Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday 56: The Unnaturalists


Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine

Name: The Unnaturalists
Author:
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers         
Release Date: August 14th, 2012
320 pages
Add the book on Goodreads

Summary:

In an alternate London where magical creatures are preserved in a museum, two teens find themselves caught in a web of intrigue, deception, and danger.

Vespa Nyx wants nothing more than to spend the rest of her life cataloging Unnatural creatures in her father’s museum, but as she gets older, the requirement to become a lady and find a husband is looming large. Syrus Reed’s Tinker family has always served and revered the Unnaturals from afar, but when his family is captured to be refinery slaves, he finds that his fate may be bound up with Vespa’s—and with the Unnaturals.

As the danger grows, Vespa and Syrus find themselves in a tightening web of deception and intrigue. At stake may be the fate of New London—and the world.

Goodreads

My Thoughts:

I love reading about books that take place in London, and this one looks especially good!  The idea of preserving magical, "unnatural" creatures in a museum is so incredibly original. I like the fact that the two main characters are a boy and a girl who are forced to grow up in social conditions that they don't necessarily enjoy. I can't wait until this book comes out!

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline Review

Author: Ernest Cline
Publisher: Random House NY
Release Date: August 16th, 2011
Format: Hardcover
327 pages

Summary: It's the year 2044, and the real world is an ugly place.
Like most of humanity, Wade Watts escapes his grim surroundings by spending his waking hours jacked into the OASIS, a sprawling virtual utopia that lets you be anything you want to be, a place where you can live and play and fall in love on any of ten thousand planets.
And like most of humanity, Wade dreams of being the one to discover the ultimate lottery ticket that lies concealed within this virtual world. For somewhere inside this giant networked playground, OASIS creator James Halliday has hidden a series of fiendish puzzles that will yield massive fortune--and remarkable power--to whoever can unlock them.

For years, millions have struggled fruitlessly to attain this prize, knowing only that Halliday's riddles are based in the pop culture he loved--that of the late twentieth century. And for years, millions have found in this quest another means of escape, retreating into happy, obsessive study of Halliday's icons. Like many of his contemporaries, Wade is as comfortable debating the finer points of John Hughes's oeuvre, playing Pac-Man, or reciting Devo lyrics as he is scrounging power to run his OASIS rig.
And then Wade stumbles upon the first puzzle.
Suddenly the whole world is watching, and thousands of competitors join the hunt--among them certain powerful players who are willing to commit very real murder to beat Wade to this prize. Now the only way for Wade to survive and preserve everything he knows is to win. But to do so, he may have to leave behind his oh-so-perfect virtual existence and face up to life--and love--in the real world he's always been so desperate to escape.
A world at stake.
A quest for the ultimate prize.
Are you ready?
Goodreads

My Review:

Although the myriad of 1980s pop culture references were lost on me, this book still had me within its grasp after the first few pages. In Ernest Cline’s futuristic dystopia, the entirety of the population spends its time plugged in to OASIS, a highly complex virtual world, rather than facing the horrors that real life has to offer.  Students attend schools, parents shop, entrepreneurs sell products, and families buy real estate, all using real money in a virtual world.  Wealth is shown by how much one owns on OASIS.

Wade Watts, our unlikely hero, unlocks the first puzzle piece five years after Halliday’s death using a broken laptop he found and fixed, from an abandoned car near the trailer park where he lives with his begrudging aunt and her boyfriend.  If Wade wants to win the ultimate prize, however, he not only has to use his own, albeit large, brain to solve the impossible puzzles, but also has to hide from those willing to kill him to win the fortune and beat his two equally brilliant friends: Aech, his virtual best friend whose name is pronounced like the letter “H”, and Ar3mis, the girl he cannot seem to stay away from.

I was absolutely riveted by this book – even though the plethora of 1908s fantasy, science fiction, media, and video game references went way over my head – and the world that Ernest Cline created.  I found myself constantly yelling at the nerdy and somehow innocently charming Wade for spending so much time chasing Art3mis instead of properly searching for the egg, and covering my eyes when he went ahead and pulled some brave yet stupid stunt that almost cost him his life.  I was pleasantly surprised at what Wade found out about his friends when he finally met them in the real world.  Though Wade seemed to be incapable of keeping secrets from his friends, it was clear that his friends were not of the same nature.

