Review: Shadowfell by Juliet Marillier

Title: Shadowfell 
Author: Juliet Marillier
Published: September 11, 2012
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Series: Shadowfell #1
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Pages: 410
Source: Purchased
Rating: 5 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“She went on because there was no going back.”
― Juliet Marillier, Shadowfell

Synopsis
Sixteen-year-old Neryn is alone in the land of Alban, where the oppressive king has ordered anyone with magical strengths captured and brought before him. Eager to hide her own canny skill—a uniquely powerful ability to communicate with the fairy-like Good Folk—Neryn sets out for the legendary Shadowfell, a home and training ground for a secret rebel group determined to overthrow the evil King Keldec.

During her dangerous journey, she receives aid from the Good Folk, who tell her she must pass a series of tests in order to recognize her full potential. She also finds help from a handsome young man, Flint, who rescues her from certain death—but whose motives in doing so remain unclear. Neryn struggles to trust her only allies. They both hint that she alone may be the key to Alban’s release from Keldec’s rule.

Homeless, unsure of who to trust, and trapped in an empire determined to crush her, Neryn must make it to Shadowfell not only to save herself, but to save Alban. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Shadowfell was fantasy at its finest. It's been far too long since I've read such a wonderful fantasy. I have yet to read any of Juliet Marillier's other books, but now I really want to read the Sevenwaters series (especially since I've heard such positive things). Shadowfell was written beautifully, and I savored every word. I fell in love with the land of Alban, despite all of the hardships the people endure in such dark times. I loved the names of the landmarks and bodies of water, from the mountains called the Three Hags to the town called Corbie's Wood. For me, it was reminiscent of Tolkien's Middle Earth.

Review: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Title: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer 
Author: Michelle Hodkin
Published: September 27, 2011
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Series: Mara Dyer #1
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal
Pages: 466
Source: Purchased
Rating: 3 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“Thinking something does not make it true. Wanting something does not make it real.”
― Michelle Hodkin, The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

Synopsis
Mara Dyer doesn’t think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.

It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can’t remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.

There is.

She doesn’t believe that after everything she’s been through, she can fall in love.

She’s wrong. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
With that mysterious synopsis, it was hard for me to guess what I was in for with The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer. It could have been man-eating goats as far as I was concerned. It's difficult for me to reveal anything about the book without spoiling something. So, I'll just leave out anything too concrete.

In reviews I've read, everybody has mentioned how strange this book is. It is strange, but I didn't mind. I loved the darker twists and the weirdness definitely added a creepy factor. To be honest, I wouldn't have cared if it was even weirder. In The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, we're allowed to explore Mara's mind thoroughly. Mara suffers from PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) after a horrible accident she can barely remember. I loved that it was a psychological thriller, and after reading this, I almost felt tempted to whip out my huge Abnormal Psychology textbook and read up on PTSD again. This book had me from the get-go. It was fast-paced, and my eyes were glued to the page, or my Ipad, as the mystery unraveled. I wanted all of my confusion cleared!

Waiting on Wednesday (10) - Let The Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine. Each Wednesday, you post a book that you cannot wait for, but, alas, you have to wait for anyway.

Let the Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger

Hits Shelves on March 5, 2013

Add to Goodreads

Synopsis
Seventeen-year-old Vane Weston has no idea how he survived the category five tornado that killed his parents. And he has no idea if the beautiful, dark-haired girl who’s swept through his dreams every night since the storm is real. But he hopes she is.

Seventeen-year-old Audra is a sylph, an air elemental. She walks on the wind, can translate its alluring songs, and can even coax it into a weapon with a simple string of commands. She’s also a guardian—Vane’s guardian—and has sworn an oath to protect Vane at all costs. Even if it means sacrificing her own life.

