Review ~ The Lying Game by Sara Shepard

TITLE: The Lying Game
AUTHOR: Sara Shepard
COPYRIGHT: 2010
TYPE: young adult
PAGES: 307
SERIES:  yes

1. The Lying Game

2. Never Have I Ever

3. Two Truths and a Lie

REASON FOR READ:

I heart PLL and this is by the same author so I thought eh why not give it a try. Plus come on twins with one dead and the other “taking her” place was too good to pass up.

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):

I had a life anyone would kill for.

Then someone did.

The worst part of being dead is that there's nothing left to live for. No more kisses. No more secrets. No more gossip. It's enough to kill a girl all over again. But I'm about to get something no one else does--an encore performance, thanks to Emma, the long-lost twin sister I never even got to meet.

Now Emma's desperate to know what happened to me. And the only way to figure it out is to be me--to slip into my old life and piece it all together. But can she laugh at inside jokes with my best friends? Convince my boyfriend she's the girl he fell in love with? Pretend to be a happy, care-free daughter when she hugs my parents goodnight? And can she keep up the charade, even after she realizes my murderer is watching her every move?

From Sara Shepard, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Pretty Little Liars books, comes a riveting new series about secrets, lies, and killer consequences.

Let the lying game begin.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:

Who are the MAJOR Characters?
Emma

“Sutton” Told from her POV but she’s dead

Laural

Char

Mads

Ethan

Who are the MINOR Characters?

Garrett – dead Sutton’s boyfriend and Char’s ex

The Twitter twins

Nisha

The parents of Sutton

And random others

Did it flow with the last volume was it a connection story or did it just start a new story with same characters? (Only use if in a series)

Started out fresh this is the first book…

What is this story about?

Well Sutton is a rich girl who discovers she has a twin that no one knows about. Actually scratch that, I think that is more TV show then book. In book Emma sees a Snuff video of Sutton being strangled. She researches it and discovers she has a twin. After facebooking her said twin asks Emma to come and see her. But when Emma comes she discovers that Sutton is missing maybe dead. Now Emma is stuck pretending to be Sutton with someone else who knows that Sutton is dead and will do anything to keep Emma in the role.

When is this story taking place?

I want to say senior year school

Where are we at during this story?

Arizona I believe

Why is the character acting the way he is or why is this happening?

She is very scared and has no idea if Sutton is really dead or alive. However, she does discover Sutton is really dead and now has to figure out who killed her.

How does it get resolved (SPOILERS MAY BE INCLUDED)

Emma let’s the gag slip to Ethan who talks her into keeping up the ruse of her being Sutton until they can figure out which one of Sutton’s friends’ killed her or if her own family did… or was it someone else she played a lying game on

Will there be another?

Oh yeah

Favorite part or line from story:

I have to admit the parts where Emma meets and interacts with Ethan were my favorites. I think they are cute together.

Overall thoughts:

I liked it more than PLL mainly b/c there were actually redeeming characters in this one. Not everyone is evil or out to get someone. Emma seems sweet and Ethan is a cute character that doesn’t look as if he has it in for anyone. Plus the parents seem like decent people. I am curious enough at this point to continue reading the books. And not just b/c they have some drama attached to them I actually want to know more about Sutton and Emma as well as figure out who is actually trying to kill her.

The TV show didn’t have that spin. In the show Sutton remained alive so I have no idea who (for lack of a better word A is) and I want to know. That’s how PLL kept me hooked and I have to admit that is how this book hooked me as well. Too bad the show didn’t follow the book better I think it would’ve lasted longer.

FINAL GRADES:
Plot/Story: A I think it was original and enjoyable

Character Development: B+ Emma is very washy and very much a frightened character I want her to dig in a little and discover who she is and how to be a better Sutton or at least be more of an Emma
Emotional Reaction: A I was very much invested in Emma and if she would live

Final Grade: A- it is getting there

Would you recommend this story?

Sure I actually think I would recommend this book to a younger girl then the PLL series.

Is this a part of a reading challenge? No sadly I am just adding it to my 50+ books to read this year.

PS this will be a Page to Screen as soon as I get a chance to type that Review out....

Review ~ #PLL Unbelievable by Sara Shepard

TITLE: Unbelievable 

AUTHOR: Sara Shepard
COPYRIGHT: 2008
TYPE: young adult
PAGES: 335
SERIES:  yes

1. Pretty Little Liars

2. Flawless

3. Perfect

4. Unbelievable

REASON FOR READ:

Well come on I read the first 3 and had to know what happens. PLUS I love me some PLL show so I wanted to catch up on the books.

SUMMARY (from back of the book):

Emily's been shipped off to Iowa to live with her uberconservative cousins. Aria's boyfriend is behind bars-because of her. Spencer's afraid she was involved in Ali's murder. But Hanna's fate is far worse: She's clinging to life in the hospital because she knew too much. If these girls don't start listening to me, Hanna's going to look like the lucky one. 

