In My Mailbox

Bitter is the New Black by Jen Lancaster

Jen Lancaster was living the sweet life-until real life kicked her to the curb.

She had the perfect man, the perfect job-hell, she had the perfect life-and there was no reason to think it wouldn't last. Or maybe there was, but Jen Lancaster was too busy being manicured, pedicured, highlighted, and generally adored to notice.

This is the smart-mouthed, soul-searching story of a woman trying to figure out what happens next when she's gone from six figures to unemployment checks and she stops to reconsider some of the less-than-rosy attitudes and values she thought she'd never have to answer for when times were good.

Filled with caustic wit and unusual insight, it's a rollicking read as speedy and unpredictable as the trajectory of a burst balloon.

Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

The tale of Heathcliff's and Cathy's ungovernable love and suffering, and the havoc that their passion wreaks on the families of the Earnshaws and the Lintons, shocked the book's first readers, with even Emily's sister Charlotte claiming Whether it is right or advisable to create beings like Heathcliff, I do not know. I scarcely think it is.

Book Meme

Lol

Use the titles of books you've read this year to answer these questions.

Describe Yourself: Wicked
How do you feel: Beastly
Describe where you currently live: City Of Glass
If you could go anywhere, where would you go: Night World
Your favorite form of transportation: Old Magic
Your best friend is: Midnight Predator
You and your friends are: Blood and Chocolate
What's the weather like: Bliss
Favorite time of day: Sunlight and Shadow
What is life to you: An Abundance Of Katherine
Your fear: The Devouring
What is the best advice you have to give: Freeze Frame
Thought for the Day: Revelations
How I would like to die: War Of The Witches
My soul's present condition: Stardust

I've been stressing my way through the past two days. NaNoWriMo is killer. o.o

In My Mailbox

The Screwed Up Life of Charlie the Second by Drew Ferguson

Sometimes, it's just easier to think I'm not the freak. I'm just in an alien world.
Being Charles James Stewart, Jr., AKA Charlie the Second, means never "fitting in." Tall, gangly and big-eared, he could be a poster boy for teenage geeks. An embarrassment to his parents (he's not too crazy about them, either), Charlie is a virtual untouchable at his high school, where humiliation is practically an extracurricular activity. Charlie has tried to fit in, but all of his efforts fail on a glorious, monumental scale. He plays soccer-mainly to escape his home life-but isn't accepted by his teammates who basically ignore him on the field. He still confuses the accelerator with the brake pedal and as a result, has not only failed his driving exam six times, but also almost killed himself and his driving instructor. He can't work on his college essay without writing a searing tell-all. But what's freaking Charlie out the most is that while his hormones are raging and his peers are pairing off, he remains alone with his fantasies.
But all of this is about to change when a new guy at school begins to liven things up on the soccer team-and in Charlie's life. For the first time in his seventeen years, Charlie will learn how it feels to be a star, well, at least off the field. But Charlie discovers that even cool guys have problems as he embarks on a deliciously sexy, risk-filled journey from which there is no turning back.

The Vampire Chronicles Collection: Volume I by Anne Rice

INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE

Witness the confessions of a vampire. A novel of mesmerizing beauty and astonishing force, it is a story of danger and flight, love and loss, suspense and resolution, and the extraordinary power of the senses.

THE VAMPIRE LESTAT

Once an aristocrat from pre-revolutionary France, now a rock star in the decadent 1980s, Lestat rushes through the centuries seeking to fathom the mystery of his existence. His is a mesmerizing story–passionate and thrilling.
QUEEN OF THE DAMNED

Akasha, the queen of the damned, has risen from a six-thousand-year sleep to let loose the powers of the night. She has a marvelously devious plan to “save” mankind–in this vivid novel of the erotic, electrifying world of the undead.

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

It is the cusp of World War I, and all the European powers are arming up. The Austro-Hungarians and Germans have their Clankers, steam-driven iron machines loaded with guns and ammunition. The British Darwinists employ fabricated animals as their weaponry. Their Leviathan is a whale airship, and the most masterful beast in the British fleet.
Aleksandar Ferdinand, prince of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, is on the run. His own people have turned on him. His title is worthless. All he has is a battle-torn Stormwalker and a loyal crew of men.
Deryn Sharp is a commoner, a girl disguised as a boy in the British Air Service. She's a brilliant airman. But her secret is in constant danger of being discovered.
With the Great War brewing, Alek's and Deryn's paths cross in the most unexpected way...taking them both aboard the Leviathan on a fantastical, around-the-world adventure. One that will change both their lives forever.

In My Mailbox

Though to be fair, I'm a few minutes late.

