Nevermore by Kelly Creagh

Title: Nevermore
Author: Kelly Creagh
Published: September 2010
Pages: 543
Rating: 5/5
Summary: Cheerleader Isobel Lanley is horrified when she is paired with Varen Nethers for an English project, which is due—so unfair—on the day of the rival game. Cold and aloof, sardonic and sharp-tongued, Varen makes it clear he’d rather not have anything to do with her either. But when Isobel discovers strange writing in his journal, she can’t help but give this enigmatic boy with the piercing eyes another look.

Soon, Isobel finds herself making excuses to be with Varen. Steadily pulled away from her friends and her possessive boyfriend, Isobel ventures deeper and deeper into the dream world Varen has created through the pages of his notebook, a realm where the terrifying stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life.

As her world begins to unravel around her, Isobel discovers that dreams, like words, hold more power than she ever imagined, and that the most frightening realities are those of the mind. Now she must find a way to reach Varen before he is consumed by the shadows of his own nightmares.

His life depends on it.
 
Review: How amazing is this book? I can't really express how much I loved it!
 
It starts off with Isobel, a cheerleader who has everything she ever hoped to have. She has a boyfriend, friends and overall her life is as good as as it could be. It all changes when she's paired with paired with Varen for an English project.
 
I loved to see that Isobel realized what was wrong with her life. She took the choices that were right even if they weren't the easiest to make. She fought for what she believed in even if others weren't in agreement with them. I also liked how at the end she realized what she had to do. 
 
I loved Varen! He was a different main character than what you would find in most books but was just as amazing as them. He wore dark clothes and kept to himself and others didn't really pay attentions to him. His life changes when he realizes what he's gotten himself and Isobel in.
 
This was a great book that kept me reading to the very last page. I liked how Poe was woven into the story and made even more amazing. I can't wait to read the second book and see what happens!!

Book Blogger Hop (33) & Follow Friday (4)

Book Blogger Hop is a fun meme hosted by Crazy For Books. Enter your link and go hop around other blogs that are out there, ready to be discovered!

I've finished a book and started another! That is such a great thing considering how bad I've been at reading lately. I think that I will finally go back to reading as I used to!

"What is the one bookish thing you would love to have, no matter the cost?"

I would want a library.More specifically a library like the one in the Beauty and and the Beast. I would be so happy if I could ever have one like that!!

To join the fun and make now book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:

1. Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Host { Parajunkee.com } and any one else you want to follow on the list.
2. Follow our Featured Bloggers
3. Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing.
4. Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say hi in your comments
5. Follow Follow Follow as many as you can
6. If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love...and the followers.

If you have, or would have a daughter, what book would you want your daughter to read?

I don't have a daughter and don't plan to have one for a while, but I do have a sister. I'm actaully planning on making her read the Harry Potter series. Other than that I would like it if she read any good book. I guess the same goes for if I ever have a daughter.

While you're here make sure to check out the contest that I have going on!

Win Freefall by Anna Levine! Ends November 8th!

If you're visiting, make sure you leave your link and I'll make sure to visit your blog!

Freefall by Anna Levine

Title: Freefall

Author: Anna Levine

Published: 2008

Pages: 272

Rating: 5/5

Summary: What would your life be like if military service was compulsory, not voluntary?

Aggie is eighteen and getting ready to do her service for the Israeli Army. She could get a cushy assignment—maybe pushing paper somewhere—or she could just take her chances. Only, Aggie isn't like that. Despite her small size and the fact that she needs to gain weight to even make the grade, and despite the total disbelief of her entire family (except her grandmother, who is an old freedom fighter and don't you forget it), Aggie is trying out for an elite combat unit.

Ben—Aggie's crush of the moment—isn't at all convinced that she's making the right choice. Shira, Aggie's best friend forever, is bewildered (and perhaps a bit too interested in Ben). Then there's Noah. And the serendipitous snow. And a good-bye kiss that turns into, well, a real kiss.

Luckily for Aggie, her backbreaking, sand-in-mouth, completely-lost-in-the-desert training produces an unlikely dividend: friends. The kind she never imagined she could have. The kind you'd go to war with—and for.

Review: The story starts off with Abigail who has to decide what she wants to do in military service. She's trying to decide what she wants to do and what others want her to do. She has to go through many challenges before she understand what she wants to do and where she belongs.
 
