Lullaby by Amanda Hocking

Author: Amanda Hocking
Format: Paperback
Pages: 290
Date Published: November 27, 2012
Publisher:  St. Martin Griffin

Introduction                                                                                                                                                       In the second installment of the Watersong series, Gemma has gone off to live with the sirens, under the condition that Alex and Harper are not harmed. While Penn, Lexi, and Thea are off frolicking on the beach, Gemma refuses to enjoy any part of it. She won’t swim or take any pleasure in her new life, but everybody can see it. Gemma is growing weaker, getting sicker. She knows that soon she will have to swim, and she will have to eat.                                                                                                                                                     Alex and Harper will stop at nothing to get Gemma back. They don't know what she is, where she went, or how she is doing. What they do know is Gemma left with Penn, Lexi, and Thea. Those girls are nothing but bad news. Harper knows that Gemma is a good girl, but hanging around with those girls, would never do anybody any good.

Cover

       I found this cover nice but I think that I like the cover for Wake better. The cover shows Gemma (?) holding feathers. Probably from the bird form that the sirens can take.

Characters/Relationships

       Gemma is a little better of a protagonist this time around. I mean, I still prefer Harper, but Gemma is a little bit more fun to read about, and I wasn't constantly feeling the urge to roll my eyes at her.

       I don't have much to say about Alex and Gemma but I still don't really care for their relationship.

       Harper and Daniel however, make some progress in their relationship. I really like the relationship that they have. I have liked it since the very beginning because it wasn't insta-love and it doesn't feel rushed. They still aren't really serious, but Harper is more open to liking Daniel now.

The Ending

       Lullaby's ending was really disappointing. When I finished reading the book all I was thinking was,

       Sooo...That's it?...That's all?...A whole 290 pages for this?

       Fortunately, the Watersong Series still has two more books, so maybe the endings to those will be more fulfilling.

I've Fixed Everybody's Problems!
       Alright, so everybody wants to kill the sirens right? Gemma basically decided that she would rather die than eat like a siren. So, I think that Gemma should run away the day before a full moon. That way, the sirens will have no time to find a replacement, and then they will all die. Problem solved. Of course Gemma would die too...eh I've always liked Harper better anyway

Conclusion

          I am happy to say that in my opinion, this book is better than the first. It still had faults, (The ending) but hey, no book is perfect.

 QUESTION TIME

        So,   I've been thinking about starting to participate in some Top Ten Tuesdays (A feature/weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish) or maybe a Teaser Tuesday once in a while. I've been thinking about this for a while but I didn't know if anybody would read them. So what do you guys think? should I try it out? 

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Author: James Dashner
Format: Paperback
Pages: 384
Date Published: October 6, 2009
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Author's Website: www.jamesdashner.com


Introduction
        Thomas can't remember anything other than his first name when he finds himself in the Glade. A big space surrounded by stone walls. Many other boys are in the Glade, and like him, they don't remember anything before arriving. All Thomas wants is some answers, unfortunately the other boys in the Glade don't have all the answers. All they know is that:

1. A new boy comes to the Glade every month.

2. Outside the Glade is a maze

3. The walls that lead inside the Maze open every morning and close every night

4. Nobody has ever survived the Maze overnight.

       Just a day after Thomas' arrival, something extraordinary happens. A girl comes to the Glade and she delivers a mysterious message. Then suddenly, nothing is as it seems, and everything is different. So different in fact that the all the boys are starting to lose hope that an exit inside the Maze exists.

Cover
      I really dislike this cover. I can't put my finger on why, but I can't bring myself to like it.

Characters/Relationship
      All of the characters in this book are boys except for one. I didn't mind that at all. Sadly, I couldn't bring myself to like the protagonist. Throughout the whole story he didn't really show a lot development. Overall he just wasn't very interesting.
       A character I did like in the book was Newt. He had a good personality and was fun to read about.
       Then of course, I have to mention Chuck. He is the first person that Thomas befriends and they stay friends throughout the entire book. He can get a little annoying at times but most of the time he is really sweet.
       No real love story in this book, though I suspect that something might happen between Thomas and Teresa in the next book.

Dislikes
       I just have one thing to mention that really bugged me about the book. The beginning is really slow. I mean for the longest time nothing really happens. I went through about 100 pages being bored with the book.

