YA Vampire Books: April 2011

Friday, April 29, 2011

Book Review: Forsaken/The Demon Trapper's Daughter

Title: Forsaken (UK), The Demontrapper's Daughter (US)
Series: The Demon Trappers #1
Author: Jana Oliver
Published: February 2011
Source: Bought

Seventeen-year-old Riley, the only daughter of legendary Demon Trapper, Paul Blackthorne, has always dreamed of following in her father's footsteps. The good news is, with human society seriously disrupted by economic upheaval and Lucifer increasing the number of demons in all major cities, Atlanta’s local Trappers’ Guild needs all the help they can get – even from a girl.

When she’s not keeping up with her homework or trying to manage her growing crush on fellow apprentice, Simon, Riley’s out saving distressed citizens from foul-mouthed little devils – Grade One Hellspawn only, of course, per the strict rules of the Guild. Life’s about as normal as can be for the average demon-trapping teen.

But then a Grade Five Geo-Fiend crashes Riley’s routine assignment at a library, jeopardizing her life and her chosen livelihood. And, as if that wasn’t bad enough, sudden tragedy strikes the Trappers’ Guild, spinning Riley down a more dangerous path than she ever could have imagined. As her whole world crashes down around her, who can Riley trust with her heart – and her life?

My Thoughts:
The world Oliver has created is interesting and new-thinking. The Demon Trapper's Daughter is set in 2018, after a huge economic crises has left the world in ruins. Demons are now popping up all over the world, and it is the trappers' and hunters' job to capture them.

For Riley and her father, trapping demons are the only way to earn enough money to pay the rent for their beat-down apartment. But life as a female, newby demon trapper turns out harder than Riley thought. Some guildmembers are just waiting for a reason to throw her out, so there is no room for mistakes...

Then there's Beck, Riley's father's apprentice who takes every chance he gets to get on her nerves. It's a good thing that at least cute Simon, another trapper, is on her side! And then there is the mysterious Ori who pops up when she leasts expects it... But with so much going on, does Riley even have time for boys?

Beck may come across as a selfish, kind of rude Southern bad boy who couldn't care less about anything but himself - but that couldn't be farther from the truth. Since some chapters are told from Beck's point of view, the reader gets too see a softer, more humble side of him as well as learning about his nackground and the reasons for why he acts like he does. I liked him!

Even though this is a thick book (400+ pages), it's over just when things starts to get interesting! I wanted more Beck! More Ori! Even more Simon! More demons and more trapping! Things were just about to get even more exciting, and then: The End :(

I hope (and believe) that this book works as a neccessary and thorough introduction to Riley's world, and that the next book in the series will have more action and a faster pace!

Cover Thoughts:
This book not only has different titles in the US and the UK, it also have different covers. I decided to buy the UK edition of the book (pictured), since I like this cover better. The girl on the cover definitely looks tough enough to be a demon trapper!

Rating: 3.75 of 5

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday (4/27)

Title: Jane Jones: Worst. Vampire. Ever.
Author: Caissie St. Onge
Release Date: May 10, 2011

For Jane Jones, being a vampire is nothing like you read about in books. In fact, it kind of sucks. She's not beautiful, she's not rich, and she doesn't "sparkle." She's just an average, slightly nerdy girl from an ordinary suburban family (who happens to be vampires.) Jane's from the wrong side of the tracks (not to mention stuck in the world's longest awkward phase), so she doesn't fit in with the cool vampire kids at school or with the humans kids. To top it all off, she's battling an overprotective mom, a clique of high school mean girls (the kind who really do have fangs), and the most embarrassing allergy in the history of the undead, she's blood intolerant.

So no one's more surprised than Jane when for the first time in her life, things start to heat up (as much as they can for a walking corpse, anyway) with not one, but two boys. Eli's a geeky, but cute real-live boy in her history class, and Timothy is a beautiful, brooding bloodsucker, who might just hold the key to a possible "cure" for vampirism.

Facing an eternity of high school pressure, fumbling first dates, or a mere lifetime together with Timothy, what's a 90-something year-old teen vampire to do?

