Friday Hops!

Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. It's a great way to meet new blogger friends. This weeks question is:

Q: Today’s Question is something new, an activity. We want to see what you look like! Take a pic with you and your current read! Too shy? Boo! Just post a fun pic you want to share.

So I am getting over a cold, and happen to have a huge cold sore so you're going to have to settle for an picture I've already taken. Trust me, nobody wants to see me right now. Sadly, there is no book in it with me.



Happy weekend and Happy reading!

Passion by Lauren Kate

Passion by Lauren Kate
Release Date – June 14, 2011
Publisher – Random House
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 420 pages
My Rating- 7/10
**obtained from the publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Luce would die for Daniel.

And she has. Over and over again. Throughout time, Luce and Daniel have found each other, only to be painfully torn apart: Luce dead, Daniel left broken and alone. But perhaps it doesn’t need to be that way. . . .

Luce is certain that something—or someone—in a past life can help her in her present one. So she begins the most important journey of this lifetime . . . going back eternities to witness firsthand her romances with Daniel . . . and finally unlock the key to making their love last.

Cam and the legions of angels and Outcasts are desperate to catch Luce, but none are as frantic as Daniel. He chases Luce through their shared pasts, terrified of what might happen if she rewrites history.

Because their romance for the ages could go up in flames . . . forever.
Sweeping across centuries, PASSION is the third novel in the unforgettably epic FALLEN series.

Torment ended on a crazy cliffhanger. Luce decides to finally get some answers and figure out how to break the curse she and Daniel seem to be replaying over and over. I was excited to dive into this one and finally get those answers I had been wanting. While I did get a few answers, this book left me with even more questions.

This book is a quieter, less action packed book than book two in this series. We are seeing Luce and Daniel’s past lives in an attempt for Luce to understand what happens, why she always dies, and how to prevent it from happening again. The past lives aspect is my favourite part of the novel. It starts to reveal more of the story and was handled amazingly well. It could have been confusing and a mess, but Lauren pulls it all together and ties it up at the end of the book.

Luce, who I liked in the first book, made me want to scream in this one. She has no clue really what she is doing, and it ends up causing her to get into trouble. She runs from Daniel and anyone else that might actually be able to help her, and instead listens to people she shouldn’t. I knew right away that she was trusting individuals she should not, but Luce never really thought twice. Her constant need to understand why Daniel loves her, and why he would put himself through losing her each time made sense as far as breaking the curse, but she couldn’t let it go (even when she had proof).

Daniel who has been this mystery to me isn’t really made any more clear in this novel. We know he loves Luce, and we get a glimpse at how each Daniel handles her death. Some are rough, others he is expecting it, but each time he is hurt. It was nice to see his side of it, and what he went through. I feel that other than his relationship with Luce we don’t know much about Daniel himself. We get some information at the end that I am excited about, and hopefully the next book dives in even more into who Daniel is.

I really missed a lot of the secondary characters from the pervious books. I was looking forward to getting to read about them again, so hopefully they will be more present in Rapture. A new character that stands out is Bill. He is funny and I found myself laughing at some of the things he said. I did not guess exactly what his purpose to the novel ones (even though I had my suspicions) so was a little surprised by him.

The amount of new information, and an insane cliff-hanger ending that teases an epic battle (sounds like it will be very action packed) makes this an addition to the series that all fans should read.

Waiting on Wednesday - Torn by Cat Clarke

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My pick this week is Torn by Cat Clarke

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Four girls. One dead body. A whole lot of guilt.

Alice King isn’t expecting the holiday of a lifetime when she sets off with her classmates on a trip to the Scottish wilderness, but she’s not exactly prepared for an experience beyond her darkest nightmares…

Alice and her best friend Cass are stuck in a cabin with Polly, the social outcast, and Rae, the moody emo-girl. Then there’s Tara – queen of mean. Powerful, beautiful and cruel, she likes nothing better than putting people down.

