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!

Rebel Belle (Rebel Belle, #1)

 

Author:Rachel Hawkins
Series: Rebel Belle, #1
Pages: 345
Challenge: Goodreads Challenge 2015
Genre: Fantasy
Acquired:Library
Rating: ★★★★

*****

Goodreads Summary:

Harper Price, peerless Southern belle, was born ready for a Homecoming tiara. But after a strange run-in at the dance imbues her with incredible abilities, Harper's destiny takes a turn for the seriously weird. She becomes a Paladin, one of an ancient line of guardians with agility, super strength and lethal fighting instincts.

Just when life can't get any more disastrously crazy, Harper finds out who she's charged to protect: David Stark, school reporter, subject of a mysterious prophecy and possibly Harper's least favorite person. But things get complicated when Harper starts falling for him—and discovers that David's own fate could very well be to destroy Earth.

With snappy banter, cotillion dresses, non-stop action and a touch of magic, this new young adult series from bestseller Rachel Hawkins is going to make y'all beg for more.

  *****

 My Thoughts:

Harper Jane Price is the perfect student, friend, and girlfriend. Her life is great right up until she finds out that she is destined to protect the one guy in the world that she hates most, David Stark.

Harper is the picture perfect girl, she gets straight As, is involved in nearly every organization known to Pine Grove, and has the hottest- most sought out guy on her arm. Life should be great, but that was until she got thrust into the world of a centuries old prophecy that deems her sole protector of the one guy she likes least on the planet.

I found Harper to be smart, determined, and extremely stubborn! It was great watching her character understand her responsibility and to make the difficult choice of protecting her nemesis and never having a normal life again.... orrrrr trying to put it all behind her and attempt to act like nothing ever happened to assume her normal life again. I really loved that she reacted to the situation as a normal person would react. I feel that sometimes in books like these you get characters that are all TOO willing and calm to assume certain responsibilities, and Harper was definitely not one of those characters!

I liked that this book surprised me a little, I didn't expect to get the action- packed and interesting storyline that I got! From the cover I was expecting something lighter with maybe a bit of magic or a secret spy/assassin type of book, but what I got was definitely more intriguing and it worked because I really enjoyed the back story and overall setup of this book!

Liked Most: David and Harper's snarkyness and their witty and sarcastic comments to each other
Liked Least: I wasn't a huge fan of the ending actually, I liked the whole set up, but I thought the execution of some of the scenes lacked the punch it could've had. I wanted it to either blow me away with the events of the climax or to be left in more of an interesting cliffhanger, sadly I felt I got neither :( Nonetheless, I was content with what I got.

This was really enjoyable, it was medium-paced throughout... but slower in some parts of the book. Read this in 2 sittings.

I will say that in the beginning I saw a couple of things coming, but near the end, a couple of events surprised me so it was an okay balance in that aspect. The plot was interesting with the historical bits (fiction) thrown in about the Paladins and its connection to the story and the characters. I'm a sucker for good back story, and well thought out "historical" aspects (whether true or fiction)!

Ending: I was content with it. Could it have been better?... yes....but I was satisfied with how it ended. I do plan to continue on with this series/trilogy. :)
Cover: 7/10... I love now that I've read the book, I understand the cover better!
Rating: 4/5.... Overall I really enjoyed this book's plot and characters, it was a really good book!
Recommend: I would recommend to those who like fantasy books not so heavy on the fantasy with elements of magic, prophecies, and light romance

I hope to continue on with Miss Mayhem as I found this to be a very enjoyable read! I also want to try out Rachel Hawkin's Hex Hall series to see her take on witches.

If you have read this book, let me know your thoughts below!!

*****

Weekly Reading Update (WRU, #9)

This week I managed to read two books and start one more.

  The Ring and the Crown (The Ring and the Crown, #1)

Author: Melissa de la Cruz
Pages: 372
Acquired: Library
Published: 2014
Rating: 3.5/5

Goodreads Blurb:
Princess Marie-Victoria, heir to the Lily Throne, and Aelwyn Myrddn, bastard daughter of the Mage of England, grew up together. But who will rule, and who will serve?

Quiet and gentle, Marie has never lived up to the ambitions of her mother, Queen Eleanor the Second, Supreme Ruler of the Franco-British Empire. With the help of her Head Merlin, Emrys, Eleanor has maintained her stranglehold on the world's only source of magic. She rules the most powerful empire the world has ever seen.

