On My Wishlist (12)

On My Wishlist is a weekly meme hosted by Cosy Books!

On Emily's Wishlist:

Sweet Evil (The Sweet Trilogy #1) by Wendy Higgins

The blurb as seen on Goodreads:
Release Date: May 1, 2012
Publisher: HarperTeen
447 Pages

What if there were teens whose lives depended on being bad influences? 
This is the reality for sons and daughters of fallen angels in Sweet Evil.

Tenderhearted Southern girl, Anna Whitt, was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She’s aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but it isn’t until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage, and her will-power is put to the test. He’s the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.

Forced to face her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns?

Goodness me, this sounds amazing. It's been on my to-read shelf forever. The cover is beautiful and I've heard amazing things about the story. I can't wait to read it!

On Edwin's Wishlist:

Fight Club (1999) 

An insomniac office worker and a devil-may-care soap maker form an underground fight club that transforms into a violent revolution.

It's so weird and completely awesome! I want to own this SO FREAKING BAD.

What's on your wishlist this week?

Book Review: Who We Are (Bear, Otter and the Kid #2) by T.J. Klune

The blurb as seen on Goodreads:

Release Date: April 27, 2012
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
329 Pages

Bear, Otter, and the Kid survived last summer with their hearts and souls intact. They’ve moved into the Green Monstrosity, and Bear is finally able to admit his love for the man who saved him from himself.

But that's not the end of their story. How could it be?

The boys find that life doesn’t stop just because they got their happily ever after. There’s still the custody battle for the Kid. The return of Otter’s parents. A first trip to a gay bar. The Kid goes to therapy, and Mrs. Paquinn decides that Bigfoot is real. Anna and Creed do… well, whatever it is Anna and Creed do. There are newfound jealousies, the return of old enemies, bad poetry, and misanthropic seagulls. And through it all, Bear struggles to understand his mother’s abandonment of him and his brother, only to delve deeper into their shared past. What he finds there will alter their lives forever and help him realize what it'll take to become who they're supposed to be.

Family is not always defined by blood. It’s defined by those who make us whole—those who make us who we are.

WARNING: THIS BOOK CONTAINS MATERIAL UNSUITABLE FOR CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 18. 

VISIT THE AUTHOR:

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FIND THE BOOK:

Goodreads.Amazon.Barnes & Noble

Review:

Who We Are was a nice novel, but definitely not as good as the first. I don't have a whole lot to say about this book. It didn't make a huge impact on my life. I can't say exactly why I didn't enjoy it as much as the first, but I didn't. Though the beginning sure did draw my attention. It was so strange, but a very funny and unexpected way to begin the novel.

The writing was similar to the first book. There was a lot of rambling on Bear's part. I had trouble getting past all the details that he gave the reader. He explained every single little thing. It got obnoxious very quickly. His sarcasm was still as fun to read as it was in the first one. He made me laugh often and loudly. My family probably thought I was crazy. There were some parts where I really teared up and my heart ached. The author really knows how to tug at the heart strings. He's a skilled writer. Only skilled writers can evoke many emotions in a realistic way with a novel. It's a hard thing to make it believable, Mr. Klune really pulls it off.

There were some grammatical issues. More often than not, I got annoyed with Bear's perspective. He whined a lot and his internal monologue was in the book an overwhelming amount of times. There were some things that were left unanswered and I want those things answered desperately. They are really bothering me. Maybe if Mr. Klune continues with a spin-off series, those things will be answered.

I loved Otter and Ty just as much as I did in the first book. Bear, Otter and Ty are such a sweet family. And I enjoyed reading about the new characters presented in this book as much as I enjoyed reading about the characters that were introduced in the first book. Mr. Klune writes his characters very well and in a way that you can't help but to fall in love with them.

I enjoyed the way the epilogue left off. I would love a book based around Ty and Dominic. They are such cute friends and I would love to see how their story progresses. The cast of this story is phenomenal. They provide a great, heart-warming story that all fans of gay romances should enjoy.

Book Review: The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth

The blurb as seen on Goodreads:

Release Date: February 7, 2012
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
480 Pages

When Cameron Post’s parents die suddenly in a car crash, her shocking first thought is relief. Relief she’ll never have to tell them that, hours earlier, she had been kissing a girl. 

But that relief soon turns to heartbreak, as Cam is forced to move in with her conservative aunt Ruth. She knows that from this point on, her life will forever be different. Survival in Miles City, Montana, means blending in and not making waves, and Cam becomes an expert at this—especially at avoiding any questions about her sexuality.

