My Top 10 Favorites of 2012! {+1}

2012 is coming to an end after a year which consisted of ups and downs.

I've got to say, I've read some pretty fabulous books this year, some books made me cry, some books tore my heart out and other books which still have me wanting to know more. Out of my great list of books I read this year there are definitely a few that I totally fell in love with. I mean like absolutely head over heels kind of love. The type of love that makes you want to scream out the name of book on rooftops and skyscrapers. Yes, I loved them that much.

In total I roughly read around 50 books this year and they were all mostly Young Adult fiction.

My 10 WILD FANTABULOUS favourites of this year, in no particular order:

1. Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver:
It had the right amount of action, romance, adventure, awesomeness and an added bonus of a deadly cliffhanger (I'm actually surprised I survived the end of the book)










2. Looking for Alaska by John Green:
This was the first EVER John Green book I read and seriously, it was amazing and emotional. I have now gone on to becoming a nerdfighter!

3. The DUFF by Kody Keplinger:

I have to say, The Duff was one of those reads you just picked up in a random state of mind then somehow along the journey of reading it, you realise how much you actually like it. It's the kind of book that keeps you up all night just to see what happens in the end, I loved it a grand amount.







4. Forgotten by Cat Patrick:
I was recommended this book by a friend and I sure was not disappointed. The book had this unique feel to it. It carried this sense of simplicity but unravelled this complex plot that really stood out and kept me hooked.








5. Hallowed by Cynthia Hand:
This was another book that I read that was the second in a series. Well, the amount of emotions this book conveyed to me was scary, every time I would sit to read it I was overcome with all the emotions that the book held and Cynthia Hand managed to break my heart numerous times while reading it.







6. For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund:
This book was also recommended to me by a friend and I sure was surprised by it. The book was so beautifully written and created this new and unique world for the reader. It was an amazing read!







7. Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry:
I have to say this book tugged at so many heart strings, I was literally feeling all the emotions the characters were feeling. Noah and Echo were the type of characters that stay in your mind long after you finish reading the book.








8. Insurgent by Veronica Roth:
I actually liked Insurgent better than the first book, I was totally gripped from start to finish and it was a rollercoaster I was glad to be on.









9. Speechless by Hannah Harrington:
I was actually blown away by how much I actually loved Speechless. It was simple and beautiful with a powerful message. Hannah Harrington also managed to make her way onto my list of favourite authors as well.









10. Confessions of an Angry Girl by Louise Rozett:
This book was a simple and fun read which I read from start to finish within a day which included staying up late into the night.

+11. A Midsummer's Nightmare by Kody Keplinger:
I had to add this one onto my list because I only finished it the day before and I can't explain how much I loved it. It's fabulous on so many levels and I can say for sure that I would read any book written by Kody Keplinger.

What I am reading? {Anthologies I want to read}

Since making the list of anthologies/short stories I wanted to read (2012/2013 edition), I thought I should keep myself updated as well as the blog by recording the progress I make with the list so far. At the moment I have been busy with exams so reading anthologies/short stories is a great way for me to relax after a stressful day of revision.
:
The first anthology I picked up to read is GIRL MEETS BOY:
 

What do guys and girls really think? Twelve of the most dynamic and engaging YA authors writing today team up for this one-of-a-kind collection of "he said/she said" stories-he tells it from the guy's point of view, she tells it from the girl's. These are stories of love and heartbreak. There's the good-looking jock who falls for a dangerous girl, and the flipside, the toxic girl who never learned to be loved; the basketball star and the artistic (and shorter) boy she never knew she wanted; the gay boy looking for love online and the girl who could help make it happen. Each story in this unforgettable collection teaches us that relationships are complicated-because there are two sides to every story. (Goodreads)

 

So far I've read two and a half of the stories in the anthology. One thing that strikes me about the collection was how there is actually diversity within the stories. I haven't come to read the short stories with people of colour yet but the summary for each short story clearly pointed that out for me. I am definitely looking forward to reading those particular stories.

 

The first and second story that I've read are both based on the same relationship but is in the point of view of the boy and then the girl. I think there was some realism to the story especially about insecurities. However, one thing I realised was the cover doesn't reflect what I've read so far. There are more darker notes to this collection and the romance isn't played out massively like I expected. I hope to carry on and see where the other stories take me.

 

 

Review: Forgotten by Cat Patrick

Title: Forgotten
Author: Cat Patrick
Publisher: Little Brown Books
Publication Date: June 7, 2011
Page Count: 304
Buy The Book: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Rating: 4/5

Synopsis

Every night, while sixteen-year-old London Lane is asleep, her memory of that day is erased. In the morning, all she can "remember" are events from her future. London is used to relying on reminder notes and a trusted friend to get through the day, but things get complicated when a new boy at school enters the picture. Logan Henry is not someone you'd easily forget, yet try as she might, London can't find him in her memories of things to come.
When London starts experiencing disturbing flashbacks, or flash-forwards, as the case may be, she realizes it's time to learn about the past she keeps forgetting--before it destroys her future.
Favourite Quotes

“Tears upon tears splat on to the lined pages in my hands as I read about a nightmare come true. Quickly, I wipe away the saltwater so it won't fade the ink. Because even as my chest caves in and makes me hate the chipper birds and everything else, I know that I needed to read this today, and I need to read it again tomorrow. For me, reading is remembering.”
“The boy in the closet is your boyfriend. He loves you and will tell you all about last night.” 

“Funny how possibility can lift you. Funny how reality can slam you down.”

Few Wild Words Quickie

Unique and the simplicty of it is beautiful.

My Thoughts

When I read the summary for FORGOTTEN it came across as very different to many young adult books I've read and I just knew I had to read it. I was also recommended the book by one of my friends so I thought it would be definitely worth picking up.

FORGOTTEN by Cat Patrick is a simple but in some way a complex read that was beautifully written and completely captured my attention. As soon as I started the book I was already intriguied by London's lifestyle. What very much striked me as odd (in a good way) was how the author managed to weave in noramlity into London's life even though what she was experiencing was in some sense abnormal.

Cat Patrick unravels London's past and background slowly which kept me on the edge of my seat and had me wanting to know more. Each piece of her past is slowly pieced together and beautifully developed through the course of the book. For me, I felt the second half of the book was extremely emotional, it tugged at many heart strings and it also managed to break my heart.

As you get further into the book you come to love the characters especially as some are either simply loving and caring while others were definitely misunderstood. London and Luke's relationship was sweet and made me wish I could have something as wonderful as theirs. It made me sad to know that London had to continuously forget all the beautiful moments in her life and all she had was notes. The worst was having to experience the horrible memories every day and feel the endless pain. However, I also envied her ever so slightly because she was able to feel everything all over again as though she was experiencing it for the first time like falling in love again.

The whole concept that London was not able to remember the past but could see the future definitely opened up many oppurtunities for plot twists and I was seriously not let down. The sub plot that surrounded around her best friend Jamie was also interesting seeing developed. 

I loved the book a lot and recommend you pick it up and give it a try. I am looking forward to reading more books by Cat Patrick!

Links
Goodreads
Cat Patrick Website

5 Short Stories/Anthologies I want to read {2012/2013 List}

I love reading collections of short stories/anthologies but recently I haven't really read many. I looked through my list of books I want to read and picked 5 short story collections I want to read this year as well as next year.

1. Corsets and Clockwork:

Dark, urban fantasies come to life in the newest collection of Steampunk stories, Corsets & Clockwork. Young heroes and heroines battle evils with the help of supernatural or super-technological powers, each individual story perfectly balancing historical and fantastical elements. Throw in epic romances that transcend time, and this trendy, engrossing anthology is sure to become another hit for the fast-growing Steampunk genre! This collection features some of the hottest writers in the teen genre, including: Ann Aguirre, Jaclyn Dolamore, Tessa Gratton, Frewin Jones, Caitlin Kittredge, Adrienne Kress, Lesley Livingston, Dru Pagliassotti, Dia Reeves, Michael Scott, Maria V. Snyder, Tiffany Trent, and Kiersten White.