Conclusion
        I had really high hopes for this book. When you read the blurb on the back it seems quite interesting. Also after seeing all the hype that this book was getting, I decided that I better read it before the movie comes out. (Read on for details on the movie.) But yeah, I haven't really decided if I am going to continue with the series, but maybe If I find out a little more about it       
       






Movie
        The movie is scheduled to be released on February 14, 2014. (So many movies are going to be released around Valentines Day!)

Cast

      Dylan O'Brien as Thomas

       

       Kaya Scodelario as Teresa

       Aml Ameen as Alby

       Thomas Brodie-Sangster as Newt

       Blake Cooper as Chuck

       

       Will Poulter as Gally

       Ki Hong as Minho

       I think some of the actors look a little old to be playing teenagers, but overall it's an alright cast n my opinion.

      

       Hey look, pictures! YAY!

 

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Author: Tahereh Mafi
Format: Paperback
Pages: 338
Date Published: November 15 2011
Publisher: Harper

Introduction

       
       "Stay away from Juliette."

       "I heard that she got kicked out of her old school."

       "What a freak."

       These words are burned into Juliette's mind. Her touch is lethal, so nobody wants to risk getting close to her. She has spent her entire life believing that she is a monster. After one accident she is taken away to live in an asylum (basically). She hasn't made contact with anybody in exactly 264. Then out of the blue she is taken away by The Reestablishment. A group that is supposed to be fixing the dying world. They want to use  Juliette as a weapon. Juliette doesn't want to hurt anybody, but this is Juliette's first chance at freedom in almost a year. If she could just get away from the Reestablishment, then maybe she could hope for a better future. With a guy she never thought she would see again. Only one problem, guards are always near, and the leader of this project, Warner, never leaves her side. Even though Juliette doesn't want to, she's going to have to learn that sometimes people have to get hurt. 

Cover

     
       This cover is nice I guess, but I must say that I, have seen so many covers with eyes on them. Don't get me wrong, most of the are nice but it's getting sort of old don't ya think? At least this one is a little memorable, you know with the eyelashes being trees and such.

Characters/Relationships
        
        I liked all of the characters in this book, they were all pretty cool. I have absolutely no complaints. Can I just take a moment to mention Juliette's name? I have never seen it spelled like that before. I have only ever seen it as the classic Juliet. Anyway, I just love it. Almost as much as I love the name Ophelia. :)
       As for Adam and Juliette I really liked there relationship. I liked it because Juliette and Adam actually have some sort of history together, it's not like they just met each other, then  BAM the're being all cute and couple-y. They knew each other before all this happened.

Writing
       
       On Goodreads, When I read some reviews on this, I noticed that some people have a huge problem with the way that Tahereh Mafi writes. She uses strikeout text and many metaphors and similes, many people couldn't stand it, but I loved it with every fiber of my being. Every sentence was beautiful and flowing gracefully. I can't get enough

Genre
     
       Another thing that people argue about on Goodreads is the genre. They disagree that this book could be classified as a dystopia. They believe that it is just a romance. This book is more than just a romance. It has romance in it, However, that's not all. Okay, I'm just going to quickly list some of the obvious things that make a dystopian novel what it is. (I am aware that the're more, like I said, I am listing the obvious ones.)

#1. This novel takes place in the future.

#2. The people of this futuristic world are pretty controlled

#3. The world is no longer what it used to be, and everything is pretty much going to garbage.

Conclusion
     
       This is one of those books that you either like it, or hate it. I absolutely LOVED it. As soon as I can I am going to pay yet another visit to the bookstore and buy Unravel Me.

Fallen by Lauren Kate

Date Published: December 8 2009
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Authors website: Laurenkatebooks.net

Introduction
       After a disaster that lands Lucinda (Luce) in a reform school, Luce is sure that nothing can get worse. Then she sees Daniel Grigori, an amazingly cute, strangely familiar guy. Who just so happens to want nothing to do with her. For weeks Daniel is nothing but mean to her, but Luce is determined to get to know him, and whatever secrets he may be hiding, no matter what the cost.

Cover
       The cover is actually really nice. (Am I the only one that really wants a pair of those gloves that she is wearing?)

