London Aquarium. London, England. 2011.
Archive | December 2013
December Reads 2013
With my challenges deadline looming, it’s time to hit the books! Here’s what I’m trying to get through this month!
Happy reading everyone!
Book Review: All Our Yesterdays by Cristin Terrill
“You have to kill him.” Imprisoned in the heart of a secret military base, Em has nothing except the voice of the boy in the cell next door and the list of instructions she finds taped inside the drain.
Only Em can complete the final instruction. She’s tried everything to prevent the creation of a time machine that will tear the world apart. She holds the proof: a list she has never seen before, written in her own hand. Each failed attempt in the past has led her to the same terrible present—imprisoned and tortured by a sadistic man called the doctor while war rages outside.
Marina has loved her best friend James since the day he moved next door when they were children. A gorgeous, introverted science prodigy from one of America’s most famous families, James finally seems to be seeing Marina in a new way, too. But on one disastrous night, James’s life crumbles apart, and with it, Marina’s hopes for their future. Now someone is trying to kill him. Marina will protect James, no matter what. Even if it means opening her eyes to a truth so terrible that she may not survive it. At least not as the girl she once was.
All Our Yesterdays is a wrenching, brilliantly plotted story of fierce love, unthinkable sacrifice, and the infinite implications of our every choice.”
What I See: This was a interesting beginning. The first few chapters are a bit rough, there’s not too much information, which I love. It kept me interested and by the first third way through I was ploughing through the chapters.
I could guess at what the ending was going to amount too but I don’t read too much time travel stories and there was plenty of character development and plot and world building to keep me wanting more.
Once you’re fully in the story, there’s no going back and this is a great, fast paced read for teens that are looking for more than a romance book. This is got plot, strategy and emotional developments. I was impressed!
Top Ten Tuesday: Winter TBR List
Hi everyone! I hope you’re all keeping warm this far into December!
I know I was supposed to do this week’s Top Ten Tuesday from The Broke and the Bookish, but work got super busy yesterday! Anyways, I TBR means ‘To Be Read’, and this winter I made choices on books I wish I had my hands on, books that I do have my hands on and even ones I have already had my hands on, but I want to read them again! It all counts doesn’t it?
What’s on your TBR list?
1. Ruby by V.C. Andrews
Because I love this series, not as much as the first two that have come before it, but there’s something about this particular series that is calling my name this winter. I’ve lost count how many times I’ve already read this book.
2. Christmas in Seattle by Debbie Macomber
I’ve already read this collection as well, during my internship at Harlequin Mills & Boon, and although I don’t particular like Macomber’s writing style, there’s something special about reading a couple of stories about Christmas that are set in your hometown. It’s impossible not to feel that magic.
3. Necessary Lies by Diane Chamberlain
I adore all of Chamberlain’s work. Her stories are full of heart, emotion and just enough drama to give my brain a holiday from life. I devour her books and I’m so excited to start this latest book from her!
4. Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness
I have just finished the first book in this series and can’t wait to read this sequel in the new year! (Currently my reading challenges are in the way of attacking this book at the moment.)
5. Hunger by Jackie Morse Kessler
I’ve been wanting to read this series for a while, but I could only get it by ebook in the UK. I didn’t start it as soon as I returned because not all the books had been published yet. I think I’m waiting to dive in all at once which will be perfect this winter!
5. Hollow City by Ransom Riggs
I adored the first book in this series, Miss Peregrin’s School for Unusual Children, and I seriously can’t wait for this book to be published! The medium use of words with chilling photography kept me engaged and reading throughout the night!
6. The One by Kiera Cass
Like Hollow City, The One is another much anticipated book in 2014 that I simply cannot wait to get my hands on and I wish I had it now!
7. Dreams of Gods and Monsters by Laini Taylor
This book is like The One, they’re both the finale’s in the three book series and I’m looking forward to the publishing date.
9. Mermaids by Patty Dann
I saw the movie adaption two summers ago and fell in love with the story. It’s so family oriented that I feel it would be perfect for winter, but I am disappointed none of my libraries offer this book.
10. Snakeskin Boots by Xara X. Xanakas
I wanted to round off my Winter TBR list with this little gem I came across when searching for a book to finish one of my challenges. Here’s the summary. I believe it explains everything:
“Jeff Cordata has always known wolves can be dangerous. Not that his luck with snakes has been any better. It’s not easy being a wereboa constrictor in a world that worships werewolves.
When the customer he’s been watching for months turns out to be an interested wolf, his first instinct is to flee, but his attraction to Brad Cannidy is undeniable despite the strained relations between their families. Then Jeff’s anaconda ex-boyfriend re-enters his life as a pair of snakeskin boots, the hunt begins for the murderer who is turning weres into accessories, and Jeff will have to decide if a boa and a wolf can really mate for life.”
Are any of these on your TBR list??
Baby it’s Cold Outside
University of Roehampton campus, 2010.
Book Review: Finding Favor by Lana Long
“What’s more important: friendship or freedom?
In the eight years since seventeen-year-old Favor Miller’s father died, she’s had to endure her reluctant, self-righteous guardians the Browns. Every day for eight years, they’ve reminded her that she doesn’t fit in, that she’s not one of them. Every day for eight years, she’s eagerly awaited the day when she’ll finally be free to live her life her way.
On the eve of high school graduation, Mr. Brown ambushes Favor with the offer of college funding and a to-die-for summer internship–with the one stipulation that she must discontinue her friendship with his son, Ethan.
Accustomed as she is to sharing everything with her best friend, this is one secret Favor must keep in order to protect Ethan. The distraction of his new girlfriend, her growing friendship with his older brother, and her need to understand her family history, add in further complications.
As Favor debates signing the contract, she must decide if she’s willing to give up her best friend in order to pursue her dreams. Will she have to stay in the place she’s so desperately wanted to escape in order to make the right decision and get what she really needs?”
What I see: From the summary I thought this book was going to be a period piece, but it’s anything but. (I know it says High School in it, but everything else gave me the impression that it wasn’t going to be as contemporary as it is.) I was disappointed, but as a self-published book it’s nearly there and has great potential. My issues with it are that it’s too obvious. Too much time is spent on the clichéd romance when there were other more strong elements in the book that if explored further and executed well could have made a 180 turnaround for the story.
Through a Seattle Looking Glass 