Abigail was someone who knew what she had to do and didn't let others put her down. She knew that it wasn't going to be easy to accomplish what she wanted but that didn't mean that she just gave up. Her determination was something that I really liked and also the way she looked at things.
 
The reader also gets to know more about a country that we may have heard of before but don't really know much about it. I was glad to see that the way they lived. The characters were teens like any other who just happened to live in this country and knew they has to serve it.
 
This book was different to what I had read before. It took place in a country I didn't know much about and during these times. I would really recommend this book to others!
 
Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a chance to win this amazing book!

Freefall Character Interview & Giveaway!

Today we have Abigail from Freefall by Anna Levine. Just to let you all know Abigail is the main character in Freefall, which I think is a very good book!

If you had the same choice as the girl from the U.S, would you have done what she did or would you have taken a different choice?

I would have done the same. I would have tried to get into the army because it’s such a basic part of life in Israel. Even if you don’t want to serve, you don’t believe in the military or you just want to have a normal life studying or working, by living here you don’t have the option to make that choice. Doing military duty is part of what it means to live here and part of the responsibility that goes with living here.

Your grandmother had different views from your parents. Did this ever make you feel like you had to take sides?

All the time! But then everybody in this country has an opinion and is never shy of expressing it. The hard part is trying to listen to and hear the voice inside yourself and figuring out where you belong.

Did you ever suspect why your bag went missing on your first night?

Never. Afterwards I realized that it always happens to at least one person in a group. I was so angry! Why me? But then, I didn’t let it get to me so that made the feeling of achievement all that much sweeter.

What were you thinking that first night that you had to stand guard alone?

How terrified I was. Every sound, every stretch of long silence was like bugs crawling beneath my skin. It was hard to think straight. I kept trying to convince myself that I wasn’t afraid. But the more you tell yourself, “I’m not afraid,” well the only thing you can think of are all the things you are afraid of, desert snakes, desert mice, hyenas, desert foxes, scorpions…terrorists. And then I was holding a gun, but I wasn’t sure I’d have the nerve to actually fire it. I kept waiting for the shift to end, to see the first rays of morning light. I just wanted it to be behind me.

What did you think of the girls when you first saw them? Did you ever think that you would have the relationship you have with them now?

I thought they were the strangest group of misfits – and if I were with them, what did that make me? Were they looking at me thinking the same thing? I thought I’d somehow make it through boot camp and then never see or hear from any of them ever again. We had nothing in common. But the strangest thing was to realize how adversity brings out the mettle in people and all those girls who I thought were so spoiled and brainless had something in them that made me realize that these were the type of girls I’d want with me in times of crisis. You know, it made me think about how we judge people so quickly without really taking the time to figure out who they are and what they’re made of. I know that Lily will always be there for me, ten, twenty, or a hundred years from now.

How was the relationship you had with Ben different than the one you had with Noah?

Ben was the first guy to show interest me, and that felt really good. He was attracted to me and Shira liked him. But Noah was different. Noah respected me in a way that Ben didn’t. When Noah spoke to me and looked at me I could feel that he was proud of the decisions I made and respected the challenges I wanted to take. I could tell Noah was attracted to me, the way he looked at me -- but it wasn’t only a physical attraction. It was as if he loved everything about me and I guess that’s what made me fall in love with him.

Do you think that living in a country where you didn't have to serve your country would have changed the person that you are?
 
Totally. There’s something about living here which makes you feel a responsibility for people outside of the responsibility you have towards your family and your close friends. When the country is being threatened by enemies it causes people to bond together and you feel okay, I don’t know these people personally, but we’re all in this together so we’ve got to stand up for each other. I don’t know what it’s like to grow up in a country where there are peaceful relationships on every border. In some ways, we probably all worry about the same things, homework, getting enough money to do the stuff we want, relationships, but the difference is that here there is a kind of awareness that our lives are intertwined and we have a duty to protect each other.
 

Here is the summary for Freefall: What would your life be like if military service was compulsory, not voluntary?

