"The Evolution of Mara Dyer" Book Review!

Can you seriously believe that I fell even MORE in love with these books?

Like, I thought I loved it, but now it's just like I hated it compared to how much I love it now and-

I'm getting ahead of myself, aren't I?

Today I'm going to tell you about The Evolution of Mara Dyer, by Michelle Hodkin, because seriously everyone needs this in their life.

Going to keep it spoiler-free, considering it's the second in the series, but here's a bit about the first to clue you in on what it's all about:


"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."

(Blurb taken from Goodreads)

(Aren't those covers ABSOLUTELY STUNNING?)

Not much to read,  is it?

Trust me, I know--I had no idea what these books were about.

But then I read the first one literally in one day, and soon after got the second one for my Birthday, and sadly didn't have to read it in a day.

But I wanted to. I walked everywhere with this book open in front of my face and thus had many near-death experiences, but it was worth it because WOW.

More Hallucinations. More dreams and flashbacks and confusion and wickedly painful realizations. It was all just beautiful.

Mara really is one of my favorite YA heroines, because she's wise about things and she's motivated and she's determined. She's not annoying or obnoxious nor is she timid and complaining. She's perfect, basically.

Noah... Well, Noah is the best of the best, but in this book you really didn't get to see a lot of that. Because Mara is doubtful of him at some points, naturally I was as well, but by the end I was totally in love again, thinking:

"Oh my dear, why did I ever doubt you?"

There are a ton of beautiful characters around in this book, and some of them are evil and some aren't and some are both which is why this book is so great.

It was intense and fast paced and it held me thoroughly, as the first one did.

But...

That ENDING???













You don't understand my pain right now. I finished that page in a crowd of people, and I couldn't even pretend to be put together. I was in complete and total denial.

Nope nope nope.

Oh, and now we have to wait until NOVEMBER 4TH, to find out what happens next? That's just now fair! 

Sighh... So I shall wait and beat my head against a wall or two and try to pretend that that ending isn't tearing me apart. and maybe murder a few people.

Ha.

Haha.

Have you read the Evolution of Mara Dyer? What about the Unbecoming? What did YOU think?

Thanks for reading!

Top Three Thursday: Upcoming Book to Movie Adaptations!

Yes you read the title right:

This Thursday we're going to talk about the soon-to-be Book to Movie adaptations that, personally, I am most excited for!

So--something really great is that a lot of my FAVORITE books have been bought for Film, and, though most of the time nothing much comes out of that, a lot of them are LEGIT going to the big screen, and I am so incredibly excited!

I'm so proud, I guess the word is, for all of these books that I've discovered months or years ago to find out that the awesomeness will be spread over the world. 

I'm not one of those people who are all caught up on "I read the books first so I'm a better fan than you!"

...These people annoy me. Legit.

Like--good for you! You read a book before the film rights were purchased. Congratulations. You win absolutely nothing. Have a nice life.

I think that Book to Movie adaptations are great--they open up the great book for people who might normally never hear about it.

If you want to read a book because you saw an awesome Trailer?

Great. I have total respect for you.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to read a book because there's a movie coming out soon. Sure, those who read the book before the promise of a film came along will get something bigger and better out of it, but I still think the love for a certain story can be equal, whether you read it because you saw it on a shelf years ago, or because you saw your favorite actor was starring in it last month.

Really. It's okay.

I think readers really get their thoughts twisted about this. Reading is for everyone, no matter HOW you heard of the book, and no matter HOW long ago you read it. We all love the story and the characters, and that's what matters, so just calm down, okay?

There are a TON of YA books with a big/not so big chance of becoming an actual movie, so here goes!:

           1. Unremembered, by Jessica Brody!

YES. THIS. YES.

I have been a huge Brody fan ever since I read Unremembered, and that only increased with the second book, Unforgotten. I got to meet her during one of the Fierce Reads Tour stops, and I simply adored her!

She is absolutely brilliant in all ways and I am just so proud of her and this story!

All that's happened with this, that I know of, is that it was acquired by two Producers, but they're currently building up a bunch of hype for the movie, so make sure to check them out at the links below and spread the Unremembered love!

Find Unremembered the Movie on Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr!

          2. Shadow and Bone, by Leigh Bardugo!

AGH AGAIN YES THIS.

Shadow and Bone is one of my favorites (But what isn't?), and, again, I got to meet miss Bardugo at a Fierce Reads event.

This one was sold to DreamWorks, and the producer of Harry potter is involved in it?

Uhm... Yes???

           3. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, by Ransom Riggs!

I sadly have no gotten the second book, but it is most CERTAINLY on my list of books that I desperately need.

