Tangled . . . .

I realized it's been a bit since I've done a book review, so I thought . . . Hey, why not review Tangled by Carolyn Mackler? I got it at the Borders closing sale *tear tear* and read it a week or so ago.

Title: Tangled

Author: Carolyn Mackler

Summary: Paradise wasn’t supposed to suck.

Not the state of being, but a resort in the Caribbean. Jena, Dakota, Skye, and Owen are all there for different reasons, but at Paradise their lives become tangled together in ways none of them can predict. Paradise will change them all.

It will change Jena, whose first brush with romance takes her that much closer to having a life, and not just reading about those infinitely cooler and more exciting. It will change Dakota, who needs the devastating truth about his past to make him realize that he doesn’t have to be a jerk just because people think he’s one. It will change Skye, a heartbreakingly beautiful actress, who must come to terms with the fact that for once she has to stop playing a role or face the consequences. And it will change Owen, who has never risked anything before and who will take the leap from his online life to a real one all because of a girl he met at Paradise….

From confused to confident and back again, one thing’s certain: Four months after it all begins, none of them will ever be the same.

Stars: 4

Rate: 7.5

Pros: I love when books switch POVs which is what Tangled did. The book was split into four parts, each told from a different character. The twists and turns in this novel were what kept me reading. The characters were all unique, too. Definitely a good book to read when you want some juicy storylines.

Cons: I felt like just as I really began to saw who a character was, the book switched to another POV. It was somewhat annoying, I must admit. Some of the scenes in the book could've been fleshed out more, but Mackler did a decent job of describing things and whatnot.




Overall Recommendation: Read it. It can be kind of weird with the switching point of views, but it did have a strong story. It wasn't all sugar-coated gum-drops, either. All in all, a well-written book that I recommend to you.

"Whether it is clear or unclear to you the universe is folding as it should."
— Carolyn Mackler (Tangled)

Two Reviews for the Price of One!

So, I picked up a book in the bookstore a few weeks ago and didn't get around to reading it. When I was in the tiny book store at my local mall a week or so ago, I saw the sequel. It was hardcover, and I didn't want to spend the outrageous twenty bucks. But because it had been scuffed a little on the corners, it was marked down to $4.00! I bought it and decided to read both books. So, here's a double review for you guys.
Expect another one coming as soon as I get my hands on the last book! Also, guys, sorry there's no pictures! It's not letting me post them at the moment. :( I'll post pictures of the cover in my next post if it lets me!

Title: The Summer I Turned Pretty

Author: Jenny Han

Summary: Belly (Isabel) measures her life in summers. Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August. Winters are simply a time to count the weeks until the next summer, a place away from the beach house, away from Susannah, and most importantly, away from Jeremiah and Conrad. They are the boys that Belly has known since her very first summer -- they have been her brother figures, her crushes, and everything in between. But one summer, one wonderful and terrible summer, the more everything changes, the more it all ends up just the way it should have been all along.


Stars: 4

Rate: 7


Pros: This book had really cute scenes that made me want my own summer romance, and I loved Belly's flashbacks of the past summers. The characters were all different and unique in their own special ways. I loved Jeremiah. He sounded so sweet!

Cons: Belly was a hard narrator to relate to at points, because she was immature. She had a selfish vibe that stayed throughout the story. While it was somewhat annoying, I got used to it and managed to move past it.

Overall Recommendation: This book is a good summer read for when you're sitting on the beach or on the plane ride to Florida. The story does have emotional, deep parts that may require some tissues, if you're like me. It was good story, though, overall.