2.  Girl Meets Boy:

What do guys and girls really think? Twelve of the most dynamic and engaging YA authors writing today team up for this one-of-a-kind collection of "he said/she said" stories-he tells it from the guy's point of view, she tells it from the girl's. These are stories of love and heartbreak. There's the good-looking jock who falls for a dangerous girl, and the flipside, the toxic girl who never learned to be loved; the basketball star and the artistic (and shorter) boy she never knew she wanted; the gay boy looking for love online and the girl who could help make it happen. Each story in this unforgettable collection teaches us that relationships are complicated-because there are two sides to every story.



3. The Fierce Reads Anthology:

This anthology includes short stories from five fierce young adult authors! Inside, you’ll find a magical mermaid tale from Anna Banks, a fantastical Russian-influenced story from Leigh Bardugo, an electric thriller from Jennifer Bosworth, a post-apocalyptic drama from Emmy Laybourne, and a cybernetic fairytale from Marissa Meyer. This free anthology will give you an exciting taste of the fierceness of these authors’ debut novels.








4. After:

If the melt-down, flood, plague, the third World War, new Ice Age, Rapture, alien invasion, clamp-down, meteor, or something else entirely hit today, what would tomorrow look like? Some of the biggest names in YA and adult literature answer that very question in this short story anthology, each story exploring the lives of teen protagonists raised in catastrophe’s wake—whether set in the days after the change, or decades far in the future.

New York Times bestselling authors Gregory Maguire, Garth Nix, Susan Beth Pfeffer, Carrie Ryan, Beth Revis, and Jane Yolen are among the many popular and award-winning storytellers lending their talents to this original and spellbinding anthology.



5. Steampunk! An Anthology of Fantastically Rich and Strange Stories:

Imagine an alternate universe where romance and technology reign. Where tinkerers and dreamers craft and re-craft a world of automatons, clockworks, calculating machines, and other marvels that never were. Where scientists and schoolgirls, fair folk and Romans, intergalactic bandits, utopian revolutionaries, and intrepid orphans solve crimes, escape from monstrous predicaments, consult oracles, and hover over volcanoes in steam-powered airships. Here, fourteen masters of speculative fiction, including two graphic storytellers, embrace the genre's established themes and refashion them in surprising ways and settings as diverse as Appalachia, ancient Rome, future Australia, and alternate California. Visionaries Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant have invited all-new explorations and expansions, taking a genre already rich, strange, and inventive in the extreme and challenging contributors to remake it from the ground up. The result is an anthology that defies its genre even as it defines it.

Have you read any of the above?

Which captures your attention?

My Book Boyfriend #10 {Philip Wyndham}

My Book Boyfriend is a weekly meme hosted by Missie @ The Unread Reader and Lesley @ My Keeper Shelf. This meme is one of my favourites because it gives me the chance to show off some of the many awesome book boyfriends there are out there. 
 
I started reading Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson about a week ago and I am thoroughly enjoying it so far, I have a feeling that I may end up sheding a few tears of happiness at the end of the book. I have recently rediscovered my love for Historical fiction after a long time. I can't wait to continue to explore the genre, if you have any recommendations I would love to know.
 
Now moving onto the book boyfriend I have chosen this week!
 
I present to you...
 

Philip Wyndham
 
- Most definitely a charming gentleman
- Totally swoon worthy character
- Ever so romantic
- Loyal
- Honest
- Handsome
- I MEAN REALLY HANDSOME, THE TYPE THAT DRIVES YOU CRAZY HANDSOME!
 
When I was choosing quotes to add I kind of had my eyes half shut because I didn't want to read the quotes that appear later on in the book just yet. I did sneak a peek at some and I had to fan myself ever so slightly because of how perfect some of them were.
 
Quotes:
 
“Isn't that what a gentleman does? Rescues a damsel in distress?”
 
“Did you need something?' I asked.
'Yes,' he said, reaching out and taking my hand. My heart thumped hard at his touch. I told myself I should pull my hand away, but I couldn't make myself do it.
'What did you need?' My voice was little more than a whisper.
'Your smile. I haven't seen it all day.”
 
“To my unsuspecting love.
When I look into your eyes, I lose all sense of time and place. Reason robbed, clear thought erased, I am lost in the paradise I find within your gaze.
I long to touch your blushing cheek, to whisper in your ear how I adore you, how I have lost my heart to you, how I cannot bear the thought of living without you.
To be so near to you without touching you is agony. Your blindness to my feelings is a daily torment, and I feel driven to the edge of madness by my love for you.
Where is your compassion when I need it most? Open your eyes , Love, and see what is right before you: that I am not merely a friend, but a man deeply, desperately , in love with you.
Longing for you.” 
 
Just admit you swooned reading at least one of those quotes!
 

Cover Reveal: Confessions of an Almost-Girlfriend by Louise Rozett

Today I wanted to show off the cover of the second book in the Confessions series by Louise Rozett.

I present to you the cover of Confessions of an Almost-Girlfriend!

I read the first book Confessions of an Angry Girl about two months ago and really loved it. I would recommend that you give the book a try because I thought it was pretty awesome.

I love this cover and I actually think I like it even more than the first one even though I did love the cover of the first one too!

The book is being released June 1st 2013 so there is still a long wait left to get through. I'm super excited for the book to come out and if you haven't read the first book there is still plenty of time to pick it up and read it before the second book comes out.
 

What do you think of the cover?

Have you read the first book Confessions of an Angry Girl?

 

Teaser Tuesday {2}

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teaser:



Title: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyers
Author: Michelle Hodkin


Teaser:

 #1: “Is there any point in asking what you're going to do to me?"
He grinned wickedly. "Not really."
Fabulous.
"Does it involve the use of a safe word?"
"That will depend entirely on you.”  

Leave the link to your teaser in the comments and I'll check it out!

Review: Spellbound by Rachel Hawkins

Title: Spellbound
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Publisher: Hyperion Book CH
Publication Date: March 13th, 2012
Page Count: 336
Buy The Book: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Rating: 3.5/5
 
 
Synopsis
 
Just as Sophie Mercer has come to accept her extraordinary magical powers as a demon, the Prodigium Council strips them away. Now Sophie is defenseless, alone, and at the mercy of her sworn enemies—the Brannicks, a family of warrior women who hunt down the Prodigium. Or at least that’s what Sophie thinks, until she makes a surprising discovery. The Brannicks know an epic war is coming, and they believe Sophie is the only one powerful enough to stop the world from ending. But without her magic, Sophie isn’t as confident.

Sophie’s bound for one hell of a ride—can she get her powers back before it’s too late?

Favourite Quotes

“Whoa, I'm your girlfriend now?"
Archer shrugged. "We've tried to kill each other, fought ghouls, and kissed a lot. I'm pretty sure we're married in some cultures.” 

“Um...Mercer? Haven't seen you in nearly a month. I was expecting something like, 'Oh Cross, love of my heart, fire of my loins, how I've longed--” 

“Okay, fine. But just so you know, following me into hell means you’re all definitely the sidekicks.” “Darn, I was hoping to be the rakishly charming love interest,” Archer said, taking my hand.” 

Few Words Quickie

Funny and witty like all the other books in the series.

My Thoughts

I've loved this series a grand amount but I felt SPELLBOUND was my least favourite. As a reader I was still captured by all the different elements of the book that makes the Hex Hall series unique. Strong and well developed characters. Archer and Sophie continue to make their sarcastic, funny and witty comebacks like usual which still has the power to make me smile. After reading DEMONGLASS I was super excited to get my hands on the last book SPELLBOUND especially as we were left with a huge cliffhanger.

