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Starcrossed

Monday, August 26, 2013
9462795
Starcrossed
by Josephine Angelini

Summary

How do you defy destiny?

Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood... and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history.

As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart.

My Review

This book was absolutely amazing! I have to admit, I was a bit hesitant to read it at first; it’d been too long since I last read anything related to Greek mythology, but I’m certainly glad that I gave this book a chance. It was especially fun to read because we’d just discussed The Iliad and The Odyssey in school, so I actually understood what the characters were talking about. The novel follows main character Helen Hamilton, who is like a modern-day Helen of Troy. Although she was described to be a bit selfish and insensitive, I felt that her character was really strong. She was not one to deny mistakes, and she willingly accepted any negative traits she may have had. She also acted quite selfless at one point, as she was more than ready to fight despite knowing that she could die. I found it really inspiring, as well, because in spite of the fact that these people were always told that their fates had already been written, they never gave up hope of changing them and forging their own destinies.

Quotes I Like

“I don’t care how hard being together is, nothing is worse than being apart.”

“So, what can't you take? Decide which of the two options is harder, and do the other. That way, no matter how hard your choice turns out to be, at least you can find comfort in knowing you're avoiding something even worse.”

“Do you have any idea how late it is? Go to sleep," she scolded as she hurried past him.
"I know, I'm going to bed right now ... Hey! YOU go to sleep," Jerry scolded back, belatedly remembering that he was the parent.”

The Mortal Instruments

Saturday, August 24, 2013
2566831582996377773267523788755776

The Mortal Instruments
by Cassandra Clare

Summary

City of Bones - Book One

   When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder -- much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing -- not even a smear of blood -- to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

   This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know...


City of Ashes - Book Two

   Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go — especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil — and also her father.

   To complicate matters, someone in New York City is murdering Downworlder children. Is Valentine behind the killings — and if he is, what is he trying to do? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor arrives to investigate and zooms right in on Jace. How can Clary stop Valentine if Jace is willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father?


City of Glass - Book Three

   To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters - never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.

   As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadowhunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadowhunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City - whatever the cost?


City of Fallen Angels - Book Four

   The Mortal War is over, and sixteen-year-old Clary Fray is back home in New York, excited about all the possibilities before her. She's training to become a Shadowhunter and to use her unique power. Her mother is getting married to the love of her life. Downworlders and Shadowhunters are at peace at last. And - most importantly of all - she can finally call Jace her boyfriend.

   But nothing comes without a price.

   Someone is murdering Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine's Circle, provoking tensions between Downworlders and Shadowhunters that could lead to a second bloody war. Clary's best friend, Simon, can't help her. His mother just found out that he's a vampire and now he's homeless. Everywhere he turns, someone wants him on their side - along with the power of the curse that's wrecking his life. And they're willing to do anything to get what they want. At the same time he's dating two beautiful, dangerous girls - neither of whom knows about the other one.

   When Jace begins to pull away from Clary without explaining why, she is forced to delve into the heart of a mystery whose solution reveals her worst nightmare: She herself has set in motion a terrible chain of events that could lead to her losing everything she loves. Even Jace.

   Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. The stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels.


City of Lost Souls - Book Five

   What price is too high to pay, even for love? When Jace and Clary meet again, Clary is horrified to discover that the demon Lilith’s magic has bound her beloved Jace together with her evil brother Sebastian, and that Jace has become a servant of evil. The Clave is out to destroy Sebastian, but there is no way to harm one boy without destroying the other. As Alec, Magnus, Simon, and Isabelle wheedle and bargain with Seelies, demons, and the merciless Iron Sisters to try to save Jace, Clary plays a dangerous game of her own. The price of losing is not just her own life, but Jace’s soul. She’s willing to do anything for Jace, but can she still trust him? Or is he truly lost?

   Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. Darkness threatens to claim the Shadowhunters in the harrowing fifth book of the Mortal Instruments series.

My Review


   Honestly, when I started this series, I wasn’t expecting much, but I actually ended up quite liking it. There are so many books out there about vampires and werewolves, but somehow these five books gave a bit of a unique twist to it by adding Shadowhunters, angels, demons, and even warlocks into the mix. I found the story interesting enough, though it was kind of overwhelming to always have so many things happening at the same time, especially in the latter books of the series. Being a fan of romance, I loved how the relationship between Jace and Clary was developed and how there was always this sense of mystery regarding what lay ahead for them. Overall, I wouldn’t exactly consider it a series to be so enthused about, but it’s a pretty decent read. In my opinion, it would’ve been better had it ended with City of Glass, but all the same, I’m still looking forward to the last installment (and hopefully Clare can spin out good endings for each of these characters).

