Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Top Ten Tuesday

What's up everybody? Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the The Broke and Bookish where we get to obsessively make lists! (Fine. *I* get to obsessively make lists.) Anyway, this week's topic is books we are always recommending.  In truth, I get people to read by asking them what books they've ever read that they really loved, even from their childhood, and then give them something that reminds me of said book. But, I will try to generalize for the sake of list making:)) You'll find that I tend to recommend all the big bestsellers because they're just so lovable, to EVERYONE. I mean, that's why they're famous! 

1.Harry Potter. You haven't lived if you haven't read these all.

2. Percy Jackson- Another fearless teenage narrator of my childhood.

3. Twilight- Yes, I hate Bella too. But I've seen many a teenage girl 
become a reader because of this so I don't scorn. And I may or may not have a few posters of Jacob in my room. 

4. The Hunger Games- I know grandparents and kids alike who've been enamored by these. The topics brought up are too true to be age categorized 

5. City of Bones- I defy any female reader who is not charmed by JACE WAYLAND.


   6. Clockwork Angel- I have successfully obsess-ified quite a lot of people, to the point where since CP2 arrived, it's been lent out to three different people, with three more calling me to wanting to know if they can please come and get it already. My work here is done:))

7. Heist Society- these books just make me laugh and be happy, and isn't that all anyone ever wants? 

8. Artemis Fowl- teenage criminal mastermind. Enough said. 

9. Eragon- Well, I don't recommend these to everyone. They are a lot to handle, but if you can, they are well worth it.

10. Wolves of Mercy Falls (Shiver, Linger, Forever)- These are a literary masterpiece in my opinion- beautiful but not heavy (literally and figuratively) . Good for a reluctant teenage reader (i.e. a lot of my friends). 

What are your Top Ten books you recommend?
-Esty:)

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Review: Clockwork Princess

*takes deep breath*  here we go.... MAJOR SPOILER ALERT. PROCEED ONLY IF YOU'VE FINISHED IT. 
Clockwork Princess
Cassandra Clare
EPICNESS

THE INFERNAL DEVICES WILL NEVER STOP COMING
A net of shadows begins to tighten around the Shadowhunters of the London Institute. Mortmain plans to use his Infernal Devices, an army of pitiless automatons, to destroy the Shadowhunters. He needs only one last item to complete his plan: he needs Tessa Gray.
Charlotte Branwell, head of the London Institute, is desperate to find Mortmain before he strikes. But when Mortmain abducts Tessa, the boys who lay equal claim to her heart, Jem and Will, will do anything to save her. For though Tessa and Jem are now engaged, Will is as much in love with her as ever.
As those who love Tessa rally to rescue her from Mortmain’s clutches, Tessa realizes that the only person who can save her is herself. But can a single girl, even one who can command the power of angels, face down an entire army?
Danger and betrayal, secrets and enchantment, and the tangled threads of love and loss intertwine as the Shadowhunters are pushed to the very brink of destruction in the breathtaking conclusion to the Infernal Devices trilogy.

All right. I can do this. Right? 

So. After a surprisingly quick white night in which I cried and cried and cried, I finished this and was struck dumb until now. Well, actually, I think I'm still quite speechless. 

What are you supposed to say when an author you already knew is utterly feel-inducing goes all out and completely outdoes herself?? When she manages to give everyone exactly what they want but thought impossible (for Tessa to just be with both of them) but to break every reader's heart in the process? When she builds tension like a volcano waiting to erupt but then has one character deliver an epic-ly hysterical line that leaves you staring at the page, your face spreading into a slow smile thinking, 'I can't BELIEVE you just said that!!' When you're driven to a point where your like, 'I am NEVER reading a Cassie Clare book again' only to be taking that back the second you finish when you realize that even the ENDING OF THE SERIES is a cliffhanger (albeit carefully disguised- notice how Tessa doesn't dwell on Jem's new mortality in the epilogue. WE know he's referencing TMI {Fairchilds, Herondales, and Lightwoods? Ring a bell?}) and the only way to know what happens to him is to read City of Heavenly Fire- expected to be out ONLY NEXT MARCH. 

I don't know. What did you say? 

