Guess That Cover (ROUND 2: HELP)

Here is the help you guys asked for :) The pieces have been made bigger

The bonus pieces will stay the same though

Guess That Cover (Round 2)

Hey Group Members :)

This competition is called Guess That Cover.

Where I take a small part of a cover and you have to guess what cover it is!

Kind of simple, right?!

Please do not post your answers here.

Message me on goodreads with the answers: Janina's Goodreads

The first person to guess all the covers will win a book of there choice from the list below.

Please number your answers when you send me your guess. Once again, please DO NOT post answers here! Or I will have to disqualify you. Message me on goodreads (link above)

These look pretty easy to me! :) Lol I hope they are to you. This is just for fun.
No hints will be given.

BONUS:
If you can guess all three bonus cover (adult), you get an additional book prize!

COVERS

Guess That Cover (CLOSED)

Hey Group Members :)

This competition is called Guess That Cover.

Where I take a small part of a cover and you have to guess what cover it is!

Kind of simple, right?!

Please do not post your answers here.

Message me on goodreads with the answers: Janina's Goodreads

The first person to guess all the covers will win a book of there choice from the list below.

Please number your answers when you send me your guess. Once again, please DO NOT post answers here! Or I will have to disqualify you. Message me on goodreads (link above)

These look pretty easy to me! :) Lol I hope they are to you. This is just for fun.
No hints will be given.
(Leave a comment if you would like to there to be another round after this one or leave suggestions)

COVERS

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Obsidian
(Lux, #1)
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Released |May 8th 2012 by Entangled Teen|
Edition |Ebook|

Starting over sucks.
When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring.... until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.
And then he opened his mouth.
Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something...unexpected happens.
The hot alien living next door marks me.
You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.
If I don't kill him first, that is.

This book was such a refreshing read :) Omg, Daemon! *Swoon* I devoured this book in a matter of a day and a half :) That's how amazing it was! It was a quick and fantastic read. This a book that kept you on your toes, that made you laugh, and that had romance and built of frustrations that could last for months :)

The characters in this book was A-freaking-MAZING :) Daemon, of course, was my absolute favorite! I loved his whole bad boy demeanor. He was so cute. Hand fanning hot, let me make the correction :) I loved his attitude. That undeniable chemistry between him and Katy was so intense. Katy was a great character too and that fact that she was a book blogger was awesome! Oh snap, that caught my attention from the very beginning :) I was like whoa, the first time I have seen this in a book! I loved it. Her attitude towards Daemon was adorable. Those too together was like world war III. With their constant arguing and their sexual frustations. Hilarious :)

Also the whole Alien thing, different. I didn't know how I would like that, but once I got into the book I realized how awesome it was. It was a different take on aliens :) I liked reading about the Lux. I like the whole thing about them being made of light and they do so many awesome things!

I cannot wait to get my hands on the sequel. I highly recommend this book! It was definitely a page turner :) It was funny, exciting, and had some awesome romance :) Not to mention action packed!

 

November Monthly Group Reads

 Starting over sucks.
When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring.... until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.
And then he opened his mouth.
Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something...unexpected happens.
The hot alien living next door marks me.
You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.
If I don't kill him first, that is.

WORLDS KEPT THEM APART.
DESTINY BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER.
Aria has lived her whole life in the protected dome of Reverie. Her entire world confined to its spaces, she's never thought to dream of what lies beyond its doors. So when her mother goes missing, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland long enough to find her are slim.
Then Aria meets an outsider named Perry. He's searching for someone too. He's also wild - a savage - but might be her best hope at staying alive.
If they can survive, they are each other's best hope for finding answers.

October 2012 Group Reads

Unwind
(Unwind, #1)
by Neal Shusterman
Released |November 6th 2007 by Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers|
Edition |Hardcover, 335 pages|

Connor, Risa, and Lev are running for their lives.
The Second Civil War was fought over reproductive rights. The chilling resolution: Life is inviolable from the moment of conception until age thirteen. Between the ages of thirteen and eighteen, however, parents can have their child "unwound," whereby all of the child's organs are transplanted into different donors, so life doesn't technically end. Connor is too difficult for his parents to control. Risa, a ward of the state is not enough to be kept alive. And Lev is a tithe, a child conceived and raised to be unwound. Together, they may have a chance to escape and to survive.

