February TBR & January Rewind

This year I have set the same Goodreads goal as last year, which is 50 books, just in case you were wondering. I plan on smashing my goal this year. So I am making a master tbr list and will change it around every month or so and keep you guys updated here to my progress.

 

So without further ado here is my TBR list and the links to the books I want to read. The numbered ones are the ones that I am hoping to read this month. My list is full with notes and the dates that some books are coming out so I can prepare to read them in the future. Some of them are interchangeable with each other and I can choose to read whichever one I want. Those that are crossed out are ones that I have read already within the month. If I don't read them all they will carry over into the next month. =]

 

January

1) Life of Pi by Yann Martel--Audiobook

2) Vortex by Julie Cross--Comes out Jan. 15th

3) Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck

4) Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
5) As They Slip Away by Beth Revis

 

February
5) The Ash-Born Boy by Victoria Schwab
6) Fuse by Julianna Baggott--Comes out February 19th
6) Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel
Stolen Nights by Rebecca Maizel

The Archived by Victoria Schwab-Comes out Jan. 22nd

Shades of Earth by Beth Revis--Comes out January 15th

Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer-Comes out February 5th

Dualed by Elsie Chapman--Comes out February 26th

Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes

Black City by Elizabeth Richards

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas 

The Forsaken by Lisa Stasse

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Starters by Lissa Price

Falling for You by Lisa Schroeder

 

Notes:

(Falling for You by Lisa Schroeder comes out Jan. 1st, Make Plans to Buy/Read)

(Warm Bodies comes out in theaters Feb. 1st Read Before then)

(Beautiful Creatures comes out in theaters Feb. 13th Read Before then)

(Possibly reread The Host, movie comes out in theaters March 29th)

(The Mortal Instruments comes out in theaters August 23rd)

 

There is my list. I hope you guys cheer me on and keep me on track with my goal. I am really hoping to smash my goal this year. Link me up to your February TBR lists if you have posted one. I am really interested to know what others are wanting to read. I am hoping to continue to read a ton of books each month, so keep cheering me on to reach my goal. =]

 

Thanks for Visiting

 

Happy Reading. =]

 

-Michael

Waiting on Wednesday: Icons by Margaret Stohl

 

For those of you who don't know "Waiting On" Wednesday is an event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. The purpose is to let others know which book you are anticipating and can't wait till it comes out to read it.

 

Icons by Margaret Stohl

Hardcover, 448 pages

Expected publication: May 7th 2013 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

 

Your heart beats only with their permission.

Everything changed on The Day. The day the windows shattered. The day the power stopped. The day Dol's family dropped dead. The day Earth lost a war it didn't know it was fighting.

Since then, Dol has lived a simple life in the countryside -- safe from the shadow of the Icon and its terrifying power. Hiding from the one truth she can't avoid.

She's different. She survived. Why?

When Dol and her best friend, Ro, are captured and taken to the Embassy, off the coast of the sprawling metropolis once known as the City of Angels, they find only more questions. While Ro and fellow hostage Tima rage against their captors, Dol finds herself drawn to Lucas, the Ambassador's privileged son. But the four teens are more alike than they might think, and the timing of their meeting isn't a coincidence. It's a conspiracy.

Within the Icon's reach, Dol, Ro, Tima, and Lucas discover that their uncontrollable emotions -- which they've always thought to be their greatest weaknesses -- may actually be their greatest strengths.

Bestselling author Margaret Stohl delivers the first book in a heart-pounding series set in a haunting new world where four teens must piece together the mysteries of their pasts -- in order to save the future.

 

 

Why I am Waiting:

 

I just finished Beautiful Creatures and I stumbled upon this amazing sounding book last week and I knew there was no way I could wait four whole months for it. I needed to tell everyone about it. I want it now. I can't wait to dive head first in this thrilling dystopian book. Let me know if you are pinning for this one as much as I am. Link me up in the comments section to your WoW picks and I will come visit them.

Don't forget to enter my giveaways going on this week located on the side of my blog.

