Freshman Year & Other Unnatural Disasters: Book Review

Novel: Freshman Year & Other Unnatural Disasters by Meredith Zeitlin | Goodreads

Release Date: March 1st, 2012

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons

Format: ARC

Source: Publisher

Challenge: Debut Author Challenge

Kelsey Finkelstein is fourteen and FRUSTRATED. Every time she tries to live up to her awesome potential, her plans are foiled – by her impossible parents, her annoying little sister, and life in general. But with her first day of high school coming up, Kelsey is positive that things are going to change. Enlisting the help of her three best friends — sweet and quiet Em, theatrical Cass, and wild JoJo — Kelsey gets ready to rebrand herself and make the kind of mark she knows is her destiny.

Things start out great - her arch-nemesis has moved across the country, giving Kelsey the perfect opportunity to stand out on the soccer team and finally catch the eye of her long-time crush. But soon enough, an evil junior’s thirst for revenge, a mysterious photographer, and a series of other catastrophes make it clear that just because KELSEY has a plan for greatness… it doesn’t mean the rest of the world is in on it.

Kelsey’s hilarious commentary throughout her disastrous freshman year will have you laughing out loud—while being thankful that you’re not in her shoes, of course…
(Synopsis and Image from Goodreads)

Willa's Rambles:
   When I got Freshman Year & Other Unnatural Disasters, I immediately wanted to read it because of the cover! It's so cute, and perfectly portrays the novel, but in a way you wouldn't think.
   Kelsey throughout the novel is dealing with misfortune just raining her way, and this cover demonstrates that in a way that is unique. I really liked Kelsey because she was relate-able - she has best friends to face the first day of high school with, where she wants to make a mark and for the most popular boy in school to fall in love with her. Easy enough, right? For Kelsey it isn't, especially when everything you do is falling down around you, and friends come from unexpected places...
   I loved Kelsey's friends! They each had their own personalities and their own quirks that made you love them. My personal favorite was JoJo, but that's partly because her name rocks. Em was sweet and kind, and Cass was the theatrical and fun one, but also the one that surprised me the most. I think it would be really interesting to hear this story from her perspective, because she kind of got swept up in the storyline, with her own story happening without the reader ever hearing much about it.
   Freshman Year & Other Unnatural Disasters traces a girl's beginning of high school, first loves, first heartbreaks, and sheds light on one of the most important lessons in life: That friends are everything, especially when life seems to be raining all day and night.
   You should really pick this one up! It's funny, sweet, and a great weekend read.

Illuminate: Book Review

Novel: Illuminate by Aimee Agresti (Gilded Wings #1) | Goodreads

Release Date: March 6th, 2012

Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books

Format: ARC

Source: BookPeople Teen Reviewing

Challenge: Debut Author Challenge

 

Haven Terra is a brainy, shy high school outcast. But everything begins to change when she turns sixteen. Along with her best friend Dante and their quiet and brilliant classmate Lance, she is awarded a prestigious internship in the big city— Chicago—and is sent to live and work at a swanky and stylish hotel under the watchful eyes of a group of gorgeous and shockingly young-looking strangers: powerful and alluring hotel owner Aurelia Brown; her second-in-command, the dashing Lucian Grove; and their stunning but aloof staff of glamazons called The Outfit.
As Haven begins falling for Lucian, she discovers that these beautiful people are not quite what they seem. With the help of a mysterious book, she uncovers a network of secret passageways from the hotel’s jazz-age past that leads her to the heart of the evil agenda of Aurelia and company: they’re in the business of buying souls. Will they succeed in wooing Haven to join them in their recruitment efforts, or will she be able to thwart this devilish set’s plans to take the souls of her classmates on prom night at the hotel?

Illuminate is an exciting saga of a teen’s first taste of independence, her experience in the lap of luxury, and her discovery she may possess strength greater than she ever knew.

