Starting tomorrow through August 4th (depending on what happens), I will be in Orlando for a huge softball tournament that is a week long. I don't know how much I'm going to be able to post, including reviews, and meme's. Today I finished my book called Sequins, Secrets and Silver Lining's by Sophia Bennett. I may or may not be able to post a review tomorrow.. I am very sorry, but softball is my life so it always comes first (:
Don't forget me! ;)
See you all soon,
Haley
Friday, July 27, 2012
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Still on my Mind #1
Hi everybody! Hope you all are having a wonderful week so far :D
Still on my Mind is hosted by the wonderful and talented Haley at Ya-Aholic. Click the link if you would like to participate in this awesome meme! :P
The book I have chosen today that "is still on my mind" is:
Palace of Mirrors by Margaret Peterson Hadddix. (hardcover edition)
Synopsis:
Cecilia knows that she is not just another peasant girl; she is actually the true princess, in hiding until the evil forces that killed her parents are vanquished. A commoner named Desmia is on the throne as a decoy.
As she gets older, Cecilia finds it harder to study statesmanship and palace protocol secretly at night and then pretend that she has nothing on her mind other than scrubbing the gruel stains out of her best apron by day.
Cecilia knows that it is time to take charge. Along with her best friend, Harper, she flees to the capital city, determined to reclaim her throne and face the danger head on.
When Harper and Cecilia reach the famed Palace of Mirrors, they discover complications: Princess Desmia believes an entirely different version of the story.
Acclaimed author Margaret Peterson Haddix returns to the charmed world of Just Ella, where a princess-in-hiding and a pretender to the throne discover that nothing is as it appears.
I read this, I'm thinking when I was in 6th grade, so back in 2009, and it's been with me ever since! I'm sure my school had a book fair, and I bought it there in hardcover. This book has stuck with me because of three things:
- I read this around the time I really started getting interested in books and reading, so this is kind of memorable for me..(:
- This is most likely the first book I read that was in the fantasy genre
- Palace of Mirrors was absolutely magical, fantastical and any other words that go into that category ;)
Plus, the detailing was great, and I admit I'm a sucker for princess in distress story every once in a while ♥
Any comments or questions about this or my blog? You know what to dooo... Comment down there :
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Wednesday, July 25, 2012
"Waiting on" Wednesday #1
This week's feature that I am anxiously waiting for the realease is:
Rift (Nightshade Prequel, #1) by Andrea Cremer.
Synopsis:
Sixteen-year-old Ember Morrow is promised to a group called Conatus after one of their healers saves her mother's life. Once she arrives, Ember finds joy in wielding swords, learning magic, and fighting the encroaching darkness loose in the world. She also finds herself falling in love with her mentor, the dashing, brooding, and powerful Barrow Hess. When the knights realize Eira, one of their leaders, is dabbling in dark magic, Ember and Barrow must choose whether to follow Eira into the nether realm or to pledge their lives to destroying her and her kind.
With action, adventure, magic, and tantalizing sensuality, this book is as fast-paced and breathtaking as the Nightshade novels.
From Goodreads
I'm really ready for Rift to come out! The Nightshade series was such an awesome, heartbreaking, and romantic trilogy, so I am very willing to read anything related! And oh! Look at that cover, so pretty!
Rift has an expected release of of August 7th, 2012. If you want some more information on this book/the author click here
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Review of : Sweethearts by Sara Zarr
Sweethearts by Sara Zarr.
Page Count(Hardcover Edition): 217 pgs.
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Released: February 1st, 2008
Genre: Young Adult Romance/Contemporary
My Rating: 4/5
Date Started: July 18th, 2012
Date Finished: July 22nd, 2012
Source: Library
Synopsis:
As children, Jennifer Harris and Cameron Quick were both social outcasts. They were also one another's only friend. So when Cameron disappears without warning, Jennifer thinks she's lost the only person who will ever understand her. Now in high school, Jennifer has been transformed. Known as Jenna, she's popular, happy, and dating, everything "Jennifer" couldn't be---but she still can't shake the memory of her long-lost friend.
