Review: Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

Bloodlines (Bloodlines #1)
by Richelle Mead
Publication Date: August 23rd, 2011
Publisher: Razorbill
Pages: 432
ISBN: 9781595143174

Where to Buy:
B&N | Amazon | The Book Depository

The first book in Richelle Mead's brand-new teen fiction series - set in the same world as Vampire Academy.

When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Bloodlines explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive - this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone's out for blood. (Goodreads)

I was a little worried when I started reading Bloodlines. I love the Vampire Academy series, and I was worried that Bloodlines just wouldn’t be nearly as good. I shouldn’t have worried. Ms. Mead is a very talented storyteller, and Bloodlines was awesome. (If you haven’t read the Vampire Academy series yet, you totally should!)

Bloodlines brings us a lot of fun characters. A few we know from the VA series: Sydney, Jill, Eddie, Adrian. Oh Adrian. I felt so very bad for him at the end of Last Sacrifice. I really do like Adrian’s character, and I was curious to see what he would be like in the new series. As if I couldn’t have liked him enough before, I like him even more now. I really didn’t know what to expect from Sydney. She was a really uptight character in the VA series, so I didn’t really know if I would be able to connect with her very well. But I was able to, and I thought she was great as well.

I enjoyed most of the secondary characters also. I have always liked Eddie, and I really hope we see more of him in the next books. The one character I did have a hard time connecting with was Jill. She kind of reminded me of Lissa in the beginning of the VA series. I’m hoping we will see her character grow more as the series progresses. I also did enjoy the few interactions we had with some of the characters from the VA series: Abe, Rose and at the end of the book, someone I waited the WHOLE book to read about. (You’ll see who it is at the end; I’m totally not going to ruin it for you!)

The storyline was really interesting and fast paced. Once I had a chance to sit down, I had the book finished in just a few hours time. The story kept me hooked and kept me guessing, although I had my suspicions, and they turned out to be right.

Overall, I really enjoyed Bloodlines. I don’t know why I was worried that I wouldn’t. It was a really good read, and I can’t wait to read the next book, The Golden Lily!

Happy Reading!

In My Mailbox #28

** In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It's a great way to showcase the books you've gotten over the week, whether they are bought, borrowed or free. **

For Review:
Vanish - Sophie Jordan
Sweet Venom - Tera Lynn Childs
(books above courtesy of Chelsy at Big Honcho Media)
The Pledge - Kimberly Derting
(via Galley Grab! Thanks Liz!)

I got three awesome books in my mailbox this week, and I'm so excited for them all! I'm trying to take it easy on new books, as my to-read list is pretty huge at the moment. September is going to be a busy book month, and I have lots to read!

What did you get in your mailbox this week? Leave a link so I can check it out!

Friday Hops 8/19

Follow Friday! #27

Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee & Alison Can Read. It's a great way to meet new blogger friends!

Q. If you could write yourself a part in a book, what book would it be and what role would you play in that book?

A.Hmmm... There are quite a few books I would love to be a part of. Jane Austen is one of my favorite authors, so I would love to be a character in one of her books. Preferably Pride and Prejudice, and I would love to be the love interest of Mr. Darcy! ROFL!

Another book I would love to be in would be Mara Dyer, so I could meet Noah. (Hubba-Hubba!). :)


Book Blogger Hop #25

Book Blogger Hop is a weekly meme hosted by Crazy-For-Books.com. It's a great way to meet new people and friends around the blogworld!

Q. “What’s the LONGEST book you’ve ever read?”
(Note: I’m putting one caveat on this question. You aren’t allowed to say the Bible, Torah, Qur’an, or other religious/spiritual text.)

A. Hmmm, good question. (And one that I don't have an answer to!) Probably Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. I read it a couple years ago, and at 850 pages, it was MASSIVE!

Thanks for stopping by everyone! Please leave a comment with your link so I can follow you back!

