Stephanie's books

Clockwork Angel
Eragon
City of Bones
Twilight
The Fellowship of the Ring
The Golden Compass
Night World, No. 2
Thirst No. 2: Phantom, Evil Thirst, and Creatures of Forever
Thirst No. 3: The Eternal Dawn
The Iron Daughter
The Iron King
Nightshade
Divergent
A Discovery of Witches
A Great and Terrible Beauty
The Hunger Games
The Host
City of Glass
Memoirs of a Geisha
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo


Stephanie's favorite books »

Sunday 28 October 2012

Outside In (Insider 2)

Outside In (Insider 2)
by Maria V. Snyder
Rating: 3.5/5

Summary:
  Me?  A leader?
Okay, I did prove that there's more to Inside than we knew. That a whole world exists beyond this cube we live in. And finding that led to a major rebellion—between worker scrubs like me and the snobby uppers who rule our world. Make that ruled. Because of me, we're free. I thought that meant I was off the hook, and could go off on my own again—while still touching base with Riley, of course. He's the one upper I think I can trust. But then we learned that there's outside and then there is Outside
And something from Outside wants In

My Review:
  I actually bought the double issue of this series with both novels but I read them on two different occasions instead of one after the other, I probably wanted to do a challenge haha. I did really enjoy book one it was full of many surprises and a great story, I was not as impressed by book two. I didn't hate it, but I wasn't jumping up and down either, it was as they say so-so.
  Trella led the rebellion and discovered many secrets about Inside in book one, now she wants nothing to so with the new council or the changes of Inside and I think that's what upset me the most. Trella was always the reluctant leader but I thought seeing all the changes and wanting to make cogan proud would have given her a push, sadly it did not.
  There were some good and exciting parts and about halfway through Trella did get it together and things did get much better. I enjoyed the second half and the introduction of the outsiders.
 I don,t have much else to say about this book it ended well and overall was pretty good.
Happy Reading Friends!!!

Saturday 27 October 2012

The Core (The Diamond Mini-Series 2)

The Core (The Diamond Mini-Series Book 2)
by J.M. Zuniga
Rating: 5/5

Summary:
 Continue to follow Diamond and Sid in their fight for survival and to keep the core in the right hands. The enemy is closer than ever searching for the core, something so powerful it could sustain the energy of half of the US, but if it were to fall into the wrong hands in a society that is overwhelmingly desperate for energy, it could mean the end of freedom and lives. Watch as Diamond battles with the shadows of her recent past. Her struggle within could compromise the safety of those around her.

My Review:
  Well another thrilling and wonderful installment of the diamond mini series. I have now been left on the edge of my seat and I cant wait to find out what happens next. love love love this and I am soooo excited for the third one it may just kill me if I have to wait to much longer.
  The fact that these books are short stories yet leave such an unbelievable emotional impact still amazes me in two short stories I have become so invested in this world and these characters I have so many questions and I hope to get my answers soon. If you have not read this series yet I suggest you DO IT NOW!!! you will not regret it.
Happy Reading Friends!! 

Tuesday 23 October 2012

Under Ground (The Diamond Mini-Series Book 1)

Before I start this review I want to warn you that it will contain spoilers I got this book free form the author in exchange for an honest review and before I do that I will tell you that you should read this it was awesome and you will not be disappointed so without further ado her it is:

Under Ground (The Diamond Mini-Series Book 1) 
by J.M. Zuniga
Rating: 5/5

Summary:
Left alone in a secret room after their parents were kidnapped, Diamond and Obsidian must take care of their younger siblings. But how? They are facing both the threat of intruders and the threat of starvation. Will they survive or will their fate fall into the hands of the intruders? Or worse yet, will they starve to death?

Enter the world of The Diamond Mini-Series. It is a mini-series of short stories, each one picking up where the other one left off. Follow Diamond on her journey of survival and life.

My Review:
  This was a fantastic and very well written story and unfortunately to short which I think is  a compliment I just did not want this to end and I will be getting the next books asap so I can once again dive into this story.
  We start off learning about the four young people left behind in an under ground room while their parents are kidnapped for information. Diamond, Obsidian, Kelvin and Mica have been drilled for this for a long time but when it finally happened they were not as prepared as they thought, they are scared and running out of food causing the two young ones (Kelvin and Mica) to become thin, malnutrition sets in giving us the biggest heartbreak  in the form of Kelvins death. as terrible as that is it also brings alot more information in the form of strangers who save Obsidian when he leaves the room to bury Kelvin. I cant wait to see if Diamond gets revenge on the people who took her whole life from her I liked that it gave her a bit more purpose. I also cant wait to find out more about the mysterious people who found them and whose parents may also have been a part of the whole thing since they also worked as geologists with Diamond and Obsidians parents.
I loved all the action and drama and I cant wait for more. Thank you so much to J.M. Zuniga for the opportunity to read this great book and I can grantee I will be reading more.
Happy Reading Friends!!!!!  

