My Pages

Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket

Site Announcements, Updates, Etc

Coming Soon:
~Review: The Killing Woods
~Review: The Waiting Sky
~Review: A Certain Slant of Light
~Review: Timepiece
~Review: Infinityglass


Sunday, June 30, 2013

Cleaning the Shelves Giveaway!


Update! Newly Added!

Hello my fellow book addicts! So, in an attempt to lessen the drastic amount of space my books occupy, I've pulled a few from the shelves. One winner will get to choose 3 books from this pile. If I receive over 500 entries, the first winner can choose 5 books and a second winner can choose 3. Open to US only. Sorry international folks. I'll try and have something for y'all soon.

The Choices:
The Girl is Murder by Kathryn Miller Haines
Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi (ARC)
Where the Truth Lies by Jessica Warman (ARC)
Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender
The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann (ARC)
The Familiars by Adam Jay Epstein and Andrew Jacobson
The Luxe by Anna Godbersen
Fuse by Julianna Baggott (ARC)
Shadowlands by Kate Brian (ARC)
Cinders & Sapphires by Leila Rasheed (ARC)
Insomnia by J.R. Johansson
That Time I Joined the Circus by J.J. Howard
Hush Little Baby by Caroline B. Cooney
Overboard by Elizabeth Fama
 Odd and the Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman
Girl on the Other Side by Deborah Kerbel
Subject Seven by James A. Moore
The Fire Horse Girl by Kay Honeyman
Huntress by Malinda Lo
Lockdown by Alexander Gordon Smith
How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr
Elemental by Emily White
Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan (ARC)
Surviving High School by M. Doty (ARC)
Pearl by Jo Knowles (ARC)
One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies by Sonya Sones (ARC)
Illuminate by Aimee Agresti (ARC)
The Eternal Ones by Kirsten Miller (ARC)
Summer and Bird by Katherine Catmull (ARC)
Seventeenth Summer by Maureen Daly
Wanted! by Caroline B. Cooney
Lure by Deborah Kerbel
Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky
Spellcaster by Cara Lynn Shultz
Fingerprints of You by Kristen-Paige Madonia
Waves by Sharon Dogar
Freaksville by Kitty Keswick (Signed to me.)
Shine, Coconut Moon by Neesha Meminger
The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove by Lauren Kate
Forgotten by Cat Patrick
Queen of Swords by Katee Robert
The Queen Bee of Bridgeton by Leslie DuBois
The Princess and the Hound by Mette Ivie Harrison
The Juliet Club by Suzanne Harper

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Friday, June 28, 2013

Review: Blood Feud by Alyxandra Harvey

Blood Feud
Alyxandra Harvey
Bloomsbury US
June 22nd, 2010
Drake Chronicles, #2
Young Adult
Bought for kindle.

Synopsis via Goodreads
It's been centuries since Isabeau St. Croix barely survived the French Revolution. Now she's made her way back to the living and she must face the ultimate test by confronting the evil British lord who left her for dead the day she turned into a vampire. That's if she can control her affection for Logan Drake, a vampire whose bite is as sweet as the revenge she seeks.
The clans are gathering for Helena's royal coronation as the next vampire queen, and new alliances are beginning to form now that the old rifts of Lady Natasha's reign have started to heal. But with a new common enemy, Leander Montmarte—a vicious leader who hopes to force Solange to marry him and usurp the power of the throne for himself—the clans must stand together to preserve the peace he threatens to destroy.

This second adventure in the Drake Chronicles—told from both Logan's and Isabeau's perspectives—has all the same butt-kicking action, heart-pounding romances and snarky humor that readers loved in Hearts at Stake, as well as exciting new revelations about the vampire dynasties to keep readers coming back for more.

Review
These books are just pure, action-packed fun. They will not change your life or how you view the world. They won't make you pull out the tissues. What they will do is provide you with a couple of hours of humorous entertainment. And sometimes, that is all you really want.

