Book Review ⋯ Vampire Academy

Title: Vampire Academy
Series: Vampire Academy ⋯ Book 1
Author: Richelle Mead
Pages: 332
Stars: ★★★★★


Summary: Vladimir’s Academy isn’t just any boarding school—it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s—the very place where they’re most in danger. . . . 
Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy’s ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world’s fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever...



Review: I absolutely love this book! I love Rose and Lissa and Dimitri and Christian! This was a reread and it was soooo much fun, because I knew what was going to happen, but the characters didn't, so I shouted at my book a lot. I just love this book so much!

Book Review ⋯ The Iron Queen

Title: The Iron Queen
Series: The Iron Fey ⋯ Book 3
Author: Julie Kagawa
Pages: 358
Stars: ★★★★★


Summary: My name is Meghan Chase.

I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.

This time, there will be no turning back.

Review: I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! It was so good, and I loved the ending. Everything was just so good! I can't come up with words to describe it other than I loved it. I loved it, I loved it, I loved it! If you haven't read the series, you need to, now.


My review of The Iron King [here]
My review of The Iron Daughter [here]

Book Review ⋯ The Iron Daughter

Title: The Iron Daughter
Series: The Iron Fey ⋯ Book 2
Author: Julie Kagawa
Pages: 359
Stars: ★★★★★


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

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

Review: I really loved this book. I think I liked it more than The Iron King. It was exciting and action packed. Not to mention filled with Ash! I loved the struggle Meghan had between the mortal world and the Nevernever. What I mean is that sometimes she would long to go home to the mortal realm and be normal, then almost right after she would wonder if she would ever be able to go back to being normal, after seeing what she has. I also loved the mini-struggle between Meghan had between Puck and Ash. I love Ash!


My review of The Iron King [link]

Cover Combat {Week 8} Winner

I'm am just going to post the winner of Cover Combat's Week 8, which was between the US and Bulgarian editions of Die For Me by Amy Plum. And the winner is . . .

The US Edition!!

What's Happening

     Hey guys. When I first started this blog it was because I was bored and I wanted to be a book blogger, like YA Vampire Books, who initially got me interested in it. There was a period in the beginning where I didn't really know what to do and didn't post anything. Then another period arose where I hardly posted, and that was because I was really busy with school and other personal stuff so I just plain forgot about posting. Then I really got into and would have a few posts ready ahead of time because I didn't want to wait until the day they were set to post to come. I really came to enjoy running the blog. 

     The point of me telling you that is that I no longer feel excited about posting and updating. Instead I feel like I have to work just to remember to post on time, and even then I end up posting right before I go to bed because that's when I see Chapter by Chapter's tweets about her posts. So, I'm not going to post much at all for awhile and I felt like I should tell you. I will post the winner of Cover Combat Week 8 on Monday, and I will post reviews every so often because they are needed for some of the challenges I'm in (I like challenges right now, they keep me reading even when I don't feel like it). I'm sorry if I disappointed you, but I just need a break. I don't know how long this slump will last, it could go on for only 1 month or it could go on for 6-7 months. I really don't know what else to to say. Again, I'm sorry.

Waiting On Wednesday {1/18}

Title: The Immortal Rules
Series: Blood of Eden ⋯ Book 1
Author: Julie Kagawa
Pages: 304
Release Date: April 24, 2012


Summary: You will kill. The only question is when. 

In the dark days since the insidious Red Lung virus decimated the human population, vampires have risen to rule the crumbling cities and suburbs. Uncontested Princes hold sway over diminished ranks of humans: their "pets." In exchange for their labor, loyalty and of course, their blood, these pets are registered, given food and shelter, permitted to survive. 

Unregistered humans cling to fringes, scavenging for survival. Allison Sekemoto and her fellow Unregistereds are hunted, not only by vampires, but by rabids, the unholy result of Red Lung-infected vampires feeding on unwary humans. One night, Allie is attacked by a pack of rabids, saved by an unlikely hero...and turned vampire. 

