Review for Cascade by Lisa T. Bergren

Cascade (River of Time #2)
By Lisa Tawn Bergren
Published by David C. Cook
Personal Copy
399 pages

"Mom touched my underdress—a gown made six hundred years before—and her eyes widened as she rubbed the raw silk between thumb and forefinger. She turned and touched Lia’s gown. “Where did you get these clothes?”

Gabi knows she’s left her heart in the fourteenth century and she persuades Lia to help her to return, even though they know doing so will risk their very lives. When they arrive, weeks have passed and all of Siena longs to celebrate the heroines who turned the tide in the battle against Florence—while the Florentines will go to great lengths to see them dead.
But Marcello patiently awaits, and Gabi must decide if she’s willing to leave her family behind for good in order to give her heart to him forever."-Goodreads

 

A fantastic follow up to one of my favourite books - Waterfall! Cascade showcases Bergren's ability to weave a great plot together all the while continuing with the romance we come to expect from Bergren!

The mindsets of our main characters have changed for the better. They now are more prepared and face a decision. Whether to live in the past or the present and I loved how their mother is involved now. We are re-introduced to old characters meet new intriguing ones along the way (Lord Greco anyone?) and even are faced with traitors. I have to admire the bravery of Gabi and Lia, they sure have to face some troublesome times. As the reader though, I noticed that these girls really know many things and are able to do a lot! They were made for this time! Marcello and Luca are the shining points in this novel for me. I love both to bits - bits I tell you! Particulary Luca (I like 'em funny). The romance that is between Marcello and Gabi is very touching and the blossoming romance happening between Luca and Lia is giving me much to look forward too!

There is never, never, a dull moment in this series. It doesn't make you feel rushed but it holds you to the book with an unseeable force! Cascade will have you grinning (romance), laughing (commentary between Marcello and Luca), cringing, shocked (plot twists) and finally just overally a satisfied feeling. Although I did find some things that I was a bit unpleased with (just minor things, more personal than anything) it was far and few between and it didn't effect the whole enjoyment of the book! Oh and be prepared for the ending - you'll want the next one handy!

I highly recommend this to those who have read Waterfall but also - if you haven't started this series, you should seriously consider it! Lovers of romance, action, knights (real men), and Italy, these books are for you!

Excerpt:

Lia heaved a sigh and stepped up to the wall. "We have to pull off at the same moment, this time," she said to me. "Mom, you hold us tight, and whatever happens, don't let go, all right?"
"We're more prepared this round," I said, trying to ease her fears.
Outside, the man's voices came closer. A shout went up. They'd discover our escape. "Girls," Mom said in warning, glancing toward the tomb entrance. "I'm praying you aren't ill, suffering some sort of mental lapse. Because the last thing I need is Manero to find all three of us in here."
"If you think Manero's bad," Lia said, "wait till you meet some of the dudes ahead of us."
**Read more HERE**

Book Trailor:

Review for The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1)
By Suzanne Collins
Published by Scholastic, Inc.  
Personal Copy
374 pages    

"In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister Primrose, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before — and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love." - Goodreads

I've been pondering on how I was going to write a review. I can honestly say, my review will not do justice for this book. It's my greatest nightmare - being unable to voice how TOTALLY spectacular this book was. It's beyond my ability. You've heard everything there is to hear about why this book is great so I'll be like a broken record fan-girl. I am probably the last person to read it but if you haven't, I've got one word: why?! I was like you - putting it off. Don't. Just don't. Pick it up. Read it. You won't regret that decision!

Let's just start with the characters because that's one of the greatest aspects of The Hunger Games. Ms. Collin's knows how to get you to feel for her characters, even the bad ones! There are such colorful characters in here that it makes it feel like the real world - very interesting with multiple personalities, different sides and deep emotions. Katniss was beyond my favourite, she is down-right my new favourite hero. She's such a strong, brave, intelligent, independent yet vulnerable character that you can't help be drawn to and love. Her family, friends, neighbors, competitors, instructors are all beyond well written! Peeta, Gale, Prim, Rue... wow. Just wow. What a cast of characters! The relationships in here are so deep and raw, it's amazing to read about.

Where did the author come up with this concept? Where? I demand to know! Yeah, its gruesome and horrible - but there is such a story beneath it all that we are just uncovering! The descriptions make the reader feel like they are with Katniss in that arena and are facing whatever comes her way! What heart-pounding action, I never had a doubt in my mind that Katniss could make it through but at some points I was wondering - how is she going to survive? This is really one of those books that makes you think about what you would do in that situation and I loved that.