When a hasty mistake reveals their location to the enemy who murdered both of their families, Audra’s forced to help Vane remember who he is. He has a power to claim—the secret language of the West Wind, which only he can understand. But unlocking his heritage will also unlock the memory Audra needs him to forget. And their greatest danger is not the warriors coming to destroy them—but the forbidden romance that’s grown between them. (Goodreads)

Why I'm Waiting
Forbidden romance? Sylphs? The secret language of the West Wind? Sign me up! Let the Sky Fall offers a unique premise, and the cover is stunning. Look at those colors! Plus, the guy's name is Vane. Like a weathervane. I love puns. I just have a good feeling about this book, and I'm so excited!

What's your WoW?

Top Ten Fictional Crushes (8)

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. It's where you post a top ten list based off of a bookish theme. This week's theme was a Top Ten Tuesday rewind, where you can pick a past topic that you missed or just wanted to revisit.

Amanda and I both chose Top Ten Fictional Crushes. This is going to be fun! I'll try to keep this PG-13.

Top Ten Fictional Crushes

1. Will Herondale (The Infernal Devices series by Cassandra Clare) - Of course, he's my numero uno. If Will Herondale existed in the real world, I would jump his Nephilim bones in a heartbeat. He is tall, dark, and dreamy. Or, at least, he is in my wild imagination.

2. Jace Lightwood (The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare) - He may score second to Will, but Jace is still swoonworthy. What can I say? I have a thing for bad boys. And, well, Jace likes to play with sharp things and kick a**. Not to mention, he is passionate and would defend his loved ones to the death. Come on, Clary, sharing is caring. 

3. Daemon Black (Lux series by Jennifer L. Armentrout) - I want to have your alien babies. I never thought I'd find extra-terrestrial hot after that little alien on a bicycle. E.T., go home. Plus, around you, I would never need a book light. You are a being of light. You literally could be the light of my life.

4. Raffe (Angelfall by Susan Ee) - I could be the wind beneath your wings, Raffe. With your witty banter and angelic face, who wouldn't fall for you? You may have some family issues, seeing as how your brethren are destroying planet Earth, but we could work it out.

5. Tobias Eaton (Divergent series by Veronica Roth) - You have only four fears and can kick butt. You would stick by me when crazy rebels and other factions are trying to tear us apart. That's devotion right there. And I can hold you in small places when you're claustrophobic.

6. Alden (Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey) - You are such a sweet, adorable Protector. I want to be a Speaker, even with all the angry spirits I would have to deal with, just so you can be my Protector.

7. Finnikin (Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta) - Be still, my beating heart. I'm so jealous of Evanjalin.

8. Sam (Incarnate by Jodi Meadows) - You are a skilled pianist and a scholar. I love men with talent and knowledge. I know it takes longer for boys to mature, but you've been alive for centuries so I don't think that's a problem.

9. Jack (Blood Red Road by Moira Young) - You may seem like bad news, but you're all heart. You don't give up on a girl when you like her. Even if she pushes you away a million times. *cough* Saba..Plus, you have a great sense of humor and a fighting spirit.

10. Jesse (Mediator series by Meg Cabot) - You can say querida to me anytime you want. You may be a ghost and a little old-fashioned, but that cannot stop our love.

What's your Top Ten Tuesday Rewind?

Review: Destroy Me by Tahereh Mafi

Title: Destroy Me 
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Published: October 2, 2012
Publisher: HarperCollins
Series: Shatter Me #1.5
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian
Pages: 150
Source: Purchased
Rating: 3 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

*Warning: This book review contains spoilers for Shatter Me*

“I’ve come to believe that the most dangerous man in the world is the one who feels no remorse. The one who never apologizes and therefore seeks no forgiveness. Because in the end it is our emotions that make us weak, not our actions.”
― Tahereh Mafi, Destroy Me

Synopsis
In Tahereh Mafi’s Shatter Me, Juliette escaped from The Reestablishment by seducing Warner—and then putting a bullet in his shoulder. But as she’ll learn in Destroy Me, Warner is not that easy to get rid of. . .

