Review: City of Ashes

 “Clary snapped the compartment open and frowned. She took out a shiny pamphlet, the kind they keep stacked in clear plastic stands in the hospital waiting rooms. "How to Come Out to Your Parents," she read out loud. "LUKE. Don't be ridiculous. Simon's not gay, he's a vampire.""

Title: City Of Ashes
Series: Mortal Instruments #2
Author: Cassandra Clare
Source: Library
Date Finished: January 22nd, 2011
My Rating: A - Marvelous!

Summary of Book:
Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go -- especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother,...

Review:

Characters: I loved Jace, as always. I mean, who couldn't? He's that 'bad boy' type that every girl wants, and yet he's sweet(sometimes) and protective(always). So, the first word that comes to my head when I think of Jace would be..hot. No, wait, not hot. Smoking-hot. Oh yeah..Clary is different. And I think that's the only way to describe her. Her feelings are jumbled, her family is, well, a mess. And her love life is a train wreck. Just her feelings for Jace are wacked out. She loves him, but you wouldn't be able to tell if she's in love with him or just loves him. Hard to actually figure out, you know. And Simon, he's cute as always. He's always, always protective of Clary, and in love(or lust?) with her. Talk about a love triangle..

Plot*spoilers everywhere, I'd avoid this if you haven't read this book yet*: The twists and turns were great. Simon turning into a vampire was an awesome twist! And that lead him to breaking up with Clary, well it was one of the reasons. That and Clary having to kiss Jace to get out of the faery world. But there are tons and tons of reasons why he broke up with her. And I wouldn't be able to list them without boring you guys to death.

What else would you guys like me to include in my reviews? Leave a comment!

Review: Heist Society

 “He seemed impossible close as he whispered. "And I didn't choose it, Kat. I chose you.""

Title: Heist Society
Series: Heist Society #1
Author: Ally Carter
Source: Library
Date Finished: January 20th, 2011
Rating: B - Amazing!

 Summary of Book:
When Katarina Bishop was three, her parents took her on a trip to the Louvre...to case it. For her seventh birthday, Katarina and her Uncle Eddie traveled to Austria...to steal the crown jewels. When Kat turned fifteen, she planned a con of her own--scamming her way into the best boarding school in the country, determined to leave the family business behind. Unfortunately, leaving "the life" for a normal life proves harder than she'd expected. Soon, Kat's friend and former co-conspirator, Hale, appears out of nowhere to bring her back into the world she tried so hard to escape. But he has good reason: a powerful mobster has been robbed of his priceless art collection and wants to retrieve it. Only a master thief could have pulled this job, and Kat's father isn't just on the suspect list, he is the list. Caught between Interpol and a far more deadly enemy, Kat's dad needs her help. For Kat there is only one solution: track down the paintings and steal them back. So what if it's a spectacularly impossible job? She's got two weeks, a teenage crew, and hopefully just enough talent to pull off the biggest heist in history-or at least her family's (very crooked) history.

Review:

Characters: I liked  Hale. He's a great guy, not pushy or anything, but still...intriguing. It's the only word I could think of that describes Hale! He's nice, polite(sometimes) and protective, but still intriguing. Katarina is a fighter. She does what she has to, to save her father and family. Even though she has to do a lot to make sure that they stay safe, she's protective. The best of the best, you could say. Gabrielle is the BEST description of girly. No, not girly, female. Yes! That's it. She wants to look her best, and instead of being a model or something, she's an art thief? Well, not most of the time, but still a sometimes art thief. If that makes any sense. And the last character I'll talk about is Nick. Nick was, to me, nice and friendly at the beginning. But, when I found out who he really was...all I could think of was traitor.

Settings: I liked where it took place. Even though it had a whole bunch of different places like Hale's house, Uncle Eddie's house, and everywhere. But I liked how it was in the US and in other different countries. It was in New York, and then, 8 hours later in Rome or something. 'Cause they did A LOT of traveling. New York, Rome, Paris, London, a lot of places, that I'd love to go to, it made me excited to read about!

Plot: I liked the plot of the story. It was different for me, since I've never read anything involving thieves much. Besides Ally Carter's Gallagher Girls series, which is about spies, so it's not the same..Getting off topic, but it was different and I liked it. How they planned everything out, and how Katarina wasn't scared(much, anyway) and how they even had a little fun too! It was a fun read :)

Review: Nightshade

Title: Nightshade
Series: Nightshade #1
Author: Andrea Cremer
Source: Library
Date Finished: January 13th, 2011

Summary of Book:
While other teenage girls daydream about boys, Calla Tor imagines ripping out her enemies’ throats. And she wouldn’t have it any other way. Calla was born a warrior and on her eighteenth-birthday she’ll become the alpha female of the next generation of Guardian wolves. But Calla’s predestined path veers off course the moment she saves the life of a wayward hiker, a boy her own age. This human boy’s secret will turn the young pack's world upside down and forever alter the outcome of the centuries-old Witches' War that surrounds them all.