Memoirs Of A Geisha by Arthur Golden
An epic on an intimate scale, Memoirs of a Geisha takes the reader behind the rice-paper screens of the geisha house to a vanished floating world of beauty and cruelty, from a poor fishing village in 1929 to the decadence of 1940s Kyoto, through the chaos of World War II to the towers of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, where the gray-eyed geisha Sayuri unfolds the remarkable story of her life.


Classic Books from the Library of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry: Quidditch through the Ages and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by J.K. Rowling, (Kennilworthy Whisp), (Newt Scamander)

When first released to Muggles in March 2001, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and Quidditch Through the Ages further enlightened Harry Potter fans about the dangers and delights of the wizarding world. Now these two charming works of non-fiction are available in hardcover -- in a special keepsake slipcase edition!

Tay-Toe

Waiting On Wednesday

Leviathan by Scott Westerfield

It is the cusp of World War I, and all the European powers are arming up. The Austro-Hungarians and Germans have their Clankers, steam-driven iron machines loaded with guns and ammunition. The British Darwinists employ fabricated animals as their weaponry. Their Leviathan is a whale airship, and the most masterful beast in the British fleet.

Aleksandar Ferdinand, prince of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, is on the run. His own people have turned on him. His title is worthless. All he has is a battle-torn Stormwalker and a loyal crew of men.

Deryn Sharp is a commoner, a girl disguised as a boy in the British Air Service. She's a brilliant airman. But her secret is in constant danger of being discovered.

With the Great War brewing, Alek's and Deryn's paths cross in the most unexpected way...taking them both aboard the Leviathan on a fantastical, around-the-world adventure. One that will change both their lives forever.

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

(WARNING!: Summary and Review WILL most likely contain spoilers. Venture on at your own risk.)

It all comes down to this - a final face off between good and evil. You plan to pull out all the stops, but every time you solve one mystery, three more evolve. Do you stay the course you started, despite your lack of progress? Do you detour and follow a new lead that may not help? Do you listen to your instincts, or your friends?
Lord Voldemort is preparing for battle and so must Harry. With Ron and Hermione at his side, he's trying to hunt down Voldemort's Horcruxes, escape danger at every turn, and find a way to defeat evil once and for all.
How does it all end?

Originality- 10/10
Characters- 20/20
Remembrance- 10/10
Setting- 20/20
Plot- 20/20
Ending- 9/10
Recommend To Read- 10/10
Total- 99/100
Grade- A

I feel that this is probably the first review where I've felt so antsy about spoilers.

God, I read this book the Christmas after the Hardcover edition came out and it was freaking brilliant.

I could honestly rant on about the series, this book actually but I doubt anyone has the time or want of that.

All I know is, is that this book is amazing. I can't pick my favorite out of the series - they all seem to mesh into this huge superbook that you can just drown in and never return if you didn't want to.

The originality is there, and practically screaming at you. The basic plot points are there, but just because you've seen them before you can't take away from them. There will always be an antagonist, there will always be the hero, and the people in between. Rowling just somehow knew how to make these factors into something we've never seen before.

Harry is the hero that we all want. He has his faults, but I could never hate him for anything he does because he is just too good for that. I feel his struggles, and how he feels the need to save people from this vile monster who's trying to destroy everything he considered to be his home.
And on the downside, I can see Voldemort as who he really is and the person he's trying not to be: Tom Riddle Jr. Once you get through to this layer of him, I don't think it's possible you can hate him as much as before. I just believe he is like Harry, only he never found happiness or someone to care for him - sure there were people like Bellatrix and all of his Death Eaters, but because of that he sees power as the best thing as opposed to love, the thing he never knew.

The Deathly Hallows was full of action. The prequels before Deathly Hallows had action as well, but they were limited to Hogwarts and they were never as dangerous or breathtaking as before. This was all over - in the forests, in the streets, in Malfoy Manor, man, and it isn't just about surviving school anymore. It's about living and fighting against these adult wizards and witches who have every reason to kill you just because they can and they're more experienced.

I love Rowling's style, because I feel in the moment and like I'm in danger through every step. You never know what will happen. She isn't afraid to kill her characters or bend the story in a certain way to make it all the more fantastic. When I got to the Final Battle, I wasn't sure that Harry would win because I was clinging to my last hope because I'd never seen the main character die before. I wasn't sure if I was relieved or disappointed, but in the end, I think that it's obvious good has to conquer evil in these books or there would be no point to it.

The search for the Horcruxes was phenomenal. It wasn't just about the Horcruxes to me, though, it was about what they struggled through to get it and then finding the courage to destroy them.