I have, however, finished book one and loved it to death. It was beautiful and real and came with a huge impact.

Literally all I know about this becoming a movie is that it's supposed to be directed by Tim Burton.

Oh-my to the freaking sweet-goodness.

When I heard this was supposed to be a movie, I was very skeptical, because part of the story in this book is the old photographs in it, so I thought that whoever was creating this film had to be extremely creative to make it awesome.

And then I found out it was Tim Burton.

And all bets were off.

I danced around the house.

SO those re my Top Three, but there are still plenty more I'm excited about, such as:

• The Raven Boys, by Maggie Stiefvater (I'm not sure where the progress is on this one, but last I heard they're looking for a screenwriter.)

• Shatter Me, by Tahereh Mafi (Optioned for film by 20th Century Fox. I read that there's still a ton of work to be done before this can actually be made into a movie, but STILL!)

• The Daughter of Smoke and Bone, by Laini Taylor (I will be reading this book extremely soon because I've heard so many great things about it, and all I know about the film is that it has a director.)

• The Maze Runner, by James Dashner (Again, I have NOT read this book, but I'll be reading it as soon as I can find a copy of it because it's awesome. This movie will be in theaters September 19th of this year!

Bonus: Dylan O'Brian stars in it. I'm watching it.)

• If I Stay, by Gayle Forman (I've read Just One Day by Forman, but this week I'm stopping by the library to marathon read all of her books. The movie will be in theaters August 22nd 2014.

Bonus: Have you SEEN the Trailer? OH. MY. Click HERE to go watch it, because holy flaming sweet potatoes, Batman.)

• Vampire Academy, by Richelle Mead (I literally just reading this book two nights ago, and I'll be finishing up the second and third one within the next few days. I didn't go see the movie in Theaters because I hadn't read the book then, so I'm impatiently waiting for it to release on DVD May 20th!)

• The School for Good and Evil, by Soman Chainani (Universal Pictures acquired the rights to this one, and Chainani himself is in the process of working on a screenplay! SO excited for this one.) 

So this is just my measly little list, and, again, most of these movies may or may not actual get to the big screen.

I mean, don't get me wrong, I am DYING for all of these to get through all of the trials of actually making a film, but a lot of things don't work out. So all of us Fangirls and Fanboys will just have to keep our fingers crossed and sit and wait, won't we?

What Book to Movie adaptations are YOU excited for? Share in the comments!

Thanks for joining me for this weeks Top Three Thursday, and make sure to check back this Saturday for a Review of Eleanor and Park, by Rainbow Rowell!

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer Book Review!

Before I start this Review, just wanted to announce that I have a new GIF buddy who will be helping me to properly describe my emotions.

Thank God for Stiles Stilinski.

03/28

page 227

48.0%

"Oh sweet goodness this book will be the death of me."

(Progress Update taken from My GoodReads)

Yes. That's all I had time to stop and Update during my adventure with this book. I was too busy not being able to stop reading it to update any more.

My family probably thought I was crazy or something--I physically could not set this book down. I read it when I had to walk down streets, ride in the car, eat food--literally, people, it was a little ridiculous.

But something was always happening. And, even when nothing huge was happening, the story itself was so indescribably captivating I just couldn't stop!

Never heard of The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer? COME ON, SON!:

"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."

(Blurb taken from GoodReads)

Yes sir, it is the vaguest Blurb on the face of the planet.

When I bought this book, I had absolutely no idea what the heck I was walking into. I'd heard from a few Blogger friends that it was good so I thought "Alright then. I'll give it a try."

And so I gave it a try, and didn't realize I was signing away my soul in order to begin this epic book.

Let's try to break it down, shall we?

The characters are simply irresistible. Each one is well rounded and realistic and interesting.

Mara, the main character (obviously), is something else. She's not typical or average or predictable in any sense.

She's a bit mental, you see--or so she thinks she is. And this was ridiculously fascinating to read because half the time you don't know what is real or what's a hallucination or what's a dream.

One of the few things I can think of to actually put into words about Mara Dyer is that I have total respect for her as a YA Heroine. There were so many parts I rolled my eyes and expected her to do what every other YA girl does--throw herself at the jerk, cry all the time, and just basically yet again portray girls as weak and fragile. But Mara never did that. She was shocking and bold and lovely, and I just.

Respect to Mara Dyer.

Next we have Noah Shaw.

Can I just say.

It started out. He's a jerk. It ended. He was still a bit of a jerk. But.

He was the most freaking lovable jerk I've ever read about ever.

He's precious and adorable and proud and brave and smart and obviously there's still something to him that we don't really know.

But I just.

Animal crackers.