Quotes I Like


“There is no pretending," Jace said with absolute clarity. "I love you, and I will love you until I die, and if there is life after that, I'll love you then.”

“We came to see Jace. Is he alright?"
"I don't know," Magnus said. "Does he normally just lie on the floor like that without moving?”

“Basia coquum," Simon said. "Or whatever their motto is."
"It's 'Descensus Averno facilis est.' 'The descent into hell is easy," said Alec. "You just said "Kiss the cook."
"Dammit," said Simon. "I knew Jace was screwing with me.”

“Jesus!" Luke exclaimed.
"Actually, it's just me," said Simon. "Although I've been told the resemblance is startling.”

“But I watch my brothers give their hearts away and I think, Don’t you know better? Hearts are breakable. And I think even when you heal, you’re never what you were before.” 

“I don't know who Azazel is," he said. "Isn't he the cat from The Smurfs?" He cast about , but Isabelle just looked up and rolled her eyes at him.
"Clary?" he thought
Her voice came through, tinged with alarm. "What is it? What happened? Did my mom find out I'm gone?"
"Not yet," he thought back. "Is Azazel the cat from The Smurfs?" There was a long pause. "That's Azrael, Simon. And no more using the magic rings for Smurf questions.”

“And now I’m looking at you,” he said, “and you’re asking me if I still want you, as if I could stop loving you. As if I would want to give up the thing that makes me stronger than anything else ever has. I never dared give much of myself to anyone before – bits of myself to the Lightwoods, to Isabelle and Alec, but it took years to do it – but, Clary, since the first time I saw you, I have belonged to you completely. I still do. If you want me."

“People aren't born good or bad. Maybe they're born with tendencies either way, but its the way you live your life that matters.”

"Not my favorite topic, Smedley."
"Simon," said Simon. "If I'm going to die for you all, the least you could do is remember my name."

"All right everybody. Get over here. Sheldon's had an idea."
"Who's Sheldon?" said Isabelle.

*It's really fun doing this quotes part! :))  Reading all those comedic stuff, especially Magnus' and Simon's and cheesy, romantic stuff <3

Feature and Follow

Friday, August 23, 2013

Increase Blog Followers

Q: Book Selfie! Take a pic with your current read.



I've just been reading books in e-readers nowadays, so yeah.  I'm reading City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare right now :)

Bout of Books Read-a-thon

Monday, August 19, 2013
Bout of Books

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, August 19th and runs through Sunday, August 25th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 8.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

Time Devoted to Reading

I have school all week, but I hope that I can read every night! :)

My Goals

I'd like to be able to finish the Mortal Instruments already! :) I've got two books left! :D  Hopefully, I'd be able to start a new series, Starcrossed. (:

Books to Read

City of Fallen Angels
City of Lost Souls
Starcrossed

Updates

Monday

Number of books I've read today: 0
Total number of books I've read: 0
Books: City of Fallen Angels (20%)

Tuesday

Number of books I've read today: 0
Total number of books I've read: 0
Books: City of Fallen Angels (70%)

Wednesday

Number of books I've read today: 2
Total number of books I've read: 1
Books: City of Fallen Angels (done); City of Lost Souls (10%)

Thursday

Number of books I've read today: 1
Total number of books I've read: 1
Books: City of Lost Souls (42%)

Friday

Number of books I've read today: 1
Total number of books I've read: 1
Books: City of Lost Souls (75%)

Saturday

Number of books I've read today: 1
Total number of books I've read: 2
Books: City of Lost Souls (done); Starcrossed (10%)

Sunday

Number of books I've read today: 1
Total number of books I've read: 2
Books: City of Lost Souls (done); Starcrossed (77%)

A to Z Book Survey

Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Credits to Jamie of the Perpetual Page Turner

Author you’ve read the most books from:

P: Carolyn Keene

D: J.K. Rowling

Best Sequel Ever:

P: Dare You To by Katie McGarry! <3

D: Dare You To by Katie McGarry :)

Currently Reading:

P: City of Fallen Angels (Mortal Instruments) by Cassandra Clare

D: The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan

Drink of Choice While Reading:

P: I don’t really drink while reading, but I guess I’d love to read while having tea :)

D: Cold milk :3

E-reader or Physical Book?

P: Physical books! But lately I’ve been using E-readers because my parents don’t want me to buy books anymore :(

D: Physical!

Fictional Character You Probably Would Have Actually Dated In High School:

P: Will from Slammed! <3

D: Oliver from The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight?

