Review ~ Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

It’s Harry Potter errr week here at Sara Is Reading What and since we’ve reviewed Deathly Hallows Part 1 I thought I would catch you up on my review of book 4 and 5

TITLE: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

AUTHOR: J. K. Rowlings

COPYRIGHT: June 1, 2003
TYPE: YA Fantasy
PAGES: 870
SERIES: yes
1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
4. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
6. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

REASON FOR READ: I wanted to re-read the books before movie 7 and then I got sucked in.

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
The fifth hefty installment to J.K. Rowling's renowned Harry Potter series takes a uniquely psychological and intensely dark turn, bringing the boy wizard at odds with his own identity and friendships as he continues to fight He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Now fifteen years old with four Voldemort battles under his belt, Harry feels frustrated about the growing public skepticism about the Dark Lord's return. Unfortunately, the Ministry of Magic is also voicing its doubt, and all of Hogwarts comes under the watchful eye of an oppressive Ministry representative. Despite the additional problems of looming O.W.L. exams and Hagrid's inexplicable absence, Harry's main preoccupation is his vivid dreams that take him to places -- and make him witness events -- that horrify and intrigue him. These dreams provide a shocking clue to his very existence, and when eventually they lead Harry to confrontation, the wizard must cope with a tragic death and a telling prophecy about his future.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
I have to admit this is my Favorite book out of the series so far. The first time I read through this series I was more of a fan of the Goblet of Fire. This time I have changed my mind. Harry is growing up he isn’t perfect and well everyone around him who knows him sees it. He’s more selfish, his immaturity really shines here, and his frustrations as a teenager suck you in. I really feel that this is the book that Harry can fully grow into his own and we as the audience get a sense of what is to come. Honestly after this book I didn’t think that the chosen one was such a great thing.

THINGS I LIKED:
I love that Harry is becoming the man he is suppose to be. That being said Ms. Rowlings kept him a teenager by making him feel left out, forgotten, him against the world, selfish thoughts even though he thought he wasn’t being that way. Harry to me became more like a real 15 year old boy instead of the poor boy who lost his family.

I love the Order and discovering who is in and who isn’t. Learning about the first time that Voldemort came and how they barely managed to survive. To me this helps us understand the real danger out there.

I loved how Ron and Hermione became even better friends with Harry sticking with him through all the doubt that the magical world had. They were doing everything they could to make him not feel alone. They took the laughter and ridicule too even though they didn’t have to. They really proved to Harry and us no matter what they are with him through it all.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:
Everything I disliked about this book was more like I hated how everyone doubted Harry until he proved it kind of things. Nothing is wrong with this story there are parts where it drags. Parts where I wanted to shake Harry and tell him to get over it and well parts where I wanted to stand up and yell at people making fun of Harry. But, there was nothing over all wrong with this story its still a favorite of mine and one I am sure I will re-read again.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? This is a keeper for me

Would you recommend this book? Yes I would recommend the whole series.

Challenges:
100+ book challenge
Re-Read Challenge

Reviewing Next:
I Dream of Genies by Judi Fennell

Review ~ Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

It’s Harry Potter errr week here at Sara Is Reading What and since we’ve reviewed Deathly Hallows Part 1 I thought I would catch you up on my review of book 4 and 5


TITLE: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
AUTHOR: J. K. Rowlings
COPYRIGHT: September 1, 2002
TYPE: YA Fantasy
PAGES: 734
SERIES: yes
1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
4. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
6. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

REASON FOR READ: I wanted to re-read the books before movie 7 and then I got sucked in.

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
First, imagine if you will, the sleepy but mysterious village of Little Hangleton, and what happened at the Riddle House. No, the Riddle House is not a place for riddles, but a home where the family died of fright. The man accused of murdering them was eventually released, but when he returns to the Riddle House, he overhears a curious conversation between someone named Wormtail and a terrible, dark presence by the name of Lord Voldemort -- oh, so sorry He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Volde... (oops, almost said it again) He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is one of the most powerful Dark wizards -- and he wants Harry Potter.

When Harry wakes from a particularly vivid dream, the scar on his forehead throbs, and he knows something is up. Harry's been living in a dreadful house on Privet Drive with his Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon, and greedy cousin, Dudley. They won't even let him do any wizardry -- you know Muggles, how they can't really handle that kind of stuff.

Harry's uncle and aunt like to let the neighbors think that Harry goes to St. Brutus's Secure Center for Incurably Criminal Boys rather than to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He has to hide his magic -- and even broomsticks aren't a suitable topic of conversation in the Dursley household. But everything is about to change for Harry, beginning with this particular summer vacation.

It starts with a letter from Mrs. Weasley, Harry's friend Ron's mother. She invites him to come spend the rest of the summer with the Weasleys and to go see the Quidditch World Cup. Quidditch is Harry's favorite sport in the world, and it isn't often that the Quidditch World Cup is in Britain. Faster than you can say "Hogwarts," Harry travels by fire to the Burrow, and the dark and threatening adventure begins.

On the way, Harry discovers that his interest in girls is becoming more nerve-wracking -- how is a young wizard to ask a girl to the Yule Ball? And what of the Goblet of Fire itself? And the Triwizard Tournament? And then, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named might be seeking Harry out even now!

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
The first time I read through this series this book was my favorite. I loved it so much that I was in pins and needles wondering how bad the movie would be. The movie didn’t turn out so bad I was pleasantly surprised by it. Anyway as far as the book is concerned I liked being introduced to Mad Eye Moody and learning more about the Tri-Wizard Tournament what it is and how it works. I loved the scene where we are introduced to the other magical schools. This author has a fantastic imagination to think of all the different schools and the way they learn and teach magic.

THINGS I LIKED:
I absolutely loved learning about the different schools out there that were just like Hogwarts. I enjoyed learning the culture and methods of teaching. The new personalities were very strong and made a lasting impression.

The Tournament itself was quite interesting how she came up with the 3 separate games and rules for them are fascinating. I loved watching Harry try to figure out how to win them without the help of Ron in the first match. However, Hermione stuck by Harry’s side throughout the whole Tournament. I loved that she never once questioned if Harry did and stood by his side throughout the whole Tournament. She even was the first to believe that Voldemort was back besides Dumbledore.