Uncomfortable in her undead skin, Allie falls in with a ragtag crew of humans seeking a cure, or cures: for Rabidism and for Vampirism. She's passing for human...for now. But the hunger is growing and will not be denied. Not for friendship—not even for love.

Book Review ⋯ The Iron King

Title: The Iron King
Series: The Iron Fey ⋯ Book 1
Author: Julie Kagawa
Pages: 363
Stars: ★★★★★


Summary: Meghan Chase has a secret destiny; one she could never have imagined. 

Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school or at home. 

When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change. 

But she could never have guessed the truth - that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face; and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.

Review: This book was really good. I liked the writing style and the descriptions. I think Julie Kagawa created a masterpiece, and I loved the ending. This is just one of those books where I have no idea what to say about it. I loved it, but I just can't find the words to describe that love. Read the book.

Cover Combat {Week 8}

Cover Combat is where I'll put up a US cover and a foreign cover of the same book and you vote on your favorite. Most of the time it will probably US versus UK, but there may be other countries thrown in.


The US and UK covers of Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz went head-to-head last week. And the winner is. . .

The UK cover!

Last week, I had you guys vote on what covers you wanted to see this week, and you guys chose Die For Me by Amy Plum. So, the US and Bulgarian covers are going into combat.


US edition:

Bulgarian edition:

In My Mailbox {Week 10}

The only thing I got in the mail this week was a Barnes & Noble gift card I won from Lucienne Diver for the Fangtastic Get Caught Reading contest.

I picked up A Midsummer Night's Dream by Shakespeare and Cinder by Marissa Meyer from Sam's Club, and Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton from B&N.

Book Review ⋯ The Demon Trapper's Daughter

Title: The Demon Trapper's Daughter
Series: The Demon Trappers ⋯ Book 1
Author: Jana Oliver
Pages: 355
Stars: ★★★★★


Summary: Riley Blackthorne just needs a chance to prove herself – and that’s exactly what the demons are counting on… 

Seventeen-year-old Riley, the only daughter of legendary Demon Trapper, Paul Blackthorne, has always dreamed of following in her father's footsteps. The good news is, with human society seriously disrupted by economic upheaval and Lucifer increasing the number of demons in all major cities, Atlanta’s local Trappers’ Guild needs all the help they can get – even from a girl. When she’s not keeping up with her homework or trying to manage her growing crush on fellow apprentice, Simon, Riley’s out saving distressed citizens from foul-mouthed little devils – Grade One Hellspawn only, of course, per the strict rules of the Guild. Life’s about as normal as can be for the average demon-trapping teen. 

But then a Grade Five Geo-Fiend crashes Riley’s routine assignment at a library, jeopardizing her life and her chosen livelihood. And, as if that wasn’t bad enough, sudden tragedy strikes the Trappers’ Guild, spinning Riley down a more dangerous path than she ever could have imagined. As her whole world crashes down around her, who can Riley trust with her heart – and her life?



Review: I love, love, loved this book! I loved how everything played out and how the perspectives changed between Riley and Beck. I loved how strong Riley was, she reminded me of Rose from Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy series. One thing I especially loved was all the detail, whether about Holy Water, Demons, or just Riley's feelings. There was a lot off detail in the setting and Riley's surroundings. Loved this book and can't wait to start the next one, Soul Thief.

2012 #50BookPledge

The #50BookPledge is to 'make an effort to make reading a bigger part of our lives.' I'm am going to make this sort of like a challenge for myself, because that will motivate me more than just saying I will read more. I took this pledge because, while I read a lot last year, I felt like I was only ever reading at school, and occupied my free time with other things. I want to, as I quoted earlier, 'make an effort to make reading a bigger part of my life.'

NOTE: There will be a list of books for this challenge, and it will be updated whenever I finish a book. The list won't be on this post, but under the 2012 Challenges page of the blog.

