For The L♥ve of Reading

The Lipstick Laws by Amy Holder (Second Review!)

2012-01-19T05:25:00.002-07:00

The Lipstick Laws
By Amy Holder
Publisher: Graphia, 2011
237 pages, paperback
Date Finished: 11/6/2011
Genres: Young Adult, Coming of Age, Romance, Realistic Fiction, Chick Lit

At Penford High School, Britney Taylor is the queen bee. She dates whomever she likes, rules over her inner circle of friends like Genghis Khan, and can ruin anyone's life with a snap of perfectly manicured fingers. Just ask the unfortunate few who have crossed her. For April Bowers, Britney is also the answer to her prayers. April is so unpopular, kids don't even know she exists. But one lunch spent at Britney's table, and April is basking in the glow of popularity. But Britney's friendship comes with a high price tag. How much is April willing to pay?
~from goodreads.com~

~First Line: "Sitting near Darci Madison on the schoolbus is enough to put anyone with woman-sprout issues over the edge."
~Last Line: "And with that, I go to bed a proud Lipstick Lawbreaker and an ex-bra-stuffer."

Review: Talk about an awesome book! I really didn't expect it to be that good! It sort of showed me what high school could be like this upcoming year (I doubt it'll be anything like this book, but anything's possible, right? :D).

The main character, April Bowers, is a sophmore in high scool -- with no friends. Her best bud has moved away to Kansas, and somehow, on the first day, April manages to be accepted by the most popular girl in school. Things are amazing for her so far, even though her best friend warns her to stay away.

The plot was really awesome. You could tell that Amy seriously (maybe not too seriously) thought about the best way to write the characters and what happened throughout the 237 pages of the novel. Everything was just so teenish, and the reader can relate to April and her friends so weel. It all just sort of seems real!

The Lipstick Laws was most definitely an ahmazing book. I wish that it was a series, though. I've heard that they are thinking about making a tv series off of it. Hope that follows throught! :)

and a half :)

Quotes from the book:

"No girl wants to hear that she needs a makeover. I know I'm not a supermodel, but c'mon, I'm not a wilting weed in desperate need of Miracle-Gro, either."

" 'Ah, to be a teenager again . . . when noon is morning and midnight is going to bed early.' "

"I get the tortellini alfredo. It's to die for. Technically, I guess it really could be to die for . . . hence my father's nickname for it: heart attack on a plate. Regardless of its artery-clogging qualities, it's delicious."

"Mr. Stuart jumps in horror when he sees me. 'Holy smokes, April! What happened?'
'Tennis balls are hazardous weapons,' I respond cooly.
The class laughs. I'm happy that others find humor in my suffering."

________________________________________________________

And now I have an awesome interview with Amy herself! :D Enjoy!

1. What made you want to be an author?
I've always loved to write, and I dreamed of being an author when I was little. However, it wasn’t until after college that I really started thinking about pursuing it professionally. I studied psychology in college and once I was out in the real world working in the field, I realized I wouldn’t feel completely fulfilled unless I was able to do something I truly adore. Writing is that something … and I feel very lucky to have accomplished my childhood dream.

2. What gave you the idea for The Lipstick Laws?
The idea for the book was very character driven. April, the main character, was the first aspect of the story that came to me. I always knew I wanted to write a fun story about the ups and downs of high school, but the whole plot evolved by free-writing in April's voice and putting her character into what-if scenarios.

3. Would you say that you’re a Lipstick Lawlord, or a Lipstick Lawbreaker?
I'm a Lipstick Lawbreaker through and through! I could never follow the Lipstick Laws... especially Lipstick Laws two, three and four!

4. What can we expect from you in the next couple of years?
In the next couple of years, I'm hoping to have another book or two out. Also, The Lipstick Laws was recently optioned for TV, so there's a chance that it may go to production at some point -- fingers crossed. There are still many steps that would have to happen before it gets to that point...but the possibility is exciting regardless.

5. Who are your favorite authors of all-time?
The authors who sparked my love of reading and writing at a young age will always have a soft spot in my heart. Those authors are: Shel Silverstein, Roald Dahl, Judy Blume, Beverly Cleary and Madeleine L'Engle. I also adore Sophie Kinsella, J.K. Rowling, and Charles Dickens. And I may be biased, but I think my fellow 2011 debut authors are pretty amazing as well!

6. Do you enjoy eating asparagus?
Haha! This may be one of the most random questions I've ever gotten in an interview.... but, yes, I do enjoy eating asparagus. Thanks for asking. :)

7. What are some of your hobbies when you’re not writing?
I love art, photography, anything that makes me laugh, baking, shopping, going to plays, spending time with family/friends...and I'm a huge animal lover, so I like spending time with my pets and/or getting involved with animal rescue groups.

8. What’s your favorite holiday of the year?
Christmas is by far my favorite holiday! In fact, I'd love to be a holiday elf - even just for a day. Preferably the day would be Christmas Eve....because dressing like a holiday elf in the middle of July would probably be a little creepy.

9. How can my followers and I stay in top of what’s happening with you and your books?
You can find me at the following links (please don't hesitate to say hi!):

Twitter: www.twitter.com/amyholderbooks
Website: www.amyholder.com
Blog: amyholderbooks.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/amyholderbooks
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/amyholder

Also, if you'd like to meet me in person, check out my news and reviews page for information about upcoming events: amyholdernews.blogspot.com

Thanks so much for the interview, Zakiya!

Thank YOU, Amy, for participating!!! I really appreciate it :p

Falling Under by Gwen Hayes

2012-01-12T05:13:00.002-07:00

Falling Under (Falling Under, #1)
By Gwen Hayes
Publisher: New American Library, 2011
324 pages, paperback
Date Finished: 9/6/2011
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Coming of Age, Romance, Some Adventure

Theia Alderson has always led a sheltered life in the small California town of Serendipity Falls. But when a devastatingly handsome boy appears in the halls of her school, Theia knows she's seen Haden before- not around town, but in her dreams.

As the Haden of both the night and the day beckons her closer one moment and pushes her away the next, the only thing Theia knows for sure is that the incredible pull she feels towards him is stronger than her fear.

And when she discovers what Haden truly is, Theia's not sure if she wants to resist him, even if the cost is her soul.
~from goodreads.com~

~First Line: "Everything changed the night I saw the burning man fall from the sky."
~Last Line: "And together we fell under."

Review: When I started reading Falling Under, I was automatically pulled in (like I was with all the other books being featured this week; LOL). Again, this was a completely new concept for me, but I really loved it.

As I met Theia and learned more about her past and her family and friends, I was pulled in even more! The way Theia was raised after her mother died, not being able to go anywhere or barely do anything -- I think it's all sort of ridiculous. But I guess when I reached the end of the book, it made sense as to why he was so protective.

The supernatural beings in this one were demons. Nope, no angels. That's what I loved about this one (among about a thousand other things) -- even though there were demons, there weren't angels trying to fight them back or anything. It was very nice anything :).

On to the male of the book: Haden. Half-demon, half-human. I love it! All he's ever wanted was to be completely human; it was pretty cool that he and Theia met every night in the demon world of Under. It was crazy cool, but so mysterious! Although I believe when she actually traveled to Under is was even better. For, you know, traveling purposes, of course :D.

Simple: Get. This. Book. No questions should be forming in your head. The book is amazing. Get it!

Quotes from the book:

"So he was a sweet-talking, cross-dressing, fortune-telling . . . surfer?"

"My makeup was an altogether different experience. Shellacked and powdered, I protested her heavy hand, but my objections were dismissed. As were my protests about the red halter shirt she put me in, claiming it was a dress. If my future included a street corner and a pimp named Ice Money, I'd be ready."

" 'Donny, it would be like opening a barn door during a stampede and expecting only the brown cow with the blue collar to enter. You can't control a stampede.' "

A slightly different post...