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Title: It's Not Summer Without You

Author: Jenny Han

Summary: Belly, 16, lives all year for her summers at Cousins Beach. But when a family friend dies and the beach house tradition is threatened, she faces the season without her second family and without the boy she loves. In this follow-up to The Summer I Turned Pretty , Belly is still reeling from all that's happened since last summer. But mourning is even harder since Conrad has shut down, refusing to talk to Belly or anyone else. When he suddenly leaves school without explanation, his brother, Jeremiah, recruits Belly to help find and mend him. The trio find themselves at Cousins Beach after all, and the memories and feelings of the past come flooding back. Complicated and fragile, Belly's relationships with the two young men are put to new tests as she and Conrad come to terms with their relationship, and Belly and Jeremiah begin to build a romantic bond of their own.

Stars: 4.5

Rate: 8.5

Pros: This story was a good sequel. It had the obvious scenes that made me sigh in content, and then it had the parts that made my jaw drop. I fell in love with both of the boys and quickly picked which I wanted Belly to wind up with. I think Belly's choices with the boys and other topics were realistic enough to teenagers. There were things such as death, alcohol, romance and breaking rules . . . things that all people go through sooner or later.

Cons: Belly did grow up a little, and that was evident. Honestly, the only problem I had with this story was that it ended just when everything was coming together. The epilogue was confusing (as it was meant to be) and it made me feel like I was being left out of a secret, if you know what I mean.

Overall Recommendation: If you liked the first book, read this one. It was a good sequel and we all know we want to know which boy Belly falls in love with this time around.

Sisterhood Everlasting

Once upon a time, I fell head over heels in love with a series of books called The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. I even went so far as to get two of my old friends and we decorated this awesome t-shirt, but we never really got around to sending it and such. What a shame.

Anyway, when I discovered that the sisterhood was making a return, I dug my Kindle out of my dresser drawer and bought it right away. Here, for you to indulge on, is my review of the fifth and final book of the sisterhood's story.

Title: Sisterhood Everlasting

Author: Ann Brashares

Summary: From #1 New York Times bestselling author Ann Brashares comes the welcome return of the characters whose friendship became a touchstone for a generation. Now Tibby, Lena, Carmen, and Bridget have grown up, starting their lives on their own. And though the jeans they shared are long gone, the sisterhood is everlasting.
Despite having jobs and men that they love, each knows that something is missing: the closeness that once sustained them. Carmen is a successful actress in New York, engaged to be married, but misses her friends. Lena finds solace in her art, teaching in Rhode Island, but still thinks of Kostos and the road she didn’t take. Bridget lives with her longtime boyfriend, Eric, in San Francisco, and though a part of her wants to settle down, a bigger part can’t seem to shed her old restlessness.
Then Tibby reaches out to bridge the distance, sending the others plane tickets for a reunion that they all breathlessly await. And indeed, it will change their lives forever—but in ways that none of them could ever have expected.

Stars: 4.5

Rate: 9

Pros: Well, for starters, it was so interesting to see where all of the girls wound up. I loved how the story twisted and turned in so many different ways. Some of the things that happened were no-brainers, but others left my jaw hanging. It was a really emotional story that had so much background and character in it.

Cons: There were parts that dragged on, but not to the point of severe annoyance. While I did like the overall story and idea, some parts of the book (like what happens in Greece, for instance) made me frustrated and agitated. This book had a happy ending, but certainly not a happy beginning.

Overall Recommendation: This book was really great. If you have these little picture-perfect views, though, about how the girls should be and how they should've wound up, stop right now. If you can't set aside all those images that blossomed in your mind, then the book will feel like the crappiest thing on Earth to you, because it won't be what you wanted.

Once you set aside your own hopes for the girls, you'll really be able to dive into this book and love every page of it.

For fans of:

Amy and Roger's Epic Detour

First things first, I saw I have a few more followers . . . welcome! It's nice to know that people look at this every now and again.