The twist at the end involving Mad Eye was very Oh Crap didn’t see that coming the first time however, this time it was just a nice ending and I could see how she brought it together throughout the book.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:
I hated that Ron acted the way he did when it came the tournament. I mean I get the whole I’m jealous thing but really? He’s your best friend why wouldn’t you believe him when he told you that he didn’t put his name in it.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? This is a keeper for me
Would you recommend this book? Yes I would recommend the whole series.

Challenges:
100+ book challenge
Re-Read Challenge

Reviewing Next:
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Review ~ The Heir by Grace Burrowes

Sorry guys I was sick over the weekend and I am finally back to work which mean access to a computer YAY. So here is that long awaited review!!!

TITLE: The Heir

AUTHOR: Grace Burrowes

COPYRIGHT: 12/7/2010

TYPE: Historical Romance

PAGES: 384

SERIES: yes

From Grace herself: Devlin's story, "The Soldier," will come out in June 2011, Val's story, "The Virtuoso," will come out in October 2011, and we start with their five sisters with, "Lady Sophie's Christmas Wish."

REASON FOR READ: Sourcebook sent me an ARC to review

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
In The Heir, the first in the series, the Earl of Wyndham, weighed down by responsibilities and determined to avoid the rounds of country houses of and matchmaking mamas, decides to summer in London. There he discovers a potentially perfect duchess in his lovely, mysterious housekeeper...

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
I really enjoyed reading this book it took me back to the days when I first discovered romance and why I fell in love with this genre. The characters are done in such a way you can't help but fall in love with them. This includes the siblings. Usually when siblings are involved I know there is going to be a series and with this book I can't help but be glad for that (this is usually far from the case.) I have to admit I am very curious about the sisters to learn more about them.
THINGS I LIKED:
well to simplify here's a list of 10 reason I love this book

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:
- I have to admit if there was a flaw in this book at all it was the current Duke. He is constantly meddling in his son's life making Gayle miserable. I absolutely hated that he convinced Gayle's mistress to get with child by another man, thinking that this would convince him to marry her, and claim the other man's baby as his own thinking that he had done this and take responsibility. Thank God Val warned him and let me be honest it really bugged me that a father would do this even though I understood that he wanted Gayle to get marry and have heirs you can't trick or lie to your son to make it happen and expect you won't fight about it.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? This is a keeper for me

Would you recommend this book? Um yeah in fact I think I have recommended it a bit much LOL!

Challenges:
100+ book challenge
Historical Romance
Romance Reading Challenge

Reviewing Next:
Eventually I need to review my HP books and I am thinking I might do that when I review the movie.

Quick review ~ Tempt Me with Darkness by Shayla Black

Title: Tempt Me with Darknessw

Author: Shayla Black

Type: Paranormal Romance?/Urban Fantasy Romance... or a mix up to you

Published: 8/26/2008 (Shit maybe the others are out I might have to find out...)

Pages: 359

Format: Ebook

Ever read her before: Nope this was my first one

Reason for reading: Pocket After Dark had it as a free read 

Thoughts:

While not the best book I've read all year it isn't the worst and my interest is peaked if there should happen to be another. The problem I had was the accent that the Hero had. OMG I wanted to strangle him half the time the other half when spoke without the accent I loved him. Example: 'Twould be more accurate to ask why I could achieve it with you methinks. The answer is, I know not. pg 113 SERIOUSLY? but then your normal later on.

The only other issue is Oliva's acceptance of magic was pretty smooth and easy. NOT SO MUCH if it happened to me. While I would love to be magically there is no way in hell I would be cool with it that fast. Nor would I believe I was just b/c the guy who I believe raped me even though he didn't said I was...

PS to clear it up there was NO RAPE scene that was witnessed or experienced that we had to read through. There is a rape but in a it happened by the bad guy we just learn about it afterward...er... well actually we know its going to happen but anyway different story and kind of important to the story so I won't go there.

Either way I enjoyed it enough to pick up the next in the series especially if the next deals with Bram

And there you go a quickie review from me on an ebook.

Edited note: Apparently this is a series and there are 4 total with the 5th coming out...
Fated #1.5 ~ Ronin and Kari's story (no idea who they are)
Seduce Me in the Shadow #2 ~ Caden and Sydney's story
Possess Me at Midnight #3 ~ Ice and Sabelle's story (OMG I might have to get this one I love Sabelle!)
Entice Me at Twilight #4 ~ Duke and Felicia's story (no clue who Felicia is but I heart Duke)
Embrace Me at Daw #5 ~ Lucan and Anka's Story (since they are already mated in the first book I think this is a prequel...)

No idea when Bram gets his story to which I am very upset *pouts* but I guess I should pay more attention to future releases!

Review ~ Beneath the Thirteen Moons by Kathryne Kennedy

TITLE: Beneath the Thirteen Moons

AUTHOR: Kathryne Kennedy
COPYRIGHT: re-release 12/7/2010 original: 12/5/2003
TYPE: Fantasy/Romance
PAGES: 384
SERIES: no

REASON FOR READ: Sourcebook sent me an ARC to review

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
Kathryne Kennedy's award-winning first book, now available for the first time to the trade market, features a magical, watery world in which mammoth trees grow up from the ocean floor, supporting all life within their canopy. In spite of the beauty and abundance, the world is harshly divided into two classes: pampered royalty and struggling have-nots. In search of a Healer for her swampland village, smuggler Mahri Zin inadvertently kidnaps the heir to the throne, Korl Com'nder. As the two become lovers, they discover that not only are their fates intertwined, but the very survival of their peoples depends on them...

