Tori's Review: Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi

Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi
Series: Shatter Me #2
Genre: Dystopia, Young Adult, Romance
Rating: ★★★★★
Pages: 461
Published by HarperCollins on February 5, 2013
Date Read: August 23, 2013
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

tick
tick
tick
tick
tick
it's almost
time for war.
Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. It is a place for people like her—people with gifts—and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance.
She's finally free from The Reestablishment, free from their plan to use her as a weapon, and free to love Adam. But Juliette will never be free from her lethal touch.
Or from Warner, who wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible.
In this exhilarating sequel to Shatter Me, Juliette has to make life-changing decisions between what she wants and what she thinks is right. Decisions that might involve choosing between her heart—and Adam's life.

Tori's Review: How My Summer Went Up in Flames by Jennifer Salvato Doktorski

How My Summer Went Up in Flames by Jennifer Salvato Doktorski
Series: None
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Rating: ★★★★
Pages: 307
Published by Simon Pulse on May 7, 2013
Date Finished: August 21, 2013
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

First she lost her heart. Then she lost her mind. And now she’s on a road trip to win back her ex. This debut novel’s packed with drama and romance!
Rosie’s always been impulsive. She didn’t intend to set her cheating ex-boyfriend’s car on fire. And she never thought her attempts to make amends could be considered stalking. So when she’s served with a temporary restraining order on the first day of summer vacation, she’s heartbroken—and furious.
To put distance between Rosie and her ex, Rosie’s parents send her on a cross-country road trip with responsible, reliable neighbor Matty and his two friends. Forget freedom of the road, Rosie wants to hitchhike home and win back her ex. But her determination starts to dwindle with each passing mile. Because Rosie’s spark of anger? It may have just ignited a romance with someone new…

Tori's Waiting on Wednesday: The Forever Song by Julie Kagawa

The Forever Song by Julie Kagawa
Series: Blood of Eden #3
Genre: Paranormal, Dystopia, Young Adult
Pages: N/A
Published by Harlequin Teen in 2014

There is no summary, wahhh wahhh.

Tori's Review: The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
Series: Percy Jackson & the Olympians #2
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Mythology
Rating: ★★★★
Pages: 279
Published by Disney-Hyperion Books on April 1, 2006
Date Finished: August 18, 2013
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The heroic son of Poseidon makes an action-packed comeback in the second must-read installment of Rick Riordan's amazing young readers series. Starring Percy Jackson, a "half blood" whose mother is human and whose father is the God of the Sea, Riordan's series combines cliffhanger adventure and Greek mythology lessons that results in true page-turners that get better with each installment. In this episode, The Sea of Monsters, Percy sets out to retrieve the Golden Fleece before his summer camp is destroyed, surpassing the first book's drama and setting the stage for more thrills to come.

Lindsay's Review: fml by Shaun David Hutchinson

fml by Shaun David Hutchinson
Series: None, but a book called wtf is on it's way
Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult, Romance
Rating: ★★★★
Pages: 304
Published by Simon Pulse on June 25, 2013
Date Finished: August 15, 2013
Goodreads • Amazon • Barnes & Noble

There’s more than one way to get the girl in this fun and fast-paced novel about one epic party and a kiss that could change everything.Tonight’s the night: Simon’s big chance to finally get with Cassie. Cassie, who he’s loved for ages. Cassie, who is newly boyfriend-free. Cassie, who just happens to be throwing the biggest party of the year. Simon’s plan is simple: He’ll go to the party, she’ll fall in love with him, they’ll make out like crazy, and the night will be a complete success.
But things don’t ever go as planned…especially when it comes to Cassie.
In two alternating plotlines, Simon goes after the girl of his dreams and stumbles toward his destiny. It’s one night, one party, and a thousand ways for things to go wrong…but a million ways for them to go right.

Lindsay's Review: How My Summer Went Up in Flames by Jennifer Salvato Doktorski

How My Summer Went Up in Flames by Jennifer Salvato Doktorski
Series: None
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Rating: ★★★★
Pages: 307
Published by Simon Pulse on May 7, 2013
Date Finished: August 13, 2013
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

First she lost her heart. Then she lost her mind. And now she’s on a road trip to win back her ex. This debut novel’s packed with drama and romance!
Rosie’s always been impulsive. She didn’t intend to set her cheating ex-boyfriend’s car on fire. And she never thought her attempts to make amends could be considered stalking. So when she’s served with a temporary restraining order on the first day of summer vacation, she’s heartbroken—and furious.
To put distance between Rosie and her ex, Rosie’s parents send her on a cross-country road trip with responsible, reliable neighbor Matty and his two friends. Forget freedom of the road, Rosie wants to hitchhike home and win back her ex. But her determination starts to dwindle with each passing mile. Because Rosie’s spark of anger? It may have just ignited a romance with someone new…