Review:

Isn't the cover A-M-A-Z-I-N-G? Wolfsbane has an awesome cover too. Look ------->>>
Preetttttttyyyyy...
Anyways...Lets start off with what I thought of the characters.

Calla was a great name for a character. I don't think I've ever even read a book that the main character's name was Calla. It's original and still unique!
I think Calla and I have a lot in common. Mostly the same strong-headedness. We're both stubborn. She's protective, as I am. And I find it encouraging to read about someone that would be make the same choices as I would.

Ren is a pain if I ever saw one. In this case, if I ever "read" one. He's jealous of Shay, rude to others and yet, every girl swoons for him *cough, Katie, cough ;)*. No one can resist him..Except for Calla.

Shay is sweet and funny. Calla saved him, because you could almost say it was "love at first sight", although he was in pain and couldn't tell the difference if she was anything. But she changed into a human right in front of him and that totally got his attention. I mean, he even thought it was a dream!

All of Cremer's character names are different and unique. And I don't think that any of the names could be changed and still have a good book. And I think this is the very first werewolf book I've read that I am actually eager to read Wolfsbane. It's thrilling and a page-turner. If you don't read it, your missing out.

☺☺☺☺☺

♥♥♥

Review: Sweet Little Lies

Title: Sweet Little Lies
Series: L.A. Candy #2
Author: Lauren Conrad
Source: Library
Date Finished: December 30th, 2010

Summary of Book:
How Sweet it is?
Jane Roberts was the average girl next door until she and her best friend, Scarlett Harp, landed their own reality show, L.A. Candy. Now the girls have an all-access pass to Hollywood's hottest everything. But there's more to life on camera than just parties and shopping. . . .
When racy photos of Jane are leaked to the press, she finds herself at the center of a tabloid scandal. She turns to her co-star Madison Parker for help, unaware that Madison is scheming behind the scenes. She might be Jane's shoulder to cry on, but does Madison really have Jane's back?
Scarlett's working on a scandal of her own. She's fallen for someone who's strictly off-limits—which means Scarlett has a big secret to keep . . . from the L.A. Candy cameras, the paparazzi staking out her apartment, even from her best friend.
Of course, nothing stays secret for long for the stars of the newest hit TV series, and all this drama couldn't be better for ratings. But can Jane survive another season in the spotlight?

Review:
The cover is so cute! I can't wait for LA Candy #3 to come out. Then again, I'm pretty much excited for a lot of things..Cover releases, book releases, author interviews, etc..So I'm an energizer bunny. LOL
Anyway..I think the first one was better. But this one was almost as good. Especially with the pictures of Madison thrown in the mix. She deserved it! She shouldn't have done that to Jane. Even if she did want the spotlight. She had it coming.
Jesse has always and will always be a jacka**. He doesn't care about anyone. He gets drunk and he hit Jane! Absolutely not! She did nothing to deserve that. Jesse saw the pictures, but he was dealing with it, then went completely downhill from there. If he really loved Jane, he wouldn't have done that. He left her on the street for Christ sake! He had it coming.
I don't understand Brandon's behavior though. Does he want Jane? Does he not? Does he want to just be friends? I just don't get it..Can anyone explain it to me?
I hope I'm supposed to be feeling this way..I'm glad Sugar & Spice still has to come out, otherwise I'd be at a loss!

My rating:

☺☺☺☺

Review coming soon:

Review: Heartbeat

Title: Heartbeat
Author: Sharon Creech
Source: Library
Date Finished: December 26th, 2010

Summary of Book:

Run run run. That's what twelve-year-old Annie loves to do. When she's barefoot and running, she can hear her heart beating . . . thump- THUMP , thump- THUMP . It's a rhythm that makes sense in a year when everything's shifting: Her mother is pregnant, her grandfather is forgetful, and her best friend, Max, is always moody. Everything changes over time, just like the apple Annie's been assigned to draw. But as she watches and listens, Annie begins to understand the many rhythms of life, and how she fits within them.

Review:
Heartbeat. It's a good title. And I like the apple on the front. I'm afraid since this book was short, that there are going to be spoilers everywhere, so if you haven't read it, I suggest closing the browser for now. Thanks :P
Again, I like the cover, I wish I could show you the back cover as well, because it shows an eaten apple. All that's left is the core. It was really cool!
I'm growing more and more fond of books like this. The ones, that are in a way, like manga. Sure, they aren't comics, but they leave nothing left to talk about BUT what happens. So here goes.
Annie. I'm much like her. I like to run, and run as fast as I can. But I'd love to do track. Unlike her, I'd like to wear shoes(I ain't gonna get my feet cut on glass or something!). And I haven't gotten the experience to have a little brother or sister. I'm the youngest, and sometimes it sucks. But you live with it.
Max. He reminds me of so many of my friends. I'm more like Max than Annie though. I'm moody(a lot), I like wearing shoes(most of the time) and I want to win(always). Doesn't mean I do. But you can't give up after you fall. It's like it never happened at all!
Now you know, I'm also a run-a-holic.