Check out the most recent one here:

Stolen Nights by Rebecca Maizel Paperback Giveaway

 

Thanks for Visiting

 

and

 

Happy Reading. =]

 

-Michael 

Happy Book Birthday to Stolen Nights by Rebecca Maizel Giveaway

Happy Book Birthday to Rebecca Maizel for Stolen Nights.

 

Today, Stolen Nights by Rebecca Maizel, the second in the Vampire Queen Series, comes out for everyone to enjoy.

 

I haven't read it yet and I can not wait to start this series, it sounds so good.

 

Here is a bit about the series if you haven't heard of it:

 

Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel (Vampire Queen #1)

Paperback, Reissue, 336 pages

Published 2012 by St. Martin's Griffin

 

 

Synopsis:

 

"Throughout all my histories, I found no one I loved more than you...no one."

Those were some of Rhode's last words to me. The last time he would pronounce his love. The last time I would see his face.

It was the first time in 592 years I could take a breath. Lay in the sun. Taste.

Rhode sacrificed himself so I, Lenah Beaudonte, could be human again. So I could stop the blood lust.

I never expected to fall in love with someone else that wasn't Rhode.

But Justin was...daring. Exciting. More beautiful than I could dream.

I never expected to be sixteen again...then again, I never expected my past to come back and haunt me...

 

 

Stolen Nights by Rebecca Maizel (Vampire Queen #2)

Paperback, 303 pages

Published January 29th 2013 by St. Martin's Griffin

 

Synopsis:

 

Lenah Beaudonte should be dead. But having sacrificed herself to save another, she finds herself awakening with strange powers that are neither vampire nor human—and a new enemy on her trail. In her vampire life, Lenah had thought that being human was all she ever wanted; but the human heart suffers pain, heartbreak and loss.

With her new powers growing and the dark force of the Nex after her soul, Lenah faces a choice: between the mortal love of gorgeous Justin, whose passion fed her human soul, and taking a different path to become the mistress of her own destiny, wherever that may lead...

 

Okay, now that you read about this series, lets get back to the giveaway.

 

The publisher, Macmillan, sent me an extra paperback copy of Stolen Nights by Rebecca Maizel.

 

So, first off, I want to thank St. Martin for allowing me to do this awesome giveaway that I can pass along to you guys.

So now go read the rules and then go enter. =] 

Giveaway Info and Rules:

 

Must be 13 years or older.

 

You don't have to be a follower to enter, but I would love it if you did, and you get extra entries if you do. =]

***This is a US Only Giveaway, Sorry international fans I don't have the funds to be able to email this to you.

This giveaway will last for two weeks.

 

Ends Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at Midnight =]

Winner has 48 hours to respond to prize notification email. If winner fails to respond, a new winner will be selected.

Winner will be selected by Rafflecopter.

I am not responsible for loss or damage of prize while in transit.

 



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks so much for visiting

 

and

 

Happy Reading. =]

 

-Michael

Teaser Tuesday

 

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab your current read

 

Open to a random page

Share two(2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page

 

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)

Share the title and author, too, so that other TT paricipants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers. =]

 

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Paperback, 592 pages

Published September 14th 2010 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

 

 

Here are my teasers this week:

 

“The right thing and the easy thing are never the same.”
― Kami Garcia, Beautiful Creatures

 

 

“I never loved you any more than I do, right this second. And I'll never love you any less than I do, right this second.”
― Kami Garcia, Beautiful Creatures

 

 

“Mortals. I envy you. You think you can change things. Stop the universe. Undo what was done long before you came along. You are such beautiful creatures.”
― Kami Garcia, Beautiful Creatures

 

 

Thanks for visiting my Teaser Tuesday this week.

 

 

Hope you enjoyed it. I can't wait to see the movie based on this book series. Link me up to your teasers in the comments below.

 

 

Happy Reading.

 

-Michael

Review: Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck

Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck

Hardcover, 403 pages

Published January 11th 2011 by Sterling

 

Synopsis:

 

Passion. Fate. Loyalty.

Would you risk it all to change your destiny?

The last thing Kelsey Hayes thought she’d be doing this summer was trying to break a 300-year-old Indian curse. With a mysterious white tiger named Ren. Halfway around the world. But that’s exactly what happened. Face-to-face with dark forces, spellbinding magic, and mystical worlds where nothing is what it seems, Kelsey risks everything to piece together an ancient prophecy that could break the curse forever.

