Mind Games by Kiersten White

Goodreads Blurb

Fia was born with flawless instincts. Her first impulse, her gut feeling, is always exactly right. Her sister, Annie, is blind to the world around her—except when her mind is gripped by strange visions of the future. 
Trapped in a school that uses girls with extraordinary powers as tools for corporate espionage, Annie and Fia are forced to choose over and over between using their abilities in twisted, unthinkable ways…or risking each other’s lives by refusing to obey.
In a stunning departure from her New York Times bestselling Paranormalcy trilogy, Kiersten White delivers a slick, edgy, heartstoppingly intense psychological thriller about two sisters determined to protect each other—no matter the cost.

I had absolutely no idea how much I absolutely loved this. Seriously. Look at my tweets.
https://twitter.com/Nikki_Wang/status/345205363882196994
https://twitter.com/Nikki_Wang/status/345204604650283008
https://twitter.com/Nikki_Wang/status/345200520987828227
https://twitter.com/Nikki_Wang/status/345197273782816768
https://twitter.com/Nikki_Wang/status/345190705213362176
And there were a ton more actually. But they're all pretty much the same.

Walking in, I was a bit skeptical since there were more than enough mixed reviews to make me a bit anxious. But I really shouldn't have worried! Mind Games absolutely blew my mind--and that's a complete understatement.

For a Sci-fi/Supernatural book, Mind Games definitely has some of the most broken characters I've met. They were all so fleshed out--though I do wish we met more "students" besides are heartbreaking sisters and Eden (Annie's friend).
Fia was by far my favorite of the two sisters. She was loyal, smart, and she didn't have to depend on her perfect instinct all the time. She knew what she had to do, when she had to do it, and knew what was unreasonable. I loved her stubborn nature, but her bitterness just broke my heart clean in two. She sacrificed so much for Annie and it definitely wasn't without consequences. She was the broken one, the one that needed saving--but how do you save someone who doesn't want to be saved?
Annie, while not a bad character, just didn't click with me as well as Fia. She was so much more...rude, I guess, and I don't think she fully understood exactly how much Fia was sacrificing and exactly what she needed.

As for the romance, we don't really focus on it, but I adored James so much. He cared so much about Fia and knew exactly what to do and say to comfort her. He may have been an asshole, but he's a sweet one who has all the traits of an arrogant, swoony, love interest.
There's no romance for Annie yet, but I'm pretty sure Adam is her guy. We don't really learn much about him, but he's a very...interesting character.
Kiersten  White did a brilliant job creating characters who matched our heroines personality perfectly. Fia had someone who she could find comfort in, but could understand her pain, while I feel like Adam's cheery personality would definitely help Annie start accepting the fact that she couldn't protect her sister 24/7 and that her little sister's already so much more grown up than herself.

The plot was wonderfully paced and while, I realized suddenly, nothing much happens, you just can't help but get addicted to the pages, and just keep on reading. There's something about the way White writes that just pulls you straight in until the end--where you're still going to be begging for more. What does happen keeps me on my toes though and it definitely sets up the sequel wonderfully! I can absolutely NOT wait!

I absolutely loved how Kiersten White chose to tell this story too. We alternate between the past and the present so that we get to fall in love with our characters from the beginning as well as understand them a bit more. It really is heartbreaking how they evolved into the people they were now.

My only complaint is that I would've loved more plot and more focus on their gifts and how they got them, but that's really about it--it didn't affect my reading enjoyment at all!

Stunning, beautiful, and absolutely breathtaking, Kiersten White lives up to her expectations with Mind Games! Heartbreaking characters, a kickass plot, and enchanting writing, I'm not quite sure how this book isn't loved by everyone!

Pages: 237
Genre: Sci-fi/Supernatural
Series: Mind Games #1
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: Feb 19, 2013
Rating: 7/5 Stars

Wild Awake by Hilary T. Smith

Goodreads Blurb

Things you earnestly believe will happen while your parents are away:

1. You will remember to water the azaleas.

2. You will take detailed, accurate messages.

3. You will call your older brother, Denny, if even the slightest thing goes wrong.

4. You and your best friend/bandmate Lukas will win Battle of the Bands.

5. Amid the thrill of victory, Lukas will finally realize you are the girl of his dreams.

Things that actually happen:

1. A stranger calls who says he knew your sister.

2. He says he has her stuff.

3. What stuff? Her stuff.

4. You tell him your parents won’t be able to—

5. Sukey died five years ago; can’t he—

6. You pick up a pen.

7. You scribble down the address.

8. You get on your bike and go.

9. Things . . . get a little crazy after that.*

*also, you fall in love, but not with Lukas.

