20 Things You Might Not Know About Me Tag!

Thank you to the Misses (specifically Belle AKA Miss Bloodsucker) over at Fangirling Misses  and Carina at My Addiction: Books for tagging me!  Basically, you just answer the 20 questions!

1.  How tall are you?
~  5'5" at the last measurement!

2.  Do you have a hidden talent?  If so, what?
~  Uhmmmm... does reading count??  I can't even whistle... please tell me I'm not the only one!

3.  What's your biggest blog-related pet peeve?
~  The stupid scheduling thingy on blogger doesn't work all that well so I have to go in manually every day to post the post for the day.  I mean, I'm already in blogger already, but still.

4.  What's your biggest non-blog related pet peeve?
~  When people automatically assume that I'll do anything they ask me to because I have literally nothing going on in my life except doing their bidding.  It's so annoying!

5.  What's your favorite song?
~  WHY?!?!  I have so many!!  Right now, I'm really liking...
Cool Kids by Echosmith
Amnesia by 5 Seconds of Summer
Shatter Me by Lindsey Stirling ft. Lizzy Hale
Superheroes by The Script

6.  What's your favorite Etsy shop that isn't yours?
~  I've actually never used it before...

7.  What's your favorite way to spend your free time when you're alone?
~  You even have to ask??  Why, reading of course!  I also just like laying on my floor and listening to music trying to think deep thoughts (usually I end up spacing out and falling asleep).

8.  What's your favorite junk food?
~  Candy corn and chocolate!!  Oh and popcorn!!  I just discovered this new thing that isn't really new called Skinny Pop and it's so good!  With this wonderous Skinny Pop, I can eat more popcorn and not feel guilty hehe xD

9.  Do you have a pet or pets?  If so, what kind and what are their names?
~  Yes I do!  I have two tabby kitties named Tiger and Smokey :)

10.  What are your number one favorite nonfiction and fiction books?
~  I've honestly started to hate this question.  I can never choose!  I guess I really love the Throne of Glass series.  And as for nonfiction... I really don't read a lot of that...

11.  What's your favorite beauty product?
~  I actually don't use much makeup... I just put this lotion/sunscreen stuff on my face, lotion on my hands, and eos on my lips.  So I guess lotion... I don't think I could live without it - my skin is always so dry!

12.  When were you last embarrassed?  What happened?
~  I don't even know...

13.  If you could only drink one beverage (besides water) for the rest of your life, what would it be?
~  HOT CHOCOLATE!!!  I may have a slight addiction.

14.  What's your favorite movie?
~  I love all of the Marvel Movies especially the Iron Man and Avengers and X-Men series'.

15.  What were you in high school: prom queen, nerd, cheerleader, jock, valedictorian, band geek, loner, artist, prep?
~  I don't really know this either.  I'm sort of a combo of all that...  Well except cheerleader and jock and prep and prom queen.  I did use to be a loner and I am in band and I am sort of a nerd and an artist... yeah I have no idea.

16.  If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
~  Paris!!

17.  PC or Mac?
~  I have a PC and it's pretty good I guess.  I've used Mac's too and they're good too...  Wow I'm so indecisive.

18.  Last romantic gesture from a crush, date, boy/girlfriend, spouse?
~  My last boyfriend got me a stuffed panda from Washington DC.  He's my ex now though so I gave it back :P

19.  Favorite celebrity?
~  Jennifer Lawrence!  She's so funny and down to earth.  I love watching all of her interviews :)

20.  What blogger do you secretly want to be best friends with?
~  Well Belle and I are besties already and I'd like to say I'm friends with all of the misses because they're all just so awesome!  Carina and I are besties too!  She's so sweet and I love her blog design!  I'd also love to be friends with Anna over at Enchanted by YA(she's so nice and amazing and I love reading all of her posts!) and Lady Bee at Let Books Bee (seriously, Lady Bee and Let Books Bee?  Isn't that just so amazing and adorable??  I love the theme of her blog!)!