  ☺☺☺

Review Coming Soon:

Review: Absolutely Normal Chaos

Title: Absolutely Normal Chaos
Author: Sharon Creech
Source: Library
Date Finished: December 25th, 2010

Summary of Book:
Mary Lou Finney is less than excited about her assignment to keep a journal over the summer. Boring! Then cousin Carl Ray comes to stay with her family, and what starts out as the dull dog days of summer quickly turns into the wildest roller coaster ride of all time. How was Mary Lou suppose to know what would happen with Carl Ray and the ring? Or with her boy-crazy best friend Beth Ann? Or with (sigh) the permanently pink Alex Cheevey? Suddenly a boring school project becomes a record of the most exciting, incredible, unbelievable summer of Mary Lou's life. But what if her teacher actually does read her journal?

Review:
Sharon Creech always has interesting book covers. Walk Two Moons was a good cover, and Heartbeat. They all represent what the main story is about. I like how the paper is flying out of the journal though.
Normally, I would ignore books that were told from a journal, but more often now, I find myself reading something like that. Right now, I'm reading a journal based book called Runaway. I like them both though.
The story is pretty interesting. Carl Ray comes to live with them, and things turn upside down from a boring summer to an exotic summer. If exotic is even the right word.
I find the plot to be kind of predictable though. I knew who Carl Ray's father was before he even told anyone. It was kind of easy to 'tell the fortune' on that one. Especially when he was crying at the funeral. I mean, you find your real dad, then he dies? What a load of crap.
But, that's what made the story interesting! All the little curves and turns.

☺☺☺☺

Go to Review Policy to see what this means!

Review Coming Soon:

Review: Chosen

Title: Chosen
Series: House Of Night #3
Author: P.C. Cast, Kristin Cast
Source: Library
Date Finished: December 18th, 2010

Summary of Book:
Dark forces are at work at the House of Night and fledgling vampyre Zoey Redbird’s adventures at the school take a mysterious turn.  Those who appear to be friends are turning out to be enemies.  And oddly enough, sworn enemies are also turning into friends.  So begins the gripping third installment of this “highly addictive series” ( Romantic Times ), in which Zoey’s mettle will be tested like never before. Not only is her mentor, Neferet, the High Priestess, she also has a dark secret that Zoey is starting to uncover. Her best friend, Stevie Rae, is undead and struggling to maintain a grip on her humanity. Zoey doesn’t have a clue how to help her, but she does know that anything she and Stevie Rae discover must be kept secret from everyone else at the House of Night, where trust has become a rare commodity.  Speaking of rare: Zoey finds herself in the very unexpected and rare position of having three boyfriends. Mix a little bloodlust into the equation and the situation has the potential to spell social disaster.  Just when it seems things couldn’t get any tougher, vampyres start turning up dead. Really dead. It looks like the People of Faith, and Zoey’s horrid step-father in particular, are tired of living side-by-side with vampyres.  But, as Zoey and her friends so often find out, how things appear rarely reflects the truth.......

Review:
Another great cover for the House Of Night series. I think I'm going to add some House Of Night accessories(buttons, shirts, pencils, etc..) onto my Christmas list for 2011. I love how they always have the crescent moon on the covers to make it easier to figure out what series it belongs to.
I was surprised by how much I didn't want to read this book. I mean, I picked it up, then put it down, picked it up, put it down. It drove me insane, until finally I was done. I sat there reading going "No. Oh, no. No! NO!" things just weren't going the way I hoped. . .in a good way.
But seriously, 3 boyfriends? Good luck with that! You can't get away from one because of an imprint, you can't get away from another because he's great and hot, and you can't get away from the other one because your in love with him. Well, crud! Your screwed!
The series is getting kind of off track though. Now it's all about romance, I'm not saying that it was bad, it just didn't make much sense.
*SPOILER* I didn't like how the imprint was broken between Heath and Zoey. I mean, I actually liked Heath. Not Loren!
And I also thought that she was changing into an adult vampire when Zoey fell to the ground, clutching her stomach. Not that Loren was dead! I'm glad he's gone, good riddance! But it doesn't make sense. . .Is Zoey already an adult vampire or still a fledging, because her tattoo is filled in, like an adult vampire's, but she's still considered a fledging? Talk about confusing. . .

☺☺☺☺

Go to Review Policy to see how I rate!

