Review: Thumped by Megan McCafferty

Thumped by Megan McCafferty.
Sequel to Bumped.
Hardcover, 290 pages.
Published in April 2012.
Published by Balzer & Bray.
Source: Borrowed from the library.

Goodreads Summary:
It's been thirty-five weeks since twin sisters Harmony and Melody went their separate ways. Since then, their story has become irresistible to legions of girls: twins separated at birth and living different lives, each due to deliver sets of twins . . . on the same day In a future where only teens can "bump," or give birth, babies mean money, status, and freedom.

Married to Ram and living in religious Goodside, Harmony spends her time trying to fit back into the community she once loved and believed in. But she can't seem to forget about Jondoe, the guy she fell in love with under the strangest of circumstances.

To her adoring fans, Melody has achieved everything she always wanted: a big, fat contract and a coupling with Jondoe, the hottest bump prospect around. But this image is costing her the one guy she really wants.

Cursed by their own popularity, the girls are obsessively tracked by their millions of fans, who have been eagerly counting down the days to their "Double Double Due Date." Without a doubt, they are two of the most powerful teen girls on the planet, and there's only one thing they could do that would make them more famous than they already are:

Tell the truth.

My Review:
Oh, Thumped. What can I say about Thumped?
I read the first book, Bumped, and honestly, I did not enjoy it. So don't ask me what compelled me to pick up Thumped and read it, but I did.
And I didn't enjoy this one either. Surprise, surprise.
So I'm just going to keep this review short.

This book was very frustrating for me. In more than one aspect.
First, the relationships between characters. Zen, who supposedly loves Melody, doesn't act at all like he cares about her for a while. Yes, this is for the benefit of the public, who is not allowed to know about their feelings for each other, but really? What teenage boy has that much restraint? Certainly not one I've ever met. Also, if he loves her so much, why is Ventura even an issue? She shouldn't be able to steal Zen away in any aspect if he truly does love Melody. I'm also not a fan of Melody's almost permanent jealous state. That was extremely frustrating to read! Another relationship that bothered me was that between Melody and Jondoe. Partially because it is barely developed, despite them living together. The only thing we see is Jondoe being miserable about Harmony being gone and Melody trying (not very hard) to give him hope that Harmony will come back.
Speaking of Harmony, I like that she was rebelling against her oppressive community, but it seemed so dramatic. I understand that it's important and shows her personal growth, but it felt overdone. I did like that Melody and Johndoe did show some actual growth as characters, even if it was just how I expected.
Also, can I just mention the lingo? Wow. I get that it's part of world-building, but that was just painful. Everyone in the book seemed so... dumb. That was really frustrating. And the fact that Lib spoke almost entirely in capitals. I got extremely annoyed with the character simply because of that.

There were a few things I did enjoy, though. I really like that Melody has such an attitude with Ventura, that was fun to read. It was also impressive how everyone (except Harmony, anyway) was so completely brainwashed by their society. That consistency was good. Finally, at least there were some surprises. Some things happened that I completely did not expect, which I was very glad for!

I think one of my biggest problems with the book was that I couldn't seem to get into the characters' heads and understand them, which meant I couldn't sympathize or feel anything for them except annoyance. It's not that this was a bad book, it just wasn't for me. Therefore:
2 Stars.

Cover Reveal: Tarnish by Katherine Longshore

How gorgeous is this!? I love the colours: the green background; the white, red, and gold jewels; the grey fabric. Beautiful! I've read the first novel, Gilt, and am very excited for this one to come out! It's expected in June 2013!

There's a summary available too (from Goodreads):
Anne Boleyn is the odd girl out. Newly arrived to the court of King Henry VIII, everything about her seems wrong, from her clothes to her manners to her witty but sharp tongue. So when the dashing poet Thomas Wyatt offers to coach her on how to shine at court—and to convince the whole court they’re lovers—she accepts. Before long, Anne’s popularity has soared, and even the charismatic and irresistible king takes notice. More than popularity, Anne wants a voice—but she also wants love. What began as a game becomes high stakes as Anne finds herself forced to make an impossible choice between her heart’s desire and the chance to make history.

Waiting on Wednesday #3: Summerset Abbey

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature created by Jill at Breaking the Spine. This is where you showcase an upcoming release you're anxiously awaiting!
This week, it is:

Summerset Abbey by T.J. Brown.
Expected Publication: January 15, 2013.
Publisher: Gallery Books.
Genre: YA Historical Fiction.