God. One thing I can say for sure is that almost halfway through,  I ceased to care about who Tessa would be with. Everyone vanished except WILL AND JEM. JEM AND WILL. All I wanted was for them to be together and happy, they just needed each other SO MUCH. Well, more Will needed Jem. If I have a complaint, it's that I didn't see Jem's need for Will as much as the other way around. I knew it existed, we were shown bits, but I wish the mutual dependency was clearer. But, BY THE ANGEL, I was so overwhelmed by their love. The things those two did and were willing to do for each other was astounding and and purely inspiring. They were more than parabatai- I mean, we never got that off Jace and Alec, now did we? True, in TMI their circumstances were less dire, but even in the few (barely existing) relaxed bits with Will and Jem their connection was evident. 

Let's rant talk about the ending till next week for a minute. 

WHAT THE HELL????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?????????????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I----I--- WHY??????????????????????
Throw me out the window if you like, but in a way, I'd almost rather Jem had died. Because he kinda did. Instead of Jem there's this distant, changed Silent Brother based on what used to be James Carstairs. The farewell ALMOST KILLED ME. Once I got used to the idea though (after a few shell-shocked hours in which I lay on my bed and stared at the ceiling) I was happy he lived. As long as he lived. I was so devastated happy when I read the scene in which Jem performed the ceremony on Will and Tessa's son James. Gosh all the confusing emotions... 

And I know some people thought it was perfect how in 2008 Tessa will now be with Jem but to me it felt like Tessa loves two boys, but she's immortal so she's like ok, I'll be with you until you die while you *points at other boy* conveniently prolong your life for a century or two and then I'll be with you until you die, too. I KNOW IT WASN'T LIKE THAT. Please excuse my unromantic mind. Once again though, once I wrapped my head around it I realized how unique the situation was- It wasn't a COUPLE who found true love, rather a trio. Ok that's sound wrong. But like she says, to fully love one boy you have to love the other, cause while they are not the same, they are one. Also, Cassie Clare made a point on her tumblr. If one days, does it mean the one they love has to be alone forever now? Of course not, but it's hard not to be loyal to Jem (when she married Will) and to Will (when she got back together with Jem). 

OK, I could talk about this all day (I have yet to talk about Magnus, Jessmine, Mortmain, Charlotte, Consul Wayland, the Lightwoods, Cecily..... Maybe I'll continue tomorrow....). Please PLEASE do email me if you, too, are looking for someone to mull it all over with (boardingwithbooks@gmail.com). Grade: YA RIGHT. I CAN'T DECIDE IF I HATE THIS OR LOVE THIS, LET ALONE COME UP WITH A NUMBER
-Esty

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Stacking the Shelves


Hey all! How was your week? I have just made a goodreads account and haven't the slightest clue how to use it. If you friend me and/or explain it to me I would be much obliged! Anyway,  I haven't done a Stacking the Shelves (hosted by Tynga's reviews) in awhile so here are the books I have accumulated recently!

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare
I am not ready to talk about this one. I pulled a white night and am now utterly book-lagged. I'm waiting to see what everyone else made of this before I attempt to write a review tomorrow- don't expect much more than emotional raving, I'm warning you. 
(Bought)









At First Sight by Nicholas Sparks
And another read that's sure to be tear inducing. I'll just fetch a box of tissues....
(Borrowed)













Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult and Samantha Van Leer
This is a book written by Jodi Picoult and her daughter, so I'm excited to see how that goes down... but if I know her, I'm in for an emotional time ahead. 
(Library)











House Secrets by Mike Lawson 
In truth, I don't know about this one. It doesn't seem my type. But a good friend insisted I try it so...
(Borrowed) 











Grishma by Kelly Blount
Loooove the cover. Doesn't it remind you of Magnus' eyes? (Oh gosh clearly I'm still in Clockwork Princess mode....) 
(Received from the author for review) 










A Shade of Vampire by Bella Forrest
Call me a typical YA reader but I'm always thirsty for more vampire books! From what I've seen an Amazon this book looks very popular so I'm excited! 
(received from the author for review through Angelica @ The Paperback Princess










So, I have an exciting haul this time! Can't wait:) Right now I'm rereading Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix as therapy from Clockwork Princess.. how'd y'all survive it??
Have a good weekend!  
-Esty 

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Review: Soul Control

Soul Control
C. Elizabeth
YA Fantasy

"Lead us not into temptation, deliver us from evil." These words ring true for seventeen-year-old Saydi Gardiner upon discovering her ancestry. But if she has any doubts, further confirmation is forthcoming and it comes in the form of a wickedly gorgeous Nathanael Braxton, when he steals her heart and cuddles into her sole - the last place the boy should be. Nineteen-year-old Nathanael's unrelenting good looks aren't the only thing that make him dangerous - and he knows it! However, his caring half-human self struggles with a loyalty - a loyalty that binds him to the hunt for the soul that will give his family the power they seek. There's only one problem: When he finds her, Nathanael falls in love with his prey - Saydi.