(Synopsis and Image from Goodreads)

Willa's Rambles:
   Illuminate is one of the longer books I've read lately, and honestly, I read it as fast I would a shorter one, because it's so fast paced! New secrets are constantly being uncovered, and the characters are tested. That is probably one of my favorite things about it!
   Haven is one of those characters you immediately like. She's funny, sweet, smart, and has amazing friends (DANTE!) like make her shine. Plus, she has this drive that floored me! If I was put in her position, I would be exhausted by the end of the day! With every challenge she is faced with she reacts like anyone else - with suspicion or excitement, and most of the time, because of the unusual challenges, suspicion and fear.
   Dante was the "classic gay best friend" character. I love how more and more authors are taking a risk with this character type, but there are some stereotypes that Dante does follow. He's fantastic with clothes and super sweet, but what sets him apart is A) his dreadlocks and B) his love for baking! I think the baking made me love him even more than him calling Haven "honey". They were the most amazing best friend characters I've read about in a while!
   Lucian vs. Lance, that is the question. I didn't like Lucian. Never. Not for one single second. He creeped me out! Especially farther into the novel when he started calling Haven "Haaaven". I always wanted to like punch him in the face. I never really understood what Haven saw in him other than the "bad boy" look, but other than that, he didn't really have much going for him.
   Lance on the other hand... Well. Iloved Lance from the first time I met him! He was definitely my favorite character because I never knew what to expect from him! He was always surprising me with his understanding talks with Haven and his surprising comprehension of Al Capone history.
   Then there was the history and the setting. The hotel itself is gorgeous, but then there is the historical Chicago aspect incorporated that makes it even more original. "The Capone", "The Vault", etc - it was all amazing! I loved how Agresti mixed historical aspects into the storyline without overwhelming us.
   The idea of selling souls is creepy to say the least. How Haven finds out about it all is a mysterious book, which, for me, felt a little weird. At least how Haven reacted to the mysterious person writing her messages and knowing all this information about her. At first she reacted normally, but then she just... went with it. I really wanted her to find out it was her mother or something, but I guess that'll be uncovered in the next novel!
   I loved Illuminate! It was fast paced, exciting, and fresh. The storyline will pull you in from the start, and hopefully not steal your soul like it did mine.
We'll be interviewing Aimee Agresti on the blog, so keep a look out for that in the coming weeks!

Finnikin of the Rock: Book Review

Novel: Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta | Goodreads

Release Date: February 9th, 2010

Publisher: Candelwick Press (Originally by Viking Australia)

Format: Hardcover

Source: Library

Challenge: None

 

At the age of nine, Finnikin is warned by the gods that he must sacrifice a pound of flesh to save his kingdom. He stands on the rock of the three wonders with his friend Prince Balthazar and Balthazar's cousin, Lucian, and together they mix their blood to safeguard Lumatere.
But all safety is shattered during the five days of the unspeakable, when the king and queen and their children are brutally murdered in the palace. An impostor seizes the throne, a curse binds all who remain inside Lumatere's walls, and those who escape are left to roam the land as exiles, dying by the thousands in fever camps.
Ten years later, Finnikin is summoned to another rock--to meet Evanjalin, a young novice with a startling claim: Balthazar, heir to the throne of Lumatere, is alive. This arrogant young woman claims she'll lead Finnikin and his mentor, Sir Topher, to the prince. Instead, her leadership points them perilously toward home. Does Finnikin dare believe that Lumatere might one day rise united? Evanjalin is not what she seems, and the startling truth will test Finnikin's faith not only in her but in all he knows to be true about himself and his destiny.
(Synopsis and Image from Goodreads)

Willa's Rambles:
    Somehow, I had forced myself to not read this book, because I'm not usually a big fantasy fan, and I love Melina Marchetta's contemporary novels so much, I guess I didn't want to ruin this amazing image I had of her writing. I don't really know why I thought Finnikin of the Rock would ruin it, but I did. And boy was I wrong.

