My Reading Pile #1

"My Reading Pile" is an idea created by fiktshun where you share the books you picked to read for the upcoming week.

Here are my picks for this week (January 29th - February 4th, 2012).

First of, I am hoping to finish Rachel Vincent's "My Soul to Take" tonight, so I can start reading my library books tomorrow. I have already had to renew them all once which I feel really bad about. I am going to try and be realistic here, so I am only going to list two books.

Enclave by Ann Aguirre

I remember hearing a lot of great things about this book and when I saw it sitting on a shelf at the library, I just had to grab it. It sounds like an amazing story and I can't wait to get lost in this world.

The Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Oliver

I am not really sure why, but I seem to be really into books with demons and all sorts of evil creatures lately, so this definitely sounds like the perfect book to me.


In addition to these books, I am also still in the middle of reading "Halo" by Alexandra Adornetto. Maybe I can back into it as well. It is a great book and I think with the SSRC going on, I just picked an unfortunate time to start reading it. I got so excited about the reading challenge, I couldn't concentrate on "Halo" anymore, which is not the fault of the book at all. We will see where I stand in a week from today.

What books are you hoping to read this week? Feel free to share your picks in the comments.

Waiting on Wednesday: Before I Wake

 "Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine where upcoming releases are spotlighted that we can't wait to get our hands on.


This is my first time participating and it was a real tossup between two books I'm dying to read. In the end, I decided in favor of "Before I Wake" by Rachel Vincent.

I have been wanting to read this ever since I finished "If I Die". Having to wait until June 26th is pure torture! The only thing making it easier is re-reading the books as part of the Soul Screamers Reading Challenge (SSRC) hosted by the lovely Rachel over at fiktshun. I'm falling in love with the characters and story all over again. I cannot say enough good things about this series. I just absolutely love it! Period.


What about you? Are you looking forward to reading this book? What other books are you excited about? Feel free to leave a comment and thanks for stopping by.

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I read because of another blogger

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. The meme for this week is "Freebie" which means you can basically create any kind of top ten you like. Since this is my first time participating, I figured I would take a fairly easy one. I chose to make a list of books I read because of another blogger. I have to admit though, I don't remember some of the blogs' names anymore. Still, blogs "made" me read them. Okay, but enough of the rambling, here it comes - apart from the first two, there is no real order to them:

1. Soul Screamers by Rachel Vincent

I read this series because of the wonderful Rachel from fiktshun and her awesome job of advocating for Tod Hudson during the YA Crush Tourney. As you can probably tell from my background, I can't get enough of Tod. "If I Die" is my favorite book in this series so far and that's why I chose it's cover. I am so happy to have read these books and to be re-reading them again as part of the Soul Screamers Reading Challenge (which you can find out more about here). You could almost say I'm "mildly" obsessed with them...

 2. Escape From Furnace by Alexander Gordon Smith

Another series I started because of fiktshun. The thing that first grabbed me, was this amazingly creepy cover. Then after I had read Rachel's review for it, I knew I just had to read it. It's just so dark and disturbing. It draws you in and won't release you until you're done. I can't believe how my chest still keeps tightening when I'm just thinking about these books...

3. Divergent by Veronica Roth

I cannot pinpoint a certain blog for this one. All I can remember is seeing this cover on pretty much every blog I visited. In the beginning, I was a bit worried. I tend to think books/movies can get over-hyped and so I wasn't sure whether to give this a try or not. Obviously, I decided to read it and I haven't regretted it for a second. I love the characters, the world, simply everything about it.

4. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

It has been well over a year since I have started this series, so there is no way I can recall which blog I saw it on first. I know there were a few. The thing I found really intriguing about this series was the different take on vampires and their society. Of course, I also got sucked into the love, heartbreak, and everything else that came along with it. Adrian will probably always have a special place in my heart.

5. A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford

This is another one of those wonderful books I discovered through fiktshun (What can I say? It's my favorite blog out there.). I love, love, love the world Leah has created. I especially have a soft spot for Gabe... By the way, there is still time to vote for ATM's Luke for Villain of the Year. You can do that right here.

6. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Again, I'm not sure what blog got me to pick up this series. It is an incredibly powerful story. Katniss is definitely one of my favorite heroines out there. This book made me laugh and cry and feel all sorts of emotions. I am hoping to read it again soon.

7. The Ghost and the Goth by Stacey Kade

I feel so bad having to say "I don't remember" again... I do remember though when I first heard about it, I wasn't sure if it would be for me - the whole cheerleading thing almost turned me off. I tried it anyway and was pleasantly surprised. It's such a refreshing and funny read. I really want to read it's sequel "Queen of the Dead" but haven't had the chance to pick it up yet.

8. The Morganville Vampires by Rachel Caine

Another amazing series about vampires. Rachel Caine did such an incredible job, coming up with this plot and her twists and turns are unbelievable. It's one of my favorite vampire-related series for sure.

9. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

This is another book I read mainly because of the amazing review by fiktshun. This story is so gripping, it takes your breath away more than once. Juliette and Adam are wonderful characters, with so much strength, passion, and determination. Of course, I cannot leave out Warner - he is infuriating, dark, and also very, very intriguing.

10. The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare

Last, but definitely not least, yet again another exciting supernatural series with an amazing cast of characters. I love Clary and Jace and Simon and Luke and, and, and. Of course, I cannot forget the wonderful and astounding Magnus Bane! One of the most colorful characters I have ever encountered in a book.


This shall conclude my very first Top Ten Tuesday. I hope you enjoyed it. Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment box below. Don't forget to head over to The Broke and the Bookish to check out other blogger's TTT.

SSRC - My Soul To Lose

Goodreads Description:

It was supposed to be a fun day, shopping at the mall with her best friend. Then the panic attack started and Kaylee Cavanaugh finds herself screaming, unable to stop. Her secret fears are exposed and it's the worst day of her life.

Until she wakes up in the psychiatric unit.

She tries to convince everyone she's fine--despite the shadows she sees forming around another patient and the urge to scream which comes burbling up again and again. Everyone thinks she's crazy. Everyone except Lydia, that is. Another patient with some special abilities....

 ******

This is my first post for the Soul Screamers Reading Challenge hosted by the wonderful Rachel over at Fiktshun. If you would like to find out more about and/or sign up for it, you can do it by clicking on the button below.

In addition, she has also created a special blog just for this challenge where people without a blog/Goodreads account/facebook account etc. can leave their reviews/opinions. You can find the site right here.

******

Since this is my second time reading these books, I decided to limit this post to my thoughts and feelings, rather than write a review.

I was so excited to finally start reading this series again, it was driving me crazy. I ended up putting the book I was reading aside, and indulged in “My Soul to Lose” instead. I have since tried to pick the other book back up, but all can I think about is Kaylee, Tod, and this incredible world. Needless to say, I haven't went back to my previous back yet, but started “My Soul to Take” instead. This post is not about “MSTTake”, though.

As I was saying earlier, I was really excited about re-reading these books. My excitement grew with every page I read, which I didn't even think was possible. You only get a first tiny glimpse at the world Rachel Vincent as created, but it captivates you nonetheless. At least, it's what happened to me. Again. I loved reading snip-bits which I can now connect to events which will happen later on in the series. I especially loved the insight you get into Kaylee's character. It takes a lot of inner strength and determination to keep your head up and not lose hope in such a place.

Knowing what I know about the events Kaylee will be put through, makes me think this experience at the mental health until has strengthened her. Even if she doesn't realize it. I mean, you can't go through something like this and not be affected by it.

There was one thing, though, which really bugged and if you haven't read “My Soul to Take” yet, you probably shouldn't read the next two paragraph.

~~ SPOILER ALERT~~

I couldn't help but just be so incredibly mad at Kaylee's Aunt Val. I kept thinking, “You know she's not crazy, you know it and still you're putting her through all this!” I almost cried out of frustration. I wanted to crawl into those pages so bad and just get Kaylee out of there myself. As for her Uncle Brendan, I do realize he is not innocent in this either, but he at least showed more emotion. You could tell he felt helpless and just didn't know what else to do. He did realize his/their mistake though, and made sure to get Kaylee back home. I'm sure he still deeply regrets ever having put her in this situation in the first place.

I know what some of you might say now – double standards. I realize that, but Aunt Val and Uncle Brendan are two totally different people with two completely different personalities. Uncle Brendan is very caring and genuinely worried about his niece and would never do anything to hurt Kaylee on purpose. He cares about Kaylee's well-being more than anything else – apart from his wife and own daughter, obviously. Aunt Val, on the other hand, always leaves the impression she is doing what's right for her. I could go on and on about this, but then I would be digging deep into “MSTTake” which this post is not about.

~~END OF SPOILER~~

I am so happy I signed up for this challenge. I know I would have re-read these books anyway, but it probably wouldn't have happened this soon. I love how I got sucked right back into this world, and only just by reading this novella again.

Well, this concludes my first SSRC post. I will get right back to reading “MSTTake”. It will be so hard having to take a break after it until mid-February... BUT it will be SO worth it!

Tod's the man!!! :)

Yay, I fixed it! Tod is back!!! Sooo love me my Tod background!!! :D

Thank you so much @blackplume for your help!!!

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi - review

Goodreads Description:

Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war-- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

It's been a week since I've read "Shatter Me", but I am still thinking about it. It is such an incredible and powerful story that it takes your breath away at times. Juliette is one of the strongest heroines I have ever encountered in a book. With everything she has been through in her life, it's a wonder she doesn't just resign and wallow in self-pity. Instead, she doesn't give up, she is strong-willed and fearless.
Then there is Adam - sweet, caring, adorable Adam. Every girl needs to have her own Adam, that's all I am going to say about him. Of course, if there is a good boy, there also has to be a bad boy. Warner is pretty much evil incarnate - he has a very dark personality and does horrible things. However, Juliette seems to sense some good in him, so even though you really want to hate Warner, there are times where you wonder if he is really all bad. Something must have,obviously, made him this way.

Tahereh Mafi has created an intense story that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. You will not want to put this book down, ever. Even when it's over, you will be gripping the book, wanting more.

******

As a side note: This is the first review I've ever written, so please don't be too hard on me. I seriously loved this book, and even though my review is fairly short, I hope it came across how much I enjoyed it. Now, go read "Shatter Me" if you haven't already. :)

trying it out... :)

Well, after doing some research, I decided to at least try out blogger as well. I'm still keeping my other blog though, and for now I'm going to put up my posts on both of them. My first thought when I created this blog was "I miss Tod!!!"

and I am still thinking that. I love my Tod background on wordpress, and I don't like that I can't have it as my background here. Well, or if I can, I don't know how. I'm not certain I like this whole set up either, but I will give it some time. :)

Well, but enough with this little bit of rambling, I'm going to post this now and then try to write my review for "Shatter Me".

In My Mailbox #1 - originally posted January 10th, 2012

This is a weekly event hosted by The Story Siren and this is my first time participating. There probably won't be too many of these coming from me since I don't get that many books send to me, and I can't really afford to buy too many books either. Instead, I'll probably do something like "This week at the library". :) I know we're almost halfway through January, but since I didn't want to post a picture of just one book, I put my two Christmas presents in this as well. Okay, here is what was in my mailbox: I'm really excited about all of these. Touch Of Frost by Jennifer Estep was a Secret Santa gift and I've been wanting to read this book for months. I'm also super, super stoked about finally getting Estevan Vega's Arson. It was actually the cover for the second book in this series, Ashes, that got my attention first. The author seems really cool too, and likes to interact with his readers. So yeah, I cannot wait to start reading this!!! Then there is Kristi Cook's Haven which I won in a giveaway hosted by Kelsey Meyers over at http://www.basicallybookworm.blogspot.com/ With it came also a signed bookmark and a really cool pin. :) This week at the library Well, since I've had so much fun already, I'm going to keep going and also add what I got at the library this past week. :) I actually joined a book club there too. Our first meeting will be at the end of the month, and I'm excited to see how it will go. It's one for all ages, so I'm not sure we'll actually read too much that's really up my alley, but hey, I'm always open to new things. Besides, it's the only book club in my area - unless I want to pose as a senior ;) - and I really, really want to share my love for books with others, so I figured it couldn't hurt to at least try it out. :) Anyway, long story short, here are my library finds... There's The Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Oliver, also known as "Forsaken". I remember hearing about it from Rachel over at fiktshun and was intrigued right away. Then there is Nightshade by Andrea Cremer. I've heard so many great things about this series, that I just had to grab this one. The librarian didn't like the cover at all. He thought it was too creepy. My guess is, he's never seen the cover for "Lockdown" before (I got that one on a different day). There are so many creepier covers, but anyway, I don't want to get carried away here. LOL Next we have Hades by Alexandra Adornetto. Unfortunately, I realized too late that it was the second book in the Halo series. For some reason, my library only carries the second book. I don't really like reading books on my computer, but I ended up getting "Halo" anyways, so I can read "Hades" right after. Up next is Enclave by Ann Aguirre. I've heard it's somewhat similar to "The Hunger Games" series which I absolutely love, so I just couldn't leave it standing there on the shelf. ;) Lastly, there is Alexander Gordon Smith's Lockdown. I am so, so thankful to Rachel from fiktshun for introducing me to this incredible series. If it wouldn't have been for her, I would have missed out on one of the most amazing series out there. I mostly got this one for my husband, actually, because I want him to get into these books as well. If I can squeeze it in though, I'll definitely read it again too. ;) Well, if you thought I was done, then you are mistaken. There is one more, one that I was most excited for. I won it at a giveaway from the wonderful fiktshun during the Heroine Tourney, which was hosted by the lovely ladies over at YA Sisterhood. Drum roll, please!!! And it was so incredibly awesome and sooo worth the wait!!! :D Okay, I think this is really it for tonight. I finished "Shatter Me" last night and am going to try to post my review maybe tomorrow. I'm a little under the weather though, so I'm not making any promises. ANYWAY, take care and thanks for reading. :)

my first post *yay* - originally posted January 8th, 2012

Well, after spending a few hours trying to make this blog look somewhat nice, I am now attempting to write my very first blog post. How exciting is that? It might not be exciting for you, but it is for me for sure. :) I don't quite know yet what all this will be about, but I figured, I have to start sometime, right?

I've actually been wanting to start my own blog for quite some time now, but with my family keeping me busy, I never really thought I could do it. I'm still not sure I can, but I'm going to give it a try, anyway.

The final push into doing this actually came from the wonderful Rachel over at www.fiktshun.com She is hosting this amazing Soul Screamers Challenge, which I just had to join. Then I figured what better reason to finally start a blog could there possibly be? I just had to do this. I absolutely love this series by the awesome Rachel Vincent (http://rkvincent.wordpress.com/) and cannot wait to re-read all the books and novellas again, and then share my thoughts and feelings with anybody who wants to listen - or read. :)

If you haven't already, you should sign up for this challenge by clicking the button below. As if reading these incredible books wasn't enough reason, they're also some really cool incentives offered by @fiktshun and Rachel Vincent. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead, and sign up now. :)

Well, I think this is it for my very first post. That's not to say there won't be another one later tonight. You never know what I'm going to feel like. ;) I'm going to try to keep this blog mostly book-related, but I can't promise there won't be any rambling posts every now and then. That's just who I am. LOL