I also have to mention Mara's brother, Daniel. He is someone that I really absolutely love.

I loved their whole brotherly/sisterly thing they had going on because, really, we don't see that in a lot of YA books. I was glad it was there, and it made me incredibly happy. Having an older brother myself, I could relate to Mara and their relationship.

The plot? It was wickedly confusing, and that's the only way I can accurately sum it up.

It was dark but also fun and I laughed and cried and my mind was blown many, many times.

While reading this book, I kept getting headaches because it all just got so twisted and big and just WOW.

But I've never been so happy to suffer through a headache--this book was worth it. Worth everything.

It's an epic story about so many different things, led by a great cast of new and exciting characters, written like liquid gold was used in the ink.

I couldn't stop reading, and I'm currently dying to read the next books.

I can't handle this level of epic.

Have you read the Unbecoming of Mara Dyer? What did you think? Which character is your favorite?

Thanks for reading--now go buy the book and come back and we can ASDFGHJK!

The Raven Boys Book Review!

Oh Gosh.

Here we go.

Three Words.

"My Raven Boys."

OMG YES IS RIGHT MORIARTY.

I used those three little infinitely important words because that is exactly all I could think by the time I finished this quirky but epic little book.

In a weird sort of way, the reader sort of turns into their own version of Blue--honored to be taken along on these boys adventure, steadily growing to know them all and their unique qualities and their deep flaws and their brave strengths.

I'm getting ahead of myself, aren't I? Here's a bit about the book:

"“There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark’s Eve,” Neeve said. “Either you’re his true love . . . or you killed him.”

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.

From Maggie Stiefvater, the bestselling and acclaimed author of the Shiver trilogy and The Scorpio Races, comes a spellbinding new series where the inevitability of death and the nature of love lead us to a place we’ve never been before."

(Blurb taken from GoodReads.)

This is the first book in the series--I think there are supposed to be four books?--written by the delightful Maggie Stiefvater. The second book is, I believe, already out. Anyone know for certain? Share in the comments because I'm new to this particular series and really behind on my Raven Boys information!

Whatever the case may be, this book is beautifully done, and let's I can sorta-kinda-maybe touch on that.

03/23	page 230		55.0%	"Wow this book is blowing me away. I love Adam so much. My precious."
03/25	page 361		86.0%	"The unimaginable plot twist. Whoa. And I love Adam like a ton. He's my precious now holy cow."

Those are my Updates during the time I was currently reading this book. A lot about Adam. I know.

You want me to start with him okay fine if you insist

Adam is like an adorable little pet puppy--like the kind with the big sad eyes, that cower if you're too loud, that are incredibly sweet and caring and kind. And, specifically over this character, I got ticked at his lifestyle. I'm trying to keep this review spoiler free, but, well--read the book, send me a message, and let's rant about our poor little Adam.

And at that one point--you know when I'm talking about if you've read the book--I was so freakishly proud of him and I just died a little on the inside. Oh gosh I just.

Next up is Gansey, who has to be my second favorite.

Yes the book is just that pretty so I turned it
into a spur-of-the-moment photo shoot.

Gansey is like Gansey. He's epic and has so many sides and is overall just a wonderfully crafted character. He's well done and interesting and fascinating. I love Gansey. The end.

Noah comes next in my list of descriptions, and lemme just say that Noah is... More than he seems.

Like really this book is so hard not to spoil. I can't say anything. But I love Noah and he always pets Blue's head and that's just the cutest.

Ronan is one of those characters I admire--I could never write someone like him, though I've tried. He's tough but soft and sharp but kind and it's like a little bundle of complicated messes wrapped into one character with a witty humor.

Blue is our quirky little character in this book that is sort of a balance--she belongs right in the middle of these boys, and I couldn't imagine her anywhere else.

The plot is quick and, especially near the end, I couldn't stop reading due to all of the unbelievable plot-twists but, that's the great part--even before that point, the book was still so exciting.

This is one of those books that, legit honestly, the characters could be sitting at a table, talking, and it would be the most interesting and exciting and bestest thing ever. The characters are just THAT good.

The world is a strange little mix of sorta Modern-Day-But-Not and an element of Magic. It was easier to wrap my mind around and even easier to enjoy the setting.

So--what's to say that's bad about this book?

Nothing.

The characters are full and great, the mood and theme of the story is pin-pointed and interesting, the plot is shocking and gasp-worth and squeal-worthy and the writing is just the icing on the cake.

The freakishly, ridiculously pretty icing, but still.

Stiefvater's writing includes quick, funny/cute dialogue, but can also create breath-taking imagery that made me swoon and stare a bit. I could image everything perfectly, and the genius of this Novel just is pouring all over me.