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
I was mixed on this book while I loved the world building, the rules, the magic, the creation of plant life and creatures. I didn't enjoy the H/H I thought they were immature, rude, and complained a lot. I was okay with buying into the whole mating thing but after awhile I even grew frustrated with that.
THINGS I LIKED:
- I LOVE LOVE LOVE the world building it was awesome and inspiring. To create a world with 13 moons where the people either live in the swamp (poor class) or in the trees (rich class). She even went so far to create different looks and different amounts of power based on gentics. It was just awesome to read just the ecosystem alone she created would keep anyone interested. To create a world with 13 moons where the people either live in the swamp (poor class) or in the trees (rich class). She even went so far to create different looks and different amounts of power based on gentics.Then add to magical/power the people have through root they chew and you have a fantastic world that you either want to live in or visit.
- Jaja the pet who chose to live with Mahri is wonderful makes me want to have an animal that is more intelligent then me but still loves to be with me.
-I did enjoy the fact that even though Mahri had to be independent that she was willing to give all of that up in order to save her niece I think that spoke very highly of Mahri.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:
- I hated the whole "I hate you so I am going to constantly tell you that you won't like me b/c I'm just a river rat and I will resent you for thinking that but everytime you look at me I want to rip my clothes off and make mad passionate love to you" The sad part is I actually understood the rip your clothes off but I hated how long Mahri kept going on and on about hating the Prince b/c he was a Prince she didn't even try to get to know him.
- I also didn't get the whole immature act I felt that Mahri gave us. For being a powerful magical person who has lost a loved one and son she just seemed to carry herself in the oh I am happy to be free but guilty for feeling that way but hate Korl but I love him and why is everyone making me do something I don't want to do...

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Because I loved the world building I will be keeping this book.

Would you recommend this book? This book is classified as a paranormal romance but I see it more as a fantasy romance. Either way I would recommend it if you are looking for a wonderful world with some romance.

Challenges:
100+ book challenge
Romance Reading Challenge

Reviewing Next:
Harry Potter 5

Review ~ Devil's Desire by Laurie McBain

TITLE: Devil’s Desire

AUTHOR: Laurie McBain
COPYRIGHT: re-release 11/2010 original: 9/1975
TYPE: Historical Romance
PAGES: 325 pages
SERIES: no

REASON FOR READ: Sourcebook sent me an ARC to review

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
In a rousing, unforgettable saga that sweeps across the valleys and peaks of human destiny, the stormy alliance of beautiful young Lady Elysia Demarice and Lord Alex Trevegne plumbs the depths of raw human emotion -- lust, jealousy and hate -- for though Lord Alex has married Elysia, he cannot possess her in flesh or spirit. Out of the turbulence of their clashing wills comes one of the greatest love stories ever written, as their twin passions mingle at last, in a rippling tide of liquid fire!

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
This book was hard to really get into at first. I found that I was constantly reminding myself that this was originally written in 1975 and that comes across perfectly clear. There are a lot of things that were great but others weren’t so great. The fact that Alex takes Elysia by force the first time and she’s okay with it because her passions gave her away. The different little twist that you could see coming at the end was there. But all in all this is the book that started a lot of people’s love for romance out.

THINGS I LIKED:
- Elysia did stand up for herself to Alex she rarely backed down and when she did it was due to picking her battles. This led was a well rounded character and I liked that she wasn’t what was considered a traditional beauty.
- I liked that when Alex made a mistake at least he would admit it. Was it done in a matter I would’ve liked NO but at least he did admit and apology for when he was wrong.
- The brother of Alex was very interesting. It made me wonder what Alex would’ve been like if he wasn’t the eldest. Would he and Elysia have had it easier?

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:
- I mentioned a few above the forced romance that she gave into b/c she couldn’t help herself.
- I didn’t like the twist towards the end you could so see it coming and at times I found myself rolling my eyes at the writing.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? This isn’t my favorite so I will pass

Would you recommend this book? If you want to read what started the romance genre out then yes read it.

Challenges:
100+ book challenge
Romance Reading Challenge
Historical Challenge

Reviewing Next:
Harry Potter 5
Or Moonshine by Rob Thurman

Review ~ Nightlife by Rob Thurman

TITLE: Night Life
AUTHOR: Rob Thurman
COPYRIGHT: 2006
TYPE: Urban Fantasy
PAGES: 339
SERIES: Yes this is book 1

REASON FOR READ:
I had planned to finish this series since I own them all and thought I should refresh my memory on it.

SUMMARY (from the back of the book):
Welcome to the Big Apple. There’s a troll under the Brooklyn Bridge, a boggle in Central Park, and a beautiful vampire in a penthouse on the Upper East Side- and that’s only the beginning. Of course, most humans are oblivious to the preternatural nightlife around them, but Cal Leandros is only half human.

His father’s dark lineage is the stuff of nightmares – and he and his entire otherworldly race are after Cal. Why? Cal hasn’t exactly wanted to stick around long enough to find out.

He and his half brother, Niko, have managed to stay a step ahead for four years, but now Cal’s dad has found them again. And Cal is about to learn why they want him, why they’ve always wanted him: He is the key to unleashing their hell on earth. The fate of the human world will be decided in the fight of Cal’s life…

THOUGHTS/OPINION:So according to Goodreads I read this book back in 2007 and I have to cry foul. First off I can’t remember reading and this is not a book you quickly forget about. Secondly with as many books out around this series there should be no reason why I never picked it back up. This story line so far is dirty, rough, and dark. This is not a series I would suggest reading before bed. This book will scare you and make you think of things you don’t want to. To prove that point it is hard to look at a mirror the same way and if you have read this book you would know why.

I can’t wait to see where Ms. Thurman goes with this series.

THINGS I LIKED:- I love what Ms. Thurman has done with the characters. I truly believed their relationship and their actions which is hard for someone like myself to buy into. Especially when I found out she was a woman writing a teenage boy. Cal is not a guy I would ever want to date but I found that I wanted to protect him from himself and the bad guys. That is what made me fall in love with him. He can hold his own in a battle but I’ll be damned he was so unsure of everything he did except when it came to his brother.
- Man can I just say the bad guys were BAD there was no grey area here. You knew clearly who to root for and how you wanted to see dead. Some people don’t like that but hey I like to know up front that I shouldn’t get invested in this character b/c well their just not good.
- The extra characters that we get introduced to in this series are awesome. I hope that we will get to know more about them such as Robin Goodfellow and Georgie. I would like to see where she goes with these secondary characters.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:- This book did move slow at times when it came to a build up. It did pay off in the end but I have to say there were times the descriptions were heavy and it didn’t need to be
- If you don’t care of first person POV you will not like this. The book is told from Cal’s POV and well let’s face it he’s a very lazy angry teenage boy who is half monster. So some might be turned off by it.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Keeping I want to see where she takes this series.

