Book Haul EXPLOSION!

There was a mega sale at my local library...These are the fruits of this yearly tradition!

I am a huge fan of Susan Wiggs...Although she isn't a YA author, her novels are usually about family, friendship, and romance.  I got addicted to her "Lakeshore Chronicles" series one winter and couldn't put them down!  I was so excited to get four of her books that I haven't read yet!

:D

Friday's Finest (4)

Friday's Finest is a new meme hosted by Steff & Justine from A Bookful of Thoughts.
Rules:
~Post a quote that really stuck to you after reading it in a book.
~Make sure it isn't a spoiler!
~If you'd like, expand on what you think it means and why you chose it.

"He had held out shakily, like a tree that had been hacked down to its breaking point.  But that kiss was the last swing, the final impact, and he gave in finally, felled."

I thought this was such a great comparison as this character in particular is a woodsman. 
The sensual imagery in this book is incredible!

Daily Dose (4)

This is a meme hosted by Holly from Good Golly Miss Holly.

 

All images found on DeviantArt.

<3

Just Bought: The Iron Daughter

I got this for Easter!
My mom is just so tuned in on what's on my TBR list :P
I'm already half-way through and its soooo good!  So far, I think I like it better than 'The Iron King' :D
My Mom hijacked 'City of Fallen Angels', so I'm reading that after I'm done this.
<3
Happy Easter everyone :)

Friday's Finest (3)

Friday's Finest is a new meme hosted by Steff & Justine from A Bookful of Thoughts.
Rules:
~Post a quote that really stuck to you after reading it in a book.
~Make sure it isn't a spoiler!
~If you'd like, expand on what you think it means and why you chose it.

"Words were useless.  At times, they might sound wonderful, but they let you down the moment you really needed them.  You could never find the right words, never, and where would you look for them?  The heart is as silent as a fish, however much the tongue tries to give it a voice."

      ~Cornelia Funke (Inkheart)

This has happened to me so many times...You know what you want to say but you can't find the words!  Thus, you turn out looking like a bumbling idiot!

Follow Friday (4)

What is on your current playlist right now?

~Kina Grannis
~Keane
~Lee Dewyze
~John Mayer
~Parachute
~Mumford and Sons
~Christina Perri
~Ingrid Michaelson

<3...Happy Friday!

Booking Through Thursday (4)

CAN you judge a book by its cover?

I've read so many amazing books with horrible covers...Soooo...No...I can't judge a book by its cover. 
That would be...hmmmm...WRONG!
However, gorgeous covers have an easier time in persuading me into reading them ;)

(Yay for Thursday!  Long weekend here I come!)

Music: Keane

I'm supposed to be studying but I can't stop abusing the replay button on Keane's acoustic performance of "Somewhere Only We Know"...:S

Here's my stop at procrastination station...<3...
It's delightful!

Just Bought: City of Fallen Angels (I...am...excited...)

I finally got this!
I'M EXCITED! 
I'M EXCITED!
I'M EXCITED!
I'M EXCITED!
I'M EXCITED!
I'M EXCITED!
I'M EXCITED!
I'M EXCITED!
I'M EXCITED!
I'M EXCITED!
I'M EXCITED!
I'M EXCITED!

...But I have to finish 'Charlie St. Cloud' on a matter of principle...DARN :S

P.S. Justine...You can borrow this when I'm done! ;)

Review: The Iron King

The Iron King

by Julie Kagawa

5/5

Summary (Goodreads)

Meghan Chase has a secret destiny—one she could never have imagined…

Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school…or at home.

When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change.

But she could never have guessed the truth—that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face…and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.

Quote:

"I guess the sacrifice of my dignity is the only thing that will save us now. The things I endure for love. The Fates laugh at my torment."
— Julie Kagawa (The Iron King)

Review

This book seemed to be a delightful cross between the Chronicles of Narnia and Alice in Wonderland. The numerous settings were painted in vivid colours, and detailed with a variety of interesting creatures and monsters. A new slice of imagination revealed itself around every corner. Nothing about this book was predictable.

With an unending stream of action and surprises, the novel failed to reveal a dull moment. Although romance was not dominant throughout this plot, the few romantic scenes were very sensitive and real. Prince Ash was definitely my favourite male character and love-interest.

"The Iron King" has something to offer everyone: horror, comedy, romance, fantasy, friendship, and family. Reading it was a very refreshing experience as it was so original and creative.

I can hardly wait to read the next in the series, "The Iron Daughter."

I pictured Ben Barnes as Prince Ash...Though I tend to picture him for most of the love-interests in the books I read ;)

Harry Potter ~ Amazing FanArt

I stumbled across an artist named Ninidu on DeviantArt who seems to be a diehard Harry Potter fan (something I can relate to)!  I'm in love with her artwork and had to share it with those of you in love with all things HARRY POTTER!

Please click on one of the links to view more of her artwork!

Daily Dose (3)

This is a meme hosted by Holly from Good Golly Miss Holly.

I have a slight obsession with anything pertaining to teacups and mugs...Be Warned!

All images are taken from DeviantArt

<3

Review: Fallen

Fallen

by Lauren Kate

5/5

Summary (Goodreads)

There’s something achingly familiar about Daniel Grigori.
Mysterious and aloof, he captures Luce Price’s attention from the moment she sees him on her first day at the Sword & Cross boarding school in sultry Savannah, Georgia. He’s the one bright spot in a place where cell phones are forbidden, the other students are all screw-ups, and security cameras watch every move.
Even though Daniel wants nothing to do with Luce–and goes out of his way to make that very clear–she can’t let it go. Drawn to him like a moth to a flame, she has to find out what Daniel is so desperate to keep secret . . . even if it kills her.

Quote

"The tender pressure of his lips soothed her, like a warm drink in the dead of the winter, when every part of her felt so cold." — Lauren Kate (Fallen)

 

Review

"Fallen" was one of those unique reads that had the ability to pick me up and transport me into a very real setting. The imagery it provoked was breathtaking!
This very sweet love story was ironically set in a very scary reform school...There's passion, action, secrecy, friendship, and romance...
Character development was fantastic as each character was very unique. I found myself caring for so many of these so-called "mentally unstable" people.
It is hard to write this review without including spoilers for there are so many twists and surprises that build this captivating storyline. The love triangle between Luce, Cam, and Daniel made it very difficult for me to choose my favourite guy.
"Fallen" is about a love the transcends through time...A love that remains strong over hundreds of years.
I recommend it for anyone in the mood for an exciting paranormal romance!

...I can't wait to read "Torment"!!!!

Giveaway! A Myriad of Books

A Myriad of Books is hosting a "Half-a-Blogoversary Mega Giveaway" with such books as:

-- Virals by Kathy Reichs (hardcover)

-- The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney (paperback)

-- Relic Master: The Dark City by Catherine Fisher (ARC)

-- Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick (hardcover)

-- Matched by Ally Condie (hardcover)

-- Swoon by Nina Malkin (paperback)

-- Elphame's Choice by PC Cast (paperback)

-- Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson (hardcover)

-- Pegasus by Robin McKinley (hardcover)

-- Red Riding Hood by Sarah Blakly-Cartwright (movie novel, paperback)

-- Sea Change by Aimee Friedman (hardcover)

-- Fallen by Lauren Kate (hardcover)

Yay!  Ends May 8th...Check it out :)

Follow Friday (3)

Q: Do you have anyone you can discuss books with IRL?  Tell us about him/her.

I have a couple of people I can discuss books with in real life. 
Firstly, it would have to be my mother...She has been a bookaholic since I can remember!  She is the one who stayed up late reading me the Harry Potter series and taught me to read at a very early age...Now that I'm a teenager we tend to read the same books.  Thus, we can have conversation bonanzas!
One of my close friends, Justine (a bookful of thoughts), is book blogger herself.  She is the one who introduced me to Goodreads, and then blogging.  We can always pass the time discussing our favourite love-interests in novels, as well as other crush-worthy scenes... ;)
My best friend, Angelica, isn't really into reading :(...However, she lets me ramble on about the books I've read with a smile on her face.  I tend to get over-excited when retelling a story, jumping from scene to random scene.  Somehow, she still manages to seem very interested in what I have to say!

Friday's Finest (2)

Friday's Finest is a new meme hosted by Steff & Justine from A Bookful of Thoughts.
Rules:
~Post a quote that really stuck to you after reading it in a book.
~Make sure it isn't a spoiler!
~If you'd like, expand on what you think it means and why you chose it.

Fallen

by Lauren Kate

"She buried her face in his shoulder.  And while the truth still scared her, being in his arms made her feel like the sea finding its shore, like a traveler returning after a long, hard, distant trip--Finally returning home."

I just love her descriptions of this...The feeling of being safe in the arms of someone you love, even though there's an underlying truth that is bound to tear you a part. :(

*Review coming soon*