Holy Lust Charm, Batman. I have loved very few book-to-movie adaptations. Sorry, Twihards. Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth have been the only ones to really keep me coming back for both the book and the movie (insert favorite scene here). Yes, you have bewitched me, body and soul. But I digress.

I have not hidden my love for all things Richelle Mead, specifically Vampire Academy. I have read these books repeatedly. That being said, I was quite leery going into this movie. The trailers seemed to be lacking the depth I was drawn to in this series. Talk about misleading. Zoey Deutch is the epitome of Rose Hathaway. She is tough as nails and always quick with the wit. She just might be my spirit animal (behind Jennifer Lawrence, of course).

Two words. Dimitri. Belikov. I was really quite meh about him leading up to this movie. He seemed ok, but not what I had pictured in my head. Let me tell you, I was swooning and pretending my name was Roza at the end. Total dreamboat.

All teenage fandom aside, the movie did not stray far from the book. As always, some things had to be changed so the story could flow in a timely manner. Like many opinions I’ve seen, Mia wasn’t my favorite choice. I think I always pictured more of a Luna Lovegood type character, but half the fun of books is your imagination. If you’ve loved this series, don’t give up now and run (don’t walk) to see Vampire Academy in theaters. I’m really hoping the sequel is going to make its way to the big screen too.

-Teri

 

 

If you have not read The Lunar Chronicles, what are you thinking?  Go pick up Cinder, which is the first book in the series.  They are a fabulous play on some of your favorite classic tales. Did you just have it wirelessly delivered to your reading device? Good job.

Moving on. I loved this book. Admittedly, I should have brushed up with the first two before picking this one up.  There are a lot of characters to keep up with, and I had kind of forgotten some important plot points. However, I was able to get back up to speed pretty easily, and get swept back up in all the drama without much of a hitch.  The women in these books are all amazing in their own way, but Meyer did an great job of bringing them all together in one book. Each leading man definitely has his own swoon factor, too, and who doesn’t want that?

At 560 pages, this is the longest book thus far in The Lunar Chronicles.  Even with hours of enjoyment, I was weeping for more when I finished.  I just realized that the fourth book in this installment isn’t out until 2015.  Pure. Torture. Happens every time with a great series. Let the countdown begin!

-Teri

It all ends now.

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About Lola StVil

Lola was seven when she first came to this country from Port-au-Prince, Haiti. She attended Columbia College in Chicago, where her main focus was creative writing. In addition to plays, she also writes screenplays and short stories.

She has been commissioned to write for ABC, CBS and Princeton University. She won the NAACP award for her play “The Bones of Lesser Men”. In addition to being nominated for LA Weekly awards. Her work has also received positive reviews from The LA Times, Variety and LA Weekly.

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Guardians Series

 

Hey, everyone! I kind of fell off the face of the earth there for a bit. I’m back now! What a year it has already been.  I’m going to cover some recent reads and also some things I’m looking forward to this week.I just returned from a fabulous vacation in Turks & Caicos.  You know what that means! Lots of books to share. I started a brand new series on the plane ride down and I haven’t managed to put it down yet. I’ll end the suspense.

 

Sixteen year-old, Skyla Messenger is a dead girl walking. 

When her newly remarried mother moves the family to Paragon Island, to a house that is rumored to be haunted, Skyla finds refuge in Logan Oliver, a boy who shares her unique ability to read minds. 

Skyla discovers Logan holds the answers to the questions she’s been looking for, but Logan’s reluctance to give her the knowledge she desires leaves her believing Logan has a few secrets of his own. 

Skyla’s bloodlines may just be connected to the most powerful angelic beings that roam the earth, and the more she knows, the more danger she seems to be in. 

Suddenly an entire faction of earthbound angels wants her dead, at least she still has Logan, or does she?

This is just the tip of the iceberg.  There are a TON of books in this series.  I’m making my way through book 5 now. I seriously could not put them down (much to my husband’s chagrin). This series bounces around a lot and there are several people you have to follow.  Sometimes Skyla grates on my nerves with all of the men after her and her lack of a decision. Seriously, what has everyone fawning over her?? It’s a bit of the Bella Swan complex, only I like her better. All joking aside, this is a captivating series with some super hot men. Totally worth the quick read if you have the time.