Onto the book review . . . The other day I went into the bookstore and decided to spend $30 on four books (Two of them were combined into one) I read Amy and Roger's Epic Detour, one of the books I bought.
So, here is that promised review. I'm changing up the format of my reviews a little, so no need for alarm ;)

Title: Amy and Roger's Epic Detour
Author: Morgan Matson
Summary: Amy Curry thinks her life sucks. Her mom decides to move from California to Connecticut to start anew—just in time for Amy's senior year. Her dad recently died in a car accident. So Amy embarks on a road trip to escape from it all, driving cross-country from the home she's always known toward her new life. Joining Amy on the road trip is Roger, the son of Amy's mother's old friend. Amy hasn’t seen him in years, and she is less than thrilled to be driving across the country with a guy she barely knows. So she's surprised to find that she is developing a crush on him. At the same time, she’s coming to terms with her father’s death and how to put her own life back together after the accident. Told in traditional narrative as well as scraps from the road—diner napkins, motel receipts, postcards—this is the story of one girl's journey to find herself.

Stars: 5

Rate: 9.5

Pros: This book was exciting and adorable, all packed into one road trip. I loved Amy's perspective on things. I also loved how the author held off on saying what exactly happened in the car accident that scarred Amy.

The end was great, too. The writing part was fabulous, but the receipt at the end of the book told so much, too. Throughout the novel, the playlists, pictures and doodles really added to the story. They weren't flashy or over used; just enough to really pull you into the story.

Cons: Well, first of all, it was hard to let this book end for me. I wanted it to keep going and going, but alas, that happens with all great books. While I favored the way the author held off on the specific details of the crash, a friend of mine told me how she thought it could be somewhat annoying.

I guess it depends on what kind of reader you are and just how patient you can be.

Overall recommendation: I loved this book. I told another friend to put it at the top of her list. It's cute with serious concepts woven into the story. Great read!

For fans of . . .

Delirium

Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -- the deliria -- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the governments demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.

But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.

"I love you. Remember. They cannot take it."

That quote is possibly the quote for the entire book. I've never been so enticed with a book, so determined to keep reading, keep learning. I have no idea whatsoever how I'll wait until the next book comes out. It'll take a SWAT team to hold me down when it goes into stores.

Characters: I loved Lena as the story-teller. She reminded me of myself, with how paranoid she can be or how nervous. Lena really matured during the story in different ways, and I think it added to the reality of it all for teenagers and younger adults. Alex was mysterious and such a great character. I would say more, but it could give away too much. I loved Lena's family and friends, because they were all so different and had such a great impact on Lena, as a person and the way she lived.

Plot/storyline: This story was really original, and I loved how much work went into the backstory and how the world came to be like it was. The Wilds sounded so amazing. It made me wonder . . . is love a curse, or a gift? Or could it be both?

Overall: I loved it. L-O-V-E. I loved the book about love being a curse. Aren't I a hypocrite? The ending was phenomenal, and I can't wait for the sequel! Keep your eyes peeled, bloggers. This book will not escape the public without a bow.

"Love: It will kill you and save you, both"

Inkpop's back . . .

So, the site came back on Thursday, and I have to say I'm disappointed. There's still a lot of glitches, and it's chaos. I had all of my books written chapter by chapter for the original inkpop, and now, you're supposed to post the whole book so I have to go and copy and paste all of my chapters into a single document. It kinda sucks.

On the optimistic note, I graduated eighth grade last night, and it was great!! I finished reading Delirium by Lauren Oliver, and it was fantastic! I'll do a review soon, but probably not today. It is my first day of summer vacation, you know.

Now, for a rising music artist who I totally just fell in love with . . .



Make sure to pause the piano music that's playing for my page. I'm pretty sure the icon is in the top right corner. Love ya!

The Last Little Blue Envelope

"This car is like a bank vault. No one can get in."
"I once opened the door with a pen. Just a little flick of the Biro and . . . pop! Door open."

Those of you who have been following along with me know that I was waiting for my copy of 'The Last Little Blue Envelope' to be delivered. Well, it came in the mail and I read it in two days. That quote up there is one of my many humorous ones from the book, and if I could find the book (I passed out last night when I finished it; it was nearly two in the morning) I would quote more.
On with the review, though.