Review: Misfit by Jon Skovron

Misfit
by Jon Skovron
Publication Date: August 1st, 2011
Publisher: Amulet Books
Pages: 384
ISBN: 9781419700217

Where to Buy:
Barnes & Noble | Amazon | The Book Depository

Add to Goodreads

Jael has always felt like a freak. She’s never kissed a boy, she never knew her mom, and her dad’s always been superstrict—but that’s probably because her mom was a demon, which makes Jael half demon and most definitely not a normal sophomore girl. On her sixteenth birthday, a mysterious present unlocks her family’s dangerous history and Jael’s untapped potential. What was merely an embarrassing secret before becomes a terrifying reality. Jael must learn to master her demon side in order to take on a vindictive Duke of Hell while also dealing with a twisted priest, best-friend drama, and a spacey blond skater boy who may have hidden depths.

Author Jon Skovron takes on the dark side of human nature with his signature funny, heartfelt prose. (Goodreads)

Misfit was quite an interesting read for me. I didn’t really know what to expect when I started it, and I really don’t know what to think now that I’ve finished it! It’s definitely a unique read.

The main character in the story is Jael. I found her character to be interesting, even though I didn’t feel that connected with her. She definitely went through a lot in a short period of time, and I think she handled it pretty well, for the most part. Jael’s father, Paul, is another character that was hard to connect with. He seemed like such a hard man, even though we do get to see some softer sides of him towards the end of the book. My favorite characters of the book would have to be Rob, and Jael’s uncle Dagon. Both were really great characters. I wanted to know more of Dagon’s story, as well.

The one character I didn’t care for is Jael’s friend Britt. She was a very bad best friend. Towards the end of the book, we see a little of why she’s that way, but the way she acted and treated Jael still made me not like her.

The book has quite a bit of Christianity talk. That didn’t bother me, but it’s definitely something to keep in mind if it bothers you, and you do decide to read the book. It does, however, set the background for the book and makes it more interesting.

The book was well paced, and the storyline was very creative. I did have a hard time keeping my attention on the book at times. But at some times, I just had to keep reading to see what was going to happen.

Overall, I thought this was an ok read. I think I would have liked it more if I had been able to connect with the main character more.

Happy Reading!

Waiting on Wednesday #28

***"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.***

The Golden Lily
(Bloodlines #2)
by Richelle Mead
Publication Date: May 1st, 2012
Publisher: Razorbill

Available for Pre-Order:
Amazon | The Book Depository

The second thrilling installment in Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy spinoff series.


Tough, brainy alchemist Sydney Sage and doe-eyed Moroi princess Jill Dragomir are in hiding at a human boarding school in the sunny, glamorous world of Palm Springs, California. The students—children of the wealthy and powerful—carry on with their lives in blissful ignorance, while Sydney, Jill, Eddie and Adrian must do everything in their power to keep their secret safe. But with forbidden romances, unexpected spirit bonds, and the threat of Strigoi moving ever closer, hiding the truth is harder than anyone thought.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Richelle Mead’s breathtaking Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive. In this second book, the drama is hotter, the romances are steamier, and the stakes are even higher. - Goodreads

I really love the Vampire Academy series! I just finished Bloodlines today, and I can't wait to read the next book!

What are you WoWing for this week?? Leave me a comment with your link so I can check it out!

Happy Reading!

Review: Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

Anna Dressed in Blood
by Kendare Blake
Publication Date: August 30th 2011
Publisher: Tor Teen
Pages: 320
ISBN: 9780765328656
Source: ATW Arc Tours

Where to Buy:
Barnes & Noble | Amazon | The Book Depository

Cas Lowood has inherited an unusual vocation: He kills the dead.
So did his father before him, until he was gruesomely murdered by a ghost he sought to kill. Now, armed with his father's mysterious and deadly athame, Cas travels the country with his kitchen-witch mother and their spirit-sniffing cat. Together they follow legends and local lore, trying to keep up with the murderous dead—keeping pesky things like the future and friends at bay.

When they arrive in a new town in search of a ghost the locals call Anna Dressed in Blood, Cas doesn't expect anything outside of the ordinary: track, hunt, kill. What he finds instead is a girl entangled in curses and rage, a ghost like he's never faced before. She still wears the dress she wore on the day of her brutal murder in 1958: once white, now stained red and dripping with blood. Since her death, Anna has killed any and every person who has dared to step into the deserted Victorian she used to call home.