Goodreads Summary:

1913: In a sprawling manor on the outskirts of London, three young women seek to fulfill their destinies and desires amidst the unspoken rules of society and the distant rumblings of war. . . . Rowena Buxton 

Sir Philip Buxton raised three girls into beautiful and capable young women in a bohemian household that defied Edwardian tradition. Eldest sister Rowena was taught to value people, not wealth or status. But everything she believes will be tested when Sir Philip dies, and the girls must live under their uncle’s guardianship at the vast family estate, Summerset Abbey. Standing up for a beloved family member sequestered to the “underclass” in this privileged new world, and drawn into the Cunning Coterie, an exclusive social circle of aristocratic “rebels,” Rowena must decide where her true passions—and loyalties—lie.

Victoria Buxton 

Frail in body but filled with an audacious spirit, Victoria secretly dreams of attending university to become a botanist like her father. But this most unladylike wish is not her only secret—Victoria has stumbled upon a family scandal that, if revealed, has the potential to change lives forever. . . .

Prudence Tate 

Prudence was lovingly brought up alongside Victoria and Rowena, and their bond is as strong as blood. But by birth she is a governess’s daughter, and to the lord of Summerset Abbey, that makes her a commoner who must take her true place in society—as lady’s maid to her beloved “sisters.” But Pru doesn’t belong in the downstairs world of the household staff any more than she belongs upstairs with the Buxton girls. And when a young lord catches her eye, she begins to wonder if she’ll ever truly carve out a place for herself at Summerset Abbey.


Why I'm excited: Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres, and this is reminiscent of books like the Luxe series by Anna Godbersen, which I really enjoyed!

Review and Giveaway: Black Moon by Jessica McQuay

Black Moon by Jessica McQuay.
Paige Tailor Series #1.
ebook, 279 pages.
Paperback published in October.
Published by Cambridge Press.

I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.

Goodreads Summary:
"Am I losing my mind?"

Paige couldn't help but question her sanity. What other explanation could there be for her hearing a conversation held barely above a whisper in the back of a classroom full of students? What about coming home to find one of those very classmates lying in wait in the darkness of her home, ready to attack her? 

Confused, frustrated and feeling every ounce of her social ostracism, Paige confides in the one person she's always been able to count on: her mom. But when her mom reveals a deeply rooted, unbelievable family secret, Paige discovers her world is filled with more than she ever imagined possible. A world where fairytales live alongside nightmares and secrets are the glue that binds them together. Suddenly no one is who they seem and Paige is faced with more questions than answers. Can she survive in a world filled with creatures scarier than anything she could imagine and where deceit runs as thick as blood? Or will the truth send her over the edge?


Right from the beginning of the book, we've got mystery. Paige Tailor would just be your average teenager, except for the white lights that glow from her hands and her ability to hear a whispered conversation from across a classroom. The story only picks up from there, with Paige being attacked in and around her own home by a seemingly crazed classmate, Rachel (who has her own little story woven into this one in select chapters, which is interesting!). When she finally tells her mother what happens, Paige gets the shock of a lifetime: her mother is full-blood Fae, making Paige a half-blood. They travel to Varulean, the home of the Fae and her grandparents' kingdom, where Paige learns she is the granddaughter of the ruling King and Queen and will be taught how to use her wild powers. As she discovers, being a royal can get complicated, as can being a teenage girl. Put them together, and Paige ends up with a lot on her plate!

There is a lot to enjoy about this book. The plot is fairly fast-paced and has tons of unexpected twists and turns. As a reader, I felt as shocked as Paige did at some of the incredible things she learns. This is definitely not a predictable story, which is refreshing! Just when you think things will begin to clear up and make sense, the author throws another twist at you!

Paige is quite the character. We get a real sense of who she is right from the very beginning and she continuously develops as the story progresses. Early on, it appears she is fairly level-headed, even when worried or confused. However, once she gets to Varulean, she has a hot head and a quick temper, which likely comes out due to the abrupt change in world she experiences. Certainly going through everything she does would be too much for many to handle! Paige is not afraid to express herself and is very outspoken, which I admire, despite it sometimes coming off as rude. She also remains very much a typical teenager through the story; losing her cool when things go wrong, and not wanting to be her mother's "tag along". Not to mention the interesting, shifting dynamic between her and Naialah, whom she meets in Verulean, which never fails to be interesting and rile up emotions on both parts!

There is definitely an awkward family dynamic among Paige and her newly-discovered grandparents with her mother caught in the middle. This adds a sense of truth to the story because they do not immediately form one big, happy family when their ways and customs are so completely different.

I absolutely love the world-building. Varulean is presented as an absolutely enchanting place, with moss-like soil, an abundance of flourishing nature, and vibrantly coloured plants like you wouldn't see on Earth. I really appreciate that some history and description of Varulean is woven into the story, as it helps bring it to life. The magic in the novel is also incredible. The author describes things I've never imagined before, and it all sounds incredible fluid and unique.

There were a few things that didn't impress me as much. Firstly, that there were some errors in the writing as well as some awkward phrasings that should have been caught by an editor (which is who I am blaming for those!), though I was able to enjoy the story despite them. There were also moments where I wished there was better indication of who was speaking the dialogue. I am glad to say that this did improve over the course of the novel. I was also very interested in the side story that was going on with Rachel and was disappointed to find it disappear when Paige went to Varulean (though that's not the last time we see Rachel, thankfully).

There were definitely lots of enjoyable things about this novel! Those who enjoy magic would likely find something to love about this one. Especially the very climactic ending! It wasn't too much of a cliffhanger, thankfully, though there is definitely material for the next book in the series! It got me wondering what would happen next without feeling like the individual novel is completely unfinished, which is how I feel books in a series should end!

Overall I give Black Moon: 
3.5 stars!

I wrote down one of my favourite quotations from the novel which I found really helped highlight that despite all she experiences, Paige is still just a teenage girl, and things can get overwhelming:
"I grabbed my pillow, covered my face and screamed as loudly as I could. I screamed for the old me and my old life and all that I knew slipping away. I screamed for this new person with all of these new ideas and for how little control I felt I had over my own life... I screamed because I couldn't think of anything else to do." - Paige. (p71 of PDF copy).

Jessica McQuay has kindly agreed to provide one signed paperback copy to a lucky reader! Open Internationally! Enter using the Rafflecopter below. The winner will be emailed and announced on Twitter and will have 48 hours to respond to my email or I will pick another winner.

Please note that I am not responsible for shipping the prize, the author will be doing so. She is not responsible for any packages that get lost or damaged in the mail.

Good luck! :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The (Amazing) Sparkles and Lightning Blogoversary

I don't know if any of you have heard, but Annabelle  over at Sparkles and Lightning is hosting some amazing giveaways! In fact, she's hosting a whole week's worth!

Day 1: The first day of the giveaway has one winner receiving $65(!) worth of books of their choice! Pretty incredible. You can find that one here:
http://sparkles-and-lightning.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/blogoversary-day-1.html

I'll be trying to keep this post updated about each day of her amazingly generous Blogoversary Celebration! Make sure you head over and congratulate (and thank) her!

Day 2: Today Annabelle highlights some of her favourite books of the year and is giving away a copy of each of the ten! 5 winners, two books each. Some of her favourites that are up for grabs include:
         
Check it out here: http://sparkles-and-lightning.blogspot.ca/2012/11/blogoversary-day-2.html

Day 3: Today Annabelle shared with her followers more of her favourite books of the year and is once again giving away a copy of each of the ten! Same idea as yesterday: 5 winners, two books each. Some of her favourites that are for giveaway today include:
         
Take a look: http://sparkles-and-lightning.blogspot.ca/2012/11/blogoversary-day-3.html

Day 4: The blogoversary post of the day today was all about showing blog love for other bloggers Annabelle interacts with. Go check out her list of some amazing bloggers!
For the giveaway today, she's offering up 15 different e-books for 15 winners!
The titles include: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas, Venom by Fiona Paul, The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa, Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins, Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout, and more.
Go enter: http://sparkles-and-lightning.blogspot.ca/2012/11/blogoversary-day-4.html

Day 5: "On the fifth day of Blogoversary, Annabelle give to usssss..." a list of some of her favourite authors! She's also offering up books by her top 4 authors (Jenna Russo, Sarah J. Maas, Josephine Angelini, and Aimee Agresti) to 4 winners!
Go see for yourself: http://sparkles-and-lightning.blogspot.ca/2012/11/blogoversary-day-5.html

Day 6: Today Annabelle shared some of her favourite publishers and some of the great experiences she's had with them. Her picks of Harlequin, Tor, and Penguin are all great ones, for sure! Today's giveaway includes 3 winners. Each wins a choice of one books plus one surprise ARC from one of the three publishers she mentioned!
You can find that here: http://sparkles-and-lightning.blogspot.ca/2012/11/blogoversary-day-6.html

Day 7: Annabelle takes today to go over some of the incredible numbers her blog has achieved in just a year. Almost 1200 blog followers and over 83000 page views! Very impressive! To celebrate the numbers, she's giving away giftcards to Barnes and Noble to her US/CAN followers in a surprise number! $5 to $25!
Go enter: http://sparkles-and-lightning.blogspot.ca/2012/11/blogoversary-day-7.html

Day 8: For the final day of her blogoversary, Annabelle wanted to "go out with a bang". She's asking for any feedback anybody has about her blog and is giving away some awesome surprises! If you enter the 8th day's giveaway, you could win one of the following: an ereader(!), $100 worth of SURPRISE books from The Book Depository, $100 worth of SURPRISE ebook for any ereader, or a mini prize where you might get swag, books or ebooks! She's crazy generous! Want in?
http://sparkles-and-lightning.blogspot.ca/2012/11/blogoversary-day-8.html

THANK YOU, ANNABELLE! :)

Stacking the Shelves #3 - Nov 4

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly post by TYNGA'S REVIEWS showcasing your new books!
Links go to Goodreads.

This week I had to restrain myself, so I didn't pick up any new books from the book store. 
I did, however, find some ebooks from Amazon that I was interested in:

The six Kindle books I picked up are:
Brightest Kind of Darkness by P.T Michelle and Patrice Michelle.
Rua by Miranda Kavi.
The Scourge by A.G. Henley.
Mark of the Princess by B.C. Morin.
How Huge the Night by Heather Munn and Lydia Munn.
The Homecoming Masquerade by Spencer Baum.

Check these out on Amazon, most of them were free when I got them! It's always worth a look at the free Kindle books on Amazon; you never know what you'll find!

Review: Fury by Elizabeth Miles

Fury (The Fury Trilogy #1) by Elizabeth Miles.
Paperback, 384 pages.
Pub Date: August 30, 2011.
Publisher: Simon Pulse.

Goodreads Summary:
It’s winter break in Ascension, Maine. The snow is falling and everything looks pristine and peaceful. But all is not as it seems... Em is thrilled that the guy she’s been into for months is finally noticing her. But if she starts things with him, there’s no turning back. Because his girlfriend is Em’s best friend. And on the other side of town, Chase’s social life is unraveling and the stress of his home life is starting to take its toll. But that’s nothing compared to what’s really haunting him. Chase has done something cruel....And it’s only a matter of time before he’s exposed.

In Ascension, mistakes can be deadly. There are three girls—three beautiful, mysterious girls—to choose who will pay. Em and Chase have been chosen.

My Review:
I have one word: WOW!
Elizabeth Miles is now one of my favourite authors. Her use of words is just incredible. Everything just sounds right. Her descriptions of feelings, people, places, is perfect: just enough to let you picture it or feel it; not so much to bore. Everything flows and is so expressive. I absolutely love her writing. It's incredible.
Her characters are amazing. They felt so real.

I really like the character of Em. She's a true mixed-up teenage girl. She knows she's doing something wrong, liking Zach, but she can't help herself. She tries hard to see the good side but she can't escape feeling guilty. She's also very strong-willed. When she argues with someone, she never wants to give. She sets her mind to something and keeps trying, no matter how hard it gets.

The other main character, Chase, is also very real. He has such an insecurity because of his background and that impacts everything he does. The self-consciousness comes out only in his narration, not in his actions, which is just as he intends it. I really like that he can laugh at himself, even though he's always concerned with  saying and doing all the right things.

I'm very impressed by how she makes Zach such a multi-faceted character, despite not being one of the main ones. He has so many different sides to him and each comes out with different people. He's a character that continuously worried me though. He seems to change moods in a second and can be really evasive.
Miles actually had me feeling for her characters, whether it was sympathy, fear, or frustration.
The way Miles wove the story was enthralling. I absolutely loved the mystery surrounding the three strange girls (Ty, Meg, and Ali), and their red flowers. I found it very cool that there were different techniques they used to achieve their goals for each main character.

The constant little hints that indicate there's something off are perfect. All the creepy things just build up, never overwhelming; never failing to spook. I love how it's written in that I got sucked into the regular, dramatic lives of the characters for a while and then out of nowhere comes another spine-chilling episode that reminds me that this is no average teen drama story.

I began to worry a bit a while in because it felt like it was starting to slow down but since Miles is such a fantastic writer, around two-thirds of the way in the story gets extremely intense! I got really jumpy when reading it and my heart was pounding!

This was an amazing read and the cliffhanger epilogue makes me so excited to read the second book!
Without a doubt,
5 Stars!