Tiger’s Curse is the exciting first volume in an epic fantasy-romance that will leave you breathless and yearning for more.

 

My Thoughts/Review:

 

I had some high expectations for this book because I know a ton of people just love this series. This book met some of my expectations perfectly but wasn't completely what I thought it would be. For some reason, I thought it would be a different kind of book then the one I got to read. It kind of disappointed me in some spots, maybe if I didn't hype it up too much in my head, I would have liked it better. 

I loved the beginning and how Kelsey's journey started and how we as the reader learn about the curse. Ever since I started this book and looked at some of the reviews for it I learned that this book starts off kind of slow. I couldn't agree more with this statement. The beginning was really good and interesting but then I thought the story kind of didn't get off the ground fast enough like I wanted it to after Kelsey learns about the curse. Overall, I loved every part of the adventure that Kelsey has to go on with Ren, even though I wish the more exciting parts happened sooner in the book. I do also get that Houck had to slowly get to the climax to build up the suspense of everything that is happening to them, but she really could have made it more action packed in the beginning.

 I loved the budding love romance that was featured in this book. I didn't like how Kelsey always thought she wasn't worthy of that love. No one should think that way about themselves like Kelsey did. This fact kept bothering me all throughout the book. I don't know why Kelsey couldn't just except the love that was being given to her, it made me hate her just a little bit. It is like the Kelsey from the first half of the book, which I loved learning about, didn't match the Kelsey at the end. I did understand and get why Kelsey was feeling that way about herself but no one wants that in a main character, at least I didn't. The protagonist is supposed to grow, not regress, toward the ending.

The world that Houck build was completely wonderful and magical. I loved learning about India, the culture and the mythology that they have their. I loved learning about Durga, Hanuman, Kishkindha and everything about the first part of the adventure that Kelsey and Ren have to go on to break the curse. I can't wait to read the next books in the series for the simple fact to learn how the will try and continue to break the curse. Also I did like the possible love triangle that could happen later in the series with the other guy character, maybe Kelsey will finally let herself be loved by someone. Mr. Kadam was another character that I really liked. I wish he had more involvement in the actual adventure parts of their journey. I really hope later in the series we get to see much more of his skills and see more of the grandfatherly role he is playing with Kelsey. I also can't wait to see what else Fanindra has in store for the series.

I recommend this book to anyone that likes YA, adventures and fantasy romance. It was a really good book with some minor flaws I didn't like personally. I can not wait to see how the adventure continues in the next book especially with the somewhat of a cliffhanger in this book. Definitely read this series if you think you would like it. =]

 

Overall, I give this book:

 

Spectacular, adventurous and magical is what sums up this awesome book. I am so happy that I got the chance to read this book before it comes out in April. Hippocampus really takes you on an adventure that you don't want to leave once the book ends. As you read you learn about Trey Atlas and what happens to him thoughout his journey. You get to learn all about the lost city of Atlantis and all the wonders it has to hold. The one negative about thi

 

"Awesome Indian filled adventure that will take you on a harrowing quest" =]
4 out of 5 Stars

 

Links to Check it Out:

 

 

Barnes and Noble

Amazon

 

Recommendations:

 

 

 

Thanks for Visiting

 

and

 

Happy Reading. =]

 

-Michael

Waiting on Wednesday: Stolen Nights by Rebecca Maizel

 

For those of you who don't know "Waiting On" Wednesday is an event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. The purpose is to let others know which book you are anticipating and can't wait till it comes out to read it.

 

Stolen Nights by Rebecca Maizel (Vampire Queen #2)

Paperback, 303 pages

Expected publication: January 29th 2013 by St. Martin's Griffin

 

 

Synopsis:

 

Lenah Beaudonte should be dead. But having sacrificed herself to save another, she finds herself awakening with strange powers that are neither vampire nor human—and a new enemy on her trail. In her vampire life, Lenah had thought that being human was all she ever wanted; but the human heart suffers pain, heartbreak and loss.