You might notice that my Goodreads progress bar and my #50BookPledge progress bar are off by a couple books, and that is because Goodreads count the little outtakes and extras that I've marked as read. I personally don't count those, which is why the bars don't match. Just thought I should tell you that.

Book Review ⋯ Bleeding Hearts

Title: Bleeding Hearts
Series: The Drake Chronicles ⋯ Book 4
Author: Alyxandra Harvey
Pages: 347
Stars: ★★★★★


Summary: As vampires from all over the world descend on the Drake farm for the Blood Moon gathering, security is ramped up. Lucy has been temporarily banned, for her own safety—and to allow Solange some time to adjust to her new existence. But their enemies realize how much Lucy means to the family, and plan to abduct her to use her for leverage against the new royal family. Instead, Lucy’s cousin Christabel is kidnapped by mistake—and Connor Drake immediately heads off in pursuit, but isn’t in time to prevent Christabel’s infection by the Hel Blar. He can’t save her human life, but he can still try to save her new vampire life, and is willing to put his own life on the line for the girl he has grown to care so much about. Can he save Christabel, the Blood Moon, and his mother’s newly forged Vampire Alliance?


Review: Bleeding Hearts was really, really good. I think it is my favorite of the series so far. Something I really liked about this book(other than the HOT Drake brothers, of course) was how time passed and the perspectives changed. That probably doesn't make sense. What I mean is that something would happen in Christabel's point-of-view, then when the chapter ended and the POV changed, the same event would happen in Connor's perspective. I really liked that about this book. I feel like I just threw up on the page, sorry. Anyway, in short, the book was amazing, and I think you should definitely read it. Or start the series for the first time with Hearts at Stake/My Love Lies Bleeding, then Blood Feud, Out for Blood, and, of course, Bleeding Hearts.


My copy of Bleeding Hearts also had an exclusive short story about Liam and Helena falling in love, and I have to say that I loved it. I was really cute, and I really want to read more about their story.

Waiting On Wednesday {1/11}

Title: Endure
Series: Need Pixies ⋯ Book 4
Author: Carrie Jones
Pages: 288
Release Date: May 8, 2012


Summary: It’s all-out war (and no-holds-barred romance) in the climactic conclusion to Carrie Jones’s bestselling series. 

Zara is at the center of an impending apocalypse. True, she’s successfully rescued Nick from Valhalla, but it simply isn’t enough. Evil pixies are ravaging Bedford, and they need much more than one great warrior; they need an army. Zara isn’t sure what her role is anymore. She’s not just fighting for her friends; she’s also a pixie queen. And to align her team of pixies with the humans she loves will be one of her greatest battles yet. Especially since she can’t even reconcile her growing feelings for her pixie king . . . 

Unexpected turns, surprising revelations, and one utterly satisfying romantic finale make Endure a thrilling end to this series of bestsellers.

Sorry if the cover is a little pixelated, I couldn't find a high-res version of it. When I find one I'll update the post.

Cover Combat {Week 7}

Cover Combat is where I'll put up a US cover and a foreign cover of the same book and you vote on your favorite. Most of the time it will probably US versus UK, but there may be other countries thrown in.


Last week, the battle was between the US paperback and the French covers of Nightshade by Andrea Cremer. And the winner is. . .

The French cover!

This week, the fanged and fabulous US and UK covers of Melissa de la Cruz's Blue Bloods go to battle. These covers are very similar, and for that reason if you wouldn't mind leaving a comment as to why you voted for the cover you did, that be awesome. Or you could not leave a comment, that's cool too.

US edition:

UK edition:

I would really appreciate it if you could also vote on which book covers you would like to see next week. They will all eventually make on here, but I can be indecisive at times. Thanks!