Both exhilarating and wrenching, Hilary T. Smith’s debut novel captures the messy glory of being alive, as seventeen-year-old Kiri Byrd discovers love, loss, chaos, and murder woven into a summer of music, madness, piercing heartbreak, and intoxicating joy.

Wild Awake was a...memorable book. It was interesting and I'm not quite sure how to write this review! I had a ton of mixed feelings about it and this book was like a roller coaster--wait. Isn't that how you describe a relationship? But it's an apt description. I would adore it one moment, hate it another, find it disgusting, go back to loving it, then starting to cry. It was weird, and I don't think I've ever felt this many emotions in a book before!

This story deals with a lot of issues and has that gritty feel to it. Kiri is all but abandoned, her sister dead, her dream boyfriend not interested, her brother estranged, and her parents leaving her alone for six whole weeks. There's a sense of loneliness around our character and she was far from perfect--she was flawed and had scars all over (in the metaphorical sense), but she was real and she was hurt. While I enjoyed her sarcasm and her own way of understanding heartbreaking and sorrowful things, she did get annoying whenever she gave up and drank, or did drugs, or anything like that. She was horrible as a person and I hated what she did a lot of times. She was pathetic at times, but other times, she was so...understanding and almost sweet.

I loved the romance in the book. In a lot of ways it reminded me of What Happens Next--so perfectly imperfect and so bittersweet. Kiri and Skunk both had their issues and they were both in desperate need of one another. And I found it so perfect how it was Kiri's dead sister who brought them together in a way. Almost like she was looking after Kiri even then, which is really just me being all Happy-Ever-After, but I'll stick with it.

But as much as it was great and amazing, it was horrible too. What couple, who lost one of their daughters, would let their only other daughter stay home alone for 6 weeks? What girl would visit a virtual stranger at near midnight? There were so many stupid decisions in this, but it was riveting at the same time. There was a lot of drinking and drugs and partying going on that made me want to smack my head--a lot of times, Kiri ended up being stoned in important scenes. The ending was just so awkward and I honestly didn't get it and I felt like there were a ton of questions left unanswered and there were so many abrupt scenes that just ended.

Wild Awake is a gritty book that made my heart race and mouth drop open in shock. But it was also one that made me want to hit something and just shake my head in pity. Wild Awake was unbelievable, in one word. Good or bad, I can't say. Though I'm almost 75% sure it's good.

Pages: 400
Genre: Mature/Contemporary
Series: Stand alone
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Release Date: May 28, 2013
Rating: UNKOWN

ZOMG.

Ah, so big news. Book Haul next week.

So I bet you're wondering what the big news is. Well. I saw this yesterday.


FEIEODPWPCNSPWKFMDOWPWPDKDMX,ZODPEIDNDIWIENFJSOEIFNREPNDWPWEJD. OH MYGOD, YOU GUYS. I HAVE NO WORDS. I LOVE YOU ALL SO SO SO MUCH. I CAN NOT EVEN.

This is me

This was me when I saw

It still sort of is.

This was me staring at people who had 1000 followers

I KNOW I KNOW. Followers don't matter. BUT STILL. 1000 is a big number! HONESTLY? I never expected to get more than 10. I even said that I would quit blogging when I reached 100.

Obviously, that never happened.

YOU GUYS I HAVE 1000

YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST. THIS IS THE BEST. I CAN NOT EXPRESS MY FEELS. I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH. Even if you all came for the giveaways ;)

OH MY GOD. I CAN NOT BELIEVE IT. Of course I have to thank EVERY SINGLE PERSON. MAINLY? The Merp Squad. THEY ARE MY LIFE.