After awaiting the release of SPELLBOUND I expected the series to go out with a bang but I felt it was lacking something spectacular, something mind blowing that would give it a WOW factor, I think there could have been some awesome plot twists. But with that said there were some shocking truths revealed that did surprise me and there were some parts of the book that had me on edge and glued to the book. Rachel Hawkins also managed to emotionally wound me at the end of SPELLBOUND through an unexpected event.

I continued to love Sophie's character, even in the worst of times she manages to lighten the mood and create this sense of hope. I also grew to love Elodie's character, some of her actions really made me realise how much more there is to her character from when you first meet her. At the end of the day even though she's the type of character you'd dislike at first, underneath everything she's a strong headed girl that will go to great extents for people she cares about.

Personally, I think a strong theme I noticed throughout the book was sacrifice, it was probably one of the reasons I came to love some of the characters even more than I did before, it's also one of the reasons that made this book special. Even though SPELLBOUND wasn't my favourite of the whole series it was still enjoyable and I'm glad I could follow Sophie on her adventure and see her grow in different ways.

I've heard there might be a spin off from the Hex Hall series so I'm excited to see what it will be about and I'm definitely looking forward to reading anything Rachel Hawkin's writes in the future.

Links
Goodreads: Hex Hall (Book #1)
Goodreads: Demonglass (Book #2)
Goodreads: Spellbound (Book #3)

Dystopia Reading Challenge {2013}

Hosted by Blog of Erised   I've decided to  join this reading challenge as I think it will be great fun! If you enjoy Dystopian books this challenge will be perfect for you. It will run from January 1st, 2013 to December 31st, 2013.

• All formats are allowed
• Re-reads are allowed
• Must be full length books
• It can be a stand alone book or a series

There are 4 levels of the challenge:

Level 1: Recruit (1 to 6 books)

Level 2: Rebel (7 to 12 books)

Level 3: Revolutionist (13 to 18 books)

Level 4: Leader (19+ books)

 I will be doing Level 2: Rebel

 Some of the books I hope to read are:

1. Breathe by Sarah Crossan
2. Crewel by Gennifer Albin
3. Shatter Me by Taherah Mafi
4. Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
5. Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter
6. What's Left of Me by Kat Zhang
7. Requiem by Lauren Oliver
8. Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
9. Angelfall by Susan Ee
10. The Elite by Kiera Cass

City of Bones trailer + The Host trailer

City of Bones

 

 

I've patiently (which doesn't happen very often) been waiting for the 'City of Bones' trailer for quite a while. Now that I've finally seen it, I can't lie, but I did a little happy dance around the house!

 

I can't explain it but the trailer was pretty kick ass on so many levels. Just seeing all the characters come to life is exciting. The effects, music, setting and pretty much everything was awesome. I couldn't help but realise how cute Simon was and who could miss Jace's sexy accent. Did anyone else notice that Valentine had braid's in his hair, wouldn't you say that was cool? Maybe Magnus has been styling him.

 

 

Just look at Clary, Jace, Alec, Isabelle and even a topless Simon, is it not just perfect?

 

 

 

The Host

 

 

How can I express how much I love Max Irons who's playing Jared?

 

If the film manages to stay as true to the book as possible I will be super happy, the trailer sure is promising. The effects department sure did an amazing job, the music went along perfectly. I have faith that Saoirse Ronan will do a great job playing Melanie so I'm very much looking forward to watching it.

 

 

 

What did you think of the trailers?

 

 

My Book Boyfriend #9 {Jace Wayland}

 
My Book Boyfriend is a weekly meme hosted by Missie @ The Unread Reader and Lesley @ My Keeper Shelf. This meme is one of my favourites because it gives me the chance to show off some of the many awesome book boyfriends there are out there.
 
Tomorrow the 'City of Bones' teaser trailer is coming out so I thought it wouldn't hurt to feature one of the swoon worthy shadowhunters.
 

Jace Wayland

• SHADOWHUNTER
• Has various last names including Wayland, Herondale, Lightwood, and Morgernstern.
• 17 years old
• Blond/Golden hair
• Amber/Gold coloured eyes

 
Quotes
 
“Have you fallen in love with the wrong person yet?'
Jace said, "Unfortunately, Lady of the Haven, my one true love remains myself."
..."At least," she said, "you don't have to worry about rejection, Jace Wayland."
"Not necessarily. I turn myself down occasionally, just to keep it interesting.” 
 
