Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Good Reads Description:
For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her...until Patch comes along.
With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment, but after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is far more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.
For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

**I feel like I should include a disclaimer for this post...just had my wisdom teeth out when writing this review...so this review has been written under the use of the lovely percocet and the just tad bit of pain. lol **
Thoughts...

Normally, I try to exclude any kind of spoilers in my reviews. However, that will NOT be the case with this review.  There are too many thoughts swimming around in my head and none of them will make sense if I do not delve into this twisted plot.

So before I spoil away, the bottom line is...this is a mediocre read.  It is not a must read, but the story line was intriguing enough to keep me reading.  If you reseach other ratings of this book, you will find that either people LOVE it or HATE it. However, I am kind of in the middle (which will be explained below). Beware though, this book caused me to ramble and shout! lol

**Spoilers**

Where to start?  There were so many things wrong with this book!  First of all, the thing that sticks out the most after reading this book, Vee is a HORRIBLE, TERRIBLE best friend. I could not stand her.  She never had Nora's best interest at heart and only thought about herself. The first time I thought Vee was a horrible friend was when she wouldn't drive Nora home because it was too foggy.  What? That's just dumb! Now I get it that Nora wouldn't have had that first strange experience if Vee had been with her, but how can you expect me to like this chick when she acts this way. She constantly teases Nora about her lack of experience and how she dresses.  Then Nora plainly states that she doesn't trust Elliot and does not want to go camping with him and Jules and Vee doesn't care. She tries to persuade her into going anyway. She always thinks about what she wants...no one else.

So we have covered Nora's shitty best friend, now lets discuss Patch.  Sometimes I think that his character was just unredeemable.  I knew all along that he was going to be the one that Nora falls for, but his character was made out to be so horrible in so many ways that I don't know that you can get past it.  He stalks her (Strike One). He is rude to her and then in a flip of a switch tries to kiss her, in other words bi-polar (Stike 2). He admits that he wants to kill her (Definitely Stike 3). Then he admits that he just needs to sacrifice her so he can be a human instead of a fallen agen (Stike 4). The list could go on.  I really wanted to like Patch, but I never felt like anything happened to redeem his character. I sure as hell wouldn't trust him.  Oh and lets not forget that he puts ideas in Nora's head to sometimes scare her. For example, he makes her think she is falling to her death while on a roller coaster ride. That is just unacceptable and crossing a line.  He decides he will just scare her instead of kill her? Hmm...

Then we have all the times that stuff just wouldn't go down that way in real life...like the biology class.  No way, would a biology class / sex-ed class happen like that.  Nora is pretty much harrassed in class by Patch and the teacher does nothing about it. He pretty much encourages the behavior. And the way Vee speaks so candidly during class about sex, just wouldn't happen either. And then, Vee calls in the fake bomb threat from a pay phone so Nora can look in the student records. First off, calling in a bomb threat would be a much bigger deal and the cops wouldn't just let someone get away with it like that. Second, the room to the students records would not just be open and the drawer to the actual filing cabinets would definitely not be unlocked. I could go on with this topic, but then my review would be ten thousand words long!

The last topic I will bring up...Nora just all of a sudden decided that she loved Patch.  It was a flip of a switch. She is constantly hot and cold throughout the book. Hating him one minute and getting into a compromising postion with him the next. But, all of a sudden she decides that she is in love with him...before he did anything to justify all of the horrible behavior throughout the book. I just didn't get it.

Patch did however, redeem himself in the very end by not accepting Nora's sacrifice.  So, everything worked out TOO perfectly by Nora getting to live even though she sacrificed herself by jumping from a very high ladder and Patch is no longer a fallen angel because he choose to save Nora's life rather than choose to be a human. Even better, Patch gets assigned to be Nora's guardian angel...I guess this is the set up to book two now...Confused? Yeah, me too.

Overall, there was something intriguing about this book that did make me finish it.  I think I just assumed that something major would happen that would redeem the characters so I kept plowing through.  After my rambling, I would probably rate this with 2 1/2 or 3 stars.  I did get sucked into the story as it was unique and suspenseful, but in the end I was left unsatisfied and confused...

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

Good Reads Description:

City of Fallen Angels takes place two months after the events of City of Glass. In it, a mysterious someone’s killing the Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine’s Circle and displaying their bodies around New York City in a manner designed to provoke hostility between Downworlders and Shadowhunters, leaving tensions running high in the city and disrupting Clary’s plan to lead as normal a life as she can — training to be a Shadowhunter, and pursuing her relationship with Jace. As Jace and Clary delve into the issue of the murdered Shadowhunters, they discover a mystery that has deeply personal consequences for them — consequences that may strengthen their relationship, or rip it apart forever.

Meanwhile, internecine warfare among vampires is tearing the Downworld community apart, and only Simon — the Daylighter who everyone wants on their side — can decide the outcome; too bad he wants nothing to do with Downworld politics. Love, blood, betrayal and revenge: the stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels.

Thoughts...

OMG. I just finished City of Fallen Angels about 35 seconds ago.  It was fantastic! I mentioned in my review of the last book in the series, City of Glass, that I was a bit skeptical about continuing the series after the first trilogy.  My worries were NOT warranted.  Wonderful!

At first, I wasn't too sure if I was going to enjoy this book. Simon has a much bigger role in the book than in the previous three. And I like Simon and all, but I didn't have a huge attachment to him and wasn't interested...AT FIRST.  After probably the first chapter, I was hooked again. Oh Simon, the trouble that you find.... I couldn't have expected any of it. Very entertaining.  Come on, Maia and Isabelle? Lillith and Camille? The list goes on....

This book did take a different turn that was expected though. I think I was naive enough to think it would hearts and roses for Clary and Jace. Hah, WRONG!  Easy must be boring...and this book is NEVER boring.  Their drama kept me on the edge of my seat.  I wanted to SLAP Jace several times.  Has he never heard of the word communication? Some things would be resolved so much easier if he would just talk to Clary and let her in on what he is dealing with. And then when it finally does come, ah, sweet relief...except NO...chaos ensues.

Oh, the ending, WTF! I didn't see that coming (this is becoming a trend in these books!). "We are one now." ????  Please tell me that it isn't true. PLEASE! This could be bad or this could be horrible! I need to know which like now, but I have to wait until we are gifted with the fifth book to the series, City of Lost Souls. Which by the way, has a somewhat foreboding title considering the ending of this book. Oh No, I can't wait until May 2012!

So, what do you think? Have you read it yet? If not, definitely add this to you to-read shelf over at Good Reads.

Masterpiece Monday (Week 5)

Masterpiece Monday! (Week 5) 

Izzy Reads from Chapter 4 - Gesture

Enjoy our reading of the altercation between Jacob and Bella at the wedding reception. Hope this helps start your week of right - or at least end your Monday with a smile.

City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

Good Reads Description:

To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters -- never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.

As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadow-hunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadow-hunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her new found powers to help save the Glass City -- whatever the cost?

Love is a mortal sin and the secrets of the past prove deadly as Clary and Jace face down Valentine in the final installment of the New York Times bestselling trilogy The Mortal Instruments

Thoughts...

So, I just finished City of Glass…this one only took me a little longer than the others because of real life. I do have a normal full time job (booo). However, this one was just as good as the first two books were.  LOVE IT. 

All of the loose ends were tied up and I feel like we got our happily ever after in this book. This book kept me on my toes!  I had an idea of what would happen, but I had NO idea on how it was going to happen. There were some great plot twists (Sebastian!!!). I found myself crying, laughing, and gasping in several parts of the books. It honestly made me laugh at myself when I realized I had a huge tear running down my check.  I was totally immersed in this book.  I can’t say enough wonderful things about it.  Just go out and pick up this series, it is definitely worth it!

Now, I am a little bit concerned with the fact that there is a fourth book (and soon to be fifth and sixth). Don’t get me wrong, I am starting the fourth book, City of Fallen Angels, this afternoon. But, the ending to this trilogy was perfect. Just perfect! I can’t think of anything that I would have liked to happen any differently. So now we are continuing the story and I just don’t want to ruin a good thing.  But, I must have faith in the author, Cassandra Clare. She wrote a wonderful series so far so I will keep on going. Can’t wait to read the next one….

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

Good Reads Description

As readers of series starter City of Bones already know, teenager Clary Fray is a Shadowhunter, a demon slayer who has the gift (?) of spotting Downworlder werewolves, vampires, and faeries. She is also an adolescent in an abnormally dysfunctional family: Her mom is in a magically induced coma and her father is probably insane and undoubtedly evil. All of which places Clary in situations that would challenge even the most talented average American girl.

Thoughts...

Well. I am writing this review less than 12 hours after I finished the first book in the series. SO...that should tell you something. No headaches after this one. For some reason, this one was easier for me to follow. I didn't feel like there was just too much being thrown at me as much; maybe I am just used to the writing style now. Whatever the case, I loved this book as well. 

As with the last, this book is packed with suspense. I never knew what was going to happen next. Many times, I was gasping because I never imagined that what happened, actually happened!  Another thing that adds to the suspense is the points of view. You are constantly bounced around. It actually pissed me off several times (lol). We get to an angsty part with Clary and dot dot dot. We are now following Jace and then dot dot dot. You get the picture.. We were left hanging constantly.

This is so hard for me to review without giving any spoilers because the second book is just building off of the first. There is still a love story present even if it isn't the love story that you wish it could be.  There is tons of action and suspense. I definitely recommend this book as well. I do dare say that I liked this one better than the first. Like I said, it seemed SO much EASIER for me to get into this one because the foundation was already provided.  I am definitley hooked...I can't write any more now. I am starting the 3rd book NOW! :o)

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Good Reads Description:

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder - much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing - not even a smear of blood - to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know....

Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.

Thoughts?

OK, I have not planned this review out or even really had time to let everything sink in as I have literally finished this book 4 minutes ago. I just felt that I needed to review this book RIGHT NOW because I have so many things swirling around in my head.

This book honestly gave me a headache! No kidding, as I sit hear typing I have a massive headache! I really did like this book though. It felt like it took a bit for me to really get it to it, but once I did, I didn't put it down. The beginning was a bit slow for me and at times, I thought "this it it, this is where it is going to get good", but then the plot would slow down again. It definitely kept me guessing, but it did finally pick up, hence the headache.

So much happens that when I look back on the book it seems like ages ago that the beginning events even occurred to Clary. Sometimes, things felt a little too rushed. We were introduced to SO many creatures that I still can't wrap my head around it.  This book is filled with angst.  Towards the end of the book, I couldn't put the book down and could NOT believe what I was reading. I won't go into detail on that because it is a major spoiler, but I still don't want to believe it.  I am hoping that it will be proven otherwise in the next book because it is just plain wrong! (If you have read this book, you know exactly what I am referring to right now. And if that is the case, let's talk because I have all sorts of feelings on this subject! It's just wrong, I say!)

All in all, I recommend this book. It has a fresh plot, great characters, and an interesting love story (?). Put it this way, I just finished it and I already have the 2nd book in the series loading onto my reader!

Enjoy!

**To those who have read, seriously, what did you think about the CRAZY plot twist she through in at the end?**

Masterpiece Monday (Week 4)

Masterpiece Monday!

This week's excerpt I (Sassy) read from Chapter 3! Big Day (The Wedding Scene)!

*Sorry it's late - we are busy people and must fit this in when we can.*

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Good Reads Description:
Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers.

But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything— including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?


A Few Memorable Quotes:

"Calla", Shay called from the hall. "Without your nakedness to distract me, I'm rembering we're in serious trouble."

"This is where you belong, Calla.” He pulled me closer, tilting my chin up. “Be with me. Tell me it’s what you want.”
I couldn’t tear my eyes from his. “What I want?”
“Yes. Anything, everything you need, I’ll give you. Always. I promise. Just tell me one thing.”
“What?”
“That you want this, us.” His voice dropped so low I could barely hear him. “That someday you’ll love me.”
My hands began to tremble where they rested around his neck. “Ren, you know we’re going to be together. We’ve both known that for a long time.”
He gave me a hard look. “That’s not what I’m talking about.”
“Why are you asking me this?” I tried to pull back, but he held me against him.
The glimmer of a smile appeared on his lips. “Why not?”
My temper flared. “Are you trying to say that you love me?”
I meant it as a challenge rather than a serious question, but his eyes seemed to catch fire.
“What do you think?” He touched his lips to mine, softly at first, gradually building pressure, parting them."

My Thoughts…

Well, you might be able to tell from my previous book review, but I am more of a fan of vampires (TEAM EDWARD!). So, I had my reservations about reading my first werewolf book.  How can running around as a dog, eating animals, and scratching be perceived as alluring and sexy the way vampires are?  Well, this changed my mind completely.  I have actually read another book about werewolves since this book (review on that one later). I still haven’t changed my mind that being an actual wolf would suck (like big time), but I was captivated by the life they lead while they are human.

Nightshade was set at a consistent pace for me.  I wasn’t overly “in love” with this book, but it kept my attention while sitting down to read. I never felt like “OMG, I can’t put this book down!”, but it was interesting enough to make we want to pick the book back up each night.

Calla is a werewolf often referred to as a guardian. She is the female “alpha-to-be” from her pack, the Nightshades, and will soon marry Ren (also alpha-to-be) from the Bane pack.  This isn’t the typical marriage one would imagine either.  The Keeper’s arranged this marriage since they both were born. They both look at it as an agreement that they must get along and run the pack together after the marriage is official. But as we know, things never run as smoothly as planned. Calla meets a human boy, Shay, and everything spirals out of Calla’s control from their…

I don’t want to give too much away in this review, but I do want to discuss the love triangle presented in Nightshade. I am not normally swayed. Once I pick a “side”, I don’t waver. More times than not, I choose the “good guy”. That’s just me and my wholesome personality (lol). However, I am torn with this book. Calla has great chemistry with both of the characters, Shay and Ren.   Calla and Shay’s relationship is a little sweeter, and the bond between them is undeniable as neither can stay away from the other. Calla and Ren’s relationship is nothing but INTENSE. Whoa! Calla and Ren are both strong-willed and often they butt heads.  There is no trust between the two, but the physical attraction between the two is hard to ignore. Here in lies my problem: Shay is the good guy and Ren is the bad boy.  I want to want her to be with Shay, but who do you think I am rooting for? REN!! This is all I will say on this. I don’t want to spoil the love story for you.

Overall, I was not blown away by this book, but it was a good read. Even though I said that the book had consistent pacing, the very end of the book did pick up speed and then does leave you hanging just a bit.  The next book in the series, Wolfsbane, comes out this summer. It is definitely on my to-be-read bookshelf over at Goodreads. I need to figure out what happens with my boys, Shay and Ren!

If you are into reading supernatural romance (this is YA so don’t expect too much ROMANCE, if you know what I mean), I think it would be worth your time.

-Izzy

Dragonfly in Amber

Goodreads book description: For twenty years Claire Randall has kept her secrets. But now she is returning with her grown daughter to Scotland's majestic mist-shrouded hills. Here Claire plans to reveal a truth as stunning as the events that gave it birth: about the mystery of an ancient circle of standing stones ... about a love that transcends the boundaries of time ... and about James Fraser, a Scottish warrior whose gallantry once drew a young Claire from the security of her century to the dangers of his....


OH MY where to begin....the series continues with a twist you don't foresee after reading the original Outlander. When I began I will admit that I was kindof very EXTREMELY concerned because things begin in the 1960's.  But, as always, Gabaldon is brilliant when it comes to keeping the audience intrigued.  Obviously, I needed to know the when - what - how and whys for this and thus...I kept reading. 


There are a few new characters which are introduced in this book who you will grow to love.  We learn a little about Claire and Jamie's - Brianna. Roger Mac - who you may remember from book one...when he was just a "wee lad". 


Claire and Jamie's relationship continues to develop throughout this second book and we are enlightened on how - In - The - World - We got to the 1960's.  If you are anything like I was the time frames when Jamie & Claire seemed to draaaaaag on. When all is said and done, you realize that it just makes it that much more exciting when you get back to their story or they are reunited.  With book 2, there are a few changes in scenery; not just the time jump in time; are intriguing.  Gabaldon thoroughly researches and this is apparent throughout her books, specifically this one. 

View of Scotland - Beautiful.

My ONE criticism of this particular book was that I was from time-to-time, a little overwhelmed with some of the historical references and questioned whether or not certain facts would be relevant later in the novel. As a reader, don't fret. Even with the historical information, it all comes together and what needs to be explained - is brought up often so you have a clearer picture and are not confused on who does what...when...where...how (lol).  

Buckle up...this book opens the door to the others - ENJOY!

(You can probably expect a second follow-up post to this one...which will certainly contain spoilers as I am currently re-reading my Dragon Fly in Amber right now. And will without a doubt have many comments that have slipped my mind from my last year read.)