Overall, I enjoyed this book very much!  The 1980s references may have been a bit too much for me, but the world that Ernest Clinecreated was brilliant.  I could not put the book down as Wade used his seemingly unlimited knowledge to try to solve the riddles that hid the three keys, unlock their matching gates, and race to Halliday’s Easter egg.  I was absolutely hooked on Ready Player One and would recommend it in a heartbeat to anyone interested in the 1980s and/or dystopian novels.

My Rating:


  

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Stacking The Shelves and Weekly Update (14)

 Hi everyone!! I hope you all are having a great week and Happy Saturday/Sunday everyone!! Stacking The Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews, and is a great way for fellow bloggers to share the books that they have received over the week.


Hi! How has everyone's week been going? Whose excited for the Olympics?! I know I am!! I have been really trying to watch a lot of it..especially swimming! Anyways here's what the team at Catching Books reviewed this week.

This Week's Reviews:
 Unwind (Unwing Trilogy # 1) by Neal Shusterman
Just for Fins (Fins # 3) by Tera Lynn Childs
Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Without further ado..here's what we received this week!

Received for Review:
 Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire (thank you Netgalley!)
Incarnation by Emma Cornwall (thank you Edelweiss and Gallery Books!)

Received from the Library:
 52 Reasons to Hate My Father by Jessica Brody
My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Well..thats all we got this week! What did you get in your mailbox? Let us know in the comments and leave links :)

Friday, July 27, 2012

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins Review

Name: Hex Hall
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Publisher: Hyperion Books  
Release Date: March 2nd, 2010
Format: Hardcover
Buy the book on Amazon
336 pages
Summary:
Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.
By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire student on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.
As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

Goodreads

My Review:
Hex Hall is one of the best books that I have read in a while. I cannot explain exactly why, but this is one of those novels that you love from the first page and that leaves you with a desperate need to know how the story continues. In some ways it reminded me of what I felt when I read Anna and The French Kiss. Although the two books could not be more different, the authors share the  ability to create. Both books include different YA cliches and unique stories that stand out, if not for their originality then for the ease with which certain subjects, many of which are a little too heavy and dramatic for a teenage audience, are discussed.

Don't misunderstand me: I love heavy and dramatic stories, but after reading dozens and dozens of identical books, I'm a little tired of reading about tormented protagonists in full adolescent crises. After Fury, a book that perfectly reflects the description given above, I desperately wanted a light and pleasant read, and I started Hex Hall for that exact reason (besides the fact that it was sitting on my shelves for too long). I had pretty high expectations about this YA, and I must say that they were fully satisfied! The story, the protagonist, the characters, and the settings all fit perfectly together, forming a unique and special book! Sophie is a witch, and like all witches, she loves to make spells! Most of the time, however, her spells result in many problems, which is why she's forced to move to a new city across the United States for three years.

When a spell goes wrong and Sophie destroys half the school, her divorced parents decide to punish her, forcing her to attend Hecate Hall, a school for "prodigies", meaning all those with very special abilities. In addition to the other witches, fairies, shifters, and one vampire, who just happens to be the roommate of the protagonist and also the main suspect of a murder, also attend the school.

At Hex Hall, Sophie learns more about her powers and also discovers her family's dark past. She spends her school year surrounded by mysterious assaults and the ghosts of her ancestors who wonder around the school carrying shocking revelations. Sophie is a fantastic character. She is funny, sarcastic, and intelligent; she's also the type of character whom you immediately sympathize with, and you love from the first page. She made me laugh like an idiot at almost everything she said! I also loved her relationship with Jenna, the vampire and suspected killer. While they don't immediately become best friends, which usually happens in most of the YA series set in private schools or campuses, their friendship evolves more slowly, making it seem much more genuine and real.

Another thing I really liked about Sophie is the fact that she isn't madly in love with a guy. I mean, she is in love with someone, but she doesn't scream from the rooftops that he's the love of her life or anything, but merely says more than once that it's just a simple crush. Sophie also refuses to be intimidated by the three classic popular girl of the school, but instead faces them more than once and decides to ignore them! I really liked the ending and now I desperately want to read the sequel, Demonglass, which I will buy as soon as possible!

Hex Hall is a fresh, light, and fun book that is perfect to read on the beach! I would recommend it to those who are looking for an enjoyable read that's not too heavy!