Soul Screamers Reading Challenge

So, I'm entering the Soul Screamers Reading Challenge hosted over at Fiktshun. The challenge is 'to READ (or re-read) and REVIEW (or post about) all five full-length books in the Soul Screamers series by Rachel Vincent between January 15 and June 14, 2012.' The schedule is below and all other details about the challenge can be found at one of the links above, along with how to enter to win a copy of Before I Wake and various other prizes.

My Soul to Take

January 15-February 14, 2012

My Soul to Save

February 15-March 14, 2012

My Soul to Keep

March 15-April 14-2012

My Soul to Steal

April 15-May14, 2012

If I Die

May 15-June 14, 2012

I am going to be re-reading My Soul to Take, and reading for the first time My Soul to Save, My Soul to Keep, My Soul to Steal, and If I Die. I also plan to read the Soul Screamers novellas, My Soul to Lose, Reaper, and Never to Sleep. 

Book Review ⋯ Bloodrose

Title: Bloodrose
Series: Nightshade ⋯ Book 3
Author: Andrea Cremer
Pages: 406
Stars: ★★★★★


Summary: The Ultimate Sacrifice. 

Calla has always welcomed war. But now that the final battle is upon her, there’s more at stake than fighting. There’s saving Ren, even if it incurs Shay’s wrath. There’s keeping Ansel safe, even if he’s been branded a traitor. There’s proving herself as the pack’s alpha, facing unnamable horrors, and ridding the world of the Keepers’ magic once and for all. And then there’s deciding what to do when the war ends. If Calla makes it out alive, that is. 

In the final installment of the Nightshade trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Andrea Cremer creates a novel with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat until its final pages. A dynamic end to this breathtaking trilogy.



Review: This book was so amazing I don't even know what to say, but I'm going to try and write something(it may be word vomit, be warned). Bloodrose is the third book in the Nightshade trilogy and I think it was the best one. All over Twitter leading up to the release people kept saying 'The ending was unexpected. The ending was so unexpected.' And even knowing that didn't prepare for what happened. Andrea Cremer wove a wonderful end to a fantastic trilogy. I don't want this to be a spoilery review, so that's all I'm going to say about that. I'm really excited about the prequel, Rift, that ties into the After chapter in B&N editions. Rift comes out on August 7. I also really want to say that Connor, Mason, and Nev are my favorite characters because they were hilarious, especially Connor.


Check out my reviews of the first two books, Nightshade(here) and Wolfsbane(here).

In My Mailbox {Week 9}

Title: After Obsession
Series: Stand-Alone
Author: Carrie Jones & Steven E. Wedel
Pages: 307
Format: ARC


Summary: Aimee and Alan have secrets. Both teens have unusual pasts and abilities they prefer to keep hidden. But when they meet each other, in a cold Maine town, they can't stop their secrets from spilling out. Strange things have been happening lately, and they both feel that something-or someone- is haunting them. They're wrong. Despite their unusual history and powers, it's neither Aimee nor Alan who is truly haunted. It's Alan's cousin Courtney who, in a desperate plea to find her missing father, has invited a demon into her life-and into her body. Only together can Aimee and Alan exorcise the ghost. And they have to move quickly, before it devours not just Courtney but everything around her.

Filled with heart-pounding romance, paranormal activity, and rich teen characters to love-and introducing an exciting new YA voice, Steven Wedel-this novel is exactly what Carrie Jones fans have been waiting for. Meet your next obsession.

Super excited to read this! The book is already out, and I won an ARC of it from The Readiacs.

Title: Bleeding Hearts
Series: The Drake Chronicles ⋯ Book 4
Author: Alyxandra Harvey
Pages: 304
Format: Paperback


Summary: As vampires from all over the world descend on the Drake farm for the Blood Moon gathering, security is ramped up. Lucy has been temporarily banned, for her own safety—and to allow Solange some time to adjust to her new existence. But their enemies realize how much Lucy means to the family, and plan to abduct her to use her for leverage against the new royal family. Instead, Lucy’s cousin Christabel is kidnapped by mistake—and Connor Drake immediately heads off in pursuit, but isn’t in time to prevent Christabel’s infection by the Hel Blar. He can’t save her human life, but he can still try to save her new vampire life, and is willing to put his own life on the line for the girl he has grown to care so much about. Can he save Christabel, the Blood Moon, and his mother’s newly forged Vampire Alliance?

