The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Synopsis
Imagine waking up one day in total darkness, unsure of where you are and unable to remember anything about yourself except your first name. You're in a bizarre place devoid of adults called the Glade. The Glade is an enclosed structure with a jail, a graveyard, a slaughterhouse, living quarters, and gardens. And no way out. Outside the Glade is the Maze, and every day some of the kids -- the Runners -- venture into the labyrinth, trying to map the ever-changing pattern of walls in an attempt to find an exit from this hellish place. So far, no one has figured it out. And not all of the Runners return from their daily exertions, victims of the maniacal Grievers, part animal, part mechanical killing machines.

Thomas is the newest arrival to the Glade in this Truman-meets-Lord of the Flies tale. A motley crew of half a dozen kids is all he has to guide him in this strange world. As soon as he arrives, unusual things begin to happen, and the others grow suspicious of him. Though the Maze seems somehow familiar to Thomas, he's unable to make sense of the place, despite his extraordinary abilities as a Runner. What is this place, and does Thomas hold the key to finding a way out?

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


An amazing, intense, mind-boggling book of the future. There's no doubt in my mind that I have become a devoted fan of Mr. Dashner. This book has everything I was looking for in a book. Superb characters, an exhilarating background, and the most convoluted conflict I think I've ever encountered. Seriously, I can not believe I didn't pick up this book as soon as I saw it. The Maze Runner is INCREDIBLE! Pretty sure I'll be picking up the rest of this series tomorrow. Twas that good.

Gotta stop going on about how wonderful this book is (but it really is!) I will say that the beginning starts off slow, but it is totally necessary. What's not necessary is Thomas' endless repetition of trying to ask questions. God, how annoying. Once things got going though it really took off. There are so many characters I loved in this novel, but the two by far were Newt and Minho. Very strong characters, and while similar they were completely different. Makes no sense I know, you just got to read the book. You gotta feel something for Chuck too. It's incredibly frustrating right now because I just want to spill all the beans and juicy secrets of this novel, but... I can't. Sorry. Hopefully it'll just make you want the book more. :]

As for the dynamic story, the story itself!, that is so hard to put in words. Really, where did you come up with this Mr. Dashner? You seriously gotta have a lot of conspiracy theories or something! This story has so much going for it, it was irresistible to me. How it all came to be and where it will go has me awed. The last few pages were mind-numbing. You think you got it figured out and BAM! Totally blown to pieces.

In the end there's only one thing to say, "Get me the next shucking book, shuck-head!"

Wish You Were Dead by Todd Strasser

Synopsis
Str-S-d:
I’ll begin with Lucy. She is definitely first on the list. You can’t believe how it feels to be in the cafeteria and turn around and there she is staring at me like I’m some disgusting bug or vermin. Does she really think I WANT to be this way? I hate you, Lucy. I really hate you. You are my #1 pick. I wish you were dead.


The day after anonymous blogger Str-S-d wishes the popular girl would die, Lucy vanishes. The students of Soundview High are scared and worried. Especially frightened and wracked with guilt is Madison Archer, Lucy’s friend and the last person to see her the night she disappeared.
As days pass with no sign of the missing girl, even the attention of Tyler, an attractive new student, is not enough to distract Madison from her growing sense of foreboding. When two more popular students disappear after their names are mentioned on Str-S-d’s blog, the residents of Soundview panic.
Meanwhile, Madison receives anonymous notes warning that she could be next. Desperate to solve the mystery before anyone else disappears, Madison turns to Tyler, but can she trust him when it becomes clear that he knows more than he’s sharing?
The clock is ticking. Madison must uncover the truth behind the mysterious disappearances . . . before her name appears in Str-S-d’s blog.


My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The synopsis hooked me. New-age thriller? Bring it! But I feel a little mislead... I know synopses (there it is again! SO WEIRD!) are not supposed to reveal what actually happens, just tantalize you with all the juicy bits of the novel. In this one though, I was waiting for Madison to get jumped and I was just blindsided by the turn of events.