But even with the aid of Emrys' magic, Eleanor's extended lifespan is nearing its end. The princess must marry and produce an heir or the Empire will be vulnerable to its greatest enemy, Prussia. The two kingdoms must unite to end the war, and the only solution is a match between Marie and Prince Leopold VII, heir to the Prussian throne. But Marie has always loved Gill, her childhood friend and soldier of the Queen's Guard.

Together, Marie and Aelwyn, a powerful magician in her own right, come up with a plan. Aelwyn will take on Marie's face, allowing the princess to escape with Gill and live the quiet life she's always wanted. And Aelwyn will get what she's always dreamed of--the chance to rule. But the court intrigue and hunger for power in Lenoran England run deeper than anyone could imagine. In the end, there is only rule that matters in Eleanor's court: trust no one.

__________________________________________________________

  Can You Keep A Secret?

Author: Sophie Kinsella
Pages: 357
Acquired: Library
Published: 2004
Rating: 4/5

Goodreads Blurb:
Meet Emma Corrigan, a young woman with a huge heart, an irrepressible spirit, and a few little secrets: Secrets from her boyfriend: I've always thought Connor looks a bit like Ken. As in Barbie and Ken. Secrets from her mother: I lost my virginity in the spare bedroom with Danny Nussbaum while Mum and Dad were downstairs watching Ben-Hur. Secrets she wouldn't share with anyone in the world: I have no idea what NATO stands for. Or even what it is. Until she spills them all to a handsome stranger on a plane. At least, she thought he was a stranger.…Until Emma comes face-to-face with Jack Harper, the company's elusive CEO, a man who knows every single humiliating detail about her...

__________________________________________________________

The Dream Thieves (The Raven Cycle, #2)

Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Pages: Currently reading on page 37 of 439
Acquired: Library
Published: 2013


Goodreads Blurb:
If you could steal things from dreams, what would you take?

Ronan Lynch has secrets. Some he keeps from others. Some he keeps from himself.

One secret: Ronan can bring things out of his dreams.

And sometimes he's not the only one who wants those things.

Ronan is one of the raven boys—a group of friends, practically brothers, searching for a dead king named Glendower, who they think is hidden somewhere in the hills by their elite private school, Aglionby Academy. The path to Glendower has long lived as an undercurrent beneath town. But now, like Ronan's secrets, it is beginning to rise to the surface—changing everything in its wake.

***** 

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

Starcrossed (Starcrossed, #1)

 

Author: Josephine Angelini
Series: Starcrossed, #1
Pages: 487
Challenge: Goodreads Challenge 2015, Fairytale Retelling Challenge 2015
Genre: Paranormal, Retelling
Acquired: Bought
Rating: ★★★★

*****

Goodreads Summary:

How do you defy destiny?

Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history.

As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart.

  *****

 My Thoughts:

Starcrossed tells the story of a sixteen year old Helen Hamiliton who finds out she is destined to reenact an age old Greek tragedy. Can Helen break the curse before she loses those she loves most or will the destiny of the Fates be too strong to overcome?

I found Helen to be an okay character throughout this book. She was annoying at some (most) points. I wanted more from her, more determination and less "I can't do this" attitude. I definitely liked the overall plot and dare I say it.... literally every other character 10x more than I liked Helen. Ehhh... she was really a piece of work!

Speaking of other characters, I loved Lucas and his family! <3 His personality and protectiveness over those that he loves made him even more amazing for me! Also Creon and his connection to everybody was interesting as well as Daphne and her story definitely made the plot more intriquing towards the middle/end of the novel. Their stories gave the story that extra jolt of action and mystery to add interest that kept me entertained!

I really liked the retelling aspect of this story, but with a twist. I liked that even though I knew the most basic points of the retelling, the book wasn't predictable for me, which is great!

Liked Most: the magical powers the characters had from the Gods
Liked Least: Helen's personality/ let's just say her whiny attitude wasn't my favorite
Favorite Scene(s): Learning more about Lucas and his family's history, they were all so interestingly connected and different. Loved how despite their differences they all meshed well together and complemented each other.

Problems?:.... in some parts the story suffered from info dumping also the overall pacing of the story was slower than I was expecting.

Ending: was OK, it ended in a good place for the next book to pick up and continue. I obviously still have questions and confusion, but that's expected and should be answered in the next books.
Cover: 6/10... I love that it fits the storyline and its mood well
Rating: 4/5.... Overall I really enjoyed this book's plot and characters, it was a really good book!
Recommend: I would recommend to those who like retellings and mythology, paranormal romance, and magic/powers!

I hope to continue on with this trilogy and someday know how everything wraps up and ultimately ends!

If you have read this book, let me know your thoughts below!!