2011-12-30T04:32:00.007-07:00

Hey guys, what's up?

First of all, isn't it awesome I get to write the first post of 2012? AAND I get to start it in an awesome way- with music

You see, as I was roaming through Youtube (liar, liar, pants on fire - actually I just followed a link someone posted on Goodreads), I found this amazing channel with THE HUNGER GAMES music. The music written by this guy is simply fantastic, and I think you will all agree. Here are some examples of his creations:

"The Hanging Tree", from Mockingjay

"Beginning of a Rebellion: Part I"

(this is a long one)

"Finnick & Annie"

(think of Finnick and Annie when you're listening to this song... it's perfect)

Okay, so this isn't from The Hunger games. Who cares? And besides, this is one of my favourites. It's from "The Hobbit". i just love how eerie it is

So, what do you think of these? The channel owner has a lot of other music, but these are my favourites :P

BTW, if you want to check out some more of his music, the name of the channel is unnoficialscore

Don't forget to comment and tell us what is your favourite!

beijos,

Leo

ARC Book Review ---> The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

2011-12-20T07:30:00.000-07:00

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

(Mara Dyer #1)

By:  Michelle Hodkin
Published By:   Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Published Date:  November 2011
Pages:   Hardcover 450
Read:  August 2011
Book Cover Rating: 5
Tags:  Young Adult, Fantasy Fiction, Paranormal Romance, Suspense, Contemporary, Supernatural, Mystery
Why the Mad Scientist read this book: Picked up an ARC from BEA 2011. I set this one aside because I had no real interest in it. I was wrong.

First Lines:   My mother thinks I'm dead.

Concoction of a Review:

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer was just a utterly beautiful read. I do believe it rivals my blood red silver tipped parasol and that is something!

I admit that it is going to be rather hard to review this twisted tale without revealing too much of the goodness. I LOVED the book so I have to gush about it. Just a tad.

The best thing about this book... It is full of Crazy!!

Mara is a dark haired beauty who has hallucinations, hears voices of her dead friends, and unexpected things are happening to her. *sips tea*l Mara? What can the Mad Scientist say? She is just a little on the psychotic side. Why? Her best friend, boyfriend, and a friend all went to the great beyond when the abandoned asylum collapsed on them while they were searching for paranormal activity.

What!?!

How did the building just collapse? What if she is the only one who knows what happened? What if she cannot remember what really happened?

Would you want to remember?

Mara's family move to Florida to get away from what happened. Attempting at normal life did not work out so well for her. She becomes the new target for the snotty prep queen of the school, Anna. *Grr...* Leave Mara alone! Psychotic episodes start to happen. She does not know what is real or not. Neither did I!! I LOVED it!!

"Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, and all that jazz. Anna used to be the abstinence poster girl, but post-Shaw, you could write a comic book about the many adventures of her vagina. It could wear a cape."
-- Page 41

Time to swoon!! *Fans Self* Yes, even deeply troubled girls deserve some European tousled hair hunk to look at. Noah Shaw is just the lad for this!! He is an arrogant ASS who happens to just be about the most sexy thing described lately. He is a rumpled sight who just rolls out of bed. Gorgeous tousled messy hair. His contemptuous presumptuous ASS did not turn me away.

Here is how I picture Noah Shaw: As William Moseley...

Lucky for the reader there is No love at first sight! The romance builds up very slowly. The sexual tension even had me on edge! I loved how Mara brushed him off like he was NOT a swoonworthy mess!! I must say... it is strong of her to be cautious instead of flouncing to his side like a ninny.

"How is it that you have friends, Noah?"

"I ask myself that daily." He chomped down on the plastic straw.

"Seriously. Inquiring minds want to know."
-- Page 192

**Side Note: The Mad Scientist has a secret crush on High King Peter! I watched the Chronicles of Narnia just to stare at him! I'd love to mess up that hair!**

*Swoon*

"Your're distracting," I said truthfully.

"I won't be. I promise," Noah said. "I'll get some crayons and draw quietly. Alone. In a corner."

Michelle Hodkin's story had the Mad Scientist at every page. What an amazing debut and I am trying not to be torn because I want book two now!! The story had me sending mental hugs to Mara and dreaming of dear Noah. Plus all of the other characters were so well developed that I truly enjoyed them all. Even her overprotective brother. The story was sprinkled with Mara's snark which broke up the seriousness of the suspense novel.

Overall, it is safe to say that The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer is easily going to be my favorite read of the year.

Best Suspense Novel of 2011!!

*Just an after thought... but when I seen this picture I though this is Mara and Noah!

Anna Popplewell would make a beautiful Mara.

What do you think? Would these two work for this epic story? *

5 Blasts

This book is out now. Go buy it because the Mad Scientist could sum them book up with three letters. WOW!!

Adult Book Review ---> Tempest's Legacy by Nicole Peeler

2011-12-13T04:34:00.000-07:00

Adult Review!!

Tempest's Legacy

Jane True #3

By: Nicole Peeler

Published By: Orbit

Published Date: January 1st 2011

Pages: Softcover 352
Tags: Adult, Fantasy Fiction, Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, Shapeshifters, Vampires, Selkies, Mystery

Why the Mad Scientist read this book: Mad Scientist just had to find out what happened with Jane & Ryu & Anyan!

First Lines: I love it when people pre-laugh at their own jokes.

Concoction of a Review:

Nicole Peeler's Jane True Series has me on edge. I read one book one earlier this year. Jen the Bibliophile sent me book 2 & 3 because she knows my infinity for starting a series but never continuing with it. After completing Tracking the Tempest a book full of snark and supernatural hunks I quickly decided that this series would not be left unread.

**Note to self: Go buy book 4, Eye of the Tempest, soon!!!**

Tempest's Legacy jumps in shortly after Tracking the Tempest ended. Jane continues to train her offensive and defensive magical technique. Her relationship is still a ball of tension from the end of the last book. Which leads us to seeing more of Anyan. Jane's eyes start to wonder toward the Barghest. *waggles eyebrow*

Nonetheless, there is a surprising bout of news that ruffles Jane's feathers. Someone found out that supernatural females were being taken. Not kindly I might add. This horrid news includes information about someone who she most would love to meet and know more about. Dying to know who?? *grin*

The mystery takes Jane out of little ol' Rockabill, her hometown in Maine, as she tags along to figure out what exactly is going on and how to stop it. We have a mix of characters from the first book, from Ryu's Boston team & even a few brand new characters! Interactions are hilarious at best!! We are even pulled into a new area... The Borderlands!! (Many exclamation points but it truly is exciting!)

Here is how I picture Anyan: As Eric Bana...

*As previously stated!*

This book has little to no nookie in it so I was a bit disappointed in that but I'm looking forward to Anyan. *blushes*

It truly is a great series!!! Peeler's snark is completely sprinkled throughout this novel like the others, however, the demeanor is a lot darker. The events that unfold are a bit harsh and force Jane to grow even more, powerfully and emotionally. Jane True is Truly Bad A$$ in this book!

*I received this book free of charge from my sassy friend Jen! My Mad review is completely honest and full of my thoughts on the book and the very yummy men inside. *

For Jane True this is a story of standing up and accepting herself. Oh, there is also an incredible mystery to he had!

4.5 Kisses

Originally Posted at Steampunkery & Book Reviews.

{ARC} Book Review ---> Every Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

2011-12-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

Every Other Day

By:  Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Published By:   EgmontUSA
Published Date:  December 27th 2011
Pages:   Hardcover 352
Read:  October 2011
Book Cover Rating: 5
Tags:  Young Adult, Urban Fantasy, Supernatural, Fantasy Fiction

Why the Mad Scientist read this book: I actually thought that this was going to be a contemporary read. It did have a time glass on it... Who knows what I was thinking?