Time to tag people!
Anna at Enchanted by YA
Lady Bee at Let Books Bee
Gabs at My Full Bookshelf

Sorry there aren't more but it seems like every blog I follow has already done these questions!  So if you'd like to do them, leave me a link to your post and I'll check it out!

Book Review Monday: Allegiant by Veronica Roth

On my A-Z Review page, I promised I would get around to eventually posting all of my reviews on Goodreads, here on my blog.  This is one of the first reviews I ever wrote back in 2013 (I know, SUCH a long time ago right??).  Hopefully, my review writing skills have improved since then...  Enjoy!

Amazon  Goodreads  Book Depository  Barnes and Noble

Goodreads Blurb:

"The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered--fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories. 

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature--and of herself--while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love. 

Told from a riveting dual perspective, Allegiant, by #1 New York Timesbest-selling author Veronica Roth, brings the Divergent series to a powerful conclusion while revealing the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent."

Review:

Update 12/1/13
Ok so I've been thinking about the ending of this book and why the author could do such a thing. This review was written literally the second I finished the book so my thoughts about the book were ALL over the place. Anyway. I've sort of changed my mind about the ending in a way. I think it was a very mature way to end the book and not a lot of authors would go so far as to kill the main character. It separated this series from other novels in the YA category that may seem to have almost childish 'fairy-tale' endings. Ms. Roth added a whole new layer to this book and the series in general. So my final decision is that I actually loved the ending, even though it was crazy and made me crabby for the week after I finished it. So... five stars :).

Original review
Noooooooooooo! It can't end like this!! It was five stars in the beginning 3/4 of the book. It was different than all the other books in the series but it was a good kind of different. How Tris and Tobias had that fight and almost didn't get back together was a true test of their relationship that wasn't like any of the other tests.  It was a bit confusing but that was probably because of me reading too fast trying to get to the end. I definitely shouldn't have done that. It was a good ending but I also hated it. I cried and cried and almost threw the book against the wall. Tris... dies. She sacrifices herself and forgives everyone but I was counting on her and Tobias being together in the end. It was definitely unpredictable which is why I liked it but still. I hate it when the main character dies. Tris was so strong and just plain amazing and together with Tobias it was just fabulous. But then she goes and leaves Tobias all alone. I couldn't believe Ms. Roth could do that to me. I started reading this on a friends recommendation and it was really good but the last 5 chapters just ripped my heart out. This is why I docked a star. I would've been fine if Tris was just unconscious for a few days/weeks from the bullet wounds and the death serum but nooo. That would have been too predictable.  So I guess it was an amazing ending and it really brought the series to a close but still. Nevertheless I loved the last chapter. Tobias goes on the zip line off of the Hancock building to scatter Tris' ashes. I loved him for that since he is deathly afraid of heights. And even though I couldn't bear to think of it, Tobias actually starts to move on and accept Tris' death.  I hated that part but loved it at the same time.

So it was a great book... it just ripped my heart out. If you get to the end be prepared to start bawling. The ending sort of left the whole experiment thing with the other cities  open ended but I actually wasn't as bothered by that as I should have been but maybe I was just numb from Tris' death.  Goodness I can't stop mentioning it. I'm just in shock here so pardon the disbelief as it sinks in.

As a side note: Sorry for the review that is basically all spoilers or at least half of it is... I'm a little freaked out at the moment :).

Quotes:

“I just wanted to thank you' he says, his voice low.
'A group of scientists told you that my genes were damaged, that there was something wrong with me - they showed you the test results that proved it. And even I started to believe it.' 
He touches my face, his thumb skimming my cheekbone, and his eyes are on mine, intense and insistent.
'You never believed it,' he says 'Not for a second. You always insisted I was... I don't know, whole.” 

“She said that everyone has some evil inside them, and the first step to loving anyone is to recognize the same evil inside ourselves,so we're able to forgive them.” 

“Caleb," I say, "I love you."
His eyes gleam with tear as he says, "I love you, too, Beatrice.” 

“I love you" I say.
"I love you, too" he says. "I'll see you soon.” 

“She taught me all about real sacrifice. That it should be done from love... That it should be done from necessity, not without exhausting all other options. That it should be done for people who need your strength because they don't have enough of their own.”