I was sad about the deaths, but then equally happy about those who survived and the information that Rowling put out about the future made me all the more satisfied, seeing what Harry was up to afterward. The only way I was disappointed about the epilogue is that it wasn't long enough for me. I know that I am but one of many who wish for another Potter book. I seriously want to see how Luna, James, and Albus are living through Hogwarts, no matter how boring the book may be with everything ending perfectly.

Tay-Toe

In My Mailbox

Beastly by Alex Flinn
I am a beast.
A beast. Not quite wolf or bear, gorilla or dog but a horrible new creature who walks upright—a creature with fangs and claws and hair springing from every pore. I am a monster.
You think I'm talking fairy tales? No way. The place is New York City. The time is now. It's no deformity, no disease. And I'll stay this way forever—ruined—unless I can break the spell.
Yes, the spell, the one the witch in my English class cast on me. Why did she turn me into a beast who hides by day and prowls by night? I'll tell you. I'll tell you how I used to be Kyle Kingsbury, the guy you wished you were, with money, perfect looks, and the perfect life. And then, I'll tell you how I became perfectly . . . beastly.



Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

Harry's back for his second year at Hogwarts, where the infamous Chamber of Secrets has been opened for the first time in 50 years. The monster that is unleashed is literally petrifying Hogwarts students (turning them into stone, that is), and who is the primary suspect? Harry Potter himself. Add to this some enormous spiders, a Deathday Party, a ghost named Moaning Myrtle who haunts the girls' bathroom, and lots and lots of suspense, and you'll soon find yourself engrossed in another terrific tale in which magic does exist and good eventually triumphs over evil.






Storm Glass by Maria V. Snyder
As a glassmaker and a magician-in-training, Opal Cowen understands trial by fire. Now it's time to test her mettle. Someone has sabotaged the Stormdancer clan's glass orbs, killing their most powerful magicians. The Stormdancers--particularly the mysterious and mercurial Kade--require Opal's unique talents to prevent it happening again. But when the mission goes awry, Opal must tap in to a new kind of magic as stunningly potent as it is frightening. And the further she delves into the intrigue behind the glass and magic, the more distorted things appear. With lives hanging in the balance--including her own--Opal must control powers she hadn't known she possessed...powers that might lead to disaster beyond anything she's ever known.

Blood Promise by Richelle Mead

How far will Rose go to keep her promise?
The recent Strigoi attack at St. Vladimir's Academy was the deadliest ever in the school's history, claiming the lives of Moroi students, teachers, and guardians alike. Even worse, the Strigoi took some of their victims with them. . . including Dimitri.
He'd rather die than be one of them, and now Rose must abandon her best friend, Lissa—the one she has sworn to protect no matter what—and keep the promise Dimitri begged her to make long ago. But with everything at stake, how can she possibly destroy the person she loves most?

Dark Visions by L.J. Smith
GIFTED AND CURSED
Kaitlyn Fairchild has always felt like an outsider in her small hometown. Her haunting eyes and prophetic drawings have earned her a reputation as a witch. But Kait's not a witch: She's a psychic. Tired of being shunned, Kait accepts an invitation to attend the Zetes Institute, where she can have a fresh start and study with other psychic teens.
Learning to hone her abilities with four other gifted students, Kait discovers the intensity of her power — and the joy of having true friends. But those friendships quickly become complicated when Kait finds herself torn between two irresistible guys. Rob is kind and athletic, and heals people with his good energy. Gabriel is aggressive and mysterious, a telepath concealing his true nature as a psychic vampire, feeding off of others' life energy. Together, Rob and Gabriel's opposing forces threaten the group's stability.
Then one of the experiments traps the five teens in a psychic link. A link that threatens their sanity and their lives. And Kaitlyn must decide whom to trust...and whom to love.

Tay-Toe

In My Mailbox

Milestones by Samira Armin Hodges

One day. That’s how long it took for fourteen year-old Faye Martin’s ordinary life to take a dramatic and unexpected turn. First, she gets struck by lightning. Second, Benjamin Parker, the object of her obsession, witnessed her near-death experience. Finally, her parents force her to leave her hometown of Seattle to attend a summer camp, aptly named ‘Camp Milestone’. Only, Camp Milestone is no ordinary camp. Before she knows it, Faye finds herself caught in a whirlwind of uncertainty, torture, calamine lotion and romance….All in the name of summer camp. But as the summer unfolds, she realizes there is much more to Camp Milestone than meets the eye. Will she be able to unravel the mystery that surrounds this unusual camp? And more importantly, will she be able to survive the madness long enough to put the pieces together?