Glad You Gave This Book A Chance:

P: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

D: Slammed by Colleen Hoover!

Hidden Gem Book:

P: Night Gate by Isobelle Carmody

D: I don't know...

Important Moment in your Reading Life:

P: Having read The Secret Garden by Francis Hodgson Burnett made me realize how beautiful and amazing books are! :)  This was the book that made me continue reading. :D

D: When I read Matilda! Roald Dahl's books are pure awesome.

Just Finished:

P: City of Glass (Mortal Instruments) by Cassandra Clare

D: Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen (last book I finished, even though that was months ago :/)

Kinds of Books You Won’t Read:

P: Thriller, Paranormal and Horror! O_O

D: Horror and vampire/werewolf stuff (I kind of gave up on that after Twilight...)

Longest Book You’ve Read:

P: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling (870 pages)

D: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling (870 pages)

Major book hangover because of:

P: Slammed by Colleen Hoover

D: SLAMMED BY COLLEEN HOOVER.

Number of Bookcases You Own:

P: Two :) Hope to have more! :D

D: One...

One Book You Have Read Multiple Times:

P: The Secret Garden by Francis Hodgson Burnett.  I was super amazed with the way they talk =))

D: The most I've read a book is twice - for Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, Sea of Monsters, Divergent and City of Bones.

Preferred Place To Read:

P: In bed! With all those fluffy and comfy pillows and blankets :D

D: Mah bed.

Quote that inspires you/gives you all the feels from a book you’ve read:

P: “What is family? They were the people who claimed you. In good, in bad, in parts or in whole, they were the ones who showed up, who stayed in there, regardless. It wasn't just about blood relations or shared chromosomes, but something wider, bigger. We had many families over time. Our family of origin, the family we created, and the groups you moved through while all of this was happening: friends, lovers, sometimes even strangers. None of them perfect, and we couldn't expect them to be. You can't make any one person your world. The trick was to take what each could give you and build your world from it.” – Sarah Dessen, Lock and Key

This one made me realize a lot of things, and helped give me answers to the ones that I’ve been thinking for so long.


D: “ I got schooled this year 
by 
boy. 

A boy that I'm seriously, deeply, madly, incredibly, and undeniably in love with. 
And he taught me the most important thing of all... 

To put the emphasis 
On life.” 
- Colleen Hoover, Slammed


Reading Regret:

P: Being on hibernation when all the good books started to come out :(  Now, I haven’t read most of the books from 3-4 years ago!

D: That I haven't been reading so much anymore.

Series You Started And Need To Finish (all books are out in series):

P: Inkworld by Cornelia Funke and The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini

D: Inkworld by Cornelia Funke

Three of your All-Time Favorite Books:

P: Dare You To by Katie McGarry, Slammed by Colleen Hoover, The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

D: Slammed by Colleen Hoover, Dare You To by Katie McGarry, Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Unapologetic Fangirl For:

P: Stephanie Perkins :D  I really enjoyed her series, Anna and the French Kiss.

D: Colleen Hoover :)

Very Excited For This Release More Than All The Others:

P: Crash Into You by Katie McGarry.   I really can’t wait to read this! :)

D: Allegiant by Veronica Roth

Worst Bookish Habit:

P: Reading books so fast that sometimes I feel like I’m skipping some details O_O

D: Abandoning books when I get bored of them.

X Marks The Spot: Start at the top left of your shelf and pick the 27th book:

P: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

D: This Girl by Colleen Hoover :>

Your latest book purchase:

P: Can’t remember anymore! It’s been so long :O

D: Pretty sure it was Insurgent by Veronica Roth.

ZZZ-snatcher book (last book that kept you up WAY late):

P: Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen

D: I think it was Dare You To by Katie McGarry.

Lock and Key

Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Lock and Key
by Sarah Dessen

Summary

 Ruby, where is your mother?

Ruby knows that the game is up. For the past few months, she's been on her own in the yellow house, managing somehow, knowing that her mother will probably never return.

That's how she comes to live with Cora, the sister she hasn't seen in ten years, and Cora's husband Jamie, whose down-to-earth demeanor makes it hard for Ruby to believe he founded the most popular networking Web site around. A luxurious house, fancy private school, a new wardrobe, the promise of college and a future; it's a dream come true. So why is Ruby such a reluctant Cinderella, wary and defensive? And why is Nate, the genial boy next door with some secrets of his own, unable to accept the help that Ruby is just learning to give? 

Best-selling author Sarah Dessen explores the heart of a gutsy, complex girl dealing with unforeseen circumstances and learning to trust again.

