Cover Reveal: Rebel Spring

Hey Loves,

So I know for the past few months I haven't exactly been the best blogger in terms of memes, but I am trying to ease myself back into doing them, focussing mostly on the ones which interest me. I love beautiful covers and stumbled upon this one this week...

Rebel Spring (Falling Kingdoms #2) by Morgan Rhodes
Expected Release: December 3, 2013
Publisher: Razorbill
Genre: Fantasy, YA, Romance, Adventure
Pages (estimated): 432

Goodreads Summary

Auranos has been conquered and the three kingdoms — Auranos, Limeros, and Paelsia — are now unwillingly united as one country called Mytica. But alluring, dangerous magic still beckons, and with it the chance to rule not just Mytica, but the world...

CLEO is now a prisoner in her own palace, forced to be an ambassador for Mytica as the evil King Gaius lies to her people

MAGNUS stands to eventually inherit the new kingdom but is still obsessed with his feelings for his adopted sister Lucia

LUCIA is haunted by the outcome of the breathtaking display of magic that allowed her father to capture the kingdoms

JONAS watches at the palace gates, a troop of rebels behind him, waiting for him to tell them how he plans to overtake King Gaius

When Gaius announces that a road is to be built into the Forbidden Mountains, formally linking all of Mytica together, he sets off a chain of events that will forever change the face of this land. Because Gaius is not just burrowing into a pile of rock. He’s tunneling directly into the Watchers’ Sanctuary. And his actions will have cosmic consequences.

Praise for Falling Kingdoms

"[It] will gut you emotionally...make you ache, cry, and beg for the sequel as you turn the last page. I absolutely loved it.” —Julie Kagawa, New York Times bestselling author of The Iron Queen

"This triple-layered tale of bloodshed, heartbreak, and tangled court intrigue kept me turning pages very late into the night.”—Lesley Livingston, author of Wondrous Strange and Starling

"From an opening dripping with blood, magic, and betrayal through complex interweaving plots detailing treachery, deceit, and forbidden love, this novel...will immediately engage readers and keep them intrigued.” —Booklist

It sounds good, right? I haven't read Falling Kingdoms yet, but the consensus among most of my blogging friends seems to be that it is a book well worth reading! I have my fingers crossed for this series, it has loads of potential, and I see it doing well for itself. Have you read Falling Kingdoms, excited for Rebel Spring?

Let me know. Take care!

XX,

Review: From What I Remember by Stacy Kramer, Valerie Thomas

**Note: a copy of this book was provided via Netgalley - thank-you! - in exchange for an honest review.**

From What I Remember by Stacy Kramer, Valerie Thomas
My rating: 4 of 5 genies
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Romance, Adventure
Published: May 15, 2012
Series: None
Pages: 462
Publisher: Hyperion
Source: Netgalley
Format: eBook
Purchase: The BookDepository.com or Amazon.com

Goodreads Summary

KYLIE: Mexico? What a nightmare! I should be putting the finishing touches on my valedictorian speech. Graduation is TODAY! Wait! Is this a wedding band on my finger
MAX: It started with Kylie's laptop and a truck full of stolen electronics and it ended in Ensenada. It was hot, the way she broke us out like some chick in an action movie. But now we're stranded here, with less than twenty-four hours before graduation.
WILL: Saving Kylie Flores from herself is kind of a full-time occupation. Luckily, I, Will Bixby, was born for the job. And when I found out she was stuck in Mexico with dreamy Max Langston, sure, I agreed to bring their passports across the border - but there's no reason to rush back home right away. This party is just getting started.
LILY: This cannot be happening. It's like some cruel joke. Or a bad dream. I close my eyes and when I reopen them, they're still there. Max and Kylie Flores, freak of the century. In bed together. If Kylie thinks I'm giving him up without a fight, she's dead wrong.

My Thoughts

This book is just so fresh, it had humor, wit, and characters so loveable, that I just know I’m going to need a more permanent copy ASAP.


Hardback, that is, baby! Keeping it legit…

Thanks to the Publishers and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this title! I’ve wanted to read it for a while now, and this book ended up making me smile and “aw” in all the right places. I’ll do a rundown on the more memorable characters, just so you guys know who to watch out for, and an overall summary will be at the end.

Exhibit A: Kylie Flores, the main girl is anything but ordinary, and such a treat! She starts off majorly uptight, wanting to do an assignment even on the last day of school, and this is what ultimately lands her and Max - the other lead guy - in trouble, but Kylie lightens up by the end thankfully. I loved how smart she was, and how well she seems to manage stress. There are examples of her level-headedness throughout the book, the car-jacking incident being one, along with her brother’s Asperger’s; she has a lot on her plate. In her family, Kylie takes responsibility, mostly, and she manages not to be typical nerdette/braniac in personality despite being her high school’s Valedictorian. The girl had spunk, smarts and a voice that kept me reading, wanting more even past the end.

I especially love her and Will’s quirky habit of spouting off script from various movies, this was such an interesting facet to their characters and definitely played up their relationship in a really good light. You have to be good friends with someone to quote Pretty in Pink back and forth, amIright?? I also have to comment about her sense of humor: it’s quirky and I like it.

Exhibit B: Max Langston, you guessed it, the main guy, wasn’t what I expected either. He’s selfish and conceited, the jock who’d rather not care about anything or anyone but himself…until Kylie changes him. D’aww. Yeah, I’m a sucker for the romance and especially when it happens to be good. Kylie and Max together…these two are really good. Max, while trying to get Kylie’s laptop back from two thieves ends up in Ensenada, Mexico on the last day of high school. He didn’t mean to cross the border, but he’s stuck and both he and Kylie need to find a way home before graduation the next day, all while avoiding the same thieves from earlier.



This boy…he perplexes meh.

Max had me rooting for him when he was a decent human being; stepped up to the plate and acted like a man, but then I wanted to actively throttle him when he left everything to Kylie and spazzed like a little girl over a pimple when tensions ran high. Dude, are you for real. He could have been better then, and looking back, there really is little excuse for his douchey behaviour in the beginning; good thing he cuts that shit out fast. Max proves himself, and I love that he ends up falling for Kylie for her, he made me crush - hard - on him. *Grins* This is also a weird addition, but his curiosity is very winning, the respect he uses to approach Kylie’s culture makes me think that the two of them could work long-term. He might annoy some readers because of his whiny behaviour, however, I think his transformation overall should even things out.

Exhibit C: Lily. I will not bother with a last name, all you need to know is that Lily is the girl you hear about, the psychotic Queen B rarely perfected in YA fiction, this is her. My gosh…this girl bitched like it was a freaking national sport and she was going for platinum, forget bronze, silver, or gold! I flinched at her bitchiosity and had to concede that no other character really compares from any of my more recent reads. Even her semi-nice act at the end was laden with selfish motivation. Lily cares about Lily and she will do everything in her power to ensure that she is well taken care of. *Sigh* She’s a piece of work and manipulates the emotions of others to her benefit. This girl was so nasty to Kylie! There was no sympathy on my end for her situation.

There are people in this world who do not need to speak. I am firm in my belief that Anne Coulter is first and foremost one of them, Donald Trump being second, and Lily undoubtedly third.



Here guys, take it, duck-tape is on me. *Silence* Ah, that’s better.


Exhibit D: Will! I loved Will! He is by far my dearest fictional homosexual. He’s a bundle of life and humor, the authors did a great job with him. He also excels as Kylie’s wingman, this boy took Lily down. I am well pleased. Will’s personality added lightness to the whole book, I loved him.

Overall: This book is a solid 4 genies out of 5. I recommend it to Young Adults within the age bracket of 15 and up, it has sexual situations and rougher language, coarse, so be mindful. Like I mentioned, I want it semi-mandatory that Stacey Kramer and Valerie Thomas always collaborate together. They’re magic together and should make another book about Will, Max and Kylie’s adventures in college; this would make me very happy. Obviously, if I’m looking for a sequel then this book has to be worthwhile. Read it, and tell me what you loved/hated. I enjoyed it!

4 genies: A good read. I enjoyed this book, not quite loved, but it 

isn't far off from being amazing.

Blog Tour: Six Weeks to Yehidah by Melissa Studdard

Six Weeks to Yehidah by Melissa Studdard
My rating: 4 of 5 moons
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Adventure
Published: August 2, 2011
Pages: 170
Publisher: All Things That Matter Press
Source: Blog Tour
Format: eRead
Purchase At: Amazon.com

Goodreads Summary

"The thing you would notice most was the rain, how the rain fell and fell and never seemed to stop. The sky was constantly swollen with it, then birthing it, swollen, then birthing again, and the hills, like greedy babies, suckled up all that rain. They shone and glistened green as the backs of frogs on bright green lily pads.

Annalise was ten then, old enough that she’d begun thinking about grown up things, like picking her own clothes out for school, yet young enough, still, to indulge in fanciful imaginings of enchanted trees and talking hills. Her best friends were the clouds that canopied her village and the verdant hills that hosted her most precious and outrageous dreams."

As spunky young Annalise travels from one adventure to another, she learns ancient wisdom traditions and gains deeper and deeper insight into herself and her world. Eventually she must make the most important decision she's ever faced -- whether or not to return to the self she has always known.

The Review

Six Weeks to Yehidah is wonderfully written, I have to say that first, the words in this book were such a delight, I consumed them completely. Melissa Studdard has a whimsical prose with a great deal of wit and maturity; she captures readers easily and completely. This book reminded me of my childhood, because growing up, I was a huge fan of Enid Blyton. Let me tell you, the woman could write, and with such flourish and originality, her stories inspired me! Truthfully I have never felt so touched by a storyteller, like I was by her, in a long time. Six Weeks to Yehidah was great because Melissa Studdard literally became my adult Enid Blyton figure, she is so talented. I can see why the responses to Six Weeks to Yehidah are so positive, I loved it! 

Annalise is the perfect young protagonist for her inquisitive nature and smart mind, Mable and Mimi, her sheep, offer a great enhancement to the adventure. I liked that they could talk above the clouds, the magic and overall ingenuity captured me. Six Weeks to Yehidah could be a good read for anyone. There is a religious element to the story, I won't ruin it for anyone, but in no way did it interfere with my enjoyment or the book's progress. I laughed, reflected and relished the journey from start to finish; there isn't a way to dislike Six Weeks to Yehidah. If you haven't read it, find yourself a copy, I suggest it. Previous readers have compared this to works such as Wizard of Oz mainly because the concept of a journey is the same. There are a lot of contrary and absurdly peculiar characters in almost every page. Enid Blyton was a great author for all she brought to fiction. I believe that Melissa Studdard has all the makings of similar greatness. 4/5 moons!  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Melissa Studdard is theauthor of the bestselling novel Six Weeks to Yehidah, andits companion journal, My Yehidah (both on All Things That Matter Press). Since its August 2011 release, SixWeeks to Yehidah has been the recipient of many accolades, includingthe Forward National Literature Award and January Magazine's bestchildren's books of 2011. It was also named a finalist in the National IndieExcellence Awards and is a current finalist for the Readers Favorite Awards. Alongwith Scott Lutz, Melissa is co-author of For the Love of All (Trestle Press), which isthe fifth story in the Mark Miller’s One series and debuted inthe number one spot for Hot New Releases in Literary Criticism and Theory inthe Amazon Kindle store. As well, her poetry, fiction, essays, reviews, andarticles have appeared in numerous magazines, journals, and anthologies. Melissacurrently serves as a Reviewer-at-Large for The National Poetry Review,an editorial advisor for Lapis Lazuli Journal of The HaroldPinter Society of India, and a contributing editor for TiferetJournal. She is also the host of Tiferet Journal’s radio program,Tiferet Talk. Melissa received her MFA from Sarah Lawrence College andis a professor at a community college in Texas and a teaching artist at TheRooster Moans Poetry Cooperative.She currently resides inTexas with her wonderful daughter and their four sweet but mischievous cats. Learn more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melissa_Studdardor www.melissastuddard.com.

4 moons: A good read. I enjoyed this book, not quite loved, but it 

isn't far off from being amazing.

Review: The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

**Note: a copy of this book was provided via Netgalley - thank-you! - in exchange for an honest review. I also bought myself a copy beforehand, but still thought it a point to mention. :)


The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa
My rating: 5 of 5 genies
Genre: YA, Dystopian, Horror, Vampires, Romance, Adventure
Published: April 24, 2012
Pages: 485
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Source: Netgalley (Thank-you!) and Purchased
Format: eBook and Hardcover
Purchase At: The BookDepository.com or Amazon.com

Goodreads Summary

"In a future world, vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity."Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of "them." The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked--and given the ultimate choice. Die...or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend--a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what--and who--is worth dying for.

My Thoughts

The Immortal Rules was not what I expected. Honestly, I hadn't really given the book much thought following its release, besides a few shinning reviews and my awesome steal of a copy at Walmart; I got it for 8 bucks! Hardback. WIN!! Though, I was still hesitant to actually read it because the other book by Julie Kagawa - Iron Fey - did not leave me a happy camper. I was kind of pissed at this book actually, regarding it with all the affability usually awarded to stray cats or squatters. I have an addiction and buy cheap books whenever possible, so sue me, but now that the book was mine...what was I to do with it? Donate it to the orphanage? Let it decorate my shelves? None of those options really work for me. Good money was spent on this.



Deep in my mind I was unconsciously avoiding the book like the plague, Iron Fey was alright but took 2 readings for me to tolerate it, and there wasn't a need for a repeat of that. Still, my friends were going a little insane about this book's greatness, it's ability to cure cancer and whatnot; quite frankly they scared me a little, and so I figured giving it a try would validate not only our friendship, but also their sanity. Thank goodness, The Immortal Rules is certifiably 100% fresh!



Everything about this book is so good, it doesn't beg you to keep reading, you are the one begging for it not to end. Ever. I think I groaned a little in my hotel suite when the arrow on my Kindle wouldn't give me anymore pages. I wanted to throw it on the ground out of frustration, but in the end, I ended up cradling poor Tookie (my kindle) and crying like a giant just stole my lollipop. Ah, it still hurts to think about it!

Allie is incredible. Allie is so badass, she adds an entirely new facet to the definition. Like seriously, this girl? She will impress you. Allie is giving, vulnerable at instances, cautious and an all around admirable heroine. She goes above and beyond what I thought to expect of her, making me regret in a big way not having met her sooner. I love this girl, um...vampire, because she does not let her situation define her. Allie was Turned when she along with a couple of friends went in search of food amidst the Ruins, and her life is never the same. The world, not as it should be, is ruled by vampires in a system where humans trade blood and service in exchange for the vampire Master's protection and well-being. Living in the Fringes, Allison and three other friends defy the system and forage the remains of the world to survive. One night as their stocks continue to dwindle, a particular run through the Ruins promises to yield plentiful bounty, but the kids are ambushed and Rabids - viciously mad vampires infected with a disease tearing the world apart - intercept the group before they can make it back to their Haven in the City.

Everyone ends up dead - supposedly - and Allie is on the brink of perishing when a Master vampire, Kanin, offers her a choice: Die, or Survive on as a Vampire, the species she detests? It happens that years of having to look thrice behind her back and scavenge for everything has made Allison quite the survivor, guess which way that pendulum swung? Yeah.



I was expecting a lot of self-loathing post her Turning. Not going to lie, a part of me dreaded the assumed angst to come. This is how I saw it happening:

Typical newly Turned Vamp: 'Ah, I'm a monster, I eat people and crap."

100 pages further into the book. The character still hasn't moved, she's in shock still.

Typical newly Turned Vamp *speaking around the jug-full of blood currently in their mouth*: Gosh. My life, like, will never be the same again.

Post another 100 pages, nothing has still happened. Is there a trend here? If this character moves, we have reached the climax!

I will not lie to you, if that happened, I would have killed something. Or myself. More likely the first option is true, turns out, Allie and I have that in common, the want for survival. That, or I'd be too lazy to actually enact violence...Meh. I settle for this:


Works like a dream!


Luckily, there was none of that! Not really. She, Allie, was more so resigned to what she had become and focussed on learning how best to understand, cum sustain her immortality. The beginning of this book was decent, but it was seeing Allie become a vampire and her interactions with Kanin - do I smell a love interest? - that really piqued my interest. It was great that Julie Kagawa acknowledged the wear of this particular genre, vampires have been done to death, and didn't assume the audience ignorant of the supernatural being's abilities or weaknesses. In fact, I would go so far as to say that she enhanced those weaknesses by backing them with real emotions and motives; Kagawa was kind of amazing, in everything, really, and I couldn't let go of Tookie for fear of missing out on the adventure.

I took my kindle everywhere and read in each place imaginable, the restaurant, food court, shopping mall and bathroom. Everywhere, this book demanded my attention. Which brings me to another equally intriguing factor: the plot and its characters, both were very well done and overall consistent to the point of near perfection. I won't spoil anything, but know that the characters really helped make my reading better. All of them, Jeb, Zeke (insert a million hearts here), Allie, Kanin, and even Ruth contributed in a huge way; they were alive to me and when something bad or good happened to them, I had to care. What kind of person would I be if I didn't?

Zeke is special to me because of his nature and the way his character progressed; there was a great deal of progression seen from both him and Allie, and the good little Preacher's son became a very worthy leader, one of the best I've seen in Dystopian YA. His heart touched me as did Allie's, and the two of them being together brings hope for the desolate world in which they live. Is it naive of me to think that as long as Zeke or Allie are there, the world cannot possibly fall? Now I'm just getting sentimental.



Overall, I guess my opinion cannot make anyone love this book as much as I did, not necessarily, and some may find reason to complain in places I did not, that is fine. This is just a review, nothing more, and this is me clocking in to say that I FREAKING LOVE EVERY BIT OF THE IMMORTAL RULES! In every way, this book is stupendous.

The Immortal Rules was innovative, exciting and everything from the well-spun plot, fabulous characters and great world building left me with a huge sense of satisfaction and definite plans to get my hand on that sequel. I'm dying to know what happens, is the cure for Rabidism found, what happens to Kanin...Gimme, Gimme. So... I'm a fan now, of Julie Kagawa and this book, and I guess that means my $8 was well spent. I'll be reading more of this author. Lots of love!

5 genies: WOWZA. Yes, this is that book, the book you've been looking for! 

You need this novel in your life, take it from me. 

Review (The Skinny) : Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
My rating: 4.5 of 5 genies
Genre: YA, Dystopian, Science Fiction, Romance, Adventure
Published: September 1, 2009
Pages: 391
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Source: Purchased
Format: Hardcover
Purchase At: TheBookDepository.com or Amazon.com

Goodreads Summary

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 should 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 create.

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 the 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.

The Skinny

So worth everything. Collins is the ultimate Gamemaster and Catching Fire is equal part heart and adventure. I love every single one of these characters and I am well invested in them; the Games felt realer than ever for me and I truly applaud everyone forced to participate for all their strong will. I love you Katniss. I love you Peeta. And Collins? I love you too.

Now give me my sequel, woman!

One helluva a read, spectacular in the very most parts, tugging rightly at the heartstrings, this book will warm your heart as it did with mine.

 

Review: The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
My rating: 4.5 of 5 genies
Genre: YA, Magic, Fantasy, Adventure, Romance
Published: September 20, 2011
Pages: 424
Publisher: Greenwillow
Source: Library Loan
Format: Hardcover
Purchase At: TheBookDepository.com or Amazon.com

Goodreads Summary

Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness.

Elisa is the chosen one.

But she is also the younger of two princesses, the one who has never done anything remarkable. She can't see how she ever will.

Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king—a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.

And he's not the only one who seeks her. Savage enemies seething with dark magic are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people's savior. And he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake.

Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn’t die young.

Most of the chosen do.

My Thoughts

I actually enjoyed that. Like really, this book is the schiz official and a more detailed review will come in a few days. 4.5 genies and a total fave. OOOH, I LOVE THIS BOOK!

Update: Bear with me, I have the worst headache ever, the weather is absolutely the PITS and I just realized that I can't go see Hunger Games come out. In case you were wondering, yes, this does happen to amount to the worst possible scenario ever; my life sucks extremely. BUT I noticed that I'm a bit behind on reviews, as in it's been a while since I typed one out in sufficient detail. Well, better late than ever!

However, my current state of being aside, I actually liked this, the book was inspirational to me mainly because I know Elisa - she was me and I was she - that type of thing. And being unhappy with yourself as well as feeling like you're letting everyone else down by being the way you are is probably something most of us could identify with. Everyone's been there, unless you just don't care what anyone thinks and to that I say: "Hey, friend! Your life must have been a heck of a lot easier than mine!"



"To the bat mobile!"

Heh, I couldn't resist.

Yes? Oh, you know you giggled!

Haha, but without me going all Tyra Banks on y'all about self-esteem and its importance, I trust that you get my point? Good, because someone in this conversation has to! *Sigh* We were talking about characters, right?

Good...

The characters were all phenomenal, like really, most of my enjoyment throughout this read came from them, they were brilliant! Like they were flawed and I liked it :D Elisa had self-concept issues, body issues - don't we all - but she was so SMART! I was like, "Girl, don't worry about a thing, you have brains!" but that didn't matter as much because in our day and age what is on the outside counts for a lot more.Screw the Universe. I did mention I would be snarky right? You've been warned twice...

The plot was excellent in that it had a pace that carried the story through heartbreak and happiness without rushing over important aspects or dragging through on anything. My respect is for Carson's storytelling ability and her learned grasp of what it means to tell a story effectively; forgive my gushing, but I kind of love this woman! However, and to be fair, I should mention two things which bothered me, one of which happens to be a spoiler so take care:

1. SPOILER: Humberto died!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME, CARSON!?! Why kill that precious little boy, it makes no sense to me and I'm still grieving. Hector better be worth Humberto's death!



Yes I said it! I want my sequel and I want it now, darn it!

2. This book happens to be categorized as "Christian Fantasy/Fiction" and whilst I will agree that there are elements of religion and that the consistent mentioning of a "God" does occur, "His will" aside it is not made apparent what God Elisa and everyone else worships. Their God is embroiled in sorcery and a different kind of spiritualism, it cannot be immediately categorized as Christian!

Deep breath...



It didn't seem right. If the religion, so central to the story that multiple civil wars are triggered due to discrepancies in its interpretation, never is fully specified please do not automatically make the assumption that it must be Christianity implied. Christianity does not happen without Jesus and the Bible sans belief in eternal life, repentance of sins and the Holy Trinity; it doesn't get anymore simple than that.

That said, it wasn't so horribly inaccurate to the point where I felt dreadfully offended. Rather, I understood the mix-up and kind of just went with it. The setting is enthralling and there's this whole Eastern/Arabic feel to the time and places Elisa and her friends visit that ultimately left me with a sense of nostalgia. I felt a little like Princess Jasmine on Alladin's magical carpet...



A whole new world!!!

Haha, so there it is! Please, please, please forgive the jumbled fashion in which I covered this review! As I said, today hasn't been ideal but I hope I at least managed to convey a general feel of The Girl of Fire and Thorns. Ultimately Elisa's story is one of transformation. Not only does she go about a very unintentional change outwardly, but also one within. At the beginning she stole much of my sympathy because having been in similar position, I know it's hard to see yourself as worth something especially when everyone's betting on you to fail. She just proves that you can't give up on you, ever, and sometimes change happens without consent, that doesn't mean it wasn't for the better!

Notice how the romance aspect kind of takes second to Elisa's growth? Yeah, I think that should say something. I became more invested in the character rather than the romance (s) - yes there are multiple - and honestly she has my affection forever because of just how relateable she was. This book is very, very special and I want my sequel.

Hear that, Carson? Order up!!

(Pretty please...??)

One helluva a read, spectacular in the very most parts and tugs rightly at the heartstrings, this book will warm your heart as it did with mine. 

Review: The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore

The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore
My rating: 4 of 5 genies
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Aliens, Romance, Adventure
Published: August 23, 2011
Pages: 406
Publisher: HarperCollins
Source: Library Loan
Format: Hardcover
Purchase At: TheBookDepository.com or Amazon.com

Goodreads Summary 

I've seen him on the news. Followed the stories about what happened in Ohio. John Smith, out there, on the run. To the world, he's a mystery. But to me . . . he's one of us.

Nine of us came here, but sometimes I wonder if time has changed us—if we all still believe in our mission. How can I know? There are six of us left. We're hiding, blending in, avoiding contact with one another . . . but our Legacies are developing, and soon we'll be equipped to fight. Is John Number Four, and is his appearance the sign I've been waiting for? And what about Number Five and Six? Could one of them be the raven-haired girl with the stormy eyes from my dreams? The girl with powers that are beyond anything I could ever imagine? The girl who may be strong enough to bring the six of us together?

They caught Number One in Malaysia.
Number Two in England.
And Number Three in Kenya.
They tried to catch Number Four in Ohio—and failed.

I am Number Seven. One of six still alive.

And I'm ready to fight.

My Thoughts

Easily 4 genies, I enjoyed this, but there are some plot-holes and character-suckery that I shall get to in the review to come. It's an intriguing read from start to finish; spent my whole study-day (Saturday) on this!

Update!!!

I liked this, obviously since I spent a great deal of time flipping through pages, BUT there were some issues that made me halt several times. It was strange, because there I was having this great experience and suddenly all the character mess-up's made me pull back from the enthral and be like, "Whoa boy, what the heck son, are you for serious??" Yeah, I could've done without that.

Here's what bothered me: (beware of spoilers? I kind of went spoiler crazy, sorry, and shall mark the afflicted areas as such.)

1. Six's eyes were absolutely unfathomable!! You have no idea how freaking frustrating it is to be reading and then having to stop because the characters you happen to be reading about have undefinable features. Her eyes. What people look at. Is it really that hard to settle on one colour, Pittacus Lore?

I mean JohnFour thinks they look blue/hazel. Which is a contradiction in itself as blue is well blue, and hazel is greenish/brown. Marina draws them grey, she dreams them grey like a storm. Either I am severely missing something - and please correct me if I am - but something isn't making sense...

And it's totally unfair to Six's badassary, because the girl is awesome, Lore should've done a better job with her and edited more. I love her though, way more than John!

2. Spoiler: Oh this was rich! Suddenly, John loves Six too?? What is going on here!? It was bad enough with Sarah, I actually split my side laughing at their meeting in the park when he had to be like:

"Girl, I loves you. I is Lorien, I only does this once! It's you, homie, fo' sure!!"

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!

Oh right. Anyone else call bull on that, or is it just me? I think the writers were really going for a love triangle, in fact I'm positive of that, and they pretty much flung character integrity to the side. Sarah turned John in shocker pretty much showing her true colours and John begins to "fall" for Six. Even though it was so weird to consider/accept/divulge. Don't get me wrong, I've seen the movie and in there I was rooting for John and Six to get together; here however, and with the circumstances being as they are, I am seriously forced to reconsider. It isn't fair that John gets everything, he doesn't even know what he wants.

3. Someone please explain to me exactly why the BAMF Mog, Setrakus Ra, did not snuff out those two on sight?!?! Is John not number four, and are his people (or whatever's left of them) not a threat to this other dude's civilization?? Instead he stands there flashing the other medallions like some show-piece model. L.A.M.E. and the pansiest move if ever; everyone's there making a giant deal about him landing and he just lets them go. What am I supposed to do with that??

Excuse me while I break into DBZ distinction for a moment, since we are dealing with extraterrestrial beings, the comparison makes sense to me. Say Frieza (a bad mother-chucker) encountered Goku (the good guy) - or even Vegeta (a somewhat goodguy, an antihero actually) - upon landing on earth, he would promptly fry their testicles. And heads. And everything else also! That is what villains do, this is how they are!! Instead that Setrakus Ra fella lets them go, like a mofo, Nappa could have done better! And that my friend, is probably the biggest insult. Because Nappa sucks worse than anyone else, period.

And the DBZ cannon aside, shouldn't something more have happened upon their encounter at the end? It left me hanging and expecting so much more than what I got.

4. Spoiler: So...now there're seven of them? Like really, Pittacus Lore, this is what you're going to spring? Alright. Fine. I just hope this addition does something other than confuse the fudge out of everything else. Oh, shoot! Too late.

5. Spoiler: What was with the introduction of Olivia? What did that do?? Nothing. She showed up, for like a minute, got bitten by piken and then died. Such a waste, especially since I was linking her in my mind to the cat Marina found a few chapters ago; there is absolutely no development however, she just meets a cat, the cat is not Olivia and Olivia ends up dead. Why?

-----------------------[INSERT FACEPALM HERE]---------------------------

And I guess that's most of it! Some other things were harder to place visually - say for instance that secret compartment/sundial that was supposed to be Sam's dad's office - but that never quite hindered my reading as much as the listed above did. So I guess what I'm getting at here is that it's a book worth the read. If you're looking for something interesting, pick this up, I'm looking forward to the next installment..."as we speak"? Can I really say that?

----------------------[INSERT SECOND FACEPALM HERE]-------------------

Anyway, I'm invested, I'll read the next one, but if you happen to be super picky about details/character traits The Power of Six might leave you hungry and not in the best sense. The plot is decent and coupled with other factors, it isn't a bad book, I'm marking this a strong 4/5 genies.

A good read. I enjoyed this book, not quite loved, but it 

isn't far off from being amazing.

Review: Blood Promise by Richelle Mead

Blood Promise by Richelle Mead
My rating: 4.5 of 5 genies
Genre: YA+, Urban Fantasy, Magic, Vampires, Adventure, Romance
Published: August 25, 2009
Pages: 503
Publisher: Razorbill
Source: Library Loan
Format: Paperback
Purchase At: TheBookDepository.com or Amazon.com

Goodreads Summary

Rose Hathaway's life will never be the same.