Aggie is eighteen and getting ready to do her service for the Israeli Army. She could get a cushy assignment—maybe pushing paper somewhere—or she could just take her chances. Only, Aggie isn't like that. Despite her small size and the fact that she needs to gain weight to even make the grade, and despite the total disbelief of her entire family (except her grandmother, who is an old freedom fighter and don't you forget it), Aggie is trying out for an elite combat unit.
Ben—Aggie's crush of the moment—isn't at all convinced that she's making the right choice. Shira, Aggie's best friend forever, is bewildered (and perhaps a bit too interested in Ben). Then there's Noah. And the serendipitous snow. And a good-bye kiss that turns into, well, a real kiss.
Luckily for Aggie, her backbreaking, sand-in-mouth, completely-lost-in-the-desert training produces an unlikely dividend: friends. The kind she never imagined she could have. The kind you'd go to war with—and for.

Giveaway Details

-There will be 1 lucky winner

-This giveaway is INTERNATIONAL

-The deadline will be on November 8, 2010 at midnight PDT time. If you don't when that is at your time just look at the time on the left sidebar.

-You don't have to be a follower, though it would be greatly appreciated!

All you have to do is fill out this form!

In My Mailbox (28)

In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren. This week I actually got some books in the mail!!

For Review:

Annexed by Sharon Dogar

Heart with Joy by Steve Cushman and a postcard

Other:

Alien Invasions and Other Inconveniences by Brian Yansky

Book Blogger Hop (32) & Follow Friday (3)

Book Blogger Hop is a fun meme hosted by Crazy For Books. Enter your link and go hop around other blogs that are out there, ready to be discovered!

On Monday there was the league finals though I didn't make it to the second day. I did do better which think is a good thing. So this whole week I've been coming home early!

Where is your favorite place to read? Curled up on the sofa, in bed, in the garden?

My favorite place to read is probably in bed. Other than that I like reading at any place that's comfortable.

To join the fun and make now book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:

1. Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Host { Parajunkee.com } and any one else you want to follow on the list.
2. Follow our Featured Bloggers - whatbookisthat.com
3. Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing.
4. Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say hi in your comments
5. Follow Follow Follow as many as you can
6. If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love...and the followers
7. If you want to show the link list, just follow the link below the entries and copy and paste it within your post!
8. If your new to the follow friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!

What are you currently reading? Basically, what book is that?

For school I'm reading To Kill A Mockingbird and Animal Farm. The other book that I'm reading is Branded by Keary Taylor.

If you're visiting, make sure you leave your link and I'll make sure to visit your blog!

Zan-Gah: A Prehistoric Adventure by Allan Richard Shickman

Title: Zan-Gah: A Prehistoric Adventure
Author: Allan Richard Shickman
Published: July 2007
Pages: 148
Rating: 4/5
Summary: The hero, Zan-Gah seeks his lost twin in a savage prehistoric world, encountering suffering, captivity, conflict, love, and triumph. In three years, Zan-Gah passes from an uncertain boyhood to a tried and proven manhood and a position of leadership among his people. Themes: survival, cultures, gender roles, psychological trauma, nature's wonders and terrors.

Review: When they first offered me the opportunity to review this book,I had no idea what to expect. Thankfully it was a good book!
 
At the beginning of the book Zan lives the live that one would expect during these times. Zan is now old enough to help his elders to kill a lion. After this event, Zan is given the name of Zan-Gah and goes on a journey to find his twin brother who disappeared a few years back.
 
Zan was a different but interesting character to see the story from. He lives in a time where there is no technology and live in caves. Zan described the things he saw throughout his journey, which I thought was nice since it gave you a view of how the Earth would have been during that time.
 
Many years go by when Zan finally returns home. I liked how the others accepted him back into his home. He changed as the years went by and at the end, when he returns, he sees things differently and helps his tribe so that they don't have to keep fighting with other tribes.
 
This book was something different to read but at the same time it was a good book. I'm glad that I gave this book a chance, because I came out of what I normally read and gave me chance to read something different!
 
This book was given to me by the publisher for an honest review.

Book Blogger Hop (31) & Follow Friday (2)

Book Blogger Hop is a fun meme hosted by Crazy For Books. Enter your link and go hop around other blogs that are out there, ready to be discovered!

This week I had to play 2 games! I feel kind of small being the only freshman on the varsity team and all the other players being seniors. I've also gotten my homework done which I think is a great thing! So, yeah, I don't really know what else to say. =)

"When you read a book that you just can't get into, do you stick it out and keep reading or move to your next title?"

