Review: Pushing The Limits By Katie McGarry

You see, all this hype around a book can make me purposely avoid it because it'd not be that good. Sometimes, you find unexpected surprise that doesn't fit into that category. And this time, I was very glad I've chose this book.

The writing, the story which contains so much more than a regular love story or teenager's issues. This book has been the first one in ages to bring tears to my eyes. So many emotions I forgot a book can arise in me.

 I loved it. Really really loved it. It's one of the very few books this year I'm going to give the full rating. I'm going to wait impatiently for Katie McGarry's next books and to tell you this: Read the books. 

Without a doubt, one of the best contemporary YA books I've read. 

Review: The Golden Lily (Bloodlines, #1) by Richelle Mead

When you wait for a book to come out for more than half a year, you might get disappointed when you finally read it since the book might not be able to match all the expectations. However, The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead is everything I wanted it to be.

Reading Vampire Academy series and Bloodlines, you already know the main characters who take a part in this book. All of them were created so amazingly by Richelle Mean and somehow we get to know more about them, even when we think you know everything. They all are going through a lot of things, they're changed and grow. Every scene with our favorite characters is nothing less than great.


The plot in this book, as in the previous one, is slow. Slow compared to any book in Vampire Academy series. While I was really bothered by this fact about Bloodlines, it didn't seem to annoy me in this book. Sometimes I wish that things would go a bit faster and a few scenes were too long on my behalf, but mostly I didn't pay it any attention. I was captivated by the story, by the characters and their relationships. Bloodlines series is developing slowly? So be it, as long as I'm enjoying every moment.

If I thought Vampire Academy series was funny, I actually laughed aloud reading The Golden Lily. It is old news that every other word of Adrian is hilarious but who knew Eddie has it too? Angeline has brought with her a lot of drama and we've got some interesting scenes. Besides, experiencing the world through Sydney's eyes are more than enough to raise a smile once and then.

I really can't express how I loved The Golden Lily. I needed this read in that time to remind me I don't have to settle with anything less than great. I think it's time for me to try one of Richelle's adult series.

Haven't read Vampire Academy? You have no idea what you're missing. Haven't read Bloodlines? Ha, there's more to come so you'd better try it! And if you have read Bloodlines, I'm sure I don't really need to convince you to get The Golden Lily. You won't regret it.

Review: Forgotten by Cat Patrick

“Nothing fixes a thing so intently in the memory as the wish to forget it.” 

― Cat Patrick, Forgotten

I've read this book for the first time last year. I fell in love with the cover, the story's idea and Patrick's writing. I usually don't read the "back cover" before but I accidentally heard what Forgotten's about before reading the book. I knew it should be good and I was right.

The author doesn't give us a warming before throwing us into the story and we need to figure out some things ourselves. Besides, London's head is not the easiest place to be. We've got to deal with some serious memories-problems (or should I say the lack of them?) while she's only trying to live as any normal teenager. 

As I mentioned, I loved the story's idea. It's been original and easy to read. I liked the fact the "fantasy" aspect was very gentle and not remarkable. I could almost believe it was science thing, something we don't know but that could exist. It might sound stupid but I found the story to be more real that way. 

One downside of the book was the characters. London was a good one; she was easier to relate to in the beginning but the feelings' changes she's been experiencing has been less obvious as the story deepened. Most of the other characters could belong to either of two groups: Perfect ones or annoying. I wish Patrick has created them more carefully, adding more complex to each. 

Beautiful language, smart dialogues and great descriptions. Forgotten was definitely one of the best novels I've read last year and it was pleasure to read it again.

New In Hebrew (3)

An feature in my blog, which I'll post sometimes with the mostly new translated books in Hebrew.

The Powe of Six (Lorien Legacies, #2) by Pittacus Lore

I already own this book in English. This cover looks amazing, though! 

One Foot in The Grave (Night Huntress, #2) by Jeaniene Frost

Can't wait to read this one! I should buy it this week and I hope it to be good at least as the first book!

                         Daughter of Smoke and Bone (Daughter of Smoke and Bone, #1) by Laini Taylor

                         

                         Already own & read in English. Tough vocabulary though, so I'd better re-read in Hebrew.