   Finnikin of the Rock had a bit of a slow start, but most of Melina Marchetta's novels do, so I kept reading. The beginning has a prologue like Jellicoe Road, and I loved that section, so I had faith that I would come around. Then, the action began. Evanjalin was introduced and I loved her character from the start. I loved how strong she was, and how she believed in herself and put faith in herself like Finnikin couldn't do.

   The relationship between Finnikin and Evanjalin was complicated, and that is what I loved about it. Like the other Marchetta novels, the love is subtle - you know the characters and falling for each other, but it has this beautiful subtly to it that only Melina Marchetta can do. Finnikin couldn't trust Evanjalin, and refused to believe anything she said - for a while. After he realizes that he has to trust her, the fun of the story begins. The characters begin to work off of each other and the storyline just takes off.

   The storyline of this novel is amazing. It's complex, detailed and so full of detail. I could imagine the land of Finnikin and Lumatere to the fullest extent, and I built the world up inside my head. Each chapter had me begging for more! The quest of Finnikin and Evanjalin is long, and they travel through their land searching for not only Balthazar, but also for themselves.

   Melina Marchetta has crafted another amazing and beautiful novel with her characters at the top and the storyline into the clouds. I fell in love with the world of these characters and never wanted to fall back into my own.

A Need So Beautiful: Book Review

Novel: A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young | Goodreads

Release Date: June 21st, 2011

Publisher: Balzer+Bray

Format: ARC

Source: Borrowed from Meredith of Mint Tea and a Good Book

Challenge: None

We all want to be remembered. Charlotte's destiny is to be Forgotten... 

Charlotte’s best friend thinks Charlotte might be psychic. Her boyfriend thinks she’s cheating on him. But Charlotte knows what’s really wrong: She is one of the Forgotten, a kind of angel on earth, who feels the Need—a powerful, uncontrollable draw to help someone, usually a stranger. 

But Charlotte never wanted this responsibility. What she wants is to help her best friend, whose life is spiraling out of control. She wants to lie in her boyfriend's arms forever. But as the Need grows stronger, it begins to take a dangerous toll on Charlotte. And who she was, is, and will become--her mark on this earth, her very existence--is in jeopardy of disappearing completely. 

Charlotte will be forced to choose: Should she embrace her fate as a Forgotten, a fate that promises to rip her from the lives of those she loves forever? Or is she willing to fight against her destiny--no matter how dark the consequences.

 (Synopsis and Image from Goodreads)

Willa's Rambles:
I somehow hadn't read A Need So Beautiful even though I've been meaning to forever. I didn't even really know what it was about other than the cover was awesome. (Meredith doesn' agree, but I really like it.) So when I started reading, and couldn't put it down, I wasn't surprised. Thankfully that day I had testing at school and finished early, so I finished it during class and afterwards I had that "I-loved-that-book-so-much-I-have-a-hole-in-my-heart" kind of feeling.

For some reason, I kept on wanting to call Charlotte Willow from Angel Burn. Don't ask why. I think it was because the plots were getting all mixed and melded together in my brain, but I believe that's a good thing, because I adored Angel Burn. The relationship between Harlin (I love his name. So much.) and Charlotte was similar to the intense relationship between Willow and Alex in Angel Burn, so that might have been part of it.

One thing that definitely set this one apart from any other novel of it's kind is the entire idea: that there are people meant to help those in need, and once their time is up, they disappear. I felt so deeply connected to Charlotte that the last thing I wanted was for her to leave and for Harlin to be all alone, because I loved them together.

For me, A Need So Beautiful was fresh, new, romantic, and everything I could've asked for. I loved it!

Of Poseidon: Book Review

Novel: Of Poseidon by Anna Banks | Goodreads

Release Date: May 22nd, 2012
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Format: ARC

Source: ALA Midwinter

Challenge: None

Emma and her friend Chloe are spending vacation in Florida. When Emma (literally) runs into a hot guy named Galen on the beach, little does she know he’s a prince of the Syrena. Galen and Emma both feel something strange – is it attraction? – and Galen suspects that Emma might well be the girl he’s heard of – a human who can communicate with fish.