But she, for whatever reason, spares Cas's life. (Goodreads)

I really didn’t know what to expect when I started reading Anna Dressed in Blood. I knew it was going to be a ghost story, but I didn’t know it was going to be a ghost story of epic proportions! If I had to describe this book in one word, it would be: Awesome.

In the beginning of the book, we meet our main character, Theseus Cassio Lowood, or Cas for short. Cas is a very strong and confident character, but he also has quite a sarcastic, funny side about him. He can kick ghost’s butts as well. I haven’t read many books with a male main character, but Ms. Blake did a wonderful job of making Cas’ character seem real. It was really interesting to read this book through his point of view.

Our second main character is Anna, who is another fantastic character. She’s a ghost that was murdered in 1958, and she murders every person that wanders into her home. I really liked Anna from the beginning. Her story really sucks you in, and you just have to know more about what happened to her. In the beginning she’s a bit scary, but we find that she has two different sides. Cas knows that she’s different than the other ghost’s, and I enjoyed watching their relationship form.

Most of the secondary characters in the book were very likeable. Thomas and Carmel are Cas’ new schoolmates and partners in crime. I think the three of them are a great team together. I also enjoyed reading about Cas’ mom and also Thomas’s grandfather. There are also characters you’re going to love to hate; Mike, Chase and Will for the most part. These are the school jocks, and they don’t make things easy for Cas and crew.

This book was very fast paced; it was a quick read for me. The writing is absolutely engrossing, and the story just keeps you hooked. The book has it all: Ghosts, Ghost Killers, Witches and even Voodoo. And it’s downright spooky too! There’s definitely never a dull moment when reading this book.

Overall, this book was amazing. I love it. It’s a MUST read. The characters, the storyline, the writing; all of it was great. It would be awesome to meet these characters in another book!

Happy Reading!

Book Giveaway for Anna Dressed in Blood via Goodreads.com
Goodreads is giving away six copies of Anna Dressed in Blood! Check it out!

In My Mailbox #27

** In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It's a great way to showcase the books you've gotten over the week, whether they are bought, borrowed or free. **

Beauty Queens - Libba Bray
Courtesy Goodreads First Reads

Anna Dressed in Blood - Kendare Blake
Courtesy ATW Tours

Graveminder - Melissa Marr

Between - Cyndi Tefft
Only .99 for your Nook | Kindle

I got some great books in my mailbox this week! I'm really excited to start them all.  Especially Graveminder! Anna Dressed in Blood is pretty awesome so far, I should have it finished by tomorrow, and I can't wait to start my review. :)

What's in your mailbox this week?? Leave me a link so I can check it out! Thanks for stopping by!


Don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY for Juliet Immortal!

Friday Hops 8/12

Follow Friday! #26

Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee & Alison Can Read. It's a great way to meet new blogger friends!

Q. How has your reading habits changed since you were a teen? or If you are still a teen what new genres are you in love with currently?

A. When I was a teen, I NEVER wanted to read. (I did for school, but that is about it.) There was so much other stuff to do. NOW, I would rather stay home and read than do ANYTHING else. haha  I think if the YA genre was this awesome when I was a teen, I might have read more. I like to think so, anyways.


Book Blogger Hop #24

Book Blogger Hop is a weekly meme hosted by Crazy-For-Books.com. It's a great way to meet new people and friends around the blogworld!

Q. “Let’s talk crazy book titles! Highlight one or two (or as many as you like!) titles in your personal collection that have the most interesting titles! If you can’t find any, feel free to find one on the internet!”

A.The first book with a crazy title that popped into my head was:

Go The F**K to Sleep by Adam Mansbach. I don't have this book in my collection, not sure if I would want it or not, but that's a crazy title!

Thanks for stopping by everyone! Please leave a comment with your link so I can follow you back!