Have you read the Raven Boys? What did you think? Who's your favorite character?

Thanks for reading!

Top Three Thursday: Favorite TV Shows!

Uhm, okay, geez, this post is quite a bit behind because I got home incredibly late.

But like we found a lost puppy, so that's like the best excuse ever, right?

Anyway:

Looking for some awesome new TV Shows to get addicted to?

This is the post for you!

I'm going to list my Top Three favorite obsessions that show on the Television, 1st being my absolute favorite.

Let's get to it!:

            1.Favorite TV Show Number One: Teen Wolf
           
               Yes yes yes I know don't hate me!

Some people absolutely hate this show or absolutely love it and I, obviously, am one of the latter.

This is my own little show that I consider a bit of a guilty pleasure--it makes me laugh and makes me cry and I adore the characters like nobodies business. I just finished Part One of Season Three, and I'm dying for Part Two! 

I highly recommend this show if you like cute, funny TV Shows. Once you get past the first few episodes, you won't be able to stop. I couldn't, anyway, though I didn't want to.

           2.Favorite TV Show Number Two: Sherlock

              Of course!

Sherlock is just almost even with Teen Wolf, because I love it with that much of a burning passion.

I adore Sherlock Holmes, and this show is like a dream come true for me. I love absolutely everything about it, basically.

GO WATCH IT NOW IF YOU HAVEN'T.

          3.Favorite TV Show Number Three: Supernatural
 
            This was a really hard one.

I have so many other's but Supernatural just has to take the spot of Number Three.

I'm not a big fan of creepy stuff--like AT ALL--but with the support of my mom and my sister, and watching the super creepy ones in the daytime, I fell swiftly in love with the characters and the idea of the stories in each season. I find my similarities to Dean a little ridiculous, but I'm proud of it, okay?

And so there are my top three.

Already seen these, or they don't sound interesting?

Fine, I shall make a list below of my other obsessions, because I have a TON:

• Doctor Who (Like who isn't?)

• Psych (This is a really hilarious show that I lovez!)

• Merlin (Ah, Merlin! I miss this show.)

• SmallVille (Haven't finished all of the Seasons, but I love it!)

• My Little Pony (Don't judge okay it's rude.)

• Shugo Chara (Some epic Anime Show you've probably never ever heard of.)

• Clannad (Another one of those Anime Show's you've never heard of. Fetch the tissues, for this one.)

• Robin Hood (Gah, I loved this show!)

• Once Upon a Time (I've recently fallen behind, but I hope to catch back up soon!)

And I know there must be more, but this is all I can think of at the moment!

Have you watched any of these shows? Oh my gosh let's totally jump up and down in the Comments!

Quick Camp NaNoWriMo Update!: I've decided what I'm going to write a day late, but still plenty of time, right?

I'm so excited to dive in deep with this book!

How are you doing so far?

Thanks for reading, and have a great Thursday!

Unravel Me Review!

I read Unravel Me, guys. 

I read it.

I finished it.

And I. And I.

Okay so now that I spammed you with my emotions in SHERLOCK GIF form, I'm going to attempt to put one letter in front of the next to create a thing called words that you will actually understand.

Unravel Me is written by Tahereh Mafi, and is the second book in the Shatter Me series.

Don't know anything about it? Here, have a bit about book number one, Shatter Me:

"Juliette hasn’t touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn’t hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don’t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war – and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she’s exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior."

(Blurb taken from Goodreads.)

And check out my review of Shatter Me over at my GoodReads!

Yes, it IS as good as it sounds. Actually--correction--it's even BETTER than it sounds.

This little bit doesn't nearly touch on the beauty of this book. Literally every page is like reading poetry with descriptions and words that are daring and loud and get stuck inside your head and weave their way into your heart. It's stunning, Tahereh's writing is.

My Updates while reading it:

03/18	page 106		22.0%	"I'm not okay with this. at all"
03/18	page 149		32.0%	"HOLY FREAKING CRAP WARNER AND A PUPPY. I REPEAT WARNER AND A PUPPY. I'M IN LOVE. MELTY HEART. Be with him please. My ship shall sail."
03/19	page 261		56.0%	"Oh my goodness."

And characters. As you well know, that's what does it for me--if a book doesn't have good, quality characters, I'll dislike it instantly. Sure, a book may have a super awesome plot. Sure, it make be written perfectly. But if the characters are boring, flat, and unrealistic?

NOPITTY NOPE.

But these books hold within its pages some of my all-time favorite characters. 