Isabeau was quite a departure from our previous heroines, Lucy and Solange, in Hearts at Stake. Her demeanor was more serious and rougher around the edges, with a strong taste for revenge. This kick-ass chick had a really painful history and I found that I couldn't help but root for her. Logan Drake, with his charm and old-fashioned "pirate" attire, was the perfect yin to Isabeau's yang: the two alternating perspective balanced each other out rather nicely. In the first book, our two main guys were Kieran and Nicholas. I have to say, I think Logan is my favorite so far. The romance between Isabeau and Logan was sweet and moved rather quickly, as the romances tend to do in this series. I find I don't mind though. I wished I could have gotten a little more of Lucy, but I understand why Harvey kept Lucy's presence to a minimum: she's got a personality that will outshine most any other character. With all of the Drakes returning, as well as characters like Montmarte, there was also a delightful array of new characters. We had a new villain in Greyhaven, as well as new Hound allies.

Blood Feud moves fast and is relatively short, like its predecessor. The problem with this is that it just doesn't allow enough time to fully develop the internal and external conflicts within the story, leading to a somewhat lackluster climax. I'd love to see these books be about a hundred or so pages longer a piece. And Harvey totally has a mesmerizing, potentially intricate enough story-world that she could totally do it. Especially with her switching focus between characters. That said, the plot remained exciting all the same. Harvey introduced magic into the series through the Hounds, who's leader reads bones and we get to go Dream Walking with Isabeau and Logan. Harvey also added to the complexity of the plot by including chapters from Isabeau's troubled and difficult past during the French Revolution. This was something that I felt really helped me to better understand Isabeau.

Harvey possesses a very fluid, completely immersing writing style that never fails to pull me in and down into the book from the very first page. It isn't perfect or anything mind-blowing, same as the other aspects of the books, but that's okay. For these books, it doesn't have to be and I don't think I'd change it.

The ending of Blood Feud was tied up quite neatly, maybe almost a little too neatly. I like that these books never end on huge cliffhangers though; they still always leaving me wanting more from the series.

In Essence

Characters: Kick-ass and charming. Always a great array of main and supporting characters!
Writing: Great!
Plot: Could have used deeper development but action-packed and exciting world building.
Ending: Tied up neat.
2nd in Series: A great continuation of the series, building the characters and world.
Enjoyment/Likability: Yes. Really enjoyed this.
Recommendable: Always.

Overall: Fun and exiting series that you can read in no time, many times!

Cover: Pretty!


My Review of Hearts at Stake

Buy Ruling Passion (Drake Chronicles #1-#3)
Amazon / B&N / Kindle / Nook / Book Depository



Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Review: This Dark Endeavor by Kenneth Oppel

This Dark Endeavor
Kenneth Oppel
Simon & Schuster
August 23rd, 2011
The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein #1
Young Adult
For Review from Publisher

Synopsis via Goodreads
Victor and Konrad are the twin brothers Frankenstein. They are nearly inseparable. Growing up, their lives are filled with imaginary adventures...until the day their adventures turn all too real. They stumble upon The Dark Library, and secret books of alchemy and ancient remedies are discovered. Father forbids that they ever enter the room again, but this only peaks Victor's curiosity more. When Konrad falls gravely ill, Victor is not be satisfied with the various doctors his parents have called in to help. He is drawn back to The Dark Library where he uncovers an ancient formula for the Elixir of Life. Elizabeth, Henry, and Victor immediately set out to find assistance in a man who was once known for his alchemical works to help create the formula.

Determination and the unthinkable outcome of losing his brother spur Victor on in the quest for the three ingredients that will save Konrads life. After scaling the highest trees in the Strumwald, diving into the deepest lake caves, and sacrificing one’s own body part, the three fearless friends risk their lives to save another.

Review
For me, this book was a little more like, This Dim Endeavor. By this, I do not mean to insult so much as point out that it wasn't nearly as dark and twisted as I'd hoped. That said, it wasn't a fluffy light read either.

So, Victor was a fairly likable MC. He's got the whole underdog thing going for him within his brother rivalry and when it comes to Elizabeth's heart. He's more adventurous and is rougher around the edges, behaving quite wickedly at times. Honestly, in the love triangle between Victor, Elizabeth, and Konrad, I didn't really find myself caring much one way or the other. Though if I had to choose, I'd pick Victor. All of the characters came off as a little young to me and I found that I was craving much more character development from Konrad and Elizabeth. Henry was quite a trip though and really livened up this book. He's a character that had me lol-ing on several occasions. I liked that the parents were actually involved in the story, adding some well appreciated, additional conflict to the story.