Cam 
       Is it bad that I really like Cam? I mean sometimes I really question my choices in fictional characters. I'm not talking about just in the beginning of the book, when Luce was trying to get a lot of her problems sorted out. I'm talking throughout the entire book. As in from page #1 all the way to page #452. I just really liked Cam, okay. Don't judge me.
 
Luce
       Luce seemed to have misplaced her personality. Or maybe she just never had one. All she did for this entire book was gush over Daniel for no good reason. Somebody tell me why she likes Daniel. He isn't funny, he isn't interesting, I got it! He's nice! Oh wait--No. No he's  not. Never mind.

Daniel
       Daniel switches personalities in 2 seconds flat. First he'll be:
       Angry Daniel
       "Get the hell away from Luce, Cam you dirty little ^&%&*^*
       Possessive Daniel
       "Don't hang out with Cam, Luce"
       Then, rarely you will have the awkward, forced, romantic Daniel
       "You Luce, are the light of my life, the very air I am fortunate enough to breathe." *insert forced and awkward make out scene here*
         And the cycle repeats.

Movie
       I swear, I am the last one to hear about this. The casting just began last month-ish and should be filming in September. The general release has not been set. I won't be going to see this in the theaters, I mean, I don't think I could take all these mindless characters doing mindless things on the big screen. Please oh please, I am begging you universe, don't let this become the next Twilight. I don't think I could handle it

Conclusion
       This book was hard for me to finish. I didn't like the main characters so that made the whole book challenging to get through.

This is Not a Test by Courtney Summers

Author: Courtney Summers
Format: Paperback
Pages: 336
Date Published:  June 19 2012
Publisher: Saint Martins Griffin

Introduction
       The zombie apocalypse is here. Six kids have taken shelter in an old high school. While everybody else in the group is finding ways to fight for survival, Sloane Price is struggling to find a good reason to stay alive. Nothing in life is going right for Sloane. When she was to home, her father would beat her. The only thing that made life worth living was her sister Lily and their plans to run away together when Sloane got old enough. Six months ago, Lily ran away without her. With Lily gone her father was unbearable. When apocalypse came, Sloane left, and found 5 other kids, Rhys Cary, Harrison, Trace, and Grace. Now at the school, nobody is really ever in a good mood. Nothing looks good. Soon they will run out of water, eventually out of food, and they can never get enough sleep with all the zombies aching to get inside.

Cover
       The cover is pretty cool. I love the blood spatters in the corner.

Characters/Relationships
       The characters in this book are all pretty awesome. No huge complaints. Except, everybody gets super angry at Harrison for crying all the time. When in reality, that is probably what I would be like. I know that I wouldn't be the only one freaking out all the time. I mean, lets be real here, I can't handle a spider. I would not be brave in times like that.
       Rhys and Sloane might like each other, but in my opinion they were both just lonely. It was never super personal or serious.

Conclusion
      I really liked this book. It wasn't action, explosions, or all blood and gore. It tugs on your heart a little and you might end up shedding a tear, but you probably won't end up in a full out cry every time you read the book. I would recommend this book to anybody who likes zombies and is okay with sad elements. I wouldn't recommend this book to younger readers, as there is mention of sex and some clothes do get shed.

Velveteen by Daniel Marks

Author: Daniel Marks
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 447
Date Published: October 9 2012
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Introduction

       The purgatory is gray, ashen, and depressing. It's where you end up if you are not ready to go to heaven or hell when you die. At sixteen, Velveteen 'Velvet' Manroe was murdered. Velvet landed herself in the purgatory and boy, does she have a lot on her plate. She had sworn vengeance on her killer, Bonesaw, who's list of victims is growing. Another thing that seems to have everybody in the purgatory on edge is a group of people called the Departurists. They don't believe in the way the purgatory is run, want to destroy it, and go around possessing living people out in "The Daylight." Leaving the purgatory and haunting/possessing people is of course not allowed, unless given permission. If you get caught haunting, your soul could be bound to the purgatory and you are forbidden to move on to heaven or hell when you are ready. On top of all that, Nick a guy new to the purgatory, seems to have wriggled his way into Velvet's heart and she of course, doesn't have time for that.

Cover
       The cover of Velveteen is nice. Showing two obviously dead people lying down. So, I guess you can add me to the list of people who love this cover.