Concoction of a Review:

I just completed a book review of Bite Me which had a Vampire Hunter/Slayer now I venture not far to Demon Hunter/Slayer. Contemporary, pft we can through that out the carriage and stomp on that right away!

Slayer books need something new. This books offers up the idea of demons and such creatures as being endangered species. Just like the bald eagle they are protected by the government. What is one called when they are against government rule? Terrorist. Kali D'Angelo is just that... Every Other Day.

Here is how I picture Kali D'Angelo: As Michelle Rodriguez...

Every Other Day she switches between a crude demon killer and young girl who attends high school and tries to cope with living with only her father who is not... a mom. Kali does not understand where and why she has power to kick supernatural derriere. When she is human we get to see how shrewd and intelligence during dangerous circumstances.

I heard the telltale sound of scales scraping against metal -- a light swoosh, a tongue flickering out to taste that stale and humid air. Whatever it was, my prey was tasting for me.

As one would expect our protagonist to be a misfit at school. Yet, she is faced with a decision to save one of her school mates. Wait, she is not power vixen at the moment. Will she do the right thing and risk her life?

One of the turn offs is her down and out attitude. Sympathy was to be had at first but it would not stop. However, I admit she did end up with a great band of misfits.

Left with nothing but my own bloody fingertips, I let out a war cry of my own, raked my nails over its face, and fought like a girl.

*Free ARC from NetGalley which did not impede on my Mad Review. It is completely honest and full of my thoughts on the book. *

Every Other Day was fast paced nonstop heroine action that was packed around a complex scheme!

4 Kisses

Originally Posted at Steampunkery & Book Reviews.

2011-12-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Published by Razorbill 2007
288 Pages (paperback)

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a strange package with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker - his classmate and crush - who committed suicide two weeks earlier. Hannah's voice tells him that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out why. Clay spends the night crisscrossing his town with Hannah as his guide. He becomes a firsthand witness to Hannah's pain, and learns the truth about himself-a truth he never wanted to face.
I have mixed opinions on this book, however I know what the most prominent feeling I had about this book. Overall it's a really great book that I think a lot of people should read. It gets down to the core of one of my most valued "ideas" I guess you could say. I really feel that it's really important to treat people as best as you can, especially if you really don't know them. I know that sounds weird but people who you are closer to you know their situations but people you don't know real well at all, you have no idea what they're going trough. Now that's not to say that the people you're close to can't "hide" things from you or not share their whole life with you, but you will get some truth from them. Just as Hannah gave the people she was "closest" to the truth, they just didn't see it. I've always felt that way and that's always been an idea that's been held in higher standards for me and it was the biggest thing I got from this book. Hopefully some of you see what I'm trying to say!

Now for the book! I really feel like this book isn't really about the book or the characters but rather the ideas and situations presented in the story. Don't get me wrong the I really felt for the characters and the story was depressing but good, but this book is about the general situations presented. It was interesting to get into Hannah's head and then to get to hear about the characters outside of her stories. It shows how different people can all come together unconsciously to affect one single person to the point where they don't think they can return. I liked Hannah but I personally couldn't connect with how she got to that horrible point. I don't know, I feel bad for thinking that way but the things that sent her towards that cliff just seemed like things that everyone has to deal with. I mean not everything, or in the combination that Hannah dealt with but I just didn't make that connection with her, but I did feel for her. Clay was a good duel narration, but he had nothing to feel bad about with Hannah, at least not like the others. I really liked him as the duel narrator but it would have been interesting to be able to get into the head of one of the other characters, who had more to deeply contemplate then Clay. Other than that this book was a great book that allows us as readers to really contemplate the affect that we all have on other people. It was a great book that I'll be passing around to my cousins!

4.5 Kisses

Book Review ---> Bite Me by Parker Blue

2011-11-29T07:00:00.002-07:00

Bite Me

(Demon Underground #1)

By:  Parker Blue
Published By:   Bell Bridge Books
Published Date:  September 30th 2008
Pages:   Softcover 229
Read:  October 2011
Book Cover Rating: 3
Tags:  Young Adult, Urban Fantasy, Supernatural, Demons, Fantasy Fiction, Paranormal

First Lines:   The stench of rotting garbage filled my nostrils as I scoured the dark streets of San Antonio for something to take the edge off.

Concoction of a Review:

Vampire Hunter/Slayer is not a new concept. However, I have not watched or read any of Buffy so I will not be comparing at all.

The young Val Shapiro is the vampire hunter within Bite Me who is girl who is trying to find herself among a world she does not feel apart of. One thing stands in the way... she is part demon. Lola is the other side of Val, who has to feed and she loves lust from men.

Val found a way to dampen her powers from the demon blood in slaying vampires. Using her unique status to keep her city safer. Meanwhile, it is enough to keep the sassy Lola in check. Yet, Val was still scorned by her family.

Here is how I picture Val Shapiro: As Vanessa Hudgens...

As we headed out toward the parking lot, Dan said "Why don't we take the truck? It's less conspicuous."

He had a point. With Fang sitting on the back of my motorcycle in his goggles we were more likely to draw attention than divert it.

[Fang the hellhound says] YEAH, THAT'S 'CAUSE I'M SMOKIN'!

She was used as a escape goat for things that went wrong. Continually being blamed for anything that goes wrong. Finally, she was told to stay away from her family.

What was my favorite part of the book you may ask? The Hellhound!! *gasps* Fang has his own personality who really brings some humor to the book. Their interactions cut the seriousness at times and brought a smile to my face more then once and laughing out loud.

Overall, nonstop heroine action. Great fight scenes!! Intertwine that with fun sideline characters makes it a fun book. The Mad Scientist will be looking forward to book two and three! Try Me & Fang Me!!

*Free ARC from NetGalley which did not impede on my Mad Review. It is completely honest and full of my thoughts on the book. *

A fun but not original story of a young supernatural gal who is trying to find her place. Nonstop action and fun fight scenes!!

4 Kisses

Originally Posted at Steampunkery & Book Reviews.

{ARC} Book Review ---> Legend by Marie Lu

2011-11-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

Legend:
(Legend #1)

By:  Marie Lu
Published By:   Putnam Juvenile
Published Date:  November 29th 2011
Pages:   Hardcover 336
Read:  August 2011
Book Cover Rating: 4
Tags:  Young Adult, Science Fiction, Romance, Fantasy Fiction, Apocalypitc, Adventure
Why the Mad Scientist read this book: Signed ARC from BEA 2011. It sounded like a wonderful fun adventure.

First Lines:   My mother thinks I'm dead.

Concoction of a Review:

Legend is an action packed book set in future Los Angeles. The United States is no longer United... or better known as the Republic. The commander is cruel, lethal, and I would like to see where she fits into the story more with book two. I believe that if a country and it's government thinks they are amazing and doing right by all of their people I would have to say, "what is the catch?" I mean who doesn't love blackmail and corruption?!? *Shakes head*

When the Republic is not busy being corrupt they are off at war with the Colonies.

The inky goodness here alternates between June & Day. I admit the Mad Scientist loved the gold lettering.

June

A 15 year old prodigy who had a perfect score on her trial. (Futuristic SAT basically.) She is also a serious kick-butt chick. June is excellent at military activities such as expertly handling guns & scaling buildings in record time, nonetheless, she has a feminine wardrobe that made me envious of our little hero.

She was rich thing but very humble about it. How could you not enjoy her?

Her life is tossed upside down when Metias, her brother was murdered. She was pulled out of university to fulfill her military duties... Including the capture of the Republics worse criminal ---> Day. She was happy to take this job knowing that she could not let Metias's killer walk around.

Day

Day had the Mad Scientist from the very beginning. Poor, caring, blue eyes, and well, just too interesting to not enjoy reading about him. Darn my little heart swooned for him & felt sad when the worst was going on. Why Day? *tear*

He was from the poor area of the Republic where things just were not kind. Illegal fights, starvation and plague was to be had on the streets. Yet, our handsome 15 year old endeared without carrying one of those ugly chips on his shoulders.

He was very found of his family even if they thought he was dead. He tried to protect them in every way possible... one day it meant doing the most incredible thing!

Tess was a poor girl that he ended up befriending. She was medical wonder as well. Strong yet vulnerable at the same time made her a wonderful side character. I adored her greatly. Day protected her and she looked after him just the same.

Here is how I picture Day: As Emile Hirsch...

**Side Note: Mad Scientist is specifically thinking of the longish blonde hair from the movie, Lords of Dogtown. His long hair flowing as he skateboarded down the ramp is perfect for this book!**

The Clash

June was wondering about in the poor sector doing undercover work, looking for the murderer. Just so happens everyone thinks it is Day. She ended up getting into an unfortunate predicament when protective Day swooped in and saved her even though she was a stranger. He fell for her and she... You will just have to read to find out *wink wink*

From then on their lives are woven together. From opposite sides of society and trying to make it in the world.

---

Overall, *pops parasol* let me be honest here. Legend nhas scandal, murder & adventure. However, I did set this book down half way through for a day or two. I did not feel the desperate need to get back to it. Although, Day did bring me back. Curiosity will kill the Mad Scientist one day.

I also admit that I loved the second half of the book!! I'm so glad I did not forget to finish this one.

*Free ARC from BEA 2011 which did not impede on my Mad Review. It is completely honest and full of my thoughts on the book and the very persistent young man inside. *

A dystopian book that the Mad Scientist actually enjoyed. I'm hooked on Day and await book Two!
4 Kisses

Originally Posted at Steampunkery & Book Reviews.

Book Review ---> Firelight by Sophie Jordan

2011-11-22T03:23:00.000-07:00

Firelight
(Firelight #1)

By:  Sophie Jordan
Published By:   HarperTeen
Published Date:  September 7th 2010
Pages:   Hardcover 323
Read:  September 2011
Book Cover Rating: 5
Tags:  Young Adult, Paranormal Romance, Mythology Urban Fantasy, Supernatural, Dragons, Fantasy Fiction
Why the Mad Scientist read this book: Mad Cover Love!!! Purchased all on my own.

First Lines:   Gazing out at the quiet lake, I know the risk is worth it.

Concoction of a Review:

Firelight is built around the idea of beings that are decedent of dragons known as Draki. What an intriguing idea... supernatural Dragon Shifters!! There secret needs to be kept otherwise dire consequences will result. *gasps*

Draki's can shift into human form, however, depending on what type of Draki you are you may have other powers. Like creating mist. Jacinda is the first Fire Breather to be born in centuries. She has no control of her life. The pride has plans for her. Jacinda is young woman, Draki, who is stuck between who she is and who she should be.

Chapter one does its job. I was drawn in and could not let go. Jacinda was being hunted after risking the exposure of the Draki's secret. Which leads up to her mother panics and take her and her twin Tamra and moves them to the desert. Her Draki starts to wither, she risks more to keep that from happening.

Here is how I picture Jacinda: As Elena Satine...

Not another love triangle...

Except I sort of liked this one. Cassian, also a Draki is the prince of the pride. With the exception of the pride's plan of her mating with Cassian to make more fire breathers, I do believe that there is a small flame of lust between them.

The other match, Will, hunts & kills Draki's with his extended family. Forbidden love just makes it that much more interesting. *grin* Smoldering at best Will awakens Jacinda's Draki which is dangerous. She needs to learn how to control herself around him.

That is one wild range but I love both sides! The Mad Scientist is beyond curious about who will be chosen. *waggles eyebrow*

After running for my life from hunters, a girl with too much lip gloss doesn't register on my fear radar.

I can hardly smirk at the idea of Dragons any longer. I thought the world Sophie Jordan created was diverse. The ending was grand and the descriptions were vivid.

Not for everyone but the internal conflict of personal identity and purpose is something all young adults go through.

*Purchased this book for myself which did not impede on my Mad Review. It is completely honest and full of my thoughts on the book. *

Welcome to a fun fantastic world of Dragons, ah, decedents of dragons, Draki.

Originally Posted at Steampunkery & Book Reviews.

Interview with Carrie Harris!!!!

2011-11-17T05:38:00.002-07:00

For those of you who don't know what Carrie's debut novel, Bad Taste in Boys, is about---

Someone's been a very bad zombie.

Kate Grable is horrified to find out that the football coach has given the team steroids. Worse yet, the steroids are having an unexpected effect, turning hot gridiron hunks into mindless flesh-eating zombies. No one is safe--not her cute crush Aaron, not her dorky brother, Jonah . . . not even Kate!

She's got to find an antidote--before her entire high school ends up eating each other. So Kate, her best girlfriend, Rocky, and Aaron stage a frantic battle to save their town. . . and stay hormonally human.

__________________________________________________________

Please help me give a marvelous Butterfly welcome to Carrie Harris everyone!!!!!! :D

1. What influenced you to start writing?
I got an F on my first creative writing assignment in Freshman English. Now, you have to understand a few things about me if you’re going to put this into perspective. Like, I’d never gotten an F before and haven’t gotten one since. And I am incredibly stubborn once someone tells me I can’t do something. So I got the F, and I was pretty sure it didn’t stand for "fabulous." So I wrote the heck out of my next assignment. The teacher gave me an A+ and had me read it for the class, and BAM. I was hooked.

2. What do you do in your spare time between writing?
Well, I’m a mom, so I do a lot of standing on the sidelines at soccer and shuttling kids to dance and trying to find socks that match. But when I have free time, I fill it with some strange hobbies, like crocheting monsters and making cupcakes shaped like skulls and collecting zombie penguins. The other moms think I’m really strange. I think that’s a compliment.

3. What’s your favorite board game?
Hmmm. Do you count Apples to Apples? Because any game that involves golf-ball sized hail and giant squid is awesome. I even played it while I was in labor with my son. My husband and friends let me win, which was probably very smart of them.

4. Who are some of your all-time favorite authors?
I could probably fill pages and pages, so here are just a few: Terry Prachett, Suzanne Collins, Neil Gaiman, Jim Butcher, Maureen Johnson, and Jonathan Maberry.

5. What can we expect from you after the release of Bad Taste in Boys?
Well, I’ve just finished edits on a new Kate Grable adventure called BAD HAIR DAY. It’s about werewolves and nanotechnology and CSI and blueberry flavored astronauts and killer coconuts. I’m really excited about it! And then I’ve got a third book in the works which will be something entirely new and different.

6. I understand that Bad Taste in Boys involves zombies. What gave you the idea for that?
I’ve always loved monsters. I knew I wanted to do a book about a completely normal person who becomes convinced that zombies are invading their town. Because the people in the movies just seem to accept it so easily. Someone runs down the street screaming, “Zombies! Zombies!” and then there’s this mass panic. I wouldn’t stand there and get eaten, but I’d be running away, going, "Are you sure it’s zombies? How do you know? Have you taken a representative sample to the lab for analysis?"

7. Do you have a favorite quote?
I’m partial to Jim Henson’s “It all ends in one of two ways. Either someone gets eaten or something blows up.” That’s kind of how I approach my books.

8. How can my followers and I keep up with you and your books?
Website: http://carrieharrisbooks.com/
Blog: http://carrieharrisbooks.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/carrharr
Facebook: http://facebook.com/carrharr
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1005935.Carrie_Harris

Thanks so much, Carrie, for being able to stop by the blog!!!!! :DD

Clarity by Kim Harrington

2011-11-10T05:32:00.002-07:00

Clarity (Clarity, #1)

By Kim Harrington

Publisher: Point, 2011

242 pages, hardcover

Date Finished: 7/6/2011

Genres: Young Adult, Coming of Age, Romance, Fantasy

When you can see things others can't, where do you look for the truth?

This paranormal murder mystery will have teens reading on the edge of their seats.

Clarity "Clare" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch a certain object, and the visions come to her. It's a gift.

And a curse.

When a teenage girl is found murdered, Clare's ex-boyfriend wants her to help solve the case - but Clare is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Clare's brother - who has supernatural gifts of his own - becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most?
~from goodreads.com~

~First Line: " 'You don't want to kill me,' I said."
~Last Line: "Hopefully I'd never have to know my own limits."

Review: Harrington instantly pulled me in. A family full of crazies seems pretty interesting to me. I can definitely say that I wasn't disappointed. Clarity was great!

Clarity "Clare" Fern has the gift of [insert big R word] (retrospective?) pyschometry. LOL. I can never remember what the word is! But anyway, when she touches things, she can sometimes feel traces of people, and thus see memories of things that happened to those people earlier. The powers, like any other, are extraordinary. I loved reading the pages where Clare used her gift.

Clarity's oceanside tourist town has just witnessed a murder. Her brother, Peter, is one of the people police are looking at. To help her brother, and the rest of the town, and just because she's a good citizen, Clarity agrees to work on the case with Justin (her ex) and Gabriel (the new guy in town). It might be great, but Gabriel doesn't feel very joyful working with a psychic. His attitude towards Clare isn't exactly a hopeful one that she'll find anything. Actually, he doesn't think she'll help at all.

Gabriel's character was so romantic at some points, but then either (1) Justin popped up, or (2) something about the case occurred that needed to be handled. *shakes head* oh well. That's why they make sequels :). He could also be pretty mysterious at some moments in the book. He and his father don't exactly have a wonderful past, but they deal with it the best they can. Respectable, in my opinion.

Clarity was just absolutely amazing. I can't wait for Perception to be released next year!

Quotes from the book:

"Yummy's specialty was fresh seafood, which doesn't appeal to me. Yes, I live on the Cape and don't eat seafood. It's a crime, I know."

They exchanged a look and grinned at me.
'Sorry,' the blond one said. 'We didn't expect you to look so . . . '
'Frankly,' the dark-haired guy picked up, 'we thought you'd be an old hag.'
'Oh, that's my mother.'
They eyes widened as Mom came in on the heels of that line and then we all had a good laugh."

Review: Perfect (Impulse, #2)

2011-11-05T12:52:00.001-07:00

Title: Perfect (Impulse, #2)

Author: Ellen Hopkins

First published on: September 13th, 2011

Page total: 622

Genre(s): YA, Realistic Fiction

What can I say? If you're looking for encouragement to try this book, well, then you haven't read anything by Ellen Hopkins yet, I assume. And you should have at least read Impulse to consider this book. So go read. And come back.

Powerful, emotional, realistic. Hopkins' so right. This book is for everyone who has looked into the mirror (either literally or figuratively) and thought "I'm not good enough." Because, not good enough for who? Yourself? Why should you make yourself suffer? Living in a world where love is getting rare, you should have at least one person you can rely on: yourself. Love yourself. Be yourself.

I noticed that Hopkins has gotten more optimistic in the past few years when I look at the endings of her books. Clearly, Tricks, Fallout or even this one have more hopeful endings than her earlier works.
What bugged me a little in this book is that the attention was kind of focused on Cara. I mean, it has four protagonists, but at the end, she's the one who has taken the courage to be herself. And maybe Andre, but we never know what will become of him, or of Kendra or of this jerk Sean.

For those of us looking forward to Tony and Vanessa's cameo in this book (as I did), don't get your hopes up too high because their cameo is brief at the end of the book.

Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton & Interview w/Tessa!

2011-11-03T05:23:00.006-07:00

Blood Magic (Blood Journals, #1)

By Tessa Gratton

Publisher: Random House Children's Books, 2011

405 pages, hardcover

Date Finished: 19/6/2011

Genres: Young Adult, Coming of Age, Fantasy, Romance, Action

Draw a circle ... place a dead leaf in the center ... sprinkle some salt ... recite a little Latin ... add a drop of blood ...

Maybe that last part isn't exactly simple. Yet somehow it feels right to Silla Kennicott. And nothing in her life has felt remotely right since her parents' horrific deaths. She's willing to do anything to uncover the truth about her family—even try a few spells from the mysterious book that arrived on her doorstep ... and spill some blood.

The book isn't the only recent arrival in Silla's life. There's Nick Pardee, the new guy next door who may have seen Silla casting a spell. She's not sure what he saw and is afraid to find out. But as they spend more time together, Silla realizes this may not be Nick's first encounter with Blood Magic. Brought together by a combination of fate and chemistry, Silla and Nick can't deny their attraction. And they can't ignore the dark presence lurking nearby—waiting to reclaim the book and all its power.

Tessa Gratton's intoxicating first novel will keep pulses racing, minds reeling, and pages turning right up to the very last drop of blood.
~from goodreads.com~

~First Line: "I am Josephine Darly, and I intend to live forever."
~Last Line: "Silla stared at the eyes of the first one and reached out her hand."

Review: Blood Magic was not what I thuoght it would be. It was even better!!

I was so instantaneously pulled in to the story as Silla received the book full of spells that was simply signed "The Deacon." He obviously knew her father if he was sending this to her, but her dad would never have believed in magic, right? Wll, it's wrong.

The characters in this novel were really awesome. They were thought out for sure. I would like to applaud Tessa (and every other author whose book I'm reviewing this week) for their amazing details! You could be probably be the character/s if they got any more descriptive. That's definitely a good thing, though!

The plot line of Blood Magic is unquestionably original if you ask me. I've never read a book like this at all. Entirely intriguing and a completely new concept. I really loved it and can't wait until The Blood Keeper is released!! :)

(10 out of 5)

Quotes from the book:

"And just like that she was crying. I felt a little like That Guy who holds a baby at arm's length because he's afraid it's going to pee on him.."

" 'Stars, hide your fires; let not light see my black and deep desires.'
Automatically, I replied, 'I'd like to see your deep--' but thank God I stopped before I said something unforgiveable in front of her grandma.
And her brother."

" 'It was Lilith, wasn't it? What did that b---h say now?'
'Nicholas Pardee, you will not, I repeat, not refer to MAry by that awful name.'
'Which one?' "

______________________________________________________________

And now, for the interview with Tessa Gratton herself!!!!!!!

1. Have you always wanted to be an author?
Since I was about 8! I wanted to be other things, too. A ballerina, a paleontologist, an actor, and a wizard. (I still want to be a wizard.)

2. What gave you the idea for Blood Magic?
I was walking my dog around the park, and I just thought of it! Originally, it was about a brother and sister dealing with magical powers, with an evil body-snatcher after them!

3. If you could go anywhere in the world for a week, where would you go?
Oh, everywhere! Someplace I know I love: either Sydney, Australia, or Budapest, Hungary. If it’s a place I haven’t been but want to go… Sweden.

4. Who are some of your favorite authors?
Robin McKinley, Patricia McKillip, Kristin Cashore, Anne Rice, Melina Marchetta, Tim O’Brien.

5. What can we expect from you within the next few years?
I have a companion novel to Blood Magic out in the next year, and after that, I can’t say! Hopefully a new series!

6. What do you l ike to do when you’re not writing?
I’m addicted to Netflix – especially crime dramas and comedy. I also love walking outside under the big Kansas sky and spending time grilling with friends.

7. Do you have a favorite movie?
Oooo. Um. “Spirited Away” probably, if I HAVE to pick one. It’s AMAZING.

8. Is there a specific day that you love to write on?
Any of them! All of them!

9. How can my followers and I keep up with you?
I’ve got a website: http://www.tessagratton.com/, with links to my blog, Twitter, FB page, GoodReads page, and YouTube page. I’m all over the place!

Awesome interview, Tessa!

Wither by Lauren DeStefano

2011-10-27T05:27:00.005-07:00

Wither (Chemical Garden trilogy, #1)

By Lauren DeStefano

Publisher: Simon & Schuster, 2011

358 pages, hardcover

Date Finished: 27/5/2011

Genres: Young Adult, Coming of Age, Fantasy, Romance, Futuristic

What if you knew exactly when you would die?

Thanks to modern science, every human being has become a ticking genetic time bomb—males only live to age twenty-five, and females only live to age twenty. In this bleak landscape, young girls are kidnapped and forced into polygamous marriages to keep the population from dying out.

When sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery is taken by the Gatherers to become a bride, she enters a world of wealth and privilege. Despite her husband Linden's genuine love for her, and a tenuous trust among her sister wives, Rhine has one purpose: to escape—to find her twin brother and go home.

But Rhine has more to contend with than losing her freedom. Linden's eccentric father is bent on finding an antidote to the genetic virus that is getting closer to taking his son, even if it means collecting corpses in order to test his experiments. With the help of Gabriel, a servant Rhine is growing dangerously attracted to, Rhine attempts to break free, in the limited time she has left.
~from goodreads.com~

~First Line: "I wait."
~Last Line: "This time, I don't know where the light will guide us."

Review: Lauren DeStefano's debut novel was ahmazing! It kept me coming back for more; I couldn't put it down long enough to do anything other than text, which, for me, is saying something!

The main character, Rhine is introduced to us in the back of a van. She's been kidnapped, and in the end is one of the lucky ones. While every girl is nearing their time for death, Rhine and two others are lucky enough to prolong it.

Everything that happened in Wither held my attention and kept me reading for hours at a time. One of my favorite characters in this book was Jenna. She was always so secretive about certain things, but she sincerely cared about her sister wives and what happened to them. Life isn't exactly a fairy tale for Jenna close to the end of the book, but c'est la vie, I guess.

This book . . . wow. There really aren't words. I just wish that I could babble on and on about everything that took place in it. But that would sort of ruin the book for others, so I'll refrain myself :). I'm definitely anxious for the release of Fever next year!

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

2011-10-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

Published 2010 by Harper

327 Pages (Paperback)
Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her "power" to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes that the dead leave behind in the world... and the imprints that attach to their killers.
Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift; it mostly just led her to find the dead birds her cat had tired of playing with. But now that a serial killer has begun terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he's claimed haunt her daily, she realizes she might be the only person who can stop him.
Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet on her quest to find the murderer—and Violet is unnerved to find herself hoping that Jay's intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she's falling intensely in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering a killer... and becoming his prey herself.

You know when you start reading so many books that are just good but not really anything more. And that you start to think that those books are really good because you just haven’t read one of those OH MY GOD books? Well this book definitely broke that cycle for me. I often find that when I get stuck in one of those book phases where I think every book is really good because nothing great comes and says “here pick me pick me!” well I start to get uninspired to read, which is bad. Even though the books are good they all aren’t anything special, and I don’t know about you, but I read for those special books. I know that not every book you read is going to be one of those books, not even half or a quarter. But every now and then I do want to read one of those wow books.

This was a WOW book. It is unlike anything I’ve ever read, which is always great, and I just loved everything about from Violet to Jay to the serial killers few pages of point of view. One of the things this book really has going for it is there really isn’t anything like it out. So there’s nothing to compare it to but that in itself is pretty awesome. By the way, I really think we need more crime/killers thriller books in YA, let’s spice things up a bit! I would love to read more from this genre! As much as I still love reading about vampires, werewolves, angels, etc. I really want some more diversity, plus we don’t always need the main plot of the story to be about love. Again, I really enjoy stories with love interests but I’d almost rather it be a minor plot, at least until the end of the story (aka series) Love needs time to grow and strengthen not be like “Wow, I’m a vampire/werewolf/witch/angel/evil bad boy/creature that’s really bad, you should really stay away from me. But I guess since you’re the new girl in town who doesn’t really have any friends and is just average and needy, (OR) I’m the new guy in town and you’re the supposedly just average girl but is really a super human something or other who is going to help save the world and my total badness, We should/have to be together.” NO! No, no, no, no, no! I’m sorry that used to work for me a few years ago, now...well no. Sorry Twilight, I love you but I have to admit this example was with you in mind. Although the second part associates with some of my favorite books such as (TV show) Vampire Diaries, Hush Hush, The Iron King, etc. So actually I’m not quite sick of those, besides usually the girls are, if not kick ass, have a very strong back bone. Anyway, long explanation aside, it basically comes down to I want to see something else something done differently. The Body Finder totally did that and blew my expectations away. It basically defied the “normal” YA. Yah for defiant books!

This review is getting quite long and I haven’t even started my opinions on the actual book! Bear with me! So The Body Finder defied my expectations with just about everything and is now one of my favorite books ever. Truthfully I can’t wait to go back and read it again, well maybe when I don’t have a whole bookcase full of books I have to read. What really makes this story is something I’ve been asking myself for a while. The whole book is amazing but I think the characters are brilliant. And oh my god does Violet actually have three good no-backstabbing friends? Hello true, multiple, friendships in YA, it’s been a LONG time, how’s it been? Friendship is so important in life that I just don’t get why, in YA it seems like no one has friends or only one that’s really only there for the character to tell all their sob story paranormal problems to, well that’s part of friendship but it’s a lot more than that. I loved Violet’s group of friends, they all brought something different to the story and the relationship they shared. It was great and made me all warm and cozy knowing that there are really close friendships out there in YA again. Especially when you get to Violet and Jay’s friendship, I just, *sigh*, I mean how amazing was that. I can’t really put it into words, but I’m going to try. You know those books where there’s a paranormal bad ass guy that makes your heart beat really fast in a matter of seconds of entering on a page. Well that wasn’t the case at all with Jay, he made me feel warm and cozy and then slowly got my heart beating a little faster as the book went on. It wasn’t fast and spontaneous; it was slow, warm, and genuine. And that is how love should be, not I see you on the street we’re spontaneously drawn together into a whirlwind of paranormal and therefore are in love. No, this was slow building genuine love. What a difference from every YA book I’ve ever read. Don’t get me wrong, I love the sexy hot throw you against the wall guys, but sometimes you need something a little different, and Jay happened to come at the perfect time.

I had more to say about the book, like I loved the creepy serial killers point of view pages in the books and the Violet’s gift is so cool (I necessarily want it myself but again, such a refresher from present YA), but my review would seem weird from being all general to very specific (Do you like how I added some stuff anyway :)

Hate List by Jennifer Brown

2011-10-20T05:13:00.005-07:00

Hate List

By Jennifer Brown

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company, 2009

405 pages, paperback

Date Finished: 24/5/2011

Genres: Young Adult, Coming of Age, Realistic Fiction, Romance, Some Action

Five months ago, Valerie Leftman's boyfriend, Nick, opened fire on their school cafeteria. Shot trying to stop him, Valerie inadvertently saved the life of a classmate, but was implicated in the shootings because of the list she helped create. A list of people and things she and Nick hated. The list he used to pick his targets.
Now, after a summer of seclusion, Val is forced to confront her guilt as she returns to school to complete her senior year. Haunted by the memory of the boyfriend she still loves and navigating rocky relationships with her family, former friends and the girl whose life she saved, Val must come to grips with the tragedy that took place and her role in it, in order to make amends and move on with her life.
~from goodreads.com~

~First Line: "The scene in the Garvin High School cafeteria, known as the Commons, is being described as "grim" by investigators who are working to identify the victims of a shooting spree that erupted Friday morning."
~Last Line: "And I'd gone home and packed, leaving the suitcase open on my bed, next to the horses in the wallpaper, which were -- as they'd always been, of course -- completely motionless."

Review: The first time I heard of this book was when my bestie Leanne got it from the library and loved it. She recommended it to me and gave it to me as a birthday present. I'm very glad she did.

The main character, Valerie, wasn't exactly the most popular girl in school. She was far from it. Between being called "Sister Death" by her peers and having to listen to her parents' constant arguing, her only escape is her boyfriend Nick. Until Nick is the shooter in a shooting spree, and takes his life last.

The novel was just soo good. There were a lot of times where it was just too sad, and you couldn't help but feel sorry for Valerie. She definitely went through some tough times that school year. Some of the people she despised even became some of her best friends after the incident.

You're probably wondering exactly what the Hate List is. Well, whenever something happened that Valerie or Nick hated, they added it to the Hate List. They added people, things, anything. Some of the people that Nick killed and injured during the shooting were on the Hate List.

All in all, this novel was so real i nmy eyes. Valerie had so much to go through after the shooting. You really can't help but feel bad for her. A story that definitely touched my heart time and time again. I wish Jennifer Brown would write a prequel to it! :)

{ARC} Book Review ---> Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard

2011-10-18T11:41:00.000-07:00

Wanderlove

By: Kirsten Hubbard

Published By: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Published Date: March 13th 2012

Pages: Hardcover 335
Tags: Young Adult, Contemporary Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Coming of Age, Travel, Central America,

Why the Mad Scientist read this book: Mad Scientist's first major hobby is travel right next to reading.

Day 1: As soon as I see the blond girl bouncing down the aisle, I know she's heading for the empty seat beside me.

Concoction of a Review:

Wanderlove is the BEST book of 2011 & since it is not out until 2012 I have to say it will be the BEST book of 2012 as well!!! As least for the Mad Scientist!

Caution:
I am already full of Wanderlove but this book had me hit priceline and hostel.com before I was even done with the book just to see how much I had to save up for a month of hiking through Belize! I have no doubt it will have you in deep desire to travel!!

Backpacking through any country is for the adventurous or someone looking to move on in their lives. For Bria she is looking for a bit of both. She recently turned 18 & was accepted into a fast track program for a renowned art school located in California, however, it is not the art school she had her heart set on. Drawing is her passion yet she is at a impasse due to her crooked cross of an ex Toby. *Grr*

They did speak of traveling the world together. Bria decided since she wasn't going with Toby she would travel with her two friends. Except they backed out. She is determined & books a herself a trip to Guatemala with a group through Global Vagabonds. *Cheers for Bria*

Get ready for forest bugs, hostels, chicken buses, & rules to travel.

Bria runs into backpacker Starling and is envious of her way of travel. Oh, so was the Mad Scientist. Later on in a market her swoon worthy brother Rowan invited Bria to ditch her stuffy scheduled hand holding middle aged group to cross the lake and have dinner at a hostel. Oh, the boy and his tricks. Bria caught the last boat in so she was stuck at the hostel for the night. From there it just unravels. In Bria's favor I might add. She needed some spontaneity in her trip! *grin*

Now that she is has thrown away 80% of what she brought to Central American but opting to keep the "gutterwater" colored crisp windbreaker. *What are you thinking face!* Next step: ditching the suitcase for a used with love backpack she hits the road with her new tour guides, Starling & Rowan.

Could you use just a backpack to get around? As you can tell Kristen is a traveler of the world. Only a person who has been on a water taxi would know to wrap it up... Otherwise risk smelling like wet moldy fish water. Mad Scientist does not feel like a seasoned traveler but I know I want to cart the smallest amount of junk with me. My one month in China... I only had a backpack. It can be done my dears.

Rowna's first travel rule: "The smaller the backpack, the bigger the ego." --- I agree!

Here is how I picture Rowan: As Samuel Larson...

Rowan is exactly the type of guy I run into on the road. Well rounded and not perfect. He makes a small amount to survive on by teaching scuba diving. I don't know about you but I find that amazing! Throughout the book he is reading all kinds of books, that alone should make any book lover fall for the long haired boy.

Wanderlove is so easy to read. It was smooth and had beautiful descriptions of the area. Character driven plot made me crave to know where and what would be next.

An epic travel tale of friendship, culture shock, & self discovery is to be had in these pages. Oh, & it is a escapist travel novel as well.

Mad Scientist really wants another book to follow this. The end just makes me curious to know about their next travel adventure! (Do I smell a series??? I might be dreaming.) Even if their is not another destination I am ready to re-read this and relive Guatemala and Belize all over again!

*Free ARC from Netgalley which did not impede on my Mad Review. It is completely honest and full of my thoughts on the book. *

5+ Kisses---> A Proper Book Indeed!

I Recommend to Everyone! LOVED this epic travel tale!!

There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones: Book Review

2011-10-10T00:01:00.000-07:00

Title: There You'll Find Me
Author: Jenny B. Jones
Pages: 320
Published: October 4th, 2011
Genre: YA Fiction, Contemporary, Christian, Inspirational, Romance, Tough Issues
Content: kissing, anorexia

Summary: When Finley travels to Ireland as a foreign exchange student, she hopes to create a new identity and get some answers from the God who took her brother away and seems to have left her high and dry.
But from the moment she boards the plane and sits by Beckett Rush, teen star of the hottest vampire flicks, nothing goes according to Finley's plan.
When she gets too close to Beckett, a classmate goes on a mission to make sure Finley packs her bags, departs Ireland-and leaves Beckett alone.
Finley feels the pressure all around. As things start to fall apart, she begins to rely on a not-so-healthy method of taking control of her life.
Finley tries to balance it all-disasters on the set of Beckett's new movie, the demands of school, and her growing romance with one actor who is not what he seems. Yet Finley is also not who she portrays to Beckett and her friends.
For the first time in her life, Finley must get honest with herself to get right with God.(from Goodreads.com)

My Thoughts:

There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones is an inspirational tale of God, love and those we lose along our Way.

Finley, our narrator, has had her brother ripped from her, murdered during an act of terrorism in Afghanistan where he had been building children's schools. Anguished and hurt, Finley searches for comfort around a bubbling and bouncing South Carolina, only to end up feeling empty and lacking, afterwards. After counseling and therapy, Finley decides to change her life around and find answers in the same place her brother, Will, had found them - Ireland. By following his travel journal, Finley will go to Ireland and follow the trail Will has left her, in the hopes that she will once again find God and closure toward her brother's death. Except, things don't go exactly as Finley planned and on the airplane to Ireland she ends up sitting by the famous teen heartthrob/vampire actor, Beckett Rush, a guy who exemplifies everything she is leaving behind. And while Finley snarks his flirting right back to where it came from, he still seems to be everywhere she is trying to get to, and the path she feels she must follow is not as strait and clear as she thought it would be.

"Page fifty-one." The dimple in his cheek deepened. "And as for girls who try to stay away from me--my charm always wears them down." [Beckett Rush]

"I'm up-to-date on my shots, so I'm pretty much immune to everything." [Finley]

Beckett just tipped his chair back and laughed. "Famous last words, Flossie. Famous last words."

There You'll Find Me, is a journey of a girl who only wants to find her place in life. A girl who has so many questions, but not a single answer. I supposed this was one of the reasons I so connected with Finley. She feels lost and alone, and in a world as bleak as hers, that is a devious road to travel. I haven't read much Christian Fiction as of late, although I read a lot in high school. There You'll Find Me is my jump back in and I must say that I was more than pleasantly surprised. Ms. Jones' characters are layered and loveable while also being raucously conflicted, making their need for God and love more believable and less preachy. Because while Finley struggles with all the raging emotions inside of her, she grasps for any control she can find which comes in the form of food and exercise. As Finley slowly withdraws from things she probably shouldn't, she acts like nothing is wrong, lying to all those she learns to care for.

And while the plot and interweaving storyline of Finley escalates and grows, causing the underlying tone to be serious, Ms. Jones' characters add the perfect amount of comedic relief at just the right moments, helping me to understand and appreciate them and all they are going through and striving for, while still allowing me to connect with them and retain some humor in such a serious world.

Becket Rush, the male lead in the novel, and the flirtatious actor with sharp pointy teeth, was probably my favorite character of the book. He was able to look at his life and understand that it wasn't always about him. He was fun and light while also deep and serious. Beckett is a difficult character to understand because he seems to have so many faces and while reading, we aren't sure of anything about him, but I always had this underlying feeling of what kind of person Beckett was. His kindness and loyalty in a world that seems to lack for it daily, was refreshing and poignant.

"It's touching to know you were praying for me." He looked down, pinning me in place with that gaze. "And to think I believed you were ignoring me."

Good heavens, Harry Potter didn't have any magic like the kind this boy was brewing. "Why would you think that?"

There You'll Find Me is a sensational book that I loved immensely and will not forget easily. Finley and Beckett, two young people wearing the skins they think everyone wants to see, but the truth underneath clashes harshly and isn't always pretty. They portray how trials and decisions affect our lives and those around us and that right decisions are not always easy to find, let alone make. But in the end, it is always worth it.

"Johnny." My Charleston accent was just as exaggerated as it was loud. "Don't worry about that rash you have. Our love will see us through." [Finley]

His arm squeezed a little tighter. "Frances, dearest," he drawled, "when we get back home, I will give you that wedding ring you've begged me for. It's only right after you gave me those triplets at the ripe age of sixteen." [Beckett]

"I'm an unwed mother?" I hissed.

"I'm a diseased baby daddy."

This made me laugh. "I think you just got the title for your next movie."

4.5/5 Hearts

The Author
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There You'll Find Me: Buy the Book!

Save a Tree Page Updated!

2011-10-07T14:40:00.003-07:00

Hey everyone! Sorry for our slowness in updating our Save a Tree page! I've just updated it with a new e-book review: Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins. The linky is also updated for the 4th quarter and ready for everyone's e-book review link-ups. Can't wait to see what you've read and remember....SAVE A TREE, READ AN E-BOOK. *wink wink*

*hugs*

{ARC} Book Review... The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

2011-10-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer:

Mara Dyer #1

By:  Michelle Hodkin
Published By:  Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Published Date:  2011
{ARC}:   450 pages
Tags:  Young Adult, Fantasy Fiction, Paranormal Romance, Suspense, Contemporary, Supernatural, Mystery

Why the Mad Scientist Read this Book:  I picked this book up BEA 2011 in New York City. I set this one aside because I had no real interest in this one.

Concoction of a Review:

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer was just a utterly beautiful read. I do believe it rivals my blood red silver tipped parasol and that is something!

I admit that it is going to be rather hard to review this twisted tale without revealing too much of the goodness. I LOVED the book so I have to gush about it. Just a tad.

The best thing about this book... It is full of Crazy!!

Mara is a dark haired beauty who has hallucinations, hears voices of her dead friends, and unexpected things are happening to her. *Sips tea* Mara? What can the Mad Scientist say? She is just a little on the psychotic side. Why? Her best friend, boyfriend and a friend all went to the great beyond when the abandoned asylum collapsed on them while they were searching for paranormal activity.

What!?!

How did the building just collapse? What if she is the only one who knows what happened? What if she cannot remember what really happened?

Would you want to remember?

Mara's family moves to Florida to get away from what happened. Attempting at at normal life did not work out so well for her. She becomes the new target for the snotty prep queen of the school, Anna. *Grr...* Leave Mara alone! Psychotic episodes start to happen. She does not know what is real or not. Neither did I! I LOVED it!

"Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, and all that jazz. Anna used to be the abstinence poster girl, but post-Shaw, you could write a comic book about the many adventures of her vagina. It could wear a cape."
-- Page 41

Time to swoon! *Fans self* Yes, even deeply troubled girls deserve some European tousled hair hunk to look at. Noah Shaw is just the lad for this! He is an arrogant ASS who happens to just be about the most sexy thing described lately. He is a rumpled sight who just rolls out of bed. Gorgeous tousled messy hair. His contemptuous presumptuous ASS did not turn me away.

Here is how I picture Noah Shaw: As William Moseley...

Lucky for the reader there is NO love at first sight! The romance builds up very slowly. The sexual tension even had me on edge! I loved how Mara brushed him off like he was NOT a swoonworthy mess! I must say... it is strong of her to be cautious instead of flouncing to his side like a ninny.

"How is it that you have friends, Noah?"

"I ask myself that daily." He chomped down on the plastic straw.

"Seriously. Inquiring minds want to know."
-- Page 192

**Side Note: The Mad Scientist has a secret crush on High King Peter! I watched the Chronicles of Narnia just to stare at him! I'd love to mess up that hair!**

*Swoon*

"Your're distracting," I said truthfully.

"I won't be. I promise," Noah said. "I'll get some crayons and draw quietly. Alone. In a corner."

Michelle Hodkin's story had the Mad Scientist at every page. What an amazing debut and I am trying not to be torn because I want book two now! The story had me sending mental hugs to Mara and dreaming of dear Noah. Plus all of the other characters were so well developed that I truly enjoyed them all. Even her overprotective brother. The story was sprinkled with Mara's snark which broke up the seriousness of this suspense novel.

Overall, it is safe to say that The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer is easily going to be my favorite read of the year.
Best Suspense Novel of 2011!!

*Just an after thought... but when I seen this picture I though this is Mara and Noah!

Anna Popplewell would make a beautiful Mara.

What do you think? Would these two work for this epic story? *

5 Kisses

Book Review ---> Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

2011-09-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

By: Cassandra Clare
Series: The Infernal Devices #1
Published By: Margaret McElderry - 2010
Pages: 476 Hardcover
Rating: 4
Book Cover Rating: 4
Read: August 2011
Genre: Steampunk, Young Adult, Paranormal, Historical Fiction

First Line: The demon exploded in a shower of ichor and guts.

Black Disaster Fairy's Take:
This Fairy was in love with the City of Bones so I had to give this prequel Steampunk wonder a whirl!! Plus I am ashamed to admit this beauty was perched on my shelf for way too long.

Tessa Grey is our damsel in distress if you will. In the beginning she leaves America and heads for London to meet up with her older brother, Nate. Shortly after she arrives she gets herself kidnapped by a crazy duo appropriately named the Dark Sisters! These ladies push her to do painful tasks that reveal to us and her that she is not as human and normal as she thought.

It seems dramatic, however, don't let that fool you. The beginning of this novel is very much on the slow pace. Skip 50 pages if you will.

Aha! Now we get to meet the dashing silver haired Jem, the mouthy bad boy you want to slap and kiss at the same time is Will, and a handful of other shawdowhunters. Now Clare is getting somewhere! These boys make the pages fly and I hope more of their stories appear in the following books.

Now please do not fret. If you did not pick up the City of Bones or any of the following in the series. It is very much ok, at least a little bit. You would have a bit more of an understanding if you have read the Mortal Instruments first. Tessa does a good job at bringing the Shadowhunter world to the reader. As she struggles to find out more of the world and of how her origins fit into it the reader is given information slowly. Tessa is also wonderfully strong and confident which was intriguing giving the time frame. I was expecting more of a daffodil who had to have matching parasols and shoes.

This is a prequel I remind myself but there were so many similarities between this book and The Mortal Instruments. The characters are about the same. Tessa resembles Clary for me. As Will does Jace and Jem is like Alec. I would even say Jessamine is Isabelle. I was hoping for more of a jump into something that did not seem like a remake.

Overall, Clockwork Angel was a good read. Truly. Victorian London, clockwork automons, and the mysterious twist add enough to make it a dark Steampunk read.