As I said before, the plot wasn't as dark as I had hoped. There were some darker aspects but in the whole, it was a lighter read than I had anticipated. At times, I confess, it came off as a little melodramatic to me, both some of the events that took place and the characters themselves. That said there was some great world building and a well layered story-line that kept me guessing and wondering what was waiting for me around the next corner or behind the next door, sometimes literally. The overall concept alone is worth praising. I mean, a prequel to Mary Shelley's Frankenstein? Um, yes! This is definitely a series that is going to be filled with excitement.

Though I did find fault with a few things, the writing was not among those. While not anything that will just completely blow a person away, Oppel's writing style was fast-paced and his use of imagery went on to further enhance the atmosphere and story world.

The ending left me a little befuddled but it set the next book up quite nicely; I can't wait to read Such Wicked Intent!

Recommendable: Yes, especially if you don't start with super high expectations like I did.
Overall: An adventurous and captivating start to a new and unique series!

Cover: Wicked cool!


Buy This Dark Endeavor



Waiting on Wednesday: The 100 by Kass Morgan

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

The 100
Kass Morgan
Little Brown Books for Young Readers
September 3rd, 2013
The Hundred, #1
Young Adult


Synopsis via Goodreads

In the future, humans live in city-like spaceships orbiting far above Earth's toxic atmosphere. No one knows when, or even if, the long-abandoned planet will be habitable again. But faced with dwindling resources and a growing populace, government leaders know they must reclaim their homeland... before it's too late.

Now, one hundred juvenile delinquents are being sent on a high-stakes mission to recolonize Earth. After a brutal crash landing, the teens arrive on a savagely beautiful planet they've only seen from space. Confronting the dangers of this rugged new world, they struggle to form a tentative community. But they're haunted by their past and uncertain about the future. To survive, they must learn to trust - and even love - again.


~~~~~~~~~~~~

So, space books have been making the rounds the past couple of years, but I think this one has me the most intrigued! You've been very, very naughty. We're putting you in time out. On Earth. Go be reproductive. But no, really. I love the concept, provided that it doesn't turn into some weird Lord of the Flies retelling. Can't wait to read this one. What about you? Have you heard about The 100?



Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Soul Savers 5 Cover Reveal!

I'm so excited to participate in the cover reveal of Kristie Cook's next installment in the Soul Savers Series. But first – Kristie, Tristan (the major HOTTIE!!!! From the Soul Savers Series) and Tristan's advocate Lisa need your help!

Right this very minute Tristan is participating in his first match in the NA Crush Tourney!



Then go threaten everyone you know to vote for him … or ask nicely. Whatever works. If WHEN Tristan wins, Kristie will share "A never-before-seen scene written from Tristan's point-of-view that I promise you will love. And if he wins the whole tourney? You'll get to read about their wedding night from Tristan's POV.".

Okay, now on to the gorgeous cover and title for Soul Savers Book 5:



Isn't it amazing? It comes out later this summer and don't forget to follow Kristie for up-to-date news. Now don't forget to go vote for Tristan! Want to know why you should? Visit Lisa's blog - A Life Bound By Books for her advocate post – you'll LOVE it and while you're there VOTE for Tristan!!!

Voting starts on Monday, June 24th at 11:59 PM EST and closes Tuesday, June 25th 2013 at 11:59 PM (EST)

(Opens Monday at 8:59 PM PST and closes Tuesday at 8:59 PM PST)

Here's the link:

Tweet like crazy! Be sure to include the following hashtags and the link in your tweets so we can find you and others know where they can vote for Tristan too!


#NACrushTourney - #KnightRiders - http://bit.ly/3zlyR7




And don't forget to grab an eBook copy of the first book Soul Savers Series, Promise! It's FREE!!! On all platforms! Here's the links:


Order the FREE eBook Online here: AmazonBarnes and NobleiBooksKoboSmashwords

In the UK: AmazoniBooks

My Top Ten Books Read in 2013 + Book B-Day Shout Out!

Today's Top Ten Tuesday (Meme courtesy The Broke and the Bookish) asks us what our Top 10 reads are so far for the year. I feel a little weird joining this meme on this one as it is has been a bad year for me, having read only 17 books so far. Seven of which have been read this month. But I'm gonna do it anyway. :D

First up, the books that received five stars from me. All of which happen to be the books I've most recently read. And keep in mind, the spectacular-ness of this as I hadn't given a book five stars prior to this since August 2011! (College really hurt my reading mojo.)

  

The Art of Racing in the Rain easily takes the #1 spot for me so far this year. This book was a surprise. I had always wanted to read it and finally decided to in an attempt to deviate from my usual YA book. It blew my fucking mind! Read it! I was reading A Spy in the House at the same time as TAoRitR. Once again, a book I had wanted to read for ages and it didn't disappoint. Pure fun and excitement! After giving two books five stars, I knew I'd have to carefully select my next book so as to avoid total disappointment. So I chose The Day Before, as I find I can't go wrong with Lisa Schroeder. Reviews to come on all of these soon.

The Following books all received four stars, though they do not represent every book that received four stars, and the ones getting less obviously aren't here.

  

  

Oh, Emblaze. I am hooked on this series and while I would categorize it as a favorite series, something always holds me back from giving any of the books the full five stars, though I'd probably classify them as having four and a half. Destiny's Fire was quite the steampunk delight and I was fortunate enough to meet the author at YALL Fest last year. The others were also really great reads! As you can probably see, that is only 9. Well this next, and final, book that I will be listing is being "born" today. That's right, a big, warm Happy Birthday to the final book rounding off my Top 10.


Weather Witch by Shannon Delany! 

Here is what I had to say about it:

"Dazzling and ingenious, Weather Witch will captivate your mind, leave your heart pounding and, at times, breaking from surprising moments of raw and genuine emotion. Delany doesn’t tell just one story, but instead, she tells many. She weaves them together in such a masterful way as to create one beautifully seamless and colorful journey that I cannot wait to continue." 

Buy it Today

~~~~~~~~~~~~

That's it everyone! I've enjoyed posting this list and I look forward to exploring everybody else's to see what books have knocked your socks off this year! 



Sunday, June 23, 2013

Ending of an Era, Turning of a Page: Farewell Google Reader, Hello Bloglovin'!

Okay, so I just saw a post by a blog that I follow saying that Google Reader is closing. Most of you probably already know this but as I have been kind of out of touch with this marvelous community for a little while, it was news to me. Honestly, I'm pretty sure my jaw hit the keyboard. I reread and reread, wondering what this little fact meant for me. I was in denial. Deep deep denial. I have always loved using Google Reader. It can't possibly be going away. The horror!

stiles gif photo:  tumblr_makxrreg3C1qaf90uo7_r1_250.gif

Oh but it could. On July 1st to be exact. Once it sunk into my brain that my love for following via Google Reader was not going to make it stay, I went into full on panic. Sure, I have my blog on Facebook, and you can subscribe via email, but I feel like most people don't go that route. (Though please feel free to!)

freaking out photo: freaking out freakout_zps0e8b12b0.gif

And then I was just all, "Pull yourself together, girl!" I looked a little closer at Zoe's blog and saw that she was using a site called Bloglovin' as an alternative. I collected my self, took a look at the website, and saw this:


And I was all...

happy gif photo: happy gif. friendshappy.gif

So I signed up. Imported all my blogs that I follow, which at over 500, only took a few minutes. Then I took the next step and "claimed my blog", which was already on there from where other people had imported me from Google Reader. And I see over 200 of my lovely peeps already follow me through Bloglovin'.

I realize, this may be the end of an era, but it is also the turning of a page. Moving on to bigger and better things. I'm looking forward to getting to use Bloglovin', though the loss of Google Reader will forever remain bittersweet. After all, it was my first.

So peoples, if you love me, if you want to keep following me, in my right sidebar you'll find all the different ways you can follow me, including: Bloglovin', Twitter, Facebook, and Email. I would also highly encourage my fellow bloggers to make the switch.

That said, you should all know that while Google Reader is closing, it is being said that GFC, which I also use religiously, will be remaining available for all blogs through Blogger, at least, so I hear. So you can also still follow me and others through GFC as well.



Saturday, June 22, 2013

Cover Teaser for 5th Book in Soul Savers Series By Kristie Cook!

I'm thrilled to share with you a teaser of the cover for the fifth book in the Soul Saver Series By: Kristie Cook! Take a look and see what you think, and keep an eye out for the FULL cover reveal coming this Tuesday!





Title: TBA on Tuesday!

Author: Kristie Cook

Publisher: Ang'dora Productions, LLC (Coming SUMMER 2013)

Find Kristie and her books on: Goodreads

Synopsis to follow!

Haven't read the series? How about a FREE eBook copy of Promise? It's FREE on ALL platforms! Yes it is! Here's links where you can get YOUR FREE COPY TODAY!

Order the FREE eBook Online here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, Kobo, Smashwords
In the UK: Amazon, iBooks




Okay, Lisa at A Life Bound By Books is still looking for HELP with the #NACrushTourney for none other than Tristan Knight himself! She's created a Street Team called #KnightRiders and would LOVE to have YOU help Tristan make his way to VICTORY!! The first round is coming up quick. Here's all the info you need to know so far.



Oh and EVERYONE who helps with the Tourney by joining the Street Team and doing tasks will be ENTERED TO WIN PRIZES!!! YES! PRIZES!!! More from Lisa about that later.



Now... Lisa can't do this on her own, so this is where you guys come in.

First and most important, Tristan has his first round coming up! Voting opens for the first round on ****Monday, June 25th at 11:59PM EST (or for us on the west coast, Monday at 8:59PM PST)**** Once the post is up, the voting can begin and will only be open for 24 HOURS! You'll be able to VOTE both at A Life Bound By Books and at the NA ALLY! (During the 24 hour voting period I believe you'll be able to vote from multiple devices so everyone should keep that in mind.)

Wondering what we'll ALL win when Tristan WINS? Straight from Kristie herself -

And here's Lisa's reward if he wins Round 1: "A never-before-seen scene written from Tristan's point-of-view that you will love. And if he wins the whole tourney? You'll get to read about their wedding night from Tristan's POV."

Looking to sign up for #KnightRiders Street TeamHere's the quick form to fill out. Every thing will happen in a few emails so not to worry about having your inbox bogging down. Also, all info, emails, etc will be deleted at the end of the tournament.






Grab the button below, add it to blogs, Facebook, change your twitter pic, etc! Put it up everywhere you can!!






Tweet like crazy! Be sure to include the following hashtags so we can find you on twitter -


#NACrushTourney #KnightRiders

Here's some other important links to follow and watch for -

Find on Twitter: A Life Bound By Books, Tristan, Kristie Cook
Find on Facebook: A Life Bound By Books, Tristan, Kristie Cook



Title: Promise (Soul Savers #1)

Author: Kristie Cook


Publisher: Ang'dora Productions, 369 Pages (August 11, 2011)


Add to: Goodreads


Order the FREE eBook Online here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, Kobo, Smashwords


In the UK: Amazon, The Book Depository


Synopsis: New Adult Paranormal Romance ** Mature Content ** Recommended for ages 16+ due to sexual situations and language.

First installment of award-winning author Kristie Cook's bestselling Soul Savers Series

Alexis Ames has a life full of promise...but not all promises can be kept.

When Alexis Ames is attacked by creatures that can't be real, she decides it's time she learns who she really is, with or without the help of her mother, who guards their family's secrets closely. After meeting the inhumanly attractive, multi-talented Tristan Knight, however, Alexis retreats behind her façade of normalcy...until she discovers he's not exactly normal either. Then their secrets begin to unravel.

Their union brings hope and promise to her family's secret society, the Angels' army, and to the future of mankind. But it also incites a dangerous pursuit by the enemy - Satan's minions and Tristan's creators. After all, Alexis and Tristan are a match made in Heaven and in Hell.

1st Place - 2010 Royal Palm Literary Award - Fantasy (Published) by Florida Writers Association.


Keep an eye out on A Life Bound By Books on all platforms for more info coming soon including - News, Giveaways and other Exciting things for the tourney!


Friday, June 21, 2013

One Awesome Summer Solstice Deal!


Thanks to the wonderful people at Coliloquy, for a LIMITED time only, Heidi R. Kling's excellent Spellspinners of Melas County books are only $0.99 for Kindle!

I've read and enjoyed both of these and you can check out my reviews for Witch's Brew and The Gleaning HERE.

~

And don't forget:

Witch or Warlock?
Pick a team & spread the word

TEAM WITCH
RT: I'm on TEAM WITCH- "We witch you a Happy Solstice & a win in The Gleaning" @Coliloquy @HeidiRKling http://www.coliloquy.com/products/gleaning/

TEAM WARLOCK
RT: I'm on TEAM WARLOCK- "We witch you a Deadly Solstice & a loss in The Gleaning" @Coliloquy @HeidiRKling http://www.coliloquy.com/products/gleaning/ 



Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Over 80 Amazing YA Kindle Deals!

For the record, almost all of these are about the same price on B&N for Nook as well.

~For $0.99~





~For $1.99~

~ ~

~ ~

~ ~

~ ~

~ ~

~ ~

~ ~



~For $2.30 to $2.99~

~ ~

~ ~

~ ~

~ ~

~ ~

~ ~

~ ~

~ ~

~ ~

~ ~

~ ~

~ ~

~ ~

~ ~

~ ~

~ ~

~ ~

~ ~



~For $3.79 to $3.99~

~ ~

~ ~

~ ~



Monday, June 17, 2013

Review: Insomnia by J.R. Johansson

Insomnia by J.R. Johansson
Flux
June 8th, 2013
The Night Walkers, #1
Young Adult
For Review from Flux

Synopsis via Goodreads
It’s been four years since I slept, and I suspect it is killing me.

Instead of sleeping, Parker Chipp enters the dream of the last person he’s had eye contact with. He spends his nights crushed by other people’s fear and pain, by their disturbing secrets—and Parker can never have dreams of his own. The severe exhaustion is crippling him. If nothing changes, Parker could soon be facing psychosis and even death.

Then he meets Mia. Her dreams, calm and beautifully uncomplicated, allow him blissful rest that is utterly addictive. Parker starts going to bizarre lengths to catch Mia’s eye every day. Everyone at school thinks he’s gone over the edge, even his best friend. And when Mia is threatened by a true stalker, everyone thinks it’s Parker.

Suffering blackouts, Parker begins to wonder if he is turning into someone dangerous. What if the monster stalking Mia is him after all?

Review
So, where to begin? I had very high expectations for this book, what with its synopsis scoring big concept and originality points. Sadly, I couldn't help but feel let down that the book never seemed to achieve maximum potential. At least, from my perspective anyway. That said, it still proved to be a glue-you-to-the-edge-of-your-seat kind of read that stood out amongst all the other paranormal books out there.

