Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Waiting on Wednesday 117: Isla and the Happily Ever After

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine

Name: Isla and the Happily Ever After
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Publisher: Dutton
Release Date: May 15th 2014
Add the book on Goodreads

From the glittering streets of Manhattan to the moonlit rooftops of Paris, falling in love is easy for hopeless dreamer Isla and introspective artist Josh. But as they begin their senior year in France, Isla and Josh are quickly forced to confront the heartbreaking reality that happily-ever-afters aren’t always forever.

Their romantic journey is skillfully intertwined with those of beloved couples Anna and Étienne and Lola and Cricket, whose paths are destined to collide in a sweeping finale certain to please fans old and new.
 Goodreads

My Thoughts:
Stephanie Perkins continually comes out with fantastic books.  Anna and the French Kiss is one of the best books that I have ever read (and I mean ever), and I loved Lola and the Boy Next Door as well. Perkins has yet to disappoint me in her writing, and I absolutely cannot wait to read Isla and the Happily Ever After!!

What are your thoughts? What are you waiting for this week? Let us know in the comments!

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Waiting on Wednesday 116: Don't Look Back

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine

Name: Don't Look Back
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Release Date: April 15 th 2014
Add the book on Goodreads

Samantha is a stranger in her own life. Until the night she disappeared with her best friend, Cassie, everyone said Sam had it all-popularity, wealth, and a dream boyfriend. 

Sam has resurfaced, but she has no recollection of who she was or what happened to her that night. As she tries to piece together her life from before, she realizes it's one she no longer wants any part of. The old Sam took "mean girl" to a whole new level, and it's clear she and Cassie were more like best enemies. Sam is pretty sure that losing her memories is like winning the lottery. She's getting a second chance at being a better daughter, sister, and friend, and she's falling hard for Carson Ortiz, a boy who has always looked out for her-even if the old Sam treated him like trash. 

But Cassie is still missing, and the facts about what happened to her that night isn't just buried deep inside of Sam's memory-someone else knows, someone who wants to make sure Sam stays quiet. All Sam wants is the truth, and if she can unlock her clouded memories of that fateful night, she can finally move on. But what if not remembering is the only thing keeping Sam alive?
 Goodreads

My Thoughts:
I absolutely love the cover of this book! That combined with the fact that it was written by Jennifer L. Armentrout?  Well, I know there's nothing that can stop me from reading this book. I don't doubt in the least that it will live up to my high expectations!

What are your thoughts? What are you waiting for this week? Let us know in the comments!

Sunday, January 19, 2014

The House of Hades (The Heroes of Olympus #4) by Rick Riordan Review

Name: The House of Hades (The Heroes of Olympus #4)
Authors: Rick Riordan
Publisher: Hyperion Books
Release Date: October 8th, 2013
Format: Hardcover
Buy the book on Amazon
597 pages

Summary:
At the conclusion of The Mark of Athena, Annabeth and Percy tumble into a pit leading straight to the Underworld. The other five demigods have to put aside their grief and follow Percy's instructions to find the mortal side of the Doors of Death. If they can fight their way through the Gaea's forces, and Percy and Annabeth can survive the House of Hades, then the Seven will be able to seal the Doors both sides and prevent the giants from raising Gaea. But, Leo wonders, if the Doors are sealed, how will Percy and Annabeth be able to escape?

They have no choice. If the demigods don't succeed, Gaea's armies will never die. They have no time. In about a month, the Romans will march on Camp Half-Blood. The stakes are higher than ever in this adventure that dives into the depths of Tartarus.
Goodreads

My Review:

Here is yet another wonderful example of a Percy Jackson book by Rick Riordan.  I have been reading these books ever since I was little and every time I decide that I’m too old to be reading middle grade books, I pick up one more of Riordan’s well-constructed and well-written books just to realize that I’m really never too old for them.

This book picked up right after the cliff-hanger at the end of the previous book, The Mark of Athena.  I’ll admit I can’t resist books that start right off the bat with action, and this one was no exception.  Annabeth and Percy find themselves travelling through the depths of Tartarus trying to find the Doors of Death in order to escape, and things down there are pretty grim—much more grim than most things in any of the Percy Jackson books.  While they are stuck, quite literally, in hell, the rest of the demigods on the Argo II are sailing their way to the other side of the Doors of Death, trying to both rescue their two stranded friends as well as seal the doors shut in order to prevent anyone else from escaping Tartarus.  They have their own fair share of troubles that, at times, seem just as difficult and dangerous as Percy and Annabeth’s problems.

