Teaser:

"He tilted her head up and whispered, "Dance with me." She shook her head, something very close to fear in her eyes. "There's no room, no music." Pg 173 by Melissa Marr

Hope I didn't include any spoilers! I have yet to get to that part in the story.

Teaser Tuesday is brought to us by Should Be Reading.
Rules:
1) Grab your current read
2) Open to a random page
3) Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
4) BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
5) Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Bones of Faerie by Janni Lee Simner

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Re-Read? I could definitely see myself re-reading this sometime when I'm in the mood for it. It's on my shelf just in case.

Recommend? I recommend this to anyone ages 12 and older. I only say that because it does have some disturbing images in it. But I'm sure a mature pre-teen could definitely tackle it. ;)

Synopsis:

The war between humanity and Faerie devastated both sides. Or so 15-year-old Liza has been told. Nothing has been seen or heard from Faerie since, and Liza’s world bears the scars of its encounter with magic. Trees move with sinister intention, and the town Liza calls home is surrounded by a forest that threatens to harm all those who wander into it. Then Liza discovers she has the Faerie ability to see—into the past, into the future—and she has no choice but to flee her town. Liza’s quest will take her into Faerie and back again, and what she finds along the way may be the key to healing both worlds.

Janni Lee Simner’s first novel for young adults is a dark fairy-tale twist on apocalyptic fiction—as familiar as a nightmare, yet altogether unique. (Amazon product description)

My Thoughts:

Don't tell anyone when ants talk to you. Keep silent when stones glow in your hands. In a village where magic and anything fey is instantly disposed of, Liza lives her life knowing there is nothing she can do about it. There was nothing she could do when her little sister, Rebbecca, was born with glass clear hair and shimmering pale skin. There was nothing Liza could do when her father took the newborn and left her on hill for the fey to claim her. There was nothing Liza could do but cry out her sisters name over and over next to the small broken body...

Bones of Faerie is the story of a teenager that was born after humanities war with the fey. The war that had forever changed our world-- and not for the better. We follow Liza on her journey to find her mom, and in the process, herself. This book has many deep lessons then just a book about faeries and magic. Somethings are meant to be left alone. Not everyone wants to be saved. And most importantly, never deny ones true self. Different isn't always bad. And magic... well magic prevents damage as much as it deals.

Bones of Faerie had me sad, intense, happy, worried and crying. It was a rollercoaster of emotions. While Simner could have slowed down the pace at the beginning of the story and gone more in depth in the characterization of both Liza and Matthew, she spun an animated tale of a world affected by magic. And in the end, it gave me hope. As bad as things can get, they can also get that much better. The world heals its wounds and moves on. Humanity needs to do just that.

The Singing by Alison Croggon

Rating: 5.0/5.0

Re-Read? The whole Pellinor series is re-readable!

Recommend? I definitely recommend this series to anyone who enjoys fantasy adventure with a bit of growing up angst.

Summery:

The climactic volume of the epic quartet follows the Bards of Edil-Amarandh on a vital quest to merge their powers against a nameless evil.

In an increasingly battle-ravaged land, Maerad, Cadvan, and Hem desperately search for one another as they make their separate journeys. The Black Army is advancing north, and even as Maerad faces a mighty confrontation with the Landrost to save Innail, all of the Seven Kingdoms are threatened with bitter and devastating defeat. Yet in Maerad and Hem lives the secret to the mysterious Singing, and legend holds that if they release the music of Elidhu together, they have the power to defeat the Nameless One. Can brother and sister find each other in time to fight this all-powerful enemy, and are they strong enough — even reunited — to defeat him before all is lost? (Amazon product description)

My Thoughts:

In this Fourth book of Pellinor, war seems inevitable. Maerad, our heroine, is tested in every way possible. Whether it be life, friendship or love, everything Maerad had fought for could be lost with one mistake. Maerad taps deeper and deeper into her potential and learns things about herself she would have never guessed. But what of the mysterious tree-song? In The Riddle, we last saw Maerad (in her "wolf" form) finally reuinted with Cadvan. That is where The Singing begins.

I had a hard time saying goodbye to this series. I have been so completely engrossed in the stories of the Bards of Edil-Amarandh since I had first heard of Pellinor when The Riddle came out. The Singing ends the story of our once disconcerted Maerad, the Heroine we have followed since her slave days in The Naming (or The Gift, depending where you live). When you read this final installment, you realize how much she has grown and all that she has been through and accomplished. It made me remember friends such as Dernhill of Gent (who will always remain one of my favorite characters!) and think back on how each of them have touched Maerad's life and shaped her into what she needed to be in this final book.