Then Coley Taylor moves to town. Beautiful pickup-driving Coley is a perfect cowgirl with the perfect boyfriend to match. To Cam’s surprise, she and Coley become best friends—while Cam secretly dreams of something more. Just as that starts to seem like a real possibility, her secret is exposed. Ultrareligious Aunt Ruth takes drastic action to “fix” her niece, bringing Cam face-to-face with the cost of denying her true self—even if she’s not quite sure who that is.

The Miseducation of Cameron Post is a stunning and unforgettable literary debut about discovering who you are and finding the courage to live life according to your own rules.

VISIT THE AUTHOR:

Goodreads.Twitter.Website.Facebook

FIND THE BOOK:

Goodreads.Amazon.Barnes & Noble

Review:

All of my friends on Goodreads, who have read this book have raved about it. I was expecting one of the best books I've ever read. But I was not immediately wowed by this book, I got nervous. My interest was piqued, but I by no means was obsessed. I couldn't stop reading it - read it in one sitting, but that was because I was waiting for something big to happen. Something that would blow my socks off, but that something never came.

There was no "wow" factor for me. The pace was very slow and I never felt any real emotion from the narrator that I could connect with. I actually skimmed some parts of it, when I couldn't get into the book. I hate to admit to skimming because I feel like I'm degrading the author's work, but as my mind tired of some parts, my eyes wandered along.

I loved the idea of the plot and the set up for the story. Since it was split up into sections of Cameron's life, you were able to watch as she developed into a woman and into her sexuality. I only wish that she had someone to support her and understand the her sexual preference is not a choice. We love who we love and that is that. 

I love the friends that Cameron makes in God's Promise, which is basically a camp from unwanted people. There is a former drug addict and many homosexuals in attendance. Cameron's friends, Jane and Adam, are great characters. They add comedy and also are great friends for Cam. I truly connected with Jane and Adam and would've loved more with them, even though there was a lot!

I am a full supporter of gay rights and to see people so mistreated in this book because of there sexual orientation was horrifying to me. But so realistic. A friend of mine was actually sent to a camp like mentioned in this story. She hated it and it did nothing to change her. She knew who she was and I'm proud to say she was resilient. She and her partner have been together for three years now. This book does show the issues that homosexuals face(d) in the late twentieth century, that they are often still facing now. 

I was unsatisfied with a few things in the book. One: There was no closure with Jamie, Coley, Lindsay, Irene or even with Cameron's, the main character, family members. It is bothering me to not know what happened between them and if anything was ever resolve. Two: The ending. I didn't quite understand what was happening. Just where it left off. Before it left off, it was very moving and sad. I just didn't like where the book finished. It felt incomplete to me. I wanted more, I expected more. Three: The way the author introduces characters and makes them a part of Cameron's life only to have them leave and never be heard from again. It really bothered me. Even though they are in the story for long, I wanted more of them. I wanted Cameron to have someone to rely on and have constant support from.

I enjoyed this book. It wasn't my favorite, but it was very good. The Miseducation of Cameron Post dealt with a very big and controversial issue in a regal and realistic way. Based on the content, I also recommend this for older, mature young adults and adults.

Follow Friday (12)

Feature & Follow Friday is hosted by Alison Can Read and Parajunkee's View!

Q. What is one thing that you wish you could tell your favorite author?

A. This is a toughy because I don't really have a "favorite" author. I don't really even have a favorite book - I pretty much call all authors and books my favorites, if I really enjoy them. And I ramble so it's more like: "what would you tell the author(s) that have impacted your life most in the span of one minute?"

The four authors who have affected my life with their work the most though are: Suzanne Collins, John Green, Veronica Roth and Stephenie Meyer (JUDGE ME).

To Suzanne: I fell in love with your books so quickly. The plot seemed so far-fetched, but believable. The Hunger Games has some of the greatest, most frightening action. Thank you for writing an amazing series that got me emotionally involved in the lives of the characters and in the plot, and thank you for starting the dystopian trend! You are brilliant and I need hope to see more from you in the future.

To John: I love you. Literally, if you weren't married, I'd jump on that. I loved you and your work before TFIOS, but that book... Holy crap, that book tore me to shreds. My mother has been struggling with cancer for seventeen years and I have never read a book from the perspective of someone fighting the disease. TFIOS is, honestly, one of the best books that I have ever read in my entire life.