Ginny Blackstone thought that the biggest adventure of her life was behind her. She spent last summer traveling around Europe, following the tasks her aunt Peg laid out in a series of letters before she died. When someone stole Ginny's backpack—and the last little blue envelope inside—she resigned herself to never knowing how it was supposed to end.

Months later, a mysterious boy contacts Ginny from London, saying he's found her bag. Finally, Ginny can finish what she started. But instead of ending her journey, the last letter starts a new adventure—one filled with old friends, new loves, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Ginny finds she must hold on to her wits . . . and her heart. This time, there are no instructions.

Characters: Once again, Ginny is the perfect narrator. She has a quirky, nervous feel to her that makes you want to be her friend and support her, simply because you know she has such potential and confidence that's hidden underneath. In this book, Ginny returns to London and surprises Keith, the actor from her last trip. This time around, I found Keith to be a little more rude than I would've liked, but he was such a realistic character. Ginny meets Oliver, who I just couldn't help but picturing as some kind of Batman, with his "dashing" appearance.

Plot/storyline: There was the romance between Keith and Ginny, but not in the way you'd expect. Keith's girlfriend Ellis comes along with Ginny, Keith and Oliver on their trip to fill the last letter's orders. I loved how Ginny's view on people and things changed through this story, because in the end, that was really important. It was a great story, much like the first book.

Overall: I loved this book. It made me laugh so hard I just had to repeat the lines aloud. It made me cry and mutter under my breath. It made me smile and just sit there for a few minutes after it ended.

Go buy it, if you haven't yet! This book is definitely one of my favorites! By the way, do you guys like the music and the little guy who stalks you on the side? ;)

The Carrier of the Mark

So, this book isn't actually released until October of 2011, but I was able to win an Advance Reader's Copy. I read this book last week while my school was doing testing, and I had a lot of free time. I decided I should review it, because I don't get many opportunities like this.

Characters: I really liked the characters, although in the beginning I did think that it was going to wind up be like Twilight. The characters were secretive and mysterious like the Cullens, but I think they were really different, and I enjoyed their individuality.

Plot/storyline: I don't want to give anything away, so I won't say much. I did love the story though. I wasn't expecting what happened, and I found myself dying to read more! It was suspenseful with romance and adventure. Great story!

Overall: While I did fear it would turn into a Twilight knock-off, I was pleasantly surprised. It had all the components of a great novel, and I don't know how I'm going to wait until it's publicly released to see what others think of it. I can't wait for the sequel either, but I think I may have to hold off until I start getting too excited for that.

This was definitely a great book. Borrow it from someone who won a copy or go and preoder your own copy right now! You'll want this book as soon as it comes out!

It's my birthday!!!!! :D

Yep, I'm fourteen today . . . . I'm betting a lot of you didn't know I was only fourteen or maybe you thought I was like four O.o Well, either way, I just wanted to update my blog. I've been busy lately, but I finished Flashbacks of Juliet (pretty sure I had a post about that) and I'm rewriting my query for Behind These Amber Eyes so I might be able to get it published or at least find myself an agent, even though I'm so young. Gotta hope, right? You're probably expecting a book review, and I'll have one soon. I'm reading 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' for a book report, so I'll review for anyone who wants to read, has to for school or was wondering what it was about. I think that's all for today, guys. I'll try to finish up Huckleberry this weekend and get you a nice, fresh review. :]

I finished writing a book . . . .

Yeah, you heard me right. I just finished writing the last chapter of my second novel. It's 80,000 or so words, which means a 200 page book. Of course, I'm going to edit and add more, so who knows how big it'll actually get :)

So, Flashbacks of Juliet is done. I'll go back in a month or so and edit it all to the core. I'll probably add more to the story and really flesh out some of the parts I rushed through. If you wanna check out the first draft (Hey, in a few years, when it's published, you're going to wish you had!) go to this link:
http://www.inkpop.com/projects/12967/flashbacks-of-juliet/

Otherwise, I'll be reviewing 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' in a few days because I need to read it for school, and maybe you'll have to too.