Review Coming Soon:

Review: Cross My Heart And Hope To Spy

Title: Cross My Heart And Hope To Spy
Author: Ally Carter
Source: Library
Finished: December 5th, 2010

Summary Of Book:
After staking out, obtaining, and then being forced to give up her first boyfriend, Josh, all Cammie Morgan wants is a peaceful semester. But that's easier said than done when you're a CIA legacy and go to the premier school in the world...for spies. Cammie may have a genius IQ , but there are still a lot of things she doesn't know. Like, will her ex-boyfriend even remember she exists? And how much trouble is she really in after what happened last semester? And most of all, why is her mother acting so strangely? Despite Cammie's best intentions to be a normal student, danger seems to follow her. She and her best friends learn that their school is going to play host to some mysterious guests--code name: "Blackthorne. Then she's blamed for a security breach that leaves the school's top-secret status at risk. Soon Cammie and her friends are crawling through walls and surveilling the school to learn the truth about Blackthorne and clear Cammie's name. Even though they have confidence in their spy skills, this time the targets are tougher (and hotter), and the stakes for Cammie's heart--and her beloved school--are higher than ever.

Review:
Ok, seriously. . .I love the covers of Carter's books! It might just be because I love the books, but I don't think so!

I think this one is my favorite so far. Yeah, yeah, I've only read two of them! It's still my favorite so far. I love all the characters. Especially the new ones in this book. Zach was a good character. "I always finish what I start." Such a good line!
For those of you who know me, you know that once I find a favorite author, I dig up everything by them and read it. Well. . .I just so happened to go to the library twice this week and got Heist Society by Ally Carter!

See? Told ya! Always has good covers! Anyways. . .I really loved Cross My Heart and Hope To Spy. If you didn't already guess *wink* Need to come up with a favorite icon too, eh? Maybe for next year!

So..Short review this time.

But you won't be disappointed by tomorrow's review of Blue Moon(The Immortals #2) by Alyson Noel!

Read Don't Judge A Girl By Her Cover(Gallagher Girls #3) by Ally Carter with me!

What did you think of this one??

Review: Ten Little Indians

NOTE: Couldn't find the correct cover

Title: Ten Little Indians(And Then There Were None)
Author: Agatha Christie
Source: Library
Finished: November 29th, 2010

Summary(Goodreads):
First, there were ten - a curious assortment of strangers summoned as weekend guests to a private island off the coast of Devon. Their host, an eccentric millionaire unknown to all of them, is nowhere to be found. All that the guests have in common is a wicked past they're unwilling to reveal - and a secret that will seal their fate. For each has been marked for murder, and one by one they begin to fall prey to an unseen hand. As the only people on the island, unable to leave and unable to call for help, they know that the only possible suspects are among their number. And only the dead are above suspicion. 

Review:
First off, thank you Miss Feryerax for recommending this book, and making sure I tried it again  after I didn't enjoy it the first time. I'm glad you had me start again! 
Now I think I gave my review to everyone else on Shelfari(LOL) but not in detail, so if your not a Christie fan, you might wanna pick this one up!
Many of you know that I'm not a big horror fan. Or a fan of broken English. Well, I think this one convinced me to start liking them! Christie did an amazing job with Ten Little Indians. Or, what you would call it, And Then There Were None as it was later published as. Which I thought was kind of funny because if you put it together, it makes Ten Little Indians And Then There Were None. That almost makes sense. Both titles work though. Ok, enough about the title!
I don't want to give too much away, but I think that I can tell you who I suspected. 


My suspectees:
Dr. Armstrong(I was partially right)
Mr. Rogers(at the beginning)
Philip Lombard(I just had a bad instinct..)


So those were my suspectees. It's kinda of funny because I knew from the riddle that, that was how they were going to die. Someone got me trying to predict what was going to happen, now I keep thinking that's what's going to happen. Which makes no sense, yes, I know. 

If you liked Ten Little Indians(And Then There Were None) by Agatha Christie, join in my reading of her series Hercules Poirot next year!


**Edit**
This book is for all of you who wanted me to read horror, classic, mystery, and all that :P

Review: City Of Bones

Title: City Of Bones
Author: Cassandra Clare
Source: Library(as usual)
Finished: November 27th, 2010

Summary(Goodreads):
When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder - much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing - not even a smear of blood - to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know....

Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.

Review:
First off, I want to thank you guys who encouraged me to read this book. I know that if you hadn't glued my hands to the book, that I probably wouldn't have finished it. I have gotten into the habit of where I can't find a book that 'dazzles' me. 
City Of Bones had a kind of dazzling effect on me. I loved the book, and was glad to have FINALLY found a paranormal book that wasn't all about vampires. You guys know I love vampires! And I know you guys love my reviews(LOL) but sometimes it's good to take a break ;)
Now, I think I've fallen in love with Jace. Perfect, right? Another fictional crush. (Has one of the Top Ten Tuesdays ever been fictional crushes?? Might be one to suggest!) Jace is pretty much pretty except of his rudeness, which I have to go against and agree with Isabelle that it is kind of sexy. But most of you probably don't think so ;) (Remember? I'm the odd ball out!)
I think it was just the perfect touch that Simon like Clary. Even though it's kind of predictable that he was in love with her, it was still one of those things that make your eyes go wide. 
Isabelle was the girl. If you know what I mean, if not, let me use smaller words..Isabelle was the popular one. Every story has one! It might be the main character, it might be the main character's best friend or enemy. But Isabelle had almost everything. The looks, the attitude, the blah, blah, blah. I hate those kind of girls. Gee..I'm coming up with questions for you guys and not even realizing it. Do you think Jace's rudeness is sexy? Do you hate girls like Isabelle? See! I can't stop. 
Anyway, I really like Clare's writing, so I think I'm going to read the next in the series, City Of Ashes. How did you guys like this one?