Throne of Glass
(Throne of Glass, #1)
by Sarah J. Mass
Released |August 7th 2012 by Bloomsbury USA Children's|
Edition |Hardcover, 416 pages|

After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin. Her opponents are men-thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she'll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom. Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilirating. But she's bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it's the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best. Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

The Immortal Rules
(Blood of Eden, #1)
by Julie Kagawa
Release |April 24th 2012 by Harlequin Teen|
Edition |Hardcover, 485 pages|
Source |Netgalley, E-Arc|

In a future world, Vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity.
Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.
Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die… or become one of the monsters.
Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.
Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.

OMG! Amazing :D This book was just AMAZING! When I first started this book I was wondering would it be as good as Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series. And I must say, that this book was just as good, if not better, than the Iron Fey series. I haven't decided yet :) I love them both.

Allison was an amazing character. I loved her from the very beginning! She was a tough chick who went and is still going through so much struggle. From beginning to end. In the beginning she struggled with being an unregistered. Trying to survive and scavenge for food to live another day. And when she becomes immortal, she is still struggling. Trying to learn how to be immortal, first off, and struggling with her inner self and becoming the demon she hated the most! She was just amazing!

Zeke was also amazing! I just loved him :) He was a sweetheart, but he was also tough. The fact that he tried to keep faith when almost always something went wrong. I admired that in him. And the two of them together, Allison and Zeke, were completely bad ass! They were both protectors and did the best to protect the people they cared about. There little hint of romance... *insert big smile* Just adorable.

Kanin, I actually really liked him! And can't wait to see what happens with him in the next installment! If ______ isn't dead, then is ______ alive too? IDK. I don't to spoil things, but I have so many unanswered questions! But at least the ending didn't have a HUGE cliffhanger like most books.

Overall, AMAZING! A must read! So much action, betrayal, and a need to survive! You MUST read this book :) Definite recommendation!

Double Review: Revamped by Ada Adams & The Lost Code by Kevin Everson

ReVamped
(Angel Creek, #1)
by Ada Adams
Released |February 20th 2012|
Edition |Ebook|

A simple mission turned deadly.
Nineteen-year-old vampire Dawn has led a sheltered life within the confines of her father’s presidential headquarters. Upon being sent on a mission to revamp four goofy misfits into guardians of a peaceful little town of Angel Creek, Dawn believes that all her dreams have finally come true. What starts off as a simple task, turns into something unexpected, changing Dawn’s life forever and leading the action-loving, thrill-seeking vampire teen on a path of mystery, danger and intrigue.
When a human girl is kidnapped by a group of rogue vamps, Dawn discovers that there is more going on in Angel Creek than meets the eye. And it all connects to Ethan, the cute newcomer who seems too perfect to be true, Sebastian, the mysterious vampire with a turbulent past, and even Dawn herself. Dawn must not only succeed in revamping the troubled recruits, but must also prevent the vampire race from being overtaken by a malevolent villain who has a strange and obsessive fascination with her. As threat escalates, romance blooms, and ghosts from her past begin to surface, Dawn is sure of only one thing: her life will never be the same.

I love the cover of this book! It so pretty :) Just thought I'd get that out there. Now see I have been all vamped out for years now...I read too many books with them! But when a book this good comes along, it doesn't fall into the 'played out' category :) 
I have to say I love whole concept of this book. The whole Revamped thing was pretty awesome :) Trying to turn 4 crazy, dorky, druggie vamps into the town heroes has to be no easy thing. I felt for Dawn! lol That poor girl :)
Sebastian was probably my fave, right along with Brook lol That girl cracked me up! She acted like a true cheerleader. Bubbly. And Sebastian was just dreamy. I liked him right from the start, when he told her to never come on his property again...lol
I thought this book was a fun, entertaining and lightweight read. I would have devoured this book if I hadn't of been read 2 other books at the same time. It was definitely a page turner that left you wanting more :) I really can't wait to see what happens in the second installment and see what continues for Dawn and the gang.
I recommend this book for all you vamp lovers :) Blood Vodka and Blood Cola, I love it!

The Lost Code
(The Atlanteans, #1)
by Kevin Emerson
Released |: May 22nd 2012 by HarperCollins Children's Books|
Edition |E-ARC|

WHAT IS OLDEST WILL BE NEW, WHAT IS LOST SHALL BE FOUND.
The ozone is ravaged, ocean levels have risen, and the sun is a daily enemy. But global climate change is not something new in the Earth’s history.
No one will know this better than less-than-ordinary Owen Parker, who is about to discover that he is the descendant of a highly advanced ancient race—a race that took their technology too far and almost destroyed the Earth in the process.
Now it is Owen’s turn to make right in his world what went wrong thousands of years ago. If Owen can unlock the lost code in his very genes, he may rediscover the forgotten knowledge of his ancestry…and that less-than-ordinary can evolve into extraordinary.