My last IMM post I included this, because I wrote the post before I actually went to Barnes & Noble and didn't have time to change it. Anyway, B&N didn't have this in stock so I ordered it and it came yesterday. Super psyched for this book.


I also picked up Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer, Every Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, and Living Violet by Jaime Reed at B&N.

Waiting On Wednesday {1/4}

Title: Black Heart
Series: Curseworkers ⋯ Book 3
Author: Holly Black
Pages: 320
Release Date: April 3, 2012


Summary: Cassel Sharpe knows he’s been used as an assassin, but he’s trying to put all that behind him. He’s trying to be good, even though he grew up in a family of con artists and cheating comes as easily as breathing to him. He’s trying to do the right thing, even though the girl he loves is inextricably connected with crime. And he’s trying to convince himself that working for the Feds is smart, even though he’s been raised to believe the government is the enemy. 

But with a mother on the lam, the girl he loves about to take her place in the Mob, and new secrets coming to light, the line between what’s right and what’s wrong becomes increasingly blurred. When the Feds ask Cassel to do the one thing he said he would never do again, he needs to sort out what’s a con and what’s truth. In a dangerous game and with his life on the line, Cassel may have to make his biggest gamble yet—this time on love.

NOTE: The whole series got new covers, and you can find out what White Cat and Red Glove look like over at the Story Siren.

ARC Review ⋯ Born Wicked

Title: Born Wicked
Series: The Cahill Witch Chronicles ⋯ Book 1
Author: Jessica Spotswood
Pages: 326
Release Date: February 7, 2012
Stars: ★★★★★


Summary: Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they're witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship—or an early grave. 

Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with only six months left to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word . . . especially after she finds her mother's diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family's destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate starts scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra. 

If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren't safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood—not even from each other.


Review: I absolutely loved this book! I loved the characters and I loved how well developed they were. The setting was really interesting to read about, and it was terrible how women were treated. The way the magic was told about was wonderful, and all the things they could do was amazing. I loved the style of writing and how a lot was explained, even though it was told entirely in Cate's point-of-view. I read a measly 3½ books over my 8-day vacation, and this one only took me 1 day to read, which is impressive considering it took me just over two days to read The Hunger Games.


I was in no way paid for this review. I won this free ARC in a giveaway that Penguin Teen hosted through their Facebook page.

Book Review ⋯ Crossed

Title: Crossed
Series: Matched ⋯ Book 2
Author: Ally Condie
Pages: 367
Stars: ★★★★


Summary: In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky - taken by the Society to his certain death - only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.

Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander - who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart - change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever.



Review: Slight SPOILERS AHEAD! Read on at your own risk.

Loved the book, but it took me awhile to get into it. I felt like it dragged along in some places, and I didn't like Indie because she was really shifty, especially when her and Cassia found Ky and Eli. Other than that, I thought the book was good. I loved the detail that was used when Cassia and Ky described the canyons, and the paintings, and all of the colors. I also loved how the author switched between Cassia and Ky's perspectives every chapter. I liked how we got to see into Ky's head that way. Overall, it was a great book.

My review of the first book, Matched, can be found here.

Cover Combat {Week 6}

Cover Combat is where I'll put up a US cover and a foreign cover of the same book and you vote on your favorite. Most of the time it will probably US versus UK, but there may be other countries thrown in.

You guys had two weeks to vote on the US and Italian covers of Paranormalcyby Kiersten White, and ya'll chose. . .

The US cover!!

This week the US paperback cover and the French cover of Nightshade by Andrea Cremer are going head to head.

US paperback edition:

French edition: