Review: Obsidian

Title: Obsidian
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Pages: 361
Format: Paperback
Publication Date: May 8th 2012
Publisher: Entangled Teen



I'm not sure why, but I just haven't been blogging lately *cough* Since February *cough* I guess like always it was life and such. I'm a jack of all trades, so I'll have periods of doing one thing and then it'll be like I crash and I move on... but come back later. This is exactly what I'm doing here. So bare with my unexpected disappearances. I truly don't mean to, but I post when I can. There are other things in life that are more important than blogging.

On to the review...

I have always heard nothing but great things about this book/series. When it was first circling around it was only in ebook format and my refusal to buy an ereader and paperless books turned me away from this story. And then one day my husband took me to the bookstore and I found THIS pretty sitting on the shelves. I almost, almost, jumped up in glee. I could FINALLY read this. Finally.

I am so happy I bought the rest of the series that day, too. Here's why...

Jennifer L. Armentrout has a gift. So can right a damn good novel that keeps you fully engaged within the story and characters. Particularly on the characters. She writes a damn good bad boy, that's for sure. I never understood why EVERYONE was all over Daemon. Like c'mon? The guys a total jerk. But then I read this book and I was like, DAMN he's a total jerk *licks lips* There is just something about Daemon that's so seductive and mysterious that you really can't help fall head over heals. I'd gladly take Kat's place any day (expect in the third book... gosh, that ending!)

So not only are the character utterly incredible, but the story line about the whole alien thing is really intriguing. And I mean, a bad-boy hottie who is also an alien? Tell me that doesn't sound awesome? There are so many twists and turns and you'll find yourself flipping page after page. I know I did!

And the humor. Gosh, don't even get me started. The relationship between Kat and Daemon is so darn funny those to truly make the story. Without then it'd be a boring alien story.

If you're the few that haven't read this yet, what are you waiting for!? Go pick this up. It'll grab you and won't let go until the third book (where it'll tear your heart out).

Review: Another Pan

Title: Another Pan
Author: Daniel and Dina Nayeri
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Publication date: October 25th 2011
Pages: 400
Format: Hardback

When I first saw the cover in book stores I knew I just had to have it! A Peter Pan story? Gimme Gimme!

I am so glad I picked this book up a few years ago (yes, that is how long its has been sitting on my bookshelves.)

There are a few things that I want to clarify first before I go any further into this review. A) You aren't going to get a step by step Peter Pan retelling B) You are going to get similarities but that is about it C) The similarities being character names, the Lost Boys, and Peter Pan never growing up.

That all said, if you're hoping for a Peter Pan retelling that is similar to the original story, you are not going to get Captain Hook, mermaids, or flying. But hey, you are still getting a Peter Pan :)

Overall, this book was pretty good, despite not being as close to the original I was hoping for. I really did like how the authors incorporated the original, by taking character names and ideas, and twisting and turning and adding a little bit of pixie dust to it to make there own version.

The story about bone dust and Egyptians was quite intriguing, so I really enjoyed these aspects. Egyptians in history class was always my favorite subject so when I read about the Egyptian stories in this book, I was even more intrigued.  If you find Egyptian history a bore, you will probably not enjoy this one as much. It is jammed pack with Egyptian-awesomeness.

The plot was interesting and fast paced. I was turning page from page eager to find out what happens next.

Like I said before, I really enjoyed this book, BUT, I really didn't enjoy the ending. I'm not going to spoil the ending or anything, but I will point out that the authors end the book with Peter Pan being an a-hole. Yes, a big one. I couldn't believe this! I even read back over a few pages to make sure I wasn't just imagining this. Who in their right mind would EVER end a book with Peter Pan being an a-hole? Seriously? Peter Pan is my all time favorite story, so when they did that I was pissed!

Still a five star rating though, just because I love the plot and characters so much :)

Review: Shades of Earth

Title: Shades of Earth
Author: Beth Revis
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication Date: January 15th 2013
Pages: 369
Format: Print/Hardback

Frex, that was amazing!

Across the Universe had me from the very beginning, turning page by page until the mystery was solved. A Million Suns had me wanting more by its end. Shades of Earth had my heart racing until the end, gosh, that end, had me so complete I couldn't help but think of Elder and Amy well after closing the book.

Have you ever read a book series that was truly incredible, but when you got to the end, the last book was such a disappointment you didn't  feel complete? Like there should have been more answers? No? Then how about a stand alone book? Yes? Same! Shades of Earth was not one of them, rest assured.

To be honest, I was a little eerie at first picking this one up. Truthfully I didn't want to a) feel disappointed b) miss the characters I've grown to love and c) get off Godspeed. A Million Suns is the type of series that really had me picturing myself on the ship, seeing everything happen first hand, thanks to Beth's awesome writing skills. That said, like many of Godspeeds inhabitants, I too did not want to leave Godspeed. Seriously, I wanted everyone to stay on the ship. Hahaha, silly, I know. But what goes up must come down, right?

I am SO glad I took that leap of faith and decided to leave Godspeed (so to speak).

Just like the first two books in the series, Shades of Earth was fast paced, but also had A LOT more action. So much was going on my eyes started to heart from the continuous back and fourth movement that usually entails when you're reading full out action-awesomeness. Gosh, this book, I can't even. Just amazing, truly amazing.

Okay, so the book was action-packed and fast paced, the characters were even better.The love between Amy and Elder is tested when both have to make big decisions that could mean life, death, or the cost of one's family. I couldn't believe how mature they've grown to become. First Elder was making life threatening decisions just because Amy was beautiful, to risking his own life trying to save those left behind on Godspeed. A true leader thinks of his people as a whole, and not just himself. This made me love Elder even more! And Amy, such courage to go against her family as well as standing up for Elder's people when her people are being jerks. The characters are so much more lovable in this book, so expect that :)

If you haven't picked Shades of Earth up yet, what are you waiting for? You will NOT be disappointed!

Word to Beth: Rewriting the draft for Shades of Earth, what was it? Three times? Truly paid off! Seriously!



Frexing....

all the way to the stars and back.

Follow me Friday (#15)

Good morning little piggies! I hope you've all been having a fine week thus far. I've had an amazing week! Anyways, it's Friday, time for another Follow me Friday. Hosted by AlisonCanRead and Parajunkee so be sure to follow along!

Q: We always talk about books that WE want. Let's turn it on its head. What books have you given other people lately?

A: Lately? Hmm, I've given my mother- in-law an extra copy of City of Bones and The Iron King. For Christmas my mom got me the Mortal Instruments in Hardback so I had a paperback spare to lend away. Also, my husband got me the complete boxed set of The Iron Fey series (came with a signed poster!) so I had a spare copy of The Iron King. So far she's been LOVING The Iron King, so I'm going to have to start that one soon. (Haven't read City of Bones or The Iron King yet ... guilty as charged)

I have also been lending out my Fruits Basket series to my friend (about 4 at a time). She's been loving those as well :)

How 'bout you? Let me know in the comments section. Don't forget to include the link to your blog so I can follow back!