Castration Celebration by Jake Wizner

When the girl who’s foresworn men meets the boy who’s devoted himself to picking up women, there’s bound to be drama—perfect for a sixweek summer program devoted to the arts. Olivia’s summer goal: to write a musical that censures men with wandering eyes. Max’s summer goal: to hone his acting skills, along with his talent for attracting the ladies. Before camp is over, they’ll perform Olivia’s musical onstage and in real life—though the ending may turn out differently than either expects.

Darklight by Lesley Livingston

Much has changed since autumn, when Kelley Winslow learned she was Faerie royalty, fell in love with changeling guard Sonny Flannery, and saved New York City from a rampaging Faerie war band. When a terrifying encounter in Central Park sends Kelley tumbling into the Otherworld, her reunion with Sonny is joyful—but cut short. For they’ve been plunged into a game of Faerie deception and wavering allegiances in which the next move could topple a kingdom…or part them forever.

The Eternal Kiss 12 Vampire Tales of Blood and Desire edited by Trisha Telep












The Luxe by Anna Godbersen

Pretty girls in pretty dresses, partying until dawn.Irresistible boys with mischievous smiles and dangerous intentions.White lies, dark secrets, and scandalous hookups.This is Manhattan, 1899.

Beautiful sisters Elizabeth and Diana Holland rule Manhattan's social scene. Or so it appears. When the girls discover their status among New York City's elite is far from secure, suddenly everyone—from the backstabbing socialite Penelope Hayes, to the debonair bachelor Henry Schoonmaker, to the spiteful maid Lina Broud—threatens Elizabeth's and Diana's golden future.

With the fate of the Hollands resting on her shoulders, Elizabeth must choose between family duty and true love. But when her carriage overturns near the East River, the girl whose glittering life lit up the city's gossip pages is swallowed by the rough current. As all of New York grieves, some begin to wonder whether life at the top proved too much for this ethereal beauty, or if, perhaps, someone wanted to see Manhattan's most celebrated daughter disappear...
In a world of luxury and deception, where appearance matters above everything and breaking the social code means running the risk of being ostracized forever, five teenagers lead dangerously scandalous lives. This thrilling trip to the age of innocence is anything but innocent.

Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone by J.K. Rowling

Orphaned as a baby, Harry Potter has spent 11 awful years living with his mean aunt, uncle, and cousin Dudley. But everything changes for Harry when an owl delivers a mysterious letter inviting him to attend a school for wizards. At this special school, Harry finds friends, aerial sports, and magic in everything from classes to meals, as well as a great destiny that's been waiting for him...if Harry can survive the encounter.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling

In his fifth year at Hogwart's, Harry faces challenges at every turn, from the dark threat of He-Who-Must-Not-Be- Named and the unreliability of the government of the magical world to the rise of Ron Weasley as the keeper of the Gryffindor Quidditch Team. Along the way he learns about the strength of his friends, the fierceness of his enemies, and the meaning of sacrifice.


Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

In the land of Ingary, such things as spells, invisible cloaks, and seven-league boots were everyday things. The Witch of the Waste was another matter.

After fifty years of quiet, it was rumored that the Witch was about to terrorize the country again. So when a moving black castle, blowing dark smoke from its four thin turrets, appeared on the horizon, everyone thought it was the Witch. The castle, however, belonged to Wizard Howl, who, it was said, liked to suck the souls of young girls.

The Hatter sisters—Sophie, Lettie, and Martha—and all the other girls were warned not to venture into the streets alone. But that was only the beginning.

In this giant jigsaw puzzle of a fantasy, people and things are never quite what they seem. Destinies are intertwined, identities exchanged, lovers confused. The Witch has placed a spell on Howl. Does the clue to breaking it lie in a famous poem? And what will happen to Sophie Hatter when she enters Howl's castle?

I've already read Harry Potter #1 tons of times and I just finished reading #5 not too long ago. I watched Howl's Moving Castle and it was so wonderful that I was determined to read it. And now I do. =]

Tay-Toe

Create A Cover

I admit, I cheated a bit. I went to Deviant Art instead. *bashful*

CREATE YOUR DEBUT YA COVER

1 – Go to “Fake Name Generator” or click http://www.fakenamegenerator.com/

The name that appears is your author name.

2 – Go to “Random Word Generator” or clickhttp://www.websitestyle.com/parser/randomword.shtml

The word listed under “Random Verb” is your title.

3 – Go to “FlickrCC” or click http://flickrcc.bluemountains.net/index.php

Type your title into the search box. The first photo that contains a person is your cover.

4 – Use Photoshop, Picnik, or similar to put it all together. Be sure to crop and/or zoom in.

5 – Post it to your site along with this text.

Tay-Toe

Evermore by Alyson Noel

Since the accident that claimed her family, 16-year-old Ever can see auras,
hear
people's thoughts, and know a person's entire history through one
touch.
She's
been branded a freak at her new high school, but everything
changes when Ever
meets the mysterious Damen August.