 I know you liked Clare's writing, so why don't you try, Clockwork Angel? Or, if you didn't(I think it's highly impossible, but whatever) try Shiver by Maggie Shiefvater(I just finished it last night and . . .Nevermind. Can't tell you! You either have to read it, or wait for my review! :P)

Review: Betrayed

Title: Betrayed
Author: P.C. Cast + Kristin Cast
Series: House Of Night; Book 2

SUMMARY(No spoilers, thanks to Shelfari):
Fledgling vampyre Zoey Redbird has managed to settle in at the House of Night.  She’s come to terms with the vast powers the vampyre goddess, Nyx, has given her, and is getting a handle on being the new Leader of the Dark Daughters. Best of all, Zoey finally feels like she belongs--like she really fits in. She actually has a boyfriend…or two. Then the unthinkable happens: Human teenagers are being killed, and all the evidence points to the House of Night. While danger stalks the humans from Zoey’s old life, she begins to realize that the very powers that make her so unique might also threaten those she loves. Then, when she needs her new friends the most, death strikes the House of Night, and Zoey must find the courage to face a betrayal that could break her heart, her soul, and jeopardize the very fabric of her world. The person she trusted the most has betrayed her. But who?

REVIEW(Caution, may contain spoilers):
I made the mistake of actually reading some of the other summaries for the books to come and such and kind of had this hunch that Niefect(I'm not quite sure how to spell her name) was going to betray Zoey. I actually think that Zoey will be more powerful than any other person before. I mean seriously, she already has her mark filled in AND two tattoos. It's just remarkable.  I was kind of depressed that there wasn't much of Heath in this one. I love knowning what's going on between the two of them. And just because their Imprinted..! They could keep each other awake at the craziest times. I still think Erik is really cool! But I don't like how they threw in ANOTHER guy, Loren. I mean she already has two guys, but a third?? It doesn't make much sense..I can't wait to get my hands on Chosen!

If you liked this one, you'll definitely sink your teeth into A Quick Bite by Lynsay Sands.

Review: Marked

Title: Marked
Author(s): PC Cast & Kristin Cast

SUMMARY:
Enter the dark, magical world of the House of Night,
A world very much like our own, except here vampyres have always existed. Sixteen-year-old Zoey Redbird has just been Marked as a fledgling vampyre and joins the House of Night, a school where she will train to become an adult vampyre. That is, if she makes it through the Change, and not all of those who are Marked do. It sucks to begin a new life, especially away from her friends, and on top of that, Zoey is no average fledgling. She has been chosen as special by the vampyre Goddess Nyx. Zoey discovers she has amazing powers, but along with her powers come bloodlust and an unfortunate ability to Imprint on her human ex-boyfriend. To add to her stress, she is not the only fledgling at the house of Night with special powers. When she discovers that the leader of the Dark Daughters, the school's most elite group, is misusing her Goddess-given gifts, Zoey must look deep within herself for the courage to embrace her destiny-with a little help from her new vampyre friends.
REVIEW:
Well, it was very interesting. I actually talked with one of my friends and she said she didn't really care for it. We all have different opinions and mine is that this one is definitely a book that goes on my wishlist & favorites. You wouldn't really call it a classic, but its good all the same.
I have to admit that I hate Kayla. I mean, what kind of girl would go after her best friend's boyfriend? And I didn't really care for Heath either, but it was fun reading about what happened between the two of them and how their solving it. I think Erik is hot(there's a picture of him on the back of the book -- hehe) but he doesn't seem the drama type. I guess some people surprise you! I hate John(step-loser) and her mother, just because of what they did to Zoey. I like Nefret though. I think she's great. I was kind of sad to hear that Elizabeth died. She was such a good person! I had a feeling Elliot was going to take a turn for the worst though. I think it wasn't as body that rejected the change though. I think it was HIM that was the one rejecting it. I think it's so cool that Zoey could actually feel the elements though! Fire, wind, earth, water AND spirit. She definitely will become a High Priest!

If you enjoyed Marked, you'll love Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead.

Wanna post a guest review? Leave a comment with your name, e-mail address and the book that you'd like to guest review and get your blog spotlighted!

Review: LA Candy

 

SUMMARY:

L.A. Candy is a young-adult novel written by Lauren Conrad. First released as a hardcover on June 16, 2009, the book is one of a three book series deal about Jane Roberts; who moves to Hollywood, works at an events company, and eventually gets her own reality show, which is called L.A. Candy. It features the ups and downs of Jane's life.
The book listed on The New York Times Bestseller list on June 26, 2009. Conrad stated in a interview "I wanted this book to be like my life, being signed on to The Hills" she said "It also tells of what it was like during The Hills, some stories are basically behind the scenes on The Hills ... being hooked up with wires and stuff"
Blue Eyed Girl productions (founded by Conrad) have purchased the rights to turn L.A. Candy into a movie. Conrad will be an executive producer. The movie will be based on all three books.
Los Angeles is all about the sweet life: hot clubs, cute guys, designer . . . everything . Nineteen-year-old Jane Roberts can't wait to start living it up. She may be in L.A. for an internship, but Jane plans to play as hard as she works, and has enlisted her BFF Scarlett to join in the fun. When Jane and Scarlett are approached by a producer who wants them to be on his new series, a "reality version of Sex and the City ," they can hardly believe their luck. Their own show? Yes, please! Soon Jane is TV's hottest star. Fame brings more than she ever imagined possible for a girl from Santa Barbara—free designer clothes, the choicest tables at the most exclusive clubs, invites to Hollywood premieres—and she's lapping up the VIP treatment with her eclectic entourage of new pals. But those same friends who are always up for a wild night are also out for a piece of Jane's spotlight. In a city filled with people chasing after their dreams, it's not long before Jane wakes up to the reality that everyone wants something from her, and nothing is what it seems to be. L.A. Candy is a deliciously entertaining novel about what it's like to come of age in Hollywood while starring in a reality TV show, written by a girl who has experienced it all firsthand: Lauren Conrad.

REVIEW:
I didn't think I'd like this book! Here's a little run-down..**SPOILER ALERT**
Jane and her friend, Scarlett, move to LA in search of their dreams. Jane is just a plain old Jane, and Scarlett is knock-out dead beautiful and is really smart.
They take off to LA, Jane to be an event-planner and Scarlett to go to college. One night, they decide to go out to a club and a hotshot PopTV producer and asks Jane and Scarlett to be on his new show, LA Candy.
Jane's feelings gets tangled up with 2 guys, Braden and Jesse. Jane sleeps with Braden, and Madison(one of the girls on the show with them) gets pictures of it and gives it off to a magazine, Gossip, and pretty soon it's public news. Jane thinks Jesse did it because he was mad at her, and Madison takes Jane off to New Mexico while Scarlett goes after Jesse, to "tear him to pieces" but finds out that Jesse didn't do it, Scarlett doesn't make it back in time to catch Jane and tell her the truth.
And that's where the story ends.

Rating for book: ♥♥♥♥♥

Rating for cover: ♥♥♥♥

Rating for plot: ♥♥♥♥♥

Rating for characters: ♥♥♥♥♥

Overall Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Challenges:

200+ Reading Challenge

Reading Level Suggested:

Young Adult

I think I'm going to read the next book, have any of you read it? Did you like it or not?

Review: Mockingjay

SUMMARY:
Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she’s made it out of the bloody arena alive, she’s still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what’s worse, President Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either. Not Katniss’s family, not her friends, not the people of District 12. Powerful and haunting, this thrilling final installment of Suzanne Collins’s groundbreaking The Hunger Games trilogy promises to be one of the most talked about books of the year.

REVIEW:
I agree with you guys out there, who said this one isn't as good as the first 2.
At the beginning of Mockingjay, I found myself consistently putting it down. I thought the beginning was boring. But it got better..
When they got back to District 13, I was surprised when Peeta appeared on the TV. I would have acted just like Katniss and be right there with him. The Capitol was feeding his information, and it wasn't right.
I was more into it when they got to the underground, after Boggs died. The way those creatures, hissed Katniss and how slowly, Peeta came back to Katniss. It was perfect. But I was a Gale fan and wanted Katniss & Gale to be together, guess I don't always get my way :P
It's so sad when Finnick dies and Katniss sees a flashback of his life in her head. And when Katniss hides out in Tigris's shop, then listens to Gale's and Peeta's talk.
I almost cry when Prim dies. It's a lot to take in. Everyone dying.
Then when Katniss is supposed to kill Snow, she turns and kills Coin instead. But they both die in the end. So it doesn't matter if she killed her or not.
Overall, I think this book is good but had a rushed ending.

Rating for book: ♥♥♥♥
Rating for cover: ♥♥♥♥
Rating for plot: ♥♥♥♥♥
Rating for characters: ♥♥♥♥

Overall rating: ♥♥♥♥



Series:
Hunger Games Trilogy; book 3

Challenges:
200+ Reading Challenge
Fall Into Reading Challenge

Reading Level Suggested For This Book:
12 and up

Was this book your favorite out of the series? Why or why not?

Review: I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have To Kill You

REVIEWING:

SUMMARY:
Cammie Morgan is a student at the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women, a fairly typical all-girls school-that is, if every school taught advanced martial arts in PE and the latest in chemical warfare in science, and students received extra credit for breaking CIA codes in computer class.  The Gallagher Academy might claim to be a school for geniuses but it's really a school for spies. Even though Cammie is fluent in fourteen languages and capable of killing a man in seven different ways, she has no idea what to do when she meets an ordinary boy who thinks she's an ordinary girl.  Sure, she can tap his phone, hack into his computer, or track him through town with the skill of a real "pavement artist"-but can she maneuver a relationship with someone who can never know the truth about her?  Cammie Morgan may be an elite spy-in-training, but in her sophomore year, she's on her most dangerous mission: falling in love.

