Follow Friday # 29

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

This weeks question is: 

If you could "unread" a book, which one would it be? Is it because you want to start over and experience it again for the first time? Or because it was THAT bad?

Answer:


I would want to unread Lover Awakened, book three in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. I would love the opportunity to experience that book all over again. Z's story is so heartbreaking and it filled me with so many emotions. I think about re-reading his story everyday. 

I would also love to experience Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater again. This is another book that I absolutely loved and would be happy to meet Sam and Grace all over again. 

Review: What I Didn't Say by Keary Taylor

What I Didn't Say
By: Keary Taylor
Pub. Date: April 30, 2012
Publisher: Self Published
Pages: 326
Source: Netgalley

Getting drunk homecoming night your senior year is never a good idea, but Jake Hayes never expected it all to end with a car crash and a t-post embedded in his throat.

His biggest regret about it all? What he never said to Samantha Shay. He's been in love with her for years and never had the guts to tell her. Now it's too late. Because after that night, Jake will never be able to talk again.

When Jake returns to his small island home, population 5,000, he'll have to learn how to deal with being mute. He also finds that his family isn't limited to his six brothers and sisters, that sometimes an entire island is watching out for you. And when he gets the chance to spend more time with Samantha, she'll help him learn that not being able to talk isn’t the worst thing that could ever happen to you. Maybe, if she'll let him, Jake will finally tell her what he didn't say before, even if he can't actually say it.

While searching Netgalley I came across What I Didn't Say, read the synopsis and was instantly intrigued. I was very excited when I was approved and I read it right away. The story follows Jake Hayes. Popular, friendly and athletic, he has everything going for him, except the girl. For the past four years he hasn't been able to tell the girl he has a crush on that he likes her. After homecoming, Jake and his friends get drunk and get into a bad car accident. The accident destroys his voice box and Jake will never be able to talk again.  His life changes completely but the only thing he can think of is that he never told Samantha Shay that he loves her.

My favorite thing about this book was the relationship between Jake and Sam. Since the accident, Sam played a much bigger part in Jake's life. I enjoyed watching their friendship grow into something more. I thought Jake was suffering, but Sam's story is heartbreaking, and she was able to hold herself together in a way I wouldn't think was possible. I loved how sweet they were together and how they helped the each other in their healing process. Jake helps her with the many secrets she is hiding and Sam helps him get out of his lonely depression and accept what has happened to him.

I enjoyed Jake's family. There were so many siblings and I loved how supportive they were of Jake. I also really liked the character of Kali, the homeless kid who helps Jake learn sign language. We don't know too much about him, and I would have loved to learn more!

Overall I really enjoyed What I Didn't Say. It was a sweet story that packed in a lot of emotion. I can't wait to see what Keary Taylor has in store for us next!

Review: Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Insurgent

(Divergent # 2)

By: Veronica Roth

Pub. Date: May 1, 2012

Publisher: Harper Teen

Pages: 524

Source: Own

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.

I don't even know what to say except that Insurgent was amazing! It was everything that I loved about Divergent and more. There were surprise plot twists, character growth, and fast-paced writing and action.

Insurgent picks up right where Divergent left off. Tris is trying to come to terms with the events that happened and the parts she played in the fighting. I was really frustrated with Tris in this one. She kept putting herself in some really stupid situations, and even though I understood her reasoning behind them, it didn't make me any less frustrated. Tris and Four definitely had some problems in this one. Between Tris putting herself in danger and Four being very secretive, I really didn't think they were going to make it. But they have such a beautiful connection and they really do love each other. I loved their stolen, secret minutes that they shared together.

I thought I loved Four in Divergent, but in Insurgent, that love was brought to a whole new level. We learn a lot more about Four's past and his family, and it was hard to not feel for him. He kept his pain inside, and I kept wishing he would talk to Tris about it.

What I loved about Insurgent is that despite it being a dystopian, it felt so realistic to me. The characters were so real and they had to deal with the consequences of their actions.

We also learn a lot more about the different factions and even the factionless, which was very, very interesting to me. The mystery was that Abnegation and Euradite had a secret that they were willing to kill (and be killed) to keep secret. And whoa, is that secret a good one! I couldn't believe it. I am so looking forward to the third book. I can not wait to see where Ms. Roth takes us next! 

Blog Tour & Trailer Reveal: Anastasia Forever by Joy Preble

I am so excited to be a part of the exclusive ANASTASIA FOREVER BLOG TOUR!  Only a lucky few have the chance to debut this trailer, and I’m beyond thrilled to see where Anne’s dreams lead her in the third and final installment of the DREAMING ANASTASIA Series.  Will she unlock the secrets of the past before they destroy her future?

Here’s the scoop on the DREAMING ANASTASIA Series!

There is so much to love about this series as Joy brilliantly blends Russian history, romance, magic and mythology into an enticing adventure.

In DREAMING ANASTASIA, Anne Michaelson begins to have unusual dreams and discovers that she is the only one who can save the daughter of the last tsar of Russia, Anastasia Romanov.  Believed to be dead by the world, Anastasia has been kept captive all these years by the Russian witch Baba Yaga, and only Ethan, a handsome and mysterious 18-year-old, can help Anne free Anastasia. 

Anne once again leaves behind her ordinary life in HAUNTED to join forces with the mysterious and gorgeous Ethan as the journey with the Romanov continues.  This time she is haunted by classic figures from Russian mythology, a rusalka, a Russian folklore mermaid with a malevolent streak –  and a particular interest in Anne,  who tells her that Anastasia is still alive.  As she and Ethan team up, Anne’s search for the rusalka’s identity reveals deep and startling secrets - including the true source of Anne’s powers.

Now in ANASTASIA FOREVER, having survived Baba Yaga and the Rusalka, Anne finds herself bound by the witch to undertake a journey into past, present, and future that will determine her destiny - and that of everyone she loves.

Catch a preview of the danger, romance, and magic await Anne in this exciting glimpse ahead of ANASTASIA FOREVER by taking a look at a special sneak peak with the first three chapters here! 

ANASTASIA FOREVER comes out this August, be sure to look out for all things Anastasia at Joy’s website joysnovelidea.blogspot.com. 

Double Review: Storm and Elemental by Brigid Kemmerer

Storm

(Elemental #1)

By: Brigid Kemmerer

Pub. Date: April 24, 2012

Publisher: K Teen (Kensington)

Pages: 353

Source: ebook

Earth, Fire, Air, Water – they have more power than you dream.

Ever since her ex-boyfriend spread those lies about her, Becca Chandler is suddenly getting all the guys—all the ones she doesn't want. Then she saves Chris Merrick from a beating in the school parking lot. Chris is different. Way different: he can control water—just like his brothers can control fire, wind, and earth. They’re powerful. Dangerous. Marked for death.

And now that she knows the truth, so is Becca.

Secrets are hard to keep when your life’s at stake. When Hunter, the mysterious new kid around school, turns up with a talent for being in the wrong place at the right time, Becca thinks she can trust him. But then Hunter goes head-to-head with Chris, and Becca wonders who’s hiding the most dangerous truth of all.

 When I first heard about Storm, I knew I had to get myself a copy the second it released, and I was not disappointed at all! Storm had secrets, romance, humor, and most of all five amazing hotties (four in which are brothers) that you could not help but fall in love with!

Chris Merrick is 16 and can control the element of Water. One night he is getting beat up, when Becca chases the attackers off with her car. From that point on, Becca is caught in the crazy life of Chris and his brothers. I really liked Chris. He felt lonely within his family, and kind of kept to himself at school. It was hard not to feel for him. I loved Becca! She was definitely able to hold her own again Chris' brothers, especially Michael who was always a jerk to her.

I loved all of the supporting characters as well. Chris' brothers are Michael, who can control the Earth, and twins Gabriel and Nick, who can control Fire and Air. There is no denying that the Merrick brothers are damaged, but the lengths they were willing to take to protect each other was admirable. I am so looking forward to the next books in the series to see more of these guys! Then there is the new boy at school, Hunter. He was a very interesting guy and it was very hard to figure him out. I am looking forward to more Hunter as well.

The characters weren't the only good thing about Storm. I thought the storyline was very original and the writing kept my attention the entire time. It took me a little bit to get into, but once I was there I couldn't put the book down.

Overall, I thought Storm was an amazing start to what I feel is going to be an awesome series!

Elemental

(Elemental #0.5)

By: Brigid Kemmerer

Pub. Date: March 27, 2012

Publisher: K Teen (Kensington)

Pages: 50

Source: ebook

Earth, Fire, Air, Water – they are more than you dream.

As an air Elemental, 17-year-old Emily Morgan doesn’t have much power. That’s okay—she knows what happens to kids who do.

Like Michael Merrick. He’s an earth Elemental, one with enough power to level cities. Which makes him sexy. Dangerous. And completely off limits. At least according to Emily’s family.

But her summer job puts her in close contact with Michael, and neither of them can help the attraction they feel. When forces of nature like theirs collide, one misstep could get someone killed. Because Emily’s family doesn’t just want her to stay away from him.

They want him dead.

 Elemental is set five years before the events of Storm and this short novella is set around Michael, the oldest brother. Michael can control the element Earth, but he wants nothing to do with this power. All he wants to do is be a normal 17 year old boy, but he does what he has to do so hopefully his younger brothers never know what it is like to have these kinds of powers.

I read Elemental before Storm and it ended up leaving me confused, but in love with Michael. I wished that I would have read it after Storm. I think it would have made more sense to me if I have. In Storm, Michael is a no-nonsense 23 year old guardian to his three brothers, but here his parents are still alive. It was interesting to see how much he had changed in the past five years.  

Overall, Elemental is worth picking up. I think whether you read it before or after Storm, it will leave you wanting more Michael and more of the Merrick brothers!

Double Review: The Prequel Edition: The Ash-Born Boy by Victoria Schwab and Among The Nameless Stars by Diana Peterfreund

The Ash-Born Boy
(The Near Witch #0.5)
By: Victoria Schwab
Pub. Date: May 15, 2012
Publisher: Hyperion
Pages: 61
Source: Free on Publisher Website

Before he came to Near...
Before he met Lexi...
Before they faced the witch...
Who was the boy named Cole?

Follow us to Dale, a city on a hill, where in a matter of days fire will devour everything. Meet the Lord and Lady, and their son, the boy destined to inherit all...until everything turns to ash.

It's time to learn the truth behind the stranger's story.

From the moment that Cole appeared on the pages of The Near Witch I was intrigued by him. What we did learn about him wasn't enough, and I could only hope that one day the author would write something in his POV.  In The Ash-Born Boy my wish came true. Set before the events of TNW, we learn who Cole really was and what really happened that horrible night his entire village burned down. We also learn the extent of Cole's powers, how he came to learn about his powers, and what those powers meant for him and his family.

What stood out for me most with TNW was how beautifully written the story was and The Ash-Born Boy is written just as whimsical and lyrical. In only a few short pages, I learned everything I needed to know about who Cole really was. His story is a definitely a sad one and I could see why he was the way he was.

The Ash-Born Boy can be read before or after TNW and if you haven't read TNW, this short story will definitely make you want to pick it up!

Read The Ash-Born Boy here!

Among The Nameless Stars
(For Darkness Shows the Stars # 0.5)
By: Diana Peterfreund
Pub. Date: June 4, 2012
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Pages: 60
Source: Free on Authors Website

Before Kai joined the Cloud Fleet, he wandered… AMONG THE NAMELESS STARS

Four years before the events of FOR DARKNESS SHOWS THE STARS, the servant Kai left the North Estate, the only home he’d ever known, and Elliot North, the only girl he ever loved, in search of a better life. But the journey was not an easy one.

Featuring narrow escapes, thrilling boat races and at least one deadly volcanic wasteland.

For Darkness Shows the Stars is one of my favorite reads of 2012, and Kai is one of my favorite characters in YA literature. He intrigued me so much, but I couldn't help but feel that I wish I knew him better. When I saw that Diana Peterfreud released a prequel story in Kai's POV about his time after leaving the North Estate, but before he joined the Cloud Fleet, I was beyond excited and Peterfreund officially became my favorite person ever!

Starting one week after Kai left the North Estate, we see the pain and  loneliness he suffered while trying to better his situation. It seems that whenever he was able to move forward, someone pushed him five steps back. But Kai refused to give up and I really admired that about him. He is such an interesting guy and I really loved being able to get to know him better. Among the Nameless Stars definitely filled the void I had about Kai when reading For Darkness Shows the Stars. It made me love and understand Kai so much more.

This free prequel can be read either before or after For Darkness Shows the Stars. It is a beautifully written introduction to a wonderful and interesting book. I highly recommend it!

Read Among the Nameless Stars here!

In My Mailbox (49)

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren.

I Only Have Eyes For You- Bella Andre (via netgalley)

Dearly, Beloved - Lia Habel (via netgalley)

Every Day - David Levithan (via netgalley)

Florence - Ciye Cho (via author)

Kiera's Quest: Awakenings - Kristy Brown (via author)

Tomorrow Land - Mari Mancusi

Awry - Chelsea Fine

On June 13, 2012 I attended the Fierce Reads Book Signing at Blue Willow Bookshop here in Houston, TX. It was an awesome tour. The authors were great and I got to hang out with some of my blogger friends! Overall, a great night. 

I hope everyone had a terrific book week as well. Leave me your link in the comments section so I can check it out!