“The Stiff had jumped first.
Even I didn't jump first.
Her eyes were so stern, so insistent.
Beautiful.”

“The person you became with her is worth being.” 

“I suppose a fire that burns that bright is not meant to last.” 

Book Review Sunday: Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

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Goodreads Blurb:

"Lost and broken, Celaena Sardothien’s only thought is to avenge the savage death of her dearest friend: as the King of Adarlan’s Assassin, she is bound to serve this tyrant, but he will pay for what he did. Any hope Celaena has of destroying the king lies in answers to be found in Wendlyn. Sacrificing his future, Chaol, the Captain of the King’s Guard, has sent Celaena there to protect her, but her darkest demons lay in that same place. If she can overcome them, she will be Adarlan’s biggest threat – and his own toughest enemy. 

While Celaena learns of her true destiny, and the eyes of Erilea are on Wendlyn, a brutal and beastly force is preparing to take to the skies. Will Celaena find the strength not only to win her own battles, but to fight a war that could pit her loyalties to her own people against those she has grown to love?"

Review:

This. Was. Epic.  Seriously.

Celaena underwent some serious character development in this book.  In the beginning, she was a scared, arrogant girl running from her past.  By the end, she was a strong woman, magically, physically, and spiritually, ready to face the King of Adarlan.  I LOVED the last line:

"She was Aelin Ashryver Galathynius - and she would not be afraid."

Wow.  Can I just say what an amazing ending that is??  Aaaaannnddd if you remember in previous books what she used to say... *smiles*

Anyway, I got this in the mail last Wednesday and started reading it last Friday.  The beginning was sort of difficult to get through mostly because it wasn't the action packed paragraph's I was used to with this series.  Ms. Maas took her time and delved deeper into the world and it's endless history.

Speaking of history, I did feel a bit off balance around the beginning of the end because of all the names that were being thrown around.  It's probably just because I haven't read the rest of the series in so long (I'll get on that!).

I do wish there had been a bit more on Sorcha.  It seemed like her and Dorian had this whirlwind romance that was created for the sole purpose of having a known rebel on the inside.

I also had some difficulties switching between the POV's.  Not because they weren't distinct voices (which they were by the way) but because I just found the other POV's (other than Celaena's) to be a bit boring.  There wasn't much happening with Chaol and Dorian although Manon's perspective was interesting to read and theorize about.  Yes Chaol and Dorian were up to some pretty important stuff... I just found it hard to read their perspectives.  I did like the multiple POV's though!

Now some of the good stuff!  I loved Celaena and Rowan's relationship.  I'm getting so sick of every single YA book that involves and trainer and student falling in love!  It was nice that they sparked a very close friendship but nothing more.  Celaena really just needs a friend right now after everything she's gone through and Rowan is doing a great job of helping her pick up the pieces.

As always, the complexity of the world and the world-building itself was magnificent.

Finally, the sheer size of this book took me by surprise at first but I seemed to fly through the pages.  It's also so nice to be reading a non-trilogy book for once.  It seems like that's all there is nowadays (at least the genres I frequent) so it's a nice change.  I can't wait for book four!!

The Final Verdict:
I really wanted to rate this one 5 stars but my difficulty reading the differing POV's, Sorcha and Dorian's relationship, and other small things all added up to one star.  The world-building, complexity, Celaena's character development, and the overall plot was excellent!
4 stars


Quotes: I tried to keep the spoilery quotes to a minimum (my favorite quote is actually the one hidden above because it's crazy spoilery).
“I claim you, Rowan Whitethorn. I don't care what you say and how much you protest. I claim you as my friend.” 


“Their hands clasped between them, he whispered into her ear 'I claim you, too, Aelin Galathynius'.”


“As for Celaena," he said again, "you do not have the right to wish she were not what she is. The only thing you have a right to do is decide whether you are her enemy or her friend.” 


“You cannot pick and choose what parts of her to love.”