What follows is a deadly scene with a shark in which Galen witnesses Emma’s gifts. He must know more about her, and follows her back to New Jersey, and high school, to find out for sure if she’s the key to saving his kingdom. Soon, Emma can’t deny her feelings for him, but can’t explain them, either – and both she and Galen must learn more about where she comes from and what her powers are before they can trust one another and their feelings.

 

(Synopsis and Image from Goodreads)

Willa's Rambles:
When I got Of Poseidon I was immediately entranced by the cover and the synopsis. From first glance, I was curious about the powers of the Syrena, Galen and Emma's relationship, and the issues that will face them.

I loved how Anna Banks combined Greek Mythology about Poseidon with her imagination and crafted a world that was beautiful and enthralling. I wanted to be Syrena! The entire reason that Emma is so important is quite complicated, and as Galen and Emma try to figure out exactly what she is, I was equally as in suspense. Often times in novels the author makes the characters know less than you, or more than really makes sense for them know, and Anna Banks did neither of these. 

Anna wasn't immediately likeable, but as the novel went on, slowly I began to like her. Her temper began to make sense, and the way she reacted to Galen became understandable. As we as readers learn more about how being Syrena affected her, many of her unlikeable qualities become likeable. By the end, I was cheering for Emma and Galen, and crossing my fingers that they would end up together.  

I feel in love with Galen from day one. He was so likeable, and I felt so sorry for all those human girls - sorry girls, you can't have him! The way he cared for Emma was not only as a duty, but also through a caring loving relationship. He respected her opinion, and he put her feelings before his - most of the time. 

Of Poseidon is fantastic! Anna Banks has crafted a story of imagination, real life and myth into an amazing tale of finding yourself and falling in love. 

 

Breaking Beautiful: Book Review

Novel: Breaking Beautiful by Jennifer Shaw Wolf | Goodreads

Release Date: April 24th, 2012
Publisher: Walker
Format: ARC

Source: ALA Midwinter

Challenge: Debut Author Challenge 2012

Allie lost everything the night her boyfriend, Trip, died in a horrible car accident--including her memory of the event. As their small town mourns his death, Allie is afraid to remember because doing so means delving into what she's kept hidden for so long: the horrible reality of their abusive relationship.
When the police reopen the investigation, it casts suspicion on Allie and her best friend, Blake, especially as their budding romance raises eyebrows around town. Allie knows she must tell the truth. Can she reach deep enough to remember that night so she can finally break free? Debut writer Jennifer Shaw Wolf takes readers on an emotional ride through the murky waters of love, shame, and, ultimately, forgiveness.

(Synopsis and Image from Goodreads)

Willa's Rambles:

At ALA Midwinter on the last day, Katie from Katie's Book Blog and I wandered over to the Bloomsbury booth, and there, on display, was Breaking Beautiful! Katie, being the wonderful girl she is, politely asked for a different book on the shelf, and the woman simply nodded. I copied Katie, and about had a heart attack when the woman said yes! Woman who said yes, if you are reading this: THANK YOU! 

I can't believe that I read this novel, because it's amazing. The storyline keeps you guessing and the characters are constantly surprising you. At first, I wasn't crazy about Allie - many things about her annoyed me, and as the book progressed, I grew to like not only her personality, but I also began to care about her. 

Same with Blake, her brother Andrew, and most of the other characters. Except for Trip. The minute I discovered the hidden secrets behind Allie and Trip's relationship, I hated him. I hated what he did to Allie, and I hated how she never told anyone. If your boyfriend hits you, you should tell someone, but her secrets affected the outcome of the investigation, and ultimately, Trip's death.


The entire novel, Allie is struggling with coming to terms with the relationship she had with Trip and trying to figure out what really happened to him that night, but she can't remember a thing. People continually bug her throughout the novel, and Allie tries continually, and what she remembers changes everything.