With her new powers growing and the dark force of the Nex after her soul, Lenah faces a choice: between the mortal love of gorgeous Justin, whose passion fed her human soul, and taking a different path to become the mistress of her own destiny, wherever that may lead...

 

Why I am Waiting:

 

I got this book for review from the publisher and I can't wait to read it. I haven't read the first book in this series yet but I will very soon. Hope it lives up to all my expectations. =]

 

 

Link me up in the comments to your WoW pick. =]

 

Thanks for visiting and Happy Reading.

-Michael

 



Happy Book Birthday to The Archived by Victoria Schwab + Swag Giveaway

Happy Book Birthday to Victoria Schwab for The Archived.

 

Today, The Archived by Victoria Schwab comes out for everyone to enjoy.

 

I haven't read it yet and I can not wait to get my preorder in the mail.

 

Here is a bit about it if you haven't heard of it:

 

Hardcover, 336 pages

Expected publication: January 22nd 2013 by Hyperion

(Check out of my Review of The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab)

 

Synopsis:

 

Imagine a place where the dead rest on shelves like books.

Each body has a story to tell, a life seen in pictures that only Librarians can read. The dead are called Histories, and the vast realm in which they rest is the Archive.

Da first brought Mackenzie Bishop here four years ago, when she was twelve years old, frightened but determined to prove herself. Now Da is dead, and Mac has grown into what he once was, a ruthless Keeper, tasked with stopping often-violent Histories from waking up and getting out. Because of her job, she lies to the people she loves, and she knows fear for what it is: a useful tool for staying alive.

Being a Keeper isn't just dangerous-it's a constant reminder of those Mac has lost. Da's death was hard enough, but now her little brother is gone too. Mac starts to wonder about the boundary between living and dying, sleeping and waking. In the Archive, the dead must never be disturbed. And yet, someone is deliberately altering Histories, erasing essential chapters. Unless Mac can piece together what remains, the Archive itself might crumble and fall.

In this haunting, richly imagined novel, Victoria Schwab reveals the thin lines between past and present, love and pain, trust and deceit, unbearable loss and hard-won redemption.

 

 

Now that you have read about the awesomeness of The Archived.

 

I hope you go an order your copy today.

 

Here are some links to buy the book:

Barnes and Noble

Amazon

 

Anyway lets get back to the reasons why I am talking about this today.

 

Victoria Schwab is one of my favorite authors and I am giving away 8 signed The Archived Bookmarks plus two people get The Archived Stickers with their bookmarks.

 

Giveaway Info and Rules:

 

You don't have to be a follower to enter, but I would love it if you did, and you get extra entries if you do. =]

This is a US Only Giveaway.

This giveaway will last for one week.

 

Ends Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at Midnight =]

Winner has 48 hours to respond to prize notification email. If winner fails to respond, a new winner will be selected.

Winner will be selected by Rafflecopter.

I am not responsible for loss or damage of prize while in transit. 

 



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks so much for visiting

 

and

Happy Reading. =]

-Michael

Shades of Earth by Beth Revis + Swag Giveaway

Hi Everyone,

Today I am giving away a Hardback Copy of Shades of Earth by Beth Revis with some Swag included.

 

Hardcover, 369 pages

Published January 15th 2013 by Razorbill

Check out my Review of Across the Universe by Beth Revis (Book 1)

Check out my Review of A Million Suns by Beth Revis (Book 2)

 

Synopsis:

 

The final book in the  New York Times bestselling trilogy, perfect for fans of Battlestar Galactica and Prometheus!

Amy and Elder have finally left the oppressive walls of the spaceship Godspeed behind. They're ready to start life afresh--to build a home--on Centauri-Earth, the planet that Amy has traveled 25 trillion miles across the universe to experience.

But this new Earth isn't the paradise Amy had been hoping for. There are giant pterodactyl-like birds, purple flowers with mind-numbing toxins, and mysterious, unexplained ruins that hold more secrets than their stone walls first let on. The biggest secret of all? Godspeed's former passengers aren't alone on this planet. And if they're going to stay, they'll have to fight.

