Et Tu, Brute!

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Songs for this book: Paper-cut (bonus Track)- By the Summer Set, The way I loved you- By Taylor Swift, All I Know-By Parachute



This is the Second book is the Infernal Devices series, and prequel series to the Mortal Instruments series. If you haven't read either I highly suggest you do. If you happen to have read Clockwork Angel (the first in this series) and not found it quite up to par for you I highly suggest you give Clockwork another chance and pick this book up. I can almost Guarantee satisfaction and  that you will change your mind about these books. I sure did (even though I liked them in the first place, but I like them a whole lot more. and less... at the same time. Its complicated).

So I dont really know what to put here. I liked the book, I really, really did. There was a point where I thought I liked it more than any Cassie Clare book yet. I mean everything was going pretty good, a few hiccups but things seemed to be going my way. But then pg 431 snuck up on me and sucker punched me in the gut. WILLLLLL!!! What will become of his poor lonesome heart? How could you be so cruel Tessa? YEt even then I could laugh at the Demon Pox jokes. (seriously histericalllll). But im still depressed. And what worse, its over and I'm having Will withdrawal. And Will withdrawal can be even worse than Jace withdrawal because Will has such amazing Character development and this new innocent cuteness to him.

Yet through all my pain I press onward. As I did with Clary and Jace. For even when there seemed to be no hope, Cassie made a way for them. And I have faith in a similar miracle for Tessa and Will. I mean come on, Will is a Herondale! they always get the girl :) (knock on wood.)


Here is my reactions as posted on tumblr:
(note: raw emotions here. posted seconds after finishing the book and no rational thought was possible.)

I was reallllly happy at first like if you saw me reading it you would think i was insane.I would stop all the sudden and just giggle like an idiot.

And then when every star was aligning page 431 came and CRUSHED me. I thought I could not go on.

But then I chose to continue to hope….

only to have that Tease, Tessa lead me on. Bitch.

But I didn’t give up on Jace and Clary even when their situation seemed more than impossible (if not revolting… and yeah i did sorta give up for like a month but then I gave in and read city of ashes… never doubt true love again *swoons*) so I chose to continue holding out for Will and Tessa. 

P.S. I love Magnus - I did this weird little happy dance when ever he showed up. which is strange cause I never really liked him that much in TMI but he is so awesome here. 

P.P.S. I loveeeee William Herondale. 

Also Charlotte and Henry are a-dork-able!

So yep, this book was crazyyyy. I had to get up and take a break ever now and then cause I was so over stimulated. There were points (pg 431) where i literally almost had a panic attack. Truly until that point I was biding my time, trying to make this book last because I never wanted it to end. But once that went down I admit I kinda just skimmed for Will's name and had to go bad and read the rest later. Some of that Jem stuff I couldn't stomach and so I still haven't fully read it.




{if you haven't guessed I'm team Will. I tried to like Jem. I really did. but as with the Hunger Games, it is hard to be civil with the Peeta character ( jem in this case) when he is heartlessly tearing her away from her soul mate  Gale. (Will, as it would be.).}

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10 Things I Hate About You

Ten Things We Did by Sarah Mlynowski

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Songs for this book: All the Way by Allstar Weekend, Damned if I Do Ya by All time Low, and Seventeen Forever by Metro Station

An overall good read. Great characters and constant plot twists. i could go on in my usual rambling paragraph form but why do that when the title sets me up for this fun review?:

Ten Things I liked (... And some that I Didn't)

1) The style. I loved how there were mini chapters within each chapter. made it so fun to read. Granted at times it was annoying to have a current scene interrupted by a "flash back" but they were usually short enough to kinda skip over and go back to later. (bad reader alert! what? like you don't do it, too. I wanted to know what happened so I skimmed!! sue me for being eager.)

2)The concept. Really, this idea is kinda mind blowing to me. As a teenager I know I would never be able to pull that off. for some many reasons we don't need to get into including $, i love my parents, cleaning, cooking. I mean lets face it if I were to live on my own the place would be a mess and I would be 50pounds fatter after only eating pizza and cheetos everyday. But some how these girls pulled it off and convinced me that they did.

3)Character development. As I say a lot, this is one of the most important points in a story for me. And this book really pulled it off. By the end of the book I had conclusive opinions on all the characters, (I really liked this one, he was annoying, damn could I love you any more?)And not onlly that but I felt like I the background of all of them. About Vi and her mom, Lucy and why she was creepy, Hudson's secret, even Corinne who had like 0 dialog.