But not so fast! While I was expecting a certain turn of events, I got another just as good. Though it was creepy.... Anywhats, the pacing in this story felt really good to me. There may have been a point here and there that the story lagged a bit, but I found that was just in order to tie up a couple loose ends. Also the switch between P.O.V.s was hard to handle at first, but I got used to it eventually.


Madison was a great protagonist and I liked how she handled herself. Especially in the end! Can only wish I could have the heart she does, because wow that's amazing. After all the drama, I would have liked to seen her a little more deeper. Or reserved. Instead we got skittish. I don't know about ya'll but usually after an experience like that, there's a huge shift in character. (This is so hard without giving spoilers!) I can't complain, because all in all I was left stumped until the end and the characters were well written. That's all I really need in a thriller. Well that and a little more depth.

Muzicons - music widget with emotion!

Muzicons.com

So I'm trying to find something that I can put in my blog to play music but I'm having a hard time finding one I like and being able to place it in my blog. I love love love MUZICONS! It's so cute! Unfortunately I'm having a  hard time putting it into my blog.... Grr... Also it only plays one song at a time. I was hoping for more variety but guess we can't have it all. Anyways, I figured if indeed I can't upload it permanently, than I shall post about it! Hopefully I'll figure out this HTML code crap.Well that's all I got for now. Expect a review shortly!

An Amendment

I have decided that I will only be reviewing books on this blog. I was sitting here trying to review the new movie The Dilemma. And I just don't want to. Haha, I can't find the same energy and joy that I find reviewing books. I love reading, and I enjoy discussing the books I read. So there we go.

Right now I'm starting the book, Wish You Were Dead by Todd Strasser. But since I'm not finished I think I'll just put up my most anticipated books of 2011! :]

Entangled by Cat Clarke
Tempest (Hush, Hush #3) by Becca Fitzpatrick
The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong
Chime by Franny Billingsley
Abandon by Meg Cabot
Wolfsbane (Nightshade #2) by Andrea Cremer
Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton
Ripple by Mandy Hubbard
Shift (Shade #2) by Jeri Smith-Ready
The Day Before by Lisa Schroedor




Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky
Possession by Elana Johnson
Crossed (Matched #2) by Ally Conde
Ashfall by Mike Mullin
Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma
Supernaturally (Paranormalcy #2) by Kiersten White
The Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell
Wither by Lauren DeStefano
Vicious Little Darlings by Katherine Easer
The Dark and Hollow Places (The Forest of Hands and Teeth #3) by Carrie Ryan

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Synopsis
For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her...until Patch comes along.
With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment, but after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is far more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.
For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


First things first, WOW! This novel surprised me so much. For some inexplicable reason I thought I would hate this book, and thank god I do not! I have a problem, because I felt the same way about Harry Potter and Eragon. Got to stop judging these amazing books by their cover!! Have to say it though, I don't get the title. It had absolutely nothing to do with the book... Maybe I'm missing something somewhere, but it's not clicking for me.

Patch was an amazing character. I loved Nora too, but Patch... I mean he just had me. I was so drawn to him because he wasn't... perfect. Yes! I mean, all the new love interests in paranormal YA fiction have been too perfect for me. Too "White Knight" per say. Give me the Dark Knight, thank you! And his past, oh boy. Sure, he has a lot to make up for, but you can't help but feel for him. I want to at least...

Another thing I loved in this book was NO LOVE TRIANGLES! Again, a lot of YA novels have love triangles in them. I mean don't get me wrong, love triangles mean more steamy scenes because gah! there's two men! But it was so refreshing to root for one guy the whole time because he is the only guy!

I will say that if I had wanted to read this book from the beginning and not been so repulsed by it at first, it would've only gotten four stars. But because I was so surprised it gets five. :) Now it would have only gotten four because while there was suspense and mystery, I could see through it all. I knew who was who and what would happen before the end of the book and it disappointed me. Thank goodness it's characters were so uplifting. Each was unique, and each I love for a different reason.

