Review: "Die For Me" by Amy Plum

Goodreads Description:

In the City of Lights, two star-crossed lovers battle a fate that is destined to tear them apart again and again for eternity.

When Kate Mercier's parents die in a tragic car accident, she leaves her life--and memories--behind to live with her grandparents in Paris. For Kate, the only way to survive her pain is escaping into the world of books and Parisian art. Until she meets Vincent.

Mysterious, charming, and devastatingly handsome, Vincent threatens to melt the ice around Kate's guarded heart with just his smile. As she begins to fall in love with Vincent, Kate discovers that he's a revenant--an undead being whose fate forces him to sacrifice himself over and over again to save the lives of others. Vincent and those like him are bound in a centuries-old war against a group of evil revenants who exist only to murder and betray. Kate soon realizes that if she follows her heart, she may never be safe again.

This is the first book I have finished in almost a month, which in itself is a huge sign of how much I liked it. The whole idea of sacrificing yourself for others - mainly total strangers - and being reborn over and over again, was very intriguing, and unlike anything I had read before. "Revenants" are a very unique version of undead "creatures". Their sole purpose is to help others who are in desperate need of rescuing.

Kate seems like a very shy and quiet young woman who loves art and finds peace after her parents' death, spending most of her time in museums. With the culture and art scene, the Parisian setting felt so perfect for this story.

Even though Vincent as the main male character was very charming, romantic, and considerate, I found myself falling a little bit for Jules instead. I loved his humor and flirtatious remarks toward Kate - especially during the times when Vincent was volant.

Kate and Vincent's relationship is anything but normal and easy, but that's partially why it makes the story all the more interesting.

Lucien is his own kind of villain. I would never want to cross him, ever. He will stop at nothing to get what he wants. He is the perfect evil counterpart to Vincent's self-sacrificing character.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and would wholeheartedly recommend it to lovers of the YA Paranormal genre.

My rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

If you would like to follow the author, Amy Plum, here is where you can find her:

website: http://www.amyplumbooks.com/

twitter: @iHeartRevenants

TTT: Books I'd Quickly Save If My House Was Going To Be Abducted By Aliens

I haven't done a "Top Ten Tuesday" post in a while, so I thought it was time for one again. "Top Ten Tuesday" is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

 Here is the theme for this week's Top Ten:

Top Ten Books I'd Quickly Save If My House Was Going To Be Abducted By Aliens (or any other natural disaster...you get the drift. )

I tried to keep this mostly in the YA genre, but a few others found their way in as well. As always, even though I forgot to mention it before, all the pictures link to Goodreads.

1. If I Die by Rachel Vincent

Along with some other books on this list, this book/series shouldn't surprise anyone who knows me. I cannot and will not hand over any of my Soul Screamers books to any aliens. They might appreciate the read as much as I do, but my heart cannot part with these. Ever.

2. Lockdown by Alexander Gordon Smith

Of course, I couldn't leave the "Escape from Furnace" series. Thinking about it, this series might actually be able scare the aliens away, but I wouldn't want to take the chance of loosing these books and the roof over my head all in one swoop.

3. The Outsiders by Susan E. Hinton

I cannot even count the years for how long I have loved this book. This one is just a classic that never gets old. It is such a gripping story. It always brings me to tears, no matter how often I read it. So, again, it's not a book I want to part with.

4. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

Who could ever leave their house behind without this trilogy in their bag? Yes, I do realize it is one heavy book, but it is so worth it.

5. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

This is another book/series I would never leave behind. I could not live happily, knowing I left Rose, Lissa, Dimitri, Adrian, and everybody else in the hands of scary aliens.

6. When the Wind Blows by James Patterson

Seriously, I wouldn't want to leave ANY of my James Patterson books behind, but since I could only pick one, I went with this one. It was just so different from everything else he had written at the time, it captivated me right from the start.

7. Divergent by Veronica Roth

I am pretty sure Tris and Four could face down any alien that would step in their way, but I still wouldn't want to take the chance. I would stay on the safe side and pack them up as well.

8. Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout

I love all my books, and this one is no exception, so "Keep your hands off my books, Aliens!!!" There, I had to get that off my chest.

9. The Dark Half by Stephen King

There are so many great Stephen King books, but for some reason this book, especially, has always stuck with me. The cover alone lures me in. It would find its way into my bag without me having to move a finger, I'm sure of it.

10. Succubus Blues by Richelle Mead

This one is definitely NOT YA, but I absolutely love this series. It is one of my favorites by one of my favorite authors, so there is no way I would ever leave these books behind.

So, there you have it. This is my top ten, even though I could have added a TON more. I'm not sure I would actually be able to carry all these books at once, but I would find a way to make it work.

What about you? Which books would you save from an alien invasion?

Let's Play Tag!