Tori's Waiting on Wednesday: Snakeroot by Andrea Cremer

Snakeroot by Andrea Cremer
Series: Nightshade Legacy #1
Genre: Young Adult, Werewolves, Paranormal
Pages: 336
Published by Philomel on December 10, 2013

Fans asked for it, and now they've got it! Andrea Cremer is continuing the story she began in in her internationally bestselling trilogy: Nightshade, Wolfsbane and Bloodrose. In this new installment, Bosque Mar haunts the dreams of both Adne and Logan, trying to escape for the Nether, where Calla, Shay and the other Guardians trapped him in the final battle in the War of All Against All. Will he turn Adne to the dark side? Will Logan reclaim his birthright? And will darkness take over our world? In a novel filled with magic, romance and breakneck action, master storytelling Andrea Cremer's newest installment will not disappoint!

WARNING: Don't read beyond this point if you haven't read the Nightshade series as well as all the novellas. There are spoilers.

Lindsay's Waiting On Wednesday: Tiger's Dream by Colleen Houck

  

Tiger's Dream by Colleen Houck
Series: The Tiger's Saga #5
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance
Pages: N/A
Published by Sterling in 2014

Summary is not out yet, and neither is the cover. However, I found this one on the internet and instantly fell in love. I think it's absolutely perfect for the series and matches everything that happened perfectly.

Tori's Review: Aftermath by Andrea Cremer

Aftermath by Andrea Cremer
Series: Nightshade #3.5
Genre: Young Adult, Werewolves, Fantasy
Rating: ★★★★
Pages: 19
Published by Philomel on July 31, 2013
Date Finished: August 13, 2013
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Picking up where BLOODROSE left off, this short story delves into the aftermath of the final battle between the Searchers, the Keepers and the Guardians. Adne is haunted by her past actions, Logan is running for his life, and the Searchers still don't feel safe. What they thought was the end of the War of All against All may just be the beginning of something even more sinister...

Tori's Top Ten Favorite Books With a Sad Setting (6)

This is an event hosted by The Broke and Bookish. This week is my top ten favorite book with a sad setting (which is the setting that I chose) because I have a lot of books with sad settings.

1. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
The ending was sad-ish. The whole book wasn't sad, but the ending was. Does that count?

2. Saving June by Hannah Harrington.
This book wasn't completely sad, but it had a sad undertone. I mean, the girl's sister died, and they're going to scatter her ashes in Cali. How is that not sad?

3. The Compound by S. A. Bodeen
The kid is freaking locked in a compound that his father built. It reminds me of Blast from the Past but with a crueler dad, you know?

4. Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer
Okay I'm sorry but I had to add this. They're going to war. Of course it's sad.

5. Stolen by Lucy Christopher
Seriously now. Gemma gets kidnapped by a hot godlike male that also happens to be pretty cray cray. It's sad that she got kidnapped in the first place though.

6. Looking for Alaska by John Green
Every John Green novel is sad. Except for Zombicorns.

7. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
You know. You know.

8. I Will Save You by Matt de la Pena
Such a sad book, and the end is phenomenal.

9. Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
This book was just sad, okay? It was sad.

10. The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa
Don't even get me started. Just read my review and you will understand. Better yet, read the book and you will understand. This book was just so freaking sad at the end, and I couldn't even handle it. I was, like, crying, and I couldn't stop, and I was just so sad.

I don't think this was exactly what they were looking for, but that's okay. Other people (including Lindsay) did places as their settings. I just couldn't find 10 books all based in one place, to be honest. Even if I did happen to have a lot of summer or beach setting books, I wouldn't remember. Plus most of my books are fantasy and paranormal, so they don't really care about the season. But still! I did this!

Lindsay's Top Ten Favorite Books With A Summer Setting (5)

These are my top ten favorite books with my chosen setting, summer. Because let's face it, summer is sadly coming to and end and we all want it to last forever.

P.S. Screw you, school.

In no particular order:

1. How My Summer Went Up In Flames by Jennifer Salvato Doktorski

Though I'm just in the homestretch of finishing this book (and the review will be up within the next few days) I can't deny how much I love summer road trip books, especially during summer. It's like getting a taste of what's out in the world without even going.

2. Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck

Spending your summer in India with a hot guy who is also a prince and white tiger who's in love with you? I'd spend every summer like this if I could.

3. A Shore Thing by Nicole 'Snooki' Polizzi

A hot guy, beach, and hilarious filled summer. Nuff' said.