When Cameron suddenly reappears, they are both confronted with memories of their shared past and the drastically different paths their lives have taken.
From the National Book Award nominated author of Story of a Girl, Sweethearts is a story about the power of memory, the bond of friendship, and the quiet resilience of our childhood hearts.
From Goodreads
When I first picked up this book, I didn't think much of it. I didn't think of how deep is was going to be for the size, and I especially didn't think of how I got two Sara Zarr books at one library picking! Two! That's what made this book so memorable for me. The first Sara Zarr book I read also coincidentally happens to be my first review on my blog, How To Save A Life. I loved these two and am looking forward to reading Story of a Girl.
The characters were, ehh. Besides Steph, Jenna and Cameron, the rest were self-centered and shallow. Katy didn't care about Jenna's feelings, she just wanted Cameron's attention. Ethan was whiny, needy and just plain annoying. I wouldn't want a boyfriend who always need to know where I am and need a phone call every night. That is just borderline creepy, lol. I loved loved loved Alan and Jenna's mom. Alan was the perfect version of a old, but warm and accepting step-father. Jenna's mom, even though she was not really involved in Jenna's life, was was loving and caring when she was there. Jenna and Cameron were deeper characters that are a bit harder to explain with spoiling anything. I will just say this : When they are reunited 8 years later, they are both surprised at each other. They went through a very traumatic experience when they were younger(for those of you who have read this, you will understand) that changed them. Jenna almost got rid of Jennifer Harris, but when Cameron came back, everything shifted back.
I didn't think there was a real story line to this book as to a life telling of Jenna and Cameron. There are flashbacks every chapter that are also in Jenna's POV, that are about her and Cameron when they were little. The traumatic experience is somewhere in the flashbacks.. so you guys get to hunt for it! (:
Sweethearts was a great standalone novel by the wonderful Sara Zarr. I hope you guys enjoyed this review and will hopefully read Sweethearts
If you have any questions or comments, leave them below, please(:
Page Count(Hardcover Edition): 217 pgs.
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Released: February 1st, 2008
Genre: Young Adult Romance/Contemporary
My Rating: 4/5
Date Started: July 18th, 2012
Source: LibrarySynopsis:
As children, Jennifer Harris and Cameron Quick were both social outcasts. They were also one another's only friend. So when Cameron disappears without warning, Jennifer thinks she's lost the only person who will ever understand her. Now in high school, Jennifer has been transformed. Known as Jenna, she's popular, happy, and dating, everything "Jennifer" couldn't be---but she still can't shake the memory of her long-lost friend.
When Cameron suddenly reappears, they are both confronted with memories of their shared past and the drastically different paths their lives have taken.
From the National Book Award nominated author of Story of a Girl, Sweethearts is a story about the power of memory, the bond of friendship, and the quiet resilience of our childhood hearts.
From Goodreads
When I first picked up this book, I didn't think much of it. I didn't think of how deep is was going to be for the size, and I especially didn't think of how I got two Sara Zarr books at one library picking! Two! That's what made this book so memorable for me. The first Sara Zarr book I read also coincidentally happens to be my first review on my blog, How To Save A Life. I loved these two and am looking forward to reading Story of a Girl.
The characters were, ehh. Besides Steph, Jenna and Cameron, the rest were self-centered and shallow. Katy didn't care about Jenna's feelings, she just wanted Cameron's attention. Ethan was whiny, needy and just plain annoying. I wouldn't want a boyfriend who always need to know where I am and need a phone call every night. That is just borderline creepy, lol. I loved loved loved Alan and Jenna's mom. Alan was the perfect version of a old, but warm and accepting step-father. Jenna's mom, even though she was not really involved in Jenna's life, was was loving and caring when she was there. Jenna and Cameron were deeper characters that are a bit harder to explain with spoiling anything. I will just say this : When they are reunited 8 years later, they are both surprised at each other. They went through a very traumatic experience when they were younger(for those of you who have read this, you will understand) that changed them. Jenna almost got rid of Jennifer Harris, but when Cameron came back, everything shifted back.