Would you recommend this book? If you enjoy shows like Supernatural or shows that are darker but have a family bond to them then you will enjoy this book.

Favorite Quotes
“It seemed appropriate. It means grave. Tomb, Auphe hell. Whatever you want to call it. You’d be better off dead then to be there, trust me.” Now, there’s some information to be filed in the “too little, too late” column. Page 79

Me? I was lucky to get a grunt from the local pizza delivery girl. And I had nice eyes too, not to mention a killer ass. There truly was no justice in the world. Page 89

Yeah, smooth sailing. Was I wrong to think they probably had that embossed on the Titantic’s cocktail napkins? Page 236

Challenges:100+ Book Challenge
TBR Challenge

Review ~ Battle Royale by Koushun Takami

TITLE: Battle Royale
AUTHOR: Koushun Takami
COPYRIGHT: 2009
TYPE:  Fantasy
PAGES: 624
SERIES: Nope

REASON FOR READ:
I was talking about Hunger Games and remembered this is suppose to be the grown up version of that.

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
In an alternative future Japan, junior high students are forced to fight to the death! L to R (Western Style). Koushun Takami's notorious high-octane thriller is based on an irresistible premise: a class of junior high school students is taken to a deserted island where, as part of a ruthless authoritarian program, they are provided arms and forced to kill one another until only one survivor is left standing. Criticized as violent exploitation when first published in Japan--where it then proceeded to become a runaway bestseller--Battle Royale is a Lord of the Fliesfor the 21st century, a potent allegory of what it means to be young and (barely) alive in a dog-eat-dog world. Made into a controversial hit movie of the same name, Battle Royale is already a contemporary Japanese pulp classic, now available for the first time in the English language. A group of high school students are taken to small isolated island and forced to fight each other until only one remains alive! If they break the rules a special collar blows their heads off. Koushun Takami's brutal, high-octane thriller is told in breathless. blow-by-blow fashion. Battle Royale is a contemporary Japanese pulp classic now available for the first time in English.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
First off Hunger Games has nothing on this book at all. Its more violent, it involves more students, and well its just more graphic. And HOLY CRAP I absolutely loved it!!! I think this book makes you think more than Hunger Games, I feel as if more politics and emotions were invested with this book. In short I felt that even though this book involved teenagers it was more real and interesting then Hunger Games (and this from a Gal who still loves Hunger Games). I do think this book will make you more emotionally involved then any book I've read in a while.

THINGS I LIKED:
- I loved the characters even the flawed ones. In fact I was rooting for the main two I should've been rooting for but a part of me was rooting for all of them they were that well drawn out. I honestly felt for each and every one of them thrown in this situation
- Shogo stole my freakin heart. I never thought I would get so invested in his character the whole time we are suppose to be rooting for others but I absolutely loved this character and the investment we make with him.
- I never knew who would die next. Seriously I had a feeling who would win but then towards the end even then I found myself questioning it.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:
- This seems silly but I absolutely hated how it started. The beginning was very confusing and honestly while it was cool learning about 40 some odd different students I have to say it was hard to keep track of them all.
- I'm not sure if this is a like or a don't like. I liked the ending but I didn't it was a hit or miss for me and while I kind of thought I knew how it ended I didn't like the absoulte final ending.


Are you keeping it or passing it on? Keeping this was an AWESOME book.

Would you recommend this book? Yes if you want something more adult then the Hunger Games I HIGHLY recommend this book.

Challenges:100+ Book Challenge
TBR challenge

Reviewing Next: My re-read of Nightlife by Rob Thurman

Review ~ Lady of Hay by Barbara Erskine

TITLE: Lady of Hay
AUTHOR: Barbara Erskine
COPYRIGHT: Republished in October 2010
TYPE: Historical Fiction
PAGES: 576
SERIES: No

REASON FOR READ: Sourcebook asked if I would be interested in reviewing this ARC and I said yes. It sounded fantastic.

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
So well researched and so well written that it is almost impossible to put down. The novel has everything that readers of racy fiction could ask for: beautiful characters, exotic settings, passion...and situations and characters that are so completely convincing that they come to life.

With a mesmerizing, wrenching story set both in the present day and the 12th century, Lady of Hay explores how Joanna, a journalist investigating hypnotic regression, plunges into the life of Matilda, Lady of Hay—who lived 800 years earlier. As she learns of Matilda’s unhappy marriage, her love for Richard de Clare, and the brutal treatment she receives from King John, it seems that Jo’s past and present are hopelessly entwined and that, centuries later, a story of secret passion and unspeakable treachery is about to begin again—and she has no choice but to brave both lives if she wants to shake the iron grip of history.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
Joanna AKA Jo is a journalist who wants to right a story about hypnosis and regression through time. However, Jo soon discovers

THINGS I LIKED:
- I enjoyed learning about Matilda and her life. Learning how she lived in the past and what life was like for a lady back then. I didn’t enjoy the violence but I took it into account that this was the norm back then. Matilda was a wonderfully drawn out character and I found I enjoyed reading about her parts in the book the most.
- Jo was an interesting woman who seem to go back and forth. One moment she was a hard journalist the next she was a woman and strangely enough I really appreciated that from. I also liked that she did freak out about things that would freak anyone out.

THINGS I DIDN'T CARE FOR:
- There are some violent scenes in this book. Oh and heads up a possible rape scene and an actual rape scene do occur in this book. I don’t handle the rape scenes well and hate reading about them. I did keep in mind that this was the time period but I hated it when Sam was being manipulative towards Jo and I don’t care what you say that was attempted rape.
- I hated the constant back and forth with Nick. COME ON seriously either leave him or stay with him.

Would you recommend this book? I would recommend this book if you want an in-depth historical fiction novel with a hint of forbidden love. However, be warned the time period being wrote about women are objects and Matilda is treated as such.