I already have said a lot to Veronica... I met her on Wednesday. She's wonderful. I told her that she was so cute and that I wanted to put her in my pocket and I hugged her while giving my appreciation for not writing another freaking love triangle. So... I think that's about as embarrassing as I can be with her. But I forgot to tell her: IF FOUR AND TRIS DON'T END UP TOGETHER HAPPILY AND HAVE BABIES, I WILL NEVER FORGIVE AND NO LONGER TALK ABOUT HOW ADORABLE YOUR PUPPY IS.

To Stephenie: I'm sorry that no one spells your name right, even if they are fans of your books. That sucks. Also, thank you. Your book first book was what got me into reading in the first place. You got me through high school because I was able to discover what I want to do with my life and started reading more than doing homework. I became widely known to both classmates and teachers as: "that girl who reads all the time." But really, without you, I wouldn't be where I am, doing what I'm doing. I appreciate you even though you don't know I exist.

What would you say to your favorite author?

P.S. Shout out to Ali from Ali's Bookshelf - she's one of the featured blogs this week. I met her on Wednesday at the Veronica Roth signing and she's so sweet!

Blog Tour: Book Review & Giveaway: Defy (Firstborn #1) by Raine Thomas

Today, Emily is happy to be a part of the Defy Blog Tour

hosted by YA Bound.

Find the other tour stops here.

Defy (Firstborn #1) by Raine Thomas

The blurb as seen on Goodreads:

Release Date: April 30, 2012

Publisher: Iambe Books

285 Pages

Seventeen-year-old Tate is about to make her parents’ dreams come true. Unfortunately for her, their dreams foretell her death.

Eager to explore more of the Estilorian plane and prove her abilities, Tate goes against her parents’ wishes and leaves the area of protection surrounding her home. Her choice puts her on a deadly path…one that leaves her alone, severely injured and battling for her life.

Her possible savior arrives in the form of Zachariah, a male who has removed himself from Estilorian society for more than fifty years. Fighting an unexpected connection to Tate, he must decide whether saving her life is worth destroying his.

As Tate struggles to find a way home, she ends up drawn into a dark Mercesti plot involving multiple murders and a powerful ancient artifact. With the unpredictable Zachariah as her only source for aid, she’ll soon find out if her abilities are strong enough to help her defy her Fate.

Check out the trailer!

Also check out the tour Home Page for the grand prize giveaway!

You can enter to win signed paperbacks of Defy, Becoming, Central and Foretold, swag and a custom hair piece that is valued at $100!

VISIT THE AUTHOR:

Goodreads.Twitter.Website.Facebook

FIND THE BOOK:

Goodreads.Amazon.Barnes & Noble

Review:

Defy captured my interest after the first few paragraphs. I am not a huge fantasy lover, but I found myself really intrigued by the happenings in this strange world that Raine Thomas creates. Everything about it was unique. I've honestly never read anything like it.

I love how the author is able to write from both an adult and an adolescent point-of-view. Some authors really can't pull that off, but Ms. Thomas does with ease. I barely noticed the transition. The writing is brilliant. Turning my kindle off for a bit to sleep, do chores or eat was an almost impossible feat. That's how good and addicting the writing was.

The characters in this book are awesome. Tate has a great sense of adventure. I love her perspective. She doesn't have the best patience or self-control, but that's how many teenagers are. She likes danger and doesn't want to be held back. She wants to get her wings - both literally and figuratively. Her father, Caleb, is another great character. He truly loves his wife and children and will do anything to keep them safe and healthy. My favorite character would have to be Zachariah, though. He's sarcastic, and fierce, and loyal. He really learns to care for Tate. THEY ARE JUST SO SWEET TOOGETHER. OMG, I'M SORRY FOR THE SHOUTY CAPS, BUT I CAN'T STOP. Characters like Quincy, Sophia, Skye, Tiege only add more… awesomeness… to the book.

The fantasy aspects in this story are great. I love the families and their names. For the most part, they all have very original names that only contribute to the fantasy. And as you read, you get so involved in the plot that you can't help but picture all of the scenes in your mind. I love when a book can really pull out your imagination.

I also enjoyed that even though the blurb really makes the book sound like it revolves around one character, there are multiple stories within. It was unexpected, but extremely intriguing. The ways it's done is phenomenal. I really enjoyed reading from multiple characters' perspectives.

My only "issues" with the book were that I didn't really like the cover. I was worried that because I didn't like the cover that I wouldn't like the content of the novel. Sorry guys, but while it fit with the book, I just didn't think it looked very good. Also, I found four big spelling issues. Most likely, they were just from a typing slip-up, but they really stuck out to me. There were also a few grammatical issues that should've been seen by an editor.