EILEEN AT SINGING AND READING IN THE RAIN Oh my God. NO WORDS FOR HOW MUCH I LOVE HER RANDOM AND CRAZY. She's totally my best friend and when I meet her IN AUGUST I shall tackle her and possibly cause concussions. Whoops. BUT OH MY GOD. I have no words. NONE. She is the BESTTTTT. Even if she hates my favorite contemporaries and I hate her favorite contemporaries.

ANNABELLE AT SPARKLES AND LIGHTNING We have discovered that she is an angel. Literally. Have you seen her halo? It's super bright. SHE IS SO SPARKLY IN A GOOD WAY. * shoos away Edward* She's so absolutely nice (buying everyone like 5 books. UGH. She makes me feel miserly. I mean, I am, BUT STILL) and oh my GOD. DO YOU KNOW HOW PRETTY SHE IS? Also, we have almost the same taste in books!

JESSI AT AUNTIE SPINELLI READS YESYESYES to Jessi! TOTALLY FUN AND SO ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL. AND SHE TOTALLY UNDERSTANDS HOW MUCH AND WHY I LOVE THE YA GUYS I DO. Seriously. MORPHEUS YOU GUYS *glares at the rest of the Merp Squad* SHE IS AMAZING and owns 4 fluffy balls of fur. That's always a plus. SERIOUSLY.

INKY AT BOOK HAVEN EXTRAORDINAIRE Morpheus. THAT IS ALL YOU GET.

Just kidding. I LOVE THIS PERSON. She's totally fun to argue with--and we do that a lot. Because she won't realize how much better Morpheus is. BUT IT'S OKAY. Because she is pure awesome and I would ABSOLUTELY LOVE TO TACKLE HER WHEN I SEE HER. WHICH BETTER BE SOOONNNNN.  She's so totally hilarious. HILARIOUS.

And I can't forget my other amazing friends!
SHREYA AT CHOCOLATE COATED REVIEWS who was one of my first bloggy friends! TOTAL fangirl of Cassie Clare's stuff! I think she would live on all the TMI memes if she could lol! CHOCOLATE LOVER AND ONE OF THE NICEST AND BESTEST PEOPLE EVER.

LISSETH AT READAHOLICZ GIANT fan of music and bookkksss! She was literally my FIRST bloggy friend when I Goodreads messaged her awkwardly. That is me. AWKWARD. I haven't talked to her much lately which makes me cry D:

KRYSTAL AT  LIVE TO READ A recent friend who I absolutely love to talk to on Facebook almost every day! She LOVES chocolate and ice cream. SO OF COURSE I LOVE HER. We are also both gold medalists of procrastination and probably have schoolwork to do right now. Nahhhh

But I have bad news too. I posted that when I reached 1000 I would have an EPIC EPIC giveaway. But my mom and I are short on money, which she didn't tell meeeee, so it'll have to be postponed. I'M SO SORRY D: It WILL happen, just not now. But I promise you guys will love it!

And so, I leave you with this. I feel like a magical person.

City of a Thousand Dolls by Miriam Forster

Goodreads Blurb

An exotic treat set in an entirely original, fantastical world brimming with deadly mystery, forbidden romance, and heart-stopping adventure.
Nisha was abandoned at the gates of the City of a Thousand Dolls when she was just a child. Now sixteen, she lives on the grounds of the isolated estate, where orphan girls apprentice as musicians, healers, courtesans, and, if the rumors are true, assassins. Nisha makes her way as Matron’s assistant, her closest companions the mysterious cats that trail her shadow. Only when she begins a forbidden flirtation with the city’s handsome young courier does she let herself imagine a life outside the walls. Until one by one, girls around her start to die.
Before she becomes the next victim, Nisha decides to uncover the secrets that surround the girls’ deaths. But by getting involved, Nisha jeopardizes not only her own future in the City of a Thousand Dolls—but her own life.

Jumping straight in, the one issue I really had with City of a Thousand Dolls was Nisha. She was just so annoying and naive in my opinion. She thought she knew everything about the City and acted like such a know it all! And, even though I could understand why, it was annoying when she couldn't forgive herself for something someone had done to herself. She was too impulsive for my liking and I felt myself groaning in frustration so many times. She was so...hmm...
On the other hand I loved how she could talk to the cats and how much they seemed to adore her. It definitely made for some interesting conversations. I also looovvveeddd Jerrit. I want a catty best friend. Literally.