Who are the MAJOR Characters?
(OMG who isn’t?!)

Hanna

Aria

Spencer

Emily

Who are the MINOR Characters?

Again I ask who isn’t?!
Sean – Aria’s boyfriend

Mike – Aria’s brother

Aria’s mom, dad and dad’s girlfriend

Mr. Fitz AKA Ezra – Aria’s forbidden love

Lucas – new one that was just introduced

Hanna’s mom

Officer Wilden – Hanna’s Mom’s boyfriend

Mona – Hanna’ BFF

Mona’s new BFFs

Melissa – Spencer’s sister

Spencer’s parents

Emily’s sister, mom, dad

Maya – Emily’s girlfriend

Did it flow with the last volume was it a connection story or did it just start a new story with same characters? Yeah actually it really did. It picked up right where we left off and ran with it. There were a lot of pieces to try and fit together, but the author did a fantastic job of doing that.

What is this story about? It is about 4 girls who lost their BFF in 7^th grade and now someone is harassing them with all their dirty little secrets

When is this story taking place? Junior year of high school

Where are we at during this story? Rosewood High and neighborhood

Why is the character acting the way he is or why is this happening? The girls are trying to figure out who A is and navigate through the roughest prep school ever. Add to that they have the CRAPPIEST parents known to man.

How does it get resolved (SPOILERS MAY BE INCLUDED)

A is dead
The liar's lives seem to be going back to normal

Will there be another? yes

Favorite part or line from story:

I have to say the part with Hanna and Lucas are really cute and I think this might be the relationship that the show uses for Haleb (Hanna + Caleb)

Overall thoughts:

HOLY CRAP. Well shitballs I didn't see this coming and I really, really want to go into the differences between this and the show. Needless to say I guess in the books

SPOILER ALERT

Toby is freaking dead for good. That was as shocker. Jenna knew what Ali was going to do and planned it with her b/c Toby was molesting her WTF?! Then as if that wasn't enough Mona is A (which she was in the show so no shocker there) but in the books SHE FREAKING DIES she's dead seriously and yet there is still another A OMFG as if that wasn't enough Hanna's mom is moving to SINGAPORE seriously?! so Hanna now has to live with her dad and horrible step everything. Aria's mom finally realized what she did was HORRIBLE and freaking Meredith is prego with Aria's new 1/2 sibling MIND BLOWN.

SPOILER OVER

Needless to say this book kept me up WAY past my bedtime

FINALGRADES:
Plot/Story: A this one blew my freaking mind

Character Development: B the girls are still making the same damn mistakes and yet they seem to be learning from them
Emotional Reaction: A there were a lot of OMG did she? No she didn’t? Freaking A she did? How in the hell is that going to work? Moments.

Final Grade: A

Would you recommend this story? Sure if you like to read about drama but I for sure wouldn’t let girls younger than 15 read it.

Is this a part of a reading challenge? No.

Friday Favorites ~ #8

Friday Favorites Hosted by: Tressa’s Wishful Endings
Description: Friday Favorites spotlights a favorite author, book, series, publisher, cover, blog, etc. Basically whatever bookish thing that you love, recommend, and want to tell others about. Just pick one and link up to Tressa’s post each Friday to share

This week is my review of my new favorite book! 

TITLE: The Monstrumologist

AUTHOR: Rick Yancey
COPYRIGHT: 2010
TYPE: Young Adult
PAGES: 454
SERIES:  Yes

1. The Monstrumologist

2. The Curse of the Wendigo

3. The Isle of Blood

4. The Final Descent

REASON FOR READ:

They actually looked very interesting and I just couldn’t help myself. To add to the fact that I enjoyed The 5^th Wave that Mr. Yancey wrote so I thought I would try his other series.

SUMMARY (from the back of the book):

Monsters are Real

Will Henry is the orphan apprentice of a doctor with an unusual specialty: monstrumology, the study of monsters. When a midnight visitor brings them the body of a young girl entwined with the corpse of an Anthropophagus, it is the start of the most mysterious case of Will Henry’s life. Anthropophagi are headless monsters whose razor – sharp teeth are in their stomachs - and they are supposed to be extinct in this part of the world. Now Will and the monstrumologist are in a race against time to put a stop to the plague of monsters before they kill again.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:

Who are the MAJOR Characters?
Will Henry (12 year old orphan) apprentice

Dr. Pellinore Warthrop the monstrumologist

Who are the MINOR Characters?

Dr. Starr

Mrs. Bratton

Alistair Warthrop (in memories)

Captain Varner

Erasmus Gray (grave digger)

Father and Mother of Will Henry (in memories)

Dr. Karnes (way to many alias to mention)

Malachi Stinnet (the preacher’s son whose family is killed)

Constable Morgan

Numerous unnamed men who hunt the monsters

The narrator at the beginning (Rick Yancey)

What is this story about?