Going into this book, I really didn't know what to expect. But I was really surprised by some of the awesomeness in this book :)
At first, this book started off a little slow for me. It wasn't slow as in awful, but just slow paced. I was anxious to see when things would pick up and have some true drama and action happen. In the beginning, I thought, uhh, this might not be to great, but then things started to pick up!
I liked Owen's character. He wasn't the in your face, I'm an awesome hero type of guy, he was more subtle. He was kind of awkward and nonchalant, and also a mystery. I couldn't figure him out in the beginning. That what really drew me to his character. He was different. I didn't know what to expect from him. Lily, I still don't know how I feel for her. She was very smart and drawn to Owen from the start. But, I think I like her lol She was nice and passionate throughout the entire book.
The whole thing with the gills was kind of awesome! I really liked the whole concept. That they were still human, but had a set of gills! Actual gills :) Sounds kind of gross now that I think about it though... But anyways, the whole mystery to the Atlanteans was really intriguing and really made the book. I was so into the whole mystery with finding out what meant what and who was meant to do what. The Lost Code :) It brought a whole other element to the book. The whole thing with the mystery behind the skulls and the three true Atlanteans was awesome! Who is the third Atlantean? Do we already know who it is? We know two for sure, but then there's that possible! That completely threw me for a loop :) And added a twist!
I did enjoy the romance between Owen and Lily and I also liked how it didn't take up the whole book. The book was focus more on the actually story of the book, not just the romance. The action did pick up, and when it did I really enjoyed it :) This book was a definite page turner for me once I really sat down and really got into it.
I recommend this book for those who like a good mystery, mythology, and of course, end of the world, apocalyptic books :)! Awesome :D
Thanks to Harper Collins and Edelweiss for the opportunity to review this book! All thoughts are my honest opinion.

Raised By Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Raised By Wolves
by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Released |September 30th 2010 by Quercus Publishing|
Edition |Paperback, 418 pages|

At the age of four, Bryn  watched a rogue werewolf brutally murder her parents. Alone in the  world, she was rescued and taken in by the mysterious Callum, the alpha  of his werewolf pack. Now fifteen, Bryn’s been raised as a human among  werewolves, adhering to pack rule (mostly). Little fazes her.
But the pack’s been keeping a secret, and when Bryn goes exploring  against Callum’s direct orders, she finds Chase, a newly turned teen  Were locked in a cage. Terrifying memories of the attack on her mom and  dad come flooding back. Bryn needs answers, and she needs Chase to get  them. Suddenly, all allegiances to the pack no longer matter. It’s Bryn  and Chase against the werewolf world, whatever the consequences.

This is one of my first  shifter YA series that I loved, because I didn't start off reading YA. I read adult shifter books, but hadn't been introduced to the YA category at the time. Writing this review I am finding difficult since I read this book almost 2 years ago, but I'll try without spoiling :D

Bryn was adopted as a child by alpha werewolf Callum when a rogue wolf killed her parents while she hid and watched the entire thing. Soon Bryn meets Chase a boy who was recently turned. Things get a little crazy after that!

The Characters
I loved Bryn's character! She was fun :) And she also had some attitude that I liked! No push over with her. But sometimes, I felt she could be a little bit defiant and hardheaded, but after all she's only 15. LOVED LOVED LOVED Callum! I loved his whole demeanor. He was kind of suave, level headed and he showed his true emotions to Bryn which I thought was... *Awwww* ;)  His whole Alphaness just draws me to him even though he's old lol! I also like Bryn's friend Devon :) He was an added plus to the book!

Chase
When Bryn finally comes in contact with Chase, it was interesting. I was right there along with Bryn with the why can't I see him thing. I liked Chase he was sweet and adorable! Their romance, I swear, was the cutest thing to me. Now I don't want to spoil things so I am going to stop right here. But when the thing happen when Bryn did the thing lol I was like whoa. Everyone had a freak out moment.

I kind of thought things were taken to the extreme with Devon's mother, but I guess that was unusual. But when Ali reacted, I didn't think she need to do what she did lol I am cracking up! But I did think she overreacted. Plus she had kids to think about.

But overall, amazing story! This one of the reasons why I love shifters :D I highly recommend this series!