This book sounds hilarious! And Jane is definitely not your normal vampire!

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Top Ten Tuesday: Mean Girls In Books

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish

Today's topic:

"Top Ten Mean Girls in Books - All those snotty annoying girls you wish you could punch!"

And here's my Top Ten (Seven):

1. Bellatrix Lestrange - Harry Potter

- What a witch!

2. A - Pretty Little Liars

Truth be told, I haven't read these books. But I have seen the TV Show, and A definitely deserves to be mentioned on this list!

3. Alice - Prophecy of the Sisters

This evil twin really gave me the chills

4. Trista - Populazzi

Trista uses everyone to get what she wants. She has a well developed plan, and outsmarts everyone. Mean and smart!

5. Dolores Umbridge - Harry Potter

I really can't stand this toad!

6. Karen Sue Hanky - 1-800-Where-R-U? series

Karen Sue is such a pain in the a**! She's a Miss Goody Two-Shoes who never misses an opportunity to rat Jess out. Her behaviour really makes you want to punch her (which Jess thankfully does!)

7. Blair Waldorf - Gossip Girl

I don't think anyone has missed this Mean Girl!

Monday, April 25, 2011

Mini Reviews XVII (We'll Always Have Summer, The Last Little Blue Envelope, If I Stay)

Title: We'll Always Have Summer
Series: Summer #3
Author: Jenny Han
Published: April 26, 2011

It's time for Belly to decide, once and for all, who has her heart forever...

We'll Always Have Summer is a satisfying, mostly frustrating, conclusion to the Summer series.

While I read I changed between being furious with, and annoyed by, Belly (for being so naive and stubborn), Jeremiah (for being too immature and easy-going) and Conrad (for being Conrad - reserved, distant and quiet).

These people all made some choices I couldn't agree with, but in the end their story turned out alright.

This isn't my favorite book in the series, but it was an alright conclusion to the series which I believe will make most Summer fans happy.

Rating: 3 of 5

Title: The Last Little Blue Envelope
Series: Little Blue Envelope #2
Author: Maureen Johnson
Published: April 26, 2011

Ginny Blackstone thought that the biggest adventure of her life was behind her. When someone stole Ginny's backpack—and the last little blue envelope inside—she resigned herself to never knowing how it was supposed to end. Months later, a mysterious boy contacts Ginny from London, saying he's found her bag. But instead of ending her journey, the last letter starts a new adventure—one filled with old friends, new loves, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

I read 13 Little Blue Envelopes somewhat two years ago, and while I didn't remember all of it, I remembered the essential moments and the fact that I enjoyed reading it!

So I didn't think twice when I got the chance to read this book. It was an opportunity to find out about the last envelope, and see which adventures it took Ginny on this time.

Old cities, new cities - old friends and new friends. Ginny is in for another memorable adventure throughout Europe.

Keith, Ginny's may-be boyfriend, plays a big role in this book as well. While he is funny at times, I found him to be a bit immature and selfish. These not-so good personal traits is shining through even more clearly in this book.

I like how the love interests in this book aren't your regular hot boys, but boys with faults and not too striking appearances. Most guys in real life aren't perfect after all!

I'm glad that Ginny finally got her happy ending, after two adventures like these she sure deserved it!

Rating: 3.5 of 5

Title: If I Stay
Series: If I Stay #1
Author: Gayle Forman
Published: 2009

In a single moment, everything changes. Seventeen-year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall riding along the snow-wet Oregon road with her family. Then, in a blink, she finds herself watching as her own damaged body is taken from the wreck...

I have read soo many great reviews of this book, but yet haven't picked it up until now.

So have I missed out on something extraordinary?
No, I don't think so.

I'm a very emotional person, so I expected to bawl my eyes out while reading If I Stay. Surprisingly, that didn't happen! Since Mia was so distant and unemotional herself, so was I while reading. I only teared up once - when Mia's grandfather visited her in the hospital.

The story wasn't the most original one (I have read a story just like it - where a boy was in a coma), but what really stood out was Mia's family. Her family members were very close to eachother, sharing and caring.