Review ~ Wanderlust by Ann Aguirre

TITLE: Wanderlust
AUTHOR: Ann Aguirre
COPYRIGHT: 2008
TYPE: Sci/Fi ~ fantasy
PAGES: 312
SERIES:1. Grimspace
2. Wanderlust

REASON FOR READ:Read book one and loved it thought I should see how the series turns out since book 4 is coming out this month.

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
Broke and unemployed, "Jumper" Sirantha Jax accepts a diplomatic mission for the government—only to find herself up against Syndicate criminals, man-eating aliens, and her own grimspace-weakened body

 THOUGHTS/OPINION:This one took me longer to get into then the other one and I can't place why it did. I enjoyed it and about half way through it really started flying for me.

The most exciting part for me happened at the end so once I reached that last 3rd I couldn't put it down.

THINGS I LIKED:
- I like that Jax is growing. Nothing gets my goat then a character that never grows or changes.
- The nice little bit with Jax's mom was very interesting I won't say more b/c it was a great part that I really enjoyed.
- I love that new characters were introduced in a way that was not just a simple plot deviced but was used in a way that flowed and made sense.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:
- I hate that Jax is always thinking on death or how she will die. I know that is part of her morbid self but still after a while it got old. But then something wonderful happen and she got a reason to live.

- I really hate how she focuses so much on Kai and how much she misses him while at the same time claims how much she loves March. I understand you might have some feelings but I think its cruel to keep bringing up the dead to a man you supposely love.

- Hate what happens to March no I won't go into details but UGH!!!! (email me if you wish to discuss)

Are you keeping it or passing it on? After borrowing this book from Coffcat I decided to pick up the whole series. So yeah I'm keeping it.

Would you recommend this book? Uh yeah!!!

Favorite Quotes: Hold on to your pants there are a lot

“Big deal,” I mutter. “Everything makes me nervous. It’s a wonder I haven’t developed a tick.”
“You have,” March puts in ever helpful. “Your left eye sort of-”
“Thanks, baby you’re a gem.”
Page 8

“You alright?” If I had a credit for every time March has asked me that question, I wouldn’t be mourning my missing money.
Page 28

If the Psychs can be trusted – which they can’t- I suffer from borderline paranoid dysfunction. I suspect everyone of treachery and subversive plots against me. But like the old adage goes: Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they aren’t out to get you.
Page 43

I wish I had a penis.
March’s amusement ripples through me. Yeah that’s going on the list of things I never want to hear again. I grin, knowing I’m not going to explain the contex.
Page 61

Challenges:
100+ Book Challenge

Reviewing Next:

Battle Royal by Koushun Takami

Review ~ Emma and the Vampires by Wayne Josephson

TITLE: Emma and the Vampires
AUTHOR: Wayne Josephson
COPYRIGHT: 2010
TYPE: classic match up with vampires ?
PAGES: 304
SERIES: Not that I’m aware of.

REASON FOR READ:
Rec’d this from Source book as ARC

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
In this hilarious retelling of Jane Austen's Emma, screenwriter Wayne Josephson casts Mr. Knightley as one of the most handsome and noble of the gentlemen village vampires. Blithely unaware of their presence, Emma, who imagines she has a special gift for matchmaking, attempts to arrange the affairs of her social circle with delightfully disastrous results. But when her dear friend Harriet Smith declares her love for Mr. Knightley, Emma realizes she's the one who wants to stay up all night with him. Fortunately, Mr. Knightley has been hiding a secret deep within his unbeating heart-his (literal) undying love for her... A brilliant mash-up of Jane Austen and the undead

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
I have to admit during most if not all of this book I was highly confused. I couldn’t tell if Emma knew Mr. Knightley was a vampire or not. Or for that matter did she know that all the men in the country were? I mean she knew that there were rogues running wild but she acted as if she didn’t know the “gentlemen” were. But they were always making comments that should’ve clued her in.
Also keep in mind I’ve never read the Original all the way through.

THINGS I LIKED:
- I did like the writing. It was light and fun nothing too hard or serious. Plus for some reason this was really easy to understand while the Original wasn’t.
- I did enjoy Emma. She is a strong character that knows her mind and knows what she wants. I enjoyed that she wasn't running around trying to get married in fact she was trying to avoid it.
- Overall it was a cute story of love and finding your love.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:- While I enjoyed the Emma's strong character I really didn't like how flaky she comes across and having no back ground in the original I am not sure if she is like that or not. It just didn't fit with her.


Are you keeping it or passing it on? While enjoyable not a favorite of mine so I will pass on this one.

Would you recommend this book? Actually I would if you enjoy the Original I think you might enjoy seeing a lighter side. It did have some moments I caught myself smiling over. Also the vampire twist is fun as well.

Challenges:
100+ book Challenge

Review ~ White Cat by Holly Black

TITLE: White Cat
AUTHOR: Holly Black
COPYRIGHT: 2010
TYPE: YA fantasy
PAGES: 310
SERIES: Yes I just found out she has book 2 coming out next year.
1. White Cat
2. Red Glove

REASON FOR READ: I believe Lurv ala Mode mentioned at some point on her blog and I thought it sounded interesting.

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
Cassel comes from a family of curse workers -- people who have the power to change your emotions, your memories, your luck, by the slightest touch of their hands. And since curse work is illegal, they're all mobsters, or con artists. Except for Cassel. He hasn't got the magic touch, so he's an outsider, the straight kid in a crooked family. You just have to ignore one small detail -- he killed his best friend, Lila, three years ago.
Ever since, Cassel has carefully built up a façade of normalcy, blending into the crowd. But his façade starts crumbling when he starts sleepwalking, propelled into the night by terrifying dreams about a white cat that wants to tell him something. He's noticing other disturbing things, too, including the strange behavior of his two brothers. They are keeping secrets from him, caught up in a mysterious plot. As Cassel begins to suspect he's part of a huge con game, he also wonders what really happened to Lila. Could she still be alive? To find that out, Cassel will have to out-con the conmen.
Holly Black has created a gripping tale of mobsters and dark magic where a single touch can bring love -- or death -- and your dreams might be more real than your memories

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
WOW this book totally caught me off guard. I didn't expect it to be as good as it was. I really enjoyed the twists and turns. And I hate to admitt it but it kept me on the edge of my seating and up late into the night trying to get it all read.