Jennifer Shaw Wolf's debut was breathtaking, gripping, and fantastic. I can't wait for her next!

The Fault in Our Stars: Book Review

Novel: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Release Date: January 10th, 2012
Publisher: Dutton
Format: Hardcover

Source: Purchased

Challenge: Contemporary Challenge 2012

Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now.

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.

Willa's Rambles:
   I didn't know if I had the strength to write the review of this book, because it was so emotional for me. I'm an avid John Green fan, and every time he releases another book, I go insane. The Fault in Our Stars is his best. Hands down. The emotional ride John Green takes you on is funny, heart felt, and beautiful all at the same time. You fall in love with Augustus, laugh with Hazel, and cry every chapter, because you love the characters and everything about them. 
   I wish I knew a Hazel. She is so strong and confident in herself to everyone else, but doesn't know how to deal with her cancer other in the way she has learned - to live her life around the cancer, which is really her only option. Hazel is quite bright (she's taking college classes, and graduated from high school. And she's sixteen.) and has a remarkable vocabulary that I'm very jealous of. I honestly wish I knew a Hazel, because that girl would probably change my life forever, and in her place, Hazel changed me. 
   Augustus and Hazel's relationship was amazing. The way they trusted each other and fell so in love with each other left you dizzy and craving more, and their relationship felt so real and easy to relate to, even if you aren't in their situation. They overcome their challenges together, and at times of need, they are there for each other. 
   I know I'm not doing this book justice. It deserves pages and pages of rambles, but I don't have that. Instead, I'm just going to tell you that if you know John Green, there's John Green mixed in with heart felt John Green mixed in with a bit of Hank. Also, I will direct you to Erin from Mint Tea and a Good Book's review, which might help you to realize how truly life changing this book is. Because it's just that: life changing.
   The Fault in Our Stars will have you laughing, crying, and questioning the ways you live your life all in one chapter, and then will dive into the next chapter and do it again. I'm in love.

  Recommendation to readers: Make sure you have a box of kleenex around at all times. They might will be needed.

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight: Book Review

Novel: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

Release Date: January 2nd, 2012
Publisher: Poppy
Format: Hardcover

Source: Purchased

Challenge: Contemporary Challenge 2012

Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?
Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18C. Hadley's in 18A.

Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.

Willa's Rambles:
   I had been waiting and waiting for this book to come out so I could read it, and once I had it, I just kept flipping pages! The story line is engrossing and addicting, cute and funny, and a wonderful Sunday read for a rainy day.
   I love Hadley's name. It's so unique, and fits her personality perfectly. At first I didn't really like her because of the way she reacted to her father's marriage, and the dread of it, but after a while, once I learned more about the situation, I could understand how she felt. These emotions and the hostile feeling towards her father shape the entire book, because without, she would happy to go, and probably flying up earlier - therefor missing Oliver entirely. Hadley's character is flawed in just the right ways to the point where you can imagine her as your best friend sitting right next to you at the airport.
   Oliver and Hadley's relationship was very believable, even though it really is "love at first sight". You still feel like they know each other so well, and have spent more than twelve hours with each other when they get off the plane. You want Hadley and Oliver together, because they seem so perfect and well-suited to each other. The circumstances of their meeting makes their relationship different and much more un-believable, especially when they continue to meet each other in the most unexpected places...
   Jennifer E. Smith's newest novel is sweet and adorable, exactly what you expect from both the cover and the synopsis. The characters have depth and the relationships are just like ones you would see every day. I loved The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight!

We're doing a bit of blog maintenance, and expect to see the old header up soon. The tech group has made a few decisions, and it's taking longer than expected! 