One of the most impressive parts of this book was the fact that Riordan managed to write in the point of view of each of the seven members of the Argo II; that includes Percy Jackson, Annabeth Chase, Hazel Levesque, Leo Valdez, Frank Zhang, Jason Grace, and Piper McLean.  The only demigod on the Argo who did not have chapters with his own point of view was Nico di Angelo.  Riordan did a surprisingly wonderful job distinguishing between characters and making each demigod have their own unique voice, which can be difficult when there are only two narrators, let alone seven.  I never once had to check back to see which character was the narrator of that particular chapter; it was always evident just by the tone and even the words and phrases they used.


Overall, I would highly recommend the fourth installment in The Heroes of Olympus series to everyone who has ever read the Percy Jackson books, or anyone who wishes to.  Just remember: you’re never too old for a good old well-written middle grade book!

My Rating:



Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Alienated (Alienated # 1) by Melissa Landers ARC Review

Name: Alienated
Author: Melissa Landers
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Release Date: February 4th, 2014
Format: ARC E-book
Preorder the book on Amazon
352 pages

Summary: Two years ago, the aliens made contact. Now Cara Sweeney is going to be sharing a bathroom with one of them. 

Handpicked to host the first-ever L’eihr exchange student, Cara thinks her future is set. Not only does she get a free ride to her dream college, she’ll have inside information about the mysterious L’eihrs that every journalist would kill for. Cara’s blog following is about to skyrocket.

Still, Cara isn’t sure what to think when she meets Aelyx. Humans and L’eihrs have nearly identical DNA, but cold, infuriatingly brilliant Aelyx couldn’t seem more alien. She’s certain about one thing, though: no human boy is this good-looking.

But when Cara's classmates get swept up by anti-L'eihr paranoia, Midtown High School suddenly isn't safe anymore. Threatening notes appear in Cara's locker, and a police officer has to escort her and Aelyx to class. 

Cara finds support in the last person she expected. She realizes that Aelyx isn’t just her only friend; she's fallen hard for him. But Aelyx has been hiding the truth about the purpose of his exchange, and its potentially deadly consequences. Soon Cara will be in for the fight of her life—not just for herself and the boy she loves, but for the future of her planet.
Goodreads

My Review:
A really great start to a genre that I wouldn't normally read...but I found myself LOVING this book. Melissa Landers is able to create both a realistic world with the introduction of aliens!

What I really liked about this book was the plot! It was very original and I liked how Melissa showed both Cara and Aelyx's viewpoints. I thought that gave us some really great insight in both of their characters and what they were going through. I also loved how funny this book was!! Their definitely were parts were I was laughing out loud at how Aelyx was adjusting to life on earth. I also really liked how we got to read portions of the blog that Cara was making about Aelyx's stay..it really made me feel like I was actually part of the story and in the world that Melissa was creating.

Another aspect of this book that I really liked was the two main characters; Cara and Aelyx! I thought they had such great chemistry and they really worked well together. I also really liked learning about Aelyx's world as well..it gave us some great insight into outerspace! I also thought this book was really realistic..their wasn't any instalove which was great and I thought it progressed really well.

Overall, I really enjoyed Alienated! I thought it was original, funny, and had a lot of action and romance! I can't wait to read the next book in the series! If you love Jennifer Armentrout then definitely check this book out..you won't regret it! 

My Rating:




Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Waiting on Wednesday 115: Panic

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine

Name: Panic
Author: Lauren Oliver
Publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date: March 4th 2014
Add the book on Goodreads

Panic began as so many things do in Carp, a dead-end town of 12,000 people in the middle of nowhere: because it was summer, and there was nothing else to do.

Heather never thought she would compete in Panic, a legendary game played by graduating seniors, where the stakes are high and the payoff is even higher. She’d never thought of herself as fearless, the kind of person who would fight to stand out. But when she finds something, and someone, to fight for, she will discover that she is braver than she ever thought.

Dodge has never been afraid of Panic. His secret will fuel him, and get him all the way through the game, he’s sure of it. But what he doesn't know is that he’s not the only one with a secret. Everyone has something to play for.

