Monthly Archives:: January 2013

Friday, January 25, 2013

Review: Radiant by Cynthia Hand

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Radiant
Cynthia Hand
Series: Unearthly #2.5
Genre:YA Paranormal
Publication date: December 4th 2012
by HarperTeen

Clara is desperate to get away—from the memories that haunt her in Wyoming and the visions of a future she isn’t ready to face—and spending the summer in Italy with her best friend, Angela, should be the perfect escape. . . .

For as long as she can remember, Angela has been told that love is dangerous, that she must always guard her heart. But when she met a mysterious guy in Italy two years ago she was determined to be with him, no matter the costs. Now she must decide whether she can trust Clara with her secret, or if telling her the truth will risk everything she cares about.

Alternating between Angela and Clara’s perspectives, Radiant chronicles the unforgettable summer that will test the bounds of their friendship and change their lives forever.

*This review is spoiler free for the series.*
As this fantastic series is coming to an end, I decided I would actually go ahead and read its novellas as well–a rarity for me, which is a good sign you need to read this series if you haven’t yet! Plus, I kind of don’t want it to end, so I’m doing all I can to stretch it out.

A far as novellas go, Radiant was a gratifying journey into Angela’s love life. Angela is a character I both adored and questioned in the previous book, thus I was excited to learn this novella would bring us into her life and show us a bit more about who she really is. After reading this short but worthy novella, I do feel that I know her a little better. Her motivations for her secrecy is made obvious once you find out who this love interest is.

We’re not left wondering how Clara will react, however, as we get her perspective alongside Angela’s in this story. It was good to see her again after the events of the last book, it was also interesting to see her reactions to this relationship. I’m always happy when a protagonist is conscious of the potential lies or betrayals that her or her friends might have on their plate. The characters are the main reason I’ve greatly been enjoying this series, after all.

I’m not sure how Cynthia plans to bring in the subject of this relationship in the third novel for those who haven’t read this novella, but I do think it would be a good idea to read it before the finale so you have a better grasp on Angela’s feelings as well as Clara’s towards this matter. Plus, we’re introduced to a character whom I’m assuming will become a big part of the final installment.

Overall, I give this novella two thumbs up for entertaining me for half an hour! < — This is not as easy as you might think! 
 

4 Hot Espressos

The Unearthly Series:

Book Girls Don’t Cry …They Vent!

Posted by on 01/24/2013 • 28 Comments

Ooh what is this? 😉

So I was debating, I have been posting 4 reviews a week and to be honest it’s getting a little much for me. I can do 4, but I often find I’m always last minute with my review books and I feel like I need more breathing room. So I started thinking what I could replace a review day with that would be fun for my readers (something you’d enjoy as much or even more than a review)–and what is always fun? Venting and discussing bookish things!

So welcome to the introduction of a new weekly discussion post! But there’s more! As you could probably deduce from the banner, I have teamed up with Jenni from Alluring Reads and Amy from Book Loving Mom…

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Waiting on Wednesday (70)

Posted by on 01/23/2013 • 50 Comments

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine  and spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.  My pick this week:

Stained Cheryl Rainfield Genre: YA Contemporary Thriller Release date: November 19th 2013by Harcourt Children’s Books

In this heart-wrenching and suspenseful teen thriller, sixteen-year-old Sarah Meadows longs for “normal.” Born with a port-wine stain covering half her face, all her life she’s been plagued by stares, giggles, bullying, and disgust. But when she’s abducted on the way home from school, Sarah is forced to uncover the courage she never knew she had, become a hero rather than a victim, and learn to look beyond her face to find the beauty and strength she has inside. It’s that—or succumb to a killer

There is just…

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Review: Prodigy by Marie Lu

Posted by on 01/22/2013 • 21 Comments

Prodigy Marie Lu Series: Legend, #2 Genre: YA Dystopian Publication date: January 29th 2013 by Putnam Juvenile

June and Day arrive in Vegas just as the unthinkable happens: the Elector Primo dies, and his son Anden takes his place. With the Republic edging closer to chaos, the two join a group of Patriot rebels eager to help Day rescue his brother and offer passage to the Colonies. They have only one request—June and Day must assassinate the new Elector.

It’s their chance to change the nation, to give voice to a people silenced for too long.

But as June realizes this Elector is nothing like his father, she’s haunted by the choice ahead. What if Anden is a new beginning? What if revolution must be more than loss…

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Review: Sins & Needles by Karina Halle

Posted by on 01/21/2013 • 40 Comments

Sometimes when you finish a book, you loved it so completely, so thoroughly, that you don’t even want to give it a 5-star rating. Because then you start thinking of all the other 5-stars you’ve given, and it just doesn’t compare. You don’t want it to be compared. This was one of them. Having read a copy the minute it was made available, there were no reviews or feedback yet, giving me absolutely zero expectations, and I. Was. Blown. Away! (!!) I have both been dying to, and dreading, reviewing this book, because I want to just pour my heart out, but at the same time I’m afraid nothing I say can do it justice. So… it may not completely make sense, you have been warned.

First and foremost, this…

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Xpresso Weekly: Stacking the Shelves (39)

Posted by on 01/20/2013 • 44 Comments

Xpresso Weekly is my edition of Stacking the Shelves hosted by Tynga’s Reviews featuring the books I got this week, and I also mention blog news/happenings of the past week. This week at Xpresso Reads

Hi love muffins! How is everyone’s January coming along? I’ve been keeping busy so it’s flying by for me! Did you catch the new giveaway on the blog this week? 😉 You can win a copy of Perfect Scoundrels! Also, I don’t know if you heard about the new plagiarism scandal. You can read all about it here. It’s pretty crappy, and I think everyone should be aware.

Reviews on the blog this week:

New at Xpresso Book Tours

— Tour Sign Up: Robin in the Hood by Diane J. Reed — Tour…

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Fresh Batch (January 20th – 26th)

Posted by on 01/19/2013 • 13 Comments

Exclusively titled for Xpresso Reads, Fresh Batch features the hottest releases of this upcoming week.

Flavor of the week:

Boundless Cynthia Hand Series: Unearthly #3 Publication date: January 22nd 2013by HarperTeen

The past few years have held more surprises than part-angel Clara Gardner could ever have anticipated. Yet from the dizzying highs of first love, to the agonizing low of losing someone close to her, the one thing she can no longer deny is that she was never meant to live a normal life.Since discovering the special role she plays among the other angel-bloods, Clara has been determined to protect Tucker Avery from the evil that follows her . . . even if it means breaking both their hearts. Leaving town seems like the best option, so she’s headed…

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Review: The Way We Fall by Megan Crewe

Posted by on 01/18/2013 • 26 Comments

The Way We Fall Megan Crewe Series: Fallen World, #1 Publication date: January 24th 2012by Disney-Hyperion

When sixteen-year-old Kaelyn lets her best friend leave for school without saying goodbye, she never dreams that she might not see him again. But then a strange virus begins to sweep through her small island community, infecting young and old alike. As the dead pile up, the government quarantines the island: no one can leave, and no one can come back.

Those still healthy must fight for the island’s dwindling supplies, or lose all chance of survival. As everything familiar comes crashing down, Kaelyn joins forces with a former rival and discovers a new love in the midst of heartbreak. When the virus starts to rob her of friends and family, she clings…

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