Friday, September 30, 2011

Review #23: Fateful by Claudia Gray

Cover Image

  • Pub. Date: September 2011

  • Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

  • Format: Hardcover , 336pp

  •  
    Synopsis
    Eighteen-year-old maid Tess Davies is determined to escape the wealthy, troubled family she serves. It’s 1912, and Tess has been trapped in the employ of the Lisles for years, amid painful memories and twisted secrets. But now the Lisle family is headed to America, with Tess in tow. Once the ship they’re sailing on—the RMS Titanic—reaches its destination, Tess plans to strike out and create a new life for herself.
    Her single-minded focus shatters when she meets Alec, a handsome first-class passenger who captivates her instantly. But Alec has secrets of his own. He’s in a hurry to leave Europe, and whispers aboard the ship say it’s because of the tragic end of his last affair with the French actress who died so gruesomely and so mysteriously. . . .
    Soon Tess will learn just how dark Alec’s past truly is. The danger they face is no ordinary enemy: werewolves exist and are stalking him—and now her, too. Her growing love for Alec will put Tess in mortal peril, and fate will do the same before their journey on the Titanic is over.
    In Fateful, New York Times bestselling author Claudia Gray delivers paranormal adventure, dark suspense, and alluring romance set against the opulent backdrop of the Titanic’s first—and last—voyage.

    My Thoughts/Review
         This book was so fantastic. I am so glad that I bought it on its release day and read it right away. This book is set on and in one of my all time favorite historical moments, on the Titanic. It follows a maid named Tess who wants to escape and quit the family she works for once the Titanic docks in New York City. Now, we all know what happens on the Titanic but what makes this book even more awesome is the paranormal aspects that Claudia Gray adds to this book. I loved all of the characters she created and her writing style is so easy to read. Tess and Alec are such great characters that you can't help but love them and feel for them from the beginning.
         This book literally had me on the edge of my seat. It was so suspenseful I didn't know what would happen next. It felt like darkness was lurking around every corner and I didn't know what would pop out at me next. At times it actually made me forget what I already new was going to happen and had me hoping that the outcome would be happily ever after. Even though I kept thinking there is no way Tess and Alec could survive the sinking of the Titanic, I still held hope.
         The background stories and all the details were really written fantastically. This book made me really invested in Tess Davies life. I loved all of the little shocking moments in the book. When you discover all the details and backstories of the characters and how it all goes down in the end. The one complaint I did have about this book is that the actual sinking of the Titanic was a little rushed. You spend the whole book leading up to this moment, putting extra detail into the story of Tess Davies and then rush through the actual sinking. I really just wanted a little bit more incorporation of the ship going down into the story.
          I really loved the ending of the this book. It leaves off on where you aren't disappointed in the end and you should be at peace with what happens but leaves you wanting more. I really really hope that a sequel will be made of this book telling what happens after. I feel so invested in these characters that I really want a whole other book. Here's hoping. =]

    Overall I give this book...

    5 out of 5 Stars

    I definitely suggest this book to anyone who loves young adult literature and paranormal books. If you liked my review or even the synopsis, you should definitely pick up a copy. This book is so worth the read, especailly if you like anything that has to do with the Titanic or Werewolves. It was such an awesome read. =]

    Links to check it out/Buy:
    Barnes and Noble
    Goodreads
    Amazon



    Till next time,

    Thanks for visiting and Happy Reading


    Michael/Bookshelf Reviewer



    Sunday, September 25, 2011

    No In My Mailbox this Week.



    Hi guys,

    I got absolutely no books this week. I can't believe that I got zero this week. I didn't even order any online.
    I wish I bought some books, but I guess I didn't feel like buying any. lol.

    Anyway I would love to know what you got this week. And maybe buy what you got this week for next week. Let me know in the comments what you guys got in your mailbox this week.