What have you read? What do you want to read? 

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Review: Fixing Delilah by Sarah Ockler

"Sometimes I wonder if my whole life will pass by this way: me waiting in the shadows, waiting for something to happen. Waiting for someone else to make it happen. Something new or different or crazy or amazing. I've been there for so long, letting everyone else figure it out for me, floating along without much direction or conscious thought. Reacting. Attention-seeking, Mom calls it. Impulsive. Reckless."

(Fixing Delilah, Sarah Ockler, page 147)

I have read Bittersweet in January. When I finished the book, I was seeking another Sarah Ockler's book. That's how I've found Fixing Delilah. 

Delilah's family is a mess for the last eight years. When her grandmother died, Delilah and her mother don't have a choice but to come back to past and deal with it. As much as everyone wants to forget it. 

Sarah Ockler's writing is just as great as I've remembered. We can enter Delilah's head pretty easily and it was no problem for me to relate to her most of the time. Her feelings were clear and from the beginning, I've admired her knowing exactly what she's believing and what she wants. In the same time, she is insecure and scared. She was human, a believable character.

Some parts of the plot was dragged. I mean, the author planned to pass two months so we've gotten some a-week-break between chapters. I didn't like it but it didn't affect the writing nor the story itself. Besides, I wish we saw more of some of the characters, some of the community's scenes and the way everyone has been acting. Recalling Delilah's memories was great for the plot. 

I'll say it straight: I loved Bittersweet. I only like Fixing Delilah. However, if you like contemporary, I recommend you to check this book out. I've enjoyed it and I thought it to be smart and has some good insights about life. 

Review: Ninth Key by Meg Cabot

There are a lot of positive reviews of my friends about the series in Good reads. So I picked Shadowland (the first book in the series) a year ago. To be honest, I did like the book but that's all. I simply read it because it was quick read and I rather not to leave a book unfinished. Then, for my birthday this year, a friend bought me a book with contains the first two novels in the series. I read the second.

It was surprisingly better than the first book. Well, maybe not surprisingly since first book sometimes are the downside of a series. The story continues to become entangled, we get to know more about the characters and the main character? Well, no, Suze keeps being the annoying character she's been in the first book.

*The next paragraphs may include some spoilers for the first book. If you haven't read it, maybe you want to avoid them.

Meg Cabot is back with Suze, who is mediator and can see ghosts. She has to help them complete their issues in this world so they can make it to the afterworld. And she doesn't like it much- not that I can blame her since the ghosts are mostly selfish, frustrated or angry.

Suze is used to be working alone, running this service that she is forced to do. Now she's got Father Dominic, who is mediator like her, and Jesse, a guy ghost who lives in their room. They both try to tell her what to do but Suze won't give up easily. In the second book, she do whatever she wants and get herself into troubles time after time. 

She is actually what I like in main characters: she is strong, independent and she follows only her rules. However, I keep seeing her as annoying selfish girl. Yeah, she helps ghosts but she does it always in her grumpy ways. It seems she thinks badly of everyone around her and neverthless she keeps taking advantages of them. 

I am not sure if I liked the new aspect the story has taken in the second book. It was confusing to decide if the series is going to deal with another supernatural creature. But I liked the twists and that later we find out things are not that simple like we thought. This turning point, I believe, is going to work for the next books in the series. 

And lastly, Meg Cabot's writing is again humoristic and fun. It brings us the characters and their personalities (even if I didn't like them) in a great way. The dramatic and simple way of Cabot's words is working this time, too.