Now for the cover that gives me chills. When I first glanced at the cover I figured it was your standard fall from grace. At a closer look (and after reading), you can feel the emotion it gives off. The pain on his face is so, oh I don't even have words for it! It's beautiful and if it weren't so haunting I'd have it framed in my bedroom. <.< >.> No? Just me? Fine....

off track today

No reviews today, because I haven't finished my books yet. :) But I figured this would be as good as any other time to show off GoodReads.com Explicitly for books, this site I find a lot more useful than Amazon. It's where I get all my synopses (weird plural form, huh?) Plus there's a neat feature where you make your own shelves. I haven't played with it much yet, but seeing as how I love to be all organized this will be interesting... All I did today ( in between my job) was find books to put on my to-read list. Up to 300 books! Got A LOT of reading to do. Man oh man, by thunder. Anyways if you wanna see me and be friends on GoodReads, or check out all the books I've found, this is my page. Enjoy! And Good Night!

Hope my library looks like this one day, only Prince would be there instead of the pug...

Echoes by Melinda Metz

Synopsis:

Can't believe she did that . . .

. . . at four-thirty I have to . . .

. . . I hate this place . . .

Rae Voight is losing her mind. When she walks down the halls of Sanderson Prep, she hears voices . . . even when no one is talking. Other people's thoughts crowd her head, a confusing tangle of insecurities and dark secrets. Just when Rae reaches her breaking point, one voice comes screaming through the din, loud and clear:

. . . Rae must die . . .

If Rae doesn't figure out who the thought belongs to soon, she could lose more than just her sanity...

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


So far I am liking the series. Wish I had the other books right now so I can find out who it is!! Although I have a pretty good idea after Haunted. No spoilers though! :)

I am a little disappointed that Rae and Antony's relationship didn't heat up. Looking forward to some smooching and it never happened. Ah well, maybe within the next few books. The epilogues were really haunting. Got goosebumps every time. In the third book's, when the stalker said my Rae, I had the willies all over!

The pacing in this novel was great. And I loved Metz idea of different fonts for individual thoughts. Usually when I read a novel where there's mind powers involved, it can become meddled but no troubles here!

Rae, as a character, I was okay with. She seemed a little out there to begin with. So your hearing voices, and you're trying to tell yourself you're totally normal. Okay Miss Delusional. As for Anthony, he grew attached too Rae a little too quick for me, and he's violent. Not to mention possessive in Trust Me. Loved Yana, she was fun and quirky, though I feel like there's a lot more to the girl. Secondary characters were okay, but not that fleshed out.

I like this cover better than the originals as well. Rae looks fiiine, for a girl I mean hah. Really want my skin to look that flawless.

Girl in the Arena by Lise Haines

Synopsis
Lyn is a neo-gladiator’s daughter, through and through. Her mother has made a career out of marrying into the high-profile world of televised blood sport, and the rules of the Gladiator Sports Association are second nature to their family. Always lend ineffable confidence to the gladiator. Remind him constantly of his victories. And most importantly: Never leave the stadium when your father is dying. The rules help the family survive, but rules—and the GSA—can also turn against you. When a gifted young fighter kills Lyn’s seventh father, he also captures Lyn’s dowry bracelet, which means she must marry him... For fans of The Hunger Games and Fight Club, Lise Haines’ debut novel is a mesmerizing look at a world addicted to violence—a modern world that’s disturbingly easy to imagine.


My rating: 1 of 5 stars


For some reason I could not get a good connection with this story, it's characters, anything really. I honestly found it a struggle to read through. I'd thought it would be set back in the actual roman-gladiator days, but come to find out it's set for today's time with minor adjustments in history. Should have probably caught on to that since the girl on the cover's toes were painted blue. I know that didn't happen in the 1st century! Lyn's voice, while most reviews found it to be sardonic, seemed boring. Her conflicts, though, felt real and I could identify with them but due to the pacing of this novel it took forever to really get anywhere. Around page 250 was when I started to get a little more interested, after the first date with Uber.

