Vampire Crush A.M. Robinson

Source: Author



I swear, my life was always totally normal.


Normal house, normal family, normal school. My looks are average, I don't have any superpowers, no one's showing up to tell me I'm a princess—you get the picture. But when my junior year started, something not normal happened. There were new kids at school . . . new kids with a wardrobe straight out of a 19th-century romance novel, and an inexplicable desire to stay at school until sundown.

And on top of that, James Hallowell showed up. James, who stole my sandwiches in fourth grade and teased me mercilessly through middle school. James, who now seems to have the power to make my heart race any time he comes near.

But something weird is going on. Because James rarely goes out during the day. And he seems stronger than your typical guy. And he knows the new kids, all of whom seem to be harboring some kind of deep secret. . . .



Before you judge this book on the synopsis, wait. Vampire Crush is nothing like Twilight and I promise you that. I loved this book. I didn't really know what to expect from it since I too was worried it was going to be another Twilight, but it's not. It's full of action, adventure, and just plain fun. I enjoyed Sophie. She was a funny character and all she was trying to do was interview the new students who were totally freaking her out. Vlad was a total mystery to me. I kept wondering what is his problem? It seemed that one thing he said happened and all the girls were swooning all after him, espeially Sophie's sister.


Another great part about this book is the cover. I love the candy bat and the red velvet color in the background. It captures the book fully, but still leaves you with a question of what this book is going to be about.


Overall, I truly enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more of A.M. Robinson's work.



♥♥♥ 1/2

-Ana

The Forest of Adventures (Knight Trilogy #1) by Katie M. John - Review by Rissa

For seventeen year old Mina Singer, falling in love with an Arthurian Knight on a white horse was never part of the plan - especially being that she's an ordinary college girl living in the twenty first century.
As Mina finds herself catapulted into a land she believed only existed in the bedtime stories of her childhood, she soon discovers that Fairyland is not quite as innocent as she imagined.

The question is...who will come out alive?

Haunting, beautiful and sexy, The Forest of Adventures, is a dark romantic quest into the land of true and forbidden love.




The Forest of Adventures by Katie M. John is a beautiful story of an ordinary girl, Mina Singer, finds out that the life she once thought to be perfect is severely lacking. She realized this when she comes face to face with the handsome Blake Beldevier whose mysterious persona sweeps her off her feet, much to her dismay. What starts off as a hormonal/emotional struggle between right and wrong (can she choose this alluring new man over her faithful, loving boyfriend?), turns into a crisis in which Mina must step into a role she is totally unprepared for, and have to make choices that will break hearts, and shake up her destiny.


Originality


In reading this I found that Ms. John took a fairly well known plot, and added just enough details to make it come alive once more. Let's face it, there's only so many times one can read a story about a girl who realizes that her life is not what she wants it to be, but once you throw in a knight, Arthurian legend, a life-or-death major dramatic question, and Morgan Le Fay, you've got yourself an amazing story! I especially loved how Ms. John put so much detail and depth into Mina's thoughts about her boyfriend Sammy. As I was reading I felt like I was right there with Mina, experiencing her guilt, her indecision, and her sacrifice.


Cover


The cover of this book is alluring, and instantly made me wonder what it was about, and want to read more into it. The girl, who I presume to be Mina, is standing in a forest surrounded by trees, beautiful flowers, and a starry sky. It gives off a magical feeling, and sets the mood for the story. It is also a plot device for an important setting in the book.


Characters


I very much enjoyed Mina's character, and especially her dedication to Sammy, her boyfriend who she obviously cares for, even when she finds herself falling for Blake. Perhaps it's due to guilt, but I found it impressive that she openly admitted that she still cared for Sammy, and was willing to risk it all to save him, even though she truly loved Blake. I sometimes find female lead characters to be complely vapid, and I am happy to report that Mina broke the mold. I also loved her ability to verbally spar with Blake, she never gave into him too quickly and many times I found myself laughing at her antics.

Now, for Blake. Oh, dear Blake, how I love you. Handsome, honorable, romantic, brooding, how can one not be completely enchanted by him? With the character of Blake I particularly loved how Ms. John made the knight-in-shining-armor persona into the actual character of a knight. I also appreciated that he was far from being the perfect man, expecially given the "brooding" aspect of his character. There were several places where Mina is greatly frustrated/annoyed/ by this, as was I, but it made him all the more alive. After all, what's a handsome guy without a tragic backstory?

I'm grouping the last two characters together in this part, because I found that they were perfect foils to one another; these two characters would be Vivian and Morgan. I absolutely loved the character of Vivan; mysterious, selfless, motherly- and Morgan; evil, manipulative, and scheming. I really loved the author's take on these recognizable literary names, because it made them both more relatable.