4. fml by Shaun David Hutchinson

Again, not finished with this book, but I can already tell it's going to become a favorite. First part of the summer filled with hilarious, awkward, and cringe worthy happenings.

5. Shadow Falls (Born At Midnight) by C.C Hunter

A camp for super naturals and a romance with Lucas. If you remember from my review: LUCAS LUCAS LUCAS LUCAS LUCAS.  

6. All You Get Is Me by Yvonne Prinz

A usual summer on a farm turned into a coming of age fun one by an amazing boy named Forest. I can't get enough of this book and can't wait to reread it before summer ends.

7. Hold Still by Nina LaCour

Though this book isn't taking place completely through summer, it goes through the season and I absolutely loved this touching book.

8. Beauty Queens by Libba Bray

I don't think it's specified what time of year this story takes place, however it is on a deserted island with amazing beaches, so I think that qualifies. This book was hilarious. Beauty Queens stranded? What could be better?

9.

10.

Yeah, I can't think of any more right now. I'll add the other two in later when I can remember some more summer themed books.

What are your favorite books that take place during the summer? Leave a comment and let me know!

Tori's Review: The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa

The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa
Series: Blood of Eden #2
Genre: Vampires, Young Adult, Dystopia
Rating: ★★★★★
Pages: 434
Published by Harlequin Teen on April 30, 2013
Date Finished: August 13, 2013
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Allison Sekemoto has vowed to rescue her creator, Kanin, who is being held hostage and tortured by the psychotic vampire Sarren. The call of blood leads her back to the beginning—New Covington and the Fringe, and a vampire prince who wants her dead yet may become her wary ally.
Even as Allie faces shocking revelations and heartbreak like she’s never known, a new strain of the Red Lung virus that decimated humanity is rising to threaten human and vampire alike.

Tori's Review: The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
Series: Summer #1
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Chick Lit
Rating: ★★★★★
Pages: 276
Publication by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers May 5, 2011
Date Finished: August 11, 2013
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Belly measures her life in summers. Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August. Winters are simply a time to count the weeks until the next summer, a place away from the beach house, away from Susannah, and most importantly, away from Jeremiah and Conrad. They are the boys that Belly has known since her very first summer--they have been her brother figures, her crushes, and everything in between. But one summer, one terrible and wonderful summer, the more everything changes, the more it all ends up just the way it should have been all along.

Tori's Review: Ten Things We Did by Sarah Mlynowski

Then Things We Did by Sarah Mlynowski
Series: None
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Rating: ★★★★½
Pages: 368
Published by HarperTeen on June 7, 2011
Date Finished: August 10, 2013
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2 girls + 3 guys + 1 house - parents = 10 things April and her friends did that they (definitely, maybe, probably) shouldn't have.

If given the opportunity, what sixteen-year-old wouldn't jump at the chance to move in with a friend and live parent-free? Although maybe "opportunity" isn't the right word, since April had to tell her dad a tiny little untruth to make it happen (see #1: "Lied to Our Parents"). But she and her housemate Vi are totally responsible and able to take care of themselves. How they ended up "Skipping School" (#3), "Throwing a Crazy Party" (#8), "Buying a Hot Tub" (#4), and, um, "Harboring a Fugitive" (#7) at all is kind of a mystery to them.

In this hilarious and bittersweet tale, Sarah Mlynowski mines the heart and mind of a girl on her own for the first time. To get through the year, April will have to juggle a love triangle, learn to do her own laundry, and accept that her carefully constructed world just might be falling apart . . . one thing-she-shouldn't-have-done at a time.

Tori's Review: Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer

Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer
Series: Nightshade #3
Genre: Young Adult, Werewolves, Paranormal
Rating: ★★★★
Pages: 406
Published by Philomel on January 3, 2012
Date Finished: August 10, 2013
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Calla has always welcomed war. But now that the final battle is upon her, there's more at stake than fighting. There's saving Ren, even if it incurs Shay's wrath. There's keeping Ansel safe, even if he's been branded a traitor. There's proving herself as the pack's alpha, facing unnamable horrors, and ridding the world of the Keepers' magic once and for all. And then there's deciding what to do when the war ends. If Calla makes it out alive, that is. In this remarkable final installment of the Nightshade trilogy, international bestselling author Andrea Cremer crafts a dynamic novel with twists and turns that will keep you breathless until its final pages.

