Waiting on Wednesday [3]

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming books we are looking forward to being released!

Here is my pick:

Title: Dance of Shadows (Dance of Shadows #1)

Author: Yelena Black

Expected publication date: February 12th, 2013

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books

Length: 447 pages (Hardcover)

From Goodreads: 

Dancing with someone is an act of trust. Elegant and intimate; you're close enough to kiss, close enough to feel your partner's heartbeat. But for Vanessa, dance is deadly – and she must be very careful who she trusts . . .

Vanessa Adler attends an elite ballet school – the same one her older sister, Margaret, attended before she disappeared. Vanessa feels she can never live up to her sister's shining reputation. But Vanessa, with her glorious red hair and fair skin, has a kind of power when she dances – she loses herself in the music, breathes different air, and the world around her turns to flames . . . 

Soon she attracts the attention of three men: gorgeous Zep, mysterious Justin, and the great, enigmatic choreographer Josef Zhalkovsky. When Josef asks Vanessa to dance the lead in the Firebird, she has little idea of the danger that lies ahead – and the burning forces about to be unleashed . . .

Why am I waiting?

First of all, (yes, I can be shallow) the cover is absolutely gorgeous! Anyone who thinks different is blind and should be executed immediately (ha-ha, just kidding!). Seriously look at the colors and textures, it all fits perfectly. Besides I've always had a thing with books about dancers, and this Paranormal Thriller sounds like the right thing for me. I actually got a copy from NetGalley, which I haven't been able to read yet -as usual, since college doesn't leave a single moment of peace- but even if I read it for reviewing purposes before its release date. I would purchased a copy just to stare at the cover for hours and hours. 

What do you think about Dance of Shadows?

What's your WOW? I'd love to read your thoughts. 

Speak your mind in the comment section below. 

If you follow me, I'll follow you back, just let me know in your comment.

Teaser Tuesday [3]

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.   Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

1.- Grab your current read

2.- Open to a random page

3.- Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

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

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

My teaser: 

"I didn’t care. Didn’t care what he had to say. Didn’t care where I was going, either. I had to get away. Had to leave that horrible, gore-splattered foyer. Had to clear the stench of blood from my nostrils—if that was even possible."

~ p. 67 "Ashfall" by Mike Mullin.

What do you think about my teaser? 

What about yours? 

I would love to read it. 

Leave your answer in the comment section below.
If you're following me, tell me so in a comment, so I can follow you back :)

Top Ten Tuesday [2]

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

Top Ten books I wouldn't mind Santa bringing me

#1 The Wise Man's Fear (The Kingkiller Chronicle #2) by Patrick Rothfuss.

I just loved the first one of this series. And I haven't been able to get a copy of the second one yet. So, I'd be very excited if Santa decides to give me a copy :)

#2 Untamed (House of Night #4) by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

I read the first three books on the series and I really liked them, so I wouldn't mind getting the next one.

#3 City of Lost Souls (The Mortal Instruments #5) by Cassandra Clare

I'm so in love with this series! I know it's been a while since this book was released, but for some reason I haven't been able to find this book on any bookstore in my country, so I'm really looking forward to read it.

#4 Crossed (Matched #2) by Ally Condie

I know I'm a little bit behind since Reached (Matched #3) was just released. But I'd really like to catch up with this series. I loved the first book and I'm really looking forward to find out what happens next.










#5 Eve and Adam by Michael Grant and Katherine Applegate

Since the moment I saw this cover I couldn't resist the urge to put this book on my "want to read" shelf on Goodreads. Besides, the blurb sounds absolutely amazing. I can not wait to read this one!










#6 Crewel (Crewel World #1) by Gennifer Albin

Well, I'm obsessed with this book. Ever since I started seeing reviews on every blog around I knew I had to read it. But for now, it has been out of my budget, so I haven't had the opportunity to get a copy. Hopefully, Santa would bring it to me (Please?)









#7 Black City (Black City #1) by Elizabeth Richards

A gorgeous cover and a promising blurb later, it had me. I've seen this book featured on so many blogs I feel like I've already read it and loved it. I hate when this happens because when I finally get to read the book, it turns to be a disappointment. However, I'm still willing to give it a chance.