*****

Since You've Been Gone

 

Author: Mary Jennifer Payne
Series: none
Pages: 224
Challenge: Goodreads Challenge 2015
Genre: Contemporary
Acquired: Netgalley
Rating: ★★★

*****

Goodreads Summary:

Is it possible to outrun your past? Fifteen-year-old Edie Fraser and her mother, Sydney, have been trying to do just that for five years. Now, things have gone from bad to worse. Not only has Edie had to move to another new school she's in a different country.
Sydney promises her that that this is their chance at a fresh start, and Edie does her best to adjust to life in London, England, despite being targeted by the school bully. But when Sydney goes out to work the night shift and doesn't come home, Edie is terrified that the past has finally caught up with them.
Alone in a strange country, Edie is afraid to call the police for fear that she'll be sent back to her abusive father. Determined to find her mother, but with no idea where to start, she must now face the most difficult decision of her life."

  *****

 My Thoughts:

Since You've Been Gone follows sixteen year old Edie Fraser as she struggles with her ever- changing life of constantly moving from city to city and school to school. Edie hasn't lived in a stable, permanent home since she was ten. That's when it happened, and she and her mother quickly packed and fled their home to never look back again. But as soon as things start to look brighter, he finds them.... he always finds them.

Starting off with Edie's character, I really liked her personality and determination. I also liked how real of a person she seemed to be... as in I didn't feel like I was reading about a made up character, this story has the very real possibility of happening in the real world .... and how as a reader I could connect to her story better because of this.

 I thought this book was good at portraying real life examples and events such as abuse, racism, bullying, and also sickness. Reading about these events whether they directly affected the main character, Edie, or not definitely makes connecting to the story easier as most people have gone through at least one or more of the same situations these characters have experienced.

Problems?... I felt some parts in the book were rushed through or either could have been explained more. Knowing more about Edie's past could have helped me to better understand why the main storyline in the book even happened. I just felt that I had a lot of questions about Edie's mother and father that could have been explained better.

Liked Most: the relatable events and mystery of the book as a whole
Liked Least: the pacing, rushed through some parts then dragged in others

For me, personally, the plot was predictable. I could accurately predict the ending and most of the other events in the book, so that was disappointing seeing as the mystery element in the book wasn't very strong. Overall the plot was okay.

Ending: Mehhh, the ending tapered off and stopped all at once. The main climax of the book was rushed and glazed over. I spent most of the book waiting for the climax to blow me away and leave me feeling like the book was worth it, sadly I didn't get that feeling. Actually the climax wasn't much of a climax, the mystery aspect of the book was summed up in what felt like half a page.

Rating: 3/5... it was an OK read for me
Recommend: I would recommend this to those who like reading about realistic serious issues like abuse, bullying, etc.

RECIEVED FROM NETGALLEY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.

If you have read this book, let me know your thoughts below!!

*****

Paranormalcy (Paranormalcy, #1)

 

Author: Kiersten White
Series: Paranormalcy, #1
Pages: 335
Challenge: Goodreads Challenge 2015
Genre: Paranormal
Acquired: Library
Rating: ★★★★

*****

Goodreads Summary:

Evie’s always thought of herself as a normal teenager, even though she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she’s falling for a shape-shifter, and she’s the only person who can see through paranormals’ glamours.

But Evie’s about to realize that she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.

So much for normal.

  *****

 My Thoughts:

Evelyn has always been normal with a twist.... she can see past a creature's glamour (a human like outer appearance) to what kind of creature they are underneath. As she is the only person with this unique talent, she was worked for IPCA, a government paranormal agency that tags and keeps up with all the paranormal creatures, for as long as she can remember. Soon she starts questioning her involvement with the IPCA as well in a strange faerie prophecy.

I really found myself thoroughly liking this book from cover to cover! I liked the characterization most I would say. The characters were portrayed in a way that made you easily like them and ultimately connect and feel sympathy for most of them. I even liked the bad ones oddly enough.... Reth.... :)

Evie is smart, brave, and DIFFERENT. It was nice to read a book with out knowing exactly what she was right away. The intrigue of the mystery made the book that much better for me. I also liked that when Lend came along, he made her think and question herself as well as the extent of her involvement with the IPCA.

Lend and Reth were definitely interesting characters in nature and appearance as well as their roles within the novel. One I liked and the other I'm still questionable about as to the side he is on.... in reference to good or evil..... dunn dunn dunnnnnn (mysterious right! :) )

I liked that this book was completely different from what I was expecting. I thought it would be more of a quick, meh story with average, ok characters, but for me I was given much more. It was weird that I found myself smiling at some parts. I was definitely an enjoyable and entertaining read for me!

Also small interjection..... LEND'S MOM!!!....... one of the most interesting characters I've ever heard of....... like her whole existence is WOW....

One of my favorite scenes was with Evie and her experience with lockers... made me chuckle a little. :) I liked most how Lend and his family were described as well as Reth and his mysteriousness, he's so suspicious.... to like or not to like Reth is the real question... On to what I liked least.... nothing too big, but I wanted more information on APCA and IPCA and Raquel.

I also liked how fluid and fast the story was to read and grasp, nothing was overly complicated or confusing (except the Faerie Paths). I flew through the book without realizing it! I thought it was well executed and I like Kiersten White's writing. Of the books I've read of hers, I have enjoyed all of them, all every enjoyable and entertaining.

Ending: Cliffhanger? Personally I would say no, it sets up the next book, but doesn't really leave you with too much anxiety in absolutely needing the next book immediately after finishing this one. Although I will be continuing because I really liked this one and want to know what will happen next.

Cover: 4/10 ..... (girl in a dress on the cover) but all the covers match!!!
Rating: 4/5 ..... enjoyable, quick, entertaining
I would recommend to those looking for a good young adult paranormal trilogy with a little paranormal romance and many different paranormal creatures!

Book 2: Supernaturally (Goodreads)
Book 3: Endlessly (Goodreads)

If you have read this book, let me know your thoughts below!!

*****

The Crown of Embers (Fire and Thorns, #2)

 

Author: Rae Carson
Series: Fire and Thorns, #2
Pages: 410
Challenge: Goodreads Challenge 2015
Genre: Fantasy
Acquired: Library
Rating: ★★★★

*****

Goodreads Summary:

She does not know what awaits her at the enemy's gate.

Elisa is a hero.

She led her people to victory over a terrifying, sorcerous army. Her place as the country's ruler should be secure. But it isn't.

Her enemies come at her like ghosts in a dream, from foreign realms and even from within her own court. And her destiny as the chosen one has not yet been fulfilled.

To conquer the power she bears, once and for all, Elisa must follow a trial of long-forgotten—and forbidden—clues, from the deep, hidden catacombs of her own city to the treacherous seas. With her go a one-eyed spy, a traitor, and the man whom—despite everything—she is falling in love with.

If she's lucky, she will return from this journey. But there will be a cost.

  *****

 My Thoughts:

After Elisa's recent victories and defeating her powerful enemies, Elisa thinks all is over and done, her prophecy fulfilled, and that she can rule her kingdom peacefully as queen. But that is not the case. Enemies come at her constantly and while Elisa fights to protect her kingdom and loved ones, she still has yet to fulfill her destiny so she must embark on a new journey to figure it all out....again!

Like in the last book, I really liked Elisa's personality and wit. She's very clever and intelligent, and I enjoyed reading about her journeys in this book. I am also always surprised with the new interesting characters we meet in each book.... this series is also always handy with the plot twists. :)

I liked how the story continued from where the last book left off and how easy it was to pick the story back up after having read the last book over 8 months ago. It is still hard to believe that Elisa's character is only 16 years old because of her maturity I tend to see her as a couple years older easily. I like that she is continuing to grow into her character and evolve into a great leader and queen for her kingdom.

The journeys and adventures in this book are always so interesting and mysterious to read about. You never know what to expect next and that is what makes these books so fun and enjoyable to read. I like the relationships and friendships with the characters the most. I disliked how nothing really ever gets resolved until the very end of these novels. I mean... maybe that's the point to not know everything until the end but.... I like my relationships of any kind to be built from close to the beginnings of books (as opposed to 3/4 through) that way I can see the relationship evolve and grow (for both friendships and love interests). Just a personal opinion though.

My favorite scenes were any scenes with Mara and Elisa. I love their closeness and friendship. I also find the scenes with Elisa with any of her enemies to be favorites as well; I just feel that she handles each situation well for her age in the books. I can admit though that it took me a few days to get through this one since in most of the middle it was a little slow, but for the majority of the rest of the book the pacing was good.

The ending was good. It could have been better and done in a more suspenseful way, but nonetheless it was done nicely and sets up the final book well.
Cover: 5/10
Rating: 4/5
I would recommend to those looking for a good young adult fantasy trilogy with fantastic magic and adventure!

Book 1: The Girl of Fire and Thorns (Check Out My Review Here!)
Book 3: The Bitter Kingdom

If you have read this book, let me know your thoughts below!!

*****