Cass decides it’s time to teach Tara a lesson she’ll never forget. And so begins a series of events that will change the lives of these girls forever...

A compelling story of guilty secrets, troubled friendship and burgeoning love.

This sounds intense, and good. The cover also fits the tone of the synopsis perfectly. I am curious as to what exactly happens in the cabin they are stuck in.

Expected release date - Jan 5, 2012

Crossed by Ally Condie

Crossed by Ally Condie
Release Date – November 1, 2011
Publisher – Penguin/Dutton
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 384 pages
My Rating- 7/10
**obtained from the publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky - taken by the Society to his certain death - only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.

Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander - who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart - change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever.

Crossed starts off shortly after Matched ends. We join Cassia on her quest to find Ky. I thought Matched was ok, and was looking forward to seeing if Crossed would WOW me. I did enjoy Crossed more than Matched mainly due to the increase in action and plot.

Ally Condie’s writing style is quiet poetic, and incorporates poetry and lyrics. The style is perfect for anyone with a love for either. It flows well, and keeps your interest.

There is a dual narrative in this book. We have chapters from the perspective of both Ky and Cassia. I felt they sounded very similar at times in terms of tone and voice. Character wise they were very different. Ky’s perspective did provide a new layer to the story, and made me like him more. I felt Cassia become more stubborn, and indecisive. She sticks to what she thinks, even if shown proof of the opposite.

In terms of the romance. This is very much Ky’s book. Xander is there, but only briefly. This is Cassia’s story of going to find Ky, and therefore he has the bigger role. I was hoping that we would have learned more about all the characters in this book. I feel I know much more about Ky, but Xander is still a bit of a mystery.

The consequences in this novel are serious. I was more worried about the weather issues than anything else as we are told about flash floods in the area our characters are in. It felt like a real threat and created a sense of urgency.

There is a huge reveal that changes things, and I do have hope for the third book to really blow me away. I hope the third book focuses more on the Society, the rebellion, and less on Cassia’s lack of decision making.

This book was similar to Matched, with a few new characters and developments. Fans of Matched will devour Crossed, and it is greatly helped by the increased action. I think fans of the first book will love this one, however, if you weren't a fan before there isn't much new to sway you.

Gossip Girl, Psycho Killer by Cecily von Ziegesar

Gossip Girl, Psycho Killer by Cecily von Ziegesar
Release Date – October 3, 2011
Publisher – Hachette Group/Poppy
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 272 pages
My Rating- 7/10
**obtained from the publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Welcome to New York City's Upper East Side, where my friends and I live, go to school, play, and sleep-sometimes with each other. It's a luxe life, but someone's got to live it . . . until they die.

So begins Gossip Girl, Psycho Killer, a re-imagined and expanded slasher edition of the first groundbreaking Gossip Girl novel, featuring all new grisly scenes and over-the-top gore by #1 New York Times bestselling author Cecily von Ziegesar.

Just as in the original story, Serena returns from boarding school hoping to make amends with her BFF Blair Waldorf--things just haven't been the same since Nate Archibald came between them. But here's where our dark tale takes a turn: Serena decides that the only way for her to make things right with Blair is to eliminate Nate. If that means killing him, well, c'est la vie. Her attempted murder doesn't go unnoticed by Blair, however, who isn't about to let Serena kill whoever she wants-not when there's Cyrus Rose and Chuck Bass and Titi Coates and everyone else who's ever irritated Blair to get rid of first . . . .

American Psycho's Patrick Bateman has met his match in Manhattan's newest, most fabulous trendsetting serial killers, Blair Waldorf and Serena van der Woodsen.

When I was looking for a Halloween review I kept coming back to this cover. It’s eye catching and makes you pause. The contrast between the young, beautiful girls laughing and all that blood the covers them is a striking image.

If you can’t handle gore, this isn’t the book for you. However, if you enjoy your gore with a perfect wardrobe, lattes and French manicures this book was made for you.

When I read the back of the book and saw the following quotes I knew exactly what I was in for, and I couldn’t wait!

Delicious - Hannibal Lecter

I literally tore thorough this book - Freddy Krueger

The only thing I’m taking to summer camp - Jason

Gossip Girl Psycho Killer blends what fans of the books (and series) love about them with some highly tongue - in - cheek horror aspects. The murders are quite graphic, but they always have an “over the top” feel that keeps it campy and fun. The novel never takes itself too seriously and as a result provides a quick, entertaining read. The snappy dialogue, Upper East Side scheming and backstabbing (in this case literally) are all there.

The central plot to the story is very similar to the original first Gossip Girl book - Serena moves back to New York after taking off to go to boarding school. Instead of trying to get back into her best friend Blair’s good graces the usual way Serena decides killing is the answer. The differences in the book are mostly to add in the quite large body count, and a few choice phrases that up the campy factor.

What I liked most about the book was that it delivered exactly what you expected it to. The cover, the synopsis let you know exactly what to expect. I got a kick out of Blair and Serena trying to out do each other murder wise and both looking fabulous while doing it.

Cecily von Ziegesar’s writing is quite humorous to begin with, and it really shines in this type of story. She is able to turn your stomach one moment and laugh the next. If you’ve read her previous books you’ll be happy to know her writing style hasn’t changed.

Fans of Gossip Girl will get a kick out of this fun, gory read. Just be forward…you may never look at Blair or Serena (or a pair of high heel shoes) the same way again.

Happy Halloween!

Things I am Obsessed With....This Week Anyways

I decided to do a new weekly blog post. The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact I will be doing it myself every Saturday (yes, I am aware it's Sunday today).

So this week my obsessions are:

BOOKS

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

I just finished this book the other day. I LOVE both the Mortal Instruments and Infernal Devices series and this book is Cassandra Clare's best one yet. I am so excited to talk about it when it's released!

The cover of Gilt by Katherine Longshore



Um, do you see the gorgeousness??! Seriously. Swoon. It's stunning. The synopsis takes my breath away too! I have been obsessed. So obsessed that it will become my icon sometime next week. See my WoW post for this week for more.

The UK cover of Until I Die by Amy Plum



The Die For Me cover was so pretty. This is even more stunning. I am hoping the North American cover is just as stunning and can't wait to see it.

TV

Jeremy and Anna from The Vampire Diaries


One of my favourite, if not my favourite, couples on Vampire Diaries. Anna got to visit Jeremy in this week's episode even though she died last season, and I got a little emotional. Ok, so maybe a lot emotional. They are adorable together, and I am so sad we can't keep Anna forever. Steven R McQueen and Malese Jow have amazing chemistry.


MOVIES

Character Posters for The Hunger Games movie



I am sure everyone has seen them. They are awesome. They give me hope that our beloved story will come alive on the big screen in a way that makes us happy. PEETA!! <3 The trailer for My Week With Marilyn



Michelle Williams has already given me goosebumps in this brief glimpse. Taking on an icon like Marilyn Monroe would not be easy, and Michelle totally nails it (at least in the trailer). So excited to see this one.

OTHER

Vacation

I am off for the next week from work and have been looking forward to it all week. I am going to Toronto on Nov 1 and will be there for a couple days. My friend Maria and I are going to relax, and maybe have dinner at Moroco Chocolat.

In My Mailbox

This is a weekly meme hosted by the awesome Kristi at The Story Siren. It gives us a chance to showcase the books we got during the week.

I have one book to show this week, but I have heard so so much about it from the awesome Shannon at Harper Collins Canada and Savvy Reader.



The Single Girl's To-Do List by Lindsey Kelk (goodreads)

It sounds adorable, and cute! Exactly what I need after some heavier stuff. I am going to Toronto in a few days and Anna Dressed in Blood and this one are coming with me.

What books did you get this week? Leave me a comment and I will check it out.

Happy reading everyone!