Hello everyone! Sorry about my absence, I was just finishing up this book. It was kinda long. Also, I have began Clockwork Princess and with difficulty peeled myself off for dance and this review. The fact that I have the presence of mind to do this is astounding if I do say so myself. Any emotional support you can give would be much appreciated- but don't spoil! 

Anyhoo, Soul Control. Like I said, it was long, and while no one likes a big book more than I, I did feel there was too much of stuff I didn't want, and too little of stuff I did. 

Basically, it's a war between gods and demons. I actually really liked the spin the author gave this tale, because I haven't really encountered a lovable demon character before, one who is almost human (well, half half) except maybe in Daughter of Smoke and Bone, and that was very different from this. However, I warn ista-love haters to beware, this might not be the book for you. (Personally, I was able to get over it for this one. Saydi and Nathanael's relationship grew on me) 

I wasn't a big fan of Saydi's, she accepted and forgave some things too easily in my opinion. Also, while I live off fantasy, I need it to be realistic- as in, her dad can't pop up after 17 years and Saydi and her mom are thrilled and after 1 day she's calling him Dad/Daddy.

Another thing that bothered me is that I didn't really understand the cause of the war. It was talked about a lot, but it just seemed to go over my head. Rondure? Catacomb? Spirit Light? Why? Granted, that may not have anything to do with the author's writing and more with my comprehension. Still, I wish it had been a little more clarified. 

But I must say I did like the cast. A lot of YA books tend to put the heroine's girlfriends aside because there so much going on around the boy/family/cause and I was glad to see Soul Control had Becky, Angie and Norma right along for the ride even if they didn't really understand what they were seeing. Also, their dynamic was realistic. Their fights, greetings, and conversations were like mine with my friends- typical teenage girls (`the family that just moved in has a boy? How old??? What did you say? He's hot?!').

 Back to the cast though, I wish we could have gotten more of Job and Joshua (Nathanael's triplet brothers) and the Magisters (I know, I know, and just when I'm reading Clockwork Princess too.... Don't worry, they aren't evil masterminds. Just Saydi's teachers:)) I felt like they have big personalities and great backstories we never got to feel. 

Another thing I liked was the fighting between Saydi and Nathanael. I always sided with Nathanael because he was really doing all he could and Saydi was being an ungrateful brat sometimes but I was like YES. YOU ARE A COUPLE. FIGHT. Sometimes I lose patience with all the lovey-dovey books that forget to show you that in the real world, people fight, but they learn to get over it. And I know it's fiction and fantasy and whatever, but a really good book is one that has you convinced that the supernatural world exists and incredible creature live among us. And how can you do that if the humans aren't acting human?? So kudos to Soul Control for that. 

And two more little things that made me happy- the Braxton's gentlemanly behavior and the Canadian setting. THANK YOU C. ELIZABETH!! Go Canada:))
Grade: 45%
-Esty 

Friday, March 15, 2013

I've been featured!

Taking It One Page at a Time



Hey everyone! Hope you're all having a wonderful weekend. The lovely Danica at Taking It One Page at a Time has featured me in her blogger spotlight this week! Needless to say I am thrilled. Danica has been incredibly sweet and helpful and I'm so glad she's doing this- I'm always looking to expand my audience, especially because I'm new:) You can visit her blog and read the interview HERE .
To those of you who found my blog through her post, welcome! I hope you like and follow my blog, it truly means a lot.
ANYWAY, I am now finishing rereading Clockwork Prince in preparation for Clockwork Princess which will be out in 4 DAYS. I'm going absolutely CRAZY. And the teasers?? THEY MAKE ME DIE. Like this one, for example (no worries *SPOILER FREE*)
image
“‘So you lied?’ Seizing up her fallen cap, Sophie rose to her feet. ‘Do you have any idea how much work I have to do, Mr. Lightwood?’”
(from Cassie Clare's tumblr) 