I didn't think there was a real story line to this book as to a life telling of Jenna and Cameron. There are flashbacks every chapter that are also in Jenna's POV, that are about her and Cameron when they were little. The traumatic experience is somewhere in the flashbacks.. so you guys get to hunt for it! (:
Sweethearts was a great standalone novel by the wonderful Sara Zarr. I hope you guys enjoyed this review and will hopefully read Sweethearts
If you have any questions or comments, leave them below, please(:
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Review of : Dark of the Moon by Tracy Barrett
Dark of the Moon by Tracy Barrett
Page Count(Hardcover Edition): 310 pgs.
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company
Released: September 20th 2011
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy/Mythology
My Rating: 3/5
Date Started: July 10th, 2012
Date Finished: July 17th, 2012
Source: Library
Synopsis:
Ariadne is destined to become a goddess of the moon. She leads a lonely life, filled with hours of rigorous training by stern priestesses. Her former friends no longer dare to look at her, much less speak to her. All that she has left are her mother and her beloved, misshapen brother Asterion, who must be held captive below the palace for his own safety.
So when a ship arrives one spring day, bearing a tribute of slaves from Athens, Ariadne sneaks out to meet it. These newcomers don’t know the ways of Krete; perhaps they won’t be afraid of a girl who will someday be a powerful goddess. And indeed she meets Theseus, the son of the king of Athens. Ariadne finds herself drawn to the newcomer, and soon they form a friendship—one that could perhaps become something more.
Yet Theseus is doomed to die as an offering to the Minotaur, that monster beneath the palace—unless he can kill the beast first. And that "monster" is Ariadne’s brother .
From Goodreads
Dark of the Moon was a very interesting read. There were points where I was a bit confused as to where they were, who certain characters were and the overall tale, but it was a truly enjoyable read.
This must be a first for me, reading a teen mythology book. Don't get me wrong, I love mythology as much as the next person, but this is the first time I have actually picked up a book like this. So of course, I dived in immediately.
The characters were the best part! Ariadne, Asterion, Theseus, Prokris, Minos, She-Who-Is-Goddess or Pasiphae. And of course all of the priestesses.But, I was a bit unsure of Ariadne and Theseus's relationship. In the synopsis it say's she is drawn to him and they have a bond that might become something more. But it the book, it was kinda off and on with them. It was like one moment they liked each other and the next, they didn't even talk. The plan between Prokris and Theseus seemed like a last minute one, and I thought that it would be part of the plot big time, but didn't come into play until the end. Asterion was my favorite character because of how cute he seemed(besides the part of accidentally killing the children. I mean, come on, he didn't mean to). Asterion seemed to be like a huge teddy bear who didn't have much control over his body or mind.
The story line was okay, based on how things played out. I think the author wanted this book to be deeper in meaning, but in my opinion didn't get there, but she was close. It seemed to me like the events and their traditions were a bit mixed together. The traditions with the whole Goddess and Velchanos thing was confusing, as to who was going to be the sacrifice to fertilize the lands and such forth. I will probably start reading up on Greek mythology now.. (:
I recommend this book to anyone who likes mythology with a bit of suspense, teen and fantasy.
Page Count(Hardcover Edition): 310 pgs.
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company
Released: September 20th 2011
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy/Mythology
My Rating: 3/5
Date Started: July 10th, 2012
Source: Library
Synopsis:
Ariadne is destined to become a goddess of the moon. She leads a lonely life, filled with hours of rigorous training by stern priestesses. Her former friends no longer dare to look at her, much less speak to her. All that she has left are her mother and her beloved, misshapen brother Asterion, who must be held captive below the palace for his own safety.
So when a ship arrives one spring day, bearing a tribute of slaves from Athens, Ariadne sneaks out to meet it. These newcomers don’t know the ways of Krete; perhaps they won’t be afraid of a girl who will someday be a powerful goddess. And indeed she meets Theseus, the son of the king of Athens. Ariadne finds herself drawn to the newcomer, and soon they form a friendship—one that could perhaps become something more.
Yet Theseus is doomed to die as an offering to the Minotaur, that monster beneath the palace—unless he can kill the beast first. And that "monster" is Ariadne’s brother .
From Goodreads
Dark of the Moon was a very interesting read. There were points where I was a bit confused as to where they were, who certain characters were and the overall tale, but it was a truly enjoyable read.
This must be a first for me, reading a teen mythology book. Don't get me wrong, I love mythology as much as the next person, but this is the first time I have actually picked up a book like this. So of course, I dived in immediately.
The characters were the best part! Ariadne, Asterion, Theseus, Prokris, Minos, She-Who-Is-Goddess or Pasiphae. And of course all of the priestesses.But, I was a bit unsure of Ariadne and Theseus's relationship. In the synopsis it say's she is drawn to him and they have a bond that might become something more. But it the book, it was kinda off and on with them. It was like one moment they liked each other and the next, they didn't even talk. The plan between Prokris and Theseus seemed like a last minute one, and I thought that it would be part of the plot big time, but didn't come into play until the end. Asterion was my favorite character because of how cute he seemed(besides the part of accidentally killing the children. I mean, come on, he didn't mean to). Asterion seemed to be like a huge teddy bear who didn't have much control over his body or mind.
The story line was okay, based on how things played out. I think the author wanted this book to be deeper in meaning, but in my opinion didn't get there, but she was close. It seemed to me like the events and their traditions were a bit mixed together. The traditions with the whole Goddess and Velchanos thing was confusing, as to who was going to be the sacrifice to fertilize the lands and such forth. I will probably start reading up on Greek mythology now.. (:
I recommend this book to anyone who likes mythology with a bit of suspense, teen and fantasy.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Giveaway at A Reading Daydreamer
A Reading Daydreamer is holding a giveaway internationally! Please go enter and make Beverley happy! Also, follow her amazing and cute blog!
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Review of : Sign Language by Amy Ackley
Sign Language by Amy Ackley
Page Count(Hardcover Edition): 392 pgs.
Publisher: Viking, an imprint of Penguin Group
Released: August 18th, 2011
Genre: Young Adult Realistic Fiction
My Rating: 4.5/5
Date Started: July 8th, 2012
Date Finished:July 9th, 2012
Source: Library
Synopsis:
Twelve-year-old Abby North's first hint that something is really wrong with her dad is how long it's taking him to recover from what she thought was routine surgery. Soon, the thing she calls "It" has a real name: cancer. Before, her biggest concerns were her annoying brother, the crush unaware of her existence, and her changing feelings for her best friend, Spence, the boy across the street. Now, her mother cries in the shower, her father is exhausted, and nothing is normal anymore. Amy Ackley's impressive debut is wrenching, heartbreaking, and utterly true.
From Goodreads
Sign Language is a book that made me want to cry, shout about and be happy. I never usually get that many emotions in one book. This book shows the brave perspective of 12 year old Abby North, who really grows as she deals with her father's illness.
Amy Ackley breached a serious topic with young adult and she did very, very well. Cancer, I think, is very easy to mess up when writing about. There are so many little things that you can't forget. Amy displayed all of them in a nice manner surrounding young adult.