I really appreciated that most of this book was in Maerad's POV. I enjoy reading through Hem, but I find Maerad more interesting! The POV switches back and forth a bit between the siblings but the transitions are flawless, so I didn't mind a bit. I like to know whats going on where and when! I love Alison Croggon's style of writing; everything flows very smoothly. The world she created is engageing and I could almost believe it once exsisted! All in all, a wonderful ending to an entralling series.

In My MailBox -1

So this is my first time doing the In My Mailbox meme! Today I had just received a few books from the book store. I hope to read them by next week and have a few new reviews!



-Bones of Faerie by Janni Lee Simner

Summery:

The war between humanity and Faerie devastated both sides. Or so 15-year-old Liza has been told. Nothing has been seen or heard from Faerie since, and Liza’s world bears the scars of its encounter with magic. Trees move with sinister intention, and the town Liza calls home is surrounded by a forest that threatens to harm all those who wander into it. Then Liza discovers she has the Faerie ability to see—into the past, into the future—and she has no choice but to flee her town. Liza’s quest will take her into Faerie and back again, and what she finds along the way may be the key to healing both worlds.

Janni Lee Simner’s first novel for young adults is a dark fairy-tale twist on apocalyptic fiction—as familiar as a nightmare, yet altogether unique.



-Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

Summery:

Rule #3: Don't stare at invisible faeries.

Aislinn has always seen faeries. Powerful and dangerous, they walk hidden in mortal world. Aislinn fears their cruelty—especially if they learn of her Sight—and wishes she were as blind to their presence as other teens.

Rule #2: Don't speak to invisible faeries.

Now faeries are stalking her. One of them, Keenan, who is equal parts terrifying and alluring, is trying to talk to her, asking questions Aislinn is afraid to answer.

Rule #1: Don't ever attract their attention.

But it's too late. Keenan is the Summer King who has sought his queen for nine centuries. Without her, summer itself will perish. He is determined that Aislinn will become the Summer Queen at any cost—regardless of her plans or desires.

Suddenly none of the rules that have kept Aislinn safe are working anymore, and everything is on the line: her freedom; her best friend, Seth; her life; everything.

Faerie intrigue, mortal love, and the clash of ancient rules and modern expectations swirl together in Melissa Marr's stunning 21^st century faery tale.

-Wings by Aprilynne Pike:

Summery:

Laurel was mesmerized, staring at the pale things with wide eyes. They were terrifyingly beautiful—too beautiful for words.

Laurel turned to the mirror again, her eyes on the hovering petals that floated beside her head. They looked almost like wings.

In this extraordinary tale of magic and intrigue, romance and danger, everything you thought you knew about faeries will be changed forever.

(All synopsi are from inside of the book jackets.)

City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

Rating: 5.0/5.0

Re-Read? I have actually already re-read (twice!) this novel. It's definitely re-readable!

Recommend? I Recommend this series to anyone who reads Young Adult fiction. I believe it is my favorite book of 2009 so far.

Summery:

To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters -- never mind that enter-ing the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.

As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadow-hunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadow-hunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her new found powers to help save the Glass City -- whatever the cost? (Inside the book jacket).

My Thoughts:

In this third installment of Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments trilogy, bonds are tested and secrecy is in the air. Who can we trust? New characters are introduced and good things (and people!) are not what they seem. The long awaited answers are given but is it too late?

I thoroughly enjoyed this whole series. It kept me reading from page one till the very end. The characters are completely likable and Jace never fails to entertain me with his vanity. Some of my favorite quotes from the book are from him! I loved how Cassandra Clare added humor in a place where it's not likely to be. The whole supernatural gist of the novel drew me in, but the plot and the characters made me take up residency. What a world Cassandra Clare created!

There are very few aspects of City of Glass that I didn't enjoy, and even those made the book all that more interesting! It was a great ending to a phenomenal book series.

Those of you that are like me and absolutely adore The Mortal Instruments, please check out Cassandra Clare's website and look into the prequel series The Infernal Devices. Click Here for the website

Signiture Saturday -1

Ok, So I am trying something new with this! So like I mentioned in previous entries, I just moved back home for the summer. I was going through some of my books yesterday and I found a signed copy of Killers of the Dawn by Darren Shan. I had forgotten all about it! My boyfriend last year had happened across it and, knowing that Darren Shan is my all time favorite author, bought it for me. I didn't bring it to school because I didn't want it stolen or anything like that, so I put it in its place (with all the other Cirque Du Freak books) on my shelf next to the non-signed copy of itself.