This book is one of my favourites of all time. Down right favourite. I cannot wait to read the next one and even more can I not wait for the movie!!! I don't just recommend this to you if you haven't read it, I demand that you try it :) Seriously its one of those books you don't want to miss out on!

Excerpt:

“Hey, Catnip,” says Gale. My real name is Katniss, but when I first told him, I had barely whispered it. So he thought I’d said Catnip. Then when this crazy lynx started following me around the woods looking for handouts, it became his official nickname for me. I finally had to kill the lynx because he scared off game. I almost regretted it because he wasn’t bad company. But I got a decent price for his pelt.
“Look what I shot,” Gale holds up a loaf of bread with an arrow stuck in it, and I laugh. It’s real bakery bread, not the flat, dense loaves we make from our grain rations. I take it in my hands, pull out the arrow, and hold the puncture in the crust to my nose, inhaling the fragrance that makes my mouth flood with saliva. Fine bread like this is for special occasions.
“Mm, still warm,” I say. He must have been at the bakery at the crack of dawn to trade for it. “What did it cost you?”
“Just a squirrel. Think the old man was feeling sentimental this morning,” says Gale. “Even wished me luck.”
“Well, we all feel a little closer today, don’t we?” I say, not even bothering to roll my eyes. “Prim left us a cheese.” I pull it out.
His expression brightens at the treat. “Thank you, Prim. We’ll have a real feast.” Suddenly he falls into a Capitol accent as he mimics Effie Trinket, the maniacally upbeat woman who arrives once a year to read out the names at the reaping. “I almost forgot! Happy Hunger Games!” He plucks a few blackberries from the bushes around us. “And may the odds —” He tosses a berry in a high arc toward me.
I catch it in my mouth and break the delicate skin with my teeth. The sweet tartness explodes across my tongue. “— be ever in your favor!” I finish with equal verve. We have to joke about it because the alternative is to be scared out of your wits.

Movie trailer: (Can I just say I WANT TO WATCH THIS NOW!)

Review for 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher

13 Reasons Why
By Jay Asher
Published by Razorbill                     
Source: Library
Library Challenge
288 pages

"Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers thirteen cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker, his classmate and crush who committed suicide two weeks earlier. On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list."- Goodreads

Why did I give it five stars? The honest answer? Because it touched my heart. This book opened my heart as well as my eyes to just how everyones actions can affect the life of a person. This is not a happy or even mellow book, it's pretty deep so if you go into reading this don't blame it for that.

We go along with Clay as he listens to the casettes made by Hannah and we discover it right along with him. He is one of those boys who has a good reputation and generally tries to stay out of trouble. Clay had a crush on Hannah which made this so heartbreaking to read. Why? Because as soon as Clay found out what was actually going on in her life, he wanted to help her. . . But he was too late. It's not that before he ignored her it was just that he never really got up the nerve to talk to her. Anyways, bottom line he really cared about her and as he listened to the tapes, his emotions came through to me as the reader and I felt what he was feeling. Raw and and intense emotions. Even though Hannah is not there physically I really connected with her character. Some people have said her reasons for ending her life were stupid but everything affects people different, right? So I sympathized with her and I loved her to bits. I understood the way she reacted, not to ending her life, but to the things that transpired. Poor girl. Then there are the other characters or should I say the other 13 reasons why, and each one of those people became an imprint in my mind. They were well rounded and each had their own unique personality.

The plot in my eyes was briliant. Cassete tapes? Yeah, I really liked that idea. This is such a tragic story but it is so beautifully crafted. The auther really made it realistic and thoughful. All of these things could absolutely happen. The message I got out of it: be careful what you do because actions can never be undone, and they might just have a snowball effect in someones life. This is a suspense novel because the author Mr. Asher got you turning pages furiously to find out more and what happened to whom and so forth. He really knew what he was doing, he hooked me into a story. The events are well plotted, the scenarios are well described and the characters shine.

I recommend this to anyone. But don't read it if your not into sad stories and don't hate on Hannah because just think how you would have felt. This is a suspenseful and beautiful novel that talks about a sensitive subject. My hat is off to Mr. Jay Asher, he did a wonderful job!

Excerpt:

Hello, boys and girls. Hannah Baker here. Live and in stereo.
I don't believe it.
No return engagements. No encore. And this time, absolutely no requests.
No, I can't believe it. Hannah Baker killed herself.
I hope you're ready, because I'm about to tell you the story of my life. More specifically, why my life ended. And if you're listening to these tapes, you're one of the reasons why.
What? No!
I'm not saying which tape brings you into the story. But fear not, if you recieved this lovely little box, your name will pop up . . . I promise.
Now, why would a dead girl lie?
Hey! That sounds like a joke. Why would a dead girl lie? Answer: Because she can't stand up.
Is this some sort of twisted suicide not?
Go ahead. Laugh.
Oh well. I thought it was funny.
Before Hannah died, she recorded a buch of tapes. Why?
The rules are pretty simple. There are only two, Rule number one; You listen. Number two: You pass it on. Hopefully, neither one will be easy for you.

