Waiting on Wednesday (12)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine.

Opal by Jennifer L. Armentrout (Lux #3)
From Goodreads:

No one is like Daemon Black.

When he set out to prove his feelings for me, he wasn’t fooling around. Doubting him isn’t something I’ll do again, and now that we’ve made it through the rough patches, well... There’s a lot of spontaneous combustion going on.

But even he can’t protect his family from the danger of trying to free those they love.

After everything, I’m no longer the same Katy. I’m different... And I’m not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I’m capable of. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won’t turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.

Together we’re stronger... and they know it.

The only word to describe this series is ADDICTING. I put my life on hold so I could finish the first book in a day, and accidentally read the second one when I was supposed to be doing my homework. I swear, these books are like freaking crack. I am dying to read Opal!

What are you waiting on this week? Leave links to your Waiting on Wednesday posts below and I'll check them out!

-Rachel 

Top Ten Books I'd Want On A Deserted Island

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. 

Today's topic is Top Ten Books I'd Want On A Deserted Island.

1. A notebook- So I can write my own books to entertain myself!

2. Beauty Queens by Libba Bray- Maybe I can learn some survival skills from a ton of beauty queens trapped on a deserted island?

3. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins- Again, I think I could learn some survival skills from Katniss. :D

4. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
5. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
6. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
7. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
8. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
9. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
10. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

I think most people would agree that this series can be read over and over and over without getting old or boring.

My list is completely dominated by Harry Potter, and I regret nothing. :D

What do you think of my choices? Let me know in the comments!

And leave links to your Top Ten Tuesday posts so I can check them out!

-Rachel

Rachel Rambles About Finale

Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick
From Goodreads:

Will love conquer all?

Nora and Patch thought their troubles were behind them. Hank is gone and they should be able to put his ugly vendetta to rest. But in Hank's absence, Nora has become the unwitting head of the Nephilim and must finish what Hank began. Which ultimately means destroying the fallen angels - destroying Patch.

Nora will never let that happen, so she and Patch make a plan: lead everyone to believe they have broken up, and work the system from the inside. Nora will convince the Nephilim that they are making a mistake in fighting the fallen angels, and Patch will find out everything he can from the opposing side. They will end this war before it can even begin.

But the best-laid plans often go awry. Nora is put through the paces in her new role and finds herself drawn to an addictive power she never anticipated.

As the battle lines are drawn, Nora and Patch must confront the differences that have always been between them and either choose to ignore them or let them destroy the love they have always fought for.

Warning: This is the fourth book in a series. If you haven't read the other books, beware of spoilers! 

*sighs* This series...I've had quite a few issues with it, over the years. It has definitely had its ups and downs. So I wasn't too excited to read this book. But since it's the last one, THE END OF NORA AND PATCH'S STORY, I knew I had to pick it up.

And I'm actually really glad I read it! The plot was a lot more interesting than I expected it to be. Because of events that happened in the third book, Nora has to become the leader of the Nephilim. There's going be a war against the fallen angels, which totally sucks because guess who's a fallen angel? PATCH. So Nora and Patch are basically enemies, which is awesome. Forbidden romance? YOU'RE DOING IT RIGHT.

Let's talk about the most important thing about this entire series: Patch and Nora's relationship. While I've always had some issues with Nora, I still really love her and Patch together. I think they're a great couple, and these books have always been filled with some great swoon-worthy moments and cute banter and romance and kissing scenes. This book did not disappoint in that department, and the moments between Nora and Patch made me remember why I haven't given up on this series.

I was surprised at how freaking emotional I got when I neared the end of this book. I had like, two chapters left, and I started freaking out because even though I've had so many issues with this series, I did not want it to end! And the ending was kind of cheesy, but perfect for the Hush, Hush series. I really liked it. :)

So I'm kind of relieved to not have to read anymore of these books, but also really sad that this series is over. I'll miss Nora and Vee and Patch. Okay, who am I kidding? I'll miss Patch the most because I'm kind of very much in love with him.

Other than the first book, I think Finale is the strongest installment in the series. There are some moments with weird subplots that I didn't understand and pages of super awkward dialogue, but for the most part, I thought this book was pretty epic. 