AHHHHHH SOPHEON (or Gidephie?)! I'm so frickin excited! Now, I live overseas so my copy might get here late and  I WILL KILL YOU IF YOU SPOIL IT FOR ME. That is all on that.
Later this week I will start Soul Control by C.Elizabeth which was given to me for review through another darling, Angelica at The Paperback Princess. To come soon!
Well, that was a sort of random disconnected post. Whatever. Have a nice weekend/ spring break (I've got two weeks off- two words: THE BEACH) <3
-Esty

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Review: NEVERMORE (Maximum Ride #8 AND LAST)

Nevermore (Maximum Ride The Final Adventure)
James Patterson
middle grade adventure

First, how are you all? I just sprained my ankle... no dancing or running for two weeks. Quite upsetting. On the bright side, it's almost spring break. Anyway, I apologize for my absence. Plan to checkout everyone's blogs soon enough:)

Maximum Ride and her faithful friends stand ready to face the two greatest threats that humankind has ever known--now combining forces in an unbeatable plot to destroy life as we know it once and for all. And this time, the enemy truly can't be stopped.

The danger mounts just as Dylan has finally worked his way into Max's heart--and just as her beloved Fang unexpectedly returns to the flock. An explosive confrontation between the two boys with a claim to Max's heart ensues, and the entire world hangs in the balance.

In this powerful and moving finale to James Patterson's epic fantasy series, fans will finally get the answers they've been waiting for--and an ending full of shock, surprises, and the greatest conclusion you never saw coming.


SPOILERS FOR THE PREVIOUS MAXIMUM RIDE BOOKS- SPOILER FREE FOR NEVERMORE

I can't even begin to describe how excited I was for this book. I was debating how best to get it shipped to me when I was overjoyed to find that the library got it.

And, of course, it was amazing. 

You know those books that it really doesn't matter what's happening because you're too busy smiling goofily at your favorite characters (like Percy Jackson or Artemis Fowl. Even Cassie Clare's books.. )? That's what Maximum Ride is for me. The genius of this series in my opinion is how the story isn't about random things that happen to a bunch of characters (sicknesses, an enemy bent on killing them all, some crisis or another). The plot is moved along mainly by the the personalities of the characters. The flock are all so different from one another but alike in a family kinda way. They've been through so much and you just want to cut them a break but realize that trying to save the world and doing their own thing while being chased by crazy scientists is what they do best. I was happy and laughing almost the whole time, except for the bits where I was torn between Dylan and Fang. And about that...

SHE MADE A LIST. 
It goes on for two more pages. IS THIS NOT THE MOST BRILLIANT THING YOU'VE EVER SEEN??? This is what Max does instead of crying around like a lot of other YA heroines do these days. Now, imagine if the girls in all the other triangles made these lists between Edward and Jacob, Gale and Peeta, Will and Jem, Will and Cassian etc... (God, I could go on all day. That's not exactly a good thing.) 

ANYWAY, this list made my life. HUGE PROPS to Max for this. Goodness, I love her. So ya, Nevermore was amazing.



****BUT**** 
GAWWWDD THE ENDING!!! I won't spoil anything but, IT WAS HALF GENIUS HALF AWFUL. What I mean is, is that the ending was genius. But the END of the ending was horrible (you'll have to read it to see what I mean;)). It left me with my mouth open going WHHHHAAAAATTTT?? See, usually, that's a good thing. But there was so much that wasn't addressed. I was left with so many questions, so many 'what about...????' s. There were 8 books FULL of subplots, characters, hints, cryptic messages, voices and lots of them weren't explained. IMPORTANT things.

Also, I was under the impression that somehow it's all supposed to tie back to saving the world. I mean, that's what the whole series was about, no? Except that it sorta did, sorta didn't. (GOD I want to tell you everything). You'll have to see what I mean. 

But the whole thing was STILL SO BLOODY BRILLIANT. Before it, well, ....... (sorry but YOU'LL HAVE TO SEE) and after it I realized how James Patterson could give Shakespeare a run for his money. Because lemme tell you, the Bard himself never wrote a tragedy that was a happy ever after at the same time (once again, READ IT AND YOU'LL SEE WHAT I MEAN).