Recommendations - Shifters/Gods/Dystopian

Here are a list of some recommendations of books I enjoyed from different categories :)
All are 4 to 5 star books!
If you've read some of these, tell me what you thought of them.
Or if you want to read a few, tell me which ones :D

Shifters

Gods/Goddesses

Dystopian

Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Wither
(The Chemical Garden Trilogy, #1)
by Lauren DeStefano
Released |March 22nd 2011 by Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers|
Edition |Audio book, 9 discs|

By age sixteen, Rhine Ellery has four years left to live. She can thank modern science for this genetic time bomb. A botched effort to create a perfect race has left all males with a lifespan of 25 years, and females with a lifespan of 20 years. Geneticists are seeking a miracle antidote to restore the human race, desperate orphans crowd the population, crime and poverty have skyrocketed, and young girls are being kidnapped and sold as polygamous brides to bear more children. When Rhine is kidnapped and sold as a bride, she vows to do all she can to escape. Her husband, Linden, is hopelessly in love with her, and Rhine can’t bring herself to hate him as much as she’d like to. He opens her to a magical world of wealth and illusion she never thought existed, and it almost makes it possible to ignore the clock ticking away her short life. But Rhine quickly learns that not everything in her new husband’s strange world is what it seems. Her father-in-law, an eccentric doctor bent on finding the antidote, is hoarding corpses in the basement. Her fellow sister wives are to be trusted one day and feared the next, and Rhine is desperate to communicate to her twin brother that she is safe and alive. Will Rhine be able to escape--before her time runs out?Together with one of Linden's servants, Gabriel, Rhine attempts to escape just before her seventeenth birthday. But in a world that continues to spiral into anarchy, is there any hope for freedom?

Wow! I don't know why I procrastinated in reading this amazing story :) It was awesome! I'm so glad I already have book 2! 4.5 stars to Wither. But I must say, I think this book is for mature teens and up. 
I really really liked this story! At the beginning of the book, it took a chapter or two before I really got into the story. I don't know why but it just took a minute. But once I got REALLY into the story, it was amazing :)

I really loved the whole story line to it. Rhine was an amazing female lead :) She was smart, but also, she was patient. She was different from the other two girls. Cecily with her...I don't know how to describe her. She was like a kid in a candy store. And there was Jenna, quiet and stand offish. 

I don't know who I choose, Linden or Gabriel. I actually think I have come to like Linden a little bit more. He was so sweet to Rhine and so clueless at times it hurt to see. I just didn't like how he went back and forth between the girls. I thought that was gross. *shivers* I thought his relationship with the other two girls was creepy and weird lol But, I wonder will he find out all the secrets that have been kept from him.

This book had so much suspense. I was about to say it was a page turner, but considering I listened to the audio book, I went through all 9 disc and about 2 and a half days :) It was that good!

The issue with Jenna was so sad. I don't think I cared for Cecily. She was annoying to me throughout the whole book with her jealousy, selfish and whinny demeanor. And what she did, I wouldn't be able to forgive her either. But then again, she's young, but still. That's was her selfish way. *Just my opinion*

I definitely recommend this book! And can't wait to dig into Fever :) Awesome, awesome book!

Darkness Before Dawn by J.A. London

Darkness Before Dawn
(Darkness Before Dawn, #1)
by J.A. London
Released |May 29th 2012 by HarperCollins Publishers|
Edition |ARC, 342 pages|

This electrifying new trilogy blends the best of paranormal and dystopian storytelling in a world where the war is over. And the vampires won.

Humans huddle in their walled cities, supplying blood in exchange for safety. But not even that is guaranteed. Dawn has lost her entire family and now reluctantly serves as the delegate to Lord Valentine, the most powerful vampire for miles. It isn’t until she meets Victor, Valentine’s son, that she realizes not all vampires are monsters....

Darkness Before Dawn is a fresh new story with captivating characters, unexpected plot twists, a fascinating setting, and a compelling voice. Written under the name J. A. London by a talented mother-son team, the trilogy is perfect for fans of True Blood and the House of Night and Morganville Vampires series.

I rate this book 4.5 stars :) I thought it was amazing! The cover, the characters, and the premise did not disappoint.


I've seen some reviews where the reviewer is judging the book based on the premise of the story. Comparing it to other books. I say, give a book a chance before you go into it. Go in to reading it with an open mind, because this book did not disappoint me whatsoever! I loved it :)

Vampires have won the war and are now ruling the world. How awesome is that! Something different. The whole thing with the thirty year war between the humans and vamps was intriguing. I loved when the book started talking about that point because, come on, vamps and humans fighting is a disaster waiting to happen.

I really like Dawn and Victor's character. Dawn was a strong female lead and I really like that. She didn't cower in a corner waiting to be protected. I would be scared out my mind to face Lord Valentine, the vampire ruler of her city. Dawn, only 17 and the delegate of the city is a big thing and I really liked that whose aspect of the book. And when Dawn meets Victor, Lord Valentine's son, it made the book all the more interesting.