REVIEW:
I find it really cool that they have a spy school :)
I couldn't really get into the book at the beginning, but eventually I was glued to it. Finished it in an hour, then sat down to think about it. I'm sure people who have read this book have done the same!
I thought for sure that Cammie and Josh were love at first sight or almost. The missions were cool though! Having to follow someone, take their docter pepper bottle and run.
But I don't think Josh should have even been there. People aren't supposed to see Cammie..And yet, he did.
So she lied about having a different life, so what? A cat, a father that wasn't dead, a non-spy mother. A girl can dream right?
I always thought that the book would have been about the teacher AND her. Not her mother. But some things just surprise you. And I even saw it coming!
Towards the end, when Josh finds out, you would have thought they would have gotten back together, because Josh loves her. But he pulled an audible. Thinking that Cammie WAS being kidnapped and running to save her. It would take some guts, and love. But in the end, Cammie didn't take her chance, because Josh would die from it. And Josh didn't take it. I can't wait to read the next book!

Rating for book: ♥♥♥♥♥
Rating for cover: ♥♥♥♥
Rating for plot: ♥♥♥♥
Rating for characters: ♥♥♥♥♥

Overall rating: ♥♥♥♥.5

CHALLENGES:
200+ Reading Challenge



What did you think of the book? And should I read the next one?

Review: No Talking

Title: No Talking

Author: Andrew Clements

Pages: 146

Publisher: Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing Division

Published: 2007

SUMMARY:

Who can talk less for two whole days, boys or girls? The fifth graders at Laketon Elementary are the noisiest class in history, so when Dave Packer challenges Lynsey Burgess to a boys vs. girls "no talking" contest, it's not going to be easy for either side.

Teachers and the school administrators are in an uproar, until one creative teacher sees the kids' experiment as a unique opportunity to look at language and communication in a fresh new way-- and that's when things get interesting.

REVIEW:
At the beginning, it kind of dragged on and I couldn't really understand it. Eventually I got the hang of it, and realized that it actually was another good book by Clements. I find it kind of cool of how they stopped talking but only when speaking to their teachers. I can't wait to read another book from Clements!
Rating for book: ♥♥♥♥
Rating for cover: ♥♥♥♥

CHALLENGES:
Maud Hart Lovelace 1/24

The Supernaturalists - Review

For others out there who are a hater of this book - what's wrong with you!? Eoin Colfer is the best author that I can even think of.


 Eoin Colfer, is also the wonderful author of  the Artemus Fowl series. 


"So amazing, how they worked through their problems together. Each step of the way. Is there a second book?"


I suppose you can guess my rating..


Rating For Book: ♥♥♥♥♥
Rating For Cover: ♥♥♥♥


So..what did you think of the book? Was it a yay or a no? Leave a comment!

Hunger Games - Review

About the book:

Title: Hunger Games
Author: Suzanne Collins
Pages: 374
Main Characters: Katniss Everdeen, Peeta Mellark, Gale Hawthorne
Date Published: September 14th, 2008
Publisher: Scholastic
Young Adult
Chapters: 27
Series: Book 1 out of 3.

Memorable Quotes:
"And just like my father, I knew I was a goner."
-Katniss Everdeen

"Happy Hunger Games! May the odds be ever in your favor!"
-Effie Trinket

"I want to show them, I'm more than just a piece in their games."
-Peeta Mellark

Bookaholic's Review

"This book was amazing. The details were great. I loved it."
-Bookaholic

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Surprise: Books!

Yes, yes, I know I just had book day on Sunday and will have another one on Sunday, but I think that I will just have another one so I can get ready for Crafts, tomorrow!

This week's books:

Chasing Redbird
Dovey Coe
Romeo And Juliet
Forever In Blue

Many of you know, that I finished Dovey Coe a couple days ago. I finished Romeo and Juliet and Chasing Redbird since then. The reviews will be with this post :)

REVIEWS:

Up for reviews today are..
Romeo And Juliet
&
Chasing Redbird


Title: Romeo and Juliet

Author: William Shakespeare


SUMMARY:
We meet our hero, Romeo, after a duel between the servants of two enemy families of Verona: the Montagues and the Capulets. Romeo Montague is pining away for Rosaline, a girl we never see. Juliet Capulet, age thirteen, has just heard that Paris, Verona's attractive young bachelor, would like to marry her. The two will meet that night at a masquerade ball at the Capulets' house. Romeo and his friends have decided to crash the Capulet ball – in costume – because Rosaline is on the guest list. Romeo meets Juliet there instead, and they fall madly in love. Afterwards, they discover they are members of rival families, but they are still in love. Romeo stays after the party under Juliet's balcony, and the two use this romantic meeting to plan their marriage. Hasty, but genuine.