So if all the capitals weren't enough to convince you, READ NEVERMORE. Or if you haven't yet, start Maximum Ride. Grade: 99% FOR THAT DARN ENDING THAT NEARLY KILLED ME.  
-Esty

Thursday, March 7, 2013

In My Mailbox


Hello everyone! I've gotten some books over the past few weeks that I didn't get a chance to share with you yet so I thought I'd do a quick IMM (a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren) to show you guys! 

Nevermore by James Patterson
 Actually got this one a few weeks ago from the library. I looooved it. Stay tuned for my review this weekend! 












Soul Control by C. Elizabeth
Got this for review from the author through the lovely Angelica @ Paperback Princess. I'm excited!













The Horse Boy by Rupert Isaacson
My friend lent this one to me after being really inspired. It's sounds amazing! 













Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Yes, I will be reading a classic. My mother bought this for me thinking it was high time. I'll see. There must be a reason it's so famous! 












Biography of Harry Houdini by Rita Mullin
Another one of my mom's picks. She's a reader of histories and biographies and she bought this for me hoping I'd read something she considers worthy for once. Hey, I'm all for giving it a try:) 










Aaaaand that's it! I look forward to reading all of these- five different genres in one post! I'm impressed with myself! (top to bottom- middle grade, YA, autobiography/documentary, classic, biography.) What  will you be reading? 
-Esty

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Top Ten Tuesday

Hi all! Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and Bookish and this week's topic is top ten series we want to read but haven't yet. Ok, don't slap me for some of these! I would have read all of them if I just had them!

1. The Iron Fey by Julie Kagawa
  

2. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

3. Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

4. Bloodlines by Richelle Mead (Hey I've read Vampire Academy!!) 

5. House of Night by P.C Cast

6. Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

7. Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

8. Mara Dyer trilogy by Michelle Hodkin

9. Curse Workers by Holly Black

10. The Raven Boys by Maggie Steifvater

I know, I know!!! Please don't hurt me!! *whimpers*  I will one day god willing read them ALL.  But come on, we all have those few books that EVERYONE has read but us. What are yours?
-Esty

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Movie Review: Beautiful Creatures (Spoiler Free)

Beautiful Creatures 
Movie
Based on 'Beautiful Creatures' (Caster Chronicles #1) by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl.

Ethan longs to escape his small Southern town. He meets a mysterious new girl, Lena. Together, they uncover dark secrets about their respective families, their history and their town. (IMDb)

SPOILER FREE

You know that crazy but guarded excitement you feel when one of your favorite books gets turned into a movie? You feel that way because GAWD, you are about to see your drool worthy book boyfriend on the big screen and you just can't WAIT to see how the people in charge of effects show all the spells and magic powers. But guarded and even a little nervous because, there is NO WAY the lead guy is going to look like you imagined him, and to fit the sophisticated, developed and detailed plot into a few hours they're gonna have to cut some much-loved and important stuff.

Well, that was my prediction for Beautiful Creatures and it proved to be accurate.

On it's own, the movie was a great one. Fresh setting and ensemble, well-done flashbacks to the Civil War, original plot (well, not the mortal-falls-in-love-with-magical-being part. I mean the tragic end to a love story that doomed their descendants 150 years later thing). The characters were real and lovable (Alden Ehrenreich just oooozed charm) and there were some very funny lines. But if you read the book...

WHY OH WHY DID THEY CHANGE SO MUCH?! -What my friends and I were saying a lot of the time. We meant it as a rhetorical question, because we all know that these things need to be ADAPTED for the big screen and unfortunately ADAPTED means CHANGED. But still, it was impossible not to complain. Enough elements were omitted/changed that it doesn't matter if you haven't read the book yet. You could watch it without spoiling too much for yourself.

DESPITE THIS, I overall actually liked it. While they may have changed parts of the plot, the characters stayed the same and they were what I liked most from the series. I found myself hoping they'll make all four movies at the end of it. (Unlike, say, Percy Jackson) Because I'm far from a movie expert and severely biased I'm not going to grade it.

ANYHOO,
THE FIRST CHAPTER OF CLOCKWORK PRINCESS WAS RELEASED!! (*SQEEEEEEEAAAALLLL*) You can read it HERE.
I just preordered my copy and needless to say I am VERY excited. 17 more days... <3

Have a good weekend everybody and please don't forget to follow my blog if you like what you read!
-Esty