The Devil You Know by Trish Doller Review

Started: August 29, 2016 | Ended: September 3, 2016

"Better the devil you know than the devil you don't."

-Noah

Title: The Devil You Know

Author: Trish Doller

Genre: Young Adult, Thriller, Contemporary

Length: 246 pages

Rating: ♥ ♥ 2/5

Goodreads Summary: Eighteen-year-old Arcadia wants adventure. Living in a tiny Florida town with her dad and four-year-old brother, Cadie spends most of her time working, going to school, and taking care of her family. So when she meets two handsome cousins at a campfire party, she finally has a chance for fun. They invite her and friend to join them on a road trip, and it's just the risk she's been craving-the opportunity to escape. But what starts out as a fun, sexy journey quickly becomes dangerous when she discovers that one of them is not at all who he claims to be. One of them has deadly intentions. 

A road trip fling turns terrifying in this contemporary story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Review: Okay, this story was slow. You guys don't know this, but I am not the kind of reader that will force myself to finish a book I'm not interested in and sadly this was one of them. It might have been that it got better, but I was 3/4th through the book and frankly, I was bored. It wasn't thrilling and I wasn't on the edge of my seat. It was just kind of boring.... The main character wasn't that interesting and nothing was happening. I understand if a book as a little bit of a slow start, but over half the book? I don't know, it just wasn't my cup of tea. 

I do; however, encourage you guys to give it a go if the summary hits your interest. Do not take my word too strongly. For me, it just wasn't a capturing read. I just personally couldn't get into the characters or the story line, but that's just me. I hope you are all doing well. If you've read this book or if you do, I would love to know whether you like it or not. I'll see you all later and as always, happy reading. 

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness Review

Started: August 16, 2016  | Ended: August 29, 2016

"You will tell me a fourth and it will be the truth."
-The Monster

Title: A Monster Calls
Author: Patrick Ness
Genre: Young Adult, Horror, Fantasy
Length: 216 pages
Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4.5/5
Goodreads Summary: The monster showed up after midnight. As they do.

But it isn’t the monster Conor’s been expecting. He’s been expecting the one from his nightmare, the one he’s had nearly every night since his mother started her treatments, the one with the darkness and the wind and the screaming…

This monster is something different, though. Something ancient, something wild. And it wants the most dangerous thing of all from Conor.

It wants the truth.

Review: This story captured grief and death in the best way imaginable. For someone who has personally lost someone they were extremely close to, this story hit home within be more than I could have ever imagined. The connection with how the character was feeling brought back the memories of how I felt at the time. As if no one would truly know what I was going through. The way this story is written was a little hard for me to get into. It took me longer than I thought it would to actually get through this short story. The graphics with in the book made the book much more creative. I think anyone who has lost someone should read this particular book. 

Mr. Ness has captured what most people can't actually put into words. I feel as though I have lost something now that I am finished. As if there is a piece of me missing within it's pages. I would recommend this book twenty times over if I could. Overall, it was an incredible journey and I'm glad I grabbed this book from the shelves.

Hello Again

Hey guys. I know it's been a while since I've actually posted for you. I have had a lot going on in my life and I know that isn't any excuse, but it's all I really have for you. I am in the process of reading three books right now and I hope to have reviews up soon because I am almost done with one of them.

*Spoiler* So far, they're all really good, but in the mean time I've got some posts I think you will all like. I do have some news for you all though. I am in the process of becoming a book reviewer. In other words, people send my books and I review them for you guys, right here on my blog. So, pretty much what I'm doing now only on a schedule; however, I actually need 30 followers to be able to get it.

I hope you guys can tell your friends about our little place here and I can get some more. Again, I'm sorry I was gone for what seemed a long time, but I'm back now and I am ready to do this. I hope you guys are doing well and reading a lot. I would love to know what you're reading in the comm nets! Have a great day and as always, happy reading.

Where it All Started

It has been a super busy week for me and I apologize that your Friday update is coming on a Sunday, but here it is. I wasn't really sure what to talk about this week. I thought maybe I would talk about where this love of reading came from.

When I was little my mother used to read to my brother and I before bed every night. She read things like, The Christmas Shoes, The Children of the Red King Series, and she even started Harry Potter. Even with books in my childhood, I hated reading. I was terrible at it. I mixed up letter constantly and it took me the longest time just to read regular, everyday words.