Amy and Elder must race to discover who--or what--else is out there if they are to have any hope of saving their struggling colony and building a future together. They will have to look inward to the very core of what makes them human on this, their most harrowing journey yet. Because if the colony collapses? Then everything they have sacrificed--friends, family, life on Earth--will have been for nothing.

FUELED BY LIES.
RULED BY CHAOS.
ALMOST HOME.
 

You don't have to be a follower to enter, but I would love it if you did, and you get extra entries if you do. =]

This is a US Only Giveaway.

This giveaway will last for two weeks.

 

I had preordered a copy of Shades of Earth a while back because if they got enough preorders that exceeded both the Across the Universe and A Million Suns preorders Penguin was going to send Across the Universe into space. Which they did.

 

Check out that here:

 

 

Anyway, like a week ago I won a signed copy of Shades of Earth from Beth Revis herself. So I decided that I was going to keep my preorder and turn it into a giveaway for the followers of my blog.

 

Hope you guys enjoy this giveaway, Have Fun and Go Enter the Giveaway. =]

 

 

Giveaway Info and Rules:

 

Must be 13 years or older.
***Since this is a Two ARCs Giveaway, if you win you must at least plan/try to read and review the book you win either on your blog, Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes and Noble or any other book related site that allows you to review it.
***US Only Giveaway, Sorry international fans I don't have the fund to be able to email this to you.
Ends Monday, February 4, 2013 at Midnight =]
Winner has 48 hours to respond to prize notification email. If winner fails to respond, a new winner will be selected.
Winner will be selected by Rafflecopter.
I am not responsible for loss or damage of prize while in transit.
 



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks so much for visiting

 

and

 

Happy Reading. =]

 

-Michael

Follow Friday(30)

 

Follow Friday is a weekly blog hop event hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read.

 

This week's Question is:    

Q: Who is your favorite villain from a book?

I would have to go with Voldemort and Bellatrix also because they are such great villains, you love to hate them.
President Snow from The Hunger Games is another great villain, you can't believe that he would support the Hunger Games and hate Katniss so much.
I am sure there are a ton more villains that I just can't think of right now.
So link me up to yours.


P.S.
CAPTCHA: If you have CAPTCHA word verification enabled on your blog, please take it off. It makes it much more difficult for readers to comment. Please look at Alison's CAPTCHA Eradication Post to learn how to get rid of it.

Link me up to your Follow Friday's and I will be sure to follow you back. =]
 Also Don't Forget to Enter my Two ARC's Giveaway of Tempest by Julie Cross and The Fox Inheritance by Mary Pearson.   Thanks for Visiting and Happy Friday =]

-Michael

Two ARC's Giveaway

Hi Everyone,

 

Today I am giving away two copies of ARC's that I acquired and have read and reviewed for my blog.

 

You don't have to be a follower to enter, but I would love it if you did, and you get extra entries if you do. =]

 

If you win, I am asking though that you at least attempt to read and review the book considering that they are both ARCs. You don't have to have a blog to enter. You can review it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Goodreads, etc...

This is a US Only Giveaway.

 

This giveaway will last for two weeks and I am giving away twos ARCs to two lucky winners.

 

Want to know what ARCs I am giving away?

 

Well here they are:

 

An ARC of Tempest by Julie Cross

 

Here is a link to my Review of Tempest

Here is my Review of Vortex (Tempest #2)

 

and

 

An ARC of The Fox Inheritance by Mary E. Pearson


Here is a link to my Review of The Fox Inheritance
Here is a link to my Review of The Adoration of Jenna Fox (Book 1)

Giveaway Info and Rules:

Must be 13 years or older.
***Since this is a Two ARCs Giveaway, if you win you must at least plan/try to read and review the book you win either on your blog, Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes and Noble or any other book related site that allows you to review it.
***US Only Giveaway, Sorry international fans I don't have the fund to be able to email this to you.
Ends Thursday, January 31, 2013 at Midnight =]
Winner has 48 hours to respond to prize notification email. If winner fails to respond, a new winner will be selected.
Winner will be selected by Rafflecopter.
I am not responsible for loss or damage of prize while in transit.