Review for The Education of Hailey Kendrick by Eileen Cook

"The Education of Hailey Kendrick"

Author:Eileen Cook
Publisher:Simon Pulse
Source:Public Library
Challenges: Library Challenge
272 pages

"Hailey Kendrick always does exactly what's expected of her. She has the right friends, dates the perfect boy, gets good grades, and follows all the rules. But one night, Hailey risks everything by breaking a very big rule in a very public way...and with a very unexpected partner in crime. Hailey gets caught, but her accomplice does not, and Hailey takes the fall for both of them.  Suddenly, Hailey's perfect life--and her reputation--are blowing up in her face. Her friends are all avoiding her. Her teachers don't trust her. Her boyfriend won't even speak to her for long enough to tell her that she's been dumped. They say honesty is the best policy--but some secrets are worth keeping, no matter the cost. Or are they?" - Goodreads

Ok, picture this: You are sitting in a relatively crowded small cafe style room, and all of a sudden you burst out laughing like a maniac.... all heads turn to you like your a mental basket. (That could very well be the case but still...) This is what it was like for this book, hilariously-funny-that-you-cannot-hold-in-your laugh style. Classy eh?

Hailey is a very very likeable character. In the beginning, she's the "perfect" child in a way but soon she becomes this quirky fun girl who is hilarious. I liked the conflict with her dad, it was nice that there was something that needed to be resolved for her, and it did. Hailey fits the bill so to speak for the main character. The other characters were awesome too. Except, I don't know why (I don't think the author meant to) but I hated her best friend. It was weird. But. I found the conversations between her (ex)boyfriend and his best friend LOL. Same goes with the guy she meets through her punishment (cleaning department).  Drew. Their conversations and interactions were believable but at the same time comic. If that makes sense. You know how the description makes her boyfriend sound kind of like a jerk? Well, he's not. He just got really hurt by her 'actions' which sucked because she couldn't tell him what really happened because she didn't want to get her accomplice in trouble. Sigh. Very bad situations but so funny. Drew I found to be not swoon worthy in my opinion. He's a really nice guy, it's just that I guess I really liked her (ex)boyfriend. Conflicting feelings on this end about that topic. All the other characters played their part though.

Like I said before, this plot is a very bad situation to find yourself in but it's so hilarious. I really enjoyed this, it was light and entertaining but it had some substance to it. It left an impression on my mind. In a good way too. I fell in love with the characters and was so relieved (along with Hailey) when everything was straightened out and resolved.

A very comic, romantic, light, fast read that I would highly recommend. This book has so many beautiful quotes and inspirations too!   

Excerpt:

"Careful. Your eyes might fall out," I said.
Tristan looked away, then pulled me close to nuzzle my ear. "The girl can't hold a candle to you. She's all flash and glitter. It would be like dating a disco ball." He looked up at Joel. "You should ask her to the dance. She looks pretty grateful."
"Oh, so I can have the disco ball. Thanks, man. Your kindness knows no bounds."
"You need something a little flashy to keep your attention. You get distracted pretty easy. It's a good thing we're seniors, because you're running out of girls to date."
Joel punched Tristan in the arm, and they jostled around laughing.
"You can do better than Mandy," I said to Joel while I stuffed papers into my bag.
"I keep trying to convince you to run away with me, but you won't leave this ape," Joel said, ducking a headlock from Tristan. Joel darted across the room, hooting like a monkey. Very fourth grade.

Review for Matched by Ally Condie

"Matched (Matched #1)

Author: Ally Condie

Publisher: Dutton Juvenile

Source: Personal Copy

Challenges: I'd Wish I'd Read That, For the Love of YA, 350 page
366 pages

"Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow." -Goodreads

 Now, this book has been getting many different reviews (and a lot of them at that). Some love it, others thought it was slow. I'm one of those that loved it. There was a huge amount of hype for this book over the internet, and in my opinion it lived up to it.