Juliette, our leading lady, is a hard one to figure out. She has so many mysteries and uncertainties tied to her, but her character development and progression though out the story is absolutely incredible and very well done. I have to admit, in Unravel Me especially, there were some times when I just wanted to shake her and tell her to get a grip.

Which is one of the many reasons I absolutely adore Kenji, who does just exactly that. He's introduced in the first book, and I really loved him from the start even though he was a total jerk. I still knew there was more to him, and indeed there was! He's hilarious and quirky and has so many sides to his characters, as all of them do, that I'm still shaking my head, trying to figure out how our Miss Tahereh Mafi managed to create characters so real and understandable and breath-taking.

Adam honestly is the one I rooted for at the beginning. He's your standard YA male love interest--steady headed and brave and kind and caring, but though he was a fantastic character, I can't help but think he pales in comparison.

In comparison to who, you ask?

Why, Warner, of course!

I'm in love. I'm love with ANOTHER freaking fictional character and I am NOT EVEN ASHAMED.

I fell all over myself for Warner from the very beginning, which made it hard to even appreciate any moments between Juliette and Adam. The whole time I'm just thinking "You are with the wrong guy, you idiot."

And can I just say. Warner. And a Puppy.

Oh. My. Gods.

I don't think I've ever laughed and cried and died over a book so hard. I don't know why, but that was it for me--that was the moment that I realized I was taking this wonderful book way too seriously, and that I loved this particular character WAY too much, but...

That just made it all the better. This book could sneak it's way inside of me and made me gasp and laugh and, yes, cry. It's a powerful, unique book that screams with it's own voice and it's own words.

The descriptions paint realistic pictures in your head and many times I was just stunned silent, sitting there staring at the pages.

These books are inspiring to me, as a writer, and teach me to be brave with my words. And, as a reader, these books will set on my shelf of pride forever and ever. (I don't ACTUALLY have a self of pride, sadly--I imagine it more of a mental shelf, you know?)

So I plan on buying the third and final book, Ignite Me, as soon as humanly possible! I'm dying here!

Have you ever read Unravel Me? How about Shatter Me? What's your opinion?

Thanks for reading, and I hope you all go out and purchase these books right away!

Unforgotten Book Review!

Helloooo, my lovely followers!

Got something either Super-Awesome or Super-Lame for you lot today. Super-Awesome because it involves the new release of UNFORGOTTEN, by the brilliant Jessica Brody, but perhaps Super-Lame because it also involves a BOOK REVIEW which, personally, I think I'm pretty crappy at. But we'll see, won't we?

I've done some reviews over at my GoodReads after I finish a book, but half of them are full of:

ASDFGHJKL

and

I CAN'T's

and

Yes. Lots of SHERLOCK GIF's to express my undying love for all things of words that I obsess over.

Not to say that OMG's and BRB DYING doesn't perfectly capture the language of a fangirl, but I really wanted to try my hand at a more... coherent review, without spilling my thoughts all over the place like an explosion of death.

What better why to start than with Unforgotten, right?

So, if you've never heard of Jessica Brody, or UNFORGOTTEN, or the first book in the trilogy, UNREMEMBERED, you really should promptly go bury yourself in a hole.

No just kidding I'm really joking.

A bit.

But really I love these books so much. Jessica Brody is also the Author of many other YA Novels that I, sadly, have not been able to get my hands on quite yet, but they are most certainly on my To-Read list.

There's just something about her writing that is beautiful and cryptic and just lovely all at the same time. It has voice and it's full of bravery, especially in the Unremembered Trilogy, from Sera's POV. 

Dunno who Sera is? Fine then:

"When Freedom Airlines flight 121 went down over the Pacific Ocean, no one ever expected to find survivors. Which is why the sixteen-year-old girl discovered floating among the wreckage—alive—is making headlines across the globe.

Even more strange is that her body is miraculously unharmed and she has no memories of boarding the plane. She has no memories of her life before the crash. She has no memories period. No one knows how she survived. No one knows why she wasn’t on the passenger manifest. And no one can explain why her DNA and fingerprints can’t be found in a single database in the world.

Crippled by a world she doesn’t know, plagued by abilities she doesn’t understand, and haunted by a looming threat she can’t remember, Seraphina struggles to piece together her forgotten past and discover who she really is. But with every clue only comes more questions. And she’s running out of time to answer them.

Her only hope is a strangely alluring boy who claims to know her from before the crash. Who claims they were in love. But can she really trust him? And will he be able to protect her from the people who have been making her forget?

From popular young adult author Jessica Brody comes a compelling and suspenseful new sci-fi series, set in a world where science knows no boundaries, memories are manipulated, and true love can never be forgotten."