My Rating:






Thursday, July 26, 2012

Follow and Feature Friday # 41

Hi everyone..Happy Friday!! Follow and Feature Friday is hosted by Alison Can Read and Parajunkee.

Hi everyone! I hope you all are having a fabulous week! Anyone do anything exciting this week?

Anyways..here's this week's question!

Q: Summer Reading. What was your favorite book that you were REQUIRED to read when you were in school?

A: Okay so I think I'm going to do this by year because I can't pick one :)

Ninth Grade: A Tale of Two Cities-still one of my all time favorite books EVER
Tenth Grade: The Great Gatsby-soooooo amazing. Whose excited to see the movie?!

Eleventh Grade: Macbeth-this has to be my favorite play written by Shakespeare! I'm also going to have to pick Pride and Prejudice..we read so many awesome books in eleventh grade!! Wait..one more 1984 also was a really really great read!
Twelfth Grade: Hmmm..we read Crime and Punishment this past year which was fine. Wasn't my favorite but it was interesting!

What's your favorite book that you were required to read? Let me know in the comments and leave me links :)

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Giveaway winners!!

Hi everyone!! So it's that time where I announce my blogoversary giveaway winners!! 

****Epic Drumroll Please****  

The winners are: Caroline and Cheyenne (from the Hollow Cupboards!!)

Thanks everyone who entered :)

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday 55: Burn for Burn

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine
Name: Burn for Burn
Author: 
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young
Release Date: September 18th, 2012
368 pages 
Add the book on Goodreads

Summary: 
BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY...
THEY GET EVEN.

Lillia has never had any problems dealing with boys who like her. Not until this summer, when one went too far. No way will she let the same thing happen to her little sister.

Kat is tired of the rumours, the insults, the cruel jokes. It all goes back to one person– her ex-best friend– and she's ready to make her pay.

Four years ago, Mary left Jar Island because of a boy. But she's not the same girl anymore. And she's ready to prove it to him.

Three very different girls who want the same thing: sweet, sweet revenge. And they won't stop until they each had a taste.

Goodreads

My Thoughts:
I've been in the mood to read a different contemporary read..and this book sounds like the perfect choice! Burn for Burn sounds awesome..especially that it focuses on three girls bent on getting revenge. This book really isn't like one that I've read before..and I'm really excited to give this one a try!!

Monday, July 23, 2012

Just for Fins (Fins # 3) by Tera Lynn Childs Review

Name: Just for Fins (Fins # 3)
Author: Tera Lynn Childs  
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books  
Release Date:
July 3rd, 2012
Format:
Library Book
Buy the book on Amazon 
272 pages
Summary:
When Lily Sanderson decided to remain Crown Princess Waterlily of the mermaid kingdom Thalassinia, she knew she couldn’t just coast along in the current. But since she’s spent the last couple of years on land—with gorgeous human Quince by her side—Lily’s not sure she has the fins to lead a kingdom. Even her maddeningly pretentious cousin Dosinia seems to know more about ruling than she does.

But Lily has to dive in deep to keep her promise to Tellin, her mer bond in name only, whose kingdom is suffering in the changing ocean climate. Lily knows this is a seven seas–sized problem: from sea animals dying to oil spills and threats to humans. They’ll need to create some serious waves to make the mer community aware and get it to join together to make things right. Even if that means facing one of the iciest queens in the mer kingdoms.

Just when Lily thinks her double life on land and sea can’t get any more complicated, an ancient mer law might separate Lily and Quince after all. It feels as if the pair is up against a solid tsunami wave!

In this third installment in the series that began with Forgive My Fins and Fins Are Forever, Lily will have to find a way to balance safety and justice for the mer people as well as for the humans she loves.

Goodreads

My Review:
I have really enjoyed all of Tera Lynn Childs' books, so when I heard about this series about a year ago I was SO excited to read it. Three books later, I'm still loving the captivating tale that the author spins with such fantastic characters!

What I really liked about this book (when compared to the other two), is that we really get to see Lily get involved with what's happening in her kingdom! While the author two books really focused on romance, I'm glad that we got to see a different side to Lily! Not saying that their isn't romance in this book..which I will get to later in this review! Anyways, I liked seeing Lily's progression throughout the book. At the beginning, she is unsure about her role as a leader, but as the book goes on, she still starts to get the hang of things and we start to see her figure herself, and how she wants to help her kingdom. I also loved seeing her relationship with her cousin, Doe grow! During the second book, the two kinda butt heads a lot, but in this book, you can see that they both really care for each other! Doe really is a great cousin and I liked seeing her character progression throughout the novel.