Originality- 6/10
Characters- 9/20
Remembrance- 6/10
Setting- 10/20
Plot- 15/20
Ending- 6/10
Recommend To Read- 7/10
Total- 59/100
Grade- (unfortunately) F

I'm not going to sugar-coat this.

Just like how I said on my livejournal, this book was like Twilight's bastard child.

And, no, I'm not one of those people who see Twilight in every book -or complain when Twilight is not readily detailed in every book. It's just - you must see the signs.

Sure, as my friend says, the similarities that Twilight and Evermore share, a lot of other books have those similarities as well.

Well, I have never seen so many common details displayed so blatantly.

Disregarding those (because I don't want you to believe I rated it so badly on the resemblance between it and Twilight) I must explain the rating.

I gave it a 6 in Originality, and I was being generous. The whole Immortal concept - while seeming like a tweaked description of a vampire (including their dietary habits) - in itself was Original. Other than that, nothing really jumped out at me.

The characters got a 9 out of 20 because I can't say that I liked any one character. Honestly, if you gave them different names and put them in a different book I wouldn't be able to tell. The characters were too ordinary for me - too blah, too cliche. I just didn't like them. Especially not the leading characters. I understood that Ever had trouble with her powers but her overly selfish ways and her annoying pride made me instantly dislike her. Damen had odd and idiotic methods with courting Ever for a 617-year old boy, and his arrogance and secrecy made me dislike him nearly as instant as Ever, as well. It seemed that these books only showed the negative side of their personality, and never properly let the characters shine.

I wouldn't be able to remember this book well, just because of the Originality of the book. Like I said, the Immortal concept seems like the only redeeming quality.

The setting? Come on. It's California. The author barely did anything to describe the setting, other than mentioning it once or twice. I never felt like Ever was where she was. She never felt the breeze, the sun never glared down into her face, there was never a rustle in the leaves. The only things mentioned were the beaches, and that was only when it was convenient.

The plot was a boring forever love-story that I've read tons of. I didn't impress me, and only made me want to go back and read the originals where the villains were actually frightening instead of bitchy stalker-ish ex-wives. I wanted the friends to be real, not the "Omigod! Ever!" we got in this book. It seemed like that was the only dialogue, actually.

I recommend that you read it solely to see if it reminds you guys of other books.

For me? It was Soulmate by L.J. Smith.

It's almost crazy how much alike these two are.

Check that out to see the proper telling of love gone sour through the ages.

Tay-Toe

New Look

I decided to get rid of the horribly bright yellow profile of mine - the only thing is that I can't find where to change the color of the text. Not too huge of a thing, but still.

It's been a really long time since I've posted - I get that - but I still don't get how I have more followers since the last time I checked. Anywho, I can't guarantee that I'm going to be updating as diligently as the other bloggers but I can promise updates.

I don't get as many books as often, but I'll update whenever the urge comes and I have something ready.

Cheers.

Tay-Toe

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Hi, all! Here's another review for ya...

Graceling by Kristin Cashore.

Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight—she’s a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king’s thug. When she first meets Prince Po, Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change. She never expects to become Po’s friend. She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace—or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone.

Originality- 9/10
Characters- 19/20
Remembrance- 9/10
Setting- 18/20
Plot- 16/20
Ending- 8/10
Recommend To Read- 10/10
Total- 89/100
Grade- A

Another great book with a tough and leading heroine, a fantasy world, a really hot prince, and super-powers! (Sort of.) I mean, out of all of that, what would you want to take out? None of it. Of course, this is just the basis. When I actually read the book, the emotions and plotline really took over my senses and I felt like someone just hovering over Katsa as she acts like her goddess-like self.

The beginning of the book really hooked me in--the situation they were in, with that reconnaissance mission, and all. I felt like Katsa really is trying to be a good person--that she's trying her hardest to do all the kindness she can, how she's trying to seperate herself from her uncle. It just happens that you'll meet a major character in this very part of the book. But we'll get back to that.

Disregarding the ridiculous names, the characters really did have emotional struggles and I just felt so proud of Katsa when she becomes more of the person she wants to be instead of her uncle's tool.

And Po. Oh, Po. (Hehe.) It figures that he'd rename himself because his original one is pretty ridiculous, but I'm not so sure that I'd choose Po as a good alternative to the original. At first, I thought that Po would just be Katsa's shoulder to cry on, but I'm happy/depressed that I was wrong. I didn't like his problems. They made me feel bad. Like, I thought that his Grace sounded amazing, but it was so strange and terrifying to him, that I couldn't help but feel guilty. Especially at the end. I know that I didn't give the ending a very good score, but it isn't because it isn't good. I just feel sad about it.

Po and Katsa are odd friends--and an even odder couple, though they make sense. Apparently, Katsa is beautiful--though scary...--and Po is hot-stuff, too, so if they just made an effort to look better... No, I'm kidding. That's not why they work. It's just...more of that emotional stuff, y'know? It's hard to explain it--I wish I could. It's just one of those inexplicable things that feels so real. I didn't want the book to end. Even if it was long. I wanted to stay in that wonderful world forever! But, alas, I could not.

So, watch out, people with complete heterochromia! Steer clear of me, of else I'll be bombarding you with questions about how it is to have a Grace. Oh...I wish I had heterochromia. Just one of those urges to have something different about you, y'know?

Eh, anywho, bye-bye!
Tay-Toe

City Of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

Okay, apparently it's my one-month anniversary since I've last blogged. Hurrah!...um, wait, that's wrong, right? *Scratches head bashfully and nudges ground with toe* Soooorry, guys. I've been all in my fanfiction stage--which I still am in, thankyouverymuch, and have 5 stories complete, two still in the workings--and other stuff, so, blahblahblahexcusesramblingsblah. You get the jist of it.

City Of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go — especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil — and also her father.

Originality- 10/10

Characters- 20/20

Remembrance- 9/10

Setting- 18/20

Plot- 19/20

Ending- 7/10

Recommend To Read- 10/10

Total- 93/100

Grade- A

I remember, looking back, seeing these books on the shelves and thinking they kind of looked...macho. So, I wonder if it's strange, that these books are probably my second favorite series of all time? ...Maybe.

The one problem in this book that surrounds my brain like a crazed little fairie trying to stab my brains out is how Clary is so, how I like to put it, "Bella-Retarded". She isn't as tactless and innocent as Bella is--or was, but now is not the time nor place--but she still does stupid things, and I mean stupid, to help out. Unlike Bella, though, it actually works sometimes. What can I say? It must run in the Morgenstern blood, because Jace can be as much of an idiot.

Another thing that bothers like a tiny dull ache instead of a full blown mythological-creature's assault on my cranium is how I feel about Jace and Clary's relationship. I'm...okay with it. Maybe it's because I've been increasingly accepting of relationships of all types lately, or maybe it's because Jace and Clary are so good together. I mean, it would be better if they weren't (sorry, spoiler-alert, but you should know this information already as this is the review for the second book), y'know, siblings with both parents. It would screw up the plotline and angst hugely, but wouldn't it be better is they were only half-siblings or something? I dunno. Just my opinion. Either way, they should just get over being so "Bella-Retarded" and go suck face or whatever Shadowhunter couples do. A passionate demon killing pree with a view? Um...yes...?

This series continues to blow my mind in the most awesome of ways. Also, there was a quote in there that I am in love with--and I don't mean a character quote, sorry--that was, I think, the quote for the first part of the book, "I believe I am in Hell, therefore I am"? Yeah, I think. I don't know if there are deeper meaning for that but it sort of reminds me of, "You are what you eat".

Sorry, off topic. What I was trying to say is that I truly don't think that I have read any books as creative as this series. It never ceases to amaze me how real everything is, and whoever the POV is in, I feel like I'm a part of them and I understand most things they say or do, though I know that I could never be that smooth or cool. Darn Shadowhunters and Downworlders get all the fun.

If you love fantasy and/or romances with a tad of incest--though that makes it sound dirty, when it's not...--then I guarentee that no matter how much you resist or hide away in a cave, this book will follow after you and you'll fall head over heels in love with it.

Love you all!

Tay-Toe (a.k.a. on fanfiction.net, the mighty Balandria!)

The Vampire Diaries: The Return: Nightfall Excerpt!

I regularly check out my favorite authors' sites, say, for instance: blue-succubus.livejournal.com for all that is Richelle Mead. Well, I also go on sites like ttales.net which is not only an awesome L.J. Smith fanfic site but also a very good--yet somewhat lazy--supplier of Smith's book news. And, today, I went on there and found this LINK for an excerpt of the new Vampire Diaries book. I, myself, was both exhilarated and excited. I read the excerpt and it was fantastic--just a small taste of what is to come next month!

Enjoy! Enjoy!

Tay-Toe

No, I'm still alive, guys.

Sorry for not posting all that much. I know that book reviewers like to review nearly every book they read... yeah, I'm not like that. And hey, I'm not strictly running a book blog. I just like to hear myself talk.
Anyway, I've been sick, reading, and writing. And doing various other things like trying to find out what site Amanda's Argyle Socks buddies are at. I've also been brushing up on my video gaming since reading all the time has gotten me out of the swing of things. Like I can, FINALLY, try once more on beginning a new file for Final Fantasy VII and see why every FF fan loves the game so much. I'll never really get the hang of FF 8, though. They might as well name the plot pretty good, but put the gaming part of it in the CRAP bin.
Yeah, so I'll just be talking about random things from now on. Possibly about books, but maybe not. Who knows? I do...

Tay-Toe

BRING IT!

Even though I have been dedicating a certain amount of my time to writing lately, I have the urge to kick my reading in to gear. And the best way to do that? To challenge someone, of course. And who better than That Teen? We have always been just a bit competitive with each other--which translates to hugely competitive. And since, hey, we like reading, we have challenged each other to see who can read the most books for 2009. For January, our goal is 15 books minimum, more if we want to win. Yeah, yeah, she's in the lead so far. Only by two or three though. I'll catch up. So, bring it on, Amanda. BRING IT!

I SHALL WIN!

Tay-Toe

In My Mailbox

Ah, I was worried that I wouldn't have any books to show today, but my mailbox (ooh, nice joke) proved me wrong.

Just typical. No love life to speak of for months, then all at once, every horny creature in the Otherworld wants to get in your pants.
Eugenie Markham is a powerful shaman who does a brisk trade banishing spirits and fey who cross into the mortal world. Mercenary, yes, but a girl's got to eat. Her most recent case, however, is enough to ruin her appetite. Hired to find a teenager who has been taken to the Otherworld, Eugenie comes face to face with a startling prophecy-one that uncovers dark secrets about her past and claims that Eugenie's first-born will threaten the future of the world as she knows it.
Now Eugenie is a hot target for every ambitious demon and Otherworldy ne'er-do-well, and the ones who don't want to knock her up want her dead. Eugenie handles a Glock as smoothly as she wields a wand, but she needs some formidable allies for a job like this. She finds them in Dorian, a seductive fairy king with a taste for bondage, and Kiyo, a gorgeous shape-shifter who redefines animal attraction. But with enemies growing bolder and time running out, Eugenie realizes that the greatest danger is yet to come, and it lies in the dark powers that are stirring to life within her.

Yes, yes. It is an adult book. Well, it doesn't matter much to me. I am determined to try to read all books from the author that is Richelle Mead. Besides, I read the first chapter of the book on her site and found it...cute...? Yeah. So, I don't think my mind will shrivel away from bad words and suggestive situations.

LAURA DELACROIX BELL—this dazzling trust fund girl’s size 14 figure doesn’t stop her from attracting the sexiest scoundrel in town, or the admiring eye of the Glass Slipper Club. However, a salacious secret could take her out of the running.

Michelle “Mac” Mackenzie—brainy, cynical, and maybe a tad judgmental, Mac would rather bury her nose in a good book than embrace her deb destiny. But being a debutante was her late mother’s dream.

Ginger Fore—this adorable tree-hugger wants to wear her grandmother’s vintage ball gown instead of splurging on an expensive dress. Yet when she gets tangled up with an older guy, Ginger will have plenty more to think about.

Jo-Lynn Bidwill—a former child beauty queen, Jo-Lynn is a bitchy vamp who makes it her mission in life to take out the debu-trash. And Jo-Lynn’s sights are set on Laura Bell.

Well, this week has just been full of books Tay-Toe usually dosn't buy and long summaries, eh? This book isn't my usual cup of tea--whereas fantasy and supernatural books are--I think that I can manage reading a normal book of snotty chicks and actually enjoy myself. I've read good things about this book and I'm excited for when it is it's turn in my TBR pile.

Oh, and ha-ha-ha Debs. They made a funny. Right, call that Jo-Lynn chick a bitchy vamp because--what?--does she suck the life out of everything, maybe? Cute.

Hearts&Circles,

Tay-Toe

Mmm. What was awesome in December.

Okay! So, we--hopefully--all know that last month was my super vampire month, right? Yeah, every (well, almost) day I (tried) to do something about vampires. Well, you can't expect that I didn't do some major reading during that month. And I did. I just...can't remember every book I read. I really need to write things down sometime. Anywho, I do have a small few books that I read during December that proves that I didn't slack. And they are awesome books. I'd buy them if I had the money. =)

A few nights after Jessica Day arrives in Bixby, Oklahoma, she wakes up at midnight to find the entire world frozen, except for her and a few others who call themselves 'midnighters'. Dark things haunt this midnight hour – dark things with a mysterious interest in Jessica. The question is why.