4) Best friend. Vi and Marissa kinda rock. Vi is kinda off the deep end crazy in a good kick ass kind of way and Marissa is more down to earth and angelic. They provide balance in April's life and I love them both. They are amazing friends and anyone would be lucky to have them.

5) The Hula. At first I was kinda judgmental about the Hula, I mean.. really girls? are you that emotionally unstable that you need to buy a hot tub to invite you boy toys to play in? But then I realized it kinda fit in perfectly with the story. It wouldn't be the same if all of these scenes in the Hula had taken place in the living room on the couch with the TV on. So I applaud you Hula, for being the perfect deep meaningful talk local as well as a trouble waiting to happen.

6) Sob story. This story wouldn't be the same without a depressing and sympathetically sob story background. Let's face it, of April didn't have the background she does she would just be a spoiled rebellious brat and kind of a stupid slut. But that being said, I do feel bad for her. No child should have to go through a divorce. And after that she should't be caught between her parents. And above all else no child should ever, ever feel as though their parents don't wan them. And that is what makes April human, and why we still like her even though she is naive and takes things for granted. I like you anyway April.

7) Parties. Parties are fun. And they make great drama for everyone. What I don't like is parties where everyone gets totally trashed loses all decorum and ruins their lives. Lucky for me I didn't think that really happened in this book. Sure there was that one Rager but it wasn't that bad. truly I liked that Vi and April always had a friend over. I like books with a lot of dialog and opinions. Boring narrations on what people are wearing and yada yada yada no thanks. So A+ on the character interactions and such.

8) Hudson and Dean. Love those brothers. Seriously, who wouldn't love to be best friends with a pair of totally attractive snarky mysterious brothers? One with a total player status and witty comebacks the other quiet with an income no one can explain and cheek bones that are stare worthy and blue eyes that melt you. Cause I don;t know about you but next time I have a Hula party those two are the first ones on my invite list!! 8.5) Hudson. Just Hudson. Damn that boy is amazing. I mean he got the girl a cat, he watch Vampire Nights (haha eww), he compliments her constantly! What more does this guy have to do April! if it was me I would have ditched Noah at the first sight of Hudson. Or at least after he got me a cat. I love him, really like he is the best. Can we have a whole book about Hudson? maybe his side of the story? could be aweeesome. (Note to self: Add Hudson to my mile long list of fictional boyfriends.)

9) The ending. negative. Really after all that all we get is one little kiss and a text message? A text message from a different continent. No plans for him to fly out on weekends? Go to college there? Damn all these Ya romances have really screwed up my expectations. At least gush to us about how you are planing to skype like every night for a gagillion hours. And then get an apartment together and open your own babysitting company and live happily ever after next door to Vi and Dean. (ok rant brought on by unrealistic expectations due to excessive reading of sappy YA dramas now over.)

10) The ending. positive. Very real, she learns and moves on. April isn't so nave now and she appreciates the people in her life more, especially her parents. Don't take for granted your childhood and being able to be carefree, Responsibility can suck the fun right out of things. It ends right, not everything in Aprils life is going to be tied up in a nice little bow just because it's the end of a book, she is only 17 after all.


So that's my 10 things. I really enjoyed this book and I'm glad i picked it up!
I recommend it especially to Lauren Barnholdt fans, defiantly has a similar vibe.


Note: highlight over blocked out sections to view spoilers!!


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Stuck Between a Church Pew and a Bar Stool

The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Song for this book: God Love Her by Toby Keith
Click here for full Playlist

Great book. I mean really just bought this kinda randomly from amazons for 3 dollars. Best three dollars I've ever spent :). Amazing deal on one of the best ebooks I've ever read. It can be pretty sappy at parts and it may be lacking some commas but it's an awesome quick read. Checkout out for sure.

Here is the official summary:

Being the good girl isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Ashton Gray has grown weary of playing the part to please her parents, and to be worthy of the town’s prince charming, Sawyer Vincent. Maybe That’s why she’s found herself spending time with Sawyer’s cousin, Beau, while he’s away for the summer camping with his family. Beau is nothing like her perfect boyfriend. He’s the sexiest guy she’s ever seen, dangerous in ways she’s only day dreamed about, and the one guy she should stay away from. 

Beau never envied Sawyer his loving parents, his big nice home, or his position as quarterback. He loves him like a brother. Which is why he's tried everything in his power to keep his distance from Sawyer’s girlfriend. Even if he has loved her since the age of five, Ashton is Sawyer’s girl, so therefore she’s off limits. But when Sawyer leaves for the summer, Ashton, the one girl Beau would move Heaven and Earth for, decides she wants to get into trouble. Stabbing the one person who’s always accepted him and stood by him in the back, is the cost of finally holding Ashton Gray in his arms. Is she worth losing his cousin over?.... Hell Yeah.