Back at the base and recovering from his near-fatal wound, Warner must do everything in his power to keep his soldiers in check and suppress any mention of a rebellion in the sector. Still as obsessed with Juliette as ever, his first priority is to find her, bring her back, and dispose of Adam and Kenji, the two traitors who helped her escape. But when Warner’s father, The Supreme Commander of The Reestablishment, arrives to correct his son’s mistakes, it’s clear that he has much different plans for Juliette. Plans Warner simply cannot allow.

Set after Shatter Me and before its forthcoming sequel, Unravel Me, Destroy Me is a novella told from the perspective of Warner, the ruthless leader of Sector 45. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Let me start off this review by saying I love Warner. I also love Adam, but for different reasons. Warner is so much more complex, and he is certifiably insane. As a psychology minor, I find him fascinating. For me, he's a case study. Does that sound cold? I mean, I do care about what happens to him. I felt horrible for him when Juliette shot him. He was so delusional that he never saw it coming.

Destroy Me shows Warner's side of things, and I was thrilled to enter Warner's mind. While it's clear in Shatter Me that Warner is obsessed with Juliette, we get to see how obsessed he really is in Destroy Me. And trust me, he's cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs. Through Warner's POV, his past actions are explained. Suddenly, the reader is able to understand Warner's behavior more and sympathize. We even see his softer side. But he still has a screw loose and could use some much needed therapy.

Review: Vampire Academy by Rochelle Mead

Title: Vampire Academy 
Author: Richelle Mead
Published: August 16, 2007
Publisher: Razorbill
Series: Vampire Academy #1
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal
Pages: 332
Source: Purchased
Rating: 2 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“Only a true best friend can protect you from your immortal enemies.”
― Richelle Mead, Vampire Academy

Synopsis
St. Vladimir’s Academy isn’t just any boarding school—it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s—the very place where they’re most in danger...

Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy’s ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world’s fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
It finally happened. After looking at that cover, my instinct was to run. But I finally read Vampire Academy because everyone raved about it. After so many positive reviews, I figured I'd give it a try. Worst mistake ever. If only I had a TARDIS so I could go back in time and never buy this book.

What's Next? (1)

What's Next? is hosted over at IceyBooks. If you're having trouble choosing what book to read next, you can participate in this meme, asking people to vote on what book you should read. I've been indecisive lately so I decided to participate in this meme for the first time this week. 

Okay, here are the choices I'm torn between: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shadowfell (Shadowfell #1) by Juliet Marillier

Sixteen-year-old Neryn is alone in the land of Alban, where the oppressive king has ordered anyone with magical strengths captured and brought before him. Eager to hide her own canny skill—a uniquely powerful ability to communicate with the fairy-like Good Folk—Neryn sets out for the legendary Shadowfell, a home and training ground for a secret rebel group determined to overthrow the evil King Keldec.

During her dangerous journey, she receives aid from the Good Folk, who tell her she must pass a series of tests in order to recognize her full potential. She also finds help from a handsome young man, Flint, who rescues her from certain death—but whose motives in doing so remain unclear. Neryn struggles to trust her only allies. They both hint that she alone may be the key to Alban’s release from Keldec’s rule. Homeless, unsure of who to trust, and trapped in an empire determined to crush her, Neryn must make it to Shadowfell not only to save herself, but to save Alban.

Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake

It's been months since the ghost of Anna Korlov opened a door to Hell in her basement and disappeared into it, but ghost-hunter Cas Lowood can't move on.

His friends remind him that Anna sacrificed herself so that Cas could live—not walk around half dead. He knows they're right, but in Cas's eyes, no living girl he meets can compare to the dead girl he fell in love with.

Now he's seeing Anna everywhere: sometimes when he's asleep and sometimes in waking nightmares. But something is very wrong...these aren't just daydreams. Anna seems tortured, torn apart in new and ever more gruesome ways every time she appears.

Cas doesn't know what happened to Anna when she disappeared into Hell, but he knows she doesn't deserve whatever is happening to her now. Anna saved Cas more than once, and it's time for him to return the favor.

Kushiel's Dart (Phèdre's Trilogy #1) by Jacqueline Carey

The land of Terre d'Ange is a place of unsurpassing beauty and grace. It is said that angels found the land and saw it was good...and the ensuing race that rose from the seed of angels and men live by one simple rule: Love as thou wilt.

Phèdre nó Delaunay is a young woman who was born with a scarlet mote in her left eye. Sold into indentured servitude as a child, her bond is purchased by Anafiel Delaunay, a nobleman with very a special mission...and the first one to recognize who and what she is: one pricked by Kushiel's Dart, chosen to forever experience pain and pleasure as one.

Phèdre is trained equally in the courtly arts and the talents of the bedchamber, but, above all, the ability to observe, remember, and analyze. Almost as talented a spy as she is courtesan, Phèdre stumbles upon a plot that threatens the very foundations of her homeland. Treachery sets her on her path; love and honor goad her further. And in the doing, it will take her to the edge of despair...and beyond. Hateful friend, loving enemy, beloved assassin; they can all wear the same glittering mask in this world, and Phèdre will get but one chance to save all that she holds dear.

What should I read next? HELP ME!

Review: The Cavendish Home For Boys and Girls by Claire Legrand

Title: The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls
Author: Claire Legrand
Published: August 28, 2012
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Genre: Children's Fantasy
Pages: 352
Source: Purchased
Rating: 5 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“But it's hard to leave a place when you're tied to it by fear, when it's broken you with fear, when it's all you've ever known.”
― Claire Legrand, The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls

Synopsis
Victoria hates nonsense. There is no need for it when your life is perfect. The only smudge on her pristine life is her best friend Lawrence. He is a disaster—lazy and dreamy, shirt always untucked, obsessed with his silly piano. Victoria often wonders why she ever bothered being his friend. (Lawrence does too.)

But then Lawrence goes missing. And he’s not the only one. Victoria soon discovers that The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls is not what it appears to be. Kids go in but come out…different. Or they don’t come out at all.

If anyone can sort this out, it’s Victoria—even if it means getting a little messy. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls was such a spooktacular, shiver-inducing book. All of your childhood fears, from creepy crawlies to failure to the dark, are brought to life in this dark fantasy. Well, these are still fears held by many adults, making it the perfect book for readers of all ages, not just children. Although it's reminiscent of Coraline, The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls had its own unique, twisted plot.

Waiting on Wednesday (9) - City of a Thousand Dolls by Miriam Forster

My favorite time of the week! Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine. It's where you post a book you are lusting after. A book you cannot wait to be released!

City of a Thousand Dolls by Miriam Forster
Hits Shelves on February 5, 2013
Add to Goodreads

Synopsis
Nisha was abandoned at the gates of the City of a Thousand Dolls when she was just a child. Now sixteen, she lives on the grounds of the isolated estate, where orphan girls apprentice as musicians, healers, courtesans, and, if the rumors are true, assassins. Nisha makes her way as Matron’s assistant, her closest companions the mysterious cats that trail her shadow. Only when she begins a forbidden flirtation with the city’s handsome young courier does she let herself imagine a life outside the walls. Until one by one, girls around her start to die.

Before she becomes the next victim, Nisha decides to uncover the secrets that surround the girls’ deaths. But by getting involved, Nisha jeopardizes not only her own future in the City of a Thousand Dolls—but her own life. (Goodreads)

Why I'm Waiting
I am so excited for this book and impatient for its release! That cover is gorgeous. Not to mention, I'm loving the premise. Sounds different and exciting! Bring it on!

What are you waiting for?

Cursed by Jennifer L. Armentrout Book Review

Title: Cursed
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Published: September 18, 2012
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal
Pages: 304
Source: Purchased
Rating: 3.5 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“For a brief second, I entertained the idea of ripping off my gloves, rushing down the hall, and jumping on Dustin’s back like a psychotic monkey.” 
― Jennifer L. Armentrout, Cursed

Synopsis
Dying sucks-- and high school senior Ember McWilliams knows firsthand. After a fatal car accident, her gifted little sister brought her back. Now anything Ember touches dies. And that, well, really blows.

Ember operates on a no-touch policy with all living things--including boys. When Hayden Cromwell shows up, quoting Oscar Wilde and claiming her curse is a gift, she thinks he's a crazed cutie. But when he tells her he can help control it, she's more than interested. There's just one catch: Ember has to trust Hayden's adopted father, a man she's sure has sinister reasons for collecting children whose abilities even weird her out. 

However, she's willing to do anything to hold her sister's hand again. And hell, she'd also like to be able to kiss Hayden. Who wouldn't? But when Ember learns the accident that turned her into a freak may not have been an accident at all, she's not sure who to trust. Someone wanted her dead, and the closer she gets to the truth, the closer she is to losing not only her heart, but her life. For real this time. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
I could be having a bad day, and JLR just makes it all go away with her wonderful books. First, I fell in love with the Lux series, and now I have thoroughly enjoyed Cursed. It was such an addictive read, and once again, I could not put down an Armentrout book. Her books are like crack. No lie. Cursed was a little darker than Obsidian or Onyx. Less witty banter and more death. Though it's a given that death is going to be a main focus of this book when the main character can kill with a touch. 

I found I was really invested in the characters, especially Ember, Hayden, and even Ember's little sister Olivia (an occasional brat but so cute). I felt for Ember. She goes through so much. She can't touch anyone with her bare skin. So no hugs, kisses, cuddling. She treats her Jeep like her own little baby because she can actually touch it without hurting it. Despite everything she struggles with, she still takes care of her little sister, making sure she doesn't end up in foster care. She becomes the responsible one in the family with her father dead and her mother not all there in the head. I grew to respect Ember's devotion to her little sister and her fighting spirit. For someone who is surrounded by death, she is so alive. Even when she wants to curl up in a corner and cry, she defends herself and always thinks about her sister's welfare. She may be damaged goods, but she is able to come such a long way with her gift and her self-esteem. 

As for Hayden, I didn't always like him, but I did love him. He wasn't Mr. Perfect, but he believed in Ember when others didn't. Not to mention, his infatuation with her was adorable while it was also slightly creepy. I love how the one guy with the gift for absorbing Ember's power ends up being drop dead gorgeous. Very convenient. Though they do have to work towards controlling their gifts. I felt their relationship was developed so well. They ran into a few issues, but they were able to slowly build the foundations of their relationship, developing trust in each other and revealing their dark pasts in confidence. 

While there was not one dull moment in Cursed, I found the plot followed a predictable route. I guessed the villain less than halfway through, but, then again, I'm always trying to anticipate the ending. I'll be the one watching movies, saying it's that guy or they're all alien clones. This is why my favorite board game is Clue. It didn't decrease my enjoyment of the book, but it wasn't a surprise. And the plot as a whole wasn't anything amazing or mind-blowing. It was similar to Shatter Me or Rogue from X-Men. Basically, these kids were a bunch of X-Men hanging out in a big house, headed by one man who seemed to collect gifted individuals. Ring a bell? Though Jonathan Cromwell is not anything like Professor X. And in the book, the characters actually acknowledge that they're not anything like X-Men. They say they're not superheros but just gifted. 

I would recommend this book for anyone who loves the Lux series or any action-packed, romance filled books. I loved it. The ending gave me closure, but there were a couple of questions left unanswered so maybe a sequel? But if it was a standalone and the questions remained unanswered, it would not haunt me for the rest of my life. I just can't wait for Opal in December! I also need to read the Covenant series!