The characters added the real emotion to this book. Abby's mother annoyed me a bit though. I knew it was hard for her, but what about Josh and Abby? All she seemed to do was cry and not really try and fix anything until the end. Abby ended up holding in all of her emotion because her mother never wanted to talk about her father. Josh was like that too until he broke down near the end. I guess every character had something that annoyed me. Josh acted as if nothing was wrong with his family and sometimes got drunk to get rid of it. Abby wouldn't face her problems with her father and Spence. Yeah, Spence was one of her big problems. Abby kept pushing him away, and she was afraid after every time she did that, he wanted less and less too do with her. She wanted to have something deeper in her relationship with him, but she had three things holding her back : her father yelling at her for hanging out with him in a bedroom, the fact that she thought it would change a lot of things and how she had a crush on the biggest jerk in town Logan Pierce. Fortunately, the ending was near perfect, and brought all of the imperfections to almost nothing.
I guess with the story, I was wondering what was going to happen after Abby's father. The story seemed to struggle on, but the reasoning was perfect, as I realize now. Amy wanted every single person who was reading this book to see how Abby dealt with her life after. I mean, were talking 3 years after. I loved how she didn't try to rush it, but adding the most important details. I think Abby reacted a little abnormal as to what I probably would have (including breaking down a lot, being depressed and a whole lot of crying), but who can blame her? She didn't cry so what else?
It seems like I'm just nagging on this book, but really, I loved this book. It just had a lot of emotion that I had to talk about. Sign Language reminds me of The Sister's Keepers a bit. I fully recommend Sign Language to anyone who likes Realistic Fiction in teen YA.
Page Count(Hardcover Edition): 392 pgs.
Publisher: Viking, an imprint of Penguin Group
Released: August 18th, 2011
Genre: Young Adult Realistic Fiction
My Rating: 4.5/5
Date Started: July 8th, 2012
Date Finished:July 9th, 2012
Source: LibrarySynopsis:
Twelve-year-old Abby North's first hint that something is really wrong with her dad is how long it's taking him to recover from what she thought was routine surgery. Soon, the thing she calls "It" has a real name: cancer. Before, her biggest concerns were her annoying brother, the crush unaware of her existence, and her changing feelings for her best friend, Spence, the boy across the street. Now, her mother cries in the shower, her father is exhausted, and nothing is normal anymore. Amy Ackley's impressive debut is wrenching, heartbreaking, and utterly true.
From Goodreads
Sign Language is a book that made me want to cry, shout about and be happy. I never usually get that many emotions in one book. This book shows the brave perspective of 12 year old Abby North, who really grows as she deals with her father's illness.
Amy Ackley breached a serious topic with young adult and she did very, very well. Cancer, I think, is very easy to mess up when writing about. There are so many little things that you can't forget. Amy displayed all of them in a nice manner surrounding young adult.
The characters added the real emotion to this book. Abby's mother annoyed me a bit though. I knew it was hard for her, but what about Josh and Abby? All she seemed to do was cry and not really try and fix anything until the end. Abby ended up holding in all of her emotion because her mother never wanted to talk about her father. Josh was like that too until he broke down near the end. I guess every character had something that annoyed me. Josh acted as if nothing was wrong with his family and sometimes got drunk to get rid of it. Abby wouldn't face her problems with her father and Spence. Yeah, Spence was one of her big problems. Abby kept pushing him away, and she was afraid after every time she did that, he wanted less and less too do with her. She wanted to have something deeper in her relationship with him, but she had three things holding her back : her father yelling at her for hanging out with him in a bedroom, the fact that she thought it would change a lot of things and how she had a crush on the biggest jerk in town Logan Pierce. Fortunately, the ending was near perfect, and brought all of the imperfections to almost nothing.
I guess with the story, I was wondering what was going to happen after Abby's father. The story seemed to struggle on, but the reasoning was perfect, as I realize now. Amy wanted every single person who was reading this book to see how Abby dealt with her life after. I mean, were talking 3 years after. I loved how she didn't try to rush it, but adding the most important details. I think Abby reacted a little abnormal as to what I probably would have (including breaking down a lot, being depressed and a whole lot of crying), but who can blame her? She didn't cry so what else?