Angel Evolution (Evolution Trilogy 1)

Angel Evolution (Evolution Trilogy 1)
by David Estes
Rating:4/5

Summary:
When Taylor meets Gabriel at college, she is in awe of the subtle glow that surrounds him. No one else, not even her best friend, seems to notice.

Something about him scares her.

Is all as it appears? While Taylor struggles for answers, she finds herself in the middle of a century old war centered on one miraculous revelation: evolution.

My Review:
  I have been meaning to read this one for a while as I have heard so much about it, David Estes being one of my goodreads friends and many other on there have been talking about it. I was pleasantly surprised by this one not that I expected it to be terrible I just wasn't sure and luckily it was worth the read.
  I liked that Gabe being an angel was not dragged out like in so many other books he got right to the point with Taylor and although he lied like all non-humans do to humans he did it in a different way, by using half truths and although it was to use her for his cause I liked that it was different.
  I very much enjoyed that just because they were called angels and daemons the story was not about heaven and hell and a centuries old war  but about humans who evolved and found different ways of life. I don't even think this was about good and evil either but about right and wrong and loyaltys we feel to each other and our belief. They were called angels and daemons but not one group was entirely good or evil both group contained good and evil people and ideas, very good concept full of thought and reflection.
  The origin stories for the angels and daemons were cool although I will confess I had thoughts of spiderman while reading about the snake turning the first daemon. I still don't really know how I feel about the angels being daemons originally, I think it has something to do with the connection I have with these two words and the connection immediately made when you hear them and when I take that away its not so bad...still a bit weird but I can work around it.
  I had fun with these characters mostly Taylor I loved her spunk and independence  I felt bad for her at times she was so blinded and unaware that she was just a pawn being used in someones else's war but by the end of the book I was proud to see her stand up and prove herself. Gabe (angel) and Chris (daemon) kept me on my toes I wanted to trust them but there was so much lying and scheming it was hard to know who was really trying to help, I liked Chris better from the beginning and Gabe may yet redeem himself. I was so glad when Chris fell for Sam (Taylors best friend) and at first I thought he was using her to get to Taylor but I know he cares about her and it made it more fun to see the four of them together and then go  into battle together. All that being said I was sometimes confused by the flashing points of view, I have mixed emotions about this since I liked the insight it gave but sometimes it moved between characters to quickly.
  The ending battle was good and I am curious as to what they will do next and what their actions mean for both sides of the war. Overall enjoyable book and I see great potential for this series. 
Happy Reading Friends!!

Thursday 18 October 2012

So Many Books So Little Time!!

I was just sitting here thinking now what I finished another book and although I was pleased with it this is my least favorite part of finishing a book what do I read now. I have 3 shelves (not huge or anything) with books to be read and over 100 on my Kobo waiting as well they all look good and I don't know were to start. I thought I would post this here to see if anyone has any suggestions on what they do when they are deciding what to read next. thanks in advance for your help now back to my task at hand lol.
Happy Reading Friends!!!

The Emerald Staff (Custodian Novel 2)

The Emerald Staff (Custodian Novel 2)
by Alison Pensy
Rating: 4/5

Summary:
Faedra was enjoying the fact that everything was back to normal. Well, as normal as it could get when you had the ability to manipulate energy, were protector of an ancient Fae amulet, and lived with a fairy guardian 24/7. Her dad had even started dating. Yes, all was right again in Faedra’s world, or so she thought…

