The Silver Star by Jeannette Walls

Book Summery (Via Goodreads): IT IS 1970 in a small town in California. “Bean” Holladay is twelve and her sister, Liz, is fifteen when their artistic mother, Charlotte, a woman who “found something wrong with every place she ever lived,” takes off to find herself, leaving her girls enough money to last a month or two. When Bean returns from school one day and sees a police car outside the house, she and Liz decide to take the bus to Virginia, where their Uncle Tinsley lives in the decaying mansion that’s been in Charlotte’s family for generations.
An impetuous optimist, Bean soon discovers who her father was, and hears many stories about why their mother left Virginia in the first place. Because money is tight, Liz and Bean start babysitting and doing office work for Jerry Maddox, foreman of the mill in town—a big man who bullies his workers, his tenants, his children, and his wife. Bean adores her whip-smart older sister—inventor of word games, reader of Edgar Allan Poe, nonconformist. But when school starts in the fall, it’s Bean who easily adjusts and makes friends, and Liz who becomes increasingly withdrawn. And then something happens to Liz.

Book Review:
I was super stoked when I got approved to review The Silver Star by Jeannette Walls. I absolutely loved The Glass Castle by Walls. Perhaps the main difference between The Silver Star and The Glass Castle is that The Silver Star is a work of fiction. However, they both have a similar style. Within a few pages, I was instantly mesmerized. I traveled along with Liz and Bean as they made their own path through adolescence. This is one of those books that makes you laugh, cry, and demand justice all at the same time. It's definitely a story that will stick with me. My only criticism is that the ending was too abrupt. I hope this changes in the final publication. For fans of The Glass Castle and To Kill A Mockingbird, this story is for you!  

Thanks to Scribner for this copy
To be published June 11, 2013
This is my honest review.

Cover Art Commentary:
Jeannette Walls' books tend to have signature covers, and The Silver Star is no exception. I really like the muted colors and the two girls on the cover. The only thing I would change is perhaps put Mayfield or two emu's on the cover.

Rating:

Please, let it end...

*origin of this picture unknown

This is what I currently feel like. 

One more week of school.

I can make it.

I think.

...I hope...

Chosen at Nightfall by C.C. Hunter

Book Summery (Via Goodreads): Don’t miss this magnificent final chapter in the breathtaking Shadow Falls series! Kylie’s epic journey is about to lead her exactly where she belongs...
When Kylie Galen entered Shadow Falls Camp, she left her old life behind forever and discovered a world more magical than she ever imagined. A place where you’re two best friends can be a witch and a vampire... and where love doesn’t happen the way you’d expect.
When Kylie’s most powerful enemy returns to destroy her once and for all, there’s only one way to stop him—to step into her full powers and make a stunning transformation that will amaze everyone around her. But her journey won’t be complete until she makes one final choice…which guy to love. Should she choose to the werewolf who broke her heart but will give anything to win her back, or the half-fae who ran from their attraction before they had a chance? Everything she’s learned at Shadow Falls has been preparing her for this moment - when her fate will be revealed and her heart claimed forever.

Book Review:
Ok, I'm just going to come out and say it...this is probably the weakest book in the series. I have really enjoyed the Shadow Falls series, but let's be honest, it's fluff...sexy, supernatural fluff. That's what I love about this series! I picked up this book with gusto, ready to get lost in a good paranormal romance story. However, what I got was a lot of introspection and chatty dialog. There was very little action (romantic or otherwise), and the pacing was a bit problematic. There's usually a good "showdown" towards the end of each book, and I was a little disappointed this time around. Like I mentioned, I read a lot about Kylie's thoughts, feelings, and insecurities. I would have rather been reading about steamy romances and supernatural showdowns. Also, the love triangle was very predictable. I did enjoy learning more about Kylie's supernatural abilities and the ghost story arc was really interesting. Ultimately, I was a bit underwhelmed. I noticed at the end of the book that Hunter is writing a spin off series based on one of the supporting characters from this series. I'd be interested in checking it out.

Favorite Quote:
“Oh, I brought you something." Her mom pulled a bag from her purse. "I know how you like T-shirts," she said.

Kylie couldn't help but think, My mom went to England and all I got was a T-shirt, but she smiled and pulled it out of the bag and then chuckled when she read the script across the front: My mom went to England and all I got was this T-shirt.

"Perfect," Kylie said.” 

Cover Art Commentary:
Quite possibly my favorite cover in the series! I love the colors and the water has significant meaning!

Rating:

The Eternity Cure (Blood of Eden #2) by Julie Kagawa

Book Summery (Via Goodreads): Allison Sekemoto has vowed to rescue her creator, Kanin, who is being held hostage and tortured by the psychotic vampire Sarren. The call of blood leads her back to the beginning—New Covington and the Fringe, and a vampire prince who wants her dead yet may become her wary ally.
Even as Allie faces shocking revelations and heartbreak like she’s never known, a new strain of the Red Lung virus that decimated humanity is rising to threaten human and vampire alike.

Book Review:
I honestly don't even know where to begin. I gulped this beauty down, despite it's daunting length. The pages fly by in this epic tale. I really enjoyed enjoyed The Immortal Rules. However, Kagawa kicks it up a notch (or ten) in The Eternity Cure. Allison's character is even more complex as she struggles to balance the human and vampire inside of her. Her search for Kanin is dire and she must overcome some challenging obstacles to find him. This second installment of the Blood of Eden is even more gritty, adventurous, and nail-biting than The Immortal Rules. Trust me, that is saying something. As a reader, I am even more attached to the characters this time around. I became totally enveloped in the story, cheering on Allison and her crew as they fight against all odds. Secrets are revealed. Boundaries are crossed. Romance is in bloom. I don't want to ruin the story line for those who haven't read The Immortal Rules, but if you haven't read this series, what is stopping you?!

Thanks to Harlequin Teen for this copy.
Published April 30, 2013
This is my honest review. 

Favorite Quote:
“There are no good choices, Allison," Kanin offered in a quiet voice. "There are only those you can live with, and those you can work to change.” 

Cover Art Commentary:
I'm not usually a fan of switching covers mid-series, but I am totally in love with the new covers! It's so refreshing to have bold colors and patterns on YA covers! I can't wait to see the cover of the next book!

Rating:

Reading Reflections: April 2013

Books Read:
Etiquette & Espionage (Finishing School #1) by Gail Carriger
Immortal Eclipse by Sherry Soule
The Eternity Cure (Blood of Eden #2) by Julie Kagawa

Total Number of Books Read This Month: 3

Total Number of Books Read This Year: 20

Most Anticipated: Etiquette & Espionage (Finishing School #1) by Gail Carriger

Biggest Let Down: None!

Favorite Read: The Eternity Cure (Blood of Eden #2) by Julie Kagawa

Highest Rank: 5

Lowest Rank: 4

Overall Reflection:
It's been another busy month with school, hence the low reading number. However, all 3 of these books were great! Be sure to check out my giveaway of Immortal Eclipse! My review is here. Check out my review of The Eternity Cure here. Overall, 3 great books! Hopefully the month of April was kind to you as well! :)