Characters
      I didn't really like any of the characters in this book. I really disliked Velvet. She isn't really ever nice, and she is actually kind of whiny. When you first start to read this book, you might be thinking things like,
Velvet is going to be so cool!
Yeah, she's such a rebel!
I wish I could be like her!

Nope. Like I said before, she is mean, whiny, and annoying.

Dislikes
       Sadly, reading this book wasn't always cookies and cream. The blurb on the dust cover is misleading. More than half of the blurb is about how she wants to haunt Bonesaw. It also mentions nothing about the Departurists. In the actual book though, haunting Bonesaw is about 10% of the book (more or less) and the other 90% is about the Departurists and Nick. Also when I first started reading this book I was a little confused. I took a few chapters for me to understand what was going on, and then right when I felt like I was on top of things, BAM! something confusing happens again. Another thing about the actual story, there are also super boring parts in the book. So boring in fact that you might need to stop reading and put the book down for a while.
      Then, we have the relationship between Velvet and Nick. Velvet saves Nick from being imprisoned in a crystal ball at about the 120th page mark. Soon after, they kiss. Then they have this whole complicated relationship thing going on. Velvet always swears after they kiss that, that kiss will be the last. It never is.

The Ending
        When this book ends, you will end up with a lot of questions. Nothing really feels finished. All I can say is that this book desperately needs a sequel. Although so far the're are no plans to write one.

Conclusion
       This book seemed really promising when I started to read it. It turned out to be somewhat of a disappointment. One of the biggest disappointments for me is the getting revenge on Bonesaw isn't a bigger part of the book. I think boys could read the book. I mean, the purgatory idea is really interesting, and the characters are pretty cool. Even though the protagonist is a girl, she isn't very girly. All boys would really have to look past is the romance and it could be a really good book for them too.

Wither by Lauren Destefano

Author: Lauren DeStefano
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 358
Date Published: March 22 2013
Publisher: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers

Introduction
       In this broken world, everybody knows exactly when they will die. Long ago, a generation of people were born. They were perfect. No life threatening conditions ever infected their bodies, and most settled comfortably  into old age. When this generation had children however, something went wrong. This newer generation is a ticking time bomb. Females will die at age twenty, and males will die at age twenty five. sixteen year old Rhine only has four more years left to live. One night, she is taken from Manhattan and chosen along with two other girls to become a wife of a wealthy man named Linden. Linden lives in a mansion where you could lose yourself in illusions, But Rhine knows the only reason she Jenna, and Cecily are in the mansion is so they can bear children. While Linden is really nice to all the wives, All that is on Rhine's mind is escaping. She needs to get back to her twin brother Rowen, and she needs to spend her few remaining years where she grew up. With the help of a servant named Gabriel, and her sister wives, she just might be able to make it back before it's to late.

Characters/Relationships
       I like Rhine and Jenna, but Cecily can be a bit of a brat sometimes. I mean, I know that she doesn't fully understand what's going on, but she's never nice to the people that bring her the food, and she is barley ever nice to Jenna and Rhine.
       Rhine starts of hating Linden, later in the book she realizes it isn't his fault that she's stuck in the mansion.  He's as much of a prisoner as she is.
        The girls are at the mansion so that they can have children, they do mention sex, but nothing really happens.
      Aside from Jenna, most of the characters have really cool names. Rhine is the name of a river. Which is pretty cool. I've never heard the name Cecily before, but I quite like it. The only problem I have is that the two names, Rowen, Rhine's brother, and Bowen, a baby, sound too close to each other in my opinion. All you have to do is change ONE letter.
      I saw Rhine and Gabriel's relationship come from a mile away. I don't know if it was like that for anybody else who read the book, but to me it was obvious.
       On Goodreads, a lot of people have been having discussions on whether they liked Gabriel, or Linden better. I don't really like either of them. Gabriel doesn't have much of a personality, and Linden is completely clueless about the fact that neither Jenna nor Rhine actually want to be at the mansion. Which I guess isn't really his fault because that is probably what his creepy father wants him to believe, but still.

Conclusion
       I liked this book. It's nice change from what I usually read. This is the first book in The Chemical Garden Trilogy. I will pick up the second book entitled Fever if I get the chance.