Reading Reflections: August 2010

Books Read:Beastly by Alex Flinn (review)
The Iron Daughter by Julie Kawaga (review)
The Line by Teri Hall (review)
Peeps by Scott Westerfeld (review)

Total Number of Books Read This Month: 4

Total Number of Books Read This Year: 44

Most Anticipated:
The Iron Daughter by Julie Kawaga

Biggest Let Down:
None!

Favorite Read:
The Line by Teri Hall

Highest Rank:
5 Butterflies

Lowest Rank:
4 Butterflies

Overall Reflection:
Thought I didn't reach my goal of 5 books this month, I settled pretty close with 4. I thought I'd make it with Mockingjay, but a weekend with relatives setback my goal slightly. I really enjoyed my reading selections this month. I chose The Line as my favorite read this month because it really left an imprint on me. I couldn't stop thinking about it, even days after I had stopped reading it and started reading something else. I am extremely eager to read the sequel, The Away! Overall, pleased with my book selection. Hoping to make at least 5 books next month! :)

Peeps by Scott Westerfeld

Book Summery:
A year ago, Cal Thompson was a college freshman more interested in meeting girls and partying than in attending biology class. Now, after a fateful encounter with a mysterious woman named Morgan, biology has become, literally, Cal's life.Cal was infected by a parasite that has a truly horrifying effect on its host. Cal himself is a carrier, unchanged by the parasite, but he's infected the girlfriends he's had since Morgan. All three have turned into the ravening ghouls Cal calls Peeps. The rest of us know them as vampires. It's Cal's job to hunt them down before they can create more of their kind. . . -goodreads.com

Book Review:
I was rather disappointed in Westerfeld's Ugly series, but decided to give him another try after reading a several good reviews on Peeps. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. Westerfeld puts life back into vampires, so to speak. ;) These aren't sparkly, vegetarian vamps. These are raving, rabid vamps that are just dying to share there disease with you...not by biting you, but by sleeping with you. ;) I enjoyed reading this book from a male perspective. As a woman, I find it most interesting to see the world from the eyes of a nineteen year old male. Especially one who is finding his way in the world as a (horny) carrier of the vampiric disease. Westerfeld also does some compelling world building. I enjoyed learning the "history" of the vampiric disease, as well as the history of the "night watch." Reading about the vampiric history of New York was rather engaging as well. Also, I will never look at another cat the same way again. Don't know what I'm talking about? Check it out for yourself. :)

Favorite Quote:

"But Cal, what about the Garth Brooks thing?"

"Garth Brooks? Oh, the anathema."

"It makes you start hating your old life, right?"

"Yeah." I nodded. "But Sarah's over that too. She was even wearing an Elvis armband."

"Elvis? What is with your girlfriends?" Lace sighed. (p. 250).

Cover Art Commentary:
While colorful, I am not quite sure what the reference of the cover is. Perhaps the storm drain is eluding to the underground world? The flower petals? I am not quite sure what's up with those...

Overall Rating:

Book Bundle

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she’s made it out of the bloody arena alive, she’s still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what’s worse, President Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either. Not Katniss’s family, not her friends, not the people of District 12. Powerful and haunting, this thrilling final installment of Suzanne Collins’s groundbreaking The Hunger Games trilogy promises to be one of the most talked about books of the year. -goodreads.com

The Eternal Ones by Kirsten Miller

Haven Moore can’t control her visions of a past with a boy called Ethan, and a life in New York that ended in fiery tragedy. In our present, she designs beautiful dresses for her classmates with her best friend Beau. Dressmaking keeps her sane, since she lives with her widowed and heartbroken mother in her tyrannical grandmother’s house in Snope City, a tiny town in Tennessee. Then an impossible group of coincidences conspire to force her to flee to New York, to discover who she is, and who she was.

In New York, Haven meets Iain Morrow and is swept into an epic love affair that feels both deeply fated and terribly dangerous. Iain is suspected of murdering a rock star and Haven wonders, could he have murdered her in a past life? She visits the Ouroboros Society and discovers a murky world of reincarnation that stretches across millennia. Haven must discover the secrets hidden in her past lives, and loves¸ before all is lost and the cycle begins again. -goodreads.com

Source: Both of these books were purchased at my local indie bookstore. :)

Most Anticipated: Mockingjay! :) I am looking forward to reading The Eternal Ones as well, but I am very excited to see how the Hunger Games trilogy ends! :)

The Line by Teri Hall

Book Summery:
Rachel lives with her mother on The Property. The good thing about living there is that it's far from the city, where the oppressive government is most active. The bad thing, at least to most people, is that it's close to the Line - an uncrossable section of the National Border Defense System, an invisible barrier that encloses the entire country.

She can see the Line from the greenhouse windows, but she is forbidden to go near it. Across the Line is Away, and though Rachel has heard many whispers about the dangers there, she's never really believed the stories. Until the day she hears a recording that could only have come from across the Line. It's a voice asking for help. Who sent the message? What is her mother hiding? And to what lengths will Rachel go in order to do what she thinks is right? -goodreads.com

Book Review:
Before I say anything, I must admit that this is one of those books that will stay with me long after I've finished it. The first thing I love about this book (besides the cover...for more, see the "cover art commentary" section), is the world building. Hall does an amazing job at building a future dystopian U.S. It's almost frighteningly realistic! Hall does a great job of incorporating ""history lessons" of how the U.S. went from "land of the free" to "land of the enslaved." I also really loved the characters in this book. They are all flawed, each containing their own secrets. Instead of building up the characters, Hall strips them away, layer by layer, until we reach the core of their understanding. I found this aspect to make the characters more believable and substantial.
Another aspect I enjoyed about this book, is the pacing. First, we learn about Rachel, Vivian, and Ms. Moore. Then, as the story progresses, we are introduced to more characters and delve deeper into their pasts and secrets. It truly made for fantastic pacing. I found myself constantly thinking about the book and eager to return to it. My only complaint is the ending! What a cliffhanger! I am DYING to find out what happens next. Overall, I absolutely relished The Line and anxiously await for Hall's follow-up Away. Check out Teri Hall's website for more information! ;)

Favorite Quote:

"What did you say?" Vivian reached up and stroked Rachel's hair.

"Monsters," Rachel replied. "You said people turned into monsters because they were so afraid."

"They did." Vivian nodded. "They still do."

Rachel shrugged her mother's hand away from her hair and turned toward the passenger's window.

"After today," she said, "I don't see how we're any different from them." (p. 89)

Cover Art Commentary:
I really love the cover of this book. It's one of the first things that drew me to the book. As you read the story, you can just imagine the way the greenhouse looks at night, all lit up, against the dark countryside. I love that you can somewhat see the orchids inside the greenhouse! ;)

Overall Rating:

Book Bundle

Something, Maybe by Elizabeth Scott

Everyone thinks their parents are embarrassing, but Hannah knows she's got them all beat. Her dad made a fortune showing pretty girls--and his "party" lifestyle--all over the Internet, and her mom, who was once one of her dad's girlfriends, is now the star of her own website. After getting the wrong kind of attention for far too long, Hannah has learned how to stay out of sight...and that's how she likes it.

Of course, being unknown isn't helping her get noticed by gorgeous, confident Josh, who Hannah knows is her soul mate. Between trying to figure out a way to get him to notice her, dealing with her parents, and wondering why she can't stop thinking about another guy, Finn, Hannah feels like she's going crazy. She's determined to make things work out the way she wants....only what she wants may not be what she needs. -goodreads.com

Peeps by Scott Westerfeld

A year ago, Cal Thompson was a college freshman more interested in meeting girls and partying than in attending biology class. Now, after a fateful encounter with a mysterious woman named Morgan, biology has become, literally, Cal's life.Cal was infected by a parasite that has a truly horrifying effect on its host. Cal himself is a carrier, unchanged by the parasite, but he's infected the girlfriends he's had since Morgan. All three have turned into the ravening ghouls Cal calls Peeps. The rest of us know them as vampires. It's Cal's job to hunt them down before they can create more of their kind. . . .-goodreads.com
My Soul to Keep by Rachel Vincent

Kaylee has one addiction: her very hot, very popular boyfriend, Nash. A banshee like Kaylee, Nash understands her like no one else. Nothing can come between them. Until something does.

