Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Nightshade
by Andrea Cremer
Pages: 454
Released: June 28, 2011

Nightshade
Summary: Calla is a nightshade, alpha of her pack. She can shift from human to wolf form and has been destined to marry Ren, alpha of the other wolf pack. Calla is ready to live the life that she was destined for until she saves a human boy from dying, Shay. Shay begins showing up in her life and the more she gets to know him the more she bends the laws and questions her fate and the life that she was meant to live.

My Thoughts: A very savory book.

What I liked: It was definitely a fun quick read and I was surprised how I was unable to put down this book because I had to know what was going to happen next. Cremer does a great job creating the world that Calla lives in and the rules that she must abide by. It's a refreshing spin on the supernatural YA genre and the whole Guardian/Keepers/Seekers ordeal was very fascinating.

What I disliked: I did think that things did move a bit fast with Calla and her love interest(s) in the story, but on the other hand it did keep the book fast paced.  

Conclusion: The ending of the book does leave you at a cliff-hanger and I cannot wait to check out Wolfsbane to see what happens to our characters next. If you're looking for a paranormal romance YA, definitely check out this book--you won't be disappointed.

4/5 stars

Source: Won from contest via jessicalovewrites.

Hunger Games Official Movie Trailer

Hunger Games Official Movie Trailer JUST came out! Watch it below:

It looks really good :) can't wait March 23, 2012.

The Scorch Trials by James Dashner (Maze Runner #3)

The Scorch Trials
by James Dashner
Pages: 368

Released: October 12, 2010

The Scorch Trials
Summary: The Gladers solved the maze and they expected to be done with WICKED's games. Now however they are forced to face the outside world and it's a harsh reality. The sun is blaring hot and the planet is a complete wasteland. Cranks now roam the streets and are going crazy from the Flare, a disease that slowly drives them insane. Thomas and the Gladers are forced into another trial and they must survive the Scorch in order to gain their freedom. Will the Gladers survive their next trial?

My Thoughts: I am so confused right now! The ending made me so ... confused/frustrated and every other mix of emotions.

What I Liked: The Gladers are faced with another trial and we get to see them work together in order to survive. Alliances begin to form and we aren't sure who to trust any more. The new characters that were introduced are a great addition to the group and I felt bad for these kids--I was rooting for them to get outta there. Dashner still keeps the same humor in the book and my favorite character was the hilarious Minho who could poke fun at any situation. The pacing is great and the action does not disappoint.

What I disliked: What the heck? I thought this book was going to answer more questions... but it left me even more confused than The Maze Runner. There is so much that goes on in this book (plus a lot of sleeping) and I thought all the memories that Thomas had was foreshadowing. Except it wasn't, the flashbacks made me even more confused and did not help me understand what's going on and what this book is leading up to. Dashner was teasing us the whole time.

Conclusion: I am so lost right now and not really sure what I think of this book. I really hope The Death Cure gives me the answers I've been asking throughout this series because this book didn't.

4/5 stars

Source: Library.

Back to Reading??

Yes!! I finished my midterms this week and they went really well.

And now I get to read this:

The Death Cure by James Dashner

Also after a bazillion days I finally finished Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. I can't wait to get my hands on book #4, hopefully I can find it at my school library, but I have a ton of books to read in the mean time.

P.S. Hi to all my new followers and YouTube subscribers! Thanks so much for checking out my page, I'm sorry I haven't been blogging much.

PanemOctober

From: PanemOctober

ReadIt1st.com

Dear Blog Viewers,

If you don't know about ReadIt1st, it's an idea that Hank Green of the Vlogbrothers came up with. Check it out and take the pledge if you think it's a good idea. It basically states:

I, ____ , do solemnly swear to read the book before I see the movie whenever humanly possible.

I think it's a great way to encourage people to read and discover the story the way it was meant to be told. Happy reading!

- Sarah

P.S. I apologize for being away. I'm leaving for college tomorrow and have been packing and cleaning out my room. Yeah yeah yeah :p Hope you're all doing well and reading some great books!

August Reads: Wrap-Up

In which I discuss the books that I read for the month of August.

1. Tower of Parlen Min by Max Xell
    + Fun/exciting parts
    + Book had a great concept
    - The writing was a bit too descriptive

2. Blood Red Road by Moria Young
    + Best read of the month year (so far)
    + Dystopian novel that was refreshing
    + Couldn't put the book down!
    + Saba was an awesome protagonist (brave, strong, independent, suborn)

3. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
   + Great writing style--simple and very much enjoyable
   + Dumbledore was a hilarious man
   + Loved the Ron, Hermonie, and Harry trio
   + Quidditch

4. Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky
   + Love how the book's world parallels our society
   +  Does a great job making you think
   + Justin makes you swoon
   + Very interesting read
   - The ending was a bit anticlimactic for me (see full review)

5. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
   + Even though I watched the movie first, this was still refreshing to read; the movie leaves out so much!
   + Harry's courage
   - *facepalm* the adults were too oblivious to Lockhart's lack of knowledge...

6. Shut Out by Kody Keplinger
   + Interesting premise
   + Entertaining short read
   - Characters were somewhat immature especially since they deal with sex
   - Love triangle wasn't really a love triangle (too obvious)