Lily's not only dealing with the impossible challenge of getting all of the kingdoms to work together, but she is also dealing with Quince having to take a test to prove his love to her so either she won't be banned from land and he the sea. While this aspect to the story was interesting, and seeing how much Quince was devoted to Lily, I did think that it was a little unnecessary, especially since I had a feeling we would know the end result! Other then that, I always have liked Lily's relationship with Quince..it's adorable!

Overall, Just for Fins is another great novel to an awesome mermaid series! Definitely try to pick this series up this summer..it's the perfect beach read!
My Rating:



Sunday, July 22, 2012

Unwind (Unwind Trilogy # 1) by Neal Shusterman Review

Name: Unwind (Unwind Trilogy # 1)
Author: Neal Shusterman
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers  
Release Date: November 6th, 2007
Format: Hardcover
335 pages


Summary: Connor, Risa, and Lev are running for their lives.
The Second Civil War was fought over reproductive rights. The chilling resolution: Life is inviolable from the moment of conception until age thirteen. Between the ages of thirteen and eighteen, however, parents can have their child "unwound," whereby all of the child's organs are transplanted into different donors, so life doesn't technically end. Connor is too difficult for his parents to control. Risa, a ward of the state is not enough to be kept alive. And Lev is a tithe, a child conceived and raised to be unwound. Together, they may have a chance to escape and to survive.
Goodreads

My Review:

Thisslightly disturbing book may have taken a few chapters to get into, but once Ifinished reading it I could not get the idea out of my head.  Neal Shusterman created a perfectly plausibleyet horrifying book about children between the ages of thirteen and eighteenwho are “unwound,” meaning that they are cut apart and their body parts aretransplanted into other human beings, thus preventing their lives from trulyending.

Thisbook capitalizes on the statement that parents always say to their children: “Ilove you all equally”.  However, in Unwind, if a child is too rowdy ordifficult to control, parents can simply choose to unwind them; after all, if100% of their body is reused, the parents aren’t truly killing their own fleshand blood, are they?  If an extraordinaryhuman being has a heart attack, wouldn’t it be more prudent for that person to be given the heart of a young child whowould have amounted to virtually nothing? These pressing questions are always in the minds of the people ofShusterman’s world.

Unwind follows Connor,Risa, and Liv as they make their treacherous journeys to safety.  Neal Shusterman did a great job of creatingrealistic characters, each not without their own flaws.  I am always slightly annoyed when authorscreate heroes and heroines in their books that appear to be perfect in everyway.  Shusterman, however, really accentuatedhis characters’ flaws, especially Connor’s propensity for fighting, in a waythat made them seem even more authentic and relatable.

Onepart of the story that bothered me was the forced aspect of Connor and Risa’srelationship.  In the beginning, Risa hada brilliantly snarky attitude, especially towards Connor, which simplydisappeared when she began falling for him. It seemed to me as though Shusterman merely said to himself, “Connor isa boy.  Risa is a girl.  Why don’t they fall in love?”

Connorand Risa’s relationship notwithstanding, Unwindwas an excellent book that I would definitely recommend.  However, if you are just looking for a quick,fun read, I have to warn you that this book is not for you; the disturbingnature of Shusterman’s world and the questions that arise from it are likely tostay with you for quite some time.

My Rating:

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Stacking The Shelves and Weekly Update (13)

 Hi everyone!! I hope you all are having a great week and Happy Saturday/Sunday everyone!! Stacking The Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews, and is a great way for fellow bloggers to share the books that they have received over the week.

How is everyone's week going? Lots of exciting news at Catching Books this week! As you may or may not know I got my blog design redone by Jude at In Between Designs! Second piece of business..Catching Books is adding a new blogger! Juliette from Sweety Readers will be joining the Catching Books team soon! This fall, I will be heading off to college as well as my co-blogger Jaime, so we wanted to add someone to the team to help is with reviews from time to time! So please give a warm welcome to Juliette..we are so glad to have her :)

So here are this week's reviews:
Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

And onto what I received this week..

