Lack of Posts :(

Hi! 

Been a while since I've posted anything :( I just want to say a huge sorry for the lack of posting to anyone who actually reads my reviews. I have been massively overwhelmed with my school work at university so I haven't had much time to read a whole lot, let alone sit down and write a review. 

I don't know if I'll have time to get back to posting anytime too soon. I have exams and stuff coming up in month or so. But I promise that I will definitely start devoting some time to my blog once I'm on my school year finishes and I'm on my Christmas break :) 

Happy reading everyone! 

Jammie the Book Nerd

<3

One Year Blogoversary Giveaway Winner!

Hey guys!

The winner of my one year blogoversary giveaway is: 

Jess over at The Tales Compendium

Thank you so much to everyone that entered and all of my followers :D I have a great time writing stuff for my blog, so I hope you enjoy it just as much as I do. 

Jammie the Book Nerd

<3

Vote Adrian!!

So Adrian Ivashkov, Vampire Academy, is up against Will Herondale, The Infernal Devices, in the 2nd Annual YA Crush Tourney. And while I totally love Will, I am a bigger Adrian fan. He needs your votes!! This is going to be a seriously close competition, Will is in the lead right now, but go here and vote for Adrian! Please and thank you!! 

Jammie the Book Nerd
xxoo

Team Human by Justine Larbalestier and Sarah Rees Brennan

MY RATING: 4/5

BLURB: 

Mel and Cathy and Anna have passed vampires on the street and sat near them in cinemas, but they don't know any. Vampires stick to their own kind, and Mel and her friends hang out with other humans - until a vampire boy in a bizarre sun-proof suit shows up at school and captures Cathy's heart. 

Mel is horrified. Can she convince Cathy that life with a vampire is no life at all? Should she? And then all her assumptions about vampires are turned on their head when she meets Kit, a boy who makes her laugh - a boy with a very unusual family history. . . 

Will Mel's staunch anti-vampire stance jeopardize her closest friendships? And where does Kit fit in? In the end, who will choose . . . Team Human? 

MY REVIEW: 

Before I read this book, I was honestly expecting it to be a cute, fluffy love story of sorts (well as fluffy as it can be with vampires anyway). Which there is absolutely nothing wrong with; Anna and the French Kiss was a story like that, and it is one of my favourite reads of the year. But Team Human is definitely not one of those stories; it had an intense mystery story line. Which I really enjoyed. 

For unknown reasons a mysterious vampire boy in a strange sun-proof suit turns up at Mel, Cathy and Anna's school. He immediately catches the attention of Cathy, a friend of Mel's who has always had an interest in vampires. Mel must decide whether to try convincing Cathy that being with a vampire is a bad idea, and in the process risk damaging their friendship or let Cathy be with someone that makes her happy, even if he is a vampire. 

I loved Mel's character, and how against vampire she is. I also loved her voice; the things she thought and said were hilarious. 

"Who choose the possibility of immortality over chocolate?" - page. 34

"They looked lost in each other's eyes. Like I would need to make a tiny eye map for each of them to be able to find their way out." - page. 113

I loved Kit's character; how clueless he was about humans was absolutely adorable. I loved all of the other characters as well. Kit's mum, Camille, was super sweet. Cathy was a bit two dimensional, I feel like her character wasn't very well fleshed out. And I liked Ty. 

The mystery side of this book was the kind where I couldn't really figure anything out. And while I liked that, it also annoyed me at the same time. I can predict the ending of books too much, but I really enjoy a book that keeps me trying to work things out, throughout Team Human I couldn't really come up with any theories. But I still enjoyed it, it was shocking and exciting at all the right moment for me. 

This book has everything; humor, romance, mystery, it even has zombies! Bona fide they bite you, and you turn into one, zombies. I just thought that was fantastic. Overall I really enjoyed this book, and I would highly recommend it. I think the praise on the back by Maureen Johnson really sums it up beautifully. 

"If you love vampire books, this is the book for you - if you hate vampire books, this is also the book for you." 

Jammie the Book Nerd
<3

Across the Universe by Beth Revis

MY RATING: 5/5

BLURB: 

Amy has left the life she loves for a world 300 years away. 

Trapped in space and frozen in time, Amy is bound for a new planet. But fifty years before she's due to arrive, she is violently woken, the victim of an attempted murder. Now Amy's lost on board and nothing makes sense - she's never felt so alone. 

Yet someone is waiting for her. He wants to protect her - and more if she'll let him. 

But who can she trust amidst the secrets and lies? A killer is out there - and Amy has nowhere to hide. . . 

MY REVIEW: 

I LOVED this book! I couldn't put it down. I started it on Saturday night and then spent the whole next day reading it. I just wanted to know what was going to happen! The nerd in me absolutely loved all of the sciencey stuff. Don't let that scare you away though. It's not so much that it'd be confusing for anyone with no knowledge in science. Which I also really liked. 