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

Well, everyone seems to love this one and I haven't read it yet. So, I'm hopping I will be joining the club sooner than later.

#9 Miss Me Not by Tiffany King

I don't really know what is it with this book, it just caught my attention.  Maybe something about all that suicide thinking and overcome it somehow... I don't know but I really want to read it, so I wouldn't mind getting help from Santa here...

#10 Breathe (Breathe #1) by Sarah Crossan

When I read the description of this book, I just couldn't stop thinking about it. I mean, no free air? Come on! It has to be something worth reading it! It's like some unfinished business or something. I know I have to read it and the sooner the best :)

Did you like my picks? 

What books are on you Top Ten this week? I'd love to know!

Leave a comment below. 

If follow me, tell me on your comment so I can follow you back :)

[Review] Switched by Amanda Hocking

Title: Switched

Author: Amanda Hocking

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Published: January 3rd 2012 (first published July 12th 2010)

Series: Trylle (Book #1)

Source: I purchased a copy from a bookstore.

Blurb from Goodreads: When Wendy Everly was six years old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. Eleven years later, Wendy discovers her mother might have been right. She’s not the person she’s always believed herself to be, and her whole life begins to unravel—all because of Finn Holmes.

Finn is a mysterious guy who always seems to be watching her. Every encounter leaves her deeply shaken…though it has more to do with her fierce attraction to him than she’d ever admit. But it isn’t long before he reveals the truth: Wendy is a changeling who was switched at birth—and he’s come to take her home.

Now Wendy’s about to journey to a magical world she never knew existed, one that’s both beautiful and frightening. And where she must leave her old life behind to discover who she’s meant to become…

Review

My thoughts: Switched is the first book from the Trylle series and it is a stunningly beautiful start for an amazing story. I was meaning to read something by Amanda Hocking for a while now and I couldn't be more amazed. I really loved this book, even though I'm not really a troll fan, mostly because I had picture them as those ugly and scary green creatures. But this isn't just a troll story, it has love, and excitement and everything I like on a book. It's a really great mixture that if you let it, it would blow your mind away.

About the plot: It's so hard to explain the story without giving too much away. Let's see... Wendy is a changeling, a Trylle girl who was switched with a human when they were babies. She has felt a stranger forever in the human world. Like she doesn't belong no matter how much she tries. So, she's an outcast. But she's fine with it. She has Matt, his brother, and he's so good to her that he's everything she needs. But then, a mysterious guy who won't stop staring at her brings some breaking news. Wendy isn't who she thought she was and her mother has been right all along. She's a mythical creature and so is Finn, this handsome and mysterious guy who has come to take her back Forening, where she belongs. There, she'll meet her real mom and the boy which place Wendy took when they were switched. Everything is so new to her and there is so much to make sense of and learn before she's presented as the Trylle princess in front of every Trylle in Forening. So, Wendy is starting a new and long way to become in the person she was always supposed to be. There are ups and downs, and she'll discover the meaning of love in every way possible.

About the characters:
Wendy is a strong-head girl, with a fierce determination to know who she is and what is her place in the world. She's been through a lot, since her human mother tried to kill her when she was six. She feels like she doesn't fit in with her family, and soon she discovers she has persuasion powers which just makes her feel more misplaced. Then everything in her life changes when Finn appears on her school and tries to convince her to leave her brother to go to this mythical town where all their kind live in. 
Finn is a some kind of Trylle bodyguard, who is suppose to take care of Wendy and introduce her to a new world. He's handsome but kind of tough with Wendy. He's used to do whatever it takes to get his job done, but once he meets Wendy, everything begins to spinning out of control.
Rhys is a mansklig, the human who was taken away from home in order to place Wendy in his human family. He has lived on Elora's Palace his whole life. He's caring and funny, and takes Wendy in quickly and without asking question. He's one of the few reasons that Wendy doesn't feel completely out of place on Forening. He's a sweetheart and loved so much this character.
Matt is Wendy's "host brother" and the only one (along with their aunt) who has ever shown her love and has protect her from everything. He was the one who took care of her after their mother tried to kill her and was entered in a mental hospital. He's really protective and would do anything to keep Wendy safe.
Elora is Wendy's biological mom, the queen of Forening, and a real bitch. She's bossy and treats Wendy like she was just another Trylle instead of her daughter. She has a plan for Wendy and won't let anything to get in the way of what she has in mind for the princess.