“Chaol kept his sword drawn. “I will not go to Anielle,” he growled. “And I will not serve you a moment longer. There is one true king in this room—­there always has been. And he is not sitting on that throne.”
Dorian stiffened.
But Chaol went on. “There is a queen in the north, and she has already beaten you once. She will beat you again. And again. Because what she represents, and what your son represents, is what you fear most: hope. You cannot steal it, no matter how many you rip from their homes and enslave. And you cannot break it, no matter how many you murder.” 


“Because I am lost," she whispered onto the earth. "And I do not know the way.” 


“The people you love are just weapons that will be used against you.” 


“You didn't need a weapon at all when you were born one.” 


“It would not take a monster to destroy a monster - but light, light to drive out darkness.” 


“All she knew was that whatever and whoever climbed out of that abyss of despair and grief would not be the same person who had plummeted in.” 


“She was the heir of ash and fire, and she would bow to no one.” 

Stacking the Shelves (7) and A Week In Review

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly event hosted by Tynga's Reviews.  It features books you've recently added to your shelves, be it from the library, bookstore, or ebooks.

One new book this week that I won from a giveaway!

Matched by Ally Condie

Amazon  Goodreads  Book Depository  Barnes and Noble

Thank you to Jenni @JenniElyse for running the giveaway!  I have read this book before and I liked it but I have yet to write a review (I read it a couple years ago back when I wasn't writing reviews yet).  So look out for that once I finish my R&R's or just want a break from those.

See what's been going on this week!

Sunday:  Review of Halo by Alexandra Adornetto

Monday:  Review of Farmers and Cannibals by Eric James-Olson

Tuesday:  Liebster Awards 2 and 3!

Wednesday:  Waiting on Wednesday

Thursday:  Review of My Soul Immortal by Jen Printy

Friday:  Review of The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

Book Review Friday: The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

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Goodreads Blurb:

"Prentisstown isn't like other towns. Everyone can hear everyone else's thoughts in an overwhelming, never-ending stream of Noise. Just a month away from the birthday that will make him a man, Todd and his dog, Manchee -- whose thoughts Todd can hear too, whether he wants to or not -- stumble upon an area of complete silence. They find that in a town where privacy is impossible, something terrible has been hidden -- a secret so awful that Todd and Manchee must run for their lives.

But how do you escape when your pursuers can hear your every thought?"

Review:

This book was recommended to me by so many people and I've hear such good things about the series and I really can see where they're coming from.  I think I just didn't connect with Mr. Ness' writing style.

I really did like how the author incorporated so many symbols into the book (the knife for example).  I feel like that's what separates this book from the average YA dystopian book.  There really wasn't enough world-building for me but maybe that will come in the next few books.

The characters... I'm still thinking that over.  I liked them but I also hated them at the same time... does that even make any sense??  A prime example would be Aaron.  I was equally drawn to him because of what he represented (and no I won't tell you so you can figure it out for yourself!) and repulsed by him because he was so dedicated to his grotesque way of life.  So they were excellent characters... just... different I guess.  Definitely complex!

I did really like the ending.  It took me by complete surprise but sort of made sense.  I would have liked a bit more explanation on that whole topic but maybe that'll come in the next book.  The last sentence was so good!

The Final Verdict:

The main way I would describe this book is a modern classic.  It has all the symbolism and meaning that the classics do but in a modern form.  It didn't really strike a chord with me (hence the 3.5 star rating) but it was very well written and had some amazing messages and meanings.

3.5 stars

Quotes:

“We are the choices we make.” 

“Without a filter, a man is just chaos walking.”

“Hope may be the thing that pulls you forward, may be the thing that keeps you going, but that it's dangerous, that it's painful and risky, that it's making a dare in the world and when has the world ever let us win a dare?” 

“War is like a monster," he says, almost to himself. "War is the devil. It starts and it consumes and it grows and grows and grows." He's looking at me now. "And otherwise normal men become monsters, too.” 

“Life equals running and when we stop running maybe that's how we'll know life is finally finished.” 

“But a knife ain't just a thing, is it? It's a choice, it's something you do. A knife says yes or no, cut or not, die or don't. A knife takes a decision out of your hand and puts it in the world and it never goes back again. ” 

R&R Review Thursday: My Soul Immortal by Jen Printy

Amazon  Goodreads

Goodreads Blurb:

"An endless love, for an endless price.

Jack’s immortality is exposed when he prevents a liquor store heist, forcing him to flee to protect his secret—a secret not even he understands. But when he meets Leah Winters—a mirror image of his decades-lost love, Lydia—his very soul is laid bare. He begins to question his sanity. Is she real, and if so, what does that mean for Jack and his secret?

Jack’s not the only mystery man in town. A stranger named Artagan hints at knowledge Jack is desperate to possess. But can he trust Artagan, or does the dark newcomer harbor deadly secrets of his own?

As Jack’s bond with Leah grows, so does the danger to her life. Jack must discover just how much he is willing to risk in order to save the woman he already lost once."

Review:

Thank you to the author, Jen Printy, and Michelle Rever at Red Adept Publishing for a copy of  My Soul Immortal in exchange for an honest review!

The idea of this book is fabulous!  the whole soul immortal thing and all the stuff that goes along with it?  Very original!  I did think the whole plotline was a bit rushed.  A significant event would happen and then the author just put three months later...  That really screwed with my sense of time within the book.  Also to do with time, I was wondering why it took Jack over a hundred years to actively start looking for the reason he is immortal.  Or maybe he did and that just wasn't made clear...

I really liked Artagon's character and the mystery surrounding him.  That little part at the end was perfect!  It was a bit confusing but I have a gut feeling that will be remedied in the sequel which, by the way, I'm going to read for sure!

Ms. Printy also did a wonderful job connecting me to the characters.  I actually started crying at one point!

The Final Verdict
The plotline was very good, a bit rushed and a teensy bit confusing, but good.  I loved Artagon's character and everyone else's for that matter.  Some of the character's actions had me a bit confused at times.  The entire idea behind this book (immortals and how they are the way they are) is fascinating!
4 stars


Quotes:
“Times haven’t changed all that much. Every woman still longs for her own Mr. Darcy.”


“Every hero gets the girl, and every villain gets to die. I envy them all.” 


“Pain is as reliable as gravity, but Death never keeps his appointments.” 


“He implied he would return. But when? Tomorrow or one hundred years from tomorrow? What's soon to an immortal?” 


“Strangely enough, the flashback retreats until nothing is left but a residue of a headache. I've never been able to control them before. The past has always reigned over me.”

About the Author

Since childhood, Jen Printy has been writing. Whether stories about a fantasy world or everyday life in Maine, Jen loved losing herself in the worlds she created on paper. The arts in all forms have always been an important part of Jen’s life, a love instilled in her by her father. When Jen isn’t writing, she’s sculpting as a freelance doll artist.

Jen lives with her husband, two daughters, and diva dog Cookie in southern Maine, where she loves spending time friends and family, finding treasures along the seashore, or enjoying a Guinness at her favorite local pub.

Connect

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenPrintyAuthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7821912.Jen_Printy

Website: http://www.jenprinty.com/

Waiting on Wednesday (7)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine.  It features a book every Wednesday that haven't been released yet and you're anxiously awaiting!  My book this week is:

Miss Mayhem by Rachel Hawkins (Rebel Belle #2)

Amazon  Goodreads  Book Depository  Barnes and Noble

Publication Date: April 7th, 2015

Blurb:

"Life is almost back to normal for Harper Price. The Ephors have been silent after their deadly attack at Cotillion months ago, and best friend Bee has returned after a mysterious disappearance. Now Harper can return her focus to the important things in life: school, canoodling with David, her nemesis-turned-ward-slash-boyfie, and even competing in the Miss Pine Grove pageant.

Unfortunately, supernatural chores are never done. The Ephors have decided they’d rather train David than kill him. The catch: Harper has to come along for the ride, but she can’t stay David’s Paladin unless she undergoes an ancient trial that will either kill her . . . or connect her to David for life."

I just read Rebel Belle (see my review HERE) and I thought it was pretty good so I can't wait to read the next one!  And the cover is beautiful!

What are you waiting for?