2012 Reading Challenges

For the year 2012 I decided to participate in some of the book challenges. This will be the first year I am going to join any book reading challenge but I do have high hopes that I can make it.

First is the 2012 Debut Author Challenge hosted by Kristi at thestorysiren. 

2012 DAC LIST: 

1. The Gathering Storm by Robin Bridges
2. Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
3. Incarnate by Jodi Meadow
4. Everneath by Brodi Ashton
5. Switched by Amanda Hocking
6. Cinder by Marissa Meyer
7. 
8. 
9. 
10.
11.
12.

And then I also joined the The Sophomore Reading Challenge hosted by Shanyn at Chick Loves Lit

SRC LIST:

1. Hallowed by Cynthia Hand
2. Dreaming Awake by Gwen Hayes
3. Angel Fire by L.A. Weatherly
4. Torn by Amanda Hocking
5. Fever by Lauren DeStefano
6. 
7. 
8. 
9. 
10. 

Forgive My Fins

Title: Forgive My Fins 
Author: Tera Lynn Childs
Series: Fins # 1
Published: July 1, 2011 (1st published on 05/19/10)
Format: Paperback
Pages: 320
Genre: YA Paranormal


My rating:    

Summary:

 Lily Sanderson has a secret, and it’s not that she has a huge crush on gorgeous swimming god Brody Bennett, who makes her heart beat flipper-fast. Unrequited love is hard enough when you’re a normal teenage girl, but when you’re half human, half mermaid like Lily, there’s no such thing as a simple crush. Lily’s mermaid identity is a secret that can’t get out, since she’s not just any mermaid – she’s a Thalassinian princess. When Lily found out three years ago that her mother was actually a human, she finally realized why she didn’t feel quite at home in Thalassinia, and she’s been living on land and going to Seaview high school ever since, hoping to find where she truly belongs. Sure, land has its problems – like her obnoxious, biker boy neighbor Quince Fletcher – but it has that one major perk – Brody. The problem is, mermaids aren’t really the casual dating type – when they “bond,” it’s for life. When Lily’s attempt to win Brody’s love leads to a tsunami-sized case of mistaken identity, she is in for a tidal wave of relationship drama, and she finds out, quick as a tailfin flick, that happily-ever-after never sails quite as smoothly as you planned

The Iron Daughter

The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa


My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I can now finally say that I am freaking in love with the Iron Fey series, and of course with Ash too! I can’t get enough of Ash. Everything that I wanted in a male character, Ash has it. He is mysterious, alluring, and captivating. But still Puck has a special place in my heart. I love Puck playfulness and mischievous acts. I kind of miss him when he is not yet in the scene. But I can’t deny the fact that Ash is the one that I fell in love with. It is now official, I am definitely Team Ash.


Enough with the boys, let’s talk about Meghan . She is still annoying and irritating but I am now beginning to like her. She is now more assertive and somehow confident in her decisions. But I still want more in her, character wise.


The plot is really good too. The surprises and revelations in this story are truly astonishing. Everything is still dark and magical. It is an enchanting kind of a read that I am definitely captivated from the beginning. I wanted to read the remaining book in the series but I don’t want it to end yet, I am torn and I can’t decide right now. But I am in desperate need to read more of Ash, I’ll probably read The Iron Queen sooner than I intended to.








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In My Mailbox (22)

In My Mailbox is a meme hosted by Kristi @ www.thestorysiren.com

Birthday Book Haul!

• Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan (bought this so I can read it this december, perfect timing to read it)
• Soul Thief by Jana Oliver (book 2 of the demon trapper's series, I love the first book so I can't wait to read it)
• Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick (I admit this series is one my guilty pleasures. I do enjoyed reading the 1st two books in the series so I need to have this book)
• Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor (I've been hearing raving reviews about this one so of course I'm excited to read it)
• Crossed by Ally Condie (book two of Matched series. Matched is an ok read though I didn't like it that much. But still I want to read Crossed and also one of the reason I bought the book is the gorgeous cover)
• Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare (do I need to say more? I am so freaking excited to read this, perfect timing for my birthday too)

These are the books that I bought as a birthday present for myself. I am definitely a happy girl again! =) 

What did you get in your mailboxes this week? leave a link in the comments section for your IMM post and I'll be happy to check it out! Enjoy reading!