I had no idea what I was getting myself in to when I got this book from the library. I was desperate for some good reads. I continuously scour the library YA section for some good stuff. I always ignored Westerfield, though. I think that I seriously disliked him because I read the first chapter of Uglies and thought that it was some superficial crap. That explains my reluctance to read Midnighters. But I did and it is so original and cool and I love it. I cannot wait until my actual reading list had diminished so I can once again make the trip to my library to get the second book.

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, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before-and survival.

Just like Midnighters and the other book I'm going to list, I seriously have never read anything like this. This book came to my attention when I visited Stephenie Meyer's site and saw a post where it said that she liked the book. I looked it up and after a while decided that it wasn't for me. Regardless, I checked it out from the library and read it. It was great. Katniss was great, a true heroine to me and even though it was a life or death situation she still held compassion for one of her rivals in the Games and I respected her for that. And, I loved Peeta. He was, honestly, one of the greatest things in the Games for me. He was clever and protective for Katniss. I believed him instantly when he said that he loved her. I didn't believe that it was a ploy or strategy thing, like Katniss did. The ending broke my heart and I cannot wait until the sequal. I do say, though, that someone with a weak stomach shouldn't read this book. It gets pretty violent and bloody at times.

A modern girl's comedic odyssey in a school filled with the descendants of Greek gods.
When Phoebe's mom returns from Greece with a new husband and moves them to an island in the Aegean, Phoebe's plans for her senior year and track season are ancient history. Now she must attend the uberexclusive academy, where admission depends on pedigree, namely, ancestry from Zeus, Hera, and other Greek gods. That's right, they're real, not myth, and their teen descendants are like the classical heroes-supersmart and superbeautiful with a few superpowers. And now they're on her track team! Armed only with her Nikes and the will to win, Phoebe races to find her place among the gods.

I love mythology and this book was just a little treat for me--books? mythology? put them together for me and you've got one huge catagory that I love best. Almost more than my love for reading fantasy books. I loved each and every character. I couldn't relate to Phobe's love for running, but I could understand the determination she felt and the hostility towards people who didn't believe in her. I'm glad how she handles things and the ending was fantastic. I'd read it again, buy it, and read it once more. It's that good.

Hearts&Circles,
Tay-Toe

That's Awesome

I was searching iconator.com to find a new avatar for a new account I just made on fanfiction.net (yes, i'm that weird) and lookie what I found. (search: vampire)

Ohhhhh!!! Oh, that is rich. I feel better about the world, now. Thank you whoever made this. I'd steal from a leprechaun for you. Yeah, it's that big a deal. Leprechauns are vicious little buggers. Mmm. Irony. I love it.

Hearts&Circles,

Tay-Toe

In My Mailbox

As if the name doesn't imply it, "In My Mailbox" is where book bloggers talk about all the fandangled books they got in the mail. Though...if one day I am so inclined to, I might just list bills, magazines, adds...but maybe not. And, though it's name is "In My Mailbox" that doesn't mean what we got came in our mailbox. Does anyone do a "In My Shopping Bag"? Because they should.

Da da da dahhhh. Books that came in to Borders that I ordered! Yay! Just got them today!

• The Secret Circle: The Captive Part II and The Power by L.J. Smith
• City Of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

I was so excited when my mom told me that Borders called! I ordered these on Monday since I was getting tired of waiting for Borders to re-stock since they were in post-Christmas frenzy. So, I called (first time I had done that (Actually I made my mom talk to them for the most of the ordeal.) and, honestly, talking to strangers on the phone to order books (an odd thing to do) is in the uncomfortable and awkward zone for me) and ordered the books, insisting that, yes, The Secret Circle were getting re-issued in an omnibus. Seriously, she wouldn't believe me but once she checked the computer it was all cool. Odd thing was was that the employee lady said that the Secret Circle actually came out on the 8th but they never had them in stock. Really? I know that Barnes and Noble and Borders aren't the same thing but shouldn't all books come out at the same time? B&N's site said it came out on the 26th... Oh, well. Point is, is that I got it! And City Of Ashes. God I love this series even though I just started (well, duh. City of Ashes is the second out of a three-book series.) but I am feeling some major hostility towards Cassandra Clare due to that last plot twist at the end of City Of Bones. *sigh* Jace is awesome. Funniest and coolest and hottest character I have encountered in a book so far. And I usually don't feel attatched to the fair and cocky ones. Dark haired and cocky sort of work sometimes, but...well, blond hair with guys is usually associated with the horrid jock and jerk-ness. I'm glad to say that doesn't apply with Jace. Yay. Simon is cool, too.

Anywho.

Gah! School is back on tomorrow! Nooooo...but break was going so good for me... *shrugs* had to happen eventually. But, still...frick.

Well, I have to go work on an art project. I hate perspective drawing. Bleh. Night, all!

Hearts&Circles,

Tay-Toe