Received for Review:

 In Between by Tara Fuller (thank you Netgalley and Entangled Publishing!)
The Unquiet by

 Won
Delirium by Lauren Oliver (Thank you Cassie! I won her 100 follower giveaway!)

Swapped
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo (thanks Sam for swapping!)

What did you receive this week? Leave me links so I can check it out!

First frost blog tour!

 Hi everyone! Today I have an interview with the lovely Bianca from the book First Frost!


Can you tell us a little bit about yourself to our fellow readers out there?
My name is Bianca Frost. I’m seventeen years old. I work part time at the Museum of Magical and Rare Artifacts with my parents and I recently discovered that I’m a witch. Yeah….that is still taking me some time to get used to. And here’s the kicker…my great-great-great grandmother was Snow White. As in THE Snow White. Yeah…still trying to get used to that too.

How would you describe your family in 3 words or less?
Quirky, independent, and magical.

Whats your favorite part of the Museum of Magical and Rare Artifacts that your family runs?
I don’t know if I can choose just one part…but one of my favorite places to be is in the Art Gallery. Some of the paintings in there are incredible (mostly by local artists). It’s a great place to sit down and sketch when no one is around. A close second is the Snow White room, there’s a portrait of her, the poisoned comb, the ribbons and the poisoned apple.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Yikes. I honestly have no idea. I don’t think that far ahead into the future. I was hoping to go to college and get an art degree or something cool like that, but now that I’ve discovered that I’m a witch it’s kind of hard to leave my mom alone with the responsibility of the museum with no one to help her. I guess, I want to be married and have a kid someday. I just hope that things will have settled down by the time that happens, last thing I need is to have a witch throwing fireballs when I have a baby in the stroller.


What's your favorite fairy tale?
Hmmm. Excellent question. I would have to say that it’s a tie between Snow White (for obvious reasons) and The Three Heads of the Well (I like this story because the princess goes out and actually tries to make a life for herself without a prince to do it for her.)

If you'd have one wish, what would it be?
I would wish for more wishes? LOL. Just kidding. If I had one wish it would be for my family to be happy and safe always and forever. I kinda like the simpler things in life.

If you had the chance of trading your magical life for a normal one ... would you? And why?
Woah. That is a loaded question. Seriously? I like my life, even with all of the insane stuff that has happened to me lately. I mean…I have a chance to inherit amazing items that have appeared in fairy tales and the history that comes with it. I’m learning how to control my magic and actually help people while I’m at it. Will this normal life include my mother, Rose? My father, David? My best friend, Ming? Or Terrance? I’d rather not take that risk. So…no, I wouldn’t trade my life for a normal one. I’m having too much fun in this one. ;-)

Why should the readers be interested in your story?
It has everything: fairy tales, witches, magic, action, romance and smart ass remarks by yours truly.

Will we be seeing more of you or are you stepping out of the limelight?
You’ll definitely see more of me. I know for a fact that Liz is working on another story I told her about my return to Everafter. I got to spend some time with Terrance and his parents… which was a little awkward. And then there was the whole thing about Cinderella’s glass slippers and Rebekah the Frog Queen. So yeah, you’ll definitely get a chance to read what happened to me in the next book.


Thank you so much for being here today.

My pleasure. These were really great questions. Be sure to check out First Frost!


http://lizdejesus.webs.com/
http://facebook.com/firstfrost1

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Follow and Feature Friday # 40

Hi everyone..Happy Friday!! Follow and Feature Friday is hosted by Alison Can Read and Parajunkee.

Hi everyone! I hope you all are having an awesome week! As you may or may not know Catching Books has been redone by the lovely Jude at In Between Designs!! What do you all think?

Anyways..here's this week's question:

Q: Christmas in July! Someone gives you a gift card for two books (whatever that costs). What two books will you buy?

A: Ah this is a hard one! I think I'm going to pick My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick and a signed copy of Throne of Glass (yes I know that this one hasn't come out yet but I LOVED it so much and I want a physical copy!!)
So..whats your answer this week? Leave me a message in the comments and let me know! 

P.S. Don't Forget to Enter my 1 year Blogoversary giveaway here.

New Design!

Hi everyone..so Catching Books has had a makeover! HUGE HUGE thanks to Jude at In Between Designs!! Thank you soooooo much!!

What do you guys think of my new design?