My main problem with Insomnia was that I was never able to find myself even the least bit emotionally invested in the characters. There was a strong sense of disconnect between them and myself throughout the whole story. I think this started with our main character, Parker. There is such a thing as being realistically flawed. And then there is just annoyingly stupid. He had me face-palming so many times. Instead of trying to befriend Mia--maybe invite her to hang out with you and your friends so she doesn't get the wrong idea--Parker has to go all weird and creepy on her, acting like a stalker. He always said and did the dumbest things to worsen the situation. Also, it was pretty easy for him to prove his abilities to Finn so why the heck didn't he do it sooner? Hey bud, I can tell you exactly what your dreams were every night for the past week or more. Piece of cake. Not to mention his insistence on sticking to the "bro-code" instead of just asking Finn, "Hey, so, how weird would it be if I dated your sister?" All this, and more, just bugged me, but I will say that as the book progressed, these annoyances lessened substantially. His personality as a whole though just didn't mesh with me as a reader. Mind you, I didn't hate him. There were even some moments when I liked him a little. Plus he did at least have a dry wit about him. Moreover, his character and general personality did detract from my enjoyment of the story. Moving on, though. So Finn and Addie. Here is what I liked about them. When Parker went all bat-shit crazy, they did the reasonable thing in telling him he needed to get help, and they were a little scared of him. Also reasonable. If I didn't have the reader's-eye view, I'd have been scared of Parker too. I thought Finn and Addie were each pretty well developed and realistic supporting characters; I even liked them more than Parker. I'm glad that Johansson didn't push the romance element of the story too hard and avoided making a love triangle out of Parker, Addie, and Mia. Speaking of Mia. That poor soul. She was a relatively, though not completely, weak character, strength wise, but that was a refreshing change. I feel like authors sometimes feel pressure to make all of their female characters strong and/or sassy. Fact is, not all girls are that way. Some are fragile and broken with only a subtle inner strength to cling to, if that. To me, this was Mia. I'm just glad she had enough sense to be afraid of Parker.

From the start, Insomnia had originality in its favor. Generally speaking, we all love when we read something that we've never read anything else like it before. The only thing that I could think of that even remotely resembled this story was Wake by Lisa McMann. I confess, I liked this one a little better. This book was a variety of delicious flavors of dark and twisty. On the whole, I felt like there was something holding the plot back from really shining, but I can't exactly put my finger on what. There was almost a disjointed, ADD feel in the transitions between the focuses of the plot and within the character development, if that makes any sense. But anyway, I digress. The entire time span closely surrounding Parker's suspicions of his own guilt was probably the best, most insane part. The mystery surrounding who was threatening Mia, as well as who the guy with the blind skull jacket was, kept me turning the pages and losing sleep. Insomnia definitely had plenty of drive and suspense, something I look forward to hopefully having in the next book as well.

The writing was well polished and to the point. Nothing fancy or over the top, being fairly subtle. Honestly, I never once stopped and thought, "The writing is so *insert adjective*." This means that it didn't do anything grand to stand out, allowing the story to speak for itself. It also means there wasn't anything I found displeasing about it either. Which is always good.

Okay so when the book finally revealed the identity of Mia's stalker, I was less than thrilled. I guess I just kept thinking it would turn out to be something/someone even more twisted, which for a while, it seemed like it would be. However, as a whole I thought Johansson did a great job of tying up the first book while also setting up the plot for the second.

The Nitty Gritty

Characters: Could not connect to characters. MC annoyed me to no end.
Writing: Polished, straightforward.
Plot: Gripping and original.
Ending: Meh, not what I'd hoped for but well-crafted overall.
1st in Series: A solid start to the series.
Enjoyment/Likability: There were times I liked it more than others. Overall, I found it an enjoyable read.
Recommendable: Yes.

Overall: A little disappointing but still a worthwhile, brilliant-concept read. Honestly, Parker is who really held me back from enjoying this book even more than I did. Despite my issues with it, I definitely plan to continue the series and look forward to the sequel.

Cover: Creepy as shit. Fits book, but honestly, I'd walk right past it in a store and not give it a second glance.


Buy Insomnia
Amazon / B&N / Kindle / Nook / Book Depository


Tuesday, June 4, 2013

I'm Back!

So, I'll keep this very brief. This past Spring semester was unbelievably rough for me. I had a lot of really bad stuff going on in my life and was taking a full course load at college while also having my publishing internship with Paper Lantern Lit. As a result, blogging just wasn't something I had the time and energy for. I just got back from spending the last 3wks in Costa Rica for a Latin Dance and Culture Class. Now, I'm ready to return to blogging. I'm sorry I've been MIA for so long. I'm hoping to return to my usual blogging self over the next few days. I've missed you guys like crazy! :D

About Me

My photo
Georgia, United States
Hello all! My name is Briana, I'm 20, and I live in the beautiful state of Georgia. I love reading and photography.

My Partner in Crime...er...I mean reading. :P

My Partner in Crime...er...I mean reading. :P
Meet Rudy everyone!