The recent attack on St. Vladimir's Academy devastated the entire Moroi world. Many are dead. And, for the few victims carried off by Strigoi, their fates are even worse. A rare tattoo now adorns Rose's neck, a mark that says she's killed far too many Strigoi to count. But only one victim matters . . . Dimitri Belikov. Rose must now choose one of two very different paths: honoring her life's vow to protect Lissa—her best friend and the last surviving Dragomir princess—or, dropping out of the Academy to strike out on her own and hunt down the man she loves. She'll have to go to the ends of the earth to find Dimitri and keep the promise he begged her to make. But the question is, when the time comes, will he want to be saved?

Now, with everything at stake—and worlds away from St. Vladimir's and her unguarded, vulnerable, and newly rebellious best friend—can Rose find the strength to destroy Dimitri? Or, will she sacrifice herself for a chance at eternal love?

My Thoughts

Why I liked this book: Duh, It's by Richelle Mead! Seriously you guys should be asking how I could not like this next installment in the Vampire Academy series. It was an engrossing ride with loads of ups and trademark Hathaway humor and I adored how the truth of Zmey came out. Smokey's on toast! That was a delightful surprise and I loved having him in this book. I also enjoyed:

- Olena, she was everything that I expected Dimitri's mother to be and more. Let me point out that my thoughts at the beginning and in regards to the blood whores in general swayed more towards images of a cave/ primitive society comprised of scantily clad women converged to take care of their illegitimate babies, and occasionally participate in skeevy unprotected sex. Hey, let the imagination be! But yes, that is what came to mind and I don't blame myself for thinking that way.

Everyone in the VA world is always talking about how slutty and cheap they are! And yet Olena was just sweet and awesome. Loved her.

- Bahaha! I could not live without Yeva in this book! The Woman is boss, my friends! She's just so capable and mysterious...I can't wait for more of her. Also the hell she put Rose through? Absolutely priceless.

- The overall connection between the girls, Rose and Lissa. It was really touching to see that Rose still took the time to check up on her friend and the fact that they really missed each other was made very evident. These two are the best friends, ever.

- How can I not mention Abe? Guy is a pimp-master general. Period. If for nothing else people should pick this next book strictly to find out more about him, really, it will be well worth it.


What I didn't like: Honestly? The lenght. I don't think that this book needed to be 500+ pages, and I realize that some do, but a lot of time and ink could have been saved if the action got along sooner. Sydney's presence was necessary for the world-building aspect and the introduction of the Alchemist's as a Strigoi-clean-up service/M.I.B.-type organization, but not for much else; and actually I found her pretty annoying.

Chicks who whine about being size 2 grate on my nerves in ways that you cannot imagine. When you're on an 800 calorie diet and trying to lose a minimum of 30 pounds by the end of the year? You can talk. Watching her dance over food when she was more than tiny became very irritating. Instead of feeling compassion/pity for her obvious lack in self-esteem I wanted to start my flamethrower. True story.

- I also hated seeing Dimitri this way, as a Strigoi, man it killed me. I have so many feelings for him that reading him dark and twisted wrenched like a knife. I want Dimka back! The dynamics of his relationship with Rose were also altered and when they were together I didn't know what to feel. Here was this Strigoi, but he was so much like Dimitri sometimes that hating him was impossible. I get why it must have been so hard for Rose!

H.M. (honorable mention): Goes to Yeva and Abe, because characters like these make a book stellar.

P.A.(problem areas): Like I mentioned, the length leaves much to be desired, but all in all this book was far from bad.

Rating: 4.5 genies :)

Review: Guardian of the Gate by Michelle Zink

Guardian of the Gate by Michelle Zink
My rating: 3 of 5 genies
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Magic, Historical, Adventure, Romance
Published: August 1, 2010
Pages: 352
Publisher: Little, Brown Books For Young Readers
Source: Library Loan
Format: Hardcover
Purchase At: TheBookDepository.com or Amazon.com

Goodreads Summary

The ultimate battle between sisters is nearing, and its outcome could have catastrophic consequences. As sixteen year-old Lia Milthorpe searches for a way to end the prophecy, her twin sister Alice hones the skills she'll need to defeat Lia. Alice will stop at nothing to reclaim her sister's role in the prophecy, and that's not the only thing she wants: There's also Lia's boyfriend James.

Lia and Alice always knew the Prophecy would turn those closest to them against them. But they didn't know what betrayal could lead them to do. In the end, only one sister will be left standing.

My Thoughts

Alright so while the threat of my finding a new Motherboard has my old one spooked, let me hurry and churn out this review! I won't go into detail but know that this is the third time that I've sat here in the attempt to write this up. I don't know why but whenever I get close to finishing my computer just blinks off. Yes, it is VERY annoying and if it doesn't start putting its act together I will go down to Staples and replace it.

*whispers crossly to computer* "You know that new model I showed you? Yea, well it's gonna replace YOU! No it wasn't for my mother, it's for ME! Now if you know what's good for you, you'll behave."

*Ahem* My apologies that you had to see that folks, you caught me as I was reinforcing some discipline into my delinquent Motherboard. It won't happen again, I assure you. So moving on.

I didn't hate this book, in fact it was decent, but that's just the thing; I love the concept of this series and it escaped me as to why this book should be anything short of amazing. I hold the curse of the second book responsible because I cannot fault Mrs. Zink. The failings come through poor plot decisions and dry characters, they all felt so very stoic to me and as though nothing really was happening.

The first book I was terrified of the Souls and here I wasn't the least bit frightened. They seemed sad. Not the 'let me hold you' sad, but the 'I can see why you haven't been able to escape yet,' sad. Sad as in pathetic. They should have been menacing! There should have been blood. Why wasn't there blood?