Mia and Adam's relationship felt natural and realistic. Their road wasn't always smooth and full of love, no they had their problems and doubts.

Overall a decent read, but it didn't blow my mind.

Rating: 3 of 5

Friday, April 22, 2011

Book Review: Demonglass

Title: Demonglass
Series: Hex Hall (Book #2)
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Published: March 2011

Warning: Contains spoilers if you haven't read Hex Hall!

Sophie Mercer thought she was a witch. That was the whole reason she was sent to Hex Hall, a reform school for delinquent Prodigium (aka witches, shapeshifters, and fairies).

But that was before she discovered the family secret, and that her hot crush, Archer Cross, is an agent for The Eye, a group bent on wiping Prodigium off the face of the earth.

Turns out, Sophie’s a demon, one of only two in the world—the other being her father. What’s worse, she has powers that threaten the lives of everyone she loves.

Which is precisely why Sophie decides she must go to London for the Removal, a dangerous procedure that will destroy her powers. But once Sophie arrives she makes a shocking discovery. Her new friends? They’re demons too. Meaning someone is raising them in secret with creepy plans to use their powers, and probably not for good.

Meanwhile, The Eye is set on hunting Sophie down, and they’re using Archer to do it. But it’s not like she has feelings for him anymore. Does she?

My Review:
My thoughts right after finishing this book:
Oh My God, Oh My God, Oh My God! When is the next book coming out*? And can someone please give it to me now?!!

My thoughts after I had cooled down a bit:
You might have read this in other reviews, and I can only agree with the statement: This is one of the rare cases when the second book is even better than the first book in the series!

Sophie is such a likeable character, who possesses the wonderful talent to make a joke in any situation. Even the most stiff person can't resist her charming personality and cracks a smile sooner or later! She really is the Queen of Sarcasm and Irony!

The love triangle between Sophie and Archer and Cal is slowly building up. Even though Sophie tries to forget about Archer, she still likes him even if he is part of The Eye. But he is her enemy, isn't he?

While Archer is nowhere to be seen, Cal is more present in Sophie's life, and we get to see new sides of him while getting to know him better.

Demonglass has it all; great characters, hot boys, deadly enemies and a big mystery. And it ends on the maddest cliff-hanger ever! (seriously, Rachel Hawkins and Richelle Mead could make a club!**)

Cover Thoughts:
I really like how the designer have kept the theme from the cover of Hex Hall. One of my biggest pet-peeves is mix matching covers! (Like the UK covers of these two books). While the Hex Hall cover is cute and innocent, this cover is way fiercer. The events Sophie had to go through during her first year in Hecate Hall has definitely made her tougher!

Rating: 5 of 5 - I loved it and can't wait to read the next book!

Previous Books in this series:
1. Hex Hall

*March 2012 - I just looked it up. And how the %#& am I supposed to wait that long?
** Tricky-authors-who-write-mega-cliffhangers-and-then-laugh-evilly-at-our-suffering-readers club.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday (4/20)

Title: Moonglass
Author: Jessi Kirby
Release Date: May 3, 2011

I read once that water is a symbol for emotions. And for a while now, I've thought maybe my mother drowned in both.

Anna's life is upended when her father accepts a job transfer the summer before her junior year. It's bad enough that she has to leave her friends and her life behind, but her dad is moving them to the beach where her parents first met and fell in love- a place awash in memories that Anna would just as soon leave under the surface.

While life on the beach is pretty great, with ocean views and one adorable lifeguard in particular, there are also family secrets that were buried along the shore years ago. And the ebb and flow of the ocean's tide means that nothing- not the sea glass that she collects on the sand and not the truths behind Anna's mother's death- stays buried forever.

Great synopsis and a beautiful cover (is it the adorable lifeguard I see?) - this book sounds worth waiting for!

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Top Ten Tuesday: Bookish Pet Peeves

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish

Today's subject: "Top Ten Tuesday Rewind - Pick a past TTT that you didn't get a chance to participate in"

Since this is just my second week doing this meme, there were lots of past Top Ten Tuesday's to choose from! My choice:

"Top Ten Bookish Pet Peeves"

1. Blurbs who spoils the entire book

If the mysterious new guy is a paranormal creature, let that be a secret! If the back cover reveals that he is a fallen angel out to kill you - why would I want to read 300 pages waiting for the main character to figure that out?