So! Does anyone have any stories of books that they have had signed? Memories? I know I personally love book signings. :)

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

Rating: 3.9/5.0

Re-read? Not really the kind of book I personally would re-read, but there are parts that I sometimes like to go back to.

Recommend? To anyone who doesn't mind a bit of horror (and hope?) thrown in a post-apocalyptic world.

Summery:

In Mary's world, there are simple truths.

The Sisterhood always knows best.

The Guardians will protect and serve.

The Unconsecrated will never relent.

And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village. The fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth.

But slowly, Mary's truths are failing her. She's learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power. And, when the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness.

Now she must choose between her village and her future, between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded by so much death? (Inside of book).

My Thoughts:

In a world where choice is hard to come by, Mary is thrown in front of many paths. Love and life, two things which could so easily be taken away, are threatened. Truths that are unheard of and the idea of the Ocean motivate Mary throughout this thrilling novel. What's beyond the fence?

This book, in my opinion, is very well written. It kept me turning the pages wanting to find out what's next. I found how Carrie Ryan developed the Sisterhood very interesting and it amazed me that they hold so much power in the village. What amazed me more was the little amount of choice that girls have over their lives. I understand it, but I would hope the world (infested with unconsecrated or not) would not get to that point. The future for the world looks bleak and I understand why Mary dreams of an Ocean that no one believes exists.

In the end, I enjoyed this novel. I love books with a little horror (or a lot!). A definite recommend.

Summer Reading

So! Today I am finally moving outta my dorm for the summer and back home. Without school, I should be able to get a lot of summer reading done! I have a few books planned for my summer book list, but does anyone have any recommendations? Here is my list so far:

-Wicked Lovely by Melissa Mar
-Wings by Aprilynne Pike
-Bones of Faerie by Janni Lee Sumner
-If I Stay by Gayle Forman

(I want to pick 20 all together!)

Its not very big so far because I haven't really had the time to expand on it since I had the Psych Maymester (as anyone who knows me on Bookarmy probably already knew). So! I'm up for any kind of recommendation (or even send me links to your reviews). Thanks!

-Eli

Deadly Little Secret by Laurie Faria Stolarz

Summery:
Some secrets shouldn't be kept...

Up until three months ago, everything in sixteen-year-old Camelia's life had been fairly ordinary: decent grades; an okay relationship with her parents; and a pretty cool part-time job at the art studio downtown. But when Ben, the mysterious new guy, starts junior year at her high school, Camelia's life becomes anything but ordinary.

Rumored to be somehow responsible for his ex-girlfriend's accidental death, Ben is immediately ostracized by everyone on campus. Except for Camelia. She's reluctant to believe the rumors, even when her friends try to convince her otherwise. She's inexplicably drawn to Ben...and to his touch. But soon, Camelia is receiving eerie phone calls and strange packages with threatening notes. Ben insists she is in danger, and that he can help--but can he be trusted? She knows he's hiding something... but he's not the only one with a secret. (Book description).

My Thoughts:

This is Laurie Faria Stolarz's first novel in her new "Touch" Series.

I was really happy with the way the book played out. Stolarz kept me on my toes guessing who the stalker was all the way through the book. Every other chapter or so you would be able to read journal like entries from the "stalker", which was very interesting. It really gives a lot of insight. But, just because you have clues does not mean the perpetrator is easy to guess! Stolarz has you guessing until the very last moment. Excellent use of suspense.

The bad thing about this book was lack of character depth. While it was a good book, I didn't relate the characters as well as I think I should have. I think she could have gone more into character development. I mean, Ben is cool and all, but I wish I would get to know him better (which I'm sure I will as the series goes on). But, in the end, I still knew basically nothing about him. After a week I had a hard time recalling Camelia's and Ben's names.

The good things about this book was the fact it was very easy and quick to read! I couldn't put it down! You have to keep reading until you know whats going to happen... It sucks you in completely. I throughly enjoyed this book (as I do all of Stolarz's other books) and I cannot wait for Deadly Little Lies, which comes out November of this year. I highly recommend it!

Rating: 4.2/5.0

Love is Hell

Summery:

In these supernatural stories by five of today's hottest writers--Melissa Marr ("Wicked Lovely"), Scott Westerfeld ("Specials"), Justine Larbalestier ("Magic or Madness"), Gabrielle Zevin ("Elsewhere"), and Laurie Faria Stolarz ("Blue is for Nightmares")--love may be twisted and turned around, but it's more potent than ever on its quest to conquer all.