About the ending: It was some sort of open ending. Not an entirely happy ending since there are two more books to get to that. But it made me feel satisfied. Not so much of a cliffhanger but still keep you interested and wanting to know more of this world.

About the writing: It had me since the first page. I wasn't sure of what to expect, but surely I wasn't expecting being completely amazed. It's fast paced but at the same time it has a lot of details, allowing you to picture the places perfectly. I loved the character development, although there's some things we don't get to fully understand, because this is just the first book of the trilogy. The thing I love the most about this book is that if you can put aside the fantasy element of the book, you have a beautiful and heart-warming love story and with this I mean that even if this is supernatural, you still can relate with everything and I found it completely believable. 

I would recommend it for: Screw the fantasy! You HAVE to read it whether you like the genre or not! 

Rating:

Quotes:


“Wendy: Why are you staring at me?
Finn: Because you're standing in front of me.” 

“Finn: I look at you because I can't look away Wendy.
Wendy: That's kinda creepy.
Finn: I will work on being less creepy then.”

“Did you think you could treat me like shit at a dance, then sneak into my room in the middle of the night and tell me that I'm a troll with magical powers, and I'd just be like, yeah, that sounds right.”

“When something is important to you, you make sure its safe.”


About the author (from her Goodreads page):

I live in Minnesota, and I write young adult paranormal romance and urban fantasy mostly. The My Blood Approves series is about vampires in Minneapolis, and its available now. I also wrote the Trylle Trilogy, which is a paranormal romance without vampires, shifters, mermaids, fae, angels, dragons, ghosts, or ninjas.
My latest book is Hollowland - a zombie urban fantasy set in the dystopian near future. It's a bit more violent and gritter than my other books, but there is still romance. Mostly though, Remy kicks a lot of butt. 
I also enjoy Red Bull, Jim Henson, Batman, Jane Austen, Star Wars legos, and I absolutely hate long walks on the beach out of my intense fear/hatred of wet sand 
My favorite authors are Kurt Vonnegut, Chuck Palahniuk, Bret Easton Ellis, Alan Moore, and J. D. Salinger, but I don't write anything like them. I have an obsession with River Phoenix, and I've seen Silence of the Lambs more than any other movie, even The Dark Knight. If I were trapped on a deserted island, the one thing I'd take with me would be a boat capable for taking me home.
I'm also the guitarist in a band called the Fraggin Aardvarks, and even though its even twice as cool as it sounds, we haven't had a practice in like two years, so I'm not sure that technically we are still a band. But we never broke up, and it's an awesome thing to tell people, so I'm sticking with it. (We even had a synethesizer!)

Here are some ways you can talk to me:

Twitter: www.twitter.com/amanda_hocking

Facebook: www.facebook.com/amandahockingfans

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/amanda_hocking  

Email: hocking_amanda@hotmail.com

[Review] Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Title: Catching Fire

Author: Suzanne Collins

Published: September 1st 2009

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Series: The Hunger Games (Book #2)

Source: I purchased a copy from a bookstore.

Blurb from Goodreads: Sparks are igniting, flames are spreading and the Capitol wants revenge. 
Against all odds, Katniss has won the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss shoul be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family and longtime friend, Gale. Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has turned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol -a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped created.
Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she's afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she's not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can't prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying.
In Catching Fire, the second novel of the Hunger Games trilogy, Suzanne Collins continues the story of Katniss Everdeen, testing her more than ever before... and surprising readers at every turn.

Review

First thoughts: After reading The Hunger Games, and being blown away by it, I just needed to start Catching Fire right away. I was afraid, though. Because with such a powerful first book, there's so little to do in a sequel. So I started this one feeling a little bit uncomfortable, hoping it wouldn't ruin the whole story. And it didn't. It just blew me away some more. I read a comment from Stephenie Meyer, the Twilight series author, which describes pretty much the exact feeling I have about this book: “Catching Fire not only lived up to my high expectations, it surpassed them. It's just as exciting as The Hunger Games, but even more gut wrenching, because you already know these characters, you've already suffered with them.”