This is a diary of young Will Henry and his life living with Dr. Warthrop. We learn about numerous different monsters but this particular story centers around an Anthropophagi. We are lead to believe in the beginning that the author (Rick Yancey) has been given these diaries from a man in a nursing home to help discover who “Will Henry” really is. From there we are sucked into the world of Will Henry as he attempts to discover who he is, why he has ended up here in this home, what it all means, and survive as he grows into the role of assistant to the monstumologist.

When is this story taking place? 1888

Where are we at during this story? New Jerusalem

Why is the character acting the way he is or why is this happening? These are the diaries of Will Henry so it is a way for Will Henry to come to terms of his environment.

How does it get resolved (SPOILERS MAY BE INCLUDED)

Boy howdy things pick up with the Stinnet’s deads. Karnes shows up to help hunt the Anthropophagi this leads to an interesting if you will “final” show down. The mystery gets wrapped up in a neat yet rather dirty way.

Will there be another? Yes the next in the series is called The Curse of the Wendigo

Favorite part or line from story: I have to admit the favorite part for me was the end. It was so suspenseful that I couldn’t put it down until I knew if they were successful in their hunt or not. Who would die or who wouldn’t (I won’t spoil it and give it away) but stick with this b/c it only builds in plot.

Overall thoughts:

I was a little taken back at the sheer amount of gore and description of the monsters and the blood for the age range this book is focused on . That being said OMG I absolutely enjoyed every single second of it and couldn’t wait to read it. It was pure torture to walk away to do things. I stayed up until 2 reading this and that in itself is very rare. I definitely can’t wait to read the next one

FINALGRADES:
Plot/Story: A It was engaging enough that it kept you hook. I wanted to know what would happen next to Will Henry. This story was good pace, the times I felt like it could drag another character was brought in that helped moved the story forward.

Character Development: A Will Henry and Dr. Warthrop made this story really work. Their chemistry and reliance on each other as the story progressed became the key to making this relationship work. Will Henry is the main character that you connect with and I felt tired when he did, horror when he did, and sheer emotional breaking when he did. Mr. Yancey did a great job making the reader connect to Will Henry yet at the same time connect to the Dr. which at times was really hard to do. The characters also grew throughout this book which gives me hope that they will continue to progress as the series goes on

Emotional Reaction: A As I stated above I was very attached to the characters and felt the emotions that they felt especially Will Henry.

Final Grade: A

Would you recommend this story? Yes I highly recommend it.

Is this a part of a reading challenge? My yearly challenge.

Review ~ The Scourge by A.G. Henley

TITLE: The Scourge
AUTHOR: A.G. Henley
COPYRIGHT: 2012
TYPE: young adult/ebook
PAGES: 242
SERIES:  yes #1 in the Brilliant Darkness series

1. The Scourge

1.5 The Keeper

2. The Definance

REASON FOR READING:
I actually thought about reading The Keeper first b/c it sounded interesting then I have this OCD thing that requires I read books in order so I had to start with this one.

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):

Seventeen-year-old Groundling, Fennel, is Sightless. She's never been able to see her lush forest home, but she knows its secrets. She knows how the shadows shift when she passes under a canopy of trees. She knows how to hide in the cool, damp caves when the Scourge comes. She knows how devious and arrogant the Groundlings' tree-dwelling neighbors, the Lofties, can be. 

And she's always known this day would come—the day she faces the Scourge alone. 

The Sightless, like Fenn, are mysteriously protected from the Scourge, the gruesome creatures roaming the forests, reeking of festering flesh and consuming anything—and anyone—living. A Sightless Groundling must brave the Scourge and bring fresh water to the people of the forest. Today, that task becomes Fenn's. 

Fenn will have a Lofty Keeper, Peree, as her companion. Everyone knows the Lofties wouldn’t hesitate to shoot an arrow through the back of an unsuspecting Groundling like Fenn, but Peree seems different. A boy with warm, rough hands who smells like summer, he is surprisingly kind and thoughtful. Although Fenn knows his people are treacherous, she finds herself wanting to trust him. 

As their forest community teeters on the brink of war, Fenn and Peree must learn to work together to survive the Scourge and ensure their people’s survival. But when Fenn uncovers a secret that shatters her truths, she’s forced to decide who and what to protect—her people, her growing love for Peree, or the elusive dream of lasting peace in the forest.(

THOUGHTS/OPINION:

I find that I am really struggling with writing this review. First off it wasn’t a bad book, but at the same time I felt like I rolled my eyes a gawd awful lot while reading. You have a blind water girl who can go walking through zombies without any trouble due to her blindness. But just in case we have a keeper that shoots any of the zombies that come near her. Add to it if she falls asleep they try to eat her. Her keeper likes to tell on her yet secretly yearns for her. The council hates that she does something decent to another group of people so they punish her by sending her out to get water all alone. SCREW YOU, don’t like what I did get your own damn water since it’s me or the old chick who isn’t sticking up for me. So peace love and chicken wings is how I apparently would’ve acted but since I’m not a scared, blinded, 17 year old I guess I will just do as I’m told and sleep with the damn zombies knowing I will die and you will have no water bearer any longer *insert eye roll*.