Obsidian (Lux, # 1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout Review

Name: Obsidian
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publisher: Entangled Teen Publishing
Release Date: May 8th, 2012
Format: Purchased
Buy the book on Amazon
335 pages

Starting over sucks. When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring.... until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up. And then he opened his mouth. Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something...unexpected happens. The hot alien living next door marks me. You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades. If I don't kill him first, that is.-Goodreads

My Review:
So for the past few months I have been hearing awesome things about Obsidian, so I finally decided to give and go buy this one. Boy, am I glad that I did!! This was the the book that I stayed up wayyy too late to read, and when I wasn't reading it I was thinking about the characters throughout my day. Obsidian was a roller coaster ride of emotions, action packed, and had loads of suspense! Definitely one of my favorite reads of this year!

I absolutely love the main character, Katy (otherwise known as Kitten by Daemon). For starters, she is a book blogger, and has various references to the book blogging community throughout the story! I really felt that this made her very relatable to the reader, especially since I am a book blogger! Another thing that I liked about Katy was that she was willing to stand up for herself, and is able to speak her mind. As the story progresses I felt that she becomes a much more stronger female lead and figures out who she really is. I'm also glad that when she found out Daemon and Dee were aliens she doesn't freak out, instead she accepts it pretty easily and promises not to tell. I think because she is a book blogger and she reads about different paranormal creatures she is able to understand who they are a lot more.

The romance in this book is AWESOME. Okay so who doesn't love Daemon Black?! He is so swoon worthy, and gorgeous of course! What I love the most about him is that sometimes he can be a bad boy, but deep down he is a softie at heart and cares about his family and Katy so much. He will do anything to protect Katy which is so sweet. The plot of Obsidian really is fantastic. It definitely wasn't predictable at all and I found myself clamoring for more after a cliffhanger. I think the world that Jennifer L. Armentrout creates is very very realistic and I can imagine story happening anywhere..maybe in my town?! :) I also loved how different this book was from other paranormal romances that I have read. This is actually the first book I have ever read about Aliens so it was so refreshing to read something different than witches, or vampires.

Overall, I LOVED Obsidian and I can't wait to dive into the next book! I am already a huge Jennifer L. Armentrout fan so this book makes me love her work even more. If your skeptical of this book because of the hype PLEASE don't be..you must read this book..you won't regret it!

My Rating: Five out of Five Stars

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday 54: Delusion

Hi everyone! Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine
 Name: Delusion
Author: Taura L. Sullivan
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Release Date: January 8th, 2013
Add the book on Goodreads

When two beautiful teenage stage magicians in World War II England meet a pair of handsome men who can do real magic, sparks fly. But is it illusion, or delusion? Opening-night jitters are nothing new for Phil and Fee Albion, who come from a long line of stage illusionists. The girls love to dazzle London audiences, but in the aftermath of the Blitz they're bundled off to the countryside, where they're safe from bombs and Nazis--and bored to pieces. Phil, always the passionate one, discovers a hidden college of real magicians led by the devastatingly handsome Arden. If only Phil can persuade these unworldly magicians to help England win the war! Daredevil that she is, she'll risk anything to give her country a fighting chance, even if it means losing her heart . . . or her life.-Goodreads

My Thoughts:
I haven't read about illusionists before so I am really intrigued by this book! The cover of this book is GORGEOUS and I love the colors. I also am interested to see how World War II plays into the plot of Delusion! I will definitely be reading this book!

Monday, July 16, 2012

Looking for book lovers to help out Catching Books!

Hi everyone! Right now Catching Books is a team of two (run by me, Sarah, and my friend Jaime!) and we are both heading off to college in the fall! We would love to add two more reviewers to the Catching Books team to help us with different posts and reviews.

We both will be really busy in the fall, especially since it's the start of first semester, so we would LOVE to have someone help us out with running Catching Books!

So....are you interested??

Fill out this form HERE.

Thanks so much everyone..I can't wait to read your responses and if you have any questions don't hesitate to email me or send me a tweet :)

-Sarah

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In Between Cover Reveal

Publication Date: August, 2012
Imprint: Entangled Teen
Novel length: 400 pages
Format: Trade paperback and eBook
           Add Inbetween to Goodreads
        
Blurb:
Since the car crash that took her father’s life two years ago, Emma’s life has been a freaky—and unending—lesson in caution. Surviving “accidents” has taken priority over being a normal seventeen-year-old, so Emma spends her days taking pictures of life instead of living it. Falling in love with a boy was never part of the plan. Falling for a reaper who makes her chest ache and her head spin? Not an option.