About the plot: This book is divided in three parts and each of them show a different stage in this story. Each one is full with excitement and unexpected turns. 

In the first one, we get to see what's been going on since Katniss and Peeta won the 74th Hunger Games. We learn about the others districts when the couple goes to visit them for the Victory Tour. It shows the consequences of what Katniss did in order to stay alive in the Games. Some of the districts are starting a rebellion. And President Snow knows exactly who is to blame. Besides, things are really mixed up in Katniss love life. Peeta won't talk to her if there isn't a camera shooting them, because of what she said on the train, about everything between them being a just-to-survive kind of thing. And Gale suddenly throwing his heart out to Katniss. So, our girl is pretty confused. On top of that, the President threats Katniss friends and family, so the girl on fire has to keep pretending that Peeta is the love of her life and that everything she has done so far was just because she's insanely in love with him.

The second part was the most unexpected one for me. We can almost see the feelings shifting from fear to pure rage on Katniss behavior. The Quarter Quill is coming and everything that Katniss and Peeta has being trying to forget is starting all over again. But this time, Katniss has made a commitment to herself: she will keep Peeta alive, whatever it takes, even if it is her own life what's on the line.

The third part is the coolest. I love it so much! We get to know some new characters like Finnick  Odair who is the sexiest guy who has ever walk on the face of Earth. Johana Mason the girl who won the Games a few years ago pretending she was all scared and then turning into a killing machine. 

About the writing: The first part of the book is a little bit slower that the first book. But then it all starts spinning around so fast that you don't have time to worry about it. The story is told from Katniss point of view like the first book, but now that you already know her, you understand why she thinks and does everything and sometimes you are able to predict what she's going to say next, like she is one of your best friends and you know her that well. I found that pretty amazing, because I love to feel related to the character I read about.

About the ending: I was NOT expecting that. God! I don't know how Collins manages to keep amazing me that way. Picture the most unfortunate turn of events and there you go! 

I would recommend it for: If you read the Hunger Games and liked it. You can not miss this one. And if you haven't read the first book, what are you waiting for?!

Rating:

Quotes:

“My nightmares are usually about losing you. I'm okay once I realize you're here.” 

“I realize only one person will be damaged beyond repair if Peeta dies. Me.” 

“Really, the combination of the scabs and the ointment looks hideous. I can't help enjoying his distress.
"Poor Finnick. Is this the first time in your life you haven't looked pretty?" I say.
"It must be. The sensation's completely new. How have you managed it all these years?" he asks.
"Just avoid mirrors. You'll forget about it," I say.
"Not if I keep looking at you," he says.” 

“The bird, the pin, the song, the berries, the watch, the cracker, the dress that burst into flames. I am the mockingjay. The one that survived despite the Capitol's plans. The symbol of the rebellion.” 

“At some point, you have to stop running and turn around and face whoever wants you dead.The hard thing is finding the courage to do it.” 

About the author: 

Since 1991, Suzanne Collins has been busy writing for children’s television. She has worked on the staffs of several Nickelodeon shows, including the Emmy-nominated hit Clarissa Explains it All and The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo. For preschool viewers, she penned multiple stories for the Emmy-nominated Little Bear and Oswald. She also co-wrote the critically acclaimed Rankin/Bass Christmas special, Santa, Baby! Most recently she was the Head Writer for Scholastic Entertainment’s Clifford’s Puppy Days.
While working on a Kids WB show called Generation O! she met children’s author James Proimos, who talked her into giving children’s books a try.
Thinking one day about Alice in Wonderland, she was struck by how pastoral the setting must seem to kids who, like her own, lived in urban surroundings. In New York City, you’re much more likely to fall down a manhole than a rabbit hole and, if you do, you’re not going to find a tea party. What you might find...? Well, that’s the story of Gregor the Overlander, the first book in her five-part series, The Underland Chronicles.
Suzanne also has a rhyming picture book illustrated by Mike Lester entitled When Charlie McButton Lost Power.
She currently lives in Connecticut with her family and a pair of feral kittens they adopted from their backyard.
The books she is most successful for in teenage eyes are the Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay. These books have won several awards, including the GA Peach Award.
Website: http://suzannecollinsbooks.com/

Waiting on Wednesday [2]

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming books we are looking forward to being released!