I waited and hoped my hardest that this book would really be 'better' like so many others claimed, but it wasn't. Lia became a hypocritical and indecisive prude, the very worst kind. I mean seriously who's it gonna be, James or Dimitri? Or Philip who looks to have a major case of pedophilia but a crush regardless. She can't decide and it makes me as the reader incapable of sympathizing with her.

My love life as it stands is nonexistent, no men, no guy friends, Nada. I blame school. I've been studying non-stop that I can't really be bothered, and yet I know that if guys like Dimitri had the awesome Hots for me, there wouldn't be a question as to whether I accept him! James is soiled goods, sorry bud but the Alice thing is just too much. You couldn't handle 8 months apart? I would understand if maybe they were unsure as to whether she was alive or not, but everyone knows she is living! Why couldn't he wait?

She promised to come back and no matter the reason I cannot justify your decision to cozy up to resident evil, a.k.a, Alice. There is no coming back from that, my friend! People survive years apart and a few months here managed to rip true 'love' apart? Unbelievable. That is why I think Dimitri better for Lia, because he would wait and he would not give up. Ever.

There was so much more that could have happened with Dimitri also and I felt like we just knew him for his qualities and not as a character. His romance with Lia happened swiftly and I was okay with that. What I wasn't okay with was Lia after a steamy make-out session, thinking about JAMES. Like she's having her conscience pricked or something, but a lot less realistic. I didn't buy it. She wants Dimitri and I promise to howl if she returns to the man possibly in love with her sister! I am not a fan of that because I know, (God forbid), that were I in her shoes I would not only kill James, but tear my sister limb from limb.

Alice has crossed TOO many lines! Enough with her getting away with everything, and enough with Lia being so dull that I cannot fight for her as much as I want to. She is too proper at times and in other parts, overly vivacious; strike a balance! I missed the Lia of book one and am not a fan of this one because it is drab and moody and not exciting enough.

The setting was uninspiring to say the least and I pushed myself to finish. I kept asking where the gothic feel was, the mystery? It felt very structured in a bad way, and unsure.

However the 3-genie rating is for the love and hope I have in this series. I will read the last book because I want to see it all play out and I am sure it'll be every bit better than the first.

*Fingers crossed*

P.S: In regards to Alice, despite my hatred for her I could not help missing her presence. Alice's life just seemed much more interesting than Lia's and you my dears, have no idea as to how greatly that worries me! She was up to a lot of things and I hope the next book will have the sisters in closer proximity and not only at the end. Someone should keep an eye on that girl and I am speaking of someone more competent than Aunt Virginia.

Review: A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray
My rating: 3.5 of 5 genies
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Magic, Paranormal, Adventure, Mystery
Published: December 9, 2003
Pages: 403
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Source: Library Loan
Format: Paperback
Purchase At: TheBookDepository.com or Amazon.com

Goodreads Summary

A Victorian boarding school story, a Gothic mansion mystery, a gossipy romp about a clique of girlfriends, and a dark other-worldly fantasy--jumble them all together and you have this complicated and unusual first novel.
Sixteen-year-old Gemma has had an unconventional upbringing in India, until the day she foresees her mother's death in a black, swirling vision that turns out to be true. Sent back to England, she is enrolled at Spence, a girls' academy with a mysterious burned-out East Wing. There Gemma is snubbed by powerful Felicity, beautiful Pippa, and even her own dumpy roommate Ann, until she blackmails herself and Ann into the treacherous clique. Gemma is distressed to find that she has been followed from India by Kartik, a beautiful young man who warns her to fight off the visions. Nevertheless, they continue, and one night she is led by a child-spirit to find a diary that reveals the secrets of a mystical Order. The clique soon finds a way to accompany Gemma to the other-world realms of her visions "for a bit of fun" and to taste the power they will never have as Victorian wives, but they discover that the delights of the realms are overwhelmed by a menace they cannot control. Gemma is left with the knowledge that her role as the link between worlds leaves her with a mission to seek out the "others" and rebuild the Order. A Great and Terrible Beauty is an impressive first book in what should prove to be a fascinating trilogy.

My Thoughts

Plot: 4

Cover: 4.5: I can't get over the fact that the model looks strikingly like Alexa Vega, from behind!

Characters: 2.5

Setting: 4

Rating: 3.5 genies

Did I forget to mention earlier? These kids are kind of messed.



See??

But before I delve headlong into the negatives, let me begin by pointing out what I liked about A Great and Terrible Beauty:

- I enjoyed Gemma and her dry humor and at times, she took me by surprise with her wit.
- The setting was perfectly historical and the time period proved itself to be a chilling escape once I convinced myself to sit down long enough to read through it.
- Libba Bray's writing is captivating and I found little trouble navigating through her world.
-Kartik's mysterious character left me intrigued.
- The humorous bits in some places of the book and scenarios involving certain characters had me in stitches, see my H.M. (honorable mention) below for more detail.

And now for the bad:

-Ann and Pippa proved to be by far the most irritating female characters I have ever encountered. Ann was this ungrateful suck-up, clinging to every rich and influential person within a 5m radius, determined to use people every bit to her advantage as possible, and more specifically Gemma. It was a wonder that Gemma repeatedly went out on a limb for her! Oh, and I hated her annoying crush on Tom. She thinks so highly of herself that it makes my skin crawl, and I needed to put the book aside for a minute or two whenever her cringe-worthy habits began to rear their ugly head; it was that bad.

Whereas, Pippa was just hard to understand and I am not 100% sure Ms. Bray knew what to do with her either. At times she was cruel and in an instant, childish or gentle. Don't think that I cannot hear you people out there crying: "Tis the mark of a truly round character to change!" Because I can, and you are all wrong. These traits did not do anything for the book, and in my opinion just served to puzzle the reader. [ I actually found myself feeling relieved about her death because that meant one less headache for me! Now if only Ann would die... (hide spoiler)]

- The almost completely one-sided relationship between Kartik and Gemma was ridiculous! Man, what did it consist of again? Oh, yes. One kiss on her part and then multiple hot-flash dreams again strictly from Gemma? It was sad, not in an endearing way that promised their togetherness, but in a "I need a good romance where the main guy actually knows the girl exists and doesn't so obviously want her friend," sad. I shall need to cleanse myself later with a good and real romance.