Review Question

A few weeks ago, I've written a review for one of my favorite books. I decided to write this one because I've not reviewed the book in the first time I've read it and that's was great chance after re-reading the book.
When the review was complete, I left it as a draft. I kept getting back to it but every time I just closed the post and moved on. I couldn't post it, because it was too personal.
Doesn't it? What we find in our favorite books?
My favorite characters are the ones I wish to be like, ones I can admire and look up to. My favorite books are the ones that find the way into my heart and stay there, they usually remind me something of me, something of my life. If the main character is dealing with a huge issue I've got, could I just go and share it with the world? No. I personally can't. As much as I love the book and as much as I want to go and say: "Hey! This author totally gets me. It's not only a story for my pleasure but a way to help me dealing. To point the issues I struggle with, to try to figure them out."
It can be an event in life, a characteristic in my personality or anything about me. I understand that if I want to review this book, I'll have to cut the personal stuff. The writing and the plot are awesome, but the characters and their life.. my favorite part of the story will be summed up into a few un-personal sentecnce which can't be said about any book. But it changed me and it left a huge impact on me. I wish I could say that.

Please share your thoughts! Have you ever dealt with this situation? Would you share a review like this or keep it to yourself?


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Top Ten Favorite Book Quotes

This weekly meme is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

I always want to take a part in these great memes but I usually don't do them. This week, I couldn't skip Top Ten Tuesday. I'd probably not have a better chance to share my favorite quotes. Sometimes I write them down and if it's really good one and I can't write it, I force myself to remember the page number. (and my memory is not that good!)

Well, I will try to do a quote per book so I'll not end up writing all the quotes from Vampire Academy or Harry Potter.. I have so many! I didn't include any spoilers (only tiny things) so feel free to check them out. All these books are amazing, consider this post as a recommendation to read them all.

With no particular order, there they are: 

"Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light."
— Albus Dumbledore. Harry Potter, J.K Rowling

"Okay, God, I thought. Get me out of this and I'll stop my half-assed church-going ways. You got me past a pack of Strigoi tonight. I mean, trapping this one between the doors really shouldn't have worked, so clearly you're on board. Let me get out of here, and I'll... I don't know. Donate Adrian's money to the poor. Get baptized. Join a convent. Well, no. Not that last one."

— Anything Rose have ever said. Vampire Academy, Richelle Mead

"Some thing are meant to be broken. Imperfect. Chaotic. It's the universe way of providing contrast, you know? There have to be a few holes in the road. It's how life is."
— The Truth About Forever, Sarah Dessen

 "Hello, Officer? Can you help me? My dad got turned into a zombie. You know, we've been travelling around getting rid of things that aren't real, and this time they hit back. I really need someplace to stay – but can you make sure I have some holy water or something wherever it is? And some silver-jacketed bullets? That'd be sweet. Yeah, that'd be totally cool. Thanks. And while you're at it, can you tell the guys with the straitjackets that I'm really sane? That would help."
— Strange Angels, Lilith Saintcrow

"...How nothing comes without a price, and when you make sacrifices to get what you want, sometimes you screw up and pick the wrong thing. But once in a while, you pick the right thing, the exact best thing. Every day, the moment you open your eyes and pull off your blankets, that's what you hope for. The sunshine on your face, warm enough to make your heart sing."
~ Bittersweet, Sarah Ockler

"I have hated words and I have loved them, and I hope I have made them right."
— The Book Thief, Markus Zusak

"When I try to fly away, Will I be as lucky and find what I'm looking for?"
—The Alchemy of Forever, Avery Williams

“If there's one common thread throughout all of history, it's that people have always fallen for the wrong people.”
― Past Perfect, Leila Sales

“Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favor.”
― The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins

“Maybe you can afford to wait. Maybe for you there's a tomorrow. Maybe for you there's one thousand tomorrows, or three thousand, or ten, so much time you can bathe in it, roll around it, let it slide like coins through you fingers. So much time you can waste it.
But for some of us there's only today. And the truth is, you never really know.”
― Before I Fall, Lauren Oliver

Review: Inkheart by Cornelia Funke

Do you know the feeling when you read a MG book and wish you could have read it when you were younger? I mean, if I did, I could have appreciate this book as much as it deserves, because it's genius.

Inkheart is an original fantasy book. It is mysterious, funny and full of exciting adventures. In contrary to what's being expected, Inkheart's plot occurs in our present; I was a bit surprised to read about cars and cellphones since it seems Meggie and her father live in another reality. Meggie, as an avid reader, has to accept that magic isn't far away as it always seemed. 