2. When the cover design/book size changes halfway-through a series.

Does anyone care how bad this will look on my bookshelf?

3. Weird character names

Take the Hunger Games books for example: Katniss? Primrose? Peeta? Almost made me throw away the book! (and hello Reneesme - don't think I have forgotten about you! (even if I wish I had))

4. Cheesy epilogues

Seriously - they make me cringe! Take Perfect Chemistry for example - great book until the epilogue *shudders*

5. Series which goes on forever...and ever.. and ever.

And you can tell that the author has run out of ideas - either by re-using a plot idea, or creating a too unbelievable plot (like suddenly throwing in a bunch of Japanese kitsune (fox spirits - Wtf?) when the book originally is about vampires)

6. Too much detail/excessive description

Yada, yada, yada

7. Books with so many characters that a list of them all has to be included in the back of the book. (This also includes dictonaries of foreign words/made-up words)

One word - confusing

8. Books marketed as the "New Twilight"

When the only thing they have in common is romance...

9. Brands, brands, brands.

I don't care wether the main character wears huge black Prada sunglasses, a cute Pucci sundress and gorgeous Gucci heals. Tell me something that's important to the plot instead!

10. Slooooow books

Too slow beginnings might make me put the book aside in favor for another one. I also hate when books have great fast-paced beginnings, then a huge slow section in the middle where nothing happens..

Do you have any pet peeves? Agree/Disagree with mine?

Monday, April 18, 2011

Cover Combat: The Key to the Golden Firebird

In Cover Combat a Swedish cover is being compared to the US/UK cover of the same book. Today I'm comparing the covers of The Key To The Golden Firebird by Maureen Johnson. US covers:

Swedish covers:

Swedish Title: "Sisters of Gold" My Thoughts: The original (yellow) US cover is simple, which makes the multicolored title really stand out - a nice touch. The cover has later been redesigned to match the covers of Johnson's other books, all with girls on the cover. The Swedish covers are colorful, and I like how all things who are important to the plot - three sisters, a car and baseball - are featured on the cover. Still, I prefer the US covers. Which cover is your favorite?

Sunday, April 17, 2011

In My Mailbox (week 15)

Won:

Across the Universe - Beth Revis

A love out of time. A spaceship built of secrets and murder. Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.

Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone-one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship-tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next. Now Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.

From the library:

The Clockwork Angel - Cassandra Clare

Magic is dangerous--but love is more dangerous still. When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by--and torn between--two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length...everyone, that is, but Tessa.

As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world...and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all

Succubus Blues - Richelle Mead

Succubus. An alluring, shape-shifting demon who seduces and pleasures mortal men. Pathetic. A succubus with great shoes and no social life. See: Georgina Kincaid. When it comes to jobs in hell, being a succubus seems pretty glamorous. A girl can be anything she wants, the wardrobe is killer, and mortal men will do anything just for a touch. Granted, they often pay with their souls, but why get technical?

But Seattle succubus Georgina Kincaid's life is far less exotic. Her boss is a middle-management demon with a thing for John Cusack movies. Her immortal best friends haven't stopped teasing her about the time she shape-shifted into the Demon Goddess getup complete with whip and wings. And she can't have a decent date without sucking away part of the guy's life.

At least there's her day job at a local bookstore--free books; all the white chocolate mochas she can drink; and easy access to bestselling, sexy writer, Seth Mortensen, aka He Whom She Would Give Anything to Touch but Can't. But dreaming about Seth will have to wait. Something wicked is at work in Seattle's demon underground. And for once, all of her hot charms and drop-dead one-liners won't help because Georgina's about to discover there are some creatures out there that both heaven and hell want to deny...

Friday, April 15, 2011

Book Review: Die For Me

Title: Die For Me

Author: Amy Plum

Release Date: May 10,2011

Source: NetGalley

My life had always been blissfully, wonderfully normal. But it only took one moment to change everything.
Suddenly, my sister, Georgia, and I were orphans. We put our lives into storage and moved to Paris to live with my grandparents. And I knew my shattered heart, my shattered life, would never feel normal again. Then I met Vincent.

