It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

"It's Monday! What Are You Reading?" is hosted by One Person's Journey Through a World of Books. Each week I will spotlight the books I am reading, planning on reading, or just finished reading.

 Finshed: 

"The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins

& "The Godess Test" by Aimee Carter

Every girl who has taken the test has died.

Now it's Kate's turn.

It's always been just Kate and her mom--and now her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.

Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld--and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.

Kate is sure he's crazy--until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess.

If she fails...

{My Review}

Reading Now:

"Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins

& "Lost Voices" by  Sarah Porter

           

                                         

Up Next:

"Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins

& "TheVespertine" by Saundra  Mitchell 

It’s the summer of 1889, and Amelia van den Broek is new to Baltimore and eager to take in all the pleasures the city has to offer. But her gaiety is interrupted by disturbing, dreamlike visions she has only at sunset—visions that offer glimpses of the future. Soon, friends and strangers alike call on Amelia to hear her prophecies. However, a forbidden romance with Nathaniel, an artist, threatens the new life Amelia is building in Baltimore. This enigmatic young man is keeping secrets of his own—still, Amelia finds herself irrepressibly drawn to him.

When one of her darkest visions comes to pass, Amelia’s world is thrown into chaos. And those around her begin to wonder if she’s not the seer of dark portents, but the cause.

What are you reading?

The Friday 56

The Firday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice

Rules:*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56.
*Find any sentence that grabs you.
*Post it.
*Link it to Freda's blog.

It's that simple.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

This just happened to be the closest book to me at the time and also what I'm currently reading.

Page 56:

"The rich people who back tributes-either because they're betting on them or simply for bragging rights of picking a winner-expect someone classier then Haymitch to deal with."

Waiting On Wednesday

"Waiting On" is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week I am waiting on:

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

I'm so exited...who's with me?!! WooHoo....20 more days!! I can't wait to read this book. I loved the other books in this series. I have yet to read the Clockwork Prince but trust me it's on my TBR list.

Tell me what you're waiting on this week!

Teaser Tuesday!

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

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page 
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) 
• Share the Title & Author, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

"Lying off to the side of my massive bed was Henry, dressed in a silk robe and pajama bottoms, a thick novel in his hand. Instead of saying hello or apologizing, he glanced at me like I'd interrupted a good part."

Page127 of "The Goddess Test" by Aimee Carter

I'm loving this book!

* I received an e-copy of this book from NetGalley for review purposes.

Book Review: The Clone Codes by The McKissacks

~ Title: The Clone Codes

~ Authors: Patricia, Fredrick, & John McKissack

~ Publisher: Scholastic Press

~ Release Date: February 1, 2010

~ Source: I won this book from GoodReads First Reads giveaway program

~ Recommend for: middle-grade, younger readers, history lovers

 Summary from GoodReads:

The Cyborg Wars are over and Earth has peacefully prospered for more than one hundred years. Yet sometimes history must repeat itself until humanity learns from its mistakes. In the year 2170, despite technological and political advances, cyborgs and clones are treated no better than slaves, and an underground abolitionist movement is fighting for freedom. Thirteen-year-old Leanna's entire life is thrown into chaos when The World Federation of Nations discovers her mom is part of the radical Liberty Bell Movement.
After her mother's arrest for treason, Leanna must escape as she is chased by a ruthless bounty hunter. Soon Leanna finds herself living among the Firsts, and nothing will ever be the same again. But what does The World Federation want with the daughter of a traitor? So much is uncertain. Danger hides everywhere. Fear takes over. With help from unlikely sources, Leanna learns the origin of The Liberty Bell Movement and how its members may have answers about her past-and her new reality.
As family secrets are revealed, Leanna must face startling truths about self-identity and freedom. Through time travel, advanced technologies, and artificial intelligence, this exhilarating adventure asks what it means to be human and explores the sacrifices an entire society will make to find out.
Acclaimed authors Patricia C. McKissack and Frederick L. McKissack have collaborated with their son, John to deliver a novel that is as suspenseful as it is searing.

My Review: 2/5 Stars… it was ok and I really wanted to like the book but it just wasn’t for me.

The Good:

The cover art is eye-catching. I liked the metallic purple and blue colors…very pretty! Also, when the jacket cover is removed, the book is an embossed font with the title of the book and computer/technological design which I enjoyed.  That same design is on the sides of all the pages. All-in-all this book has interesting visual details that I found unique. 

This book had an interesting concept. It looks at the comparison between futuristic clone and cyborg mistreatment/inequality and African American slavery. I liked the message: everyone should be treated equal…no one person is better than another. 

The Bad:

Short, short, short! This book only has 173 pages. I could have finished it within 2 hours if I read without stopping. The reason it my two whole days to read this book was the fact that I didn’t feel the need to read it. There was nothing that “pulled” me in and made me reach for the book. The font is kind of large as well. In addition, the chapters are short, too. Most chapters consist of 2-3 pages, with a few having more.

The Ugly:

Sadly, the writing just wasn’t up to par. I have a hard time believing it took three people to write this book and it is so choppy. The story doesn’t flow well. And the winner of the ugliest thing about this book goes to…..the ending! It was just blah and horrible. Nothing was tied up and it wasn’t much of a cliff hanger. I was left saying, “Really, are you kidding me?!”

The Bottom Line:

This book had potential to be a really great story….it just didn’t quite make the cut. I think this book is geared toward middle-grade/younger readers and would be a great way to approach the topic of slavery and equal rights. Parents and children could read this book together and then have discussions about the story and the questions it raises.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

"It's Monday! What Are You Reading?" is hosted by One Person's Journey Through a World of Books. Each week I will spotlight the books I am reading, planning on reading, or just finished reading.

Finished:

"Angel Burn" by L.A. Weatherly {My Review} & "The Clone Codes" by Patricia, Fredrick, & John Mckissack {My Review}

Reading Now:

"The Goddess Tes" by Aimee Carter" & "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins {FINALLY! I must be the last person on the planet to read this series. lol}

Up Next:

 "Lost Voices" by Sarah Porter

"Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins

I'm so exited to be reading these books. They all sound so awesome!!

So, what are you reading?

Freakin' Awesome Contest!

Beth Revis, the author of "Across the Universe," is hosting a givaway for 5 books all signed by the respective authors. Check it out!!

Very First Book Review! "Angel Burn" by L.A. Weatherly

~ Title: Angel Burn (Angel Trilogy #1)

~ Author: L.A. Weatherly

~ Publisher: Candlewick Press

~ Release Date: May 24, 2011

    (First published Oct. 1. 2010 in the U.K. under the title “Angel”)

~ Source: NetGalley

Summary from GoodReads:

Willow knows she’s different from other girls, and not just because she loves tinkering with cars. Willow has a gift. She can look into the future and know people’s dreams and hopes, their sorrows and regrets, just by touching them. She has no idea where this power comes from. But the assassin, Alex, does. Gorgeous, mysterious Alex knows more about Willow than Willow herself. He knows that her powers link to dark and dangerous forces, and that he’s one of the few humans left who can fight them. When Alex finds himself falling in love with his sworn enemy, he discovers that nothing is as it seems, least of all good and evil. In the first book in an action-packed, romantic trilogy, L..A. Weatherly sends readers on a thrill-ride of a road trip — and depicts the human race at the brink of a future as catastrophic as it is deceptively beautiful.

My Review:  4/5 Stars!

To begin with, this is my very first book review. Hope you enjoy!

Angles protect us, inspire us, and are seen as Heavenly beings carrying out the will of God, right? But, what if Angels have the potential to destroy all of humanity?  Due to a crisis on their home world, the Angles come to Earth, where they find a nice new food source….humans. Not that they actually eat humans, they just feed off energy, which leaves humans with Angel burn.

The story is told from the following four points of view:

~ Willow: She can fix your car, see your future, oh yeah and did I mention that she is half Angel and just might have what it takes to bring down the invading Angles?

~ Alex: He is smoking hot, has a dark, troubled past, and just happens to be an Angel Killer.    (Can you say rarrrr?)

~ Raziel: He is a big, bad Angel who is seeking to please the others still in his home world.

~ Jonah: He is just a normal human who works for Raziel and has fallen in love with the Angles, just like most of the country.

I liked how the story was told from both Willow and Alex’s perspectives. I must say I really enjoyed their relationship. It felt real and I found myself smiling as I read the scenes between them. I also like the part of the story that takes place in Tennessee (what’s where I live!).  It may be silly but I actually got kind of excited when a city that is 30-40 minutes away from where I live was mentioned. 

This book has action, adventure, romance, and a few surprises along the way. There were points were I could not stop reading! I cannot wait to read the next book in the series, “Angel Fire.” Pick this book up when it comes out later this year because this is unlike any “Angel book” you have read!



Waiting On Wednesday and "Book Haul"

"Waiting On" is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week I am waiting on:

June 7, 2011

From GoodReads:

Everlasting is the sixth and final installment of the epic love story that has enchanted readers across the world. Ever and Damen have spent centuries facing down bitter rivals, jealous friends and their own worst fears-all in the hope of being together forever. Now in Everlasting, their destiny is finally within reach.

Will they be united-or torn apart forever? Readers will finally discover the truth in this anxiously awaited conclusion!

I am currently reading the 5th book "Night Star." I have read the whole series one book after the other. I can't wait to see how the whole story turns out!

In other news:

I received a copy of "The Clone Codes" that I won from GoodReads and the wonderful people at Scholastic Press. This is the first book that I have ever won and I'm so excited! I will be sure to do a review as soon as I finsh it. And, I also have quite a bit of books to read from netgalley.

So what are you waiting on this week?

2011 Book Challenges: 350 Pages +, Debut Author, & Scavenger Hunt

Read books with 350 Pages or more

1. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick - 391
2. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare - 485
3. City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare - 453
4. City of Glass by Cassandra Clare - 541
5. Angel Burn by L.A. Weatherly - 403
6. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - 374
7. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins - 391
8. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins - 390
9. Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison -353
10. Torment by Lauren Kate - 452
11. The Good, the Bad, and the Undead by Kim Harrison - 453
12. The Lightining Thief by Rick Riordan - 377
13. Waking Up With the Duke by Lorraine Heath - 384
14. The Iron King by Julie Kagawa - 363

15. The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa - 359

16. The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa - 358

17. Unearthly by Cynthia Hand - 435

18. Shiver by Maggic Stiefvater - 390

19. Linger by Maggie Stiefvater - 360

Debut Auther

1. The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

2. Lost Voices by Sarah Porter

3.

4.

5.

Scavenger Hunt

 Read 3 2011 Debut Author books. (Example: XVI by Julia Karr)
1. The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter
2. Die For Me by Amy Plum
3. Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Read 3 books that start with the first letter of your name. (Example: Courtney-Cracked Up To Be by Courtney Summers)
1. Lost Voices by Sarah Porter
2. Linger by Maggie Stiefvater
3.

Read all 3 books of a trilogy. (Example: The Iron Fey trilogy by Julia Kagawa)
1. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
2. City of Ashes  by Cassandra Clare
3. City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

Read 3 chick-lit books. (Example: This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen)
1.
2.
3.

Read 3 books that are 350 pages or over. (Example: Glimpse by Carol Lynch Williams & 484 pages.) Please include how many pages the book was!!
1. Hush, Hush by Becca Ftzpatrick & 391 pages
2. Angel Burn by L.A. Weatherly & 403 pages
3. Torment by Lauren Kate & 452

Read 3 books where the title starts with the word "The" (Example: The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold)
1. The Clone Codes by Patricia, Fredick, & John McKissack
2. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
3. The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

Read 3 fantasy books. (Example: Twilight by Stephenie Meyer)
1.
2.
3.

Read 3 realistic-fiction books. (Example: After by Amy Efaw)
1.
2.
3.