It’s not easy being dead; especially for a reaper in love with a girl fate has put on his list not once, but twice. Finn’s fellow reapers give him hell about spending time with Emma, but Finn couldn’t let her die before, and he’s not about to let her die now. He will protect the girl he loves from the evil he accidentally unleashed, even if it means sacrificing the only thing he has left. His soul.

Doesn't this book sound amazing?! After watching the trailer, I SO can't wait to read this one :)
 
About The Author: Tara Fuller writes novels. Some about grim reapers. Some about witches. All of course are delightfully full of teen angst and kissing. Tara grew up in a one stop light town in Oklahoma where once upon a time she stayed up with a flash light reading RL Stine novels and only dreamed of becoming a writer. She has a slight obsession with music and a shameless addiction for zombie fiction, Mystery Science Theater, and black and white mochas. Tara no longer lives in a one stop light town. Now she lives with her family in a slightly larger town in North Carolina where they have at least three stoplights.
Where you can find Tara: Website/Blog/Twitter/Facebook    
Go to Tara’s website to read the prologue! http://www.tarafuller.com/

Pre order: Amazon/Barnes & Noble/The Book Depository/Books A Million

Shadow of Night (All Souls Trilogy # 2) Review

Name: Shadow of Night (All Souls Trilogy # 2)
Author: Deborah Harkness
Publisher: Viking Adult
Release Date: July 10th, 2012
Format: Hardcover
Buy the book on Amazon
584 pages

Deborah Harkness exploded onto the literary scene with her debut novel, A Discovery of Witches, Book One of the magical All Souls Trilogy and an international publishing phenomenon. The novel introduced Diana Bishop, Oxford scholar and reluctant witch, and the handsome geneticist and vampire Matthew Clairmont; together they found themselves at the center of a supernatural battle over an enchanted manuscript known as Ashmole 782. Now, picking up from A Discovery of Witches’ cliffhanger ending, Shadow of Night plunges Diana and Matthew into Elizabethan London, a world of spies, subterfuge, and a coterie of Matthew’s old friends, the mysterious School of Night that includes Christopher Marlowe and Walter Raleigh. Here, Diana must locate a witch to tutor her in magic, Matthew is forced to confront a past he thought he had put to rest, and the mystery of Ashmole 782 deepens. Deborah Harkness has crafted a gripping journey through a world of alchemy, time travel, and magical discoveries, delivering one of the most hotly anticipated novels of the season.-Goodreads

My Review:
Ever since reading the first book, A Discovery of Witches, I have been anxiously awaiting this sequel, and all I can say is that Deborah Harkness went above and beyond my expectations!  I completely adored this book!  It made me fall in love with the All Souls trilogy once again.  Shadow of Night followed Diana and Matthew into the past, where Diana was introduced to a variety of new (both fictional and historical) characters, was taught how to control her magic, and was finally able to break through Matthew’s carefully constructed barriers to discover his darkest secrets.

The majority of this book took place in Elizabethan London, with short trips to Prague and other countries.  Being a huge fan of London, I was delighted to see Diana and Matthew in the heart of the city.  In addition to many other renown figures, history buff Diana was ecstatic (as was I) to meet the infuriating Christopher Marlowe, the erudite Dr. John Dee, the proficient Mary Sidney, the enigmatic William Cecil, and last but not least the domineering yet regal Queen Elizabeth I herself.  Diana was also introduced to Matthew’s formidable father, Philippe de Clermont, who, after some time, I learned to love just as much if not more than Matthew’s mother, Ysabeau.

Diana and Matthew’s romance changes distinctly throughout the course of this book.  Diana dives deep into Matthew’s past, uncovering many of her husband’s darkest secrets along the way and learning to love and trust him even more despite what he has kept hidden.  Similarly, the overprotective Matthew learns to trust Diana in the face of her own secrets, which accumulate as her magic grows.  I thoroughly enjoyed watching Diana discover the true meaning behind her magic and find teachers who explained how to curb her erratic powers.  Deborah Harkness truly has a brilliant imagination and a unique writing style; I was impressed how effectively she was able to describe the intricate workings behind Diana’s magic.