If there had been more interaction between the two I wouldn't have minded as much, but there wasn't. So am I to believe that he knew about those dream encounters and chose simply not to act on them? It is never clarified and his feelings for her are still very much shrouded.

- The true and simple way in which Ms. Bray goes about contradicting herself is truly awful. It made no sense to me why a worker of Circe would tell Gemma the truth about defeating her master, let alone help her by giving her the key to destroying itself? I liked the aspect of her meeting her mother to cope through her death...but then Bray ruined it by throwing everything up in the air for some minor shock-value. Not worth it!

- I also disliked how long it took for the action to begin. Nothing happened until 200 pages into the book and that should never be the case, ever. I should have been swept away at max, page 50/80.

- One thing in particular that bothered me was how forced the relationship between the four girls appeared, not for a second did I believe they were true friends and that little scene with the deer only proved me more right. Friends trust each other and believe the best in the other, striving to bring those qualities to light so that more than just they may see the brilliance of which their friend is capable. These girls used each other; whether it be for companionship, recognition, access to the power or flighty wishes, it was all about what they could gain from the other.

The sad thing is that Gemma still considers them her friends. Anyone else notice something wrong?


With the positives and negatives laid bare, I can only say that there is still hope for this series yet and I look forward to the next installment. I want to see what else could possibly go wrong, and hopefully witness a real relationship between Gemma and Kartik. Hey, Disney did say to dream.

Last but not least, H.M. (honorable mention): Can go to no other but Sally Carnie. She redeemed so much of this book for me, I cannot begin to explain with sleep behind my eyelids because I would never do her justice. But that scene with her and Gemma in the forest? Priceless.

I couldn't make my mind up about you, you were almost there, almost perfect, but overall something was missing. Still a special piece of literature, though, 3 and a half genies.

Review: Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren

Waterfall by Lisa Tawn Bergren
My rating: 5 of 5 genies
Genre: YA, Fiction, Fantasy, Time Travel, Historical, Adventure, Romance, Inspirational
Published: February 1, 2011
Pages: 369
Publisher: David C. Cook
Source: Library Loan
Format: Paperback
Purchase At: TheBookDepository.com or Amazon.com

Goodreads Summary

What do you do when your knight in shining armor lives, literally, in a different world?

Most American teenagers want a vacation in Italy, but the Betarrini sisters have spent every summer of their lives among the romantic hills with their archaelogist parents. Stuck among the rubble of the medieval castles in rural Tuscany, on yet another hot, dusty archaeological site, Gabi and Lia are bored out of their minds...until Gabi places her hand atop a handprint in an ancient tomb and finds herself in fourteenth-century Italy. And worse yet, in the middle of a fierce battle between knights of two opposing forces.

Suddenly Gabi's summer in Italy is much, much more interesting.

My Thoughts

This is an excellent first book in the River of Time series, so much so that even before I finished reading - 2/4 of the way through - I knew that I needed to request my library for the last two.

Gabby is intelligent, I can't possibly count how many times this was stressed, the girl is smart. She speaks Latin and knows how to sword fight. A little too convenient for the whole transported back to Medieval times aspect of the story? Yes, but at least it was made clear that she knew these skills prior to time travel. Gabi did not miraculously pick up said abilities in Marcello's time period, becoming boss-awesome at everything, nstead she always knew how and the skill happened to come in handy. I want to leave it at that. Because I appreciate a little convenience sometimes a little not a lot and I enjoy a writer giving me the benefit of, well, having a brain. Thanks for that, Bergren!

I've actually read another book by her, Captain's Bride and didn't like that one much at all. The characters were all so back-biting there and seemed so selfish. So when I realized this and that book were by the same author, there was a little hesitance. Previous experience made me wary - I only got as far as 1/3 of the way with Captain's Bride - but my preconceptions were proved incorrect as this work is unique and, thankfully, much better!

I'm not going to criticize overly this literature because honestly I enjoyed it, I really did. The characters are heavily realistic and the setting seems very true to Medieval century. Save a few inconsistencies. I liked the details added and that made the story more authentic, like the no indoor plumbing bit - gross but necessary! - the tub-bathing (literally) and the basic grossness of men back then. Needless to say, some were without manners? Nasty!

Marcello and Luca (love that name!) were gems among men. Actually, I never thought either was perfect per se. I believed they were well-mannered, sensitive very attractive but not perfect. These are the kind of guys I would not mind having around!

Another thing I would like to draw attention to is the romance; I felt it was very believable, there was the whole insta-attraction thing, but with Marcello who can really blame Gabs? She was attracted to him, that was certain It was satisfying that at the end Gabi was still kinda figuring out her feelings for him and it's the kind of love I see lasting.

All in all I am very eager to see what happens in Cascade, how they explain the time travel to their mother and how Gabi/Lia get back! I couldn't put this book down for anything, the politics were interesting and enlightening. I recommend this to anyone in need of a good Historical Romance. This is it!

----------------------------------- 5/5 genies! ---------------------------

Some things that annoyed me: Possible SPOILERS ahead!!!!!

- I understood Lia's need to get back, I mean that period in time was as unpredictable as buck! What with people being beheaded at every what-instance and the Bubonic Plague, killing people off as well as Bloody Mary could, I sympathized being anywhere near a place like that would freak anyone out. BUT. I hated how whiny she was about getting back!

Lia: "Ah, let's go home, Gabs, mom's probably worried blah blah blah blah and we need to get back before we blah blah with the space-time continuum."

Judith: *Duck tapes Lia to dungeon* "Shut it, Lia! She's staying."

Like really, all the girl cared about was getting home to a barely-there mother. What with her obsession with finding the tombs secrets, she would hardly feel their absence, this is what I was led to believe.

*Sigh* She even wanted Gabriella going to the tombs after knowing about her conflicted emotions with Marcello! Ugh, it just made her come off as blessedly human and selfish. So many emotions for this book! Trust me when I say, you need to pick yourself a copy, STAT!