Weekly Reading Update (WRU, #11)

This week I'm currently still reading The Young Elites by Marie Lu. So for about 3 weeks I haven't read much of anything *sighs* :(  Buuuutttt, hopefully this next week all that will change, I need to get through about 5 books in the next 8 days before they are due back to my library! Plus they are all great books that I've been wanting to read. Let's do this! :)

The Young Elites (The Young Elites, #1)

Author: Marie Lu
Pages: Currently reading on page 56 of 355
Acquired: Library
Published: 2014


Goodreads Blurb:
I am tired of being used, hurt, and cast aside.

Adelina Amouteru is a survivor of the blood fever. A decade ago, the deadly illness swept through her nation. Most of the infected perished, while many of the children who survived were left with strange markings. Adelina’s black hair turned silver, her lashes went pale, and now she has only a jagged scar where her left eye once was. Her cruel father believes she is a malfetto, an abomination, ruining their family’s good name and standing in the way of their fortune. But some of the fever’s survivors are rumored to possess more than just scars—they are believed to have mysterious and powerful gifts, and though their identities remain secret, they have come to be called the Young Elites.

Teren Santoro works for the king. As Leader of the Inquisition Axis, it is his job to seek out the Young Elites, to destroy them before they destroy the nation. He believes the Young Elites to be dangerous and vengeful, but it’s Teren who may possess the darkest secret of all.

Enzo Valenciano is a member of the Dagger Society. This secret sect of Young Elites seeks out others like them before the Inquisition Axis can. But when the Daggers find Adelina, they discover someone with powers like they’ve never seen.

Adelina wants to believe Enzo is on her side, and that Teren is the true enemy. But the lives of these three will collide in unexpected ways, as each fights a very different and personal battle. But of one thing they are all certain: Adelina has abilities that shouldn’t belong in this world. A vengeful blackness in her heart. And a desire to destroy all who dare to cross her.

It is my turn to use. My turn to hurt.

***** 

Tell me what you're currently reading or what you've read this week!

Weekly Reading Update (WRU, #6)

Currently I am also still reading Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz and Frozen by Melissa de la Cruz. I also started City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare. Hopefully I'll be able to finish all of these this week!

  City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments, #2)

Author: Cassandra Clare
Pages: Chapter 5
Acquired: Ebook
Published: 2008

***No Goodreads Blurb to avoid any spoilers since this is the 2nd in the series.***

  Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Author: Benjamin Alire Saenz
Pages: Currently reading on page 157 of 359
Acquired: Library
Published: 2012


Goodreads Blurb:
A lyrical novel about family and friendship from critically acclaimed author Benjamin Alire Sáenz.

Aristotle is an angry teen with a brother in prison. Dante is a know-it-all who has an unusual way of looking at the world. When the two meet at the swimming pool, they seem to have nothing in common. But as the loners start spending time together, they discover that they share a special friendship—the kind that changes lives and lasts a lifetime. And it is through this friendship that Ari and Dante will learn the most important truths about themselves and the kind of people they want to be.

  Frozen (House of Dread #1)

Author: Melissa de la Cruz
Pages:Currently reading on page 194 of 336
Acquired: Library
Published: 2013


Goodreads Blurb:
From New York Times bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz and Michael Johnston comes this remarkable first book in a spellbinding new series about the dawn of a new kind of magic.

Welcome to New Vegas, a city once covered in bling, now blanketed in ice. Like much of the destroyed planet, the place knows only one temperature—freezing. But some things never change. The diamond in the ice desert is still a 24-hour hedonistic playground and nothing keeps the crowds away from the casino floors, never mind the rumors about sinister sorcery in its shadows.

At the heart of this city is Natasha Kestal, a young blackjack dealer looking for a way out. Like many, she's heard of a mythical land simply called “the Blue.” They say it’s a paradise, where the sun still shines and the waters are turquoise. More importantly, it’s a place where Nat won’t be persecuted, even if her darkest secret comes to light.

But passage to the Blue is treacherous, if not impossible, and her only shot is to bet on a ragtag crew of mercenaries led by a cocky runner named Ryan Wesson to take her there. Danger and deceit await on every corner, even as Nat and Wes find themselves inexorably drawn to each other. But can true love survive the lies? Fiery hearts collide in this fantastic tale of the evil men do and the awesome power within us all.