Mysterious, sexy, and unnervingly charming, Vincent Delacroix appeared out of nowhere and swept me off my feet. Just like that, I was in danger of losing my heart all over again. But I was ready to let it happen.

Of course, nothing is ever that easy. While I'm fighting to piece together the remnants of my life, can I risk putting my heart—as well as my life and my family's—in jeopardy for a chance at love?

My Thoughts: For the first time, the idea of renevants are being introduced in literature. The mythology felt very well-developed and believable, and the historic aspects were very interesting. I won't reveal what a renevant is, and how they show up in the story. You have to read the book yourself and find out! :)

When we first meet Kate, she is a shadow of her former self. Deeply depressed over her parents' death, she is forced to start a new life in Paris. But when she sees Vincent for the first time, he sparks an interest within her, and she is slowly waking up from her numb state.

Vincent is totally dreamy! He may come across as a smug, arrogant, but sexy, bad boy at first. But as Kate gets to know him, a much nicer and charming gentlemanlike side of him shows through.

Even if a relationship with Vincent is tempting, Kate is not one to rush into the unknown. She is down to earth, and won't do anything without thinking it through. I admired Kate's strength and independency.

The story wraps up nicely, and the book would certainly work as a stand-alone book. I see that this book will be the first in a new series however, so I believe some trouble will soon come in Kate and Vincent's way...

Cover Thoughts: The cover looks very dramatic. I like the colors and the Eiffel Tower in the background!

Rating: 4.5 of 5

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday (4/13)

Title: Between Here and Forever
Author: Elizabeth Scott
Release Date: May 24.

Abby accepted that she can’t measure up to her beautiful, magnetic sister Tess a long time ago, and knows exactly what she is: Second best. Invisible.

Until the accident.

Now Tess is in a coma, and Abby’s life is on hold. It may have been hard living with Tess, but it's nothing compared to living without her.

She's got a plan to bring Tess back though, involving the gorgeous and mysterious Eli, but then Abby learns something about Tess, something that was always there, but that she’d never seen.

Abby is about to find out that truth isn't always what you think it is, and that life holds more than she ever thought it could...

Elizabeth Scott is such a good author, and I'm interested to see what she has came up with this time! What is Tess' big secret?

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is an weekly meme created, and hosted, by The Broke and the Bookish.

I've been thinking about joining this meme for a few weeks now, because I really enjoy reading other people's Top Tens! This is my first attempt to make my own list.

Today's subject is "Top Ten Books You Want To See Made Into Movies", and here are my choices:

1. The Boys Next Door - Jennifer Echols

Summer, water sport, hot boys... This book is so cute, and would make a perfect romantic comedy!

2. Perfect Chemistry - Simone Elkeles

Good, rich girl falls in love with Mexican bad boy and gang member - this could be the new A Walk To Remember/Grease/10 Things I Hate About You/Dirty Dancing... well, you get my point - a great movie!

3. Hex Hall series - Rachel Hawkins

Boarding school, witches, werewolves and a kick-ass hilarious main character - I would definitely watch this movie!

4. Vampire Academy series - Richelle Mead

This series would make a fantastic movie - or better yet a TV series. Watch out, Buffy!

5. Hush Hush - Becca Fitzpatrick

Thrilling, scary and hot - a perfect movie to bring your boyfriend to!

6. Can You Keep a Secret? - Sophie Kinsella

Would be hilarious! I like this book much better than the Shopaholic books (which were turned into a movie)

7. Gallagher Girls series - Ally Carter

Seriously, boarding school* girls who are secretly training to be spies? How awesome is that concept?

Would you watch any of these movies? Which books would you like to see made into movies?

*I just realized that three of this books are set in boarding schools, maybe that's the secret ingredient?

Monday, April 11, 2011

Book Review: Firelight

Title: Firelight

Series: Firelight #1

Author: Sophie Jordan

Published: 2010

A hidden truth. Mortal enemies. Doomed love.

Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life. Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki—a descendant of dragons whose greatest defense is her secret ability to shift into human form.

Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. The only bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life. Although she is irresistibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will's dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away—if it dies she will be left as a human forever. She'll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy. Mythical powers and breathtaking romance ignite in this story of a girl who defies all expectations and whose love crosses an ancient divide.

My Thoughts: The romance between Jacinda and Will felt very similar to the romance between Bella and Edward in Twilight. Like the way Jacinda felt Will's presence as soon as he entered the room, and the feeling she had that she wouldn't survive without him.

Since Jacinda is a draki, and Will is a hunter, their relationship is forbidden in every way, and things are doomed to get complicated and dangerous. Therefor, Jacinda does everything to keep her draki a secret, and protect her family. But when her draki is threatening to show each time she is spending time with Will, a disaster is born to happen sooner or later...

This is the first time I have read a book about dragons, or draki in this case. It was definitely interesting and the draki were vividly and beautifully described.

The ending was dramatic and left me wanting to read the sequel (Vanish, Sept. 2011) as soon as possible!

Cover Thoughts: I love when you can picture the heroine in the book as the person on the cover, and this is one of those cases. With red hair, and mysterious cat eyes, the girl on this cover could definitely be Jacinda!

Rating: 4.25 of 5

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Blogger Fame

I've been interviewed by the wonderful Eleni @ La Femme Readers!

Come check it out! :)

In My Mailbox (week 14)

From the Library:

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

In a single moment, everything changes. Seventeen-year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall riding along the snow-wet Oregon road with her family. Then, in a blink, she finds herself watching as her own damaged body is taken from the wreck...

A sophisticated, layered, and heartachingly beautiful story about the power of family and friends, the choices we all make—and the ultimate choice Mia commands.

With so many people telling me how good this book is, and with its sequel being released this month, I had to give this book a try!

Saturday, April 9, 2011

January Movie Madness

1. Grown Ups (2010)

After their high school basketball coach passes away, five good friends and former teammates reunite for a Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Actors: Adam Sandler, Salma Hayek

Rating: 3.5 of 5

This movie was a lot of fun to watch! I loved how spending the weekend together as one happy family made everyone realize what's really important in life, and to prioritize it!

2. John Tucker Must Die (2006)

Three ex-girlfriends of a serial cheater set up their former lover to fall for the new girl in town so they can watch him get his heart broken.

Actors: Jesse Metcalfe, Brittany Snow Rating: 4 of 5

This is obviously not my first time watching this movie, more like the fifth... It is still very good though! High School romantic comedy at its best!

3. Wedding Daze (2006)

After losing the woman of his dreams, Anderson is convinced he'll never fall in love again. But at the urging of his best friend, he spontaneously proposes to a dissatisfied waitress named Katie and an innocent dare evolves into the kind of love that both have been looking for all along.

Actors: Isla Fisher, Jason Biggs

Rating: 2 of 5

Meh, a romantic comedy which is not very funny and not very romantic. I watched with one eye only.

4. Step Up 3D (2010)

A tight-knit group of New York City street dancers, including Luke and Natalie, team up with NYU freshman Moose, and find themselves pitted against the world's best hip hop dancers in a high-stakes showdown that will change their lives forever.

Actors: Rick Malambri, Sharni Vinson, Alyson Stoner

Rating: 3 of 5

Far from as good as the first Step Up movie, but the dance scenes are cool as always! And I can imagine them being wicked cool if you watch them in 3D.

5. Salt (2010)

A CIA agent goes on the run after a defector accuses her of being a Russian spy.

Actors: Angelina Jolie, Liev Schreiber

Rating: 4 of 5

I'm not a big Jolie fan, so I was pleasantly surprised with how much I liked this movie!

6. The Tourist (2010)

Frank is an American tourist visiting Italy to mend his broken heart. Elise is an extraordinary woman who deliberately crosses his path.

Actors: Johnny Depp, Angelina Jolie

Rating: 4.5 of 5

My second Jolie movie this month! I really liked The Tourist, it was smart and fun! Plus, Johnny Depp is always good.