The Catastrophic History of You and Me: Book Review

Novel: The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg

Release Date: February 2nd, 2012
Publisher: Razorbill
Format: ARC

Source: BookPeople Teen Reviewing Program

Challenge: Debut Author Challenge 2012

Dying of a broken heart is just the beginning.... Welcome to forever. 
BRIE'S LIFE ENDS AT SIXTEEN: Her boyfriend tells her he doesn't love her, and the news breaks her heart—literally. 
But now that she's D&G (dead and gone), Brie is about to discover that love is way more complicated than she ever imagined. Back in Half Moon Bay, her family has begun to unravel. Her best friend has been keeping a secret about Jacob, the boy she loved and lost—and the truth behind his shattering betrayal. And then there's Patrick, Brie's mysterious new guide and resident Lost Soul . . . who just might hold the key to her forever after. 
With Patrick's help, Brie will have to pass through the five stages of grief before she's ready to move on. But how do you begin again, when your heart is still in pieces?

 Willa's Rambles:
   At the synopsis of The Catastrophic History of You and Me, I wasn't too excited about it.  But I still gave it a chance because of all the positive reviews from various blogs, and I'm so glad I did!
   The minute I met Brie in the novel, I liked her. I liked her humor and the way she feels everything so deeply. You can immediately relate to the way she reacts to things, and how you think, "Oh, I know how she feels". The humor of the novel was probably my favorite thing about the novel. Patrick creates infinite nicknames for Brie, all different sorts of cheeses, and sometimes he says things, and I just say, "HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THAT?". It's like John Green humor in that way - the laugh-out-loud humor. 
   The idea behind the novel is so fresh and original - I mean how do you even research the topic of your heart shattering in half? Jess Rothenberg created a world of haunting and beautiful at the same time. 
   I really enjoyed The Catastrophic History of You and Me is fresh and new and worthy of the praise it has received. 

Born Wicked: Book Review

Novel: Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood
Release Date: February 7th, 2012
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile

Format: ARC

Source: BookPeople Teen Reviewing Program

Challenge: Debut Author Challenge 2012

A Great and Terrible Beauty meets Cassandra Clare in this spellbinding fantasy 
Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they're witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship—or an early grave. 
Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with only six months left to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word . . . especially after she finds her mother's diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family's destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate starts scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra. 
If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren't safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood—not even from each other.

Willa's Rambles: 
   I've been desperately awaiting Born Wicked's publication, and when I received an Advanced Reader Copy, I couldn't wait to dive in!
   Cate Cahill is a character anyone with close siblings can relate to - all she cares about are her sister's well being, and making sure they will be alright, even if it means giving up her happiness. She sacrifices her own wishes for their multiple times, and in the end, that's what it comes down to - her sisters or her. 
   The society Jessica Spotswood creates is both based on historical facts about the hunting of "witches" and imagination. The world is frightening and beautiful, filled with secrets and mystery. She weaves the storyline of the Cahill sisters with a romance and prophecies, and the outcome is a beautiful novel with everything you could ask for: romance, mystery, secrets, and magic.
   This debut novel from Jessica Spotswood is wickedly fantastic, and I am desperately awaiting the next installment! Born Wicked is amazing!

Carrier of the Mark: Book Review

Novel: Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon
Release Date: October 24th, 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen

Format: Paperback

Source: Barnes and Nobles

Challenge: None

Their love was meant to be. 
When Megan Rosenberg moves to Ireland, everything in her life seems to fall into place. After growing up in America, she's surprised to find herself feeling at home in her new school. She connects with a group of friends, and she is instantly drawn to darkly handsome Adam DeRís. 
But Megan is about to discover that her feelings for Adam are tied to a fate that was sealed long ago—and that the passion and power that brought them together could be their ultimate destruction.