Ally Condie did a great job with the world building. To us, who have freedom, we can pick out things that aren't 'right' but to someone born into that world, I can see how they would be sastified. And Cassia was. This is one of the parts I enjoyed; how Cassia gradually realized that no, she didn't want to do as she was told. It's like two different Cassia's, in the beginning - obediant, in the end - wanting to choose for herself. I loved her as a main character! As well as dear Xander, her parents, Grandfather, Bram, and of course Ky! I loved Ky! His character fit really well, and his story was told amazingly. Now, I did feel terrible for Xander (he's so sweet) but I'm hoping somewhere in this series he gets the girl he wants. So, the characters were relatible, thought-out, and structured.

The plot, who doesn't like a good love trangle (technically it wasn't a triangle but still) I really enjoyed it. 

Ally Condie's writing style is off the charts! I loved the fact in how she incorperated poetry into the story. It was beautifully done. Along the way I did experience some gasps, like 'oh no!' which kept it interesting.

To keep this review short, overall awesome read.... I highly recommend it to everyone! This book was on my mind all the time (as any good book) and leaves me wanting more! I can't wait for the release of Crossed! Don't go down gentle Cassia (if you've read it, you know what I mean)!

Excerpt:

The announcer calls another name; another girl stands up.
Soon, more and more people at the Banquet have little silver boxes.
Some people set them on the white tablecloths in front of them, but most hold the boxes carefully, unwilling to let their futures out of their hands so soon after receiving them.
I don't see any other girls wearing the green dress. I don't mind. I like the idea that, for one night, I don't look like everyone else.
I wait, holding my compact in one hand and my mother's hand in the other. Her palm feels sweaty. For the first time, I realize that she and my father are nervous, too.
"Cassia Maria Reyes."
It is my turn. I stand up, letting go of my mother's hand, and turn toward the screen. I feel my heart pounding and I am tempted to twist my hands the way Lea did, but I hold perfectly still with my chin up and my eyes on the screen. I watch and wait, determined that the girl my Match will see on the screen in his City Hall somewhere out there in Society will be poised and calm and lovely, the very best image of Cassia Maria Reyes that I can present.
But nothing happens.
I stand and look at the screen, and, as the seconds go by, it is all I can do to stay still, all I can do to keep smiling. Whispers start around me. Out of the corner of my eye, I see my mother move her hand as if to take mine again, but then she pulls it back. A girl in a green dress stands waiting, her heart pounding. Me. The screen is dark, and it stays dark. That can only mean one thing.

Review for Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg

"Prom and Prejudice"

Author: Elizabeth Eulberg

Publisher: Point

Source: Personal Copy
Challenge: For the Love of YA and I'd Wish I'd read That
231 pages

After winter break, the girls at the very prestigious Longbourn Academy become obsessed with the prom. Lizzie Bennet, who attends Longbourn on a scholarship, isn’t interested in designer dresses and expensive shoes, but her best friend, Jane, might be — especially now that Charles Bingley is back from a semester in London. Lizzie is happy about her friend’s burgeoning romance but less than impressed by Charles’s friend, Will Darcy, who’s snobby and pretentious. Darcy doesn’t seem to like Lizzie either, but she assumes it’s because her family doesn’t have money. Clearly, Will Darcy is a pompous jerk — so why does Lizzie find herself drawn to him anyway? Will Lizzie’s pride and Will’s prejudice keep them apart? Or are they a prom couple in the making? -taken from Goodreads

  Wow. Now I haven't read Pride and Prejudice before (I know!) but I have heard from different reviews that this book follows it very closely but has it's own plot - which I think is great! I LOVED this book. It is a light, sometimes sassy, smart, loveable book! I absolutely enjoyed the characters. Lizzie and Will are of course my favourite! They are very very well thought out and have different personalities. The plot is, like I said before follows Pride and Prejudice - so those of you who like that book BE SURE TO CHECK THIS ONE OUT! There is even a twist or two in here which I always like! Oh and yah there is romance, of course! I loved how at certain moments I could feel sparks flying between them (even though they were bickering).Overall, awesome awesome read, I will absolutely read it again. If you like light, quick, fun, cute, sassy reads- read this one! It won't disappoint! Very cute read!

Excerpt:

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single girl of high standing at Longbourn Academy must be in want of a prom date.

While the same can probably be said of countless other schools across the country, prom at Longbourn isn’t just a rite of passage – it’s considered by many (at least those who matter) to be the social event for future members of high society. Longbourn girls don’t go to the mall to get their dresses. No, they boast couture from designers whose names adorn their speed dial.

Just look at the glossy six-page spread dedicated to more than a century of prom history in Longbourn’s recruitment brochure. Or the yearly coverage in The New York Times Sunday Style section… or Vanity Fair… or Vogue. Fashion reporters and photographers flock to the Connecticut campus to scope out the fashion, the excess, the glamour of it all.