For some reason me brain knew the word, but I just couldn't seem to say it out loud. All of this just burned a fire of hatred for books. I didn't understand why everyone loved them. However, through all of this, I still did read a little. During the summer our local pizza parlor did this reading challenge for kids. It was if you read so many books you got this small free pizza. Naturally I wanted the pizza so I swallowed my hatred for reading and just kept at it.

In my middle school years I didn't read at all unless it was something I had to, like a textbook or something. Yet, when my Freshman year of high school finally rolled around, I met one of my friends that loved reading. She talking about it all the time and I thought maybe I would give it another go. Still as a Freshman it was a little hard for me to get into it.

It was difficult to focus on a line of text. My eyes were constantly jumping around the page and never really reading the words. Then Sophomore year came around and I met one of the girls I call my best friend. She told me if I wanted to get back into reading, which I was never into, that I should read Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher.

It really seems like the rest is history. After that book I was hooked, I read every single day. It's like my eyes had been cleared to this mystery. Still to this day I have trouble with reading, especially out loud. I have gotten better, but it's still hard sometimes. I don't think I will ever give it up though. It's weird now to think I hated it.

That's a little bit about me. What got you guys into reading? Did you hate it at first? I would love to know your stories. I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday and as always, happy reading.

The Selection by Kiera Cass Review

Started: July 15th | Ended: July 18th

"True love is usually the inconvenient kind."

-America

Title: The Selection

Author: Kiera Cass

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Dystopia

Length: 327 Pages

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 4.5/5 

Goodreads Summary: For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself - and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to the future she never imagined.

Review: First and for most, I am a very character driven reader. If I don't get into the characters of a novel it's difficult for me to keep reading. At first with the character Aspen... I like Aspen, but not enough for me to get invested into the trilogy. So, when his whole blow out happened I was overly please; however I went into this book fully aware of the Love Triangle. Now, I am a huge supporter of Love Triangles if they are done right, which this one is. As long as there is a logical reason for it, I'm now, throw in that Love Triangle.

The characters overall I really enjoyed. I also was intrigued with the story line. I'm not the biggest fan of these kinds of worlds, but it was done well and explain throughout the novel. The writing style flowed well and not once did I get tired of the inner thoughts of the main character. The whole novel was well passed and a lovely read. I had a hard time putting it out once it was in my hands... Well done Kiera Cass, well done.

**A post on Monday for you guys. I hope this help you guys in one way or another, whether it is to pick up or leave on the shelf is all up to you. Have an AMAZING Monday, and as always, happy reading. 

Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson Review

Started: July 11th | Ended: July 15th

"Tomorrow will be better. . . Then say it again tomorrow. Because it might be. You never know, right? At some point, tomorrow will be better."
-Unknown-

Title: Amy & Roger's Epic Detour
Author: Morgan Matson
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary
Length: 343 Pages
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 4/5
Goodreads Summary: Amy Curry is not looking forward to her summer. Her mother decided to move across the country and now it's Amy's responsibility to get their car from California to Connecticut. The only problem is, since her father died in a car accident, she isn't ready to get behind the wheel. Enter Roger. An old family friend, he also has to make the cross-country trip - and has plenty of baggage of his own. The road home may be unfamiliar - especially with their friendship venturing into uncharted territory - but together, Amy and Roger will figure out how to map their way.

Review: I told most people that it was good, but at the same time I could put this book down and I didn't need to know that ending. I fully enjoyed this novel more than I was honestly expecting. I read over half this book in one day. There characters were so easy to connect with. This summer read had me wanting to take a road trip which I did. The playlists, pictures, and recites where such a unique thing to put in the book as a whole. Some of the parts where harder for me to read, such as, when we went into Amy's thought process while logical for what she is going through, I often found myself scanning over it and then forcing myself to go back and actually read what she was thinking.

Besides the main characters, I loved all of the side characters as well, all these people they meet through out the trip and I love that Morgan Matson actually took the road trip that Amy and Roger did. I really enjoyed her writing style as a whole and I do see myself reaching for one of her book again. This novel has easily turned me into a Morgan Matson fan and even though I haven't read any of her other works yet, this is definitely one I would recommend first. I would not be surprised if later on down the road -see what I did there- I ended up picking this book again to read for a second time.

I hope this help you decided whether or not to pick this book up, but as always, happy reading. 

Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan Review

Started: June 21st | Ended: July 8th

"If my life is going to mean anything, I have to live it myself"

-Sally Jackson-

Title: Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief

Author: Rick Riordan

Genre: Young Adult, Adventure, Fiction

Length: 377 Pages

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 5/5

Goodreads Summary: Percy Jackson is a good kid, but he can't seem to focus on his schoolwork or control his temper. And lately, being away at boarding school is only getting worse -Percy could have sworn his pre-algebra teacher turned into a monster and tried to kill him. When Percy's mom finds out, she knows it's time that he knew the truth about where he came from, and that he got to the summer camp for demigods (on Long Island), where he learns that the father he never knew is Poseidon, God of the Sea.

Soon a mystery unfolds and together with his friends -one a satyr and the other the demigod daughter of Athena -Percy sets out on a quest across the United Starts to reach the gates of the Underworld (located in a recording studio in Hollywood) and prevent a catastrophic war between the gods.

Review: This book blew my expectations out of the water. I have had so many people tell me that I just had to read this book and how great it is, but I didn't imagine it to be that wow worthy. I was completely taken off guard by the writing. The characters where absolutely incredible and I loved growing on their adventure with them through this novel. It was witty and humor, while at the same time getting down to business. 

They monsters and powers where fun to read about and the attitude of the gods where a good laugh as well. I grabbed the second book off the shelf of the book store before I was even done with the first. I am hooked on this series without a doubt. It a great read and I recommend it to you guys.

On a side note, sorry it took so long for me to get another post up, but here it is. I have got some more coming. I hope you are all having a fantastic Friday and as always, see you all real soon and happy reading.

The Epic Reads Book Tag

Hello everyone. It's that time again. Friday book tag. I really enjoy book tags and I am glad I get to share these with you. This book tag was found on mylittlebookblog from wordpress. I am almost done with my current read of Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, so I hope to have that review up and running soon for all of you, but without any farther interruptions, let's get started.

Questions 1

If you could invite one author and one of their fictional characters to lunch, who would you invite and what would you serve them?

-I would invite author Jennifer Lynn Barns and her character Agent Briggs from the Naturals series. It would be a little weird considering he's in the FBI and deals with teenagers often, but I think it would very interesting to pick both of their brains. I would probably serve cheeseburgers and fries. That sounds so good. Homemade of course.

Question 2

What book do you wish the author would write a prequel for?

-A small prequel to False Memory by Dan Krokos, which is amazing by the way. 

Question 3

Which two characters (not from the same book) would make a good couple?

-This is such a hard question... Oliver from The Statistical Probability of Falling in Love at First Sight and Cath from Fangirl

Question 4

If you ran into your favorite author on the subway and only could say one sentence to them, who is it and what would it be?

-It would most defiantly be Dean Knootz and I would say, "I understand your fear of the dark and I'm afraid of it too."

Question 5

What book made you a reader and why?

-I didn't actually get into read until my freshman year in highschool, so I'm a little behind compared to most book enthusiasts. However, the book that really got me into the love of reading was Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher. This book was recommend to me by one of my closest friends and every since then I've always had a book in my hands.

Question 6

Your bookshelf just caught fire. Show the book you'd save.

-If I could only save one of my books... That's a hard question, but I would probably save Percy Jackson and the Olympians; The Lightning Thief.

Question 7

Which dystopian world would you want to live in if you had to choose one? Why?

-The Matched world. When you think about it. The world of Matched isn't that bad. At least your not put in games of death or in a maze of death or being divergent and sentenced to, you know, death.

Question 8

What is your most epic read of all time?

Well, that's all the questions. I'm not going to tag anyone this week, but I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. I hope to have another post up for you soon. Happy readings. 

June Book Haul

    Hey readers, I thought I would share with you some of the novels I have recently acquired whether it be from the library, as gifts, or purchased. I am really excited to share these with you. They are not necessarily on my To Be Read list, but I will probably read them sooner than later. Okay, enough delays, on to the books.

    First, I'll start with my library books. Mainly because I am obsessed with my local library and now they have self-check out. I am in heaven you guys. It's great. I got:

1. Shatter Me by Taherah Mafi.This story is about a girl named Juliette and when she touches people they die. I don't really know a lot about it, but truthfully it's all over BookTube and that's kind of why I checked it out. I just really wanted to see what all the talk was about.
2. Fade by Lisa McMann. So, I picked this book up because I read the first one, which is Wake, and it was absolutely amazing. I loved it. Then I found out there was a second one and I was all over that.
3. A Court of Thorn and Roses by Sarah J. Maas. This is another book all over BookTube. It's about this girl named Feyre how kills a wolf. I've heard it's kind of like a Beauty and the Beast re-telling which I am over the moon excited for because I love Beauty and the Beast.