Willa's Rambles:
   I've been waiting to read Carrier of the Mark for a while, and for some reason it's taken me this long! I really enjoyed Carrier of the Mark, and I love Leigh Fallon's story behind the publication. Getting discovered on Inkpop, and then getting published is very uncommon - even though that is the website's purpose - it's still very uncommon.
   My favorite thing about the novel was the originality of the Mark. It was a totally new concept, never been done before, and especially one that was set in Ireland! Fallon did a fantastic job describing Ireland, and I felt like I could see the landscape and feel what Megan was feeling.
   I really enjoyed Megan's character - she was unique, relatable, and conflicted. I loved her energy and her relationships with her friends and family, and especially with Adam! The one thing that bothered me is that Adam and Megan's love seemed very "love at first sight", which I feel has been very over done. But once I got farther into the novel, it started to make sense.
   Over all, I really enjoyed Carrier of the Mark for it's originality, fantastic romance, and overall concept. A fantastic debut!

Switched: Book Review

Novel: Switched by Amanda Hocking
Release Date: January 3rd, 2012
Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Format: Paperback

Source: Publisher

Challenge: None

When Wendy Everly was six-years-old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. It isn't until eleven years later that Wendy discovers her mother might have been right. With the help of Finn Holmes, Wendy finds herself in a world she never knew existed - a world both beautiful and frightening, and Wendy's not sure she wants to be a part of it.  

Shout out to St. Martin's Griffin for sending me my first novel from a publisher! I'm a very happy book blogger.

Willa's Rambles:
   Usually, I'm not really a fantasy person. Trolls, fairies, and fantasy creatures usually aren't my thing - I like paranormal instead. But I accepted the request because my friend Jess of Remarkable Reads loved it and I was taken by the cover, so I thought I would give it a try.
   I read Switched in four/five hours. Wendy's story had me begging for more, and flipping pages until I couldn't keep my eyes open. The world of Wendy Everly is one that is new, original and unforgettable. It might be my favorite fantasy of all-time.
   Wendy can't seem to fit in, she has no friends, and she's constantly causing trouble without meaning to. Sure, she uses her power to her advantage, but wouldn't anyone in her situation? So when Finn Holmes comes along and tells her she is a troll, and then describes characteristics Wendy can't help but recognize, she has to face the truth. She's Trylle. Her new life is overwhelming, and she is continually surprised and frightened by the things she sees. Can she get over her fear and live up to her destiny? Or will she fall back to what she knows and for the boy she can't help but love?
   The relationships Wendy has are complicated, and she is introduced to a society she both loves and hates - she can't stand their system of rank, but she loves their world and the beauty that comes with it. But it's a life she doesn't know - or understand, and as readers, we uncover the secrets with Wendy and watch her make decisions and face her future.
   I loved Switched for it's beautiful plot, fantastic characters, and incredible story. I fell in love with Wendy's story, and and the people around her. Switched might be one of my favorites of the year. 

The Daughter of Smoke and Bone: Book Review

Novel: The Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
Release Date: September 27th, 2011
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

Format: Hardcover Novel

Source: Gifted

Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by wi rangers who have crept through a slit in the sky. 
In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low. 
And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war. 
Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages--not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out. 
When one of the strangers--beautiful, haunted Akiva--fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

Willa's Rambles:

   I couldn't wait to read The Daughter of Smoke and Bone, and I was ecstatic when I recieved it over the holidays! I couldn't wait to dive in, and It lived up to every expectation I had.

   Karou and her otherworldly life is so mysterious so the majority of the book, because we, as readers, only know what Karou knows - and that isn't much. So as Karou discovers more about her past, so do we, and as Karou falls for someone she isn't supposed to, she only can only help but wonder why. Karou has a fire that makes us love her, a spirit that keeps her alive, and a secret that kill her. The only question is - when?

   The suspense and constant questions of this novel made me feverish to finish, and Taylor has done a beautiful job of crafting a world that I could never imagine. Karou's life is fantastical, and makes for a wonderful story. Akiva is mysterious, and holds a past that could separate them forever. Her family and friends are different and incredible. And Karou is stuck in the middle between what's real and what could only a dream.

   I loved The Daughter of Smoke and Bone, and I highly suggest it to anyone looking for some fantastic fantasy and a taste of romance. Two thumbs up for Laini Taylor!