***** 

Tell me what you're currently reading or what you've read this week!

Weekly Reading Update (WRU #5)

This week I managed to read two books and start two more. When the week first started I finished Miss Match by Erynn Mangum. Afterwards I moved on to Gated by Amy Christine Parker which I finished on Thursday. Currently I am reading Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz and Frozen by Melissa de la Cruz and both are pretty good so far!

  Miss Match (Lauren Holbrook #1)

Author: Erynn Mangum
Pages: 305
Acquired: Library
Published: 2007
Rating: 3/5

Goodreads Blurb:
Lauren Holbrook has found her life's calling: matchmaking for the romantically challenged. And with the eclectic cast of characters in her world, there's tons of potential to play "connect the friends."Lauren sets out to introduce Nick, her carefree singles' pastor, to Ruby, her neurotic coworker who plans every second of every day. What could possibly go wrong? Just about everything.

  Gated (Gated #1)

Author:Amy Christine Parker
Pages: 352
Acquired: Library
Published: 2013
Rating: 4/5

Goodreads Blurb:
A fast-paced, nerve-fraying contemporary thriller that questions loyalties and twists truths.

Appearances can be deceiving.

In the Community, life seems perfect. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Pioneer invited Lyla’s family to join his group and escape the evil in the world. They were happy to be chosen, happy to move away from New York and start over in such an idyllic gated community. Now seventeen, Lyla knows that Pioneer is more than just their charismatic leader, he is their prophet . . . but his visions have grown dark.

Lyla is a loyal member of the Community, but a chance encounter with an outsider boy has her questioning Pioneer, the Community—everything. And if there’s one thing not allowed in the Community, it’s doubt. Her family and friends are certain in their belief. Lyla wishes she could feel the same. As Pioneer begins to manipulate his flock toward disaster, the question remains: Will Lyla follow them over the edge?

From the outside looking in, it’s hard to understand why anyone would join a cult. But Gated tells the story of the Community from the inside looking out, and from behind the gates things are not quite so simple. Amy Christine Parker’s beautiful writing creates a chilling, utterly unique YA story. Perfect for fans of creepy thrillers and contemporary fiction alike.

  Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Author: Benjamin Alire Saenz
Pages: Currently reading on page 157 of 359
Acquired: Library
Published: 2012


Goodreads Blurb:
A lyrical novel about family and friendship from critically acclaimed author Benjamin Alire Sáenz.

Aristotle is an angry teen with a brother in prison. Dante is a know-it-all who has an unusual way of looking at the world. When the two meet at the swimming pool, they seem to have nothing in common. But as the loners start spending time together, they discover that they share a special friendship—the kind that changes lives and lasts a lifetime. And it is through this friendship that Ari and Dante will learn the most important truths about themselves and the kind of people they want to be.

  Frozen (House of Dread #1)

Author: Melissa de la Cruz
Pages:Currently reading on page 16 of 336
Acquired: Library
Published: 2013


Goodreads Blurb:
From New York Times bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz and Michael Johnston comes this remarkable first book in a spellbinding new series about the dawn of a new kind of magic.

Welcome to New Vegas, a city once covered in bling, now blanketed in ice. Like much of the destroyed planet, the place knows only one temperature—freezing. But some things never change. The diamond in the ice desert is still a 24-hour hedonistic playground and nothing keeps the crowds away from the casino floors, never mind the rumors about sinister sorcery in its shadows.

At the heart of this city is Natasha Kestal, a young blackjack dealer looking for a way out. Like many, she's heard of a mythical land simply called “the Blue.” They say it’s a paradise, where the sun still shines and the waters are turquoise. More importantly, it’s a place where Nat won’t be persecuted, even if her darkest secret comes to light.

But passage to the Blue is treacherous, if not impossible, and her only shot is to bet on a ragtag crew of mercenaries led by a cocky runner named Ryan Wesson to take her there. Danger and deceit await on every corner, even as Nat and Wes find themselves inexorably drawn to each other. But can true love survive the lies? Fiery hearts collide in this fantastic tale of the evil men do and the awesome power within us all.

***** 

Tell me what you're currently reading or what you've read this week!