But personally I don't think that really explains this very well so here is my summary:

Growing up Ashton and Beau we're the trouble makers. Sneaking out to cause all sorts of juvenile mischief together. And Sawyer was the friend who was always left cleaning up their messes. This all changes when Sawyer starts dating Ashton. Now three years later Ashton and Beau barely speak, their relationship is strained and can barely be called a friendship. Sawyer is still looking out after his troubled bad boy cousin Beau though.  Ashton is no longer the tree climbing free spirited little girl but a perfect little preachers daughter.  But the summer before senior year the cracks in her "perfect" persona start to show. And when her perfect boyfriend Sawyer is away... the old trouble makers will play. 

Beau has been in love with Ashton for as long as he can remember. Ever since he beat up that kid in preschool for calling her a name. But she is Sawyers now. Beau has never envied Sawyer, not for his money, or his perfect family, not any of it; but Beau wants Ashton. He knew the real her and he wants her back. This summer he wants to find that girl he used to know. Is it wrong? yeah, but he is tried of waiting. Can these three childhood friends survive this web of secrets and still save face in this small town? 

Check this ebook out on Amazon!!

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My Favorite Fix

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Songs for this book: Any Other Heart-Go Radio
Full Playlist

Posted in august: This cover is absolutely breathtaking! I know not to judge by the cover but, really, how can anything with such a stunning picture on the front not be amazing? truly gorgeous

Review:
Well I was right. With a cover that great this book had to be amazing. And whatever i was expecting, this was 100X more amazing. This is arguable the best book I have read all year. There is a lot of mystery surrounding this book. There was no real plot summary given before the book was released, I wasn't even sure of the exact genre when I picked it up. But that really just added to the craziness of this story.

To break it down for you, while keeping the mystery intact, here is a bit of a deeper summary. Mara Dyer has just moved to Florida from Rhode Island. She hates Florida. But there is nothing for her in RI anymore, all her friends are dead. She doesn't remember how it happened, but she knows that something is not right. How was it that she is the only one who survived the building collapse? Mara thinks she is going crazy. A kind of crazy that goes beyond the PTSD. Mara thinks she is broken. Everyday is a struggle to avoid hallucinations and shy away from mirrors which may hold more than her own reflection. This is Mara's life, until she meets Noah Shaw. Ruggedly handsome, permanently disheveled, English accented, Noah Shaw. Despite his man-whore reputation Mara finds herself trusting and enjoying his company more and more. In fact Mara is falling hard. But it is hard to have a healthy relationship when you think you are certifiable.

I loved this book. Characters are always the most important component of a story in my opinion. And Mara did not disappoint. Mara Dyer herself is a puzzle. And I was truly riveted by her thoughts. She is a captivating protagonist. Noah of course is a dream boy. let me explain my thought process of Noah: If Noah Shaw and Jace Wayland (City of Bones sex god) were to have a sexiness competition ... well the jury is still out on the winner but it would be a close race. And then there is Daniel. Perfect, dorky, lovable, over achiever older brother Daniel. Think Justin Russo from Wizards of Waverly Place but slightly less awkward and abnormal. Oh and not a wizard :P I pretty much love all of Mara's family.
Next comes the plot its self. Well I have to give Hodkin credit, she has really kept the contents of this book under wraps. In fact we still don't really know what is going on. And I finally understand why all the secrets. The mystery adds so much to the contents of the story.
The language of this book was lyrical. I loved the abstract and unconventional vocabulary (probably comes with having a British character) And the words really just flowed off the page. I loved reading this book. I was addicted. truly Addicted.
Please Please PLease read this book! Its mind blowing.




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Twice as Nice

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Song for this book: Invisible-Taylor Swift
Author's Playlist
My Playlist

Done rereading!! I don't know if this is even possible but I think I love this book even more the second time than the first. The first time I was a little conflicted between Christian and Tucker but rereading I really just enjoyed tucker soooo much more. (althoug I'm still open minded about Christian, should worst come to worst). I got so much more out of this book the second time through. I really got to enjoy the writing having already known the story. But I seem to have forgot how entirely inconclusive the ending itself was. I was already higly anticipating the release of the sequel but now... I'm counting the days!!!

* If you haven't read Unearthly, 1) read it. 2) So sorry I never wrote a review for it, so this is kind of a mini review. I added the official description below.

