Weekly Recap

So I didn't get anything, really, besides one book and since I'm expecting some things next week, I decided to just lump it all in. What can I say? I love piles and piles of books (not really. But I do sort of want to do a vlog again and I only do those when I get 10+ books. <--new rule)

Weekly Recap
Author Interview with Karen Finneyfrock (Blog Tour)
Stung by Bethany Wiggins (Blog Tour)
Waiting on Wednesday
Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
The Collector by Victoria Scott (Blog Tour)

2013 Belongs to Dante!

Goodreads Blurb

He makes good girls...bad. 

Dante Walker is flippin’ awesome, and he knows it. His good looks, killer charm, and stellar confidence have made him one of hell’s best—a soul collector. His job is simple: weed through humanity and label those round rears with a big red good or bad stamp. Old Saint Nick gets the good guys, and he gets the fun ones. Bag-and-tag.

Sealing souls is nothing personal. Dante’s an equal-opportunity collector and doesn't want it any other way. But he’ll have to adjust, because Boss Man has given him a new assignment:

Collect Charlie Cooper's soul in ten days.

Dante doesn't know why Boss Man wants Charlie, nor does he care. This assignment means only one thing to him, and that’s a permanent ticket out of hell. But after Dante meets the quirky Nerd Alert chick he’s come to collect, he realizes this assignment will test his abilities as a collector…and uncover emotions deeply buried.

I had no freaking idea what I was getting into when I started this. No. Freaking. Idea. Honestly? I was maybe expecting some big cheesy romance with a few paranormal elements thrown in. But it was SO much more. 

There's really only one way to kick off this review: Dante. His name alone should make you swoon! But his swagger and his attitude? It'll charm you and keep you laughing! Who cares if he's a reaper from hell--he's DANTE. He's a naughty influence and it was interesting seeing things from his POV. It changed things up a bit, and gave us a fresher view on a usually typical paranormal romance. His sarcasm and wit is, by far, his most endearing traits. Not counting physically of course...
Charlie was an interesting character. At first, I pretty much felt the way Dante did--she was pathetic, desperate, in need of quite a few makeovers. But there was just something about her that was brought to life in these pages and I adored her character so much after a few chapters! She was just, if she were real, one of those people I'd instantly want to protect. To repeat Dante's thoughts, she was so INNOCENT in a sort of cute way. 

And OMG their romance. Dante just fell EVER so slowly while Charlie was basically in love at first sight. Too bad Dante didn't feel the same way then! But it was adorable seeing how Charlie became more than just a promotion scheme to him, more of a person, more of someone he wanted to protect and love. It. Was. So. Damn. Sweet.

I want a Dante.
Without the drama. 

What I found interesting about this were the...unique rules of Heaven and Hell. A lot of things came into play that aren't usually used in an angel/demon book, but I have to give it to Scott--she handled it beautifully. Or, rather, witfully. Which is totally a word. The paranormal elements were interesting and definitely wasn't overshadowed by the romance like I'd expected! It's a captivating read--and watching how Dante operated were really interesting bits. ;)

There were a TON of plot twists I honestly never saw coming and sometimes I just had to stop reading and collect my thoughts. Dante was an overpowering antihero! Who totally had me swooning at the first page. Back in topic, the plot was well executed and OHMYGOSH I just loved it! 

Pages: 352
Genre: Paranormal/Romance
Series: The Collector #1
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Release Date: April 2, 2013
Rating 4.5--->5

Check out the other stops on "2013 Belongs to Dante" 

Victoria Scott
I’m a YA writer with a die-hard affection for dark and humorous books. My workis represented by the fabulous Laurie McLean of Larsen-Pomada literary agency. I have a master’s degree in marketing, and am a member of the Writers’ League of Texas and Teen Shiver.
My first YA book, THE COLLECTOR, will be published by Entangled Teen, April 2013. It is the first book in a trilogy. My second YA series will begin with THE BRIMSTONE BLEED and is being published by Scholastic in spring 2014.

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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

Waiting on Wednesday

Antigoddess by Kendare Blake

Old Gods never die…

Or so Athena thought. But then the feathers started sprouting beneath her skin, invading her lungs like a strange cancer, and Hermes showed up with a fever eating away his flesh. So much for living a quiet eternity in perpetual health.

Desperately seeking the cause of their slow, miserable deaths, Athena and Hermes travel the world, gathering allies and discovering enemies both new and old. Their search leads them to Cassandra—an ordinary girl who was once an extraordinary prophetess, protected and loved by a god.

These days, Cassandra doesn’t involve herself in the business of gods—in fact, she doesn’t even know they exist. But she could be the key in a war that is only just beginning.

Because Hera, the queen of the gods, has aligned herself with other of the ancient Olympians, who are killing off rivals in an attempt to prolong their own lives. But these anti-gods have become corrupted in their desperation to survive, horrific caricatures of their former glory. Athena will need every advantage she can get, because immortals don’t just flicker out.

Every one of them dies in their own way. Some choke on feathers. Others become monsters. All of them rage against their last breath.

The Goddess War is about to begin.

Kendare Blake
Greek Mythology
Battle between gods
Psychic
CHOKING ON FEATHERS. ALL OF THEM RAGE AGAINST THEIR LAST BREATH? GODDESS WAR? *clutches nonexistent copy and rocks back and forth*

Blog Tour: Stung by Bethany Wiggins

Goodreads Blurb

There is no cure for being stung.
Fiona doesn’t remember going to sleep. But when she opens her eyes, she discovers her entire world has been altered—her house is abandoned and broken, and the entire neighborhood is barren and dead. Even stranger is the tattoo on her right hand—a black oval with five marks on either side—that she doesn’t remember getting but somehow knows she must cover at any cost. She’s right.
Those bearing the tattoo have turned into mindless, violent beasts that roam the streets and sewers, preying upon the unbranded while a select few live protected inside a fortress-like wall, their lives devoted to rebuilding society and killing all who bear the mark.
Now Fiona has awakened branded, alone—and on the wrong side of the wall.

I'm so excited that I got to read this book early! I loved it! And who knew bees were so important?

The worldbuilding was just amazing! There are scientific explanations for this apocalyptic world and there were no questions I had that weren't answered one way or another. The world was thought out and well written and is definitely an original concept--the bee apocalypse! I loved the way it was realistic (well, you know what I mean!) and that it was a possible disaster for the real world.

Fiona's character wasn't the best, honestly. Sure, she had those typical qualities--determined, stubborn, loyal, but she was also pretty stupid. I mean, she shot one of her friends. Point blank. What? Not to mention that in the beginning, she assumes she's 13 year sold, when the world's clearly changed. I felt like she imagined all that happening in one night. It was idiotic. Also, she didn't seem to really understand why she had to be protected from men who haven't seen a pretty female in a long time at first. I don't want to sound snarky, but SERIOUSLY.
Bowen was a pretty awesome love interest. He was smug, a bit of a scowler, but the bad thing about him? Oh my lord, he said the cheesiest things. It was adorable, but I sort of cringed.

The romance was sweet and a little typical in the bad-boy-next-door way. Except, you know, after the world ends. Bowen used to make fun of Fiona, but truth is? "It was the only way I could talk to you." Which I so awwwwed at. I've always been a little I love with loving from afar stories!

This plot was epic in all the ways the word means. It was action packed, it was fast paced, it had me at the edge of my seat, it did all of that. Is it any surprise I read it in one sitting while my eyes were droopy? It made me forget the time until I realized three hours had passed. (Then again, that could've been Summer Saving. So technically, two.) But wow. I honestly expected none of that. *insert wide eyed stare*

STUNG is an amazing post apocalyptic/dystopian book that had my heart racing. It's an original idea and one that was definitely captivating!

Pages: 304

Genre: Dystopia/Post Apocalyptic

Series: Stand alone (for now)

Publisher: Walker childrens

Release Date: April 2, 2013

Rating: 4.5--->4 stars

Author Bio 

Bethany Wiggins has always been an avid reader, but not an avid writer.  She failed ninth grade English because she read novels instead of doing her homework. In high school, she sat alone at lunch and read massive hardback fantasy novels (Tad Williams and Robert Jordan anyone?). It wasn't until the end of her senior year that the other students realized she was reading fiction--not the Bible.Once upon a time, Bethany's sister dared her to start writing an hour a day until she completed a novel. Bethany wrote a seven-hundred page fantasy novel that she wisely let no one read--but it taught her how to write.  She is the author of SHIFTING, STUNG (April 2013), and CURED (2014).

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Blog Tour: Sweet Revenge of Celia Door by Karen Finneyfrock

This is possibly one of my favorite interviews! I have an ARC of The Sweet Revenge, but I'm so swamped with books! This definitely became a hire priority though!

What inspired you to write?

I was an obsessive reader as a kid. I felt that all the books I was reading were involved in one great conversation that I wanted to be part of that conversation. It was my earliest dream.  

What's your favorite part about the writing/blogging community?

The most interesting, thoughtful, emotional, generous people are writers, readers, bloggers and librarians. I swear! I walked into the American Library Association’s Midwinter Meeting in Seattle and thought, “Why can’t librarians run the world?” I will vote for any librarian who runs for president-although my candidate is Nancy Pearl. People who love books are concerned with how individuals and societies grow and change. In other words, they are concerned with the most important questions that concern us as humans.

If the zombie apocalypse arrived, what book (yes, book!) would you take with you?

Although I want to get fancy-pants literary on this question, I feel I owe the truth to your readers. I would take the most comprehensive book of medical knowledge for a layman that I could find. Because it’s going to get ugly out there, and if we’re going to survive, we’re going to have to stitch up some wounds with no anesthetic.

You have a thousand wishes--what are your first 3?

#1, No zombie apocalypse. #2, An end to death-but WAIT! That doesn’t mean that people keep aging and are forced to suffer and be in pain and never die. Arg, you Genies are such tricksters!#3, No more child abuse and neglect. Every child should know she is loved.

What's your absolute favorite book? 

My all time favorite is The Once and Future King by T.H. White. I feel under its spell in elementary school and the magic has never worn off.

Have you ever done something in the name of revenge?

Oh yes. But, just like in my novel, I think that there is always a backlash to revenge. There is a famous saying, “Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.” Revenge is the same way. With that said, I am a novelist and I do get to pick names for my evil characters, which I think of as a tiny form of harmless revenge.  

How did you choose the title?

The Sweet Revenge of Celia Door is actually the second title. The original title, which you can still catch on the jacket for my poetry book, was Celia, the Dark and Weird. Careful readers will catch the times Celia gets called “Weird,” in the story.

Which do YOU think is sweeter? Revenge or friendship? 

Friendship is so, so sweet. What would life be without friendship? Other forms of love: family love and romantic love are made whole by that third place of friendship love.

Quickies:

Facebook or Twitter?

TWITTER

Coffee or Tea?

COFFEE

Winter or Summer?

SUMMER

Candy or chocolate?

CHOCOLATE (I’m glad you know chocolate isn’t candy)

Physical book or ebook?

PHYSICAL BOOK

Goodreads Blurb

That’s the day the trouble started. 

The trouble that nearly ruined my life. 

The trouble that turned me Dark. 

The trouble that begs me for revenge.

Celia Door enters her freshman year of high school with giant boots, dark eyeliner, and a thirst for revenge against Sandy Firestone, the girl who did something unspeakable to Celia last year.

But then Celia meets Drake, the cool new kid from New York City who entrusts her with his deepest, darkest secret. When Celia’s quest for justice threatens her relationship with Drake, she’s forced to decide which is sweeter: revenge or friendship.

This debut novel from Karen Finneyfrock establishes her as a bright, bold, razor-sharp new voice for teens.

Author Bio

Karen Finneyfrock is a poet, novelist and teaching artist in Seattle, WA. Her second book of poems,Ceremony for the Choking Ghost, was released on Write Bloody press in 2010. Her young adult novel, The Sweet Revenge of Celia Door, is due from Viking Children’s Books in 2013. She is a former Writer-in-Residence at Richard Hugo House in Seattle and teaches forSeattle Arts and Lectures’ Writers-in-the-Schools program. In 2010, Karen traveled toNepal as a Cultural Envoy through the US Department of State to perform and teach poetry and in 2011, she did a reading tour in Germany sponsored by the US Embassy.

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