Have you read any of the Hush, Hush books? How do you feel about them? My feelings are quite mixed, and I'd love to hear your thoughts!

-Rachel 

Cover Reveal: The Moon and More

USA Today revealed the cover and an excerpt from the first chapter of The Moon and More, Sarah Dessen's 11th novel that will be released in June 2013.

To be honest, I don't even care what the cover looks like. I am too freaking excited about the fact that SARAH DESSEN HAS A NEW BOOK COMING OUT.

*FLAILS*

Guys guys guys guys guys Sarah Dessen is my HERO. I discovered her books a few years ago when I was like eleven or twelve and they literally changed my life forever. Sarah Dessen made me realize that I wanted to be a writer and I've read all of her books multiple times and one time I went to a signing and I met her and it was the best day in my entire life.

SO I AM JUST A LITTLE BIT EXCITED FOR HER NEXT BOOK. At this point, I don't even need covers or summaries or whatever. If Sarah Dessen's name is on it, I'll buy it because I know it's gonna be amazing.

I read the excerpt and I am so happy right now because you can never have too much Sarah Dessen in your life, you know? So go here to see USA Today's post about the book and read part of the first chapter and then come back here and flail with me.

Also, this book takes place in COLBY. !!!!!! If you've read any of her other books, you totally understand why this is super awesome and exciting. I can't wait to see if any of our old friends show up! :)

And if you haven't read anything by Sarah Dessen, I don't even know what to say other than: you are seriously missing out. Go read one of her books right now. Seriously. You won't regret it.

(I recommend starting with Someone Like You. It was the first Sarah Dessen book I ever read, many years ago.)

-Rachel

Waiting on Wednesday (11)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine.

Spellcaster by Claudia Gray

From Goodreads:

When Nadia’s family moves to Captive’s Sound, she instantly realizes there’s more to it than meets the eye. Descended from witches, Nadia senses a dark and powerful magic at work in her new town. Mateo has lived in Captive’s Sound his entire life, trying to dodge the local legend that his family is cursed - and that curse will cause him to believe he’s seeing the future … until it drives him mad. When the strange dreams Mateo has been having of rescuing a beautiful girl—Nadia—from a car accident come true, he knows he’s doomed.

Despite the forces pulling them apart, Nadia and Mateo must work together to break the chains of his family’s terrible curse, and to prevent a disaster that threatens the lives of everyone around them. Shimmering with magic and mystery, New York Times bestselling author Claudia Gray’s new novel is sure to draw fans of the Hex Hall and Caster Chronicles series, and fans of the hit CW TV show The Secret Circle.

I'm a HUGE fan of Claudia Gray's Evernight series, and at this point, I'll pretty much read anything she ever writes. Especially if she writes about witches. Because I love witches. They're awesome.

What are you waiting on this week? Leave links to your Waiting on Wednesday posts below so I can check them out!

-Rachel

Top Ten Books to Read When NaNo is Over

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. 

Today's topic is a freebie, so you can pick whatever topic you want. Since it's November, I'm quite busy with NaNoWriMo, which means I have less time for reading. As soon as November is over, I plan on curling up on the couch with a blanket and a huge stack of books. Here's my list of Top Ten Books I Want To Read After NaNoWriMo.

1. Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins- I've been wanting to read this for FOREVER, but just haven't gotten around to it. I'm pretty sure I'll have to reread the first book to refresh my mind before I dive into the sequel, which is totally fine with me because the first book was awesome.

2. The Gemma Doyle Trilogy by Libba Bray- I read the first book over a year ago and loved it, but for whatever reason, never read the rest of the series. So I want to reread the first book and then read the other two.

3. The Casual Vacany by JK Rowling- I HAVE TO KNOW IF THIS IS ANY GOOD.

4. Burn for Burn by Siobhan Vivian and Jenny Han- I got this for my birthday (thanks Megan!), and I can't wait to start it!

5. The Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan- I read the first book over the summer and loved it. But I think I might wait until Christmas break to read the rest of the books, so I can sit down and read the whole series back to back.

6. Feedback by Robison Wells- I thought Variant was amazing, so I'm really excited to find out what happens next in the sequel. I feel like Variant doesn't get the attention it deserves. It's such a great book!

7. Halo by Alexandra Adornetto- This is another book that I got for my birthday (from Megan, who says it's awesome) and it sounds really good.

8. The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab- I've had this one sitting on my shelf for quite awhile now, and I've heard such good things about it!

9. Two or Three Things I Forgot to Tell You by Joyce Carol Oates- The summary is pretty mysterious, so I'm not exactly sure what it's about. But for some reason I have this feeling that I'm going to love it.

10. Over You by Emma McLaughlin- I haven't seen too many reviews of this, so I don't really know what to expect, but it sounds like a fun and quick read.

I can't wait till December so I can read all of these. :D

Have you read any of these books? What did you think of them? Let me know below!

And leave links to your Top Ten Tuesday posts, of course!

-Rachel

Rachel Rambles About Ten

I lost power for a few days, thanks to hurricane Sandy. I'm in Northwestern NJ, so I didn't get hit too hard, but we lost power and there are trees down everywhere. I hope everyone affected by Sandy is okay!

I was reading this book during the freaking hurricane, in the dark by candlelight when I had no power. WHY DID I DO THAT?! The book is about teens trapped on an island with no power during a really bad storm! WHY WOULD I READ IT DURING THE HURRICANE?! It made me totally paranoid and it was a terrifying experience.

Anyway, let's move on to my ramble:

Ten by Gretchen McNeil
From Goodreads:

SHHHH!
Don't spread the word!
Three-day weekend. House party.
White Rock House on Henry Island.
You do NOT want to miss it.

It was supposed to be the weekend of their lives—an exclusive house party on Henry Island. Best friends Meg and Minnie each have their reasons for being there (which involve T.J., the school’s most eligible bachelor) and look forward to three glorious days of boys, booze and fun-filled luxury.

But what they expect is definitely not what they get, and what starts out as fun turns dark and twisted after the discovery of a DVD with a sinister message: Vengeance is mine.

Suddenly people are dying, and with a storm raging, the teens are cut off from the outside world. No electricity, no phones, no internet, and a ferry that isn’t scheduled to return for two days. As the deaths become more violent and the teens turn on each other, can Meg find the killer before more people die? Or is the killer closer to her than she could ever imagine?

I don't read a lot of scary books because I'm kind of a wimp. But this sounded too awesome to pass up, so I decided to give it a try. And...I was really impressed with it! It seriously creeped me out, but...in a good way? Kind of?

The suspense in this book is AMAZING. Every little sound or shadow in the book made my heart start racing like crazy. The story unfolds in such a brilliant way. There are so many twists and turns and just when you think you know what's going to happen next, BAM. Something totally unexpected happens and you're just like WTF IS EVEN GOING ON I'M KIND OF TERRIFIED RIGHT NOW. At least, that was my experience. :D

The main character, Meg, is pretty cool. She's a writer, and her plans for this weekend party adventure thing were to sit in a corner somewhere with her laptop. MY KIND OF CHARACTER. I found some of the supporting characters super annoying, but hey, that just means that I wasn't too upset to see them die. I'm glad I didn't grow emotionally attached to a bunch of these people, or this book would have been a horrible experience.

Each character in this book is a suspect at one point or another. I couldn't keep up with who I thought I trusted and who I thought was the killer. My predictions changed on practically every page as I tried to keep up with the fast-paced plot. It was fascinating to read about the teens as they got more and more paranoid. They stopped trusting each other and started turning on each other, which is way more terrifying than any killer.

Oh, and when you finally find out who the killer is?! Nope. I totally did not see that coming! I had so many suspicions throughout the book, but I was still extremely surprised when the truth was revealed. Proof that Gretchen McNeil is a genius. She really knows how to write suspense and mystery.

This book freaked me out so much. It gets progressively scarier with every page turn, and the story moves faster and faster until you get to the end when everything is just insane and the reader has to frantically flip pages to keep up. For someone who's really not into books that make me want to hide under the covers and cry, I thought this book was excellent. I highly recommend that you give Ten a try, even if you're a total wimp like I am. :D

Just please try not to read it during a hurricane! Because then you'll have trouble sleeping. NOT THAT THIS HAPPENED TO ME OR ANYTHING. PSHHHH OF COURSE NOT.

-Rachel