I watched Superman fly away . . .

So, today is Sunday, bloggers. I don't have too much to say at the moment, except that I am a little disappointed. I queryed two agents for Behind These Amber Eyes, and both turned me down. *sigh*
I'm going to edit it more and maybe change a few things. Then I'll send more queries out. I know I promised a book review on Percy Jackson and The Olympians: The Titans Curse, but I'm just not in the mood to do it right now. Perhaps later or even tomorrow morning. I don't have school because of President's Day, so maybe I'll post a review or two for you guys. :]
In other news, I was bored yesterday and decided to make a music video of sorts for Taylor Swift's song, Superman. You can play the video below and tell me what you think of the song and overall video! :)

Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters: Book Review

Title: Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Sea of Monsters

Author: Rick Riordan

Summary: In this second installment in the series, Percy, Poseidon's 13-year-old demigod son, is desperate to rescue his friend Grover, captive of the bloodthirsty Cyclops Polyphemus, and to retrieve the healing Golden Fleece. The sheepskin is needed to restore the protection around Camp Half-Blood, the only safe haven for the children of gods and humans, heroes-in-training in our modern world. However, the camp has already been compromised and the quest for the Golden Fleece has been awarded to the bully Clarisse. Encouraged by Hermes, Percy sets off for the Bermuda Triangle anyway with his friend Annabeth and classmate Tyson.

Overall: This book was really good. It was well written, and had that adventure, action and romance trio that Riordan crafts into his writing. I really enjoyed all of the twists and turns; it made the book suspenseful and intriguing. I couldn't put it down until I had turned the last page. Even then, I was begging for more.

Characters: This book is, as always, told from Percy's point of view. He's a very relatable character and all of his emotions are evident in the text. It was mainly Annabeth and Percy for most of the book- along with Percy's 'friend', Tyson -, because they were trying to find and save Grover. The gods didn't play quite as big of a role, but they were still there. As usual, their personalities were unique and differed greatly.

Plot/Storyline: The beginning was right into the action, which really kept the book interesting throughout the whole story. I loved the challenges and mishaps Percy encountered during his quest. There were a few parts where I felt it was a little slow, but they weren't long. It usually picked up again quickly after the little blip.

Really, I liked this book. It was interesting, and I'm already reading the third. I'm warning you; have the third ready for when you finish the second or else you'll go crazy xD

Percy Jackson and The Olympians: The Lightning Thief

All right, some of you know that I have a list of books to read this year. This book was one of them, and I finished it . . . Friday? Maybe Saturday? I'm not really sure. Either way, I've got a book review for you!

Title: Percy Jackson and The Olympians: The Lightning Thief

Author: Rick Riordan

Summary: (from Riordan's website)

Twelve-year-old Percy Jackson is on the most dangerous quest of his life. With the help of a satyr and a daughter of Athena, Percy must journey across the United States to catch a thief who has stolen the original weapon of mass destruction – Zeus’ master bolt. Along the way, he must face a host of mythological enemies determined to stop him. Most of all, he must come to terms with a father he has never known, and an Oracle that has warned him of betrayal by a friend.

Characters: The book is told in first person, unlike The Lost Hero. Percy was a strong character, and I really liked his sense of humor and sarcasm. He is, as you all know, the son of Poseidon, so he feels a little ashamed because he wasn't technically supposed to be born. I think that Grover was interesting because he's really protective and selfless. Annabeth was my favorite, because she was such a . . spitfire, if you know what I mean. She doesn't put up with any bull and has a sad back story.

Plot/storyline: As you know, I'm a fan of Greek mythology. This book had lots, but it all made sense. The back stories were told, using conversations or memories instead of info dumps. Riordan crafted a world of monsters and gods that blended together to create an action packed story. I loved the lightning bolt quest because it really started the book off well, and added more adventure and action.