In the book, we find some complicated characters. Evey one of them has an history and secrets. Some of them are purely evil and some of them are purely good, but there are some you can't decide what to really make of them; Is someone who acts by his dream is evil? Besides, many of them had to do some difficult choices during the book, what's brings me to my next point. 

Everything comes with a price. Rowling, Richelle Mead (Vampire Academy), Rachel Vincent (The Soul Screamers Series) and some other excellent authors thought us that. You can't do something without thinking of the consequences. Once in the book, I felt the characters were "getting away" without anything bad happening and I've soon proved wrong. The author makes her world real. 

The Ending was good; you can read the book as a stand-alone though I've heard there are two more books in the series. I'm interested to see how the story and some things are going to be (hopefully) solved hence I think I'm going to read the other books. 

And last and definitely not least, the writing. I can't even explain how Funke's writing was wonderful; I loved the idea of putting a quote in the start of every chapter. I felt the books' and the reading love everywhere, not only because Meggie loved it but because the author passed her message. I loved her words, her characters and her way to tell us the story. She did it amazingly. 

Go read this book. Let your children, siblings, or any kid you know to read the book. Read it as an adult or a kid. This is probably one of the best fantasy books I've ever read and I keep asking- where was this book when I was younger? It'd make me different, I'm sure of it.

Review: Battle Royale by Koushun Takami

When a friend can't stop recommending you a book, you don't ask too many questions, you just pick up the book and read it. Battle Royale has been one of those books for me.

Battle Royale is a Japanese book which is occurred in a reality when Japan has a dictator government. To assure its control on the population, it adopts some extreme measures; every year, a class is being raffled to take a part in the Program; a "game" where each classmate has to kill his friends in order to survive. The last member alive is the winner. Sounds familiar, doesn't it?

Well, I can point a lot of differences between The Hunger Games and Battle Royale, but in the end, I believe the main "advantage" of Battle Royale over The Hunger Games is its cruelty. I don't think The Hunger Games' reality is humane, but comparing it to the game in Battle Royale, it's a way kinder one. I mean it; in The Hunger Games, every competitor needs to kill strangers, here they're killing their friends.

This book is long- maybe too long- and sometimes I couldn't keep reading. The plot and the characters are intense, you're getting every detail of the story- every murder, every word and every life taken.

There are a lot of points of view in the book and you could understand every character's motives. Even though I knew I shouldn't make a connection to anyone because they'd be dead soon, I couldn't not to feel an empathy toward some. Every character represents a different reaction to the situation and it probably will make you think what would you do.

As I mention, the book is really long (576 pages); there are a lot of descriptions, memories and feelings. It's not boring, it's just heavy material for specific times. The writing, which is probably due to the translation, is not great and sometimes it bothered me.

However, it is a book I'd recommend. Reading Battle Royale is taking a break from your world and getting drown into a cruel one. It is experiencing other's fear and trying to understand others' personalities. It is a book which will definitely stay with you after you read it.

Review: Linger by Maggie Stiefvater

Finally, I found this book lying on a shelf in our local library. I picked it up and surprised to realize I enjoyed it more than the first book, Shiver.

Linger begins a few weeks after Shiver ends. It seems like Sam and Grace's relationship has survived the worst issues and now they have to deal with the last book' consequences. However, that's not correct.  The book brings new surprises, new events needed to be dealt.

While listening to Shiver's audiobook was a great experience, I couldn't notice the author's writing style. Now, that I actually read the book, I've felt how Maggie Stiefvater's writing is beautiful; I admired it, enjoyed it and wanted to write like her. The descriptions, the dialogues, everything was well written and I loved it.

In Linger, we meet again Isabel, who becomes main character, and get to know Cole, a new one, which brings a new aspect to the story. This book is no longer only about Sam and Grace's relationship but the wolves' world and future. And we keep wondering what might happen in the end.

I really enjoyed this book, but one thing which bothered me was Sam and Grace's relationship. I mean, they are teenagers and they act like they've been married for many years. Actually, sometimes I could agree with Grace's parent's opinion, (but not with their actions) that they are too young to commit that way. You may talk about love and staying together, you can believe like you're going to, but face the reality; you have to be teenager.  I couldn't relate to their relationship, as much as I loved them being a couple, I just didn't believed in it.