THINGS I LIKED:
- I loved Cassel he was an amazing character. I loved reading about his growth, struggles, and his past. He was wonderful as a character with his flaws, his family, and of course his past. He just made the book worth reading.
- I did enjoy the twists and turns this book took a lot of them actually managed to surprise me which is sometimes hard to do in a YA novel.
- I loved, loved, loved the world building that Ms. Black did. Her rules of curse working and the consequences were awesome and she was very good at sticking with the rules.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:- I didn't like Cassel's family I didn't feel they were good for him but then again he wouldn't be a character I was loyal to if it wasn't for his family.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? I would keep it but it was a library book. However, when book 2 comes out I will pick it up.

Would you recommend this book? yes I really do recommend this series on the world building alone and then when you add in Cassel its a MUST read.

Challenges:
100+ Book Challenge

Reviewing Next:Wanderlust by Ann Aguirre

Review ~ Hunting Ground by Patricia Briggs

TITLE: Hunting Ground
AUTHOR: Patricia Briggs
COPYRIGHT: 2009
TYPE: paranormal romance
PAGES: 286
SERIES:
1. Short Story
2. Cry Wolf
3. Hunting Ground


REASON FOR READ:Read book 1 and loved it saw this in TBR and thought I had to read next.

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
Mated to werewolf Charles Cornick, the son -and enforcer -of the leader of the North American werewolves, Anna Latham now knows how dangerous being a werewolf is, especially when a werewolf opposes Charles and his father is struck down. Charles's reputation makes him the prime suspect, and the penalty for the crime is execution. Now Anna and Charles must combine their talents to hunt down the real killer -or Charles will take the fall.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
I still heart Charles and Anna. I love their story and I love reading about their growing relationship. This had yet another plot that I could’ve lived without but b/c of it made them stronger as a couple and helped Anna come into her own.

THINGS I LIKED:- That they are both working hard to get the other to understand, feel comfortable, and love them. They both have issues and they are trying to work them out.
- Anna keeps getting stronger and stronger. She’s not so strong after her horrible ordeal that she can go out and take over the world. But she is working through her fears and refuses to let them rule her any longer.
- Charles loves her and is working as hard as he can to prove to her his love without hurting her. I also like that Charles is worried that he won’t be the person she needs.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:
- I didn’t like the whole bring in other species part but it had a fun little plot twist connected with it.
- I didn’t like the Vampires they seemed pointless and unnecessary


Are you keeping it or passing it on? Keeping b/c I heart Anna and Charles

Would you recommend this book? Yes but only if you’ve read them all in order. Not a series you can skip around on.

Favorite Quotes:
I can’t recall the particular quote but I love when she is commenting on what color of shirt he “magically” wears never red.

Challenges:100+ Book Challenge
Romance Reading Challenge

Reviewing Next:
One I forgot about:
White Cat by Holly Black

Review ~ Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs

TITLE: Cry Wolf
AUTHOR: Patricia Briggs
COPYRIGHT: 2008
TYPE: paranormal romance
PAGES: 294
SERIES:
First full novel but a short story before
1. Short story
2. Cry Wolf
3. Hunting Ground

REASON FOR READ:
Loved the short story with these two so of course I had to read the next one in the series.

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
Anna never knew werewolves existed until the night she survived a violent attack…and became one herself. After three years at the bottom of the pack, she’d learned to keep her head down and never, ever trust dominant males. But Anna is that rarest kind of werewolf: an Omega. And one of the most powerful werewolves in the country will recognize her value as a pack member—and as his mate.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
This book takes off right where the short story left and I couldn’t be happier for it. I am glad that we had to see Anna cope with being sent to Montana and it was nice seeing Charles cope with Anna while injured. It made things very interesting.

THINGS I LIKED:
- I loved watching Anna come into her own. She was victimized beyond belief and yet still didn’t bring and has grown in character. Watching her fight for her mate and her life was refreshing. Yet being able to see her weakness and how people make her still coward was also refreshing. She was healed instantly it will still take time for her.
- Anna is a wonderful person and I loved watching her realize how much of a wonderful person she was. I also enjoyed her slow realization of Charles and his love for her.
- Charles is yet another character that I enjoyed watching grow. Anna throws off his whole world and yet he still does everything he can to protect her even injured.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:
- I think I just didn’t like the witch. Not sure why I mean I understand why she was key in the plot but I just didn’t like her part.
- The fact that Anna still can’t understand that what is Charles is hers and vise versa.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Keeping

Would you recommend this book? I think this series is wonderfully sweet and yet brutal

Favorite Quotes:
Things that might have made him question his earlier assessment that as long as he didn’t die he’d be fine. ~ page 258

Challenges:Romance Reading
TBR
100+ Books

Reviewing Next:Hunting Ground by Patricia Briggs.

Review ~ Grimspace by Ann Aguirre

TITLE: Grimspace
AUTHOR: Ann Aguirre
COPYRIGHT: 2008
TYPE: Science Fiction/Fantasy
PAGES: 312
SERIES: Yes first in the series

REASON FOR READ:.
All my friends kept raving about this series and well book 4 comes out in a few weeks so I thought I would give it a go

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
As the carrier of a rare gene, Sirantha Jax has the ability to jump ships through grimspace—a talent which makes her a highly prized navigator for the Corp. Then a crash landing kills everyone on board, leaving Jax in a jail cell with no memory of the crash. But her fun's not over. A group of rogue fighters frees her…for a price: her help in overthrowing the established order



THOUGHTS/OPINION:
I have to say I am truly disappointed in myself for not picking up this book sooner. This blew my expectations out of the water. I enjoyed Jax I liked how flawed she was, how selfish she was, and how much of a coward she was. But and here's the major kicker that sold me... she GREW as a person and a character. She FREAKING grew and matured in one book PRAISE GOD someone got it right when it comes to flawed characters.