 
“Is this the part where you start tearing off strips of your shirt to bind my wounds?"
"If you wanted me to rip my clothes off, you should have just asked.” 
 
 
“Don't touch any of my weapons without my permission."
"Well, there goes my plan for selling them all on eBay," Clary muttered.
"Selling them on what?"
Clary smiled blandly at him. "A mythical place of great magical power.”
 
 
“Can I help you with something?"
Clary turned instant traitor against her gender. "Those girls on the other side of the car are staring at you."
Jace assumed an air of mellow gratification. "Of course they are," he said, "I am stunningly attractive.” 
 

ANYONE ELSE EXCITED FOR THE CITY OF BONES TEASER TRAILER?

Review: Speechless by Hannah Harrington

Title: Speechless

Author: Hannah Harrington
Publisher: HarlequinTEEN
Publication Date: August 28, 2012
Page Count: 288
Buy The Book: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Rating: 5/5
 
 

Synopsis


Everyone knows that Chelsea Knot can't keep a secret

Until now. Because the last secret she shared turned her into a social outcast—and nearly got someone killed.

Now Chelsea has taken a vow of silence—to learn to keep her mouth shut, and to stop hurting anyone else. And if she thinks keeping secrets is hard, not speaking up when she's ignored, ridiculed and even attacked is worse.

But there's strength in silence, and in the new friends who are, shockingly, coming her way—people she never noticed before; a boy she might even fall for. If only her new friends can forgive what she's done. If only she can forgive herself.

Favourite Quotes

“Hate is...it's too easy," he says. His face calm, calmer than it has any right to be, his eyes not wavering from mine, like he's so completely sure of what he's saying. "Love. Love takes courage.” 

“You can be surrounded by people and still be lonely. You can be the most popular person in school, envied by every girl and wanted by every boy, and still feel completely worthless. The world can be laid at your feet and you can still not know what you want from it.”  “I love the way he says my name, like it’s something he wants to keep safe.” 

Few words quickie

Love is louder, a beautiful read worth picking up.
 
My Thoughts

SPEECHLESS is a powerful and beautifully written book which captured me as a reader and was able to highlight all the many problems facing society today. Hannah Harrington has swiftly made her way onto my favourite authors list because of the wonderful way she presents her characters and develops them through the course of her books.

SPEECHLESS handles issues that teenagers face today. The book allows the main character Chelsea to some extent to find herself amongst all the problems that are thrown at her. One main lesson it illustrated for me is how we're all human, we're the same but different but we all make mistakes. It explores old and new friendships, ones that are temporary and at the end of the day not worth it and ones that have the possibility to last a lifetime. All the characters seemed so realistic and honest it would've been a hard job to truly dislike any of them.

I liked the way the author made Rosies' a kind of central place/area for Chelsea to go to, but it also let me see the change in her character while also allowing me to explore the other characters like Sam who I must admit I very much liked. More like LOVED. Sam and Chelsea's relationship was one of the many reasons this book made me smile, I pretty much was cheering them on to get together through most of the book.

If I had to give one reason why I dearly loved SPEECHLESS it would have to be because it's relevant more than anything else. I think as a whole it shows off how you can change as I person but to forgive yourself in the midst of it all. This book should definitely be picked up and read, even if you don't love it as much as I did (and I sure loved it a lot) you can't mistake the powerful message the book holds.

Links:
Hannah Harrington's website
Harlequin's Website
Harlequin TEEN on Facebook
Love is Louder website
Love is Louder on Facebook

Teaser Tuesdays {1}

 

 

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

 

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

 

My Teasers:

 

Title: Paper Towns

Author: John Green

 

 

"Call me selfish, but if I found her, I wanted it to be alone."

 

p.208

 

 

 

Leave the link to your teaser in the comments and I'll check them out!