As far as the characters go, they all fell flat. Thad was the only one I was interested about, and only mildly. He was the main reason I continued to read this book, though I wish I hadn't. Thinking now that this book is better off to readers still in middle school.

Oh and by the way, -Why the hell would people set up dialogue like this, I say -It makes no sense whatsoever, and confuses readers for at least two chapters. HATED THAT!

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Synopsis
Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything— including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


How to even begin this review... Well first off I can't believe that I put this book back when I first saw it. I don't think that the synopsis truly captures this book. Think of Twilight but then switch Edward's and Bella's gender. And the fact that they're werewolves and not vamps. Pretty much that's the layout, though the plot of Nightshade has no comparison whatsoever.

Calla is a character I fell in love with. How do you pronounce it though?! CAL-LAH? KAY-UH? I went back and forth with it for awhile. Glad our novelist pronounced Samhain for us though. Thank you very much.

Back to Calla, as Bryn says, she is totally "badass." Wishing right now that I were a Guardian, and I totally wouldn't mind being in Calla's position when it come to the triangle including Ren and Shay. MMM, both those boys look fine! At least in my head they do. Where can I find boys like these in reality? Oh right, back to reviewing. Through most of the book I was with Ren. He possessed me with his actions, words, and definitely his description. With Shay, in the beginning, I felt like he was just a big whiner and was sticking his nose in everyone's business. As the story progressed, though, I could feel my own alliance shifting. Around page 372 to be exact. Pretty sure that I'm gonna stick with Ren....for now.

At the first couple chapters my head was spinning, trying to find out what the heck was going on. As it progressed I found the story was written wonderfully, and the pacing kept me on my toes. And the last few chapters leave me pining for so much more. Definitely will continue to read this series. Only one question kept popping up in my head, "Why did Calla save Shay?"

Do I really need to say anything about the cover? IT IS MAGNIFICENT!

Matched by Ally Condie

Synopsis

Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



AMAZING. Pretty much all I have to say. Haha, there are so many good reviews of this novel and I didn't even realize it until halfway finished. Happy to say I couldn't agree more.

I'm a huge fan of dystopia novels, can not get enough of them. From The Giver to the Uglies series. Each is unique and apparently their systems are totally wrong. At least for some certain individuals. Cassia is a beautiful, strong character. I devoured this book in only a few hours thanks to her.

Right from the synopsis, I knew how this book was going to end. Sorry to be a spoiler but if you don't already know that she chooses Ky, well I'm sorry but how do you think the first book of this trilogy will end?! Obviously she won't just settle with Xander, nothing would move forward from there! Not that I wasn't secretly rooting for Xander the whole time, he made this book twice as enjoyable.

As for Ky, I think I'll have to get to know him better as the series continues. There's a lot of mystery surrounding him. Just exactly how did he escape? Hmmm... One does wonder.

My only other comment on this series is the writing flow, I liked it. I can see a few places though where others might not. There's some moments where it seems fast. Only a few. I'll probably reread this in order to get a more in-depth look and see where my opinion goes. :)

