Narc by Crissa-Jean Chappell

Publisher: Flux 

Reading Level: Young Adult

Hardcover: 288 pgs 

Series: Not a series   

Source: Flux Publishers

                            

                                   Summary 

"You're going to hate me forever when you learn my secret."
Seventeen-year-old stoner Aaron Foster was offered a choice: go to jail or turn undercover narc to find the dealer who's funneling drugs into Miami's Palm Hammock High School. But Aaron has never been good at getting close to people. He's human wallpaper, a stoner wastecase who's obsessed with video games and street magic.
With a cop from Narcotics breathing down his neck, Aaron gets himself invited to parties where the deals go down. To get close to the school's biggest players, Aaron lies to everyone--most of all, the cute but troubled Morgan Baskin. With the Everglades party on Halloween night--and a planned drug bust there--just days away, Aaron realizes that he's falling hard for Morgan . . . and trying to protect her could cost him everything. -Quoted from goodreads

Review

     Normally, I would never have read the book Narc, for when I read the summary I did not see anything that could have appealed to me. The main character, a stoner who is obsessed with Video Games and street magic did not intrigue me...and so  Narc just sat on my bookshelf for a month and a half. Then one day I just got curious and picked it up. I can't complain, because there is nothing wrong with this novel, it is actually quite interesting but not the type of book I would usually read.

     I believe that every book has something to offer, no matter how boring a book might be, there is always something one can learn from it. what I really like about this novel, is that readers get a look into the lives of "stoners" and popular people and see what life is like for them. Before reading this novel I thought that all drug users are bad, but now things are not as black and white as they once were for me.  Many times they are just people with more problems than most, trying to desperately escape their troubles. I am glad I read this book, because it helped me to better understand people unlike myself. 

    Something I found to be quite interesting is the fact that the author, Crissa-Jean Chappell speaks just like a teenager in her novel Narc. I am fifteen and a sophomore in high school, and at times I find it difficult to speak in such a way. 

     Even though Narc is not my type of book, I am glad to have read it for it allowed me to see into the lives of "stoners" and realize that not all of them are bad people, it is the situations that they have been a part of that changed them. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to get out of the paranormal world and get a taste of things that happen in real life.

Favorite Quotes     

 1."You can't go stealing other people's wishes."      

           My little sister had snick up behind me.

"Here," she said pressing a different coin into my hand. "Start over."

2.  "The truth is...I made lots of mistakes. Not because I was a bad person."

3. "I looked up at Brent, trying to read his zombie expression, and thought about the time we played video games together that night at the gallery. That thing he said about his dad hitting him. All the rage inside him. Then me and Finch, shooting targets in backyard. Bet this didn't seem any different to them."

Legend by Marie Lu

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Reading Level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 305 pages
Series: Legend # 1
Source: Library

                            Summary
What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths—until the day June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias’s death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.



Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.

                                              Review

      When I learned that the inspiration for this novel had come from the movie of one of my favorite books Les Miserables, I just had to read Legend. This book is everything one could ever hope for! The author's writing style had me hooked from page 1 and the brilliant story would not let me put this book down.

      Legend is told by two different characters: Day and June, I find this to be extremely important because it allows one to see things from both Day and June's point of view. If this novel had been solely in Day's point of view, readers would not be privy to June's innermost thoughts or know her side of the story, without that knowledge June would become the "bad guy" and thus readers would instinctively start to loathe her. The same can be said about Day if the novel were in June's point of view.
      I can't decide who my favorite character is, Day and June are both very intriguing. Day is selfless, he always puts the well being of his family before his safety and at times even before his very life. June is a prodigy, she is everything one could ever hope to be: brave, brilliant, and beautiful.
     What makes this novel unique is that Marie Lu does not try to make her characters perfect (personality wise). Both Day and June have their flaws like all humans, and like all humans they also think semi-evil thoughts at times, get angry and make mistakes.
      Legend is fast paced and once you start reading it you won't want to stop, I started this novel in the morning and finished it sometime in the evening, hungering for more. Thanks to ALA Anaheim I have an advance reader copy of the second book Prodigy. I recommend this book to anyone that loves action!

                                                      Favorite Quotes <3

1.“Each day means a new twenty-four hours. Each day means everything's possible again. You live in the moment, you die in the moment, you take it all one day at a time. "

2."When you stand out there," John continues in a hoarse voice, "keep your chin up, all right? Don't let them get to you."
"I won't."
"Make them work for it. Punch someone if you have to." John gives me a sad, crooked smile. "You're a scary kid. So scare them. Okay? All the way until the end."
For the first time in a long time, I feel like a little brother. I have to swallow hard to keep my eyes dry. "Okay," I whisper.”

3.“You try to walk in the light.”

4. "June has never looked more beautiful than she does now, unadorned and honest, vulnerable yet invincible.”

Grave Mercy By Robin La Fevers

Publisher:Houghton Mifflin HarcourtReading Level: Young adultHardcover: 549 pages
Series: His Fair Assassin #1
                 Summary
Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?
Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.
Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart? -Quoted from Goodreads

   

                                                          Review

There are infinitely many splendid books in the world and it makes me sad to think that one can go their whole life without reading some of these great books. This is one of those amazing books I would have regreted not reading. It just so happens that Grave Mercy is about NINJA NUNS :D how could one not love a book about bad-ass-ninja-assassins?

The main girl, Ismae Rienne, is such a strong character! In her young life, Ismae has had to deal with things that normal people such as ourselves would not have to put up with. Not only does she have to suffer through the verbal, and at times physical assaults from the untrusting villagers but her father sees to it that Ismae does not get an ounce of happiness at home either. Her father, the person that should love her most, is a vile excuse for a human being and takes great joy in seeing Ismae suffer. In the begining of this novel when Ismae isn't physically strong, she is strong-willed and strong-spirited. Even though her life is a living hell, she keeps moving forward hoping that things will be better later on, and thanks to the help of the village herbwitch Ismae finds herself at the convent, where things are significantly much more pleasant. Another thing that I like about Ismae is that she is not easily swayed, she isn't like one of those girls that would do anything and everything that a gorgeous boy asked of her. No matter how stunning Ismae thinks Duval looks she always tries to do the right thing.

Robin Lafevers has a poetic writing style, and some how keeps the political manuvering, and war tacticts aspect of this novel interesting. In other novels I usually start falling asleep when the characters are talking politics. Grave Mercy is a lengthy novel but it is also fast paced so one may easily lose track of time. The characters are inspiring, and the plot just keeps on getting more interesting. I enjoyed the palace politics and Duval's humor. I would recommend this book to all ninja lovers as well as anyone who enjoys an awesome adventure story.



Favorite quotes

1.“It is this kindness of his that unsettles me most. I can dodge a blow or block a knife. I am impervious to poison and know a dozen ways to escape a chokehold or garrote wire. But kindness? I do not know how to defend against that."

2.“This is what I want to be. An instrument of mercy, not vengeance.”

3.“I am sorry,' he whispers. 'I am sorry I treated you so ill. I thought only to protect Duval.'
'It was not I who was poisoning him,' I say.
No, but you had stolen his heart and I was afraid you would rip it from his chest when you left.”

4.“Whenever you are ready, or if you never are, my heart is yours, until Death do us part. Whatever that may mean when consorting with one of Death’s handmaidens.”

Kelsey Hayes and Alagan Dhiren Rajaram (Ren)

This is the first book-related art I have posted, I hope you like it. My inspiration was the book Tiger's Curse.

Kelsey and Ren

Kelsey



Ren

Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck

Publisher: Indie novel but was later published by Sterling
Reading Level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 448 pages
Series: The Tiger Saga #1
Summary
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. (quoted by goodreads)

                                              Review
        I know, I know, everyone always says to never judge a book by it's cover, but I couldn't just ignore it right? I admit to having read this book because White Tigers are my favorite animal and due to my love of Indian culture, but all that doesn't matter, because the actual story is just as beautiful as the cover.

       In the first few chapters of this novel I noticed that Colleen Houck's writing style is different from that of other writers. She doesn't have a bad writing style it just took a bit getting used to, that's all. What I didn't like about this book was the total lack of responsibility her foster parents show. Sure, Kelsey is eighteen and has every right to do as she pleases, but if I were her parent/foster parent I would never permit her to board a plane half way across the world with a man I barely know. What I love about this book is how Colleen Houck manages to weave Indian culture, and folklore throughout her novel and still keep things interesting. Some say that all the historical stories Mr.Kadam shares with Kelsey are boring but I find them quite interesting it gives readers a chance to learn about Indian culture and folklore.

      The main character Kelsey Hayes is way too naive, and trusting. She boards a plane with a man she barely knows, and compels me to scream at her in my head. What is she thinking exactly? India is known for human trafficking you idiot! But, I also find her trusting nature to be sweet because it shows what a kind and compassionate person she is. My favorite character is Alagan Dhiren Rajaram *swoon*, a three hundred year old prince who was cursed to live as tiger and is allotted only twenty four minutes as a human everyday. Ren also happens to be perfect in every way. Ren is so beautiful,(yes I know that I am using beautiful for a boy) that he could cause Aphrodite herself to fall at his feet in awe of the beauty he displays, despite his good looks Ren is noble, brave and humble-everything a girl could dream of.

       I have read all three of the Tiger Saga books that are available in print and also an advance reader copy of the fourth book Tiger's Destiny ( it is missing the last three chapters and the epilogue, much to my dismay). Throughout the books I have read so far Kelsey Improves as a character, so if you did not enjoy Tiger's Curse, I encourage you to read the second book Tiger's Quest for like I said before Kelsey improves as a character and so does the story line. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good adventure story and swoon-worthy boys.

<---- What I imagine Alagan Dhiren Rajaram (Ren) to look like.

Sadly, I do not know the real name of this model, for I found this picture on a Puerto Rican blog:

http://pirigueteliteraria.blogspot.com








Favorite Quotes<3

• "A girl can still admire, can’t she? Even those who can’t afford to go in the store can still window-shop. Right? Knowing he wasn’t for me didn’t mean I couldn’t covet the merchandise.”
• "Why does everything so bad for you always taste so dreamy? "
• "Shhh Kelsey. I'm here. I'm not leaving you priya. Hush now. Mein aapka raksha karunga. I will watch over you priyatama.”
• "Just so you know, I hate camping. I'm not so much appreciating the fact that there's no bathroom out here. 'Nature calls' while walking in nature is on my list of least favorite things. You tigers, and men in general, have it so much easier than us girls.”

Bewitching by Alex Flinn

Publisher: Harper Teen
Reading Level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 366 pages
Series: The Kendra Chronicles #2
Summary
Bewitching can be a beast. . . .
Once, I put a curse on a beastly and arrogant high school boy. That one turned out all right. Others didn’t.
I go to a new school now—one where no one knows that I should have graduated long ago. I’m not still here because I’m stupid; I just don’t age.
You see, I’m immortal. And I pretty much know everything after hundreds of years—except for when to take my powers and butt out.
I want to help, but things just go awry in ways I could never predict. Like when I tried to free some children from a gingerbread house and ended up being hanged. After I came back from the dead (immortal, remember?), I tried to play matchmaker for a French prince and ended up banished from France forever. And that little mermaid I found in the Titanic lifeboat? I don’t even want to think about it.
Now a girl named Emma needs me. I probably shouldn’t get involved, but her gorgeous stepsister is conniving to the core. I think I have just the thing to fix that girl—and it isn’t an enchanted pumpkin. Although you never know what will happen when I start . . . .bewitching. (quoted from goodreads)

                                                           Review

       This book was amazing! I have read Alex Flinn's novel Beastly and really could not figure out why everyone was raving about it. Bewitching on the other hand I absolutely loved! When one reads the summary for this novel one probably thinks that this novel will be all about Kendra the witch, who we met in Beastly, but it actually is not. Sure, this novel is about Kendra's life but she is not the main character.

      I'm glad we readers get to know Kendra in this novel. What I thought about Kendra is so not true-- she isn't mean at all. kendra is just trying to help people, she has good intentions even though things don't always turn out the way she plans they will. This novel is basically about the people Kendra helps during her immortal life, there are a few short stories, and one big story that all the short stories are incorporated into. Even though some say readers are not given a lot of time to get to know the characters, I think that one does not need much time to like the characters in this novel, for they all seem very real and are relate able. The main character is Emma, who Kendra befriends and decides to help. I love how Emma may not beautiful on the outside, but she is such a caring person on the inside, and just wants to be accepted the way she is. What really stood out to me throughout this whole novel is something Alex Flinn voiced through the thoughts of Emma, she thought that no matter what the situation might be, people always want the beautiful one to be good. Sadly this is true, we as humans will forgive someone good-looking a lot more easily than someone who may be "ugly".
     You do not need to have read Beastly to enjoy this novel, but if you plan on reading both Beastly and Bewitching then I would advise you to read Beastly first because some characters are mentioned in  Bewitching, the second novel to the series. I recommend this book to people that like fairy tales(:

                                               Favorite Quotes:
Sadly, I do not have my own copy of this novel, and forgot my favorite quotes paper inside the library's copy, but don't worry! I will have the quotes in a few days! (:

Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler *spoiler alert*

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 378 pgs
Series: not a series

Summary
Once upon a time, Hudson knew exactly what her future looked like. Then a betrayal changed her life, and knocked her dreams to the ground. Now she’s a girl who doesn’t believe in second chances... a girl who stays under the radar by baking cupcakes at her mom’s diner and obsessing over what might have been.
So when things start looking up and she has another shot at her dreams, Hudson is equal parts hopeful and terrified. Of course, this is also the moment a cute, sweet guy walks into her life... and starts serving up some seriously mixed signals. She’s got a lot on her plate, and for a girl who’s been burned before, risking it all is easier said than done.
It’s time for Hudson to ask herself what she really wants, and how much she’s willing to sacrifice to get it. Because in a place where opportunities are fleeting, she knows this chance may very well be her last. (quoted from goodreads)

Review
Bittersweet is not the kind of book I usually read, but since it is on the BFYA reading list, and since it seems to have mostly good reviews I decided to give it a try. I am glad that I read this novel for not only is it interesting, it also gave readers a chance to see into the very realistic life of Hudson Avery and learn a life lesson of our own. Something that I have noticed about contemporary novels is that they never turn out the way one thinks they will.
I am very envious of Hudson because she is such a perfect daughter, an awesome older sister and the way she somehow miraculously seems to be keeping everything together with everthing that she is going through is just plain amazing, but she is also a tad too wimpy for my taste. My favorite character is Hudson's little brother, Bug he is just sooo adorable, and I love that he is such a little geek! Of the two boys interested in Hudson-Will and Josh, Will is my favorite because he genuinely seems to understand Hudson and wants the best for her, like when he figures out that Hudson has feelings for Josh he doesn't get angry, he just accepts the fact and tells her that she should tell him. there is nothing wrong with Josh he is actually pretty dreamy and really nice, but I just can't bring my self to like him better than Will, its probably because the "bad" boy always appeals to me more.
My favorite thing about this novel is that all the chapters are named after cupcakes. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes a light read and thinks that being there for your family is important.

Favorite Quotes

• No powdery residue. But definitely suspicious. Smell." He slides a makeup catalog from beneath a microscope made out of a plate, a toilet paper roll, and an intricate arrangement of pipe cleaners. "Any ideas?"I take a scientific whiff. "Gardenia. Looks like those Mary Kay terrorists are at it again.” 
• “Everyone says that the internet is so awesome because you can connect with people from all over the world, but I think it’s the opposite. The internet doesn’t make it easier to connect with anyone—it just makes it so you don’t really have to.” 
• “He turned the entire living room into an airport, complete with a four-foot-high LEGO traffic control tower and a fleet of paper planes, plastic army pilots taped safely into their cockpits. From deep beneath the couch, a large utility flashlight illuminates some sort of...landing strip? I crouch down for a better look.Oh. My. God.Stuck to the carpet in parallel, unbroken paths from one wall to the other are two lanes of brand-new maxi pads. Plastic dinosaurs stand guard at every fourth pad–triceratops and T rexes on one side, brontosauruses and pterodactyls on the other–protecting the airport from enemy aircraft and/or heavy flow.”

The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

Publisher: Dutton Books
Reading Level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 318 pages
Series: not a series

                Summary
Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now.
Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.
Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.

Review
:'( I have read a lot of sad books but this has to be the saddest novel I have ever read, before even reaching the last chapter of this book I got tremendously mad at cancer, John Green, and even god for allowing things like cancer to even exist in this world. I'm glad that this novel is fictitious, but the sad thing is that kids with cancer live lives like the ones shown in this book everyday.
        I can't say that I enjoyed this novel. It has a little too much heartbreak for my taste but, The Fault in our Stars is very well written, considering that it is a middle aged man who writes from a sixteen year old girl's point-of-view.
        I loved Hazel and Augustus. Hazel Grace, for being so strong and keeping herself together most of the time, and Augustus for always looking at the better side of things. This book has taught me to be thankful for what I have and for what I don't. Most people don't stop to think about how much they have to be thankful for. Parents living in rural countries don't even have a slice of bread to give their children, and here, in most every household we complain when our parents force us to eat. This novel really humbles you, because when you think about it our lives are super easy compared to Hazel and Augustus's.
Someday when I'm smarter I would like to read this book again. I believe that there is more to be learned from this novel. If you plan on reading this book, I advise you to keep a box of kleenex near you. I recommend this book to those of you that like contemporary fiction.

Favorite Quotes:

• “Sometimes, you read a book and it fills you with this weird evangelical zeal, and you become convinced that the shattered world will never be put back together unless and until all living humans read the book.”
• “That's the thing about pain...it demands to be felt.”
• “What a slut time is. She screws everybody.”
• “Without pain, how could we know joy?"

The Pledge by Kimberly Derting

Publisher: McElderly Books
Reading Level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 320 pgs
        
                      SUMMARY

In the violent country of Ludania, the classes are strictly divided by the language they speak. The smallest transgression, like looking a member of a higher class in the eye while they are speaking their native tongue, results in immediate execution. Seventeen-year-old Charlaina has always been able to understand the languages of all classes, and she's spent her life trying to hide her secret. The only place she can really be free is the drug-fueled underground clubs where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. It's there that she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy named Max who speaks a language she's never heard before . . . and her secret is almost exposed.

Charlie is intensely attracted to Max, even though she can't be sure where his real loyalties lie. As the emergency drills give way to real crisis and the violence escalates, it becomes clear that Charlie is the key to something much bigger: her country's only chance for freedom from the terrible power of a deadly regime.

                                                REVIEW
           I believe that Kimberly Derting has a way with words, it may just be me, but whenever I read any of her novels (the Body Finder series) I feel as if I have become that particular main character and am living that person's life as my own. For some reason I get highly attached to the characters she creates.
         My favorite character in this novel is Charlaina(Charlie), not because she is this novel's heroine but because she is very strong willed, and brave. Strong willed due to the fact that two very hot guys are interested in her, and she is still capable of functioning properly, and brave because she is courageous enough to look at the pros and cons before flinging herself at a boy.  What I really admire about her is the way Charlie puts others before herself, selflessly taking care of her younger sister when she could be doing something a lot more enjoyable. I was actually quite impressed by the way she handled her little sister, it even inspired me to be a little nicer to my own....for like a day. 
          I simply could NOT put this book down, and finished it in a single sitting. The story line was so full of shocking twists and turns towards the end that I felt as if I would miss something if I didn't read the page over again like seven times. If I had requirements for a perfect book, The Pledge would surely meet them.
       I recommend this book for anyone who likes a tale of adventure.

FAVORITE  QUOTES

• “Curiosity is an addictive drug.”
• “I saw the folded note peeking up from behind the cover of the book in which I'd hidden it. 

         I brushed my fingertips across the lineny surface, my skin sparking with electricity, my                      fingers itching to pull it free. 

I shoudn't, I told myself, even as I held my breath and watched myself withdrawing it from the book. I tried to tamp down the feeling of anticipation coursing through me at the same time I argued that it was a mistake to look at it again.
It didn't deserve anymore of my time. He didn't deserve the space he already occupied in my mind.
I glanced around to see if anyone had noticed me there, tucked beneath my desk, reading a note that I'd already memorized.
No one paid me any attention.
I held the letter, vividly picturing the six words written inside the folds. Six words that I already knew by heart. Six words that meant more to me than they should.
I unfolded the top third of the paper, then the bottom, purposely keeping my eyes unfocused for just a moment.
My heart stopped.
And then my eyesight cleared.

I pledge to keep you safe.”

Croak by Gina Damico

Publisher: Harcourt
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 311 pages
Series: Croak #1  

                            

Sixteen-year-old Lex Bartleby has sucker-punched her last classmate. Fed up with her punkish, wild behavior, her parents ship her off to upstate New York to live with her Uncle Mort for the summer, hoping that a few months of dirty farm work will whip her back into shape. But Uncle Mort’s true occupation is much dirtier than that of shoveling manure.

He’s a Grim Reaper. And he’s going to teach her the family business.

Lex quickly assimilates into the peculiar world of Croak, a town populated entirely by reapers who deliver souls from this life to the next. Along with her infuriating yet intriguing partner Driggs and a rockstar crew of fellow Grim apprentices, Lex is soon zapping her Targets like a natural born Killer.

Yet her innate ability morphs into an unchecked desire for justice—or is it vengeance?—whenever she’s forced to Kill a murder victim, craving to stop the attackers before they can strike again. So when people start to die—that is, people who aren’t supposed to be dying, people who have committed grievous crimes against the innocent—Lex’s curiosity is piqued. Her obsession grows as the bodies pile up, and a troubling question begins to swirl through her mind: if she succeeds in tracking down the murderer, will she stop the carnage—or will she ditch Croak and join in? 

A Beautiful Dark by:Jocelyn Davies

Publisher: Harper Teen
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 390 pages
Series: A Beautiful Dark #1

On the night of Skye's seventeenth birthday, she meets two enigmatic strangers. Complete opposites;like fire and ice;Asher is dark and wild, while Devin is fair and aloof. Their sudden appearance sends Skye's life into a tailspin. She has no idea what they want, or why they seem to follow her every move only that their presence coincides with a flurry of strange events. Soon she begins to doubt not just the identity of the two boys, but also the truth about her own past.
In the dead of a bitingly cold Colorado winter, Skye finds herself coming to terms with the impossible secret that threatens to shatter her world. Torn between Asher, who she can't help falling for, and Devin, who she can't stay away from, the consequences of Skye's choice will reach further than the three of them could ever imagine. -quoted from Goodreads

Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Publisher: Egmont USA
Reading level: young adult
Hard cover: 397 pages
Source: Publisher
Series: Hourglass #1

Since the age of fourteen, Emerson Cole has seen strange things--swooning Southern Belles, soldiers, and other eerie apparitions of the past. She's tried everything to get rid of the visions: medication, counseling, asylums. Nothing's worked.
So when Emerson's well-meaning brother calls in yet another consultant from a mysterious organization called the Hourglass, Emerson's willing to give it one last try.
Michael Weaver is no ordinary consultant. He's barely older than she is, he listens like no one she's ever met before, and he doesn't make her feel the least bit crazy. As Emerson ventures deeper into the world of the Hourglass, she begins to learn the truth about her past, her future--and her very life.

When I read the summary for Hourglass the story didn't seem that appealing. I thought it would be the typical "girl sees ghosts" type of book. which is why it took me so long to finally pick it up, but when I finished reading Hourglass I couldn't get over it, I even mentally slapped myself for not wanting to read it earlier. This book is so awesome that I did my first review on it!

Emerson, the main girl leads the kind of life that makes a person appreciate their own. Emerson is the type of person I would look up to if she were real, shes a fighter--literally she has a brown belt and can easily flip a hot guy over her shoulder, but she also fights fate and life everyday trying to keep her sanity. This is where "Mr.Delicious", Michael Weaver comes in. Michael is hired by Emerson's legal guardian and brother Thomas to help her get her mind back. Michael isn't like any other counselor she has had before, he's young, handsome and really seems to care about what she has to say.

I undoubtedly enjoyed the plot for Hourglass there were just so many twists and turns that kept making this book even more interesting. Hourglass seems to have the right amount of everything drama, mystery, action and an intense electrifying romance--literally, Emerson and Michael make light bulbs blow up!!! :D I recommend this book to anyone who loves mystery!

FAVORITE quotes<3

"Does your brother have a gun? If so, get Delicious a bullet proof vest. That boy is way too pretty to have a hole in him." (pg. 191; paperback)

"As he lay on the ground panting, I walked to stand over him, looking down, my smile still in place."so I'll see you later?"

    

Bienvenidos!

Bienvenidos!
Hey guys I'm Wafa (wufa)! I am reading addict, and so recently I deiscovered Blogging! This is my first blog, and I can't wait to post my reviews up for you guys! This blog will be all books, all the time! I am highly inexpirienced so bear all my mistake please! So feel free to tell me what I should do differently, or just give me some tips on how to blog! I can't wait!
                                                  ~Wafa