Plot


The mysterious prologue is the first thing the reader will encounter upon opening the book (at least, I would hope it is!). I found it to be alluring and a perfect draw in, because one cannot help but wonder, 'what in the world is going on?' Well, you won't know for a while, but you'll definitely keep reading because you will want to find out!

"The pain is exquisite, the pain is love."
See?? Aren't you dying to read more??

I was so impressed by the way that Ms. John wove key plot points together, in a way that was entirely unexpected. For example, with the character of Sammy, in a million years I did not expect him to play the part he did. In the beginning he was the rather stereotypical and safe boyfriend but, in ways I can't explain for fear of ruining the surprise, his is the role that will test Mina's resolve...and her love.

As I have said in the past, I adore stories about knights, kings, chivalry, and magic. If you find yourself in loving the same themes, Forest of Adventures is the book for you! And, if it's not, check it out anyway, because you may find a new genre to love!

I found that the story had the perfect balance of Arthurian and modern themes, as well as msytery, plot twists and, as you may have guessed, adventure. Katie M. John has written into existance a world that the reader can easily get drawn into and will not want to leave.


Conclusion


Let me say this, the ending leave you absolutely breathless, in shock, and dying for more. I was stunned because the biggest plot twist in the book happens in the last few pages, so I will warn...don't get too comfortable because you will be blown away, and wanting more!


In conclusion, I truly enjoyed this book and I give it a rating of ♥♥♥♥

Contrary to Popular Belief, I AM still alive!

Hey everyone!

So, it's been a while but I'm finally back, and with good news; I've been accepted into my top choice college! That really is the story of why I haven't been around lately- for the last couple of weeks I've been swamped in school/college apps work. I only actually sent in one app, but as the Early Decision deadline was approaching I began to panic and think, "Oh no, what if I actually don't get in??" So thus, I began filling out other apps like a mad(wo)man, just in case. This proved to be unnecessary, because I was accepted but, as they say, better to be safe than sorry. All is well.

So, anyway! I have been working on reading books and setting up interviews for the blog, and as soon as I post this I'll be typing up a book review on The Forest of Adventures by Katie M. John (spoiler alert, it's a definite must read!).

I'm going to take this opportunity to say Merry Christmas to all, and I wish you much happiness in the New Year, and God Bless!

-Rissa

The Deadly Sister by Eliot Schrefer

Source: Publisher


Abby Goodwin is sure her sister Tabitha isn't a murderer. But her parents don't agree. Her friends don't agree. And the cops definitely don't agree. Tabitha is a drop-out, a stoner, a girl who's obsessed with her tutor, Clyde Andrews...until he ends up dead. Tabitha runs away, and leaves Abby following the trail of clues. Each piece of evidence points to Tabitha, but it also appears that Clyde had secrets of his own. And enemies. Like his brother, who Abby becomes involved with...until he falls under suspicion.
Is Abby getting closer to finding the true murderer? Or is someone leading her down a twisted false path?

This book was an intense thriller. I don't usually read thriller, but this one blew me away. The writing was amazing and Eliot knows how to keep the reader engaged. Never did I run into a slow part in the book where I wanted to skip.

Abby Goodwin is your typical nice girl who does everything right, and there's her sister Maya who's the opposite of her. Maya's now accused of the murder of Jefferson and right after that you go on a roller coster. You won't know who to believe and you will not know who to trust. And let me say this, the ending will shock you completely! You will not believe what will happen and your mind won't even go there.

I loved the cover of this book and how it doesn't give away anything about the plot. It does make it seem mysterious, yet it captures the book.

Overall, if you're into mysteries/thrillers, this book is for you. It's the type of book that keeps you up all night to finish so you will know who was the person behind all of this.

♥♥♥♥1/2

-Ana

Contest!

I have a new contest for everyone! One lucky winner will win a signed bookmark by Lisa Desrochers, author of PERSONAL DEMONS. I'm reading that book right now and it's amazing!! Also, you will win 2 temporary tattoos along with the bookmark. One tattoo says Team Luc and the other one says Team Gabe.

Okay, so now onto the rules:

1. The deadline for the contest is Decemeber 29, 2010

2. To enter, all you have to do is write to me at anarissachronicles@gmail.com with the subject "Personal Demons Bookmark" .

3. Just write your name in the body of the email.

Also, I will be announcing the winner on December 30, 2010 and you will receive an email from me.

Good Luck to everyone!!!

-Ana

The Lying Game by Sara Shepard

Source: Publisher


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, carefree daughter when she hugs my parents good night? 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.

Never have I ever read a book from Sara Shepard. I never even have read Pretty Little Liars (I know I'm dying to read that one). But once I read this book, I fell in love with it. The beginning was a little slow for me, but once I got into the book, it was a big total mystery with drama, but mostly mystery. The narrator is Sutton's ghost, but for some reason, I didn't catch on to that for a long time in the book. Emma was a great character. Being grown up in a foster care, I felt so bad for her. But as she went in with Sutton's family, I saw the love from them and a whole new experience for Emma.

I thought the plot was amazing. Most books I've read are about paranormal creatures from vampires to werewolves to angels. Reading this book for a change was great and Sara Sheaprd really does know her stuff.

The cover of the book was absolutly beautiful. HarperTeen alaways does amazing book covers, but this one had a feel of mystery in it which I adored.

Overall, this book was a great quick read which left me guessing until the end and I can't wait to read the sequal, Never Have I Ever.

♥♥♥♥1/2

-Ana

Happy Birthday, Ana!!! :D

Soo, I see that she posted today, but made no mention to her 16th birthday...whattt? Unacceptable! Now, I'm rather scared to know that she now has the ability to drive, which makes me question the near proximity of our houses (kidding...kinda ;), but it is a very special birthday, and worth mentioning. Anyway, I wanted to post a Happy Birthday message to my best friend, Ana! I'm so glad to have such a wonderful friend in you-- from running around NYC in torrential rains, to seeing The Phantom of the Opera, to our various fictional guy obsessions (Damon Salvatore? MINE. haha), to creating this blog, to ranting about the many crazy people in our lives, I've had so much fun with you! :) I'm really going to miss you next year, but I know our friendship is will remain strong, and I look forward to many fun times in the future.
Happy Birthday!

Love,
Rissa =)

Torment by Lauren Kate

Source: Publisher


Hell on earth. That's what it's like for Luce to be apart from her fallen angel boyfriend, Daniel. It took them an eternity to find one another, but now he has told her he must go away. Just long enough to hunt down the Outcasts - immortals who want to kill Luce. Daniel hides Luce at Shoreline, a school on the rocky California coast with unusually gifted students -Nephilim, the offspring of fallen angels and humans.

At Shoreline, Luce learns what the Shadows are, and how she can use them as windows to her previous lives. Yet the more Luce learns, the more she suspects that Daniel hasn't told her everything. He's hiding something - something dangerous. What if Daniel's version of the past isn't actually true? What if Luce is really meant to be with someone else? The second novel in the addictive FALLEN series . . . where love never dies.

I don't know how to put my love for this book in words. I loved the first book and the second book was only better! Kate has an amazing way of writing that makes the reader get absorbed in and never want to let go. That's how I felt reading Torment. I felt so bad for Luce on how much she missed Daniel, and him being away, I missed him too.

The big fight at the end of the book was amazing. I'm not going to say much about it, but I will say the ending was a small cliffhanger and it will leave you breathless until Passion and Rapture come out.

The cover of this book was beautiful as always. Delacorte Press has done an amazing job on creating the covers of the Fallen Series.

Overall, if you loved Fallen, you will love Torment even more.

♥♥♥♥♥

-Ana

The Julian Game by Adele Griffin

Source: Author


All new girl Raye Archer wants is a way into the in crowd, so when ice-queen Ella Parker picks her to get back at her ex, the gorgeous Julian Kilgarry, Raye is more than game. Even if it means creating a fake Facebook identity so she can learn enough about Julian to sabotage him. It's a fun and dangerous thrill at first, but Raye hadn't counted on falling for Julian herself and igniting Ella's rage. As Raye works to reconcile the temptress Elizabeth with her real-life self, Ella serves up her own revenge, creating an online smear campaign of nasty rumors and trashy photographs. Suddenly notorious, Raye has to find a way out of the web of deceit that she's helped to build, and back to the relationships that matter. Adele Griffin's riveting novel explores the issues of generation Facebook: the desire to be someone else, real versus online friends, and the pitfalls and fallouts of posting your personal life online for all the world to judge.

The Julian Game was a light novel that really showed the dangers of being someone else online. Raye was a sweet girl and when she got the chance to be in the popular clique, she immediately took it, leaving her best friend for that day they were going to spend together. But being with the popular kids meant to Raye that someone was going to get hurt.

I enjoyed how the book's ending came out because I felt as though everything was resolved. I LOVED the cover of this book. It's so beautiful and it's exactly blue wigged Elizabeth. Putnam couldn't have done a better job with the cover!

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to others who want to read about what happens when you expose yourself too much on the internet.

♥♥♥♥

-Ana