"There is more than one kind of secret, Nisha"

The worldbuilding in this was simply amazing and I loved finding out more about the City, the Redeeming, and the Houses. It was done so neatly and I loved how much Asian culture was included! I was excited to discover what lay beyond the gates and what happened to Nisha's parents all those years ago. The City was a fascinating place that was filled with contradictions--that "Beauty is serious business" and that worship of beauty is dumb, that women should be able to be free to do what they want, yet trapped into a marriage or apprenticeship, and so much more.

"There is the secret that no one may know, the kind one kills to protect."

I loved the plot twists. While I could see the major one coming (it was a bit obvious, if you've read most YA), it still left me in a breathless feeling, the way it was executed. There was barely any hesitation, and doubt, and that definitely made me like Nisha a little more. The other twists? I couldn't see them a mile away.  They were so unexpected, yet so perfect for this book. This was truly a thrilling read that was pretty impossible to put down!

"And then there is the secret that everyone may know, but no one will admit to knowing."

The romance is something...I can't quite discuss. But let's just say, I'm happy with the way it ended.

While I've heard some complains (and a few squeals) about another female assassin book, let me say this: this isn't really about an assassin (unless you count the one killing the girls). It's more of a book about trying to find out who you are, where you came from, and how much your freedom is worth to yourself. The idea of a City of girls is definitely original and most of the plot is too, so I had nothing to complain about here except that City of a Thousand Dolls? Way too short for my liking!

"Then there is the secret that everyone knows, except the person the secret is about."

A fantastic read that brought you to it's fantasy world with vibrant descriptions and scenes, City of a Thousand Dolls is definitely one I'd recommend to all epic fantasy readers and lovers and to paranormal readers ready to try something new! It's an amazing debut and I'll be here, eagerly anticipating the sequel, and wondering what house I'd belong to. Currently stuck between House of Jade or Combat.

"There are more secrets in the City than you could possibly know about. Which ones do you really care about?

Pages: 361
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Series: City of a Thousand Dolls #1
Publisher: Harper Teen
Release Date: Feb 5, 2013
Rating: 4.5--> 4 stars

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Goodreads Blurb

"Bono met his wife in high school," Park says.
"So did Jerry Lee Lewis," Eleanor answers.
"I’m not kidding," he says.
"You should be," she says, "we’re sixteen."
"What about Romeo and Juliet?"
"Shallow, confused, then dead."
''I love you," Park says.
"Wherefore art thou," Eleanor answers.
"I’m not kidding," he says.
"You should be."
Set over the course of one school year in 1986, ELEANOR AND PARK is the story of two star-crossed misfits – smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you’ll remember your own first love – and just how hard it pulled you under.

This was such an interesting book, but it's definitely hard to write a review since I didn't really feel that strongly about it! Just a warning.

It's definitely different, but, I have to admit, it took me 3 times as long to finish this book than usual. It was a bit slow and took some time to get used to but as you continue to read, the more...invested, for lack of better words, you get. Suddenly you care about the characters and this kind of anticipation sets in where you know the shit will hit the fan (excuse the language), but you're still holding on to some small little hope that it won't and that the book will have a Happy Ever Ever Ever After (I did indeed feel the need to include two extra Evers.)

Since I was born near (No, I'm not giving the exact year) 2000, I couldn't really relate to all the bands mentioned nor am I a comic book fan, so I couldn't relate to that either. I'm guessing, though, that older readers will definitely love it and point out their favorite bands to their friends--hey, it's what I would do! Set in the 80's, it was a bit hard for me to relate to and there were a few things that may have perplexed me...*cough*

I did love the characters, especially Eleanor with her dry humor and witty comments! She made me laugh out loud so many times! and Park was definitely a complex character, but honestly? I couldn't really relate to either of them and they seemed so...different.
Also, I want to point out that even though my mom's Chinese, her English is bad, but not AS bad as Park's mom (Korean, Chinese, Asian.). Though it is close! So I definitely have to commend Rainbow for at least putting some dialect in there!