(Blurb taken from GoodReads.)

So there's a bit about the story for book one, but really if you haven't read the first one you probably won't understand much of this review seeing as it's for the SECOND one, but I'm going to try and keep it Spoiler-Free, so if you're curious anyway, maybe this review will get you interested about the story and perhaps buy it and read them for yourself! (Which would be a seriously great idea.)

Anyway, first thing's first, is that I literally just discovered like a week ago the wonders of the Status Update option on GoodReads, where you can update your page number for whatever book you're currently reading, and add a little note to it as well. This was incredibly helpful to keep track of my thoughts as things were happening in the book, but I may have had a LITTLE too much fun with it. Do you think so?:

03/13	page 162		38.0%	"I ship it I shouldn't but I do. 'Nuff said."
03/13	page 210		50.0%	"OH MY GOODNESS WASN'T EXPECTING THAT YAY WHOA"
03/15	page 240		57.0%	"Oh my gods okay Reese and Ella and my precious precious little Cody. I'm certain I'm about to cry this is beautiful."

...Yes. All of that was very necessary. 

Characters, man! It's all about the characters for me! And Miss Jessica Brody didn't only reach my incredibly high standards for 'great characters', but even surpassed it! And that's a very hard thing to do. Because I'm picky. And negative. But whatever.

First we have the complicated Sera, who is the leading lady for our story, and I think she is the epitome of well-written YA female heroines. 

There's a huge, constant war of how our girls should act and think in novels. Some say "They should be soft-spoken and pretty and happy!", while other's say "She should have two guns and should scowl a lot and not take no crap from anybody!"

Now I think that these both are fair suggestions, along with all of the other arguments that are going on for female characters, but, honestly, there shouldn't be a debate on what YA girls SHOULD or SHOULDN'T be. Each characters is different, as each person is, and who they are is who they are, whether they have big daggers or a fluffy stuffed bunny.

But Sera is like this magical combination of all of them. She's kind and caring but strong and stubborn, but it's never annoying. I hate the characters that act all big and bad, like "Don't even look at me the wrong way or this bullets going in your face!", because, honestly, where's the character in that? Women can be whoever they want to be, but there is a line that crosses that--even if it was a male character, I guarantee I would still roll my eyes.

Sera has so many good qualities, and it's thoroughly interesting just to see what she's thinking and find out more and more of who she is. I love Sera. Obviously.

Then we have the wonderful Zen who, honestly, is one of the best written male love interests I've ever read. He's not just there to make this book a romance--he's there as a character who is loyal and funny and just all around perfect. And I shipped he and Sera with all of my giant, feelsy heart, until...

Until Kaelen. 

Yes the size IS necessary. Deal with it. 

Even when I shouldn't have, I loved this character. I fell for him at the very beginning and now he has to be my absolute favorite out of them all.









He's just so freakin' adorable and--Nope. I can't say anything else without spoiling something. literally his entire existence is a huge spoiler. Just know that I have an undying love for him. Just know. Ah.

The plot in this one is probably even quicker and more shocking then the first one, and THAT'S saying something. I was gasping and staring at the pages, and I finished the entire second half in one sitting because I literally couldn't stop.

THAT ENDING THO! 

We see some awesome, familiar characters, and get introduced to some epic new one's, and the threats are higher and the danger is for real intense. It's full of romance and beautifully woven words and action-packed excitement. It's full of great, unique characters and realistic, rough lives that jump out of the page and slap you upside the head with the book. Like I still have a bruise. Seriously.

Have you read Unforgotten? How about anything else written by Jessica Brody?  (Was this Review terribly terrible or is there still hope for me yet?!)

So long folks and thanks for reading!

The Future/Let the Storm Break Awesomeness!

I've been learning a lot recently about how to let the future do it's own thing.

Honestly, I'm still struggling with this, but it's a lesson I am happy to learn.

A lot of questions are clouding around my mind, and they all have one thing in common:

The future.

MY future.

It's all about publishing and writing and smart choices and right choices and basically it's all just a jumbled mess I've been trying to sort through, but I simply can't.

And I've found that, though there are things  I can do to improve my future, and I can try as hard as I can to change my future, but, in the end, it's not up to me. Whatever happens will happen, and I just have to trust it and let go.

And this is a difficult thing for me. I've never been one to be a 'control-freak', but when it comes to my writing, which I am very protective and passionate about, I take things very seriously and honestly, and I'd prefer to be completely in control and calm about things.

But, if I wanted calm, being a writer is the wrong thing to be.

So this is my first lesson in keeping my head above the water of troubles, and not letting panic or fear or uncertainty influence me.