THINGS I LIKED:
- Jax she was flawed and still is but you could see her actually growing throughout the story which was refreshing.
- I liked that March and his crew didn't like Jax they did what they did b/c they had to save people. Not because they liked her and it took her a while to really fit in a lot of her fitting in had to do with her actually maturing.
- I liked learning about the crew and not all at once. The crew was the most enjoyable part
- The worlds Ann created were amazing each one different, each one had different spieces that didn't all talk the same language, they all looked different and had different cultures.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:
- There honestly isn't much and that says a lot b/c let's be honest I can find something wrong with most things.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Keeping

Would you recommend this book? Yes I highly recommend this book and I hope that I can recommend the next couple.

Favorite Quotes:I can see why that’d be a particular concern for him, seeing as he can’t fight at al. Not even monster. He’s reliant on me now for his protection. And if that’s not the shitest twist of fate ever, I don’t know what is. ~ page 66

Nodding I fall in behind March not b/c I acknowledge his authority in any fashion but b/c if by some chance we were wrong and there’s something big and ugly left in these wetlands I really prefer it eats him first. Give me a chance to run.
“Nice,” he says, spearing a glance over his shoulder. “Really nice.”
Oh sure, that he hears. ~ page 112

Challenges:
TBR
Romance Reading
100+ Book

Reviewing Next:
Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs

Review ~ Sins of the Night by Serrilyn Kenyon

TITLE: Sins of the Night
AUTHOR: Sherrilyn Kenyon
COPYRIGHT: 2005
TYPE: paranormal romance
PAGES: 384
SERIES: yes and no I am not writing this out.

REASON FOR READ:
I’ve read them up to this point I figured I should continue

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
In the realm of the Dark-Hunters there is a code of honor that even immortal bad boys must follow: Harm no human. Drink no blood. Never fall in love. But every now and again a Dark-Hunter thinks himself above the Code. That's when I'm summoned. Who am I?



THOUGHTS/OPINION:
I thought I would like this one more than I did but for some reason I just couldn’t get into it.

THINGS I LIKED:
- I liked learning more about Ash and his home and getting to see Simi again.
- Learning that Simi has a sister was pretty cool and I loved how she bonded with Alex so that she could be near her Simi (love the way they talk LOL)

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:
- I can’t place my finger on it but something about this book just wasn’t doing it for me. I didn’t like Alex I didn’t care for Danger and well that in itself was the probably.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? I seriously would pass on it but I have the WHOLE series.

Would you recommend this book? No the only good thing was learning about Ash

Challenges:
100+ Book Challenge
Romance Reading Challenge
TBR challenge

Reviewing Next:
The Ghost Wore Yellow Socks by Josh Lanyon

Review ~ The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

TITLE: The Body Finder
AUTHOR: Kimberly Derting
COPYRIGHT: 2010
TYPE: YA
PAGES: 327
SERIES: Yes first in the series

REASON FOR READ: The story sounded interesting.

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her “power” to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes the dead leave behind in the world . . . and the imprints that attach to their killers.

Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift; it mostly just led her to find dead birds her cat had tired of playing with. But now that a serial killer has begun terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he’s claimed haunt her daily, she realizes she might be the only person who can stop him.

Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet on her quest to find the murderer—and Violet is unnerved to find herself hoping that Jay’s intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she’s falling intensely in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering a killer . . . and becoming his prey herself



THOUGHTS/OPINION:
I really enjoyed this book. Usually I can’t stand YA books but this one was not only rich in story the “love” story was awesome. I love the BFF love story line and this one had a totally sweet and honest love story. The mystery was different and I have to say her “Gift” was weird but I still liked the way she handled it and dealt with life.

THINGS I LIKED:
- Violet she was surprisingly a good strong YA character. She is one character that I could relate to if I were younger and one that used good sense. When she didn’t use good sense she admitted it and learned from her mistakes. Considering what she has to deal with (sensing dead people/animals and what not) she is very well rounded.
- Jay he was SUPER sweet as a love interest and even though he had “blossomed” over the summer he still really liked Violet and didn’t change into an ego chasing manic. Not only that be he really, really loved/liked Violet and was sweet about it plus he knew her secret and looked out for added bonus
- I liked the special “gift” she had it was unique and wore her out it was as if she could find a body and poof she was fine but she actually had to do something about them in order to stop the noise.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:
- I didn’t like the twist at the end but I will let you figure it out. I thought one was enough
- I have to admit I skipped the killers thoughts just b/c I didn’t feel they were needed. That being said I don’t normally read these types of books so that may be typical and just a personal preference.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? It was a library book so I am passing. If the second is as good I might pick up the whole series

Would you recommend this book? Yes I highly recommend this YA book

Challenges:100+ Book Challenge
Romance Reading challenge

Reviewing Next:
Sins of the Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Review ~ Seize the Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon

TITLE: Size the Night
AUTHOR: Sherrilyn Kenyon
COPYRIGHT: 2004
TYPE: paranormal romance
PAGES: 325
SERIES: Uh yes and please don’t make me write them out

REASON FOR READ: Read up to this book last year and a co-worker convinced me I needed to catch up

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
Hail Glorious Reader:

I was born the noble son of a legendary Roman senator. I walked through the ancient world as a general, admired and supreme until a brutal betrayal caused me to bargain my soul. Now I'm an immortal Dark-Hunter, bound to protect mankind from the evil scourge that haunts it. Over the centuries, I've seen many frightening things: plagues, pestilence, disco music...

And now Tabitha Devereaux. A human, she has trained herself to fight vampires every bit as capably as any Dark-Hunter. Idiosyncratic and off-beat, she is my personal bane-and yet she beguiles me. There are only two small problems. She happens to be the twin of my mortal enemy's wife. More than that, Tabitha and her sister are being stalked by a power that will not rest until everyone she holds dear is dead.

Unlike my Dark-Hunter brethren, I rely on no one but myself. They spurned me and I turned my back on them. But the only way to save Tabitha and her family is to find some way to bridge a two thousand-year-old feud.

They say opposites attract, but can they stay together when even the Fates conspire to keep them apart? Then again, the Fates have never dealt with the likes of Tabitha Devereaux before. They're going to be in for quite a fight...

--Valerius Magnus
THOUGHTS/OPINION:.
Everyone warned me that after the last book they only get worse. That being said however, I was pleasantly surprised by this one. I really enjoyed it and I recommend it. There were of course parts that annoyed me but I liked Valerius and realized a lot more about him then you do in Dance with the Devil. This one happened to be my favorite book so far of the series.