Overall: I really did like this book. I'm on the second one, and I have to admit that Riordan is one of my favorite authors now. He's got a definite writing style that allows the reader to connect to the story and characters, but also has them guessing and predicting what will happen next.

So, yeah, I loved this book. It was a little below my reading level, but it still had a lot to offer and teach me. For the record, the movie goes horribly. It strayed so, so far away from the book which makes me sad. They changed way too much for you to even begin and explain why they're different.

If you liked The Lost Hero, or just mythology in general, definitely read The Lightning Thief! You won't regret it!

The Lost Hero: Book Review

I recently finished reading the new book, The Lost Hero, by Rick Riordan. The book is the first book in the series, The Heroes of Olympus. The series is a Percy Jackson spin-off, so if you didn't read the original series, some things are a little confusing. I hadn't read the Percy Jackson books, so I was asking my friend who did a lot of questions. Still, The Lost Hero is a great book!

The book focused on Jason Grace, Piper McLean and Leo Valdez who all their own problems that are introduced in the beginning of the book. Jason can't remember who he is or where he came from. Piper's movie star dad is being held captive by a giant. Leo lost his mother to his own power.

Characters: The characters were strong, and really well developed. I don't want to give away their godly parents, but I felt this book was a really good read because the characters all had such strong emotions.

Plot/Storyline: As usual, Rick Riordan crafted a magical world of Greek, and even a little Roman, mythology. There was action, adventure, romance and humor in this book. I even learned more about the Greek gods!

Overall: I loved loved loved this book! It had everything a great book should. It did end on somewhat of a cliffhanger, but I'm hopeful the second book will be just as good. If you're a fan of Greek or Roman mythology, Percy Jackson and the Olympians or anything that grabs your heart, you have got to read The Lost Hero!

New Pretty Little Liars?

Almost every teenager, girls and guys, have either heard of the book series, Pretty Little Liars, or seen the hit TV show on ABC Family. With the show starting its second season tonight, the fame of the series is evident. Author Sara Sheperd announced there will be four more books in the series, the next one coming out in early July.

She hasn't dropped many hints about the new books except a recent post in her Twitter feed:

"Clues . . . well, the girls are in HUGE trouble. They're not speaking anymore."

So, apparently there's trouble in paradise. I don't know much, but I think these new books will be an interesting addition. Anyone excited for the additions? Predictions? Anyone think Sara Sheperd's dragging the series on a little? I have a few friends who think that.

I'm off to watch the new episode. Comment with thoughts about the show, series and anything else Pretty Little Liars!

Vampire Academy: Shadow Kiss

I recently finished reading the third book in the Vampire Academy series, Shadow Kiss. The series is complete with six books, but there is news of a spin-off series. I read the first book months ago, and I decided I should finish the second because I was nearly halfway through it. After reading that, I needed the third. Now, I'm practically begging for the fourth book.

Title: Shadow Kiss

Author: Richelle Mead

Summary: It's springtime at St. Vladimir's Academy and Rose is close to graduation, but since making her first Strigoi kills, things haven't felt quite right. She's having dark thoughts, behaving erratically, and worst of all ...might be seeing ghosts. Consumed by her forbidden love with her tutor Dimitri and protecting her best friend, the Moroi princess Lissa, Rose is in no state to see the deadly threat that will change her entire world - and make her choose between the two people she loves most.

My Rating: Five out of five stars

Review: This book made me smile, laugh, cry, curse, and do practically everything! It was full of emotion and suspense, and I literally could not put it down. There was the right amount of drama and action without overloading it. The ending of this novel was a shock, one that will surprise anyone who reads it. I don't want to give anything away, but I'm warning you to have a box of tissues and a free night before you start reading this book.

Five-word opinion: Can't believe it; magnificent book!