    Then we have books that have been given to me this month which is quite a lot actually. I had some family move and they just left all their books behind, so they just made their way onto my book shelf. Anyways, here they are.

1. Written in Red by Anne Bishop. This is the first book in a series of five so far. It's about this world where humans have just started to take the land, but there are all these other creatures about. It's part of a series called, The Others. It sounds very intriguing.
2. Murder of Crows by Anne Bishop. Book two in the Other Series.
3. Vision in Sliver by Anne Bishop. Book three in the Other Series.
4. Ever After by Kim Harrison. I have absolutely no idea what this is about. I haven't even look at it yet.
5. For a Few Demons More by Kim Harrison. The cover for this book is amazing and I am excited to read it, but again, I haven't even looked to see what it is about.
6. Divergent by Veronica Roth. Most of you probably know this is the first book in the Divergent series which I previously read out of the library and honestly didn't really care for. I read the whole book because my friend was obsessed with it, but I really had no desire or need to read the other two novels in the trilogy.
7. Insurgent by Veronica Roth. The second book in the Divergent trilogy. As I said up above, I never planned on reading this book, mainly because I didn't really care or get into the first novel, but now I own it so I will probably end up reading it as some point. However, I wouldn't put to much hope into it.

    Lastly, these are book that I have purchased myself. I went to Barnes and Nobles, I saw them and just had to buy them.... I've been told I need an intervention... It's a problem, but a problem I love.

1. My Life With the Walter Boys by Ali Novak. Okay, so not only did I see this on BookTube (okay this is sad, I think I'm obsessed...) but I always knew that it was originally published on Wattpad and I'm on Wattpad, so I thought it would be really cool to pick up and read. I also did a review on the this story already, if you all want to check it out.
2. Splintered by A.G. Howard. I am not going to lie, when I picked this book of from the story, the only reason I grabbed it was because the third in the series looked amazing. Then I picked up this one and not only was I interested in the story, but it's got references to Alice in Wonderland which I love. I am obsessed with the Mad Hatter. I haven't started this book yet, but I am ready to read it.

    So, these are all the books I have gotten this month. I will probably end up getting more because I am at the library almost every other week, but also my birthday is soon... *cough* two days... *cough* I am so happy I got to share these with you guys! If any of you guys have read any of these books, please tell me your opinions in the comments. I would love to know what you all thought of them. Anyways, I will see you all real soon. Happy reading!

The Musical Book Tag

Happy Friday everybody. I hope you're week is going spectacular so far. It is Book Tag Friday and I found one that I think is pretty awesome. This book tag is called The Musical Theater Book Tag and it was created by somethinglikelydia of BookTube. I hope you guys like this, I liked creating it and I would love to hear your opinions on these questions in the comments below, let's get started.

WICKED: FAVORITE FICTIONAL FRIENDSHIP

Harry Potter Series

by J.K. Rowling

Ron and Harry have the best friendship and it's just great to read about. Makes you all happy inside. I also love their friendship with Hermione, but I was going to stick to a duo in this.

SWEENEY TODD: FAVORITE VILLAIN

Sherlock Holmes
by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Can we just take a minute to appreciate Moriarty. This man, is absolutely incredible. Even though he is the villian, you kind of hate to love him. He is so incredibly smart and he's such a great match for Sherlock over all. I love him. He's the best villian I've read about.... so far. 

PHANTOM OF THE OPERA: FAVORITE LOVE TRIANGLE

The Naturals
by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

The Naturals is probably one of my favorite book series ever, but there is this love triangle between three of the main characters and it's amazing. I'm not a huge fan of love triangles, but it's just put together so well. *sigh* It's great.

THE LION KING: FAVORITE SIDEKICK

My Life With The Walter Boys 
by Ali Novak

Nathan Walter is just the best sidekick that you could ever ask for. I don't know if you would actually consider him a sidekick, but I do. He was amazing, I absolutely adored this character and the friendship that the main character builds with him. It was just so cute.

GREASE: LEAST FAVORITE ENDING

This Is What Happy Looks Like
by Jennifer E. Smith
This books ending just made me want to cry, but not from sadness. I was just so frustrated. Nothing really got solved and their where so many questions not answered. I just wanted to chuck the book across the room afterwards. I just... It was just not what I wanted. Their where a lot of holes just left.

MATILDA: THE MUSICAL: FAVORITE ADAPTATION OF A BOOK

The Maze Runner
by James Dashner

This book... I tried to read this book at least three times and I just could not get into it, but the movie. I loved the movies. The first and the second. I thought they were really good and interesting. It made me like the characters that in the novel I didn't really care for. They were great movies.

LES MISERABLES: FAVORITE DEATH IN A BOOK

The Hunger Games
by Suzanne Collins
This was a really hard decision for me because a lot of the books I read don't really have death in them or a death that I loved. So, I'm choosing Cato from The Hunger Games, mainly because I just didn't like him in the first place. When he was killed off I was quite happy actually. It's sounds kind of bad, but oh well. 

    I hope I do this again. Maybe like an every Friday kind of thing, or every other Friday, it was really fun. It had a good time trying to choose some of these because I didn't really think of it before. I'd love to know you're opinions down in the comments below. Also, I am tagging, jessereads from BookTube as well as taylorisreading who has her own blog and twitter! Happy reading you guys. See you all real soon.

Wake by Lisa McMann Review

Started: June 14th | Ended: June 15th 

  "Not all dreams are sweet."

  -Janie-

    
    Wake by Lisa McMann is a Young Adult novel that is only about 210 pages long and where do I even begin. At first I was honestly a little hesitant to even read this story. You guys don't know, but I am an incredibly picky reader and when my friend recommended it to me, I thought I might try it. The story follows the main character Janie; a seventeen year old girl who is pulled into other peoples dreams. The story is mainly about her dealing with this problem as well as deal with another problem named Cabel. 

    The story more or less follows the ups and downs of these two characters, who you end up adoring throughout the short novel. This book series is in fact a trilogy and even though I despise trilogies, I absolutely can not wait to get the next book and dive on in. The only thing I didn't really care for in the novel was the slow beginning. I loved the characters and the plot line.

    I feel a little lost now that I've finished. That one time I'm happy it's a trilogy, but let's just hope the next to books are as great as the first one. If you guys have time, I really do recommend thing book. I know I didn't talk as much about it, but I don't want to give to much away, only because it's so good.

    For those of you who have read this book, I would love to hear what you thought of it in the comments below. I really hope this review help you in some way, shape, or form. I am still working on getting better at writing these with giving you a lot of information, but not a lot of spoilers. Also, if there is a book you'd like me to review or even just read, don't be afraid to leave me a comment, I would love to hear from you all.

I will see you all real soon. Happy reading.

My Life With The Walter Boys by Ali Novak Review

Started: June 9th | Ended: June 12th

   "I never felt bad for Romeo and Juliet." 

   -Jackie Howard-

    All right, let's just dive on in, shall we? So, My Life With the Walter Boys is a Young Adult Contemporary novel written by Ali Novak or Fallswimmer. It follows a main character named Jackie Howard who's family tragically dies in a freak car accident and she is forced to move from her hometown of New York City across the country to live with her new guardians; the Walters. The Walters are a normal family besides the fact that they have 12 children. All who are boys, except one, who might as well be. 

    I, personally, enjoyed this novel as a whole. It didn't really talk about anything serious, it's more of a light hearted, and easy read. The book is more or less about a girl from the city having to live in a house full of boys, many are in their teenage years. This story had me laughing quite a bit. 

    One thing that had me picking up the novel in the first place is that it was originally a Wattpad novel. This honestly, made the book, to me, very interesting. I am a huge Wattpad lover, mainly because I get to read a lot of books and many are very well written. This novel surprised me a lot actually. I figured it was going to be good as a novel in whole, but I never imagined loving it as much as I did. 

    I have already recommended it to some of my close friends. I don't know if they will enjoy the story line as much as I did, but I would still love to hear their opinions on it. Also, I would love hear your guys thoughts on this book as well. Don't be afraid to leave me a comment below. I hope you guys like the review, I loved reading this book. If there is a book you'd like me to review next or even just read, please, leave me a comment because I would love to hear from you.

   As always, I will see you all real soon. Happy reading.