The romance is definitely something I have to comment on. It was so bittersweet and so adorable I just wanted to hug the two. I don't think YA has ever painted a more real of firsts: First kiss, first feeling, first love and the hardships that come with it. It's possibly the most realistic romance I've seen and in YA...well, it's hard. Don't get me wrong! I love the romances in other books (God knows I have hundred-tweet-wars over some of the guys in YA), but this is possibly the one real relationship, if that makes any sense!

I loved the issues that this book dealed with too. Okay, let me rephrase that: I love how...well, let's just say, it's the same deal with the romance. It's possibly the most real and most heartbreaking kind of family I've read about in a while and it made me want to gather up the broken pieces of this family and glue them together, even if I couldn't really relate. I don't think I can describe it better than that.

The thing about this book is that it doesn't really make a big impact, but it does leave an impression on the reader when you're finished. The ending was...wow. It's not something that usually happens in YA literature, I'll say that! And the ending definitely makes you tear up, just a little. It was such a bittersweet moment...but, oh! I can't say much, can I? You'll just have to read this yourself! I definitely recommend this for anyone who loves contemporaries and anyone who adores those sweet little romances, and someone who maybe wants something...different.

Also, awesome name Rainbow. Awesome name.

Pages: 320
Genre: Contemporary/Realistic
Series: Stand alone
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Release Date: Feb. 26, 2013
Rating: 3.5--->4 stars

How to Lead a Life of Crime by Kirsten Miller

Goodreads Blurb

A meth dealer. A prostitute. A serial killer.
Anywhere else, they’d be vermin. At the Mandel Academy, they’re called prodigies. The most exclusive school in New York City has been training young criminals for over a century. Only the most ruthless students are allowed to graduate. The rest disappear.
Flick, a teenage pickpocket, has risen to the top of his class. But then Mandel recruits a fierce new competitor who also happens to be Flick’s old flame. They’ve been told only one of them will make it out of the Mandel Academy. Will they find a way to save each other—or will the school destroy them both?

How to Lead a Life of Crime surprised me. In all honesty, I was anxious to read this, but I definitely didn't expect anything so conniving!
This book was...wow. A bit of romance, a bit of acting, a bit of betrayal, a bit of sacrifice, a bit of lying, a bit of stealing...well, a bit of everything really! Even a little scientific theory that this entire plot is based on.


There's really no good place to start this review. But let's start with the originality of How to Lead a Life of Crime, because I love its idea. The way Miller pulled this idea off was stunning and original with an engaging plot that captivates you from the first theft. There's a lack of original plots in the YA market, so the fact that I haven't read anything like this is definitely a shock in itself!

Because of the unique idea, the plot ultimately had me twisted in knots. I couldn't predict anything, and these characters' actions were so unpredictable and cold. My heart was beating furiously and if a fire was burning down my house, I don't think I'd really notice; I'd be too busy trying to figure everything out! There were so many complexities, and no question was left unanswered. There was a cause and affect for everything that happened and nothing happened for no reason: that's what happens when you deal with socio/psychopaths.

The characters...I can't even describe how manipulative, cruel, and calculating they were. Miller created the perfect criminals and they were terrifying. They made you realize just how deceiving and cruel criminals could be, and how some criminals may just be pretending to be as cold. The characters weren't lovable, but they were amazing and seemed real, albeit a bit intimidating. Flick, our narrator who had a great, compelling voice, was smart and sneaky, but not necessarily cruel—just desperate, in the way that a lot of people are capable of. He brought a lot of dry humor into the story and was a strong believer in sarcasm which made me smirk, despite of whatever situation he was currently in. However, Joi was by far my favorite character. Her abilities were shocking, to say the least. She could see what Flick couldn't and knew what was wrong and what was right and, unlike many other characters, acted on those instincts.

What was beyond different with How to Lead a Life of Crime was that enemies were allies, allies were enemies, and you never knew whether a friend was a real one or one who'd stab you straight in the back. It was a game of cat and mouse, but you never knew who was in what role. And, while fictional (for all we know!), there's something about this book that just makes you realize just how evil the world can be and how the people we look up to, how almost everyone, has a secret they're willing to kill for. 


Pages: 358
Genre: Thriller/Action
Series: Stand alone
Publisher: Razorbill
Release: Feb. 21, 2013
Rating: 5 stars

The Storyteller by Antonia Michaelis

Goodreads Blurb

A good girl.
A bad boy.
A fairy tale that's true.
A truth that is no fairy tale.
It begins the day Anna finds the child's doll on the floor of the student lounge. When it's claimed by Abel, the school drug dealer, Anna becomes determined to learn more about this mysterious boy with the military haircut and deep blue eyes. She follows him after school and discovers a secret: Abel is caring for his six-year-old sister, Micha, alone. Anna listens in as he tells her a fairy tale, the story of a little orphan queen pursued by hunters across the oceans for the treasure she carries: her pure, diamond heart. 
It's a story with parallels to reality. Social services and Micha's abusive father could take her from Abel if they discover the truth.
Despite friend's warnings, Anna is drawn to Abel and Micha, and falls under the spell of the story of the little queen and her desperate voyage.
But when people Abel has woven into his tale turns up dead, it's Anna whose heart is in danger. Is she in love with a killer? And has she set out on a journey from which there is no return?

I absolutely hated it, 100% hate.
I hated hated hated...
That I cried so much.

This book was absolutely spectacular, though a bit confusing at first. The writing was gorgeous and lyrical, poetic and beautiful, but there was a complexity to it that, if you couldn't figure it out, led to a lot of hard thinking about what this meant, who that was, etc. and honestly, it was sometimes hard to know until the straight-out tell! But it did create an atmosphere that added to the story--both the story and the fairy tale.

Honestly, while I did love the actual story, I found that the fairy tale actually captivated me more--just a tad! But I've always loved fantasy stories where nothing makes sense. But I was just as eager as Anna and Micha to find out what would happen next! Because this story was just what happened, what's happening, and what happens, in a more innocent and magical way.

Beyond anything, even how beautiful and touching the writing was, was how absolutely real the characters were. They were so...broken. All of them had their problems, even Anna who seemed to have a perfect life. There wasn't a mean girl, necessarily, who was a jealous (insert word), and there was no real evil person. It was just...life. How we decide who's our antagonist is really up to us and this book does accent that. (Ironically, I'm doing a presentation for Teen Leadership called "There is no Reality, Only Perception.") and I felt just sick how some people could seem so...kind and then have something ugly beneath. And this isn't just one character. I think this is, by far, the most accurate description of the world translated into a book. And I've read a lot of tries.

This book was absolutely touching and insanely emotional. I was almost SOBBING in math and that's not comfortable with people giving you strange looks and muttering "There she goes again", but the ending...Oh my GOD that ending. I think I melted into a puddle of tears. I couldn't...couldn't understand it, couldn't fathom it. I was just...shocked. Or maybe, like Anna, not shocked at all. This book didn't really have one conflict either, it was just...life as it sometimes is. I don't think there's ever going to really be another book that can beat it--it surpasses The Fault in Our Stars! (And I'd say 13 Reasons Why, but I never liked it anyways.)

Should you read it? Absolutely. Will you cry? Almost certainly. Will you wish you never read it, just so you could experience it over again? Without a Doubt. And will you love it? Of Course. Will you thank me later? OH, YOU BETTER. Because this WILL become one of your favorite books, and I can guarantee that you won't forget this. This is one that will leave it's own imprint on your heart--after it tears it up, glues, and breaks it again and again.

(Only reason it's not 10, though, was because of how depressed I felt afterwards. Not that it's necessarily bad...also, I just didn't see the romance. And Bertil creepeed me out)

Pages: 402
Genre: Contemporary
Series: Standalone
Publisher: ABRAMS
Release Date: Jan 1, 2012
Rating: 7 stars

Rants of a Freak *SPOILERS*

This is probably a one time thing, but I recently read the novella Radiant by Cynthia Hand and I needed to rant. So here we go. It's not technically a review, though you can find it in my archive!

• I CAN NOT BELIEVE ANGELA BETRAYED CLARA LIKE THAT! Ugh I want to punch her.
• Just because YOU want to be normal, Clara, doesn't mean Angela wants to. I get you trying to protect your friend, but she loves him. Can't you understand THAT?
• DON'T FORGET, YOU LOVED TUCKER WHICH WAS FORBIDDEN. So Angela loves an angel. Did you also forget how you were created?
• I never did like Angela, but this just seals the deal. She was so...pitiful.
• I can't believe they both spent their summers pining for guys. I mean, it's SUMMER!
• WHY IS THIS SO SHORT. I CAN NOT BELIEVE YOU.
• I wish Tucker and Christian were here...
• I honestly don't like Clara or Angela in this book. Even Tucker who's barely mentioned is annoying me, all because Clara is being whiny about him. Sigh. 
• AT LEAST IT HELD ME OVER UNTIL BOUNDLESS COMES!

Well, there you have it. It's short, but it's basically like a review in bullet points, less professional, and I just got done reading it.

OMGGGGGG

Oh My Gosh
Oh My Gosh
Oh My GOSH GOSH GOSH
*hums a tune*
(P.S. CLICK for giveaway stuffs.)

ITS ACTUALLY MY BLOGOVERSARY! LIKE, THE REAL THING. Huh. This is where I seriously should know how to use gifs. I fail. I epically fail. 

MY GUSH:

Oh my God. You guys. I can't even...oh my God. Seriously. Do you know how much I love each of you? Whether you're an author, a blogger I follow, a bloggy friend, a publisher, a follower, or even someone who just came for the giveaways (I know I host some pretty awesome ones. Hey, today is a flattery day!) THANK YOU. If you just stumbled across this blog, OH MY GOSH I STILL LOVE YOU. (Although, if you're a friend who just wanted to see me embaress myself in front of people...sigh. I can't hate anyone today. Fine. I forgive you.) But you guys, I've been through my ups and downs. If you haven't heard, actually, I'll be taking a  short break in about a month! But today isn't for sad days. Once, when I first started blogging, I post seriously awful not-thought-out reviews. And while my reviews aren't something good now, they've definitely improved and I'm proud!

And well, here's the thing: I quit blogging for about two months. I had no idea how important it would be, and I barely had 10 followers.So...I quit. But what can I say? I had time on my hands then, so I picked myself out of the dumps, and started blogging again, more determined than ever.

And look where it's gotten me. Although, I can't say I've done this on my own.

Thank you, first of all, to all my bloggy friends and half bloggy friends (a.k.a. Twitter friends!). You guys have lift me out of the dumps when I was down and always squealed when me when I needed it! Support should be y'all's middle names! I can't BELIEVE the rants we've had, the squeals we've had, the OUTRAGE at something, and the "THAT PUBLISHER HATES ME" phase (*cough* Eileen, they SO do not hate you! They just...are in a coma.) we've shared! If you guys suddenly disappeared (since most of my friends lived on the East Coast, I was sort of...kind of scared during Hurricane Sandy!) I have no idea what I'd do besides cry day and night! If you were here, this is the part where I clutch your leg and yell "DON'T LEAVE ME!"

And authors. Oh my gosh. You guys have your very own post, so I won't waste your time. But know that without you guys, I'd have nothing to do, probably be staring blankly into space, and be half dead. Trust me on this.

Followers. There are. NO WORDS to describe how much I love you people who followed me, and more importantly, you people who have looked at my reviews even once, commented even once, and decided I was awesomely crazy. Or just crazy. I LOVE YOU. and if I knew how to work gifs. I would be using that Hunger Games one. You know the one I'm talking about. 

IT'S BEEN A YEAR YOU GUYS. LOVE YOU.
(Lizzy made this, but I edited it since it said Blog Tour! I'll use the original next year though! :D)

BLOGOVERSARY!

Hey guys! It's my BLOGOVERSARY! (Well, it will be on the 26! But see why I'm celebrating today!) And, of course, I had to do something different. (Or rather not, since a certain crazy bloggy friend used the idea too. ;D I still love ya, of course!) SO, of course this blogger's going to have a giveaway! But what WILL it be? 

(Before I explain, I just want to say, even though I shouldn't be posting for a week for this, I still have a blog tour post for one of y favorite books, BLACK CITY by Elizabeth Richards, and I can't just cancel! So think of it as a gift to y'all, a mini interview with two amazing characters from Black City! Also, if you want to see my gushing about this, THAT post will be on my actual blogoversary!)