Hope you guys enjoy this giveaway, Have Fun and Go Enter the Giveaway. =]



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Waiting on Wednesday: Inferno by Dan Brown

 

For those of you who don't know "Waiting On" Wednesday is an event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. The purpose is to let others know which book you are anticipating and can't wait til it comes out to read it.

 

Inferno by Dan Brown

 

Synopsis:

 

In his international blockbusters The Da Vinci Code, Angels & Demons, and The Lost Symbol, Dan Brown masterfully fused history, art, codes, and symbols. In this riveting new thriller, Brown returns to his element and has crafted his highest-stakes novel to date. In the heart of Italy, Harvard professor of symbology, Robert Langdon, is drawn into a harrowing world centered on one of history’s most enduring and mysterious literary masterpieces . . . Dante’s Inferno.

Against this backdrop, Langdon battles a chilling adversary and grapples with an ingenious riddle that pulls him into a landscape of classic art, secret passageways, and futuristic science. Drawing from Dante’s dark epic poem, Langdon races to find answers and decide whom to trust . . . before the world is irrevocably altered.

 

Why I am Waiting:

 

Dan Brown is one of my all time favorite authors. I love is Robert Langdon series and this one just sounds awesome. I can't wait for it and it has been forever since he has written a book. Getting really excited about this. =]

Not much info is release yet about it, so I can't wait to find out more. =]

Link me up in the comments to your WoW pick. =]

Thanks for visiting and Happy Reading.

-Michael

Review: Vortex by Julie Cross (Tempest #2)

Vortex by Julie Cross

Hardcover, 352 pages

Expected publication: January 15th 2013 by St. Martin's Griffin
 *Received an Advanced Copy from the publisher for a fair and honest review*
Warning: Contains some spoilers from Tempest for those who haven't read it yet.

 

Synopsis:

 

Julie Cross's Vortex is the thrilling second installment of the Tempest series, in which the world hangs in the balance as a lovelorn Jackson must choose who to save.

Jackson Meyer has thrown himself into his role as an agent for Tempest, the shadowy division of the CIA that handles all time-travel-related threats. Despite his heartbreak at losing the love of his life, Jackson has proved himself to be an excellent agent. However, after an accidental run in with Holly—the girl he altered history to save—Jackson is once again reminded of what he's lost. And when Eyewall, an opposing division of the CIA, emerges, Jackson and his fellow agents not only find themselves under attack, but Jackson begins to discover that the world around him has changed and someone knows about his erased relationship with Holly, putting both their lives at risk all over again.

My Thoughts/Review

I now know why this book was named Vortex. It took me on a backwards and forwards journey through time that is still making my head spin. Vortex starts off right where Tempest left off and the whirlwind adventure continues to even more towering heights. I can’t believe that Julie Cross has added even more twists and turns to this already face-paced story. If you guys remember at the end of the first book Jackson completely alters the events that happened to him and Holly by going back in time and changing the day they met. After that he decides to jump right into Tempest to get away from everything he is feeling. Then the story gets more complex and things get more and more disastrous for Jackson and the new and old people in his life.

I loved how this sequel starts and how it dives right into the story. Jackson’s whole world has turned upside down and now he needs something to occupy himself. Of course he would jump right into tempest agent training. I really liked the Tempest Agent Training Diary that Jackson writes to Adam and it was the perfect way to get the book started. It really adds to how Jackson had to grow over time and deal with his feelings and how he decided to cope with them. Learning to be an agent with Jackson was one of my favorite parts of the story. I loved learning about the different divisions of Tempest and how all of the skills they were learning would come into play later in the book. His adventure from beginning to end had me wanting for a happy ending but knowing that anything could happen at any time. Jackson’s life as an agent is definitely different from the first book and in the end you don’t know if Jackson will survive everything he has had to go through.

Jackson is one of my all time favorite male character points of view. You don’t really see that many male perspectives in YA and I appreciate Julie Cross for creating this amazing universe through his perception. I really feel a connection to Jackson, that in some ways we are a lot alike, and that is one of the main reasons I have loved this series so far. All of his mental struggles with his abilities, friendships, and love interest are relatable in so many ways. You can really tell that his love for Holly will be forever, no matter how many times he changes things and that is something to draw you in to this story.