    I guess this gives me a chance to read more from my tbr pile. Plus I have been really busy with my school work. =]

    Till next time,

    Thanks for visiting and Happy Reading. =]

    Michael/Bookshelf Reviewer

    Saturday, September 24, 2011

    Review #22: The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder

    The Day Before



  • Pub. Date: June 2011
  • Publisher: Simon Pulse
  • Format: Hardcover , 320pp



  • Synopsis
    Amber’s life is spinning out of control. All she wants is to turn up the volume on her iPod until all of the demands of family and friends fade away. So she sneaks off to the beach to spend a day by herself.
    Then Amber meets Cade. Their attraction is instant, and Amber can tell he’s also looking for an escape. Together they decide to share a perfect day: no pasts, no fears, no regrets.
    The more time that Amber spends with Cade, the more she’s drawn to him. And the more she’s troubled by his darkness. Because Cade’s not just living in the now—he’s living each moment like it’s his last.

    My Thoughts/Review
           I really liked this book. I am really beginning to love reading books in verse because they just turn out to be so good. Lisa Schroeder is such an amazing author. She writes such great stories and she does it by picking the right words to be able to tell them perfectly. This book is about two teenagers going through so rough times in there lives where the have big decisions to make that will affect there lives forever.
           Everyone at some point in there life has to make a tough decision. That is why I think this book can relate to everyone. You have to be able to live life and face what comes at you. You can't back down and run away. In this book you discover if Cade and Amber can face what life has thrown at them. I loved both the characters in the book. Its like these two were meant to find each other on their day befores. They really helped each all through out this one day and the love that they find in each other is really special.
          If you have never read a verse book before I definitely suggest you go check one out. They are all really powerful fast reads that are so amazing, at least the ones that I have read were. Lisa Schroeder is a brillant writer and I can't wait to get my hands on her other books. This book is really great for everyone of all ages. I really suggest  you go check it out and read it. =] If anyone can give me anymore great selections on verse books please leave them in the comments for me. Thank you. =]

    Overall I give this book...
    5 out of 5 Stars

    Links to Check it out:
    Goodreads
    Amazon
    Barnes and Noble
    Website

    Till next time,

    Happy Reading and Thanks for Visiting. =]

    Michael/Bookshelf Reviewer

    Wednesday, September 21, 2011

    Waiting on Wednesday(10): Insurgent by Veronica Roth




    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.

  • Pub. Date: May 1, 2012
  • Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
  • Format: Hardcover , 496pp

  • Cover ImageOne 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.


    Links to Check it out/Preorder:

    The cover of this book just was revealed and I am so excited for it to come out. The cover looks amazing and it totally follows the theme of the first book. Divergent was such an awesome book and ended on such a cliffhanger that I can not wait for more. If you haven't read Divergent yet now is the time to do so. It was such a fantastic read and Veronica Roth is such a great writer that I just know that her sequel will be awesome. =] Are you as excited as I am? Let me know what in the comments and leave a link to what you are waiting for this wednesday. =]

    Thanks for visiting and Happy Reading.


    Michael/Bookshelf Reviewer

    Tuesday, September 20, 2011

    Teaser Tuesday(8): Fateful by Claudia Gray



    Teaser Tuesdays 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 & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

  • Pub. Date: September 2011
  • Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
  • Format: Hardcover , 336pp
  •  
    Cover ImageEighteen-year-old maid Tess Davies is determined to escape the wealthy, troubled family she serves. It’s 1912, and Tess has been trapped in the employ of the Lisles for years, amid painful memories and twisted secrets. But now the Lisle family is headed to America, with Tess in tow. Once the ship they’re sailing on—the RMS Titanic—reaches its destination, Tess plans to strike out and create a new life for herself.
    Her single-minded focus shatters when she meets Alec, a handsome first-class passenger who captivates her instantly. But Alec has secrets of his own. He’s in a hurry to leave Europe, and whispers aboard the ship say it’s because of the tragic end of his last affair with the French actress who died so gruesomely and so mysteriously. . . .
    Soon Tess will learn just how dark Alec’s past truly is. The danger they face is no ordinary enemy: werewolves exist and are stalking him—and now her, too. Her growing love for Alec will put Tess in mortal peril, and fate will do the same before their journey on the Titanic is over.
    In Fateful, New York Times bestselling author Claudia Gray delivers paranormal adventure, dark suspense, and alluring romance set against the opulent backdrop of the Titanic’s first—and last—voyage.
    -Taken from Barnes and Noble


    My Teaser:

    "In heavy cursive, it reads:
    Your to help me, Tess. Not stand in my way. To prove it to you, within two days, I'll hurt someone you love. Not you. I'll hurt you when you disappoint me-or when it pleases me.
    He didn't sign it. He didn't have to."


    This book is really good so far. I really want to find out what happens with the story. Especially with it being set on the Titanic and we all know what happened on the Titanic. This story is so interesting I love all the background stuff with the Titanic and all the paranormal stuff added into it. If you liked the teaser I definitely suggest buying this book because so far it is everything I wanted it to be. =]

    Thanks for visiting and Happy Reading.


    Michael/Bookshelf Reviewer

    Monday, September 19, 2011

    Top 100 YA List

    Hi guys,

    I have seen this list going around the blogosphere. So I decided to post this list on my blog as well. This list has so many awesome books that I have read and really want to read. Hope you check it out and maybe post it to your blog too. =]

    Key
    Blue-Books Read
    Red-Books I Have and Need to Read

    1.Alex Finn – Beastly
    2.Alice Sebold – The Lovely Bones
    3.Ally Carter – Gallagher Girls (1, 2, 3, 4)

    4.Ally Condie – Matched
    5.Alyson Noel – The Immortals (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
    6.Anastasia Hopcus – Shadow Hills
    7.Angie Sage – Septimus Heap (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
    8.Ann Brashares – The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (1, 2, 3, 4)

    9.Anna Godbersen – Luxe (1, 2, 3, 4)
    10.Anthony Horowitz – Alex Rider (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
    11.Aprilynne Pike – Wings (1, 2, 3)

    12.Becca Fitzpatrick – Hush, Hush (1, 2)
    13.Brandon Mull – Fablehaven (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
    14.Brian Selznick – The Invention of Hugo Cabret

    15.Cassandra Clare – The Mortal Instruments (1, 2, 3, 4)
    16.Carrie Jones – Need (1, 2, 3)

    17.Carrie Ryan – The Forest of Hands and Teeth (1, 2, 3, 4)
    18.Christopher Paolini – Inheritance (1, 2, 3, 4)
    19.Cinda Williams Chima – The Heir Chronicles (1, 2, 3)
    20.Colleen Houck – Tigers Saga (1, 2)

    21.Cornelia Funke – Inkheart (1, 2, 3)
    22.Ellen Hopkins – Impulse

    23.Eoin Colfer – Artemis Fowl (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
    24.Faraaz Kazi – Truly, Madly, Deeply

    25.Frank Beddor – The Looking Glass Wars (1, 2, 3)
    26.Gabrielle Zevin – Elsewhere
    27.Gail Carson Levine – Fairest
    28.Holly Black – Tithe (1, 2, 3)

    29.J.K. Rowling – Harry Potter (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
    30.James Dashner – The Maze Runner (1, 2)
    31.James Patterson – Maximum Ride (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
    32.Jay Asher – Thirteen Reasons Why
    33.Jeanne DuPrau – Books of Ember (1, 2, 3, 4)

    34.Jeff Kinney – Diary of a Wimpy Kid (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
    35.John Boyne – The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
    36.John Green – An Abundance of Katherines
    37.John Green – Looking for Alaska
    38.John Green – Paper Towns
    39.Jonathan Stroud – Bartimaeus (1, 2, 3, 4)
    40.Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl – Caster Chronicles (1, 2)
    41.Kelley Armstrong – Darkest Powers (1, 2, 3)

    42.Kristin Cashore – The Seven Kingdoms (1, 2)
    43.Lauren Kate – Fallen (1, 2, 3)
    44.Lemony Snicket – Series of Unfortunate Events (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
    45.Libba Bray – Gemma Doyle (1, 2, 3)
    46.Lisa McMann – Dream Catcher (1, 2, 3)

    47.Louise Rennison – Confessions of Georgia Nicolson (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
    48.M.T. Anderson – Feed

    49.Maggie Stiefvater – The Wolves of Mercy Falls (1, 2, 3)
    50.Margaret Peterson Haddix – Shadow Children (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)

    51.Maria V. Snyder – Study (1, 2, 3)
    52.Markus Zusak – The Book Thief
    53.Markus Zusak – I am the Messenger

    54.Mark Haddon – The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
    55.Mary Ting – Crossroads
    56.Maureen Johnson – Little Blue Envelope (1, 2)
    57.Meg Cabot – All-American Girl (1, 2)
    58.Meg Cabot – The Mediator (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

    59.Meg Cabot – The Princess Diaries (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
    60.Meg Rosoff – How I live now
    61.Megan McCafferty – Jessica Darling (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
    62.Megan Whalen Turner – The Queen’s Thief (1, 2, 3, 4)
    63.Melina Marchetta – On the Jellicoe Road

    64.Melissa de la Cruz – Blue Bloods (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
    65.Melissa Marr – Wicked Lovely (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
    66.Michael Grant – Gone (1, 2, 3, 4)
    67.Nancy Farmer – The House of the Scorpion

    68.Neal Shusterman – Unwind
    69.Neil Gaiman – Coraline
    70.Neil Gaiman – Stardust

    71.Neil Gaiman – The Graveyard Book
    72.P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast – House of Night (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)

    73.Philip Pullman – His Dark Materials (1, 2, 3)
    74.Rachel Caine – The Morganville Vampires (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
    75.Rachel Cohn & David Levithan – Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist

    76.Richelle Mead – Vampire Academy (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
    77.Rick Riordan – Percy Jackson and the Olympians (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
    78.Rom LcO’Feer – Somewhere carnal over 40 winks
    79.S.L. Naeole – Grace (1, 2, 3, 4)
    80.Sabrina Bryan & Julia DeVillers – Princess of Gossip
    81.Sarah Dessen – Along for the Ride
    82.Sarah Dessen – Lock and Key
    83.Sarah Dessen – The Truth about Forever
    84.Sara Shepard – Pretty Little Liars (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)

    85.Scott Westerfeld – Leviathan (1, 2)
    86.Scott Westerfeld – Uglies (1, 2, 3,4)
    87.Shannon Hale – Books of a Thousand Days
    88.Shannon Hale – Princess Academy
    89.Shannon Hale – The Books of Bayern (1, 2, 3, 4)
    90.Sherman Alexie & Ellen Forney – The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
    91.Simone Elkeles – Perfect Chemistry (1, 2, 3)
    92.Stephanie Meyer – The Host

    93.Stephanie Meyer – Twilight Saga (1, 2, 3, 4)
    94.Sue Monk Kidd – The Secret Life of Bees

    95.Susan Beth Pfeffer – Last Survivors (1, 2, 3)
    96.Suzanne Collins – Hunger Games (1, 2, 3)
    97.Suzanne Collins – Underland Chronicles (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
    98.Terry Pratchett – Tiffany Aching (1, 2, 3, 4)

    99.Tonya Hurley – Ghost Girl (1, 2, 3)
    100.Wendelin Van Draanen – Flipped

    I definitely am behind on some of the YA books that I want to read. I can't wait till I finish all the books on this list that I want to read. Leave me a comment letting me know which series on this list I just have to read. =] 


    Thanks for Visiting and Happy Reading


    Michael/Bookshelf Reviewer

    Sunday, September 18, 2011

    In My Mailbox(9): Awesomeness Edition!!!


    Hi everyone,

    It is in my mailbox time once again this week. I didn't get much book but I was very excited for the ones I got and plus I got a few surprises this week. =]

    In My Mailbox is a weekly feature/meme/video hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It is where you tell everyone what you got this week book wise in your mailbox or whatever. =]
    Here is my IMM this week:
    Books Mentioned: 
     by Claudia Gray
     by Julie Kagawa
     by Lois Lowry
     by F. Scott Fitzgerald
     by Jackson Pearce
     by Cassandra Clare (Not City of Angels lol)

    Blogs I mentioned:
    Candace's Book Blog
    Blogorama Bonanza Giveaway

    Thanks so much for everyone that is following me. I am so greatful and happy that I reached 100 Followers. Don't forget to enter Candace's Blogorama Bonanza Giveaway that I am donating a book to. 
    Leave me a comment telling me What you got in your Mailbox.

    Till next time,

    Happy Reading


         Michael/Bookshelf Reviewer