Shatter Me

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi


My rating: 2 of 5 stars


ratings: 2.5 stars


I have been anticipating Shatter Me since I heard about it. I got more excited when the cover was revealed. Who wouldn’t? Hunger Games and X-men concept in one? It makes a very intriguing story.


Now does it live up to my expectations? No. Am I disappointed? Yes, I won’t deny it. Do I hate it? Not totally because there are still some factors that I like in this book.


I don’t have any problems with the story plot. I actually found it rather interesting. The mutant/super power concept is pretty cool. The moral of the story is really good and very realistic, that it could possibly happen to us. I don’t know maybe it is just me who isn’t blown away by this book. I can’t find the reasons why so many were captivated in this book. Is it the writing style, the plot, the characters? I already explained that the plot is pretty ok for me. As with the characters, I realized that Adam is the only one that I found interesting enough for me to like. I love his determination and will power. Unfortunately I had a hard time liking Juliette. I think she is ok but I just can’t connect with her. She is so freaking weird that I struggled a lot reading her thoughts. I tried so hard to like her but I simply can’t.


I found the writing style repulsive, I can tell you some reasons why. Well, the crossed out words doesn’t bother me that much. But the repetition of words DOES! Those repeating words drove me crazy! I just can’t tolerate it, it is so annoying! Some may like the way it was written but for me it was a total failure. There are some lines that make me laugh so hard that I nearly fell off the bed.


- “His lips are at my ear and he says nothing at all, but I melt until I’m a handful of hot butter dripping down his body. I want to eat every minute of this moment” 

- “I’m wearing dead cotton on my limbs and a blush of roses on my face”


Some may say it is lyrical or beautifully written, but for me not even close. Lauren Oliver and Maggie Stiefvater is the two authors that I admire because of how lyrical their words or story are, their writing style is phenomenal and Tahereh Mafi is not even close. I know I should not make comparisons but I can’t help it.


All in all, regardless of my difficulty in the writing style, reading this actually kept me entertained. I obviously don’t like it but I totally don’t hate it either. Adam, Kenji and the new revelations at the end actually saved the story for me. But I am still disappointed. Will I read the next book in the series? I’m not sure as of this moment. But I’m still open on giving it another chance, maybe…










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Darkest Mercy

Darkest Mercy by Melissa Marr


My rating: 4 of 5 stars




I am not really a big fan of the series but I did like some of the character that is why for some reasons I am definitely going to miss this series. Darkest Mercy is the great way to end the series however there is some predictable instances with how the story goes. I kind of expected what will happen in the end so I am not really surprised at all.


Characters are still great; Keenan and Doria still remain my favorite one. Oh and Niall too, but Ash and Seth, I am sorry to say that I still can’t find a reason to love them. Like I said the story is kind of predictable, so I was not really surprised on what happened to Keenan but I was taken aback on the twist in Irial and Niall’s life. I sure didn’t expect that.


The ending is quite ok; Melissa Marr makes sure that despite the darkness of the faerie concept in this series, that there will be still a happy ending. I am satisfied with how everything works out in the end.










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In My Mailbox (21)

In My Mailbox is a meme hosted by Kristi @ www.thestorysiren.com

Purchased: 

• The Iron Queen and The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa (book 3 and 4 of the Iron Fey series. I only read The Iron King recently and I like it so I decided to purchased the remaining 2 [I already have book 2] in the series so I can read them anytime I like)

• Dark Lover and Lover Eternal by J.R. Ward (book 1 and 2 of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. I've been hearing great things about the  series and my friend keep on reminding me to read it. So I decided to try it and we will see... In fact I am going to read it next)

What did you get in your mailboxes this week? leave a link in the comments section for your IMM post and I'll be happy to check it out! Enjoy reading!

