back again

Once again I am back for the start of another semester.  I want it to be a good one, but can't helpalready missing summer break.

Book Review: Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Summary (from goodreads) -- 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

First Thoughts -- I knew this book had some mix reviews and though I had my reservations about it being too dark I could hardly put the book down after beginning.  Maybe it was because I have never read a story that was based on angels before, but I though the storyline while maybe a bit dark and creepy was also captivating. I was drawn in from beginning to end and ultimately really enjoyed this book.  

Characters -- I actually liked Nora as the main female lead. She was a brave and head strong but also had a lot of moments where I saw her falter. Very relateable.   Patch,  is your typical bad boy, and that is probably why I loved him. Of course he has a dark past and may have been a little creepy at times, but he still warmed his way into my heart. Hello, he's tall, dark, and handsome.


Relationship -- I must be a sap for the girl-really-shouldn't-like-this-boy-because-he-could-potential-hurt-her-but-who-really-cares-because-he's-dreamy-and-really-just-wants-to-protect-her-or-at-least-so-he-says storyline. I think that's why I liked this book so much. Patch is bad and dangerous and even though Nora has her reservations about him she still finds herself starting to think about him more than she should. And so it starts -- their relationship was one of my favorite parts of the book. And as a plus it wasn't overly cake-y either.

Twilight? -- I will admit that I did see similarities to Twilight. They were small but there. Patch and Edward while both dangerous -- are different. And Bella and Nora are definitely different. I don't hate Twilight, so don't get me wrong here, but Hush, Hush just gives off a different vibe to me then Twilight. What did you think?

Plus, Patch beats out Edward Cullen in my book crush category. However, Patch verse Jacob Black...that is a tough one.

Final -- While some of the story may be slightly overused or cliche I wouldn't change a thing. Maybe I'm a sap or was just in the right mood but I give this book 5 stars.

I was reading about the second book in the series and find myself nervous about what may happen. I don't know -- have you read Crescendo? Did you love it, hate it, or find it just ehh?

My Ratings -- 5/5 Stars

12 Books Later....

So last week I was invited to Pigeon Forge with one of my very best friends. We had a great time.  We went to arcades, dollywood, and I even went indoor skydiving. The problem being we also went to a lot of book stores. I darkened the doorway of at least three different stores -- and one twice.  Now a chunk of change and twelve books later this is what I learned....I'm a sucker. I can not pass up a good deal. At least only four of the twelve books were brand new and the rest were used. And only one of the new books was fully priced -- the rest were a bargain.  And a couple of these are for my mother. So I am not all selfish. :)  Okay, so maybe I am trying to make myself feel a bit better for buying all of these, but mostly I am just excited to read them.

 

The Associate by John Grisham

Atonement by Ian McEwan 

1st to Die by James Patterson

 The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

 

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
The Truth about Forever by Sarah Dessen 

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

The Confession by John Grisham

And then I couldn't resist this cheap deal on the Princess Diaries series:

The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot
Princess in the Spotlight by Meg Cabot
Princess in Love  by Meg Cabot
Princess in Waiting by Meg Cabot

 

 

I'm currently reading The Truth about Forever. I'm really enjoying it so far. With so many to chose from, which book should I read next though?

Book Review: Lament & Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater

Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception by Maggie Stiefvater

Summary (from goodreads): Sixteen-year-old Deirdre Monaghan is a painfully shy but prodigiously gifted musician. She's about to find out she's also a cloverhand—one who can see faeries. Deirdre finds herself infatuated with a mysterious boy who enters her ordinary suburban life, seemingly out of thin air. Trouble is, the enigmatic and gorgeous Luke turns out to be a gallowglass—a soulless faerie assassin. An equally hunky—and equally dangerous—dark faerie soldier named Aodhan is also stalking Deirdre. Sworn enemies, Luke and Aodhan each have a deadly assignment from the Faerie Queen. Namely, kill Deirdre before her music captures the attention of the Fae and threatens the Queen's sovereignty. Caught in the crossfire with Deirdre is James, her wisecracking but loyal best friend. Deirdre had been wishing her life weren't so dull, but getting trapped in the middle of a centuries-old faerie war isn't exactly what she had in mind . . . 


Ballad: A Gathering of Faerie by Maggie Stiefvater

Summary (from goodreads): Music prodigy James Morgan and his best friend, Deirdre, join a private conservatory for musicians. James' musical talent attracts Nuala, a soul-snatching faerie muse who fosters and feeds on the creative energies of exceptional humans until they die. Composing beautiful music together unexpectedly leads to mutual admiration and love. Haunted by fiery visions of death, James realizes that Deirdre and Nuala are being hunted by the Fey and plunges into a soul-scorching battle with the Queen of the Fey to save their lives






My Thoughts:  These books were enjoyable reads, but nothing amazing. If you love faeries then you will probably think these books are great. I'm not talking Tinker Bell here though -- I learned in these books that not all faeries are well....nice. On that note I often wondered if I was suppose to be confused by the language (and it would make sense later) or if I should've already known certain things about this genre. For example certain faerie groups or information about them. Probably easy stuff to google, I just did not feel like stopping and googling the differences in faerie groups or mythology.  Ultimately it did not matter, it was just frustrating at the time. 

I enjoyed the first book more because of the charming Luke. However, both books had many likable characters. James, in the second book, is a real hoot too. He is either trying to get his two (often sarcastic) cents in or he is having to write down words of inspiration that pop in his mind.  The kinda character that makes you want to be true to yourself. 


I recommend these books to someone who really enjoys paranormal romances, young adult fiction, and of course books about  faeries.  Overall I give these books 3-4 stars for an enjoyable, different read.

Vacation

I've had one of the best vacations these past few days in Pigeon Forge. It was relaxing but I stayed pretty busy and didn't get to read that much. I did however buy 12 new (well some where used) books. More to come soon :) Have an awesome Friday :)