Demon’s breath. No, not the toothpaste-challenged kind. The Netherworld kind. The kind that really can kill you. Somehow, the super-addictive substance has made its way to the human world. But how? Kaylee and Nash have to cut off the source and protect their friends—one of whom is already hooked. And when the epidemic hits too close to home, Kaylee will have to risk everything to save those she loves. -goodreads.com

Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler

According to her best friend Frankie, twenty days in Zanzibar Bay is the perfect opportunity to have a summer fling, and if they meet one boy ever day, there's a pretty good chance Anna will find her first summer romance. Anna lightheartedly agrees to the game, but there's something she hasn't told Frankie---she's already had that kind of romance, and it was with Frankie's older brother, Matt, just before his tragic death one year ago. -goodreads.com

The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May and June by Robin Benway

Three sisters share a magical, unshakable bond in this witty high-concept novel from the critically acclaimed author of Audrey, Wait! Around the time of their parents’ divorce, sisters April, May, and June recover special powers from childhood—powers that come in handy navigating the hell that is high school. Powers that help them cope with the hardest year of their lives. But could they have a greater purpose?

April, the oldest and a bit of a worrier, can see the future. Middle-child May can literally disappear. And baby June reads minds—everyone’s but her own. When April gets a vision of disaster, the girls come together to save the day and reconcile their strained family. They realize that no matter what happens, powers or no powers, they’ll always have each other. Because there’s one thing stronger than magic: sisterhood. -goodreads.com

The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

Since their mother’s death, Carter and Sadie have become near strangers. While Sadie has lived with her grandparents in London, her brother has traveled the world with their father, the brilliant Egyptologist, Dr. Julius Kane.

One night, Dr. Kane brings the siblings together for a "research experiment" at the British Museum, where he hopes to set things right for his family. Instead, he unleashes the Egyptian god Set, who banishes him to oblivion and forces the children to flee for their lives.

Soon, Sadie and Carter discover that the gods of Egypt are waking, and the worst of them--Set--has his sights on the Kanes. To stop him, the siblings embark on a dangerous journey across the globe--a quest that brings them ever closer to the truth about their family, and their links to a secret order that has existed since the time of the pharaohs. -goodreads.com

Source: Something, Maybe was bought at Walmart. The Red Pyramid was bought at Meijer. The other four books were all purchased at my local indie bookstore. :)

Most Anticipated: Eek! They all sound amazing! I guess if I had to choose, I would say that The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May, and June as well as Twenty Boy Summer are high on my TBR list! :)

The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

Book Summery:
Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron Fey, iron-bound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her. Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's alone in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart. -goodreads.com

Book Review:
I read Kagawa's The Iron King in March (review found here). Shortly after I started reading, I knew that I had entered a world of magic, forbidden love, and horror. One that I was eager to return to immediately. Lo and behold, Kagawa released The Iron Daughter this month! What luck! Shortly before The Iron Daughter was offically released, the floodgates of the blogosphere opened, pouring out rave reviews of Kawaga's second installment. Before long, I was able to get my fevered hands on a copy of my own, and thus I re-entered Kawaga's majestical faery realm. I was not disappointed!

My first impression was that Meghan has matured (yay!) in most aspects! She was more independent, deceive, and overall vibrant. I enjoyed this new aspect of her very much. Her downfall, I think, is her unwavering love of Ash. Ash really annoyed me in this book, though there are certain redeeming qualities sprinkled throughout the story. Overall, their romance reminded me of the Bella-Edward syndrome from Twilight. That's really my only qualm with this book. I loved Puck's plucky attitude and steadfast devotion. I also enjoyed meeting some new characters and well as the return of some old favorites. I am head-over-heals in love with Grimalkin! He is such a tenacious and crafty cat! Some wonderful new characters that I just adored include Leanansidhe, Kimi, and the phouka Tiaothin. There are several others that I would like to mention, but I don't want to ruin the story for those who plan on reading the book. ;)
Overall, I enjoyed this second quest through the Nevernever immensely. I highly anticipate Kagawa's third installment, The Iron Queen, which is to be released in February 2011. The story of Meghan, Ash, and Puck (as well as the faery folk previously mentioned) is far from over! In need of more faery facts or information regarding the books? Head on over to Julie Kagawa's website.