I'll figure it out in the end, and I still have plenty of time, so for now I'm just letting go and letting God, and trusting him to carry my through this.

Is there anything you're worried about? What makes you feel stress-free?

ALSO:
I have bunches of exciting LET THE STORM BREAK stuff going on!

"A Super-Short Review by Defying Impossible:

Ohhh, wow.

Where oh where to begin?

I've read some reviews saying this book was a total disappointment, highly depressing, anti-climactic, ect. And then I've read OTHER reviews that say this book is everything they wanted to be and more, was exciting and interesting, was swoon-worthy and perfect.

And I most certainly agree with the second reviewers.



In this book we, again, have both Vane and Audra's POV, and for some reason with this book I really noticed how different the characters voices were, and absolutely loved how they were so unique.

We met many new wonderful characters in this book, and some wonderfully evil, but I still loved them all, and I can't wait to learn more, more, more.

Vane is his usual snarky self, but he surprised me many, many times in this book, and, well... I'm so proud of my little Vane! <3

Audra... I have to admit, until, like, halfway through, I was really ticked off at her. I was angry at her for everything that she did, because I saw how much she was causing Vane to hurt, and that was just really not okay with me. BUT, just as I knew she would, she eventually came around and was better than ever.

Their relationship is brilliantly beautiful, and my only complaint was that they didn't get enough time together in this book (Even though they really did, but it's never enough really.).

I really loved Gus. I could relate to him many times, and I think he's a wonderful addition to this quirky little cast of characters.

The plot was... Very different. GOOD different, of course, but there were MANY twists that I WAS NOT expecting. All through the beginning, the middle, the end--it was all shocking and I finished this book not wanting it to end.

We learn much more about the wind (Which is TOTALLY fascinating!), the people, the story, and it all just gets so intense and great.

I can't imagine what wonderfulness we will find in the next book, but I CAN'T WAIT.

I have a deep rooted respect and love for Shannon Messenger and her books, and she most certainly didn't disappoint in LET THE STORM BREAK, but I already knew that.

I am positively DYING for the next book--especially after that ending! OMG. NO. WHOA. OMG."

(originally posted through my GoodReads.)

Let the Storm Break Fanart by me featuring a Vane-Pony with wings made of wind and complete with the Bat Man T-Shirt he wears! (Fanart, My Little Pony Style!):

(Can be seen on my DeviantArt.)

And last but not least, have a super 'mind-blowing' (Wind Pun.) photo of the beautiful Let the Storm Break, finished with some dramatic dust blowing in the breeze!:

(Can also be seen on my DeviantArt.)

See my past Shannon Messenger Appreciation post HERE.

Thanks for reading, and don't forget to purchase your very own copy of Let the Storm Break by Shannon Messenger HERE!

Top Three Thursday: Books!

I'm here with another Top Three Thursday!

Today I'm going to list my Top Three favorite Books, so this should be incredibly difficult, but let's see what happens, shall we?

Now, you guys obviously know I read like nobodies business. If I don't constantly have a book in my hand, you know I'm crying on the inside. I love books. I love reading. I just. Words.

Anyway, I read, A LOT, and I've loved every single book I've ever read in one way or another (Except for that ONE book, but I don't like to think about that.).

So I'll begin, book Number One being the absolute favorite, the second being the second, ect. You get the idea.:

1. Favorite Book Number One: The Darkest Minds, by Alexandra Bracken.

          Let me explain to a thing about this book.

It's awesome. I honestly love it, but until I found myself writing it above, I had never realized it was my FAVORITE favorite book, but, now that I wrote it, I find that it's true.

I seriously love this book.

(You can read my ridiculously fangirling Review on GoodReads HERE. Add it to your To-Read Shelf while you're at it!)

     2. Favorite Book Number Two: Clockwork Princess, by Cassandra Clare.

         You knew it was coming.

I adore this book in  terribly unhealthy way, but I have no shame over it what-so-ever.

I love the first two with all of my heart, but the third and final one owns a very special place.

(This is also the book that I finished reading at five in the morning and cried into my pillow for a few hours and then stared out the window all hollow like watching the sun rise because I had soaked my pillow through and my brain was melting.)

So if you haven't already discovered the world of Shadow Hunters, you really must. MUST I SAY!

     3. Favorite Book Number Three: Cress, by Marissa Meyer.

         Alright, so this was a hard one.

I absolutely love all of the books in this series, but the third and newest one, Cress, takes the prize.

Not only has Cress become one of my favorite characters of all time, but her and Captain Thorne might just be my favorite Fictional pairing like EVER.

I love all of Marissa Meyers books, and am proud to say I'm a total Lunartic! 

So, there are my Top Three favorite Books! 

Just know that this was very hard to choose!

What's YOUR Top Three favorite Books? Have you ever read any of these?

Also, don't forget to check my newest Super-Short Review of Shatter Me, by Tahereh Mafi on my GoodReads HERE.

Now I'm onto reading Let the Storm Break, by Shannon Messenger, and I'm dying of excitement!

(Read my past Blog Post celebrating Let the Storm Break HERE!)

Thanks for reading!

Shannon Messenger Appreciation Post!

Today I'm writing a quick post in honor of Shannon Messengers 'Let the Storm Break' which comes out TODAY!!!

That's right! Finally the wonderfully wonderful Book Two is being released, and I'm dying to have it in my hands!

But this post isn't JUST about her new release, but also about HER.

Never heard of Shannon Messenger? You can check out her quirky little Blog HERE to get to learn more about her if you're interested (Which you should be.)!

Shannon Messenger is Author of MG (Middle Grade) series, Keeper of the Lost Cities, and her YA (Young Adult) series, Let the Sky Fall.

Both are absolutely fantastic in their own ways. It was really interesting to read Shannon's KEEPER books, which are full of Elves and magic and friendship, then read her LtSF books and see her try her hand at more mature themes. She succeeded in both age levels, and that's a hard thing to do!

Want to know more? Of course!:

"Vane Weston should have died in the category-five tornado that killed his parents. Instead, he woke up in a pile of rubble with no memories of his past - except one: a beautiful, dark-haired girl standing in the winds. She swept through his dreams ever since, and he clings to the hope that she's real.

Audra is real, but she isn't human. She's a sylph, an air elemental who can walk on the wind, translate its alluring songs, even twist it into a weapon. She's also a guardian - Vane's guardian - and has sworn an oath to protect him at all costs.When a hasty mistake reveals their location to the enemy who murdered both their families, Audra has just days to help Vane unlock his memories. And as the storm winds gather, Audra and Vane start to realize that the greatest danger might not be the warriors coming to destroy them, but the forbidden romance growing between them."

Let the Sky Fall Blurb and Cover taken from GoodReads. Add it to your GoodReads Shelf HERE.)

Doesn't it sound fabulous?! It's a book about a whirlwind romance that will sweep you off your feet! (Wind puns... HEH.)

Are you more into Middle Grade books? More into fun fantasies? KEEPER might be more for you!:

"Twelve-year-old Sophie Foster has a secret. She’s a Telepath—someone who hears the thoughts of everyone around her. It’s a talent she’s never known how to explain.

Everything changes the day she meets Fitz, a mysterious boy who appears out of nowhere and also reads minds. She discovers there’s a place she does belong, and that staying with her family will place her in grave danger. In the blink of an eye, Sophie is forced to leave behind everything and start a new life in a place that is vastly different from anything she has ever known.In this page-turning debut, Shannon Messenger creates a riveting story where one girl must figure out why she is the key to her brand-new world, before the wrong person finds the answer first."

(Keeper of the Lost Cities Blurb and Cover taken from GoodReads. Add it to your GoodReads Shelf HERE.)

They both are brilliant books written by a brilliant person. And, yes friends, Let the Storms Break is coming out today and right now you should go to your local bookstore and buy it. Don't live near a bookstore? No fear, you can buy it HERE, or any of your other favorite Bookstore sites.


And, lastly, you want to read these books not only  because they are beautiful, but also because the person who wrote them is the sweetest, quirkiest, most awesome writer ever.

This is me and Shannon Messenger--Yes, I DID cosplay
as a Keefe Generbend. 

I got to meet Shannon Messenger in person, as you may already know, and she is even cooler in person. She asked me about my books and my art and I demanded that she write a Keefe spin-off series (Come on, I'm not the ONLY one who wants that, am I?), and it was just a really good time. I got all of my books signed and I got to hug her, and though I was really awkward and nervous the whole time, she talked to be easily and made me feel a bit better.

Safe to say, she's amazing, so I decided to make this post full of Shameless-Favorite-Author-Promoting, because it's totally normal, right? 

I can't wait to get my copy of Let the Storms Break! Can you? 

Also, don't forget to check out Shannon's new Giveaway going on over at her blog HERE celebrating the new book release! Yes, that's right, you can enter to win a copy of Let the Storm Break AND Let the Sky Fall, with super extra special artwork drawn by none other than herself on the covers! Don't believe me? Follow the link to see the pictures!

Who is YOUR favorite author? Have you ever read Keeper of the Lost Cities or Let the Sky Fall?

Thank you for reading, and don't forget to purchase your very own copy of Let the Storms Break!