From two students who let the power of attraction guide them to break the hard-and-fast rules of their world to the girl who falls hard for a good-looking ghost with a score to settle, the clever, quirky characters in this exciting collection will break your heart, then leave you believing in love more than ever.

My Thoughts:

I read this anthology a week or so ago and I just wanted to recommend it to anyone who loves short stories (or these authors!). My favorite of the bunch were Scott Westerfeld's and Laurie Faria Stolarz's stories, but they were all interesting. Supernatural in nature (ghosts, selkies... you name it), each one covers different points on the difficulties and complications of love. I plan on reading the other anthologies that match this one: Prom nights from Hell and Vacations from hell. Cannot wait!

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Wolf Island by Darren Shan

Summery:
As the mysterious Shadow builds an army of demons, Grubbs Grady and his team search desperately for answers. But when they follow up a new lead, it takes them to an old, unexpected foe - the Lambs.

"We spot the werewolves as we skim the treetops. Mutated, vicious, hairy monstrosities, all fangs, claws and muscles. The beast within me tries to force its way to the surface, howling silently at its warped brethren. I've never rid myself of the wolf..."

The curse of the Gradys has returned with a vengeance. Werewolves are on the loose. And they're hungry! (Book description).


My Thoughts:

Wolf Island is the 8th book in Darren Shan's book series The Demonata. Told from the POV of Grubbs Grady, this book coincides with the events in book 7 (and as well as book 9 (Dark Calling), which comes out November this year).

Action packed and fast paced, do not let the size of it fool you! Events that had you guessing in book 7 come clear and explanations are given where they weren't in the past. You learn a lot of new things about our hero, Grubbs. In the past, we have known Grubbs to be many things: Unsure, funny, cowardly... but beastly?? Lets just say in Wolf Island, things (and people!) get monstrous. I really enjoyed the fact that Darren Shan went more into the Werewolf perspective. We also learned a lot more about the Lambs, which I wouldn't have expected since they didn't necessarily have a huge part in previous novels. Darren Shan delved us deeper into Grubb's world... one which I hope to never live in. All together a great book. Now what I want to know is... What's Kernel up to?!

Rating: 4.5/5.0

The Host by Stephenie Meyer

Summery:

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away.

Our world has been invaded by an unseen enemy. Humans become hosts for these invaders, their minds taken over while their bodies remain intact and continue their lives apparently unchanged. Most of humanity has succumbed.

When Melanie, one of the few remaining "wild" humans is captured, she is certain it is her end. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, was warned about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the glut of senses, the too vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

Wanderer probes Melanie's thoughts, hoping to discover the whereabouts of the remaining human resistance. Instead, Melanie fills Wanderer's mind with visions of the man Melanie loves—Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she has been tasked with exposing. When outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off on a dangerous and uncertain search for the man they both love. (Book description).

My Thoughts:

Since I just re-read this book for the zillionth time, I thought it would be a great place to start. While I may not be a huge fan of Stephenie Meyer, I really did love this book. Meyer's use of psychological terms entertained me since I recently had a quiz on a few of them in Psych 1101.

Full of adventure and romance with a Sci-Fi twist (Talk about body snatchers) The Host is told from the perspective of two characters... In the same body. Meyer shows all sides of human nature in this book, where humans are all but obsolete. What I thought was interesting is that you cannot hate the Souls. They are a kind species and has no capacity for hate (or that was before they took on the Human Hosts). The funny thing is, humans show the most hostility in this novel. Not the aliens that took them over.

Meyer really did an excellent job portraying Wanderer's love for Jamie and Jared, even though it began as a sort of handed-down love from the body Wanderer has taken over. What really caught my eye about this book is Melanie and Wanderer co-existing in the same body. Their conflicting personalities amused me, especially when they would try to do things just to annoy each other. At the end of this book, You feel like you really know the characters. Wanda's your friend, Ian's your boyfriend, and Jamie is your little brother. All together a great read. One that you can re-read again and again.

Rating: 4.5/5.0

"It's a strange world,"

"The strangest."

Welcome!

Alas, I have finally started working on this blog. While here, I plan on giving you my thoughts on various books that I read. While I may use a grading system eventually (I am still very much in the planning stage) please keep in mind that everyones opinion is their own. So while I may praise a book you think is rubbish, there is no need to discredit me for our differing opinions.

While I am mostly using this blog to keep track of my various literary endeavors, It would be great to get feedback from any fellow readers here. I always love to give recommendations. Enjoy your stay, and read, read, read!

-Eli