My Review


I’ve been hearing a lot about Sarah Dessen’s books for quite a while now, and the good reviews got me really interested. I had little spare time to read, so when a satellite library was set up at our school and someone brought in Lock and Key, I jumped at the opportunity to take it. Our reading sessions were only about ten minutes each, though, so I decided to bring it home instead. All I can say is that I’m really glad I chose to read this book, because it’s absolutely beautiful. 

I love Ruby’s character; she has experienced so many things in her life. It’s moving how much she loves and cares for her mom despite the parental neglect she received in return. Although Ruby started off always dwelling on the past and being stubbornly individualistic, she was able to realize things for herself in the end and change for the better. She learned that there’s nothing wrong with relying on others. She realized the importance there is in family, and how that bond goes far deeper than just blood. Amongst all that, what I found really amazing about her was how she ended up being the one to help others avoid experiencing all the pain she had. It’s the sweetest form of love, and I admire her so much for it. 

The character development was excellent, and you will find yourself caring for them in spite of their being fictional. I was able to understand that even though there are always going to be a lot of locks and not enough keys, it remains up to us to break those locks and free ourselves from our boundaries. This is definitely a book that would appeal to those who like contemporary and young adult novels.

Quotes I Like


“It's a lot easier to be lost than found. It's the reason we're always searching and rarely discovered--so many locks not enough keys.” 

“What is family? They were the people who claimed you. In good, in bad, in parts or in whole, they were the ones who showed up, who stayed in there, regardless. It wasn't just about blood relations or shared chromosomes, but something wider, bigger. We had many families over time. Our family of origin, the family we created, and the groups you moved through while all of this was happening: friends, lovers, sometimes even strangers. None of them perfect, and we couldn't expect them to be. You can't make any one person your world. The trick was to take what each could give you and build your world from it.” 

“Family isn’t something that’s supposed to be static, or set. People marry in, divorce out. They’re born, they die. It’s always evolving, turning into something else.” 

“Everyone has their weak spot. The one thing that, despite your best efforts, will always bring you to your knees, regardless of how strong you are otherwise.” 

“My point is, there are a lot of people in the world. No one ever sees everything the same way you do; it just doesn't happen. So when you find one person who gets a couple of things, especially if they're important ones... you might as well hold on to them. You know?”



Waiting on Wednesday



Crash into You (Pushing the Limits, #3)
The girl with straight As, designer clothes and the perfect life-that's who people expect Rachel Young to be. So the private-school junior keeps secrets from her wealthy parents and overbearing brothers...and she's just added two more to the list. One involves racing strangers down dark country roads in her Mustang GT. The other? Seventeen-year-old Isaiah Walker-a guy she has no business even talking to. But when the foster kid with the tattoos and intense gray eyes comes to her rescue, she can't get him out of her mind. 

Isaiah has secrets, too. About where he lives, and how he really feels about Rachel. The last thing he needs is to get tangled up with a rich girl who wants to slum it on the south side for kicks-no matter how angelic she might look. 


But when their shared love of street racing puts both their lives in jeopardy, they have six weeks to come up with a way out. Six weeks to discover just how far they'll go to save each other.


Rolling Dice

They say that the higher you climb, the harder you fall - and Madison Clarke will do anything to keep her new life from crumbling to pieces. Moving from a small town in Maine to Florida, Madison grasps the opportunity to reinvent herself, to forget about those days of being a lonely, loser outcast, and jumps at the chance when the popular kids decide to take her under their wing. A hot boyfriend, parties, friends... If only there wasn't the slight problem by the name of Dwight, a cute, funny and totally nerdy guy in Madison's physics class who she can't help but enjoy spending time with. Running from her past and stumbling through the present, who knows what lies ahead in this new life in Florida?





The Infinite Moment of Us
For as long as she can remember, Wren Gray’s goal has been to please her parents. But as high school graduation nears, so does an uncomfortable realization: Pleasing her parents once overlapped with pleasing herself, but now... not so much. Wren needs to honor her own desires, but how can she if she doesn’t even know what they are?

Charlie Parker, on the other hand, is painfully aware of his heart’s desire. A gentle boy with a troubled past, Charlie has loved Wren since the day he first saw her. But a girl like Wren would never fall for a guy like Charlie—at least not the sort of guy Charlie believes himself to be.

And yet certain things are written in the stars. And in the summer after high school, Wren and Charlie’s souls will collide. But souls are complicated, as are the bodies that house them...

Sexy, romantic, and oh-so-true to life, this is an unforgettable look at first love from one of young adult fiction’s greatest writers.

Stacking the Shelves

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Crossed (Matched, #2)   Reached (Matched, #3)   Lock and Key