Victor was amazing! I think I swooned over him! Who wouldn't want a guy like him. Even though he is a vamp. Living in Dawn's world, I think I would have had a more, OMG WTF you're Lord Valentine's son kind of reaction when she found out who he was. She was a little bit more calm than how I would've been. But I really enjoyed the chemistry between the too.

It was a little bit of a love triangle with Victor and Michael. Michael, her current boyfriend, and Victor. I actually didn't mind the love triangle because Dawn wasn't the Oh My Gosh what am I going to do I can't choose kind of girl. So it was A-OKay.

The only bad thing I can say is that when everything was revealed, I had already figured out who everyone was. But, me being me, I was still shocked? lol

The ending, I can't wait to find out what will happened! Will she die or will she be turned?! OR maybe she will survive and be human! I don't know, but I can't wait to find out!

This book was action packed, with some great romance and some awesome characters! I definitely recommend this book to all you dystopian and vampire lovers out there!

Thanks to J.A. London and Halli from HarperCollins Publishers for sending me an ARC of this book for my honest opinion :)!

Hourglass by Myra McEntire -- Review contains spoilers!

Hourglass
(Hourglass, #1)
by Myra McEntire
Released |June 14th 2011 by EgmontUSA|
|review written by Jalyn|

One hour to rewrite the past . . . 
For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn't there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents' death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She's tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.
So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson's willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may also change her past.
Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he's around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened?

 I really enjoyed this book. I felt a good connection to the characters and the story line was different from the usual YA paranormal. I really liked that I didn't see the time traveling story coming. I just thought I was going to be reading a book about a girl that sees the dead.

Emerson was an enjoyable character and I liked her relationship with Michael. I know it bothers a lot of readers when characters fall in love fast, but when the writing is good, I don't mind it at all. Em and Michael tried to stay apart romantically through most of the book. They weren't spewing "I Love You" all the time [that actually doesn't even happen until the end of the book and Em wasn't annoying with her inner thoughts about him. 

I had very few issues with this book. Really the only thing that bothered me was that Lily was introduced and talked about like she was going to have a bigger part in the book, but we don't see much of Em's "best friend." I'm hoping that Lily will have a bigger role in the next book.

I will definitely be reading book two, Timepiece, as soon as I can get a copy :)

Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Hourglass
(Hourglass, #1)
by Myra McEntire
Released |June 14th 2011 by EgmontUSA|
|review written by Rachael|
Rachael's blog: http://www.moosubi.blogspot.com/

One hour to rewrite the past . . . 
For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn't there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents' death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She's tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.
So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson's willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may also change her past.
Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he's around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened?

If you want to see more of my reviews, check out my blog @ Moosubi Reviews!

After I heard so much hype about Hourglass, I finally decided to give it a try! I definitely enjoyed it, although my experience didn't reflect the jaw-dropping-amazingness that a lot of my friends showed. But I still definitely enjoyed the book!

I liked the idea of "rips", or time ripples. It's an idea that I sometimes think about when reading about time travel, or just when I'm daydreaming. It was also pretty unique, so I liked the instances when Emerson or Michael explored the idea or experimented with it. An intriguing concept, it also kept Emerson pretty busy trying to figure it out, and I liked seeing her trying to figure it out. Along the way, I was also guessing a bit, too! However, I found that this idea wasn't as flushed out as I would have liked it to be. A lot of this book was focused on Emerson and her relationships with Michael and Kaleb, and although I'm a fan of romance, I would have liked to see the idea more flushed out. Nonetheless, I still liked the author's time travel ideas, and it kept me reading!

The plot definitely moved quickly and didn't bore me for the most part. I especially liked the action at the end when Emerson & Michael finally time travel! During that part, there was a lot of suspense and some guessing on my part. However, as I said before, this idea of time traveling didn't occur as often as I would have liked, since there was mostly relationship building in this book. Don't get me wrong - the romance will appeal to a lot of PNR fans (Steamy kissing? Check. Hot and Mysterious Guy? Check. Classic Heroic and Kind Acts? Check. Arrogant, yet Kind & Smart Attitude? Check.), and I admit that I didindulge in some of the romance - it's just that it seemed like the romance took a lot of potential away from the idea of time travel.

As for the characters, I would say that they were this novel's strongest points :/ They weren't bad per se - however, they weren't extraordinary either. Emerson was a little bland to me, although she did have instances of brilliance that I applauded her for. Her family was definitely supportive, and that's great, although I found some of their actions predictable and again, bland. However, I did like Kaleb - he's definitely a complex character. I know Timepiece has some of his POV, so I'm probably going to read the sequel!

One thing that I should mention though is the ending. I don't want to give too much away, and I did suspect a little, but I was surprised by what happened. Kudos to the author for that!

Overall, I would say that Hourglass is worth your time if you're a romance or PNR fan. If you're looking for more of a time travel, sci-fi filled novel, this book definitely wouldn't be for you. However, if you're looking for a bit of both, I suggest that you borrow a copy of this book and see if you like it by reading a few chapters. I'm hoping there's a little more time travel in the sequel (and I have a slight feeling there is - hopefully there is!) as well as development of Kaleb's POV, so I'll probably be reading Timepiece (:

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Delirium
(Delirium, #1)
by Lauren Oliver
Released |February 1st 2011 by HarperTeen|
|review written by Janina|

Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -- the deliria -- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the government demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.
But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.

I don't know how to feel about this book. I liked it, but I didn't. I liked the whole concept with the way the book twisted everything we believe in about love into something so evil and infectious and wrong. But then there was something about it that I don't like, and I just can't quite put my finger on it. 

I don't really know how I feel about the characters. But I did like Hana and Alex, but I didn't really just fall in love with the characters like I usually do. Lena got on my nerves throughout most the book, except towards the end when she started actually doing things and standing up for herself. Other than that she was pretty much a bore. To me she didn't really have a backbone to say how she really felt and do what she felt was right. I know she had her inner struggle going on and all, but it took her damn near the whole book to finally do something about it. I also didn't like how just, boom, I am now all of sudden in love with Alex?! But anyways, enough with the boring about her, she did have some positives.

Like I said before, I didn't start liking Lena unless I about 3/4 of the way through the book. She finally started standing up for herself and when she figured out the truth about her mom, I thought she reacted just the way she should of. It showed she had true emotions instead of the ones she thought she should feel. The government had the people's mind so screwed up, it was sad to see. I thought Hana was awesome and I hope to see her in Pandemonium.

This book did keep me entertained. It wasn't all that suspenseful but it did have its moments and I really enjoyed the romance between Alex and Lena! I did like the book and enjoyed it. But it took me a while to truly get into it and I felt it could of been better. But that last chapter of the book just pissed me off! lol I really hope that Alex isn't what my mind wants to believe because I thought he was awesome and he was such a sweet heart and always looked out for Lena's best interest.

I'm glad I already Pandemonium so I can continue the series :) and to see what happens next! Hopefully it doesn't have an ending like this one.

August Group Reads

Hourglass 
by Myra McEntire
One hour to rewrite the past . . . 

For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn't there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents' death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She's tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.
So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson's willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may also change her past.
Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he's around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened?

Uglies
by Scott Westerfeld

Everybody gets to be supermodel gorgeous. What could be wrong with that? Tally is about to turn sixteen, and she can't wait. Not for her license -- for turning pretty. In Tally's world, your sixteenth birthday brings an operation that turns you from a repellent ugly into a stunningly attractive pretty and catapults you into a high-tech paradise where your only job is to have a really great time. In just a few weeks Tally will be there.But Tally's new friend Shay isn't sure she wants to be pretty. She'd rather risk life on the outside. When Shay runs away, Tally learns about a whole new side of the pretty world and it isn't very pretty. The authorities offer Tally the worst choice she can imagine: find her friend and turn her in, or never turn pretty at all. The choice Tally makes changes her world forever.

August Competition :D

Hey everyone (Janina here),
We are here with the August Competition! :D 
I know we haven't had one since March, but it's back!
This competition is a little different.

It's International! If the book depository ships to your country, you may participate :D

The winner at the end of the month with the most points will win any book of there choice from the book depository that is $10 or less :)

What Kills Me by Wynne Channing

What Kills Me 

by Wynne Channing

Released |June 6th 2012 by Jet and Jack Press|
Edition |Ebook, 209 pages|

Source |For Review-Provided by Author|

An ancient prophecy warns of a girl destined to cause the extinction of the vampire race.
So when 17-year-old Axelia falls into a sacred well filled with blood and emerges a vampire, the immortal empire believes she is this legendary destroyer. Hunted by soldiers and mercenaries, Axelia and her reluctant ally, the vampire bladesmith Lucas, must battle to survive.
How will she convince the empire that she is just an innocent teenager-turned bloodsucker and not a creature of destruction? And if she cannot, can a vampire who is afraid of bugs summon the courage to fight a nation of immortals?

This fast paced, action packed novel blew me away. It took a different take on vampirism (pretty sure that's not a word)and that's what makes it so unique. Seeing an author come up with their own unique take on things is what makes a book amazing :) 

The characters in this book was amazing :) I really came to love Axelia! She was 'the one' that everyone wanted to kill :) There was just so much action! I went through this book in the snap of a finger. I mean, I had to take a break to sleep, but that's just irrelevant lol It truly was a page turning. Lucas was also an amazing character :) In the beginning I didn't really know what to expect from him, considering he wasn't the nicest person in the world, but as things progressed I really came to like him. He was a brave, strong, and intelligent vamp who just wanted to keep Zee safe. KUDOS! I swear they almost died a thousand times!

I really enjoyed book because, like I said before, it was a fast-paced, page turning, emotional, with a hint of romance kind of book lol :) I just can't get over the whole, I fell in a well filled with vampire blood and now I am a kick ass, stronger than the rest, vampire. 

I really loved this book and am hoping their is a sequel. I definitely recommend this to those who love vamps and just want to enjoy a light & fun read.

The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead

The Golden Lily
(Bloodlines, #2)
by Richelle Mead
Released |June 12th 2012 by Razorbill|
Edition |Hardback, 418 pages|

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.

Great Sequel to an amazing series! Props to Richelle Mead for continuing on with an amazing series. I still liked Bloodlines better, but The Golden Lily was still really really good! I definitely think that those who've read Bloodlines need to hurry and read this one. And if you have not read the Vampire Academy series, you don't know what you've been missing!

Okay, I need to get this off my chest. I like Sage (Sydney), I do, but the girl is so boring and stiff! lol She need to lighting up! I just want to smack her sometimes. She's so stuck in her ways that it clouds her better judgement and I don't like that. Especially when it comes to Adrian :) I love Adrian, like I said before I was team Dimitri in the VA series, but Adrian is such an amazing guy in this series :D I liked him then, but not for Rose. Sydney is the way to go! lol I think I'm rambling. 

But those two are complete opposites, but I think that's what makes them perfect for each other. Throughout the entire book you could just feel a connection between them. And when Jill would have her 'moments' with Sage, you could just tell. 

I also really enjoy Eddie, Jill, and Angeline thing. Ooooh! How are things going to turn out :O ?
This book had tons of things going on in it, but it kept you on your toes in anticipation, it was entertaining, and action packed with tons of adorable romancy moments.

I really enjoyed this sequel! It was awesome :) Loved my moments with Dimitri. Had me reminiscing :D I can't wait for book 3!

Insurgent by Veronica Roth - Group read review

Insurgent
(Divergent Trilogy, #2)
by Veronica Roth
Released |May 1st 2012 by HarperTeen|
Edition |Hardback, 525 pages|

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

The sequel to Divergent was amazing :) A must get your hands on immediately kind of book! I still think I loved Divergent better, but Insurgent was not too far behind!
I really like how in this book, Tris seemed even more real. I felt every single emotion she was going through. From all the heartache, grief, and guilt to her love and happiness she felt for Tobias. She really came to grow as a character. She trust in her instincts no matter who went against them.

Tobias, had a little bit more anger in him in this book. I couldn't read him as much as I did in Divergent. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing. His love for Tris was still there and they both had to make some hard decisions separately. I don't know what the heck is going on with Evelyn. I don't want to give to much away on that. And what is going on with Tris' brother. He annoyed me!

I still enjoyed Tris and Tobias's romance, but it wasn't as prominent in this book as it was in Divergent. But it was there and when it was, I loved it :) There relationship was a little rocky in this book. They argued a lot. But it shows that all relationships are not perfect.

This book was action packed :D You know I love my action. From page to page, something was always happening. And I really like that you really get to see inside all the other factions, Amity, Candor, and Erudite. You learn so much about these factions. It goes more in dept into each. And you also get to see more Divergent people :) Who is who?

And the ending had one of those OMG moments :) I can't wait to see what happens in the next installment! I definitely recommend for those who loved Divergent to hurry and read Insurgent :) You will not be disappointed!

Trafficked by Kim Purcell - r2r review

Trafficked 
by Kim Purcell
Released |February 16th 2012 by Viking Juvenile|
Edition |Hardback, 384 pages|

A 17-year-old Moldovan girl whose parents have been killed is brought to the United States to work as a slave for a family in Los Angeles.