The introduction to some new characters in this book was something I really enjoyed getting to read about. Lily Kendrick, who is Jackson’s partner, is one of my favorite characters from this series. She was so relatable to me and was one of the realest characters I have ever read about. I loved her genius and how she cared about other people, but could really kick ass at the same time. All of the agents in Tempest have horrible pasts and I really liked getting to know some of them, to really get a sense of the background to all of their characters.  

Overall, I really loved reading Vortex and all of the new elements and twists and turn that added to the complexity of the story. I have no idea what is going to happen next in the third book of this story because that ending was definitely a wicked cliffhanger. Julie Cross put all of the characters in a real sticky situation that I really hope everything turns out all right for everyone in the end, but who knows, anything can happen with time travel.

Even though I thoroughly enjoyed the book there were still some flaws I can’t help but mentioning. I did get confused sometimes during the book because you really have to remember a lot of the details of the story to pay attention to the plot and some of the places Jackson time travels to. That is why I recommend rereading Tempest before you read Vortex. When the third book comes out I plan on rereading all three together to complete the story for me. Also this book is very fast-paced that for some readers they might not be able to keep up with it. I like my books somewhat fast paced and I was able to understand for the most part everything that happened. So really it is your discretion if you think you can handle this amazingly adventurous book.  

I recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of fast paced thrilling reads who can handle some science fiction thrown there way. If you read Tempest then you have got to get this book and read it immediately, your head will spin at the amount of things that are contained within its pages. Julie Cross is an amazing writer who has an amazing talent at spinning up an adventure filled book at every turn of the page. She puts another thank you paragraph to her fans and readers in her acknoledgements and I just love that she does that. So I want to take the time now to thank her for writing such an amazing book series so far. Definitley check this book series out, you don't know what your missing. =]

 

Overall, I give this book:

Spectacular, adventurous and magical is what sums up this awesome book. I am so happy that I got the chance to read this book before it comes out in April. Hippocampus really takes you on an adventure that you don't want to leave once the book ends. As you read you learn about Trey Atlas and what happens to him thoughout his journey. You get to learn all about the lost city of Atlantis and all the wonders it has to hold. The one negative about thi

 

"An adventure filled thrilling vortex of a read that will keep your head spinning, in a good way." =]
5 out of 5 Stars

 

Links to Check it Out:

 

 

Barnes and Noble

Amazon

 

Thanks for Visiting

 

and

 

Happy Reading. =]

 

-Michael



Cover Reveal Monday: The Uprising(The Forsaken #2) by Lisa M. Stasse

The Uprising by Lisa M. Stasse

Hardcover, 400 pages

Expected publication: August 6th 2013 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

 

 

Synopsis:

 

In this dystopian sequel to The Forsaken, Alenna has survived the brutality of life on the wheel—and now she’s going back for more.
Alenna escaped. It was expected that she would die on the wheel, the island where would-be criminals are sent as directed by the UNA—the totalitarian supercountry that was once the United States, Mexico, and Canada. But Alenna and her boyfriend, Liam, made it to safety. Except safety, they will soon learn, is relative.

In order to bring down the UNA, they must first gain control of the wheel. If the mission succeeds, the wheel will become a base of revolution. But between betrayals, a new Monk leading a more organized army of Drones, and the discovery of a previously unknown contingent, Alenna, Liam, and their allies might be in over their heads. One thing Alenna knows for sure: There will be a reckoning. And not everyone she loves will make it out alive.

 

My Thoughts:

 

Okay, I don't know if you guys knew that the cover came out for this book but it looks absolutely amazing, that I just had to blog about it. I found out about it on wednesday when I visited someones waiting on wedneday post. (Sorry I can't remember whose post I visited.) It looks absolutely spectacular and matches completely with the first book, which I still have not read yet. I am kicking myself for not reading it yet. It is very high on my tbr list and I plan on reading it really soon, especially with this book coming out in August. Can't wait to dive into this story. 

Let me know what you think about this cover in the comments. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

 

Thanks for visiting

 

and

 

Happy Reading. =]

 

-Michael 

Follow Friday(29)

 

Follow Friday is a weekly blog hop event hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read.

This week's Question is:

Q: If you could choose one supernatural being/creature to really exists what would it be and why?

 

Okay, first off there is no way that I could pick just one. I would want a ton of supernatural beings/creatures to exist. It would just make our world ten times cooler if they did.

 

First off, I would want witches/wizards to exist. I have always wanted to go to Hogwarts to learn magic and it would be amazing if it was real.

 

A creature that I would think would be really cool to exist would be the Pegasus. Who wouldn't want to ride on a flying horse, they could be the new mode of transportation.

 

Another thing I would want to be real would be the things from mythology. Like the Greek/Roman Gods and Goddesses and different legends and things like that. It would be cool to learn that things from history and legend actual exist.

 

P.S. CAPTCHA: If you have CAPTCHA word verification enabled on your blog, please take it off. It makes it much more difficult for readers to comment. Please look at Alison's CAPTCHA Eradication Post to learn how to get rid of it. Link me up to your Follow Friday's and I will be sure to follow you back. =]   Thanks for Visiting and Happy Friday =]   -Michael

Waiting on Wednesday: Of Beast and Beauty by Stacey Jay

 

For those of you who don't know "Waiting On" Wednesday is an event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. The purpose is to let others know which book you are anticipating and can't wait til it comes out to read it.

 

Of Beast and Beauty by Stacey Jay

Hardcover, 256 pages

Expected publication: July 23rd 2013 by Delacorte Books for Young Readers

 

Synopsis:

 

In the beginning was the darkness, and in the darkness was a girl, and in the girl was a secret...

In the domed city of Yuan, the blind Princess Isra, a Smooth Skin, is raised to be a human sacrifice whose death will ensure her city’s vitality. In the desert outside Yuan, Gem, a mutant beast, fights to save his people, the Monstrous, from starvation. Neither dreams that together, they could return balance to both their worlds.

Isra wants to help the city’s Banished people, second-class citizens despised for possessing Monstrous traits. But after she enlists the aid of her prisoner, Gem, who has been captured while trying to steal Yuan’s enchanted roses, she begins to care for him, and to question everything she has been brought up to believe.

As secrets are revealed and Isra’s sight, which vanished during her childhood, returned, Isra will have to choose between duty to her people and the beast she has come to love.

 

Why I am Waiting:

If you read the synopsis, then you know why I am waiting. A blind princess raised to be a human sacrifice. Gem, a mutant beast, fights to save his people. A book based on Beauty and the Beast mixed with fantasy and intrigue, sign me up. And the cover looks awesome with that rose and blood coming from her hand. I really can not wait for July to read this book. It sounds like an amazing read. =] 

 

 

Link me up in the comments to your WoW pick. =]

 

 

Thanks for visiting and Happy Reading.

 

 

-Michael 

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Reading Goals for 2013

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This feature was created because they are particularly fond of lists at The Broke and the Bookish. They love to share lists.

 

Top Ten Reading Goals for 2013

 

Okay I don't have that many goals for 2013 but I am gonna try to get 10. =]

 

1) Read 50 Books.

 

2) Read all books that have a movie coming out based on it before the movie comes out.

 

3) Try to go to at least one bookish event.

 

4) Try to read all the books on my shelf before buying more. ( I already broke this one, so I will need some encouragment) Changing this to--Get through my current TBR list before buying more books.

 

5) Try to read/finish book series that are more than a year old.

 

6) Read an Anthology.

 

7) Read at least one classic.

 

8) Get more organized with my books and blogging. (i.e. a schedule of posts and what I want to read) 

 

9) Create an official review policy for my blog. ( I really have been meaning to do this.) 

 

10) Try to find more memes and bloggish stuff to get involved in. (i.e. Blog Tours, Guest Posts, Interviews and other memes and challenges)

 

Wow those goals came more easily then I thought they would.

 

Let me know in the comments what your goals are and link me up to your TTT.

 

Also let me know of any advice you might have to give me for me to be able to reach my goals. =]

 

Hope you enjoyed my list.

Thanks for Visiting

 

and

 

Happy Reading

 

-Michael