THINGS I LIKED:
- I like that Amanda was very strong and loved life. The fact that she liked who she was and didn’t doubt it was refreshing. She is definitely the take me or leave me kind of girl who really means it.
- I love that Amanda could hold her own but knew when she should ask for help and when she was in over her head.
- I loved watching Valerius fall in love with Amanda and realized that she wasn’t going to leave him no matter how horrible his past.
- I liked that even though they didn’t respect him Valerius still took his job serious and fought as good as he could. I also appreciate that while he was being picked on by the others and hated he didn’t whine about it.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:
- Man hatred last forever in these novels. I mean it took Ash to show Zarek the truth for him to understand and even then he still gave the cold shoulder.
-The men in these books can hold a grudge FOREVER.
- The ending was nicely wrapped up and at first I didn’t like how easy it was but I have grown to appreciate it since.
- The bad guy not so bad and I ended up skipping over half of his story line.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Keeping b/c I have the whole series

Would you recommend this book? Yeah it was a good story

Challenges:
100+ Book Challenge
Romance Reading Challenge
TBR Challenge
Name Challenge

Reviewing Next: Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

The Good, the Bad and the Undead

TITLE: The Good, the Bad, and the Undead
AUTHOR: Kim Harrison
COPYRIGHT: 2005
TYPE: Urban Fantasy
PAGES: 453
SERIES: yes book 2

1. Dead Witch Walking
2. The Good, The Bad, and the Undead3. Every Which Way but Dead
4. A Fist Full of Charms
5. For a Few Demons More (DIK Challenge)
6. The Outlaw Demon Wails
7. White Witch Black Curse
8. Black Magic Sanction

REASON FOR READ:
read book 1 and really enjoyed it thought it was time for book 2

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
Rachel Morgan s back, and in more trouble than ever! Fans of Laurell K. Hamilton and other vampire novels won t want to miss the second novel in Kim Harrison s addicting--and already bestselling--supernatural series.
Former-bounty-hunter Rachel Morgan has it pretty good. She s left the corrupt Inderland Runner Service and started her own independent service. She s survived werewolves, shape-changing demons, bad-hair days, and sharing a church with her vampire roommate Ivy. She even has a cute (if human) boyfriend-what more could a witch want?
But living with a reformed vampire isn t all it s cracked up to be, particularly when your roommate s very bad ex-boyfriend wants her back, and wouldn t mind you in the process. And especially when he s six feet of sheer supernatural seduction, and you ve got a demon mark that makes vampires literally hotter than hell....
To save herself and Ivy, Rachel must confront the vampire master-and the dark secrets she s hidden even from herself


THOUGHTS/OPINION:.
Overall I think this is a really good series so far. However, I do think that Rachel has A LOT of opportunity to grow up. There is a lot of her behavior in this series that made me roll my eyes. It felt as if things don't go her way she doesn't care b/c she is going to make them go her way or everyone can go to hell... oh whoops maybe I should've listened to (Insert BF, Ivy or Jinx) b/c it turns out they might have been right.

THINGS I LIKED:
- I do like that Rachel is forced to deal with Ivy a little bit more in this book. In this book we actually see the pain and struggle that Ivy has to deal with living with Rachel. I think it was good to see that maybe if Rachel knew it she could've of dealt with it before now.
- I like the demon, not a good thing I think but I like that he is amusing and well finds Rachel to be amusing... ex: "You're like watching a five year old."
- I did like that I was right about Trent and what he was. I also liked that finally at the end Rachel realized her OBESSION with it being Trent was wrong and she was going to have to except it.
-Once Rachel got off her Trent OBESSION she finally became the person I enjoyed in the first book which was nice.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:
-This constant OBESSION with it having to be Trent. Yes we all hate Trent, yes he is a bad guy but FOLLOW procedure if you EVER hope to bring him down. And yet you get mad when everyone tells you this b/c its not what you want. GROW UP! yes strangely that was my only complaint which means I will be reading the next.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Keeping

Would you recommend this book? yeah I think its a good 2nd book

Challenges:
100+ book challenge
TBR book Challenge

Review ~ Nomansland by Lesley Hauge

TITLE: Nomansland
AUTHOR: Lesley Hauge
COPYRIGHT: 2010
TYPE: YA fantasy
PAGES: 256
SERIES: I am not for sure but I would assume it could be

REASON FOR READ: Saw it at http://www.lurvalamode.com/ and thought if she was interested then I should be too!

SUMMARY: {From Goodreads}
Sometime in the future, a lonely, windswept island is populated solely by women. Among these women is a group of teenaged Trackers—expert equestrians and archers—whose job is to protect their shores from the enemy. The enemy, they’ve been told, is men. When these girls come upon a partially buried home from the distant past, they are fascinated by the strange objects—high-heeled shoes, teen magazines, make-up—found there. What are they to make of these mysterious things? And what does it mean for their strict society where friendship is forbidden and rules must be obeyed—at all costs?

THOUGHTS/OPINION:.
I am actually conflicted on this book. Part of me really liked the thought behind it, the fact it wasn’t same old same old, and it had a nice little twist. That being said however, part of me didn’t like it and I can’t exactly tell you why.

Things I enjoyed:
I liked how she portrayed the future in such a different way it made you wonder some things.
I did like the main characters both old and new.
And I even have to admit that the YAs didn’t annoy me like they usually do. I thought all the YAs were well fleshed out and mature for their environment which has been a pleasant experience.
I did like how the author took time to let you get to know all the Trackers in the group and I really felt as if I was experiencing things fresh or if I hadn’t been exposed to all the media like current maybe that is how I would’ve reacted.

Things I didn’t care for:
Again I’m caught I can’t really place what it is about this book that I didn’t enjoy. Obviously I kept reading it. Obviously my interested was peaked so what is it about this particular book that leaves me indifferent? No idea but I found I just couldn’t really connect with anyone and I wonder if that’s b/c the world building and characterization was so good I just found it so difficult to really connect to someone.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Keeping it until I can place where I want it to go.

Would you recommend this book? Yes I think I would to anyone who enjoys fantasy and YA.

Challenge
100+ book challenge