7. The Wedding Date (2005)

Single-girl anxiety causes Kat Ellis to hire a male escort to pose as her boyfriend at her sister's wedding. Her plan, an attempt to dupe her ex-fiancé, who dumped her a couple years prior, proves to be her undoing.

Actors: Debra Messing, Dermot Mulroney, Amy Adams

Rating: 2.5 of 5

You all know how this movie is going to end, right? Predictable. On the plus side: Amy Adams and Debra Messing could really be sisters, they look very much alike!

Watched Movies: 7 (5 for the first time)

Best Movie: The Tourist & Salt

Worst Movie: Wedding Daze

Friday, April 8, 2011

Book Review: Crescendo

Title: Crescendo

Series: Hush, Hush #2

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

Published: 2010

Source: Borrowed

Nora Grey's life is still far from perfect. Surviving an attempt on her life wasn't pleasant, but atleast she got a guardian angel out of it: a mysterious, magnetic, gorgeous guardian angel. But, despite his role in her life, Patch has been acting anything but angelic. He's more elusive than ever and even worse, he's started spending time with Nora's arch-enemy, Marcie Millar.
Nora would have hardly noticed Scott Parnell, an old family friend who has moved back to town, if Path hadnt been acting so distant. Even with Scott's totally infuriating attitude Nora finds herself drawn to him - despite her lingering feeling that he's hiding something. Haunted by images of her murdered father, and questioning whether her nephilim bloodline has anything to do with his death, Nora puts herself increasingly in dangerous situations as she desperatly searches for answers. But maybe some things are better left buried, because the truth could destroy everything - and everyone - she trusts.

My Thoughts: I'm not going to lie to you - I was really annoyed with Nora in this book. She was so stubborn and refused to listen to Patch and let him help her. Nora is brave, sometimes too brave since she keeps getting herself in dangerous situations. I wished she would have trusted her instincts and stayed away from trouble instead of seeking it up. But then, who thrilling would this book have been? ;)

Nora and Patch haven't learned from their previous mistakes, and keep hiding important information from each other, unintentionally putting each other in grave danger. It was really frustrating to read about Nora and Patch's relationship and choices, I more than once wanted to shake them up and make them come to their senses!

One person who did not annoy me in this book however was Vee, Nora's best friend. Vee has gotten much (undeserved) criticism in other reviews, and has been accused of being a bad friend. But I really like her! I thought she was a lot of fun in this book, she was helpful and there for Nora when she needed her.

While I was annoyed and frustrated throughout most of the book, I still clung to the pages and couldn't stop reading! This book is one intense and emotional thrill ride full with mystery, mythology, unexplainable moments, vivid hallucinations and danger. This book ends on an nail-biting cliffhanger which makes me desperate to read the third and final book in this trilogy!

Cover Thoughts: The cover of Hush Hush (Book 1) might be the most blogged-about cover in the YA world. So this cover had a lot to live up to! This cover is really fitting to the story, it's dark, dramatic and desperate. I like it!

Rating: 4 of 5

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday (4/6)

Title: Chain Reaction
Series: Perfect Chemistry #3
Author:Simone Elkeles
Release Date: May 24

Luis Fuentes is a good boy who doesn't live with the angst that his big brothers, Alex and Carlos, have always lived with. Luis is smart, funny, and has big dreams of becoming an astronaut. But when he falls for the wrong girl, Luis enters a dark world he's never known, and just when he thinks he's got life all figured out, learns some disturbing news about his family that destroys his positive outlook on life. Will that Fuentes bad boy streak come out with a vengeance and lure Luis to live on the edge like his new girlfriend and his own father?

Why do I want this book?

Are you kidding me? We're talking about the third Fuentes brother here! While the oldest two (Alex and Carlos) were two gang members falling for "good girls", Luis is the one Fuentes brother who have always managed to stay out of trouble. Until he meets a bad girl it seems... could definitely be interesting! Plus - look at that steaming cover!

Monday, April 4, 2011

Book Review: Sleeping Beauty Vampire Slayer

Title: Sleeping Beauty Vampire Slayer

Author: Maureen McGowan

Release Date: April 1, 2011

Source: NetGalley

In this thrilling story full of adventure and romance, Sleeping Beauty is more than just a lonely princess waiting for her prince—she's a brave, tenacious girl who never backs down from a challenge. With vampire-slaying talents that she practices in secret, Sleeping Beauty puts her courage to the test in the dark of night, fighting evil as she searches for a way to break the spell that has cut her off from her family.

In a special twist, readers have the opportunity to make key decisions for Sleeping Beauty and decide where she goes next—but no matter the choice; the result is a story unlike any fairy tale you've ever read

My Thoughts: Lucette has some hard decisions to make, and so does you! You, as the reader, have to choose Lucette's path throughout this book. And let me tell you, some of this decisions was way hard! I didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings! The good thing is, you can read this book all over again, and make different choices. There is a total of eight different stories - in one book. Beat that if you can!

This is the second book I have read with this format (the first being Split By a Kiss by Luisa Plaja) but in Split By a Kiss I only had to make one choice between two possible routes, this time there were many different choices to be made! I quite enjoy this format, you really have to put yourself in Lucette's shoes and think about what you would do in her situation.

The idea of Sleeping Beauty being a vampire slayer was a fun twist to the fairytale that I really enjoyed. Even if this book is inspired by the original fairytale, it is a completely different story with many unique twists, events and characters. Even if you know the original fairytale by heart, this book won't feel like "old news" to you.

Cover Thoughts: I really like the cover, the coloring is beautiful! I like the combination between the girl's clothes and the stake in her hand.

Rating: 3 of 5

Sunday, April 3, 2011

In My Mailbox (Week 13)

Won from Escape in a Book:

Demonglass (Hex Hall #2) - Rachel Hawkins

* Summary contains spoilers for Hex Hall *

Sophie Mercer thought she was a witch. That was the whole reason she was sent to Hex Hall, a reform school for delinquent Prodigium (aka witches, shapeshifters, and fairies). But that was before she discovered the family secret, and that her hot crush, Archer Cross, is an agent for The Eye, a group bent on wiping Prodigium off the face of the earth.

Turns out, Sophie’s a demon, one of only two in the world—the other being her father. What’s worse, she has powers that threaten the lives of everyone she loves. Which is precisely why Sophie decides she must go to London for the Removal, a dangerous procedure that will destroy her powers. But once Sophie arrives she makes a shocking discovery. Her new friends? They’re demons too. Meaning someone is raising them in secret with creepy plans to use their powers, and probably not for good.

Meanwhile, The Eye is set on hunting Sophie down, and they’re using Archer to do it. But it’s not like she has feelings for him anymore. Does she?

Thanks again Mari! I can't wait to start reading!

2011 Movie Madness Challenge

I have decided to join the 2011 Movie Madness Challenge hosted by A Girl, Books & Other Things and The Talking Teacup since I'm not only a bookworm but also a movie fan!

Since the beginning of last year I have kept track of all movies I have watched, but now I want to do more than just write a monthly list of watched movies. So from this point on I will also share some of my thoughts regarding each movie. Hope you'll enjoy!

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Read & Watched in March

Books:

1. The Goddess Test - Aimee Carter (Review)

2. Odd Girl In - Jo Whittemore (Review)

3. Crescendo - Becca Fitzpatrick (Review)

4. The Vampire Diaries: The Return: Shadow Souls - L. J. Smith (Review)
5. Forsaken/The Demontrapper's Daughter - Jana Oliver (Review)
6. Sleeping Beauty: Vampire Slayer - Maureen McGowan (Review)
7. We'll Always Have Summer - Jenny Han (Mini Review)
8. The Last Little Blue Envelope - Maureen Johnson (Mini Review)

Movies:

1. Beverly Hills Chihuahua

2. Wild Child

3. How Do You Know

4. Burlesque

Friday, April 1, 2011

Doppelgänger? (3)

I can't be the only one who sees the similarities between the girl on the cover of Random Magic and Nicole Kidman, can I? Take a look yourself and judge!

Nicole Kidman?

Random Magic cover model?

What do you think? Leave a comment!

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