Now on to some things I’m looking forward to this month. The Lunar Chronicles return with Cress! I love this twist on our classic stories. Cinder was surprisingly delightful, and Meyer continued my enjoyment with Scarlet. I can’t wait to see what the next book in this series has to offer. Just a couple more days and I’ll know!

Kasie West is back with Split Second this month, as well. Pivot Point captured my heart and I completely forgot the sequel would be arriving this month. I’ve started so many series that I can’t keep up with when they all come out. Luckily, Goodreads reminded me of its arrival! I’m dying to know where Addie’s story is headed, but I have a feeling I’m in for another cliff hanger.

 

Look for a review of Cress later this week. I can’t wait to get my hands on it!

-Teri 

 

To the uninitiated, Savannah shows only her bright face and genteel manner. Those who know her well, though, can see beyond her colonial trappings and small-city charm to a world where witchcraft is respected, Hoodoo is feared, and spirits linger. Mercy Taylor is all too familiar with the supernatural side of Savannah, being a member of the most powerful family of witches in the South.

Despite being powerless herself, of course.

Having grown up without magic of her own, in the shadow of her talented and charismatic twin sister, Mercy has always thought herself content. But when a series of mishaps—culminating in the death of the Taylor matriarch—leaves a vacuum in the mystical underpinnings of Savannah, she finds herself thrust into a mystery that could shake her family apart…and unleash a darkness the line of Taylor witches has been keeping at bay for generations.

 

I grabbed this book as a Kindle First and was pleasantly surprised. I really struggled to get into it.  The first few chapters were filled with so much information that it almost became a DNF. I powered through, and I’m glad that I did. Talk about a dysfunctional family! They make the Adams family look like the Cleavers.  Mercy is a perfectly flawed protagonist, and I found the old lady in me shaking my head at some of her decisions. Seriously, what were you thinking?

I must emphasize that there is a lot going on throughout this book.  You really have to pay attention to keep up. There are a ton of people bouncing around, dead and alive. Once you get past the gist of everyone, it truly is a great story. There’s a lot of promise in this new author.  I’m looking forward to the future of this series.

-Teri

 

 

 

Not much could drag Jim Booker out of a peaceful, if lonely, retirement and back to late nights, crime scenes, and chases. Jim Booker is done with detective work and would just like to enjoy a cup of coffee on a sunny day. But when an old friend shows up with a case about an old flame, Booker can’t say no.

What starts as a missing persons case soon delivers more than he bargained for, and when Booker’s own past offers clues, it’s clear that no one else can solve this mystery. But there’s a catch: Booker was given six months to live eight months ago.

 

This book was so wonderfully easy to read.  I have read very few death/dying books. After The Fault in Our Stars, I’ve tried to open myself up a bit. There was a bit of repetition in this story, but it didn’t deter me from enjoying it.  I found Booker’s story to be poignant and sweet at many points. The mystery was intriguing, but wasn’t what kept me reading.  I loved Booker and Numi’s relationship, even if Booker wasn’t always the best friend to Numi. Everyone should be so lucky to have such a friend.  If you don’t mind knowing there’s a sad ending in store, give this little gem a read. 

-Teri

 

 

She could save the world—or destroy it.

Sixteen year old Evangeline “Evie” Greene leads a charmed life—until she begins experiencing horrifying hallucinations. When an apocalyptic event decimates her Louisiana hometown, killing everyone she loves, Evie realizes her hallucinations were actually visions of the future—and they’re still happening. Fighting for her life and desperate for answers, she must turn to her wrong-side-of-the-bayou classmate: Jack Deveaux.

But she can’t do either alone.

With his mile-long rap sheet, wicked grin, and bad attitude, Jack is like no boy Evie has ever known. Even though he once scorned her and everything she represented, he agrees to protect Evie on her quest. She knows she can’t totally trust Jack. If he ever cast that wicked grin her way, could she possibly resist him?

Who can Evie trust?

As Jack and Evie race to find the source of her visions, they meet others who have gotten the same call. An ancient prophesy is being played out, and Evie is not the only one with special powers. A group of teens has been chosen to reenact the ultimate battle between good and evil. But it’s not always clear who is on which side…

 

There are a couple things that come to mind with this book.

1. Why did I wait so long to read it??
2. Agggggghhhhhhhhh…..why did I not check to see if all the books in this series were out yet?

I should have known better.  Now I am waiting, most likely, months for the follow-up. For those like me, you know the wait is excruciating. I’ve already devoured the second book of The Arcana Chronicles. This series is completely out there. Apocalypse, Death (yes, with a capital), teenagers, cannibals, rape and pillage. It sounds sick, but so did 24 kids fighting to the death and that worked out pretty well for everybody.

There are so many characters in this story to love. There are even more you’re going to love to hate. Or maybe change your mind about and grow to love? I won’t give you any spoilers, but things get steamy all over the place. Evie grows into someone I can respect and slightly loathe for her lack of interest in some sexy men. Do yourself a favor and grab this book. Then we can both be agonizing over an ending.

-Teri

 

Sooooo this is going to be Top Ten Wednesday. I’m just a bit behind, but I wanted to list my favorite books of 2013. I’m sure I’ve harped about these already, but sometimes I just can’t stress enough when a book is truly awesome. These are listed in no particular oder.

Deadly by Sara Shepard

Angelfall by Susan Ee

Flat-Out Love by Jessica Park

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Attachments by Rainbow Rowell

Elite by Rachel Van Dyken

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Divergent by Veronica Roth

 

I can’t wait to see what 2014 holds! Stay safe, everyone.

 

-Teri

Hey, everyone! Sorry for the long lag between posts. What a year this has been! I didn’t read as many books as I would have liked, but I did find several that I love.  The Perpetual Page-Turner, located here, is hosting their 4th annual End of Year Book Survey. Here goes!

1. Best Book You Read In 2013? 

Attachements by Rainbow Rowell

This story was just adorable. I found myself flipping back through to read over different sections.

2. Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t?

An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

I fell in love with The Fault in Our Stars, but it took me forever to power through this one.  Just wasn’t into it.

 3. Most surprising (in a good way!) book of 2013? 

Elite by Rachel Van Dyken

I know I have talked non-stop about this book, but it is definitely one of my favorites.  I started it thinking it would just be a quick read, and became ridiculously attached to the characters.

 4. Book you read in 2013 that you recommended to people most in 2013?

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

This was a re-read, but I still can’t stop telling people to read it. This series is unlike many other vampire series. It is an absolute must-read.  I’m also very excited for the movie coming out in February. Read it. Now.

5. Best series you discovered in 2013?

Divergent Series by Veronica Roth

I was a late bloomer to this series. Truly fantastic. Yet another book-to-movie I’m anxiously awaiting.

6. Favorite new author you discovered in 2013?

Really loved Marissa Meyer’s Lunar Chronicles. I look forward to seeing what else she has up her sleeve. (Rainbow Rowell, I love you too!)

7. Best book that was out of your comfort zone or was a new genre for you?

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green.

I typically avoid anything cancer related.  Call it a phobia. I just don’t like knowing what’s coming.  This book was not at all what I expected.  I loved it and immediately ordered the hard copy to add to my favorites shelf for future re-reads.

8. Most thrilling, unputdownable book in 2013?

Deadly by Sara Shepard

This series has been rejuvenated for me. Couldn’t. Put. It. Down.

 9. Book You Read In 2013 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year?

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

There’s just something about this book that has me itching to go back…

10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2013?

Stiff: The Curious Life of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach

I’m a sucker for anything medical with a humorous twist. She had me at toe-tag.

11. Most memorable character in 2013?

Adrian Ivashkov from the Bloodlines Series.

He makes me swoon. Enough said.

12. Most beautifully written book read in 2013?

Flat-Out Love by Jessica Park

This little book covered so many serious issues. I had to finish it in one sitting and then pour back over my favorite parts.

 13. Book that had the greatest impact on you in 2013? 

The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty

This book has so much going for it. It will make you question everything.

14. Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2013 to finally read? 

City Of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Amazing series. Haven’t watched the movie yet, but I loved the way Clare weaved this story.

15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2013?

“One must always be careful of books,” said Tessa, “and what is inside them, for words have the power to change us.”

-Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

16. Shortest & Longest Book You Read In 2013?

Longest is definitely Clockwork Princess. Shortest would probably be Collide by H.M. Ward. Silly novellas.

17. Book That Had A Scene In It That Had You Reeling And Dying To Talk To Somebody About It? (a WTF moment, an epic revelation, a steamy kiss, etc. etc.)

Allegiant by Veronica Roth had me (and countless others) wtf-ing for days. I had to step away from reading all together to recover.

18. Favorite Relationship From A Book You Read In 2013 (be it romantic, friendship, etc.)

Beth and Jennifer from Attachments by Rainbow Rowell

Their interactions are so cute and sometimes poignant. They are honest with each other in a way that most people avoid.  True friendship.

19. Favorite Book You Read in 2013 From An Author You’ve Read Previously

The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead

I seriously can’t get enough of Sydney and Adrian. The Fiery Heart had a little more happening between them, but I still liked this one a bit better with all the anticipation.

20. Best Book You Read In 2013 That You Read Based SOLELY On A Recommendation From Somebody Else

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black

I have mixed feelings about too many vampire books. It has to have a completely different take for me to enjoy it.  This one was unlike any I had read and I couldn’t put it down.

21. Genre You Read The Most From in 2013?

Obviously Young Adult. Can’t get enough.

22. Newest fictional crush from a book you read in 2013?

Definitely Augustus Waters from The Fault in Our Stars. I loved his humor and his never-ending pursuit of Hazel Grace.

23. Best 2013 debut you read?

Ok so I couldn’t find a brand new author that I read. I really enjoyed the Selection by Kiera Cass. She released another book a few years ago, but I think this series put her on the map. Not anything groundbreaking, but I enjoy America and Maxon.

 24. Most vivid world/imagery in a book you read in 2013?

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

This book was ridiculous.  The world Yancey created was so in depth that I sometimes had to go back through passages to catch it all.  Truly amazing.

25. Book That Was The Most Fun To Read in 2013?

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

I can’t help it. I love everything Rainbow Rowell touches. This book was super adorable and I loved the fandom action.  I’m not into that kind of stuff, but I liked peeking into it. Cather and Wren. I totally didn’t get it until it was pointed out to me. I’m incredibly dense sometimes.

26. Book That Made You Cry Or Nearly Cry in 2013?

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

If you didn’t cry or nearly cry in this book, something is wrong with you. Holy cow.

27. Book You Read in 2013 That You Think Got Overlooked This Year Or When It Came Out?

World After by Ee Susan

This series has amazing reviews. Everyone loves it. I can’t understand why I don’t hear or see more about it. What’s up with that?

 

I think that covers my year pretty well. I hope to read a lot more books next year and write many more reviews. I got started with Her Novel Ideas kind of late in 2013. Here’s to a year filled with fabulous books and hopefully many new blog followers.

Happy New Year!

-Teri

 

 

Nixon Abandonato made his choice. And now he has to pay the price. Tracey is the love of his life, but being with him has made her a target of his family’s enemies. The only way to keep Trace alive is convince the world she means nothing to him. 

Trace Rooks has fallen irrevocably in love with the son of her family’s sworn rival, and she knows in her bones nothing can tear them apart. Until Nix suddenly pushes her away and into the arms of his best friend… But Trace isn’t ready to give up on a future with Nix–and if he won’t fight for them, she will. 

In the end, a sacrifice must be made. A life for a life. For what better way to cover a multitude of sins than with the blood of a sinner . . . 

 

 

I have been counting down the days to this book since the moment I picked up Elect after I had my appendix out in April (coincidently, a good time to read).  I am in love (and maybe lust) with Chase and Nixon. I won’t say I was disappointed, but sometimes I want things tied up in a prettier bow.  Van Dyken did a good job of that, but like most of her books, this one leads into another spin-off series. I will dutifully see where it goes, but without as many Amazon checks for a publication date on the next installment.  I don’t think you’ll be disappointed if you give Elite and Elect a shot. I will definitely be reading both of these books again and again.  I’ve already added Elite to my favorites shelf.  Maybe I just need another peek at this one?

Teri