I also loved reading the chapters from the present time that were weaved throughout the book few and far between.  It was interesting to note the small ways in which Diana and Matthew’s time in the past changed the future.

All in all, I absolutely loved Shadow of Night and cannot wait for the final book in the series!  Deborah Harkness is an excellent storyteller and I was never once bored through all 584 pages. I would very highly recommend this book and its precursor, A Discovery of Witches, to anyone who is even remotely interested in fantasy novels!  It will not disappoint!

My Rating: Five out of Five Stars

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Stacking The Shelves and Weekly Update (12)

Hi everyone!! I hope you all are having a great week and Happy Saturday/Sunday everyone!! Stacking The Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews, and is a great way for fellow bloggers to share the books that they have received over the week.



Hi everyone! I hope you all are having a great week! I got some AWESOME books this week from the library and on my kindle! Is anyone seeing the Dark Night Rises this week? I'm debating about seeing it or not so we shall see. So here's what I reviewed this week!


Reviewed this week:
Lies Beneath by Anne Greenwood Brown 
Wake (Watersong # 1) by Amanda Hocking

Here's what I got on my shelves this week!

Received for Review:
Blood Fever (The Watchers # 3) by Veronica Wolff (thank you Penguin for sending me a copy!)

Received from the Library:

Changeling by Philippa Gregory
Just for Fins (Fins # 3) by Tera Lynn Childs

Purchased:
Obsidian (Lux # 1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Swapped:
Onyx (Lux # 2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout (Thank you Sam @ Paper CutsYA for sending me this..your the best!!)

What did you get for your shelves this week?? Let me know in the comments!

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Wake (Watersong # 1) by Amanda Hocking Review

Name: Wake (Watersong # 1)
Author: Amanda Hocking
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Release Date: August 7th, 2012
Format: ARC Copy
Pre-Order the book on Amazon
307 pages
Thank you St. Martin's Griffin for sending me a copy of this book to review!

Gorgeous. Fearless. Dangerous. They're the kind of girls you envy; the kind of girls you want to hate. Strangers in town for the summer, Penn, Lexi and Thea have caught everyone's attention—but it’s Gemma who’s attracted theirs. She’s the one they’ve chosen to be part of their group. Gemma seems to have it all—she’s carefree, pretty, and falling in love with Alex, the boy next door. He’s always been just a friend, but this summer they’ve taken their relationship to the next level, and now there’s no going back. Then one night, Gemma’s ordinary life changes forever. She’s taking a late night swim under the stars when she finds Penn, Lexi and Thea partying on the cove. They invite her to join them, and the next morning she wakes up on the beach feeling groggy and sick, knowing something is different. Suddenly Gemma is stronger, faster, and more beautiful than ever. But her new powers come with a terrifying price. And as she uncovers the truth, she’s is forced to choose between staying with those she loves—or entering a new world brimming with dark hungers and unimaginable secrets.-Goodreads

My Review:
I've been on a mermaid kick since the beginning of last week..they are great books to read at the beach! Wake definitely was a really great beach read..it has action, romance, suspense and mystery!

What I really loved about this book was the relationship between Gemma and her sister Harper. You can really see how strong their bond is throughout the novel-even when Gemma starts to become distant. Harper really cares about her sister and will do anything to protect her. While they both are complete opposites-Harper being a rule follower and very protective of her sister-and Gemma being more carefree and daring-they really do compliment each other and I loved seeing their relationship throughout this book! The romance in this book definitely was cute! Nothing too serious..but it was still nice to read about! I liked seeing how Gemma and Alex's relationship grew throughout the novel! Harper's relationship with Daniel was really sweet! It doesn't really progress to anything more in this book but I am hoping to see them together more in the next book!

The plot of this book was kind of predictable in my opinion..while it definitely had my favorite elements of a paranormal romance book, I was kind of disappointed when I felt like I knew what was going to happen next. Some parts where really predictable and I wish that there was a little bit more suspense to Wake! The siren mythology in this book definitely was interesting and I am hoping we can learn more about it in the next book! I also kinda wanted to learn a little bit more about Penn, Lexi, and Thea..we do get to see a glimpse in their past but I am also hoping for more in the next book!

Overall, I enjoyed reading Wake! It's the perfect Siren book to read at the beach this summer..make sure to check it out!!

My Rating: Three out of Five Stars