For Heather and Dodge, the game will bring new alliances, unexpected revelations, and the possibility of first love for each of them—and the knowledge that sometimes the very things we fear are those we need the most.
 Goodreads

My Thoughts:
Although I don't always love her characters, I cannot deny that I still love Lauren Oliver as a writer (particularly in Before I Fall), and I will most definitely give every book of hers that I can get my hands on a shot.  Panic sounds like a fantastic, action-packed book, and I can't wait to pick up a copy!

What are your thoughts? What are you waiting for this week? Let us know in the comments!

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Never Fade (The Darkest Minds #2) by Alexandra Bracken Review

Name: Never Fade (The Darkest Minds #2)
Authors: Alexandra Bracken
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Release Date: October 15th, 2013
Format: Hardcover
Buy the book on Amazon
507 pages

Summary:
Ruby never asked for the abilities that almost cost her her life. Now she must call upon them on a daily basis, leading dangerous missions to bring down a corrupt government and breaking into the minds of her enemies. Other kids in the Children’s League call Ruby “Leader”, but she knows what she really is: a monster. 

When Ruby is entrusted with an explosive secret, she must embark on her most dangerous mission yet: leaving the Children’s League behind. Crucial information about the disease that killed most of America’s children—and turned Ruby and the others who lived into feared and hated outcasts—has survived every attempt to destroy it. But the truth is only saved in one place: a flashdrive in the hands of Liam Stewart, the boy Ruby once believed was her future—and who now wouldn’t recognize her. 

As Ruby sets out across a desperate, lawless country to find Liam—and answers about the catastrophe that has ripped both her life and America apart—she is torn between old friends and the promise she made to serve the League. Ruby will do anything to protect the people she loves. But what if winning the war means losing herself?

Goodreads

My Review:

Oftentimes I find that sequels don’t live up to their imagined hype—sometimes the characters turn two-dimensional, the plot strays from its potential, the writing goes weak.  However, this was absolutely not the case with Never Fade.  It was just as good as the first book, and I loved every minute of reading it.

The characters grew and changed even more than I had expected.  I love Ruby as a character, not only for her bravery and strength, but also for her resilience.  I feel like Ruby develops and grows almost two or three times every book.  Whenever a big problem occurs, she rises to the occasion.  More importantly, she surprises me.  I also adored the supporting characters, both new and old.  Little Jude always kept me laughing during stressful situations, Vida’s intense personality never failed to keep me entertained, and Cate grew on me much faster than I expected.  And of course, I loved bad-boy Cole.  Some of the highlights of this book were interactions with some of the old characters.  I don’t want to spoil anything, but there were always huge scenes when these characters came back, each of which were wildly entertaining.


The plot was so captivating and developed so quickly, and Bracken’s writing was wonderful as always.  I read this book in one or two sittings, hardly able to put it down even for a meal.  I could never have predicted all of the twists and turns that occurred throughout this book, and books that surprise me are always my favorite.  I would highly, highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of YA dystopian books, and if you have not read the first book in this series, The Darkest Minds, you should definitely pick up a copy.  I can’t wait to read the third book!!

My Rating:



Thursday, January 9, 2014

Follow Friday #54

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

Hi Guys! I know it's been awhile but we are back to doing Feature and Follow Friday at Catching Books!! Yay! :)
With GFC going away please make sure to follow via RSS feed or bloglovin! Thanks everyone!!

Question of the Week: Resolutions; Put together your blogging resolutions list for all of us to see!

Answer:
1. Post more!!!!!
2. Comment!!!!
3. Read more books!
4. Make more blogger friends :)

Being a college student, I definitely find it hard to do all of the above things...with classes, schoolwork, friends, it is hard to find a balance with all of that and read a book! This year, my goal definitely is to read more books and post more reviews! Last year was a challenge but this year I plan on reading and posting as much as I can! I also want to comment on more of my favorite blogs! Lately I haven't been commenting which is something that I need to do again! 

What are your resolutions??! Let us know in the comments! Can't wait to check out everyone's answers :)

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Waiting on Wednesday 114: Fire & Flood

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine

Name: Fire & Flood
Author: Victoria Scott
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Release Date: February 25th 2014
Add the book on Goodreads

A modern day thrill ride, where a teen girl and her animal companion must participate in a breathtaking race to save her brother's life—and her own. 

Tella Holloway is losing it. Her brother is sick, and when a dozen doctors can't determine what's wrong, her parents decide to move to Montana for the fresh air. She's lost her friends, her parents are driving her crazy, her brother is dying—and she's helpless to change anything.

Until she receives mysterious instructions on how to become a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed. It's an epic race across jungle, desert, ocean, and mountain that could win her the prize she desperately desires: the Cure for her brother's illness. But all the Contenders are after the Cure for people they love, and there's no guarantee that Tella (or any of them) will survive the race.

The jungle is terrifying, the clock is ticking, and Tella knows she can't trust the allies she makes. And one big question emerges: Why have so many fallen sick in the first place?
 Goodreads

My Thoughts:
I found this book after reading another one by Scott (called The Collector) which I didn't entirely love, but it might have just been because the plot was a bit cliched.  However, this story line sounds much more interesting (albeit a bit Hunger Games-esque), and I'm hoping that this will restore my faith in an author about whom I have heard nothing but great things.

What are your thoughts? What are you waiting for this week? Let us know in the comments!

What do you want to see on Catching Books this year?!!

Hi friends!! New Year, New blogging resolutions!! And we seriously need your help! 

What should be on Catching Books this year??! Should we bring back Stacking The Shelves? YA releases? Feature Thursday?
Should we highlight upcoming authors? Or should we bring back book trailers? Maybe we should do something with awesome book cover themes?

Leave us a comment below and let us know!! We can wait to see the ideas you have in store for us :)

xo
Sarah, Jaime and Christine 

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Book Trailers: Round Six


Hi everyone!! It's been a long time since we've done this, but now we're back to our monthly posts on awesome book trailers. We hope that you enjoy the trailers we chose this month. Here they are!










I had never heard of Boy Nothing before I found this trailer, but now I definitely want to pick up that book. My heart was pounding during the entire trailer. It was so well done!  I also thought that the Hollow City trailer was really haunting, especially at the end.

What are your thoughts? Do you like book trailers? Which one do you like the most? 
Let me know in the comments :)

Antigoddess (Goddess War #1) by Kendare Blake Review

Name: Antigoddess (Goddess War #1)
Author: Kendare Blake
Publisher: Tor Teen
 Release Date: September 10th, 2013
Format: E-Book
Buy the book on Amazon
333 pages

Summary: The Goddess War begins in Antigoddess, the first installment of the new series by acclaimed author of Anna Dressed in Blood, Kendare Blake.
 
Old Gods never die…

Or so Athena thought. But then the feathers started sprouting beneath her skin, invading her lungs like a strange cancer, and Hermes showed up with a fever eating away his flesh. So much for living a quiet eternity in perpetual health.

Desperately seeking the cause of their slow, miserable deaths, Athena and Hermes travel the world, gathering allies and discovering enemies both new and old. Their search leads them to Cassandra—an ordinary girl who was once an extraordinary prophetess, protected and loved by a god. 

These days, Cassandra doesn’t involve herself in the business of gods—in fact, she doesn’t even know they exist. But she could be the key in a war that is only just beginning. 

Because Hera, the queen of the gods, has aligned herself with other of the ancient Olympians, who are killing off rivals in an attempt to prolong their own lives. But these anti-gods have become corrupted in their desperation to survive, horrific caricatures of their former glory. Athena will need every advantage she can get, because immortals don’t just flicker out. 

Every one of them dies in their own way. Some choke on feathers. Others become monsters. All of them rage against their last breath.

The Goddess War is about to begin.

Goodreads

My Review:
A really great start to a series that I definitely see myself loving as it progresses! I haven't read any other books by Kendare Blake but I know many people who love her writing style..and I gotta say I really enjoyed it too!

As most of you may know, I seriously LOVE LOVE mythology books..so when I heard about this book I knew that I had to pick it up! What I liked about this book was that it was very original..I haven't heard of any mythology books where the gods are dying/fighting for their lives, which I thought was very interesting to read about. I also really liked how Kendare Blake added in Cassandra and other characters from the Trojan war. I thought that really was a great twist to add in to this book.

Another aspect of this book that I really liked was the characters! I definitely thought that they were relatable and I could see myself being friends with them in real life. I thought it was interesting to see the gods in sort of a humbled state-especially since they are very limited in their powers and have to rely on others for help. It was different to see them in this state and I really liked seeing them limited in their powers.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book! After the cliffhanger ending, I seriously can't wait for the next book! If you are a mythology fan, definitely definitely check this book out! You won't regret it!

My Rating: