Review: At the King's Command

At the King's Command (#1 in the Tudor Rose Trilogy)

by Susan Wiggs

375 page

Summary (Goodreads)
Frustrated by his own failures at matrimony, King Henry VIII punishes an insolent nobleman by commanding him to marry the vagabond woman caught stealing his horse. Stephen de Lacey is a cold and bitter widower, long accustomed to the sovereign's capricious and malicious whims. He regards his new bride as utterly inconvenient…though undeniably fetching.
But Juliana Romanov is no ordinary thief—she is a Russian princess forced into hiding by the traitorous cabal who slaughtered her family. One day she hopes to return to Muscovy to seek vengeance.
What begins as a mockery of a marriage ultimately blossoms into deepest love.
Quote

"He could not name precisely the special quality she possessed. A glow. An exuberance. An aggressive and determined joy that gave her the courage to push past his defenses, to confront him with unflinching courage, to look into his heart and to see something there worth fighting for." — Susan Wiggs (At the King's Command)

Review

"At the King's Command" was a very satisfying historical romance as it had many interesting twists that I wasn't expecting. It was an amazing introduction to the Tudor Rose Trilogy and had me craving for more. I loved how I was able to really connect with, and feel for, Juliana, the main heroine. As a royal princess turned gypsy, she is a truly strong, compassionate, and loving character. This refreshing novel told a story about a woman's ability to recall a broken man to life. It relays a message of rebirth, revenge, and forgiveness.

Romantic, passionate, comical, tear-jerking.
This book led me down a delightful path of heart-pounding chase scenes and tender love scenes.

As always, Susan Wiggs never fails to enchant me with her powerful use of diction and description. A chapter painted in warm reds and golds is easily transitioned into a chapter of sheer blues and silvers...A feast for the mind!

Teaser Tuesday (5)

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Should Be Reading.

 

From page 267 of The Iron Queen

by Julie Kagawa

"I learned long ago that you don't get in the middle of a lover's spat.  Nothing ever goes as planned - people fall in love with the wrong person, someone ends up with a donkey head, and then it's a whole big mess."

~Puck

(I love Puck's comic relief and sarcasm!) 

Daily Dose (8)

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

 

All images are from DeviantArt!

<3

 

Music: Young the Giant

Young the Giant is my latest music obsession.  They are my favourite band at the moment!  I can't stop listening to "Apartment"...Gorgeous, gorgeous stuff!

Happy Sunday!

<3

Book Blogger Hop (1)

What book-to-movie adaptaton have you most liked?  Which have you disliked?

As I am a die-hard Harry Potter fan, I have to admit that I LOVE the movies!  The casting of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint was perfect <3

I also adored the adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice" (the one with Keira Knightley)...In addition to amazing cinematography, I loved the soundtrack!  Dario Marianelli is a fantastic composer <3

I recommend both the book and move adaptation of "Atonement"!  It is a heartwrenching and well-written storyline.  Both "Atonement" and "Pride and Prejudice" star Keira Knightley (as well as my celeb-crush James McAvoy), have the same director, and same music composer (I sense a trend coming on).

On the flip-side, I LOATHED the movie adaptation of "Inkheart." 
I refuse to post a trailer...
Enough said...
It was terrible...Don't watch it, don't even touch it...
Just don't...

Follow Friday (6)

Q. How many books do you read in a week?  And in what format do your read them, or listen to them?

I read about 1 to 2 books a week because I am a VERY slow reader.  Skimming is a travesty and speed reading doesn't allow me to fully appreciate the words and descriptions :)
I will always read books in their physical form (all other electronic forms are abominations) because I enjoy the feeling of the pages, looking at the gorgeous covers, and cracking the spine.

It's finally FRIDAY! The longest week in my life <----hyperbole

Teaser Tuesday (4)

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Should Be Reading.

 

From page 230 of "Delirium"

by Lauren Oliver

"Everyone is asleep.  They've been asleep for years.  You seemed...awake."  Alex is whispering now.  He closes his eyes, opens them again.  "I'm tired of sleeping."

 

Bought and Borrowed!!!

I was so excited when my Mom picked up the third book in one of the best trilogies I've read in a long time, "The Iron Queen" by Julie Kagawa!!!!! Gahhhh!  Can't wait to read it :)

My friend Justine (a bookful of thoughts) also lent me "Delirium" by Lauren Oliver <3
I'm already more than half way through it and I love it!  It's so beautifully written and original.

~I'm been MIA for the past week due to a bunch of school work and PROM!  I had a bunch of fun (which resulted in complete laziness) with all my friends :)  The food, the DESSERTS, the dancing, the dressing up...It was an incredible night <3~

Teaser Tuesday (3)

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Should Be Reading.

 

From page 307 of At the King's Command (#1 in the Tudor Rose Trilogy)

by Susan Wiggs

 

"Her name was a silent song on his lips.  Her love was like a circle in the water, radiating ever outward, inevitably encompassing even the remotest of hearts."

 

This book is so romantic and heartwrenching!  I'm almost finished and can't wait to read the next book in the trilogy!

Blogger Lift

Jude from "In Between Reading and Writing" interviewed me for her weekly Blogger Lift!
Check out my interview on her blog here and follow her :)

About Blogger Lift:Blogger Lift Is Hosted Here. and in Goodreads on YABC.
Blogger Lift is a new feature in which I'll promote blogs I follow and that I recommenced you.
I am filled 'till July. If you don;t mind being featured in a few months in The Blogger Lift, contact me :)
JudeHnd@Gmail.com or message me on Goodreads Jude.

Review: The Iron Daughter

The Iron Daughter

by Julie Kagawa

5/5

Summary (Goodreads)

Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron fey—ironbound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her.

Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's stuck in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.

Quote

"Don't leave," I whispered, tightening my hold. "Never leave me again. Stay with me. Forever." The winter prince smiled, a small, easy smile, and lowered his lips to mine. "I promise." -Meghan and Ash"
— Julie Kagawa (The Iron Daughter)

Review

It is hard to believe that "The Iron Daughter" trumped the amazing first book in the series, "The Iron King".

Once again, this novel was action-packed and kept me riveted from the first page to the last. I loved the introduction of many new and interesting characters, as well as the further development of the love triangle. There is no doubt that this book focused a lot more on the romance between Ash and Meghan, as well as the possibilities between Puck and Meghan. (But I must admit that I'm Team Ash all the way!)

As the heroine becomes more comfortable in the Fey Universe, she begins to embrace her full potential and power. She's absolutely fearless and kick-ass!

The most attractive feature of these books is the world that it paints. Colourful, magical, and awe-inspiring, this book has something to offer everyone!

I can't wait to read "The Iron Queen" (which I hear is the best of the series)!

<3

Daily Dose (7)

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

 

All images can be found on DeviantArt.

*Sorry for not keeping us consistent posts as of late :S...I've been incredibly busy with school.  The teachers are smushing everything in before prom!  Hopefully everything will be back to normal next week. :)

Review: Red Riding Hood

Red Riding Hood

by Sarah Blakley-Cartwright

329 pages (not including on-line chapter)

4/5

Summary (Watch the theatrical trailer for the movie!)

Quote
"The world went quiet.  Then Valerie heard an intricate voice, a medley woven from sounds both male and female, human and animal.  A composite of every voice she'd ever known, it vibrated deep within her.  The Devil's voice."

Review
I started reading this book with low expectations because of some of the horrific reviews that I've read. However, I found that it was incredibly well-written. The sensual imagery was so vivid and beautiful; the vocabulary was decadent. It was a very fast and enjoyable read because of the way it transported me into a unique time and place.

The main heroine was very strong and older than her years. She had the ability to be both fearless and loving, striving towards her goals head-on. The love triangle tore my heart in two because it was very difficult to distinguish the better love-interest (both were incredibly nice and good-looking).

The actions scenes were intense, brutal, and gory! Very exciting! I loved how the book kept me guessing as I never knew who the Wolf was until the very end!

The only thing I despised about this book was the fact that I had to go online to read the last chapter. This was very annoying. Other than that, I recommend this book to anyone in search for an emotional, well-written rollercoaster ride.

Teaser Tuesday (2)

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Should Be Reading.

 

 

From page 433 of "Before I Fall"

by Lauren Oliver

 

"Everything in me feels fluttering and free, like I could take off from the ground at any second.  Music, I think, he makes me feel like music."

 

Lauren Oliver has this ability to illustrate a vast range of emotions in such a precise and creative way.  This quote is true in so many instances!

Daily Dose (6)

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

 



All images are found on DeviantArt!

<3

Music: Amy Kuney

I'm a HUGE fan of Amy Kuney!  She's delightful :)
Here's her new song "Gasoline Rainbows"!

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mothers out there! 
(But my Mom's the best...Just sayin'...)
<3

Follow Friday (5)

What character in a book would you most like to be, what character in a book would you most like to date?

Hmmm...Tricky question! 
I think I would most like to be Hermione Granger from Harry Potter because she's smart, beautiful, and kick-ass!  She is a dedicated student with two amazing best friends and a kind heart.

If I were to play somebody as a character in a movie, I think I'd like to play Isabelle Lightwood from the Mortal Instruments series.  Although I look nothing like her, I'd love to play her snobbish, strong, and lethal character.  Because she's the total opposite of me, it would be fun to act like her.  (Not to mention taking down some demons with a crazy whip.)

Sticking with the Mortal Instruments theme, I think I would most like to date Simon because he has such a dry sense of humour.  He is warm, good-looking, not too moody (like Jace), and loves music.  He can be both the best friend and a good lover. ;)

Happy Friday!

Poetry: Total Lack of Inspiration

Here's a tiny poem I wrote the other day when I was desperately looking for inspiration...Tis about staring at a blank wall in the hope that it will offer up ingenious words of wisdom...It didn't.

Total Lack of Inspiration

I’m sitting on my couch,

My butt is growing numb,

I look around and wonder,

If ideas are soon to come.

My brain is working slowly,

The mind, a blank, black slate,

These words are hard to come by,

I’m bound to stay up late.

The TV’s softly calling,

My book, a foot away,

I need to take a shower,

But homework steals my day.

By Sarah Ng (May 2011)

:P

Teaser Tuesday (1!!!)

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Should Be Reading.

 

 

From page 317 of "City of Fallen Angels"

by Cassandra Clare

Jordan looked horrified. "Dudes," he said, "do not follow other dudes to the bathroom."

:P

Daily Dose (5)

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

 

All images are from DeviantArt.

 <3