Since I was tagged by Mag from Geek Chic, it's now my turn to tag some other bloggers! This is just a way to get to know fellow bloggers a little better. Thanks for tagging me, Mag!

THE RULES

1. You must post the rules.
2. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post and then create eleven new questions to   ask the people you’ve tagged.
3. Tag eleven people and link to them on your post.
4. Let them know you’ve tagged them!

1. Who is the author you own the most books by? This is a toss-up between James Patterson and Stephen King. I think I have about equal amounts of books by both of them.

2. If you meet ANY author, who would you pick? Can I only pick one? If so, then I would have to say Alexander Gordon Smith. I would love to know how is mind works to come up with a world as gruesome, disturbing, and dark as the one in his "Escape from Furnace" series. If I can pick a second one, I would have to go with James Patterson. I have adored his work for many years and would love to have a sit down with one of the greatest authors ever. That being said, I don't think I would be able to get too many words out, because I would be so starstruck.

3. What book have you reread the most times? Without a doubt, "The Outsiders" by Susan E. Hinton. It is one of the best books ever written, and I still cry every time I read it.

4. What is your favorite book genre? Right now, I would have to say pretty much anything Young Adult which has supernatural/paranormal aspects in it.

5. Do you ever listen to music while you're reading? Yes, I do. Usually, it's only on very low volume though, just so it's not completely silent around me. I like a little bit of background noise.

6. Who is your favorite character from any book? I know you already know that one, so it is no surprise to you. Tod Hudson from Rachel Vincent's "Soul Screamers" series. He is simply incredible. He is charming, funny, protective, caring, honest, and it doesn't hurt that he is super handsome too.

7. If you could meet (and be friends with!) any character from any book in real life, who would you choose? No, I'm not going with Tod Hudson here, but with Kaylee Cavanaugh instead. She is the female heroine in the "Soul Screamers" series and she is one tough chick. Being friends with her would never get boring. Sure, you would probably end up staring death square in the face a few times, but hey, who doesn't want to get their heart rate up every now and then.

8. Five books that made you laugh? Okay, this is a bit of a tough one. I will have to think about this. Is it okay if I pick series too? 1. The Ghost And The Goth by Stacey Kade, 2. Soul Screamers by Rachel Vincent, 3. Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout, 4. The Morganville Vampires series by Rachel Caine, 5. The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare

9. Five books with the hottest guys? No surprise 1. Soul Screamers by Rachel Vincent (Tod Hudson, I really like Alec too), 2. Lockdown by Alexander Gordon Smith (Donovan and Alex), 3. Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead (Adrian and Dimitri), 4. Divergent by Veronica Roth (Four), 5. The Morganville Vampires by Rachel Caine (Shane and Michael)

10. How many books do you read in the average week? I always try and be super optimistic when I say I'm going to read two books a week. However, the truth is, I'm lucky to get one book a week done. My little man doesn't allow for much free time, apart from the evenings.

11. And now for the most impossible question ever: If you had to pick ONE BOOK, what would you say your favorite is (at least, as of right now)? Oh gosh, what a hard question. I'm so torn right now. Okay, okay, I'm going to go with... "If I Die" by Rachel Vincent, with "Lockdown" as a close second. I just couldn't leave that one out.

Now it's my turn to tag other bloggers and come up with some questions for them.

First, here are the bloggers I'm tagging:

1. Rachel @fiktshun

2. Alba @BookPics

3. Backplume

4. Jessica @Hackaroo's Reviews

5. Rebecca @Kindle Fever

6. J.A.Y.A.

7. Lady Bluestocking @3500wordsperpound

8. Amanda @Book Love 101

9. Laura @All of Everything

10. Brandi @Blkosiner's Blog

11. Aimee @Getting Your Read On

These are my questions:

1. What was your favorite debut novel in 2011?

2. Who are your top five female heroines?

3. Who is your favorite author of all time?

4. Who are your top three book boyfriends?

5. If you could switch roles with a fictional character, who would you want to switch with and why?

6. Which are your favorite supernatural beings? Why?

7. Which book release are you most looking forward to in 2012?

8. Which three books made you both laugh and cry?

9. Who are your top five favorite fictional couples?

10. If you could pick only one book/series to take to a deserted island with you, which one would you pick and why?

11. If you could live in any of the worlds created by any author, which one would you choose and why?

Now, it's your turn. Thanks so much!

In My Mailbox #3

"In My Mailbox" is a weekly event hosted by The Story Siren where you share the books and other nice book-related goodies you received in the mail.

This week I only received one book, but oh, what a book it was. I am still so thrilled and ecstatic. Anyone who knows me or has been following my blog, knows what a huge fan I am of Alexander Gordon Smith and his "Escape from Furnace" series. Over the Christmas holidays he was doing his 12 Days of Christmas giveaways on his Lockdown facebook page. I was one of the lucky ones who won a prize. I won a proof copy of his new book "The Fury" (click here to see the Goodreads page) which isn't even out anywhere yet. If that all wasn't enough, I also got a letter written on super cool "Escape from Furnace" paper. Alexander Gordon Smith is so amazing. He absolutely made my day, my week, my month, heck, maybe even my year already.

Thank you so incredibly much!!!

Enough talking, here are two pictures of the goodies.

You can follow Alexander Gordon Smith here:

Website: Alexander Gordon Smith

Twitter: @AGSmith_Author

Lockdown fb: Lockdown fb page

Now I have to decide which book to read next. I was going to start with Lauren Oliver's "Before I Fall", but now I'm not sure I can wait to start reading "The Fury". Plus, I only have a week left to read my book club book. Oh, decisions, decisions.

What about you? Have you received any great books or swag in the mail this week? Feel free to leave a comment, and thanks for stopping by.

Feature & Follow

"Feature & Follow" is a weekly event hosted by the wonderful Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. It's a way to meet other bloggers, make new friends, and get new followers.

To learn more about this event and for the rules, simply click the button below.

Q: I like unique names for characters and am looking forward to coming up with some when I start writing. What's the most unique character name you've come across? 

I cannot think of too many names right now, but I do like Avari from the Soul Screamers series. It's not that unique, I guess, but I hadn't heard it before. I also love Sodapop and Ponyboy from Susan E. Hinton's "The Outsider". Those are definitely names you don't come across every day.

 

 

This is my first time participating, and since I'm still new to blogging, I'm really looking forward to meeting fellow bloggers.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

In My Mailbox #2

"In My Mailbox" is a weekly event hosted by The Story Siren where you share the books and goodies you received in the mail. I was actually considering waiting with this post until tomorrow as I had another package slip in my mailbox today, but since I'm already late posting this, I figured I might as well go on.

These are the books I received this past week:

First, there is this beautiful and stunning cover for the Soul Screamers Omnibus Volume One by Rachel Vincent shining up at me. I won it through the Soul Screamers Reading Challenge hosted by the wonderful Rachel from fiktshun. Thank you again so, so much for this, Rachel!!!

In addition, my awesome friend Rebecca send me three books from back home in Germany. There is Patricia Cornwell's "Die Tote ohne Namen" ("From Potter's Field"), Sparkle Hayter's "Mord im Chelsea Hotel" ("The Chelsea Girl Murders"), and Dean Koontz's "Auf Tauchstation" ("Surrounded"). I haven't read any of these and don't know what they are about either yet, but I'm looking forward to find out.

This week at the library

Since I hadn't really been feeling any of the books I started, I went to the library today to return all my borrowed books. I don't feel too guilty about it, since I can go back anytime and borrow them again. Instead of heading right back home though, I ended up looking through the bookshelves. I just couldn't help myself. Needless to say, I went home with new books. Here is what I found today:

Ever since the Crush Tourney last summer, I wanted to discover the world of "The Iron Fey" series by Julie Kagawa. When I saw the books on the shelf today, I had to grab the first one right away. I'm very excited to get to know these characters and the world they're living in.

Another book I've been dying to read is Lauren Oliver's "Before I Fall". I love the cover and the story description makes me want to pick up this book right away.

Next is "Beautiful Creatures" by Kami Garcia. I have heard so many great things about this series, I couldn't leave without taking it with me as well.

Last, but not least, is "Odd Thomas" by Dean Koontz. One day my friend Susi asked me whether I had read the books to this series. She was curious because they are being made into a movie. After talking to her, I went to check them out on goodreads, and I was intrigued right away. This sounds like another amazing series.

Now to the daunting task of picking what to read next. Since I am currently still reading "Die For Me" by Amy Plum, I still have a couple of days to make up my mind. Right now, I'm leaning toward "Before I Fall", but we shall see what will happen.

What about you? Which books did you receive? What is next on your reading pile?

SSRC - My Soul To Take

  

Finally, here are my thoughts on re-reading Rachel Vincent's "My Soul To Take" as part of the Soul Screamers Reading Challenge, hosted by fiktshun. If you haven't already, there is still plenty of time to sign up - simply click on the button in the sidebar.

Reading this book for the second time, it made me realize even more what an incredible world the author has created. Everything is so unique and intriguing, you can't help but fall in love - with the characters, the world, the storyline itself.

After years of thinking she was crazy, Kaylee finally finds out the truth about herself. Knowing the truth, however, doesn't make her life any easier. She gets thrown into a world full of nightmarish creatures - demons, deadly poisonous plants, reapers, to only name a few. She has to show incredible strength to save the ones she loves.

Kaylee is an astonishing character. She is so passionate, caring, determined, and strong. Even when things seem to be going incredibly wrong, she keeps her cool, even if it's not always easy. The way she adjusts to new situations and new evils being tossed her way, is simply admiring. She definitely is one of a kind.

When I first read this book, I immediately distrusted Nash. I know that is a pretty harsh statement, but I kept thinking he was too good to be true. Nobody could be this perfect. This time, however, I found myself liking him. I liked how he seemed to genuinely worry about Kaylee, about the fact she didn't know who or what she truly was. How he helped her get through those terrible moments without screaming her head off. I liked how he wouldn't let her drive herself insane about not knowing what was happening to her. I, specifically, loved the fact he told her the truth when nobody else was willing to. Maybe it wasn't his place to do so, but Kaylee needed to know. Maybe she really would have lost her mind if it would have gone on for much longer.

I am thankful Nash did what he did, however, there are still things I simply cannot ignore. Even now, after having read all the books up to date, I'm not sure why he was with Kaylee to begin with. He keeps me wondering whether he was only ever interested in her because she was, like him, a bean sidhe. Obviously, I know he eventually fell in love with her, but the doubt and wonder is always on my mind - especially, when I'm thinking about upcoming events.

Then there is Tod. He is a reaper, he is dangerous - nobody wants a reaper on their bad side - he is infuriating, he is irresistible. Every time he shows up, even if it is just for a few short minutes, he captivates me. I can't help it, he draws me in, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. Tod Hudson is one of the greatest male characters ever created in the fictional world.

I cannot write this post without talking about Emma. She is Kaylee's best friend and she is unbelievable. Every girl - or boy for that matter - would be extremely lucky to have a friend like her. With a friend like her you don't ever have to worry about having to go through something on your own. She is there whenever Kaylee needs her. She doesn't judge or doubt Kaylee, even when weird things start happening. She is a true friend who would go through thick and thin with Kaylee.

This shall conclude my thoughts for tonight. I am already looking forward to reading "My Soul To Save" and to see how I feel about everything this time around.

How about you? How did you feel re-reading this book? Or if this was your first time reading it, what were your impressions and thoughts? Are you excited for book number two?

TGIF at GReads! {1}: Book Appeal

TGIF at GReads! is a weekly feature for Fridays created to re-cap the week's posts and to propose a question to followers.

The question for this week is:

Book Appeal: When you're browsing Goodreads, the library, or another blogger's reviews, what grabs your attention to make you want to read it?

This question is very easy for me - book cover! It doesn't matter whether I am at the library, searching through Goodreads, or through other blogs, the first thing that has to catch me is the cover. If I don't find the cover the least bit intriguing, it is not very likely I even bother to read the summary. I know I probably miss out on some great books because of it, but the cover is a huge factor for me. 

In some cases, even if a cover doesn't draw my attention right away, but I know from a friend or another blogger, whose opinion I trust and value, that said book is definitely worth reading, I will pick it up, and at least give it a try.

Next is always the summary. Even though you can get lucky by just picking up a book with a stunning cover without even reading the back cover, it can also backfire. I always, always read the summary because even when some books' covers practically scream at me to "pick them up and read them", there have been books where I absolutely adored the covers, but could not connect to the plot at all. So, even though I tend to do it quite a bit, I probably shouldn't judge a book solely by its cover.

Speaking of covers, here are a few of my favorites from last year:

When I first saw this cover, it gave me the creeps. I could feel chills running down my spine without even knowing what it was about. All I knew was I had to read it.

I haven't read this book yet, but this is another one of those covers which drew me in the second I saw it. There is something about this, that just will not let me go.

Another gorgeous and haunting cover. The story fit the cover very well.

I could post many, many more but then it would take you hours to get through this post. So, what about you? What is the first thing you look for before reading a book? Is it the cover, the title, the summary?

WoW: Fugitives by Alexander Gordon Smith

First of, I cannot believe I missed the "Top Ten Tuesday" meme this week, especially since I just joined a book club and we had our first meeting yesterday. We have already picked all the reads until February of next year, and I don't know any of the books. None of them are genres I usually read either, so it will be an interesting year to say the least. There are some biographies in there though, I am looking forward to read. Also, of all the books, I was picked to be the leader for a book which was written from the perspective of a dog...

Without further ado, now on to today's post. "Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine where you highlight books whose release date cannot come fast enough.

My choice for this week was super easy since I have been counting down the months and days for it to finally be released. Only 27 more days until Alexander Gordon Smith's "Fugitives" hits the bookshelves.

"Fugitives" is the fourth book in the "Escape from Furnace" series and I am getting more and more excited the closer the release date gets. I absolutely love, love, love this series. It's super intense, dark, disturbing, and simply brilliant. It keeps you on the edge of your seat from the very first word until the very last period. I cannot recommend this series enough.

Which books are you looking forward to read? Feel free to leave you thoughts in the comments.