After stalking searching the author's profile, I've come to find that there is a series that prequels this one. It's great that this reads like a stand-alone series though. I really enjoyed it before I knew there were prequels. They are about the parents of the main characters in this series. I LOVE WHEN AUTHORS DO THAT. MUST READ THEM NOW. I'm literally going to go buy them as soon as I have money.

Even with my little squiggles, I loved this book. I couldn't put it down! Tate and Zachariah are a great pair that are sure to make people swoon and laugh. I cannot wait for book two!

I received a free e-copy of this novel from the author for a blog tour in exchange for my honest review.

Giveaway Details:
1 Winner will receive an e-copy of Defy by Raine Thomas
Open Internationally
Ends 5/13/2012

Waiting on Wednesday (11)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme held on... you guessed it, WEDNESDAY and it's hosted by the wonderful Jill at Breaking the Spine!

Unwholly (Unwind Trilogy #2) by Neal Shusterman

Release Date: August 28, 2012
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
352 Pages

n a society where unwanted and troublesome teens are salvaged for their body parts, Connor, Risa and Lev continue to fight against the system that would 'unwind' them. Thanks to their high-profile revolt at the Happy Jack Harvest Camp, people can no longer turn a blind eye to unwinding. Ridding society of so-called troublesome teens might be convenient, but its morality has finally been brought into question and a new law passed. However, unwinding has become big business, and there are powerful political and corporate interests, not to mention the illegal 'Parts Pirates', that want to see it not only continue, but expand.

Connor, Risa and Lev each struggle to rescue as many AWOL teens as possible and offer them sanctuary. But life at the Graveyard is hard, rivalries bubble under the surface and the cracks are beginning to show.

And then there is Cam, a teen who does not exist. Made entirely out of parts from one hundred other 'unwinds', Cam is a 21st century Frankenstein, a rewound, struggling to find a true identity and meaning, and a place in society. But when a sadistic bounty hunter who takes "trophies" from all the 'unwinds' he captures starts to pursue Connor, Lev and Risa, Cam finds his own fate inextricably bound with theirs…

The first book in this series blew me away. I loved it (and need to get it as a hardcopy). It's a great dystopian novel that is sure to thrill you and inspire fear at the same time!

Prometheus (2012)

A team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race.

I want to see Prometheus because I'm a sci-fi junkie and I have to watch.

Top Ten Tuesday (8)

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly Tuesday meme hosted by The Broke and The Bookish.

The prompt for this week is Top Ten Books I'd Like to Made Into A Movie!

1. The Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden #1) by Julie Kagawa

- Even as I read the book, I kept thinking about how awesome of a movie it would be!

2. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

- This book broke my heart and repeatedly put it back together. I want someone to produce a movie that can do the same thing.

3. Cinder (Lunar Chronicles #1) by Marissa Meyer

- I loved this book. It was phenomenal and I think it would make a great movie with the right director and cast.

4. Breaking Beautiful by Jennifer Shaw Wolf

- GREAT book and it would make an awesome contemporary movie.

5. Touch of Frost (Mythos Academy #1) by Jennifer Estep

- I want this whole series turned into movies! I think the action, the world and the characters would be an addicting movie as the books are.

6. The Pledge (The Pledge #1) by Kimberly Derting

- Have you read this? If you have, you understand! It would be a thrilling movie that would keep us on the edges of our seats!

7. Feed (Newsflesh #1) by Mira Grant

- Zombies. There aren't even zombie movies and this would be a great one to start with. It's like a rollercoaster and to turn it into a movie would be a dream come true for me.

8. Daughter of Smoke & Bone (Daughter of Smoke & Bone #1) by Laini Taylor

-Beautiful book that would make a great, great movie. The new world that Ms. Taylor creates would be projected brilliantly on the big screen!

9. Lockdown (Escape from Furnace #1) by Alexander Gordon Smith

- Creepy and amazing. This would make a great horror film series.

10. The Thief (The Queen's Thief #1) by Megan Whalen Turner

- I love this series. It has the perfect pace and scenery for a movie.

What books do you want to see made into movies?

Teaser Tuesday: Masque of the Red Death (Masque of the Red Death #1) by Bethany Griffin

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by MizB over at Should Be Reading!

To participate all you have to do is:

•Grab your current read

•Open to a random page

•Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page

•BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!) 

 Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

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"I rest my cheek against the coolness of the glass window. I have been here so long that my cheek is frigid, even when I touch it with my already cold fingers."
Chapter 2, Page 17
Masque of the Red Death (Masque of the Red Death #1) by Bethany Griffin

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