In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has apurpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make—between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.

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Tick Tock Tick Tock

Chime by Franny Billingsley

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Song for this book: Saved (Acoustic) -The Spill Canvas

I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway.

From when i first saw the cover of Chime i was intrigued. The picture is just so haunting and beautiful. It pulls you in. I read the description many times over and despite that all I could remember about the book was the amazing cover.
Although, that might not be the only reason. From the description I found the exact plot line hard to grasp. I couldn't seem to pin-point a time era for this piece and that made me hesitant to pick this book up. But I assumed all my questions would be cleared up as a read.
I found the beginning a little difficult to jump in to. I was slightly disoriented, and I don't know all that much about witch craft besides what one would learn from Sabrina the Teenage Witch so I'm not going to say it was the easiest read for me, but I kept reading ready to learn more.
The truth is I only really understood half the story. The things happening in down, got it down check. The swamp, the old ones, "mucky face", the "brownie"... not so much. I was really confused. Luckily I love Eldric so my attention was not lost. I really liked the story, despite it being a more difficult read, and my not understanding bits, I loved the plot and the ending was amazing. So if you are up for a challenge and a great story, go for it!!

Official Overview:


Before Briony's stepmother died, she made sure Briony blamed herself for all the family's hardships. Now Briony has worn her guilt for so long it's become a second skin. She often escapes to the swamp, where she tells stories to the Old Ones, the spirits who haunt the marshes. But only witches can see the Old Ones, and in her village, witches are sentenced to death. Briony lives in fear her secret will be found out, even as she believes she deserves the worst kind of punishment.

Then Eldric comes along with his golden lion eyes and mane of tawny hair. He's as natural as the sun, and treats her as if she's extraordinary. And everything starts to change. As many secrets as Briony has been holding, there are secrets even she doesn't know.



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Here's to Old Friends, Old Cars, and New Loves

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



There is something about Stephanie Perkins' writing that is so darn addicting. She writes these characters in a way where you can't help but care about them and soon she has them wrapped around your little finger.

Lola is a budding costume designer. She has a different wig for every occasion. She lives in San Francisco with her 2 gay fathers. She has a bad-ass rock'n'roll boyfriend, Max. A best friends who aspires to be Nancy Drew, Lindsey. And a dog named Heavens to Betsy. Despite her parents disapproval of her boyfriend, life it going alright for Lola.
Until the Terrible Bell Twins move back next door. Calliope, the self entitled figure skating goddess. And Cricket, her handsome(in a geek chic kinda way), shy, mechanical genius brother. The Nice Guy. Lola decided 2 years ago when they moved away that she hates both their guts and has spent most of those 2 years trying to forget about them. With their return come the arousing of all those old feeling Lola has tried to suppress. But she has a boy friend now.
With the help of her new friends and co-workers Anna and St.Clair (!!!) along with her parents, Lindsey and her embarrassment of a birth mother, Norah, Lola tries to make sense of her emotions and seek what is real.

Lets start with the obvious plus here: Anna and St.Clair are back!! that's right everyone's favorite Parisian couple is back for more. This time Anna and St.Clair are both working at the movie theater that Lola works at. Etienne also lives in the same dorm as Cricket at Berkeley.
Another thing that i feel i most mention is Max's car. Max drives a '67 Chevy Impala. To some this may sound extremely unimportant and stupid that this effected me so much, but im a geek like that. Because any self respecting, Dean Loving, Castiel Crazy, yellow eyed demon hating, Moosekateer who watch Supernatural know that the Winchester's (mainly Dean) are famous for their '67 Chevy Impala. I mean you can google it. so the mention of this amazing vehicle really sealed the deal that i was gonna love this book.
And while i think that Anna's book was more up my alley with the school in paris and her story, Cricket definitely gave St.Clair a run for his money. They are complete opposites, and so I love them both in different ways. Overall it was a great companion novel. I loved the reoccurring themes in both books. Perkins has a way with dialog. ANd her characters are so real you want to hug them.
So if your an Anna fan or just a fan of great realistic YA check this book out!!
I also just wanted to mention, has anyone noticed how incredible detailed this cover is? You can tell it was made just for this story. From crickets pinstriped pants, to his rainbow rubber bans, to the star on his hand. The fact that they are sitting on a windowsill with a lavender house behind them, and Crickets hair is standing up. I mean every little detail is right on the money with this. I don't think I have ever seen a book cover so greatly accurate with its book. Bravo, person in charge of cover art, brava.

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