The book was great; I loved the writing, the story was developed and the ending left me shocked. I can't wait for the next and the last book in the series, Forever.

In My Mailbox (18)

Welcome to In My Mailbox! A weekly meme hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren. In these posts, bloggers can share which books they've received during the last week. 

I know it's almost Monday and I'm really behind in everything blog related. Of course I can come up with some excuses but in the end it'll not matter. Anyway, I have some exams this week, meaning I'm going to write some reviews only to avoid studying(;

A birthday present from my friend Noa (Check out her new blog here)

Shelter by Harlen Coben

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith 

And another book I got today:

The author, Sarah Kernochan, sent me this copy! It looks really good (;

Jane Was Here by Sarah Kernochan

Thank you, Sarah and Noa! (:

So, what's in your maibox this week?

In My Mailbox (17)

Welcome to In My Mailbox! A weekly meme hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren. In this post, bloggers can post which books they've received during the last week.

Library:

Linger by Maggie Stiefvater (Hebrew)

The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May & June by Robin Benway (Hebrew)

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

What's in your mailbox? Please share! 

Rose

New in Hebrew (2)

An original feature in my blog, which I'll post sometimes with the mostly new translated books in Hebrew.

I guess this time I'll not have to post the books' names (; What do you say, how fast I'll be sure to get those two? 

In My Mailbox (16) : Birthday edition part 1

Bought: 

   

Halfway to the Grave (Night Huntress #1) by Jeaniene Frost 
Fixing Delilah by Sarah Ockler

For my birthday:

   

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer
The Mediator: Volume 1 - Shadowland & Ninth Key by Meg Cabot


What's in your mailbox? 
Rose

Review: My Soul to Save by Rachel Vincent

*The review is going to contain spoilers for the first book in the series, My Soul To Take*

I'm taking a part in The Soul Screamers Challenge at Fiktshun's blog. I should have read and review the book earlier but I totally forgot about that. So, I'm a little late. Anyway, My Soul To Take (Soul Screamers, #1) is one of my favorites book I've read in 2012. So it's not a real surprise for me to like the second book, My Soul To Save. Even though I though the first book was a lot better, I still enjoyed reading My Soul To Save.

Kaylee is a character I liked from the first chapters of the novella (prequel to the series). I admired her courage and the sacrifices she was willing to do for others. It hasn't changed much; Kaylee is still going to give up her life to save others, but sometimes in this book it looked stupid and unnecessary. I understood her motives and cheered for her, but I might find her to be too much reckless.

In the second book, we get to know some characters so well while the others are neglected. For instance, we learn a lot of stuff about Nash and Tod, about their past and their personality. However, Sophie and Emma aren't in the book as much as I hoped so. We hear about them from time to time but that's it. I think it's a shame since both are really good and interesting characters.

The plot was excellent. I liked to find more information about the Netherland and about Kaylee's abilities. The story moves quickly, there are hardly moments when the characters or you can relax, the mystery and the curiosity make you turn another page whether you like it or not. Between those events, I wish we could read more about Kaylee's lives, the normal things she does when she's not involved in paranormal missions.

And lastly, the series' timing bothers me. I know the actions need to be done quickly for the suspense and the mystery but I'd rather to have a book which tells about more that three-four days. There are developments which take time, and there's no need to rush them into the story.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book and definitely going to read the other books in the series. This series is fantastic and I looking forward seeing where Rachel Vincent would take us next.


Btw, Have you been in the chat author with Rachel Vincent about My Soul to Take? If you've read My Soul to Save, you should visit the next chat. You can find more details in Rachel's blog.

April Page Count Contest

One day to my birthday and I hope to get some books! Anyway, I'm joining a Page Count Contest at Reading Angel during April. You can click on the bottom and go to Angela's book to find more details. 
I'm panning to read: 
                         
Good luck to all the participants! (;Rose

Review: Past Perfect by Leila Sales

Apparently, every time I leave school early because I don't feel good, a great book waits for me in my house. I should do that more often. Today, let me tell you about Past Perfect by Leila Sales.

Chelsea has worked in Essex Historical Colonial Village since she has been a little girl. Although she wants to, she doesn't seem capable of leaving this behind, along with some other things. When Chelsea finds herself in Essex again, she is involved in a war both in past, at the colonial times, and in the present, when she and her friends have to handle the other History museum, the Civil War's, located the other side of the street.

Though Chelsea wasn't my favorite protagonist, I could relate to her feeling to be stuck in the past and not let go. I knew how she felt, I sometimes feel the same. To read this book was experiencing my life through another point of view. It had a huge impression on me. I could see both sides at the same time and finally to get this feeling and the way to deal with it.

The characters were great; I could see them through Chelsea's eyes. When they were described differently, I was as surprised as she was. Fiona was an awesome character, she was funny and supportive. I understood why she was so important to Chelsea. Besides, the character was a wonderful addition to the book.

The thing about this book- everything is taken seriously. Too much? I don't know. They're playing a game but everyone seems to believe this is their actual mission, a thing they have to fight for with all they've got. Sometimes I wish I could shake them and shout in their ears that it's only a game, it's not real. In the end, it was amusing to read this book, to try to forget they're almost adult and to let them feel kids for one last time.

In fact, let me tell you I haven't planned to read this book. I thought it'd be sad, maybe because its name, but I don't regret for reading it. It was a real pleasure; the book is full of unforgettable quotes (I mentioned a few in the end) and lives' events dealt both seriously and amusingly. If you like Contemporary novels, don't give up on this one.

Unforgettable quotes:
"What really happened doesn't matter. What matters is how we agree to remember it."
"You are two from different times, and different worlds. It wouldn't work."
"This town is big enough for only one American living."

In My Mailbox (15)

IMM is a weekly feature, hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren, which helps bloggers to show the books they've got during the last weeks.

This week I bought those pretty books. Both are Hebrew translations for two books you probably already know.

The Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead.
I obviously have my own copy in English but had to own this pretty cover and to figure how they translated so many thing.. it's hard being a fan like that!

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton.

Heard so many good stuff about this book so I really didn't think twice before buying this book. I'm glad this book has finally been translated. Can't wait for reading it. 

And two e-books: 

        

Descended by Blood by Angeline Kace

The Forever Girl by Rebecca Hamilton

What's in your mailbox this week? Have you read The Outsiders yet? 

Leave a comment! 

Rose

Review: Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Wither came out in Hebrew a couple weeks ago. I got excited and really looked forward reading it. Actually, I've heard opposing opinions; some people really liked the book while others couldn't. I borrowed the book from the library to check for myself.

Rhine lives in the futuristic reality, where scientists succeed treating diseases and improving the human health. After a generation, they found out their deeds have consequences. When we open the book, we see the world in a sensitive situation, where there are pain, poverty and death. While most people live in this condition, there are the richest people as well; those who take advantage of others. Rhine is taken, unwillingly, to live the better, rich life.

I can't put the finger on the thing that bothered me the most about this book. With this intriguing plot and interesting characters, I expected to find a fascinating book. Unfortunately, it didn't happen. The plot is spread on uneven time's spaces, the characters weren't enough believable and the book itself wasn't so original.

The plot is attractive, but in the same time is expected. I couldn't feel Rhine's conflicts clearly and sometimes felt    her actions are done because of her caprices. I think most of the people who liked the book had found Rhine as a character whom they can easily relate to. However, for me, Rhine wasn't a fighter nor a stubborn person but a girl who couldn't convince me why her actions are done.

The writing was good; I liked the way the author could move to past events so smoothly. Characters and places were well described and I could get the general picture.

I'd not say I didn't enjoyed reading the book, that would be a lie. But I was disappointed to find out my guesses about the plot and the end were right. I'd say this book can be a lot better, I felt its potential wasn't executed.

Top Ten Books On My Spring To-Be-Read list

 

I purposely chose books I've not own already, I hope it'll change until the summer(;

               

  

      

Any good book you've located here? 

Tell me! 

Rose.