The Lost Hero

The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan


My rating: 4 of 5 stars




The Lost Hero is another addition to my favorite books from Rick Riordan. I did in fact love and had fun reading “The Percy Jackson and the Olympians series” and I am having doubts if he can pull another one off. I admit I am not that excited to read this book because his other book “The Red Pyramid” disappointed me just a little bit.


But he did it again! Once I got back to the world of the gods and demigods I can’t help myself but to immerse myself in that world again. I immediately fell in love with the new and old characters again. I love the new twist in the story, the new set of heroes, and surprising revelations that really made my jaw drop. Though some of it is kind of predictable. But I can’t deny the fact that I obviously had an amazing time reading it despite the duration of time it took me to finish it. But nonetheless, The Lost Hero is a fantastic addition to the series that I am going to follow until the end.








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Through Her Eyes

Through Her Eyes by Jennifer Archer

My rating: 4 of 5 stars







Through Her Eyes is one those books that I thought I’m not going to like but ended up liking it anyway. It is surprisingly good although the story is very simple.


It is not as creepy as I thought it would be but the eerie feel in the story cannot be denied. The vivid description of the house is marvelous that I can picture it out clearly. And I can’t deny the fact that the house is indeed spooky.


The characters are fine; I really like the idea that Tansy and Henry are somehow connected in the mystery surrounding the house but in a different way. The flashback is the best part of the book; I simply adore the fact that everything makes sense in the end.


Though it maybe not one of the best book that I’ve read, Through Her Eyes is truly an enjoyable read.










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Eve

Eve by Anna Carey

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


rating: 2.5 stars

Eve is one of the 2011 book released that I am so excited to read. One of the most talked about books for this year so when it was available I immediately grabbed a copy. So definitely I am expecting a lot from this one, but after reading it I was utterly disappointed. What a letdown!


As a dystopian story, its story is very interesting. I love the idea of it, a plague taking down the life of the people resulting to a mass panic; I think that is very realistic. But there is still some missing information that I need an answer. Why there is a plague? Why some are affected and some are not? I think that is one of the critical points in every dystopian story. And why the King is so obsessed with Eve, I know the answer was already told in the book but for me it is not convincing enough.


Eve is a very weak character; I do understand her naïve attitude towards some things because she was informed falsely. But being callow in everything is just too much. She is too immature and sometimes a stuck-up bitch. I sometimes wanted to shake her real hard. I really like Arden ; she has this fierceness in a character that I am looking for. It is understandable because she needs to survive. If only Eve has a little of Arden’s ferocity, I will like her a little more. Caleb is not very impressive; to be honest I am not even looking forward in reading him.


Eve is not a bad book, it is just the way it was executed is not exactly I am looking for. I got bored, simply there is nothing going on in the story. It is just plainly dull, but the story has a potential to be good if only the author will enhance her character and the story plot more. And the ending, I’d rather not talk about it because it will just ruin my day. I totally don’t hate this book, but reading the second book will need a lot to convince me. Or maybe I will still get a copy of it mainly because of the book cover.








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The Iron King

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa


My rating: 4 of 5 stars




Ratings: 4.5 stars


I have high expectations on the Iron Fey series, heard it is amazing, fantastic, great! Well, after reading “The Iron King” my expectations were met but am I in love with it? Not yet but getting there.


Why???


Maybe because I wasn't fascinated with Meghan Chase that much. Most part of the book I am so annoyed with her. Her impulsiveness, mostly in her decisions, is just irritating. But she is ok, I really don’t hate her but I’m not drawn to her yet.


Maybe because saving someone dear to the protagonist who is taken captive by the faery/fey is very much the same story that I’ve read before. Which in this case, Meghan’s little brother was taken and she needs to save him. And there she discovers that she is not what she thinks she is. Pretty familiar? Yeah, I but I love that kind of story so no worries, but it kind of bothered me a little bit though.


But I am going to admit that the world building in this story is brilliant! Nevernever is breathtaking, I am in awe, and the description is just stunning! It makes me want to jump in there and be part of it. I love how different yet familiar her faeries is.


Ash and Puck, these two lovely guys just totally made my day! Well, as of this moment I am still undecided who I love the most, but both of them is just amazing I just can’t select right now. I love Ash mysteriousness and his bewitching charms, and do I need to say being a devastatingly handsome one doesn't hurt his caliber. But I love Puck’s easy going attitude, his playfulness and him being so sweet to Meghan. I know that Meghan chose Ash over Puck, and I am too I think, but I can’t help but feel sorry for Puck. Feel sorry for the “best friends” who have done everything but got nothing in return. Well I can’t really blame Meghan because Ash is just so enchanting and irresistible. I think he just needs to convince me more.










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In My Mailbox (20)

In My Mailbox is a meme hosted by Kristi @ www.thestorysiren.com

Purchased: 

• Beauty Queens by Libba Bray (Look and sounds fantastic. I can't wait to read it)
• Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon (heard mixed reviews about this one, some says it is too similar to Twilight. Well, I would like to find out if I am going to like it or not)
• Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi (another 2011 debut that I've been anticipating for so long)

What did you get in your mailboxes this week? leave a link in the comments section for your IMM post and I'll be happy to check it out! Enjoy reading!

A Clash of Kings

Title: A Clash of Kings 
Author: George R.R. Martin
Series: A Song of Ice and Fire # 2
Published: republished 2011 by Bantam (1st published 01/01/1996)
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Pages: 1009
Genre: Adult High Fantasy


My rating: 
    

Summary:  A comet the color of blood and flame cuts across the sky. And from the ancient citadel of Dragonstone to the forbidding shores of Winterfell, chaos reigns. Six factions struggle for control of a divided land and the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms, preparing to stake their claims through tempest, turmoil, and war. It is a tale in which brother plots against brother and the dead rise to walk in the night. Here a princess masquerades as an orphan boy; a knight of the mind prepares a poison for a treacherous sorceress; and wild men descend from the Mountains of the Moon to ravage the countryside. Against a backdrop of incest and fratricide, alchemy and murder, victory may go to the men and women possessed of the coldest steel...and the coldest hearts. For when kings clash, the whole land trembles.

The Hunger Games Official Trailer 2012 HD

wow! I am so impressed with the movie trailer. It is so amazing! I'll just hope that the movie will be as good as well. I am so excited to watch it. 

The Mockingbirds

The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney


My rating: 2 of 5 stars




ratings: 2.5 stars


The Mockingbirds is a story about Alex who is date-raped by Carter and how she struggled to be free from that burden. It is a good story but the way it was told was not. I feel so bad giving it a low rating but I can’t deny it, I am not impressed with this book.


Alex is not a convincing character; I don’t feel any compassion towards her. Alex emotions lacks of power or intensity. Yes she is afraid, mad, confused, and angry but did I feel it? No I definitely did not. Her reaction as a rape victim is unbelievable. She is too calm and composed, for me a little distress in her life would be good in her character.


I also found the story too predictable. I already know what will happen at the end after “the mockingbirds” came to the story. And also the way the story was told were completely lame. It doesn’t need to play with our emotions but it needs more to evoke something, to at least have sympathy towards Alex.


Though I clearly didn’t like this book that much, I really love the main point of the story, the power of speaking up for your rights and for yourself. And also I found the “mockingbirds society” pretty cool. But aside from that I don’t have any more positive thing to say about this book so I’ll just stop now.








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Unearthly

Title: Unearthly 
Author: Cynthia Hand
Series: Unearthly # 1
Published: January 04, 2011 by HarperTeen
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 435
Genre: YA Paranormal/Fantasy, Angels


My rating: 
    

Summary:
In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.
Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.
As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make—between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

My Thoughts:
Unearthly is definitely one of my favorite angel books. It is really refreshing that the main character, Clara , knows she is part angel. At least it is a little bit different from what I’m used to reading.


The characters are really good. I love Clara’s relationship with her mom and brother and how open they are to their nature. However there is still some mysteriousness left in Clara’s life that needs to be discovered. I really like Christian but unfortunately his character was not explored really well. His façade is well to perfect. But Tucker, oh boy, he is amazing! I love everything about him, his sarcasm and wits. He is annoying but sweet at the same time. I love Tucker and Clara’s chemistry together.