Hannah believes she’s being brought from Moldova to Los Angeles to become a nanny for a Russian family. But her American dream quickly spirals into a nightmare. The Platonovs force Hannah to work sixteen-hour days, won’t let her leave the house, and seem to have a lot of secrets—from Hannah and from each other.

Stranded in a foreign land with false documents, no money, and nobody who can help her, Hannah must find a way to save herself from her new status as a modern-day slave or risk losing the one thing she has left: her life.

I would start off saying that this book is for mature teens and older. I has some serious issues that some people might now be able to handle. The book was really good. It wasn't how I thought it was going to be.
This book was about a girl name Hannah from Russia, who is goes to the United States to become a nanny. This book was a real eye opener. You hear of things like trafficking from time to time and their are many different kinds of it. Hannah's was a real trooper. Living in that house with Lily was hell all in itself. It was really sad to see Hannah treated the way she was by the different people she came across. But their was some light in this book. Like here next door neighbor Collin. He was a different kind of hero. One you wouldn't expect and I really liked that aspect of the book.

You really connect to Hannah and the emotions she felt were so real. And to see children in a household like that was kind of awful, but that sort of thing happens all the time.

The ending was sad but was glad to see something being done about the situation. I really wish there was a part two to this story so I can see what happens next. But I was satisfied with how things turned out for Hannah.

Awesome book and was so glad for the opportunity to read it. Thanks Kim Purcell for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts are my honest opinion and I recommend this book for those who likes book with a more serious topic :)

Enchantment by Charlotte Abel

Title: Enchantment (Channie, #1)
Author: Charlotte Abel
Release Date: June 23rd 2011 by Charlotte Abel
Edition: Ebook
Source: For review - Author

Synopsis:

Channie is a lovable teenage mage that lives a simple but magical life with her clannish community deep in the Ozark Mountains. She's blessed with the ability to enchant those around her, charming not only her family and friends, but any boy with a pulse that doesn't know how to shield himself against her magic.

When her father's gambling addiction earns the wrath of a powerful mage, the family is forced to flee for their lives. They escape to the suburbs of Colorado hoping to hide amongst Magically Disabled people (like you and me).

Channie's parents are overwhelmed by the modern world and panic when they catch her flirting with a group of "dirty-minded, non-magical city-boys." They strip away her power of enchantment and replace it with a chastity curse that automatically zaps any boy foolish, or courageous, enough to pursue her.

Josh Abrim — a BMX racer with a killer smile, Olympic dreams and dangerous secrets of his own — is exactly that kind of boy. When he and Channie realize their interest in each other is more than just friendship, she turns to dark and forbidden magic, determined to break the curse keeping them apart. Her inexperience makes matters infinitely worse and unleashes a malevolent force with the power to destroy everything they love ... including each other.

My Thoughts:
I find that I don't read to many magic/witch books. I don't know why even though I love Harry Potter, but I don't read many of these kind of books. I really enjoyed this one though. Channie is a girl whose family are mages (witches) and they have a power name which goes on how their magic is performed. Enchantment was her power name until her parents unleashed dark magic and changed it into Chastity. That is where all the drama begins!

I really liked the storyline of this book. It took a different take on things than any of the other witch books that I have read. The difference made it intriguing, but sometimes I felt it fell a little flat, but overall I really enjoyed it.

I liked Channie. She was smart, but sometimes I felt she had the "reckless teen" syndrome. She did things without thought and tended to let her emotions cloud her thoughts. And sometimes she got a bit annoying, but I could over look it. She fought for what she believed in, against her parents who tried to run her life. (that's basically how I see it. They could have went about the situation another way).

When Channie meets Josh for the first time, I thought it was hilarious. The whole shocking thing would really come in handy! But I really liked Josh. He was a loveable guy and was really sweet and always had Channie's best interest at heart. He was the kind of guy that all girls wish they had :) But it did have the "Love at first sight" feel to it. But it wasn't too bad for all you who hate that kind of thing. I thought the romance between to two was cute and sweet. But I do feel this book is for mature teens because it does tough the subject of sex quite a few times.

This book isn't the action filled type, but it does have moments where you really want to know what happens next.

Channie's parents are a trip! Her dad, especially, but he was hilarious. Her parents took things to the extreme.

I just love the trips and wish we learned more about where her sister went and the Diego guy. I love Elijah too, he was just too cute!

The Hunter thing was kind of weird, like the way he acted. And I really liked the ending :) I am so glad I already have book 2 and I can't wait to read it! Thank you to Charlotte Abel for participating in the read 2 review in my Young Adult Reads goodreads group and providing the copies :)! I really appreciate and am glad I got the chance this book!