My Review:
  I read book one and I loved it, but with so many books on the to be read shelf this one got pushed back, Then one day while going through my Kobo library I came across it and was excited to get reading and I am ver glad I did. This book was exciting heart warming and full of kick ass scenarios and overall and really good read!!
  The story was kicked off with a bang giving us dark magic. curses and a quick protection spell it had my immediate attention and I was sucked in until the end thanks to the fast pace and many exciting adventures.
  I was suspicious of Feadra's dads girlfriend all along and call me a cynic but it just seemed to good to be true and low and behold I was right, but it did lead to the way for many revelations like the identity of feadra's father and an introduction to fean's family which was interesting and a little thought provoking I have a few questions about them still so it is a good thing there is another book because I also have questions about Vivianna and I have a feeling she isnt done yet she doesn't seem like the giving up type.
  The addition of Eytran to the story had me worried I would end up reading another story of love triangle but I was happy he remained in the friendship zone and he was good comic relief for the tense situations they all faced.
  I loved the dragons they were like grumpy old men with weapons. I also loved the impression Feadra had on Draconis it was very cute and it also gave her a very powerful friend for the battle to save her father and all the seven realms. I really hope he is in book 3.
  After all my praise I will say the characters being named Faedra and Faen bothered me I couldnt get over how close they were and in all the excitement I sometimes got them confused, but faedra was so kick ass selfless and fierce and faen the warrior and ever the gentleman was good enough that I did get over it by the end.
   I was glad to get a wonderful happy ending giving me great promise and excitement for book 3 which I will read as soon as I get my hands on it!!!
Happy Reading Friends!!!!  

Saturday 13 October 2012

The Selection

The Selection (The Selection 1)
by Kiera Cass
Rating:5/5

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 a future she never imagined.

My Review:
 I have had this book for a while now, I have looked it over a few times and even put it in my bag when I worked a night shift but never read it. I am so glad I finally did, although part of me wishes I would have waited since I don't think I can wait til April for the next one I really want to know what happens.
  As soon as I started reading all I could think about was the TV show The Bachelor, and let me tell you I am not a fan of the show but I was a big fan of this book. I was a reminder of it but it was done a lot better it had alot more class and old world charm with just a little girl on girl nastiness to keep it exciting lol.
  I enjoyed America she did alot for other people in the beginning and it lead her to the one thing she didn't want...the selection. She didn't just stand in the corner she made the best of a bad situation and she learned and grew in the process. I really liked how she became a better person in a tough situation and didn't let it define her.
  At first I liked Aspen I thought he was sweet but he let his pride get in the way and he sent America off knowing what might happen, he blew it and I am team Maxon all the way. Maxon is a little bit shy but he  cares about his people and I believe that is the thing that will bring him and America together. It was adorable to watch him  stumble through the selection and I hope he picks America and she comes to her senses and picks him too.
  I was very interested in the rebels and very thrilled with how they were gently woven into the story, not the headline but the underlying story that brings it all together unbeknownst to the characters of the book. I am hoping we will soon discover more about them most of all what they want? and who they are?
  The ending was fantastic I love how it ended on such a positive and I just can't wait to find out more.
  On a final note I thought this cover was beautiful but when I looked up book 2 I found it to be even more beautiful and I wanted to include it in my review and see what you think!
Happy Reading Friends!!!!!

  

Hooray It's New Book Day!

 Well it was not today but hooray anyway lol!
These two came from Wal-Mart and I am very excited to read both!!

These were from the wonderful thrift store I paid $3.00 for The scorpio Races and Wonderous Strange and The Awakening was $2.00 gotta love those rare finds that save me so much on my book addiction.
Happy Reading Friends!!!!

Wednesday 10 October 2012

Insurgent (Divergent 2)

Insurgent (Divergent 2)
by Veronica Roth
Rating: 4/5

Summary:
One choice can transform you--or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves--and herself--while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable--and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

"New York Times" bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian "Divergent" series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

My Review:
  I read book 1 (Divergent) back in January and I have to admit when I started reading this one I had forgotten a lot of the story, so I went back and skimmed the first one again and it started coming back to me quickly and I was once again excited to get started.
  This book had a very defeated tone through the beginning and Tris had lost so much in the simulation battle how could it not. I felt bad for Tris but sometimes I missed the old Tris she became a little whinny at times but I still loved and admired her for everything she had to shoulder.
  Four/Tobias was even better in this book I really liked this character a lot he the perfect amount of bad boy, his twists and turns were the most exciting part of the story and it was what kept me coming back for more I think I was more invested in him then Tris lol.
  The intertwining of factions was great, the realization that you can choose to leave your faction but lots choose to never forget. I was very very shocked at the betrayal of Tris' brother but it was also a good example of someone who will choose to forget and can be controlled by a sick thought. very interesting and the best part of the story.
  Great/Terrible ending lots of questions answered but like the last book lots of new and unanswered questions I cant wait for the next book I dont know if I can do it lol.
Happy Reading Friends!!!!!