This doesn't happen to me, mainly because I tend to like each book. I know there have been times when I don't really like a book but I think it's important to give each book a chance so I almost always finish a book before I move on to the next. I just don't like not knowing what happens.

This is my second week participating and I really like I so far!

What is your reading suggestion this week?

My reading suggestion this week would be Fire by Kristin Cashore. I loved this book! You can read my review of it here.

If you're visiting, make sure you leave your link and I'll make sure to visit your blog!

The Siege of Macindaw by John Flanagan

Title: The Siege of Macindaw
Author: John Flanagan
Published: 2006
Pages: 393
Rating: 4/5
Summary: After years as a Ranger’s apprentice, Will is now the protector of his first fief. Not long into his service, everything that can go wrong does: Keren, a renegade knight, has taken over Castle Macindaw, a strategic gateway to the North—poisoning the royal family in the process—and is holding Will’s friend Alyss captive. The situation grows direr when Will uncovers Keren’s secret alliance with the Scotti, who have plans to plunder Araluen. Time is of the essence, and Will must recruit a motley crew to rescue Alyss and reclaim Castle Macindaw—before the Scotti can make it their own.

Review: After what happened during the last book Will needs to find a way to save his friend and Araluen. As always, he will need the help of his friends and others too help him through this and to stand by him when the time comes to fight.

I was glad to see that Will was taking decisions that influenced what happened. He was thinking in the ways that he can help Araluen but also helped him save Alyss. He remembered what he had been taught and knew how to use it to his advantage.

Alyss wasn't the female who just sat around and waited for someone to come rescue her. She knew she had to do something to help herself of the problem she was in. I liked how they made her believe that a stone could help her even though it was only her.

I will have to find the other books and read them. I like the things that they get themselves into and the ways that they solve their problems. This is a good series to read if you want something else other than vampires, angels, or even paranormal stuff.

Book Blogger Hop (30) & Follow Friday (1)

 

Book Blogger Hop is a fun meme hosted by Crazy For Books. Enter your link and go hop around other blogs that are out there, ready to be discovered!

This week has been weird. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday it was raining. Then on Wednesday I got to school and it looked as if I had taken a shower. Then in the afternoon it was sunny! So they made us practice on played on Thursday. We won!

This week's question: I usually drink what I can find. So it may be water one day and soda the next.

This is the first week I participate in Follow Friday!

This week's question: I try to put up 2 reviews per week but sometimes it doesn't work out.

If you're visiting, make sure you leave your link and I'll make sure to visit your blog!

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenengger

Title: The Time Traveler's Wife
Author: Audrey Niffenegger
Published: 2003
Pages: 546
Rating: 4/5
Summary: Audrey Niffenegger's innovative debut, The Time Traveler's Wife, is the story of Clare, a beautiful art student, and Henry, an adventuresome librarian, who have known each other since Clare was six and Henry was thirty-six, and were married when Clare was twenty-three and Henry thirty-one. Impossible but true, because Henry finds himself periodically displaced in time, pulled to moments of emotional gravity from his life, past and future. His disappearances are spontaneous, his experiences unpredictable, alternately harrowing and amusing.

Review: This book covers the life of Clare and Henry. Henry is different than others, he time travels. He is constantly finding himself in places that he has been to or in the future.
 
I thought that it was sweet that Clare always waited for Henry and loved him even though he disappeared often.She had to learn to live a life different than what most had. She also had to suffer a lot throughout her life.
 
Henry has always had a hard life so I understood the way he acted and changed. Clare changed him in ways that he didn't think possible. he had to live with the knowing that he couldn't change things from the past or the future.
 
For a long time I had been wanting to read this book so I was excited when I got the chance. I liked how the book changed the point of view from Clare to Henry. I had never read a book that had this kind of plot and I think it was a good book. I would definitively recommend it to others, just be aware, it makes you think and I didn't quite like the end.

Nourishing the Need (9)

Nourishing the Need is a blog feature. I decided to show books that have just been released or that will soon be released.

Torment by Lauren Kate

The Exiled Queen by Cinda Williams Chima

Misguided Angel by Melissa de la Cruz

The Scorch Trials by James Dashner

Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

I've haven't read any of these but the covers all look great! So what book are you waiting for this month?