Lindsay's Review: Just One Wish by Janette Rallison

 

Just One Wish by Janette Rallison
Series: None
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Chick Lit
Rating: ★★★★★
Pages: 272
Published by Putnam Juvenile on March 5th, 2009
Date Finished: August 9, 2013
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Seventeen-year-old Annika Truman knows about the power of positive thinking. With a little brother who has cancer, it's all she ever hears about. And in order to help Jeremy, she will go to the ends of the earth (or at least as far as Hollywood) to help him believe he can survive his upcoming surgery.
But Annika's plan to convince Jeremy that a magic genie will grant him any wish throws her a curveball when he unexpectedly wishes that his television idol would visit him. Annika suddenly finds herself in the desperate predicament of getting access to a hunky star actor and convincing him to come home with her. Piece of cake, right?
Janette Rallison's proven talent for laugh-out-loud humor, teen romance, and deep-hearted storytelling shines in a novel that will have readers laughing and crying at the same time.

Tori's Review: Treachery by Andrea Cremer

Treachery by Andrea Cremer
Series: Nightshade #2.5
Genre: Young Adult, Werewolves, Paranormal
Rating: ★★★★★
Pages: 34
Published by Philomel on December 13, 2011
Date Finished: August 8, 2013
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Ansel’s world is falling apart. The Nightshade pack led by his parents has been violently destroyed. His sister, Calla, abandoned her little brother, leaving him to answer for her crimes. And the Haldis pack that would have been his future is irreparably broken by Calla's betrayal. Suffering at the hands of the Keepers, Ansel is losing everything he's ever loved. The only chance he has to save himself means an alliance with his tormentors, and repaying Calla in full for her treachery.
In this novella, find out why Ansel makes the decisions he does in Andrea Cremer's New York Times bestselling novel, Wolfsbane.

Tori's Review: Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

Series: Nightshade #2

Genre: Young Adult, Werewolves, Paranormal 

Rating: ★★★★★
Pages: 390

Published by Philomel on July 26, 2011

Date Finished: August 8, 2013
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Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemy, and she's certain her days are numbered. But then the Searchers make her an offer–one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack–and the man–she left behind. Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? And will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials true love can endure and still survive.

Tori's Review: World War Z by Max Brooks

World War Z by Max Brooks

Series: None
Genre: Horror, Zombies, Science Fiction
Rating: ★
Pages: 342Published by Crown in September 12, 2006
Date Finished: August 7, 2013
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The Zombie War came unthinkably close to eradicating humanity. Max Brooks, driven by the urgency of preserving the acid-etched first-hand experiences of the survivors from those apocalyptic years, traveled across the United States of America and throughout the world, from decimated cities that once teemed with upwards of thirty million souls to the most remote and inhospitable areas of the planet. He recorded the testimony of men, women, and sometimes children who came face-to-face with the living, or at least the undead, hell of that dreadful time. World War Z is the result. Never before have we had access to a document that so powerfully conveys the depth of fear and horror, and also the ineradicable spirit of resistance, that gripped human society through the plague years.
Ranging from the now infamous village of New Dachang in the United Federation of China, where the epidemiological trail began with the twelve-year-old Patient Zero, to the unnamed northern forests where untold numbers sought a terrible and temporary refuge in the cold, to the United States of Southern Africa, where the Redeker Plan provided hope for humanity at an unspeakable price, to the west-of-the-Rockies redoubt where the North American tide finally started to turn, this invaluable chronicle reflects the full scope and duration of the Zombie War.

Most of all, the book captures with haunting immediacy the human dimension of this epochal event. Facing the often raw and vivid nature of these personal accounts requires a degree of courage on the part of the reader, but the effort is invaluable because, as Mr. Brooks says in his introduction, “By excluding the human factor, aren’t we risking the kind of personal detachment from history that may, heaven forbid, lead us one day to repeat it? And in the end, isn’t the human factor the only true difference between us and the enemy we now refer to as ‘the living dead’?”
Note: Some of the numerical and factual material contained in this edition was previously published under the auspices of the United Nations Postwar Commission.

Tori's Waiting on Wednesday: Cress by Marissa Meyer

Cress by Marissa Meyer
Series: Lunar Chronicles #3
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Science Fiction
Pages: 560
Published by Feiwel and Friends on February 4, 2014

Rapunzel's tower is a satellite. She can't let down her hair - or her guard.

In this third book in the bestselling Lunar Chronicles series, Cinder and Captain Thorne are fugitives on the run, with Scarlet and Wolf in tow. Together, they’re plotting to overthrow Queen Levana and her army. 

Their best hope lies with Cress, who has been trapped on a satellite since childhood with only her netscreens as company. All that screen time has made Cress an excellent hacker – unfortunately, she’s just received orders from Levana to track down Cinder and her handsome accomplice. 

When a daring rescue goes awry, the group is separated. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes at a high price. Meanwhile, Queen Levana will let nothing stop her marriage to Emperor Kai. Cress, Scarlet, and Cinder may not have signed up to save the world, but they may be the only ones who can.