Favorite Quote:

"I'm afraid you've walked nose first into a trap, m'dears," she gloated as we tensed, ready to run or fight. "Oh, but you don't want to rush off now. I have one last little surprise for you." She giggled and snapped her fingers. The door behind her creased , and a dark figure stepped into the room, coming to stand behind the chair. This time, my heart dropped to my toes and stayed there. (p. 233).

Cover Art Commentary:
Lovely, lovely, lovely. I just love the covers to this series! I particularly like the color-scheme. I have a soft spot for purple! :) The icy undertone of this cover has a unique meaning to the story as well! ;)

Overall Rating:

Beastly by Alex Flinn

Book Summery:

I am a beast. A beast. Not quite wolf or bear, gorilla or dog, but a horrible new creature who walks upright – a creature with fangs and claws and h...more I am a beast. A beast. Not quite wolf or bear, gorilla or dog, but a horrible new creature who walks upright – a creature with fangs and claws and hair springing from every pore. I am a monster.

You think I’m talking fairy tales? No way. The place is New York City. The time is now. It’s no deformity, no disease. And I’ll stay this way forever – ruined – unless I can break the spell.

Yes, the spell, the one the witch in my English class cast on me. Why did she turn me into a beast who hides by day and prowls by night? I’ll tell you. I’ll tell you how I used to be Kyle Kingsbury, the guy you wished you were, with money, perfect looks, and a perfect life. And then, I’ll tell you how I became perfectly beastly. -goodreads.com

Movie Trailer (based on book):



Book Review:
I have to say, I was rather pleasantly surprised with this revised, modern-day tale of Beauty and the Beast. Sure, it was a wee bit predictable, but that's to be expected on a revamped fairy tale. Flinn did a beautiful job of keep classic, elegant components of the story intact, while also adding a contemporary time line, resulting in a fresh twist. The characters were flawed and believable. The high school setting fit in perfectly with the contemporary tone. There was also a nice balance of character growth and romance. Nothing rushed or improbable. I found myself getting easily swept up in the story. A great book for readers who are looking for a whimsical escape from reality. I am looking forward to the upcoming movie that is based on the book. Based on the trailer, I can already tell there are some stark differences, but I am hoping it will still be entertaining all the same.

Favorite Quote:

"The hours and days just went on and on, so I read. I liked to read in the fifth-floor rooms. There was an old sofa that I'd pulled up to a window. I'd sit for hours, sometimes reading, sometimes watching the streams of people below on the way to the subway station or out shopping, the people my age going to school, or skipping. I felt like I knew all of them." (p. 103)

Cover Art Commentary:
Simple, yet classic. Just like the story.

Overall Rating:

Book Bundle (Fae edition)

Glimmerglass by Jenna Black

Dana Hathaway doesn't know it yet, but she's in big trouble. When her mother, an alcoholic, shows up at her voice recital drunk, Dana decides she's had enough of playing the role of her mother's keeper, so she packs her bags and travels to see her mysterious father in Avalon: the only place on Earth where the regular, everyday world and the magical world of Faerie intersect. Dana is a Faeriewalker, a rare individual who can travel between both worlds. She has always known that her father is a big-deal Fae, but what she doesn't realize is that she could be the key to his rise to power. When she arrives in Avalon, Dana finds herself a pawn in the game of magical politics. Avalon is a place where both magic and technology work, and humans and Fae coexist in something resembling peace. How can she change the winds of fate, find a boyfriend, and make new friends when she's not sure who, if anyone, can be trusted. -goodreads.com

The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron Fey, iron-bound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her. Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's alone in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart. -goodreads.com

Source: All of these were purchased at my local indie bookstore. :)

Most Anticipated: Hands down, I would have to say The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa. I've read several rave reviews of it. I also highly enjoyed Kagawa's The Iron King. :)