Weekly Reading Update (WRU #4)

This week has been quite the reading week for me! I managed to read three books and start a fourth. When the week first started I read In Honor by Jessi Kirby Sunday and Monday of this week. Afterwards I moved on to Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare which I also finished in two days and the next day on Thursday I read Unbreakable by Kami Garcia in one sitting in a few hours and I really enjoyed it! Currently I am reading Missmatch (Lauren Holbrook #1) by Erynn Mangum and it is actually pretty good so far!

  In Honor

Author: Jessi Kirby
Pages: 235
Acquired: Library
Published: 2012
Rating: 3.5/5

Goodreads Blurb:
Honor receives her brother’s last letter from Iraq three days after learning that he died, and opens it the day his fellow Marines lay the flag over his casket. Its contents are a complete shock: concert tickets to see Kyra Kelly, her favorite pop star and Finn’s celebrity crush. In his letter, he jokingly charged Honor with the task of telling Kyra Kelly that he was in love with her.

Grief-stricken and determined to grant Finn’s last request, she rushes to leave immediately. But she only gets as far as the driveway before running into Rusty, Finn’s best friend since third grade and his polar opposite. She hasn’t seen him in ages, thanks to a falling out between the two guys, but Rusty is much the same as Honor remembers him: arrogant, stubborn . . . and ruggedly good-looking. Neither one is what the other would ever look for in a road trip partner, but the two of them set off together, on a voyage that makes sense only because it doesn’t. Along the way, they find small and sometimes surprising ways to ease their shared loss and honor Finn--but when shocking truths are revealed at the end of the road, will either of them be able to cope with the consequences?

My Review Of In Honor

  Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices, #1)

Author: Cassandra Clare
Pages:479
Acquired: Library
Published: 2010
Rating: 4.5/5

Goodreads Blurb:
In a time when Shadowhunters are barely winning the fight against the forces of darkness, one battle will change the course of history forever. Welcome to the Infernal Devices trilogy, a stunning and dangerous prequel to the New York Times bestselling Mortal Instruments series.

The year is 1878. Tessa Gray descends into London’s dark supernatural underworld in search of her missing brother. She soon discovers that her only allies are the demon-slaying Shadowhunters—including Will and Jem, the mysterious boys she is attracted to. Soon they find themselves up against the Pandemonium Club, a secret organization of vampires, demons, warlocks, and humans. Equipped with a magical army of unstoppable clockwork creatures, the Club is out to rule the British Empire, and only Tessa and her allies can stop them....

  Unbreakable (The Legion, #1)

Author: Kami Garcia
Pages: 305
Acquired: Library
Published: 2013
Rating: 4.5/5

Goodreads Blurb:
Supernatural meets The Da Vinci Code in this action-packed paranormal thriller, the first book in a new series from New York Times bestselling author Kami Garcia.

I never believed in ghosts. Until one tried to kill me.

When Kennedy Waters finds her mother dead, her world begins to unravel. She doesn’t know that paranormal forces in a much darker world are the ones pulling the strings. Not until identical twins Jared and Lukas Lockhart break into Kennedy’s room and destroy a dangerous spirit sent to kill her. The brothers reveal that her mother was part of an ancient secret society responsible for protecting the world from a vengeful demon — a society whose five members were all murdered on the same night.

Now Kennedy has to take her mother’s place in the Legion if she wants to uncover the truth and stay alive. Along with new Legion members Priest and Alara, the teens race to find the only weapon that might be able to destroy the demon — battling the deadly spirits he controls every step of the way.

Suspense, romance, and the paranormal meet in this chilling urban fantasy, the first book in a new series from Kami Garcia, bestselling coauthor of the Beautiful Creatures novels.

  Missmatch (Lauren Holbrook, #1)

Author: Erynn Mangum
Pages:Currently reading on page 97 of 365
Acquired: Library
Published: 2007


Goodreads Blurb:
Lauren Holbrook has found her life's calling: matchmaking for the romantically challenged. And with the eclectic cast of characters in her world, there's tons of potential to play "connect the friends."Lauren sets out to introduce Nick, her carefree singles' pastor, to Ruby, her neurotic coworker who plans every second of every day. What could possibly go wrong? Just about everything.

***** 

Tell me what you're currently reading or what you've read this week!

Weekly Reading Update (WRU #3)

This week I finished The List by Siobhan Vivian and also Embrace by Jessica Shirvington, so this week has been pretty good as far as reading goes. I have a lot of 2014 Challenges for myself that I would love to complete this year so I figured that I would try to get them started! Today I am currently starting The Van Alen Legacy by Melissa de la Cruz, the fourth installment in the Blue Bloods Series.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post below are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a very small affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

  The Van Alen Legacy

Author: Melissa de la Cruz
Pages:Currently on page 1 of 369
Acquired: Library
Published: 2009

Amazon - Book Depository - Goodreads

Goodreads Blurb:
With the stunning revelation surrounding Bliss's true identity comes the growing threat of the sinister Silver Bloods. Once left to live the glamorous life in New York City, the Blue Bloods now find themselves in an epic battle for survival. Not to worry; love is still in the air for the young vampires of the Upper East Side. Or is it? Schuyler has made her choice. She has forsaken Jack for Oliver, choosing human over vampire. But old loves die hard.... And even coldhearted Mimi seems to suffer from the ties that bind.

Young vampires unite in this highly anticipated fourth installment of the New York Times best-selling series.

***** 

Tell me what you're currently reading or what you've read this week!

Weekly Reading Update (WRU #2)

This week I have been slowly working my way through The List by Siobhan Vivian. I am currently halfway through and should finish it within the next couple of days. It finally looks like my reading slump is in its last stages and just in time for the New Year! I am excited to start a few new reading challenges even though I will not be accomplishing any of the ones I set for myself at the beginning of this year due to my terrible slump.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post below are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a very small affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

*****

Amazon - Book Depository - Goodreads

Goodreads Blurb:
An intense look at the rules of high school attraction -- and the price that's paid for them.

It happens every year. A list is posted, and one girl from each grade is chosen as the prettiest, and another is chosen as the ugliest. Nobody knows who makes the list. It almost doesn't matter. The damage is done the minute it goes up.

This is the story of eight girls, freshman to senior, "pretty" and "ugly." And it's also the story of how we see ourselves, and how other people see us, and the tangled connection of the two.

***** 

What have you read this week?

Weekly Reading Update (WRU #1)

The Week of Slow Beginnings 

 

This week I haven't accomplished much in reading, as I am slowly crawling out of a MASSIVE 2 month reading slump where I have read 1...singular...book in 2 months. My last year of high school has already been filled to the brim with deadlines and due dates, tests, homework, projects and much more so reading has had to take the backseat for a while. Now that I am beginning to have a little more time to read I find that I am not motivated to read, but I still crave the act of reading something....hence my 2 month slump.

Now that my explanation is said....... This is what I've manage to start and will hopefully finish by the end of this weekend.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post below are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a very small affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

Vessel 

Author: Sarah Beth Durst
Pages: Currently on page 27 of 424
Acquired: Library
Published: 2012

Amazon - Book Depository - Goodreads

Goodreads Blurb:
Liyana has trained her entire life to be the vessel of a goddess. She will dance and summon her tribe's deity, who will inhabit Liyana's body and use magic to bring rain to the desert. But when the dance ends, Liyana is still there. Her tribe is furious--and sure that it is Liyana's fault. Abandoned by her tribe, Liyana expects to die in the desert. Until a boy walks out of the dust in search of her.

Korbyn is a god inside his vessel, and a trickster god at that. He tells Liyana that five other gods are missing, and they set off across the desert in search of the other vessels. The desert tribes cannot survive without the magic of their gods. But the journey is dangerous, even with a god’s help. And not everyone is willing to believe the trickster god’s tale.

The closer she grows to Korbyn, the less Liyana wants to disappear to make way for her goddess. But she has no choice--she must die for her tribe to live. Unless a trickster god can help her to trick fate--or a human girl can muster some magic of her own.

***** 

Tell me what you're currently reading or what you've read this week!

Blog Schedule

** This is not a final schedule, there will be days when I do not post or adhere to this schedule exactly. This is just a rough schedule outline.**

 

 

Sunday

 Showcase Sunday/ Random

 

Monday

 Book Review

 

Tuesday

 Top Ten Tuesday

 

Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday/ Wishlist Wednesday

 

Thursday

 Book Review

 

Friday

  Weekly Reading Update

 

Saturday

  Off Day/ Discussion