Here's the thing. I am going to leave a hint at every single stop at the bottom of the post. Collect and unscramble the letters and use my Archive (IN MY SIDEBAR) to help you find when my giveaway is! Even if it doesn't look like my giveaway, trust your unscrambling skills and click!
Here are the stops:

(11/19) Day 1: www.fiction-freak.blogspot.com (Kick off!)

(11/20) Day 2: www.sparkles-and-lightning.blogspot.com (How I Started and What I Learned.)

(11/21) Day 3: www.chocolatecoatedreviews.blogspot.com (Books, Books, Books!)

(11/22) Day 4: www.read-a-holicz.blogspot.com (Friends, Rants, and Help, Oh My!)

(11/23) Day 5: www.fionapaulbooks.blogspot.com (Author And Publisher Love!)

(11/24) Day 6: www.yareads.com (You Think You Can Blog?)

(11/25) Day 7: www.eileenlisblog.blogspot.com (Debating? Fun!)

AND HERE IS YOUR FIRST HINT: A

Book Haul + Weekly Recap

This week...was...this week. Let's just say, I got tons of books, my TBR is now spilling into 2 shelves, and I have even less time than before!
Also? HAPPY NOVEMBER PEOPLE! Did you know my Blogoversary is this month? That's right. Expect something pretty epic.

Bought

Trade

Giveaway

Publisher

Awesome People

ABSOLUTE BEST THING OF THE WEEK

I got and finished this already! Long story short: I lived for the Kierran, Meghan, Puck, Ash, and Grimalkin parts. I honestly didn't like Ethan and I guess I was hoping that he'd be as awesome a character as Meghan. 4 stars? 3.5? 3 is just TOO low.
SO HAPPY WITH THIS TRADE. Not that I don't want a hardback of Lucid. I've heard absolutely amazing things about it and I can't wait to start! And Evolution of Mara Dyer! Oooh I'm so happy! People are saying it's much more psychotic and creepy than Unbecoming. Heh. As for Stealing Parker...I haven't read Catching Jordan yet, but I'm DYING to, so I thought I may as well read Stealing Parker! Carnival of Souls and Ten are just things I was slightly interested in, so I traded. I'm a bit unnerved by Carnival of Souls though. It seems...not my thing. But I do love Melissa Marr, so we'll see!
I won both of these from Laura Ellen! A signed copy of Blind Spot (with TONS of signed swag! And bubblegum and mints) and a book of my choice from Amazon. I just HAD to pick Finale! I loved Hush Hush. Now, I just need time to read these two! I've been dying for both!
Yes...those are MG books. I'm a YA only blogger, but I got these in the mail from Hachette. I haven't read MG in 2-3 years, and even then I never really read MG. Nancy Drew and those Princess Diaries (Historical fic) were my thing. Yeah, I was a non-modern reader lol! But it sounds interesting and hey, who knows? Maybe a change will do me good! As for Renegade, read and LOVED! Twisted Tragedy of Miss Natalie Stewart is for a blog tour and I'm halfway through and intrigued!
I have some of the best bloggy friends ever who send me so many books. I feel bad that I haven't sent them anything! Don't worry come Xmas, they've packages. Trust me. If they give me their addy anytime soon. ANYWAYS, the awesome Shreya from Chocolate Coated Reviews sent me these 3 beauties! I've been dying for all 3 of these! SO THANK YOU SHREYA AND YOUR HEART MADE OF CHOCOLATE. Because we all know chocolate is better than gold, right?
NO. YOU ARE NOT HALLUCINATING. Because if YOU are, then so am I. And I really don't want to be imagining this. YOU GUYS. THIS IS AN ARC OF BELLADONNA. SEQUEL TO POSSIBLY MY FAVORITE 2012 DEBUT. THIS. IS. MINDBLOWING. AHHHHH!!!!!!! I CANT STOP SQUEALING! THANK YOU SOSOSOSOSOSO MUCH TO Paper Lantern Lit FOR THIS. 

Weekly Recap
Every Day by David Levithan
Blog Tour: Dear Teen Me
Meant to Be by Lauren Morrill
Mini Freak Out: Touching the Surface