Review & Giveaway! Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay

Juliet Immortal
by Stacey Jay
Publication Date: August 9th, 2011
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Pages: 304
ISBN: 9780385740166

Where to Buy:
Barnes & Noble | Amazon | The Book Depository

"These violent delights have violent ends And in their triumph die, like fire and powder,
Which as they kiss consume."
—Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

The most tragic love story in history . . .
Juliet Capulet didn't take her own life. She was murdered by the person she trusted most, her new husband, Romeo Montague, a sacrifice made to ensure his own immortality. But what Romeo didn't anticipate was that Juliet would be granted eternity, as well, and would become an agent for the Ambassadors of Light. For 700 years, she's fought Romeo for the souls of true lovers, struggling to preserve romantic love and the lives of the innocent. Until the day she meets someone she's forbidden to love, and Romeo, oh Romeo, will do everything in his power to destroy that love. -Goodreads

Juliet Immortal has to be one of my most coveted books of the summer. I have been waiting for a while to read this book, and finally got my hands on a copy. I love anything Romeo and Juliet. Their story is the ultimate love story, despite the tragic ending. When I discovered Juliet Immortal, I knew it would something I had to read.

The main characters are, of course, Romeo and Juliet. The story is 700 years after their time. After Romeo sacrificed Juliet’s life to have his own immortality, Juliet was also made immortal as well. For years, they have fought each other in the name of true love.

Juliet was an interesting character to read. She spends her time not only trying to save true love, but to also make life better for the bodies she inhabits. However, while trying to do good things for these people, we see a deep, buried resentment in her. Resentment for what she has become, and also for what Romeo has done to her. I really liked her character, she was thoughtful and caring for others. I especially enjoyed her after she meets Ben, one of the soul mates she has come to help save.

Romeo’s character was totally not what I was expecting. At the beginning of the book, he was just pure evil. It goes that way through much of the book. I didn’t think I would enjoy the book because of that, but it instead drew my attention even more, because I had to know what he was going to do. The Romeo we see in the last half of the book is completely different than what we saw in the beginning.

Most of the secondary characters were pretty enjoyable as well. I found Ben to be very interesting and a bit mysterious at times. The character I didn’t care for at all would have to be Gemma. She was definitely the worst best friend, EVER.

There were some slow parts in the book, but they quickly picked up not long after. There is also insta-love in the book, but I believe it was that way to resemble the Romeo and Juliet storyline, as they fell in love in just a few days time. So, I was pretty ok with it.

Overall, I this was a book that I really liked. I’m definitely up for reading more books about Romeo and Juliet, should anyone else want to write one!

Enjoy and Happy Reading!

Want to win a copy of Juliet Immortal?? Enter below!

Givaway Rules: 

• US and International (As long as TheBookDepository ships to your area.)
• One entry per person
• Must be 13 or older
• Giveaway ends August 18th
• Winner will be chosen via Random.org, and will be contacted via email
• If the winner doesn't respond within 24 hours, a new winner will be chosen.
• By signing up for this giveaway, you agree to the terms listed above.

Enter now! Good luck!


Giveaway is now closed! Thank you for entering!

Waiting on Wednesday #27

***"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.***

Still Waters
by Emma Carlson Berne
Publication Date: December 20th, 2011
Publisher: Simon Pulse

Available for Pre-Order:
Barnes & Noble | Amazon | The Book Depository

Hannah can't wait to sneak off for a romantic weekend with her boyfriend, Colin. He’s leaving for college soon, and Hannah wants their trip to the lake house to be one they’ll never forget.

But once Hannah and Colin get there, things start to seem a bit...off. They can't find the town on any map. The house they are staying in looks as if someone's been living there, even though it's been deserted for years. And Colin doesn’t seem quite himself. As he grows more unstable, Hannah worries about Colin’s dark side, and her own safety.

Nothing is as perfect as it seems, and what lies beneath may haunt her forever.  -Goodreads

This book sounds awesome! It sounds like a really creepy, engrossing read. I can't wait to check it out!

What are you WoWing for this week?? Leave your link so I can check it out!

Happy Reading!