Here is my pick:

Title: Pulse (Pulse Trilogy #1)

Author: Patrick Carman

Expected publication date: February 26th, 2013

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Length: 320 pages (Hardcover)

From Goodreads: 

From New York Times bestselling author Patrick Carman, a teen fantasy-adventure of epic proportions. In 2051, some teens have a “pulse,” the power to move objects with their minds. Compulsively readable, with thrilling action scenes and a tender love story.

The year is 2051, and the world is still recognizable. With the help of her mysterious classmate Dylan Gilmore, Faith Daniels discovers that she can move objects with her mind. This telekinetic ability is called a “pulse,” and Dylan has the talent, too.

In riveting action scenes, Faith demonstrates her ability to use her pulse against a group of telekinesis masters so powerful they will flatten their enemies by uprooting street lights, moving boulders, and changing the course of a hurtling hammer so that it becomes a deadly weapon. But even with great talent, the mind—and the heart—can be difficult to control. If Faith wants to join forces with Dylan and save the world, she’ll have to harness the power of both.

Patrick Carman’s Pulse trilogy is a stunning, action-filled triumph about the power of the mind—and the power of love.

Why am I waiting?

As usual, I would wait for the cover alone. It is fascinating, isn't it? I'm obsessed with it. Besides, I've heard a lot about this author I'd really like to give him a try by reading this trilogy, so I'm really looking forward for this one. The idea of mind powers has always interested me, so I can't wait.

What do you think about Pulse?

What's your WOW? I'd love to read your thoughts. Speak your mind in the comment section below. If you follow me, I'll follow you back, just let me know in your comment.

Musing Mondays [2]

MUSING MONDAYS is a weekly event where MizB of Should Be Reading will ask a book/reading-related question, and you can answer with your own thoughts on the topic.

This week's musing asks several question, but you can pick just one, some of them or answer them all, the questions are:

1.- If you had to choose only 3 books to read forever, which ones would you choose? 

2.- Is there a character that you absolutely love but that you cannot get a good mental picture of? 

3.- Make a plea for your favorite book. Make others wanna read it! 

4.- If you could create a soundtrack for a book you’ve read recently, which songs would you use and why? 

5.- Do you read outside your preferred genre? Has your preferred genre changed?

6.- Do you have a favorite book/movie combination?

7.- Name a book that you thought you wouldn’t like much, but you ended up loving.

8.- If you were Book Czar of the world, is there one book you would like to require every kid to read? 

I'll pick the questions 1 & 5.

1.- If you had to choose only 3 books to read forever, which ones would you choose? 
My answer: This is a hard question, because I love reading new books and I wouldn't want to get tired of my favorites ones just by reading them too much. But I think I'll never stop loving:

Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

I think I'll never get tired of the Harry Potter series and since this one is my favorite of all of them, I'd be glad to read it until the end of times.

                                                              The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I loved this book so much! I've read it five times already and I still enjoy every moment of it, just like the first time, so I think this would be a good choice.

Old Magic by Marianne Curley
If you haven't read this one, you're missing something really great! It has everything I could ask for in a book. It is fast-paced, it has romance, magic, time-travel, adventures, it is well-written. I have read it two times, but I would love to read it over and over again.








5.- Do you read outside your preferred genre? Has your preferred genre changed?Do you read outside your preferred genre? Has your preferred genre changed
My answer: I've read so many genres I don't think I could name them all. I almost everything that comes into my hands (even the back of the cereal box). I love to find new genres and try new things, although I have my all-times preferred genres, such as Paranormal Romance and YA. However, my favorites change from time to time. For example, right now I'm really into Dystopian and Sci-Fi books. And before that I would have read anything with vampires on it. A while ago I was really into thrillers like Dan Brown's books. And before that I was in love with chick-lit like Sophie Kinsella's books. When I was younger I loved books about magic and adventures like Harry Potter and Narnia... So, you can say that I change my preferred genre quite often, but that doesn't mean that I like everything. There are certain type of books I've tried but didn't like such as Non-fiction or Christian books.

I would love to hear your thoughts, leave me a link with your Musing Monday or your answers on the comment section below. 

Have a nice week!