Don’t get me started on the race issue… oh you have dark skin born to a white family oh darn let’s send you down to be a groundling cause only dark skinned babies live on the ground. White or light skin well guess what they can live in the trees away from all danger, but apparently have no way to store water or gather it when the zombies are about *insert eye roll*

Don’t fall in love with your keeper (so let’s fall in love with our keeper)

Good night it was like this the whole time

Oh and let me know forget that when we finally learn the whole stinking premise of what the damn scourge/zombies are *insert MAJOR EYE ROLL* seriously?! Seriously?!

I pretty much skimmed after that.

Are you keeping it or passing it on?
pass time to move on

Goodreads grade: 2 stars

Would you recommend this book? no

Review ~ The Truth About Alice by Jennifer Mathieu

TITLE: The Truth About Alice
AUTHOR: Jennifer Mathieu
COPYRIGHT: 2014
TYPE: young adult/ Ebook
PAGES: 208
SERIES:  

Doubt it

REASON FOR READ:

Rec’d from Netgalley looked really interesting had to read it!

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):

Everyone has a lot to say about Alice Franklin, and it’s stopped mattering whether it’s true. The rumors started at a party when Alice supposedly had sex with two guys in one night. When school starts everyone almost forgets about Alice until one of those guys, super-popular Brandon, dies in a car wreck that was allegedly all Alice’s fault. Now the only friend she has is a boy who may be the only other person who knows the truth, but is too afraid to admit it. Told from the perspectives of popular girl Elaine, football star Josh, former outcast Kelsie, and shy genius Kurt, we see how everyone has a motive to bring – and keep – Alice down.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:

I am a little mixed on this book. On the one hand I did very much enjoy it which then made me feel guilty for enjoying reading about how 4 freaking people ruined one girl’s life. On the other hand it was fascinating how Ms. Mathieu was able to portray 4 different perspectives on how to destroy one life. I was blown away at how anyone could think or act like this. Then admit to what I deemed to be an interviewer how they know it sounds bad but eh there you go. Worse part of the whole thing I can seriously see this happening in our schools today and the parents are just as guilty as any of the dang teenagers.

THINGS I LIKED:

I enjoyed and yet felt guilty watching how the story unraveled from a rumor to a full on attack of this girl.

I loved learning the truth of the rumor as the story went and to see the insecurities of the people who were helping to spread the rumor.

I absolutely adored that one person saw Alice for who she was and was a true friend to her. And even when she pushed him away she realized it herself.

I loved that he was a true friend that did what he did because he genuinely cared for her and loved her.

I actually appreciate that Alice had the grit to see it through and confront some of the people who started it and kept the flame alive.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:

I also admit it was hard to keep reading 4 to 5 different versions of what was happening, when it was happening, thoughts, ideas, and guilt. Every chapter was a different POV.

None of the POVs were from Alice which might have been interesting to hear her version of what was happening.

I really hated the end ( I won’t spoil it but I expected a different outcome) ½ of me is glad my outcome didn’t occur the other half thought it wrapped up way to easy.

Are you keeping it or passing it on?

Pretty good I will keep it and spread the love by giving it to some teenagers that need to know what the effect of a rumor can do to someone else.
 

Challenges:

New Author Challenge

52 Book challenge

Review ~ Pivot Point by Kasie West

TITLE: Pivot Point
AUTHOR: Kasie West
COPYRIGHT: 2013
TYPE: young adult /e-book
PAGES: 343
SERIES:  yes

1. Pivot Point

2. Split Second

REASON FOR READ:

EVERYONE has been talking about it so I thought I should give it a try.

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):

Knowing the outcome doesn’t always make a choice easier . . .

Addison Coleman’s life is one big “What if?” As a Searcher, whenever Addie is faced with a choice, she can look into the future and see both outcomes. It’s the ultimate insurance plan against disaster. Or so she thought. When Addie’s parents ambush her with the news of their divorce, she has to pick who she wants to live with—her father, who is leaving the paranormal compound to live among the “Norms,” or her mother, who is staying in the life Addie has always known. Addie loves her life just as it is, so her answer should be easy. One Search six weeks into the future proves it’s not.

In one potential future, Addie is adjusting to life outside the Compound as the new girl in a Norm high school where she meets Trevor, a cute, sensitive artist who understands her. In the other path, Addie is being pursued by the hottest guy in school—but she never wanted to be a quarterback’s girlfriend. When Addie’s father is asked to consult on a murder in the Compound, she’s unwittingly drawn into a dangerous game that threatens everything she holds dear. With love and loss in both lives, it all comes down to which reality she’s willing to live through . . . and who she can’t live without

THOUGHTS/OPINION:

Okay I’m going to say it right off the bat. I LOVED THIS BOOK. Okay end of story that’s my review… no? Fine

I thought it was a fresh take on an idea that I’ve been very interested in (Sky High anyone?). It had good characters, a nice plot, a hell of a twist, and a mature female lead that is usually hard to find in this genre. While it wasn’t perfect it was darn near close enough that finding a flaw for this review is going to be hard.

THINGS I LIKED:

I loved Addie, she is mature and even when she wasn’t at first she for sure grew into it.

I loved the compound and all the mysteries and secrets involved with that.

I loved the paranormal talents and how they were all mind related (lie detection, persuasion, memory erasing, mood alteration, etc.) verses some kids flying and what not. Good twist on that end

I loved that she can’t see into the future and make it clear that there are too many variables to change the future. The catch is she can see the outcome of a choice

I loved seeing 2 different choices and the freaking outcomes

I also adored the fact that both choices SUCKED and I wasn’t sure which one she would pick

I loved the plot, the pacing, and the voice.
I loved that I figured out who the bad guy was right at the time Addie did (now keep in mind I suck at figure out who the bad guy is unless it is Scooby Doo)

THANK YOU MS. WEST for not making this a freaking LOVE TRIANGLE I so heart you right now!

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:

Now the hard part… b/c I loved the book so much this is going to be hard.

If I had to pick one I would say it was a little jarring at first to read one chapter of choice A and one chapter of choice B. Even though I knew she was “searching” I still took a few chapters to figure out the switching back and forth.

Otherwise it was hard.

Are you keeping it or passing it on?

Keeping and seriously debating about re-buying it in hardcover edition. Not to mention I have recommended it to EVERYONE I meet.
 

Challenges:

New Author Challenge

52 book challenge

Reviewing Next:

The Truth About Alice by Jennifer Mathieu

Review ~ The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

TITLE: The 5th Wave

AUTHOR: Rick Yancey
COPYRIGHT: 2013
TYPE: ebook
PAGES: 457
SERIES:  

Suppose to be but no release or title for book 2

REASON FOR READING: 

I heart me some alien books and well this just had a very interesting premise so I figured why not.

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):

After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.

Now, it’s the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth’s last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie’s only hope for rescuing her brother—or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up 

THOUGHTS/OPINION:

Okay let me say this books was AWESOME up until the last 5 pages or so. I mean literally had me rooting until the end then I wanted to toss it (which hindsight would be a good reason to buy it in paperback instead of kindle). Cassie was a little annoying at first but with all the flashbacks I finally started to get her and understand her. You might go so far as to say I started to connect and enjoy her. I even connected with Ben AKA Zombie and started to love his growth and development. Because honestly in a YA it's hard to find that and yet both of them started to grow and develop into young adults I could start to admire. Hell I will be honest and admit I loved the love story between Cassie and Evan (there's a secret that is involved with both that I guessed easily and hell you will too.) Yet i enjoyed watching these two come to care for each other in a deeper way then a simple crush. 

I will not spoil the end for you other than to say I FLIPPING HATE LOVE TRIANGLES or the freaking premise of it when there is ABSOLUTELY NO FLIPPING POINT. Seriously and then to make Cassie act like a dumb little crapper after she had grown up so much all over a flipping boy. MY GOD SHOOT ME NOW. 

I am done.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Well hell I loved it until the end but alas I will keep it only to review it if and when the next comes out.

Goodreads grade: I ended up giving it 4 stars b/c I did enjoy it all the way until the end.

Would you recommend this book? Yes

Review ~ #PLL Flawless by Sara Shepard

TITLE: Flawless
AUTHOR: Sara Shepard
COPYRIGHT: 2007
TYPE: paperback
PAGES: 330
SERIES:  

1. Pretty Little Liars

2. Flawless

3. Perfect

4. Unbelievable

5. Wicked

6. Killer

7. Heartless

8. Wanted

9. Twisted

REASON FOR READING:
Well I love the show and thought reading the books would help my addiction... it has not

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):

In the exclusive town of Rosewood, Pennsylvania, where the sweetest smiles hide the darkest secrets, four pretty little liars--Spencer, Aria, Emily, and Hanna--have been very bad girls. . . .

Spencer stole her sister's boyfriend. Aria is brokenhearted over her English teacher. Emily likes her new friend Maya . . . as much more than a friend. And Hanna's obsession with looking flawless is literally making her sick. But the most horrible secret of all is something so scandalous it could destroy their perfect little lives.

And someone named "A" is threatening to do just that.

At first they thought A was Alison, their friend who vanished three years ago . . . but then Alison turned up dead. So could A be Melissa, Spencer's ultracompetitive sister? Or Maya, who wants Emily all to herself? What about Toby, the mysterious guy who left town right after Alison went missing?

One thing's for certain: A's got the dirt to bury them all alive, and with every crumpled note, wicked IM, and vindictive text message A sends, the girls get a little closer to losing it all. 

THOUGHTS/OPINION:

Bare with me b/c the show and the books are starting to run together. The difference of course was talked about in the last review so I will attempt to not beat a dead horse. This one is interesting b/c there are a lot more characters in play and MY GOD Melissa is EVIL... holy crap. That being said my gosh I just have no empathy for these girls any of them. I feel sort of bad for Hanna (which I felt bad for her in the very beginning so I assume that I would feel the same way with the books). The plot is the same, the girls are meaner then the show, the world is crueler then the show, and wow they aren't lying when they say the girls have been very bad. We did learn the "Big" secret of what happened that all of them believe would ruin their lives (teenagers I tell ya) any who not as big as I thought. Things did move faster in the book then they do on the show which is weird and yet not. 

SPOILER

Toby is dead like a body dead which I think might not be true but dang y'all if it is that changes the books dramatically!

SPOILER OVER

Any way the book is moving fast enough that I find reading 100 pages and then blinking wondering where the heck my life went. Still good enough to continue though just to see if the spoiler is true or fake based on show I'm going with fake but eh you never know.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Still going to pass on it. Nothing I want to read again. Unlike the show which makes me want to buy all the seasons.

Goodreads grade: I think I gave this one 4 stars due to the fact you still get sucked in even if it is due to watching a train wreck happen.

Would you recommend this book? I'm still debating I love the show but think the books my be too much for some of the younger teenagers that I normally suggest books to.

Review ~ Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard #PLL

TITLE: Pretty Little Liars
AUTHOR: Sara Shepard
COPYRIGHT: 2006
TYPE: trade paperback

PAGES: 286
SERIES:  

Yep 1st one in a series

1. Pretty Little Liars

2. Flawless

3. Perfect

4. Unbelievable

5. Wicked

6. Killer

7. Heartless

8. Wanted

9. Twisted

REASON FOR READ:

Love the show had to read the books.

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):

Three years ago, Alison disappeared after a slumber party, not to be seen since. Her friends at the elite Pennsylvania school mourned her, but they also breathed secret sighs of relief. Each of them guarded a secret that only Alison had known. Now they have other dirty little secrets, secrets that could sink them in their gossip-hungry world. When each of them begins receiving anonymous emails and text messages, panic sets in. Are they being betrayed by some one in their circle? Worse yet: Is Alison back? A strong launch for a suspenseful series

THOUGHTS/OPINION:

I'm a little mixed on my thoughts so I will try to hammer them out a little bit. First off I'm a total nerd for the show. I think it is exciting, engrossing, and in it's own way heart wrenching. The books not so much they are almost what I would deem pure evil... They show such an ugly side of the girls that I have grown to love. They are rich, pampered, spoiled, beyond pretty, unloved by parents, hated by each other and other kids, and MY GOD THEY DESERVE everything they get so far. I did not feel this way about the show. For some reason I connected more with the girls on the show b/c they showed me their softer side and boy am I glad cause otherwise this would've been one sick show.
Second I feel kind of dirty reading these books. I mean on the show of course you learn their "deep dark secrets" but in the books the secrets are deep and dark and very similar and yet the girls react differently in the books. Almost like they are cleaned up for TV?! You read that right the girls are nicer, sweeter, innocent and decent on TV put them in the books and DAMN there were a few times I was like "well if you screw every boy that is nice to you or buys you a drink when your underage and then screws you in the bathroom you can't be surprised when he wants nothing to do with you later." "Well if you screw your sisters boyfriend don't be surprised that after you spread your legs he's done with you"... my goodness. WORSE Part are the parents. Hating their own children for not being perfect robots. It's weird almost like Gossip Girl without the love from the parents...

THINGS I LIKED:
I do like being in their heads more. There is only so far that a TV show can tell you wants going on in the thinking processes. Here the books actually allow you to see what the thoughts are behind it. 

Love seeing how the girls are so protective of their thoughts because of stuff that happened with Ali

I do enjoy seeing more of the evil family life and the different take on school. The girls aren't sympathetic at all so having horrible families makes me actually want to feel bad for them. 

The school is WAY cooler in the books then in the TV show and the books help to show us why $ and prestige is so important in this neighborhood. I don't really get that from the TV show

It is just different enough from the show it keeps me interested. 

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:
I kind of mentioned them above: The girls are down right evil at times

They kind of deserve what is happening which in the long run I guess makes more sense

There is absolutely no support for the girls

There are a HECK of a lot more siblings in Emily's family then the TV show

Are you keeping it or passing it on? 

I am going to give it away. Reading it once was good enough for me. Now that being said I would recommend it to higher aged school girls like 17 or so but not really for the age group I wanted to suggest it to.

Reviewing Next: Sadly even though I complained a lot about it Ms. Shepard got me hooked so I will be reviewing and reading Flawless next.

 

   

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Friday Favorites ~ #2

Friday Favorites Hosted by: Tressa’s Wishful Endings
Description: Friday Favorites spotlights a favorite author, book, series, publisher, cover, blog, etc. Basically whatever bookish thing that you love, recommend, and want to tell others about. Just pick one and link up to Tressa’s post each Friday to share.

TITLE: Storm Front
AUTHOR: Jim Butcher
COPYRIGHT: 4/1/2000
TYPE: urban fantasy
PAGES: 322
SERIES:  Uh YES
1. Storm Front
2. Fool Moon
3. Grave Peril
4. Summer Knight
5. Death Masks
6. Blood Rites
7. Dead Beat
8. Proven Guilty
9. White Night
10. Small Favor
11. Turn Coat
12. Changes
13. Ghost Story

REASON FOR READING: Uh duh I got Ghost Story and its been too long so I decided to re-read to refresh my memories LOL

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):

Harry Dresden--Wizard
Lost items found. Paranormal investigations.
Consulting. Advice. Reasonable rates.
No Love Potions, Endless Purses, Parties, or Other Entertainment.

Harry Dresden is the best at what he does. Well, technically, he's the only at what he does. So when the Chicago P.D. has a case that transcends mortal creativity or capability, they come to him for answers. For the "everyday" world is actually full of strange and magical things--and most of them don't play too well with humans. That's where Harry comes in. Takes a wizard to catch a--well, whatever.

There's just one problem. Business, to put it mildly, stinks. So when the police bring him in to consult on a grisly double murder committed with black magic, Harry's seeing dollar signs. But where there's magic, there's a black mage behind it. And now that mage knows Harry's name. And that's when things start to get... interesting.

Magic. It can get a guy killed.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:

First and foremost this book reminded me of how much I love thee Harry Dresden, and Bob, and Murph and well hell the whole gang! This book introduces us to Harry and how he is the only wizard openly practicing in Chicago. It helps to set the stage and introduce us to Harry’s world. Crap it even reminded me that Murph and Harry didn’t always have an unshakeable trust and friendship that in the beginning it was actually hit or miss.

This book also introduces us to the dark side of magic and what can happen if magic is used in the wrong ways. I have to say it was a great first book and really gives you a good feel for Harry and why he has made it to 13 books AMAZING and now it has inspired a re-read of the whole series so I’m off to check out Fool Moon because I do not own this one or that one LOL but pretty much all the others.  

Oh side note for the Dresden books: ALWAYS remember people you never know when they are going to pop back in later and be important as I have discovered over the years LOL


 

Review ~ Sacred Sex by Tony Evans

Title: Sacred Sex

Author: Tony Evans

Format: E-book

Review for: Netgalley

Publication Date: 1/4/2014

My Thoughts:

I thought this book was okay. I appreciate the Biblical background of it and understood where Mr. Evans was coming from. While I found myself agreeing with him on many points I also found myself feeling shame. Mr. Evans pushes purity and staying a virgin, but really lacks the importance of what about if you’re not. Throughout the book I found that I was almost ashamed of my past, which as a Christian I am. That being said if my past is forgiven and forgotten then why does Mr. Evans make me feel so bad. Is it because I made a mistake and am no longer pure? When Mr. Evans finally got around to discussing those of us that are not pure it was a quick couple of paragraphs about truly repenting and asking for forgiveness without any help about moving on. I am one of those that believe it’s easier to stay pure when you’ve never experienced sex, but what about if you have. Does Mr. Evans realize how hard (no pun intended) it is for those of us that have already sinned and know it? How much more the stress is own for us to be pure and remain that way? I would love to see Mr. Evans help those of us with experience to remain pure with practical advice and less guilt. This is a book that I would give my niece or young people like youth kids, but it is not something I would give someone who is divorced or made a mistake when it came to sex.



Review ~ External Forces by Deborah Rix

External Forces by Deborah Rix
Published: 09/13/2013
Pages:268 paperback
Purchased: ARC given by Netgalley
Ebook

Summary from Goodreads:
It’s 100 years since the Genetic Integrity Act was passed and America closed its borders to prevent genetic contamination. Now only the enemy, dysgenic Deviants, remain beyond the heavily guarded border. The Department of Evolution carefully guides the creation of each generation and deviations from the divine plan are not permitted.

When 16-year-old Jess begins to show signs of deviance she enlists in the Special Forces, with her best friend Jay, in a desperate bid to evade detection by the Devotees. Jess is good with data, not so good with a knife. So when the handsome and secretive Sergeant Matt Anderson selects her for his Black Ops squad, Jess is determined to figure out why.

As her deviance continues to change her, Jess is forced to decide who to trust with her deadly secret. Jess needs to know what’s really out there, in the Deviant wasteland over the border, if she has any hope of making it to her 17th birthday. Because if the enemy doesn’t kill her first, the Department of Evolution probably will.
My Thoughts:
Actually I had mixed thoughts on this book. It was set up nicely I enjoyed the main character. The action didn't occur until midway through when Jess and Jay hack the system and enroll early to the "army" program with the hopes of being a flyboy and intelligence. Only things don't work out that way when Matt see Jess and decides he wants her on her special teams. It was easy to follow the world was bleak and grey and honesty I bought it. After all Jess is only 16 at this point. The part I didn't care for was how childish Jess was for all the training she has. The scenes with her and Matt that should've been sweet were in fact almost too kid like. I get it, she doesn't have experience this is first love and etc... but after how she was raised (her mother hated her) and what she dealt with I thought she would be different when it came to Matt. She was highly insecure unless she was proving something which kind of rang false how are you insecure unless proving something. How and why do you want to prove anything when you're insecure.
It was a very weird time frame for me.
Then the end came with all the mythology and set up for another book. I have to say that it was a good thing and the twist with another member of the team who could be it too was nice, but then again not. The whole "miscommunication" between Matt and Jess got old quick so I was happy when the author quickly wrapped that up. Due to Jess being 16 there is no sex, but a quick hint at everything else but that. Jess even goes so far as to call herself a tease.
Needless to say this is obviously the set up for a series in this world and while I am curious as to the whole ~ ark, angel, seed, navigator, and Eden thing I'm not that interested.

Overall ranking:
I enjoyed it and would probably pick up the next just to see where she is heading. Definitely think if you like YA and dystopian theme novels you could probably get into this one.

PROS
Jess can take care of herself, she is kick ass without being over the top HATE YOU and THE WORLD kick ass nor I am the baddest thing EVER.

Review ~ Stargate Atlantis: Dead End by Chris Wraight

Stargate Atlantis: Dead End by Chris Wraight
Ebook
Published: 7/16/10
275 pages

Summary from Goodreads:
Dr. Rodney McKay must try and rescue his friends who are stranded on an icy world on the edge of the Pegasus Galaxy

My Thoughts:
For starters that summary really blows cause it doesn't even begin to describe this book. McKay is not only rescuing Teyla, Ronan, Shep but also his arse who doesn't like the cold any more than the rest of them. Basically McKay convinces the Elizabeth with the help of Shepperd to go through the gate to the furthest they have ever gone. It is so far the ancients were attempting to build a special ship for it. Now does the team use the special ship or even try to build the ship? NO of course not why would they ;)

Needless to say the ship is damaged, there is no way to dial home cause their is no power, the local people are friendly but are threatened by an enemy no one understands, it is cold and the weather is getting worse and worse with each passing day. So its up to Ronan to hunt, Teyla to learn more about the people and the threat, John to try and save everyone and McKay to fix the whole gate sinking into the ice and jumper not working. Needless to say its an hour packed show thrown into a 275 page book. Very well written and one I would've liked to see on air.

For sure a must read for those SGA fans out there.

Sea of Trees by Robert James Russell

So here's my short review about this book. The offical review will be posted at http://masqueradecrew.blogspot.com eventually...

I was surprised at my reaction to this book. I am not sure what my expectations were going in, but coming out I was shocked at how much it haunted me. I had a few minor issues with this book and I have to admit I still don’t quite understand ending (no spoilers I promise). That being said this book does stick with you. The writing alone is beautifully haunting in its description that is until Bill the American speaks. Then he just sounds downright immature whose only focus is himself and his needs.  

During the book we learn of different people that have come to Aokigahara Forest to end their lives and why.  We also learn that Junko’s sister Izumi was one of those people. From my experience and background I figured out pretty early on why Izumi killed herself, but I can see where it was a mystery to others.   The forest is beautifully described and each suicide was written in such a way I connect to most of the people. It drove me to understand why they would go forth with ending their lives.

The best part was learning about a different culture. Too many times when I read books like this I tend to see it in an American setting with only Americans. This time not only did I feel as if I was in Japan, but I understood a little more about their culture. I wish Bill would have helped with that as an American visiting, but most of the imagery came from the writing itself and the suicide notes.  Again it is a good book a little heavy, but one that will make you sit back and think. I enjoyed it and would like to see more from this author.