Plot is really fantastic too. Clara has a mission to save someone else’s life that‘s why they move. And then there she discovered a lot about herself and the boy she needs to save, which is Christian of course. The twist and turn of the story is superb. I was surprised of the revelations at the end. I found myself craving for more. And yeah, I am team Tucker for now but we will see if Christian can change my mind. I’m expecting that there will be more about him on the next book so there is a possibility that I will like Christian too.










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In My Mailbox (19)

In My Mailbox is a meme hosted by Kristi @ www.thestorysiren.com

Catching-Up Edition

Purchased:

• The Iron King and The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa (I've been wanting to read this for quite sometime. And now the 4th and final book is already out, I finally decided to buy the first 2 books in the series. And in case I will like it, I can easily purchased the remaining 2)
• Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs (this is one of the series that I need to catch up on. And heard good things about this one so I will give it a shot)

Book Reviews

~~~

13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

~A~

A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin
A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin

Across the Universe by Beth Revis
Afterlife by Claudia Gray

Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson
Angel [Angel Burn] by L.A. Weatherly
Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Ash by Malinda Lo

~B~

Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
Beauty Queens by Libba Bray
Bloodlines by Richelle Mead
Blood Red Road by Moira Young
Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer
The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
Born at Midnight by C.C. Hunter

~C~

Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon
City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare
Clarity by Kim Harrington

~D~

The Dark Divine by Bree Despain
Darker Still by Leanna Renee Heiber
Darkest Mercy by Melissa Marr
Dark Mirror by M.J. Putney
Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan
Deadly Little Secret by Laurie Faria Stolarz
Delirium by Lauren Oliver
Die For Me by Amy Plum

Divergent by Veronica Roth
Dreaming Awake by Gwen Hayes

~E~

Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin
Entangled by Cat Clarke
The Eternal Ones by Kirsten Miller

Entwined by Heather Dixon
Eve by Anna Carey

~F~

Faerie Path 4: The Immortal Realm by Frewin Jones
Fallen Angel by Heather Terrell
Falling Under by Gwen Hayes
Fateful by Claudia Gray 
Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs
Forgotten by Cat Patrick
Forsaken [The Demon Trappers Daughter] by Jana Oliver

~G~

The Ghost and The Goth by Stacey Kade
Gone (Wake 3) by Lisa McMann

Guardian of the Gate by Michelle Zink

~H~

Halo by Alexandra Adornetto 
Heist Society by Ally Carter
Hereafter by Tara Hudson
The Hollow by Jessica Verday
Hourglass by Myra McEntire

~I~

If I Stay by Gayle Forman
Illuminated by Erica Orloff
Incarnate by Jodi Meadows
Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel

Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder
The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa
The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa
The Iron Thorn by Caitlin Kittredge

~J~

Jealousy by Lili St. Crow
Jekel Loves Hyde by Beth Fantaskey
Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey

~K~

The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

~L~

Legend by Marie Lu
Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris
Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
The Locket by Stacey Jay
The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan

~M~

Matched by Ally Condie
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney

~N~

Need by Carrie Jones

Nevermore by Kelly Creagh

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

~O~

~P~

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver
Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

~Q~

~R~

The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
Remember Me by Sophie Kinsella
Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles

~S~

The Secret Year by Jennifer R. Hubbard
Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer
Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce
Soul Thief by Jana Oliver
The Splendor Falls by Rosemary Clement-Moore

Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini
Supernaturally by Kiersten White

Sweep (Volume 1) by Cate Tiernan
Switched by Amanda Hocking

~T~

The Wedding of Antanasia Jessica Packwood and Lucius Valeriu Vladescu by Beth Fantaskey
Through Her Eyes by Jennifer Archer

~U~

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

~V~

~W~

Wake Unto Me by Lisa Cach
What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen
Where She Went by Gayle Forman
White Cat by Holly Black

Wither by Lauren DeStefano
Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

~X~

~Y~

~Z~