This is where things get sticky. Romeo meets with Friar Laurence to arrange the marriage, and Juliet confides in her nurse, who has basically raised her, to act on her behalf and meet Romeo. The Nurse meets Romeo and his friend Mercutio (who thinks the whole situation is hilarious). Romeo tells her to get Juliet to Friar Laurence's, where the two will be married.

Meanwhile, Benvolio, another member of the Montague posse, runs into Tybalt Capulet, who is angry about the Montagues crashing his family party the other night. Romeo, freshly married, strolls into the middle of a tense situation, and as things escalate, Tybalt kills Mercutio. Stricken by grief, Romeo promptly challenges Tybalt to a duel and kills him. Romeo runs away before all of Verona shows up. The Prince of Verona rules that Romeo won't be killed, but banished from Verona. This all puts a damper on the new marriage.

Juliet hears from the Nurse that her new husband has murdered her cousin. She is doubly sad about the death and murder. Mostly Juliet just wants to see her banished husband. The Nurse finds Romeo hiding at Friar Laurence's, and the Friar hatches a plan. Romeo can spend his wedding night with Juliet, but then he must run away, while the Friar finds some way to get the Prince of Verona to pardon Romeo. The marriage will be made public upon his return.

Meanwhile, back at the Capulet house, Paris is working even harder to wed Juliet, who is stricken by grief. Lord Capulet decides a wedding (to Paris) is just the thing to distract her, as he does not know she's already a bride. Juliet spends her wedding night with Romeo, and as he leaves in the morning, she finds out she is to be married to Paris in two days. She refuses and has a violent fight with her parents. Even her nurse thinks she should marry Paris, since Romeo is "as good as dead" to her.

Juliet, trying to figure out what to do, runs over to Friar Laurence's, where she has a weird kiss with Paris. After Paris leaves, she threatens to kill herself. The Friar adds another bit to his plan, and gives her an herbal concoction that will make her appear to be dead for 42 hours. Yes, exactly 42. She goes home, agrees to marry Paris, and takes the poison with the intention of looking dead on the morning of her wedding and being taken to the Capulet tomb where Romeo can find her and everyone can live happily ever after.

Sadly, Romeo is hiding in Mantua, out of the loop, and the news of Juliet's "death" makes it to Romeo before word of the Friar's plan. He buys some poison so he can go to Juliet's grave and kill himself. At her grave, he finds Paris, whom he murders, and then breaks into Juliet's tomb, where he spends some time with Juliet's "dead" body.

He drinks the poison and dies just in time for Juliet to wake up and find him dead. The Friar, who apparently shows up at some point, also finds Romeo dead, and tries to convince Juliet to run away. She refuses (she's been doing a lot of that lately) and kisses Romeo (a lot of that, too) to find that his lips are still warm – she just missed him. He doesn't have enough poison on his lips to kill her, too, so she takes her own life with a dagger. Capulets, Montagues, and the Prince of Verona show up to the tomb and find the dead lovers. Friar Laurence is dragged in to confess everything. The two lords of the rival houses are moved by their dead children's love story and agree to end the feud.


What do you think of the book?
"I think it was great. It was the first Shakespeare book I've read. It was really amazing though. I own a copy, myself. Well 2 actually :) I give the book 5 stars and the cover 5 stars as well!"
-Hannah


TITLE: Chasing Redbird
AUTHOR: Sharon Creech
Pages: 261
Chapters: 46
SUMMARY:
Thirteen-year-old Zinnia (Zinny) Taylor lives in Bybanks, Kentucky, with too many brothers and sisters, and nothing to call her own. Quiet and shy, Zinny is dwarfed by her large family and the achievements and beauty of her older sisters in particular. Her family shares their house with her Uncle Nate and Aunt “Redbird”, whose deceased daughter Ruth was Zinny's best friend in young childhood, and whom quiet Zinny is closer to than her own parents.

When Zinny discovers an overgrown trail of slate that begins on her family farm, and stretches into the forest, she begins to uncover it, hoping to claim it as her own – one thing that will make her special and unique, and that she won't have to share. After the death of her Aunt, uncovering the trail becomes an all-consuming project, leading Zinny to camp out in the forest, miles from home, as she attempts to reach it's end, and also to uncover the mystery of her Uncle Nate's seeming slide into delusions about his dead wife. 


What do you think about the book?
"Amazing. Before, I wouldn't have ever looked at the book twice. Now, I'm glad I did. It's amazing how she finally gets something of her own. I'd feel really sad if I didn't have anything to call my own. Now, she gets everything she ever wanted. A trail, publicly, Jake, and something to call her own.
I'd give this book 5 stars for the actually book it's self and 4 stars for the cover.
-Hannah

Keep checking back for the review on Forever In Blue and make sure to check back tomorrow for Crafts' Day!

Until then, keep thinking about every little thing!

Hannah