Book of Love by Abra Ebner

Book of Love by Abra Ebner

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Synopsis

When seventeen-year-old Jane Taylor witnessed her father's death, something happened to her. Ever since, her thoughts have been consumed by death, going so far as to foresee the ever-changing deaths of those around her. Sixteen-year-old Emily Taylor resented her sister's closeness with their father, who died when she was six. With the strange ability to read minds, she drowns the voices out with drugs, sending Jane over the edge. When seventeen-year-old Wes Green was adopted, he moved in next door to Jane, finding in her a childhood friend turned high-school crush. All summer, the pain in his bones seemed unwarranted. He was done growing long ago. When senior year starts, however, the pain only gets worse. The foreseen changes are not expected, and far too animal for his taste. When Max Gordon found himself standing above the dying body of an innocent seven-year-old girl, he saw in her eyes something he hadn't seen in the century he'd spent roaming Earth. Her father was already dead, but there was hope to save her. Jane was her name, and already she was all he ever wanted. It was his job to bring her back, and it was his job to protect her - the biggest mistake of his life. When these four teens enter Glenwood High their senior year, no one but Max could understand the future ahead of them. Drawn together by blood and friendship, they each hide a dark secret that will soon bind them together. Max has to protect Jane, Jane wants to be normal, Wes wants Jane to love him, and Emily just wants the voices to stop... But their fate just wants them dead.



All in all, I really liked this book. Only a couple things set me off. I think the idea behind this story was fantastic. Angels are something I can not get enough of. Especially when there is an age-old battle involved, as there usually is with angels.

The characters were set up phenomenally, but as the story continued I felt like each character was losing their personality. Each one doubted themselves way too much, and what set me off more was how the author, Abra Ebner, continued to explain what each person's expression was and usually it was full of confidence. All the damn smirking was irritating. For any of you that reads the stories on Quizilla, I almost felt like I was reading another amateur's.

By far, I loved Wes the most. His point of view was the most anticipated. At first I was iffy, kinda like "What's this kids deal?" Then as he grew into himself, he became a force to be reckoned with. Jane, however, never captured my attention. As everyone around her figured what was going on and embraced it, she kept pushing against it. I loved hearing Emily's opinions of her sister, because I agreed so much. haha.

Only based on the ending am I going to read the second, Book of Revenge. The introduction of Avery really appealed to me. I cannot wait to read more of her. Really hoping Jane will be thrown for a loop!

Two more bones to pick. The quote on the back has NOTHING to do with the book. Really irked me.... And also throughout the book there were italicized bits that threw me off until the very end, once Emily admitted what she had done.

Wish by Alexandra Bullen

Synopsis

For broken-hearted Olivia Larsen, nothing can change the fact that her twin sister, Violet, is gone... until a mysterious, beautiful gown arrives on her doorstep. The dress doesn't just look magical; it is magical. It has the power to grant her one wish, and the only thing Olivia wants is her sister back.

With Violet again by her side, both girls get a second chance at life. And as the sisters soon discover, they have two more dresses-and two more wishes left. But magic can't solve everything, and Olivia is forced to confront her ghosts to learn how to laugh, love, and live again.

In a breathtaking debut from Alexandra Bullen, WISH asks the question: If you could have anything, what would you wish for?

My very first review!!! Aaack! Nerves are failing me, but lets get on with it:

Wish tackles a very serious question every boy and girl wants to know. If I could wish for anything.... Well I'd probably wish for a new Mitsubishi Endeavor. They're so sexy.
The main character, Olivia, has had an awful experience and she's been offered a chance to do something about it. Once Violet's returned Olivia feels like she doesn't even need two other wishes. How could she when she has everything she wanted? For one, I can't believe how totally selfless Olivia is. At that age how can you be so pragmatic. Then (with some assistance) she becomes uber popular and forgets her own morals. Little bit fishy to me. Violet though is a character I could relate to, then again I guess everyone related to Violet. So much charisma! As in most YA books I was disappointed with the parents. Not sure why but it seems every author needs to have the parent turn their back on their children in order for the story to get going. You'd think they'd keep a closer eye on the only daughter they have left!

The plot was for the most part straightforward. Only two times was I really surprised. And no I won't tell you where! I'm not the kind of person who lets cats out of the bag. They should stay there!

I'd hoped Myles had some more action. The whole time I was like "Okay, how does Myles play into all this?"

Overall I give it 3 out of 5. I liked the book and the idea behind it. Main characters were interesting, but secondary all fell flat. For this book the only thing I'd wish for is some more meat.