It seems like I'm just nagging on this book, but really, I loved this book. It just had a lot of emotion that I had to talk about. Sign Language reminds me of The Sister's Keepers a bit. I fully recommend Sign Language to anyone who likes Realistic Fiction in teen YA.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Review of : Withering Tights by Louise Rennison
Withering Tights by Louise Rennison
Page Count(Hardcover Edition): 274
Series: Misadventures of Tallulah Casey, #1
Publisher: HarperTeen, an imprint by HarperCollins Publishers
Released: June 28th 2011
Genre: Young Adult Humor
My Rating: 3.5/5
Date Started: June 29th, 2012
Date Finished:July 5th, 2012
Source: Library
Synopsis:
Tallulah Casey is ready to find her inner artist. And some new mates. And maybe a boy or two or three.
The ticket to achieving these lofty dreams? Enrolling in a summer preforming arts program, of course. She's bound for the wilds of Yorkshire Dales--eerily similar to the windswept moors of Wuthering Heights. Tallulah expects new friends, less parental interference and lots of drama. Acting? Tights? Moors? Check, check, check.
What she doesn't expect is feeling like a tiny bat's banging around in her mouth when she has her first snog.
Bestselling author Louise Rennison returns with her trademark wit, a hilarious new cast, and a brand new cheeky heroine who is poised to discover plenty of opportunities for (mis)adventure.
From Goodreads
I have to admit that I absolutely hated this book when I started it. The plot seemed stupid, the characters and the storyline didn't make sense. But, this book grew on me over time, because I refused to quit. I had to the gist of it first.
I learned to love the characters and plot, because it was all so cute when it came together. Tallulah is very insane, but that's was makes her funny and what makes this book good. She is a certain type of insane, but somebody you can get used to if you are like her. I guess the only thing I have to not like about the characters is the fact of how confusing they all got to be. They sort of mashed together, so when Tallulah was with one of them, I had to look back and see who was who.
The plot was fairly well written. I didn't love it, didn't hate it. I'm guessing it was because the setting of this book was in Yorkshire.
Terribly sorry that is so short, but I can't think of anything else to say. Plus, I'm having my birthday party tonight so I gotta run!
Page Count(Hardcover Edition): 274
Series: Misadventures of Tallulah Casey, #1
Publisher: HarperTeen, an imprint by HarperCollins Publishers
Released: June 28th 2011
Genre: Young Adult Humor
My Rating: 3.5/5
Date Started: June 29th, 2012
Date Finished:July 5th, 2012
Source: Library
Synopsis:
Tallulah Casey is ready to find her inner artist. And some new mates. And maybe a boy or two or three.
The ticket to achieving these lofty dreams? Enrolling in a summer preforming arts program, of course. She's bound for the wilds of Yorkshire Dales--eerily similar to the windswept moors of Wuthering Heights. Tallulah expects new friends, less parental interference and lots of drama. Acting? Tights? Moors? Check, check, check.
What she doesn't expect is feeling like a tiny bat's banging around in her mouth when she has her first snog.
Bestselling author Louise Rennison returns with her trademark wit, a hilarious new cast, and a brand new cheeky heroine who is poised to discover plenty of opportunities for (mis)adventure.
From Goodreads
I have to admit that I absolutely hated this book when I started it. The plot seemed stupid, the characters and the storyline didn't make sense. But, this book grew on me over time, because I refused to quit. I had to the gist of it first.
I learned to love the characters and plot, because it was all so cute when it came together. Tallulah is very insane, but that's was makes her funny and what makes this book good. She is a certain type of insane, but somebody you can get used to if you are like her. I guess the only thing I have to not like about the characters is the fact of how confusing they all got to be. They sort of mashed together, so when Tallulah was with one of them, I had to look back and see who was who.
The plot was fairly well written. I didn't love it, didn't hate it. I'm guessing it was because the setting of this book was in Yorkshire.
Terribly sorry that is so short, but I can't think of anything else to say. Plus, I'm having my birthday party tonight so I gotta run!
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