Read 3 books with an action word in the title. (Example: Night Runner by Max Turner)
1. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
2. Dead Which Walking by Kim Harrison
3. Waking Up With the Duke by Lorraine Heath

Read 3 books with a ONE-WORD title. (Example: Room by Emma Donoghue)
1.Bumped by Megan McCafferty
2. Mercy by Rebecca Lim
3. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Read 3 books that have been/or are going to be made into a movie. (Example: I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore)
1. The City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
2. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
3. The Lightining Thief by Rick Riordan

Read 3 books that were published in the year 2008 or before.(Example: Someone To Love Me by Anne Schraff)
1. Falcondance by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes (2005)
2. The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan (2006)
3. Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison (2008)

Read 3 books that are true-life animal stories. (Example: Marley And Me by John Grogan, Merle's Door: Lessons From A FreeThinking Dog by Ted Kerasote)
1.
2.
3.

Feel free to join me for these challenges & let me know what challenges you are doing this year!

2011 Book Challenges: 50 Books, 1,000,000 Pages, & A-Z

50 Book Challenge

&

1,000,000 Pages in 2011!

1. Falcondance by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes - 184

2. Wolfcry by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes - 198

3. Wyverhail by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes - 173

4. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick - 391

5. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare - 485

6. City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare - 453

7. City of Glass by Cassandra Clare - 541

8. Evermore by Alyson Noel - 306

9. Blue Mooon by Alyson Noel - 289

10. Shadowland by Alyson Noel - 339

11. Dark Flame by Alyson Noel - 320

12. Night Star bt Alyson Noel - 302
13. Angel Burn by L.A. Weatherly - 403

14. The Clone Codes by Patricia, Fredrick, & John McKissack - 173

15. The Goddness Test by Aimee Carter - 297

16. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - 374

17. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins - 391

18. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins - 390

19. Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison -353

20. Lost Voices by Sarah Porter - 291

21. Torment by Lauren Kate - 452
22. The Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell - 293

23. Die for Me by Amy Plum - 344

24. Bumped by Megan McCafferty - 323

25. Mercy by Rebecca Lim - 288

26. Savannah Grey by Cliff McNish - 234

27. The Good, the Bad, and the Undead by Kim Harrison - 453

28. The Lightining Thief by Rick Riordan - 377

29. The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan - 279

30. The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan - 312

31. Waking Up With the Duke by Larraine Heath - 384

32. The Iron King by Julie Kagawa - 363

33. The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa - 359

34. The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa - 358

35. Unearthly by Cynthia Hand - 435

36. Shiver by Maggic Stiefvater - 390

37. Linger by Maggie Stiefvater - 360

38.

39.

40.

41.

42.

43.

44.

45.

46.

47.

48.

49.

50.

Pages Read =12,657

A-Z Reading Challenge

A} Angel Burn by L.A. Weatherly
B} Bumped by Megan McCafferty
C} City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
D} Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison
E} Evermore by Alyson Noel
F} Forever by Maggie Stiefvater
G}
H} Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
I}
J}
K}
L} Lost Voices by Sarah Porter
M} Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
N} Night Star by Alyson Noel
O}
P}
Q}
R}
S} Savannah Grey by Cliff McNish
T} Torment by Lauren Kate
U} Unearthy by Cynthia Hand
V}
W} Wolfcry by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
X}
Y}
Z}

Feel free to join me for these challenges & let me know what challenges you are doing this year!

Waiting On Wednesday

"Waiting On" is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week I am waiting on:

"Angle Burn" by

L.A. Weatherly

May 24, 2011

From Goodreads:

"Willow knows she’s different from other girls, and not just because she loves tinkering with cars. Willow has a gift. She can look into the future and know people’s dreams and hopes, their sorrows and regrets, just by touching them. She has no idea where this power comes from. But the assassin, Alex, does. Gorgeous, mysterious Alex knows more about Willow that Willow herself. He knows that her powers link to dark and dangerous forces, and that he’s one of the few humans left who can fight them. When Alex finds himself falling in love with his sworn enemy, he discovers that nothing is as it seems, least of all good and evil. In the first book in an action-packed romantic trilogy, L. A. Weatherly sends listeners on a thrill ride of a road trip – and depicts the human race at the brink of a future as catastrophic as it is deceptively beautiful."

I recieved an ARC of this book the other day from netgalley (my first one!). I will try to write a review soon. So, what do you think about this book? What books are you looking forward to?