Amy and her parents have been frozen and sent into space, travelling to a new planet they know nothing about. When for no apparent reason Amy is awoken from her frozen sleep 50 years early. Why was she woken up? Who woke her up? What's really going on? Godspeed is a ship full of secrets and lies. And it all comes down to why. . . 

The whole idea that this ship, Godspeed, had been flying for 250 years, that it has its own history of the people aboard it really intrigued me. I loved the writing of this book. I just felt like certain aspects of it were written amazingly (not to say all of it wasn't, there were just certain parts that stood out for me). I felt like Amy's consciousness while she was frozen was captured really well, I felt like I was stuck in nothingness with her. Conscious, but with no sense of how much time had passed, she had no idea if she had only just been frozen or if 300 years had already passed. 

I definitely loved all of the characters. I can see myself getting even more attached to them through the rest of the series. Harley broke my heart. I loved Elder; I am very interested to see how he'll handle things in the next book. I liked Amy's character except for a few things. Her childishness annoyed me a bit at times, saying momma and daddy. But I am also excited to see how she is going to react with what we learned about her at the very end of the book. 

So many secrets! I actually figured out exactly who the killer was about 80 pages in, but there was definitely lots of other stuff I would never have seen coming. I still can't stop thinking about it all. I don't know what else to say without spoiling everything. I went in not really knowing anything, not knowing what to expect and I loved it that way. I would highly recommend checking it out! I cannot wait to get myself a copy of the second book. I'll be keeping an eye out. 

Jammie the Book Nerd
<3

Arise by Amber Garr

MY RATING: 4/5
SERIES: The Syrenka Series Book 3

BLURB: 

With power comes the responsibility to accept its consequences. 

After the betrayal of those closest to her, Eviana Dumahl struggles to cope with her new reality. Kidnapped, broken, and confused, she is forced to engage in a war that will alter merfolk politics forever. With her estranged father leading the charge, Eviana has no choice but to stand by his side. Her continued existence hinges on the acceptance of the power growing inside her, even when that means embracing the family's dark lineage. 

Kain Matthew will sacrifice the world for Eviana. And he is not alone. As time runs out, her friends fight to save her life and theirs. An unlikely alliance gives them the edge they need to take a stand, although it keeps Eviana's heart trapped in the past. A new discovery explains some of her previous mistakes, but it may not be enough to stop her father's plans. Merfolk, selkies, and water sprites work together to save their kind, only in this final battle, not everyone will survive. 

In the striking series conclusion, Eviana will learn the true meaning of power, sacrifice, and love. 

MY REVIEW: 

Wow. That is an awesome synopsis. Well, first off. Arise is the third and final book in the fantastic Syrenka Series, so if you have not read the first two books you should because they are awesome, and if you want you can also read my review of the first book, Promises and the second, Betrayal. I loved Arise just as much as I loved the first two books. I am always worried about endings to series for some reason, but I think this was a fantastic ending.

Eviana is dealing with the recent betrayals of those closest to her, but now must also work out how to escape her kidnapper and get back to her friends and family to fight on the right side of the war. Eviana will discover new powers, love and how much her friends are willing to sacrifice for her and this war.

I really loved getting Kain's point of view in this book, for quite a few reasons. I love Kain's character, so it was lots of fun getting inside his head, and I love books with alternating views, it gives you more perspective on both of their feelings. Also it was good seeing what was going on with everyone else while Eviana wasn't there, which I am sure was the whole reason for it. I love all of the characters in this book and the whole series. I am a lover of developed secondary characters, and while the secondary characters weren't a huge part of this series, I felt like they were all really well developed with their own stories, without taking away from the overall story.

The end half of the book got really intense. I just had no idea what they were going to do, how they were going to get out of it and how everything was going to be resolved. On that note, Lucian was a seriously creepy antagonist. He was an awesome bad guy, but super creepy. I did cry at the end of this book, and then my sad tears changed to happy tears. Not that the sad thing became a happy thing, just a happy ending.

Overall Arise was a fantastic ending to a fantastic series! I have loved this whole series, and I would highly recommend checking them out.

Again thanks to the author, Amber Garr, for sending me a copy of this book.

Jammie the Book Nerd
<3

Betrayal by Amber Garr

MY RATING: 4/5
SERIES: The Syrenka Series Book 2

BLURB: 
Life as a mermaid can be suffocating. 

Eviana Dumahl has returned home as a clan leader, an orphan, and a heartbroken teenage girl. Her parents are dead and her boyfriend, Brendan, has decided that he needs some time away. While battling her inner turmoil, Eviana is forced into the war that Lucien Sutherland has incited amongst her own kind. With the help of Kain, her friend and formally betrothed, the two work together to prove that they deserve their birthrights as young merfolk leaders. 

When the council requests a demonstration of Eviana's mermaid powers she finds herself with an opportunity to win back Brendan's heart. But her orders to train with a repulsive merman and the presence of an attractive new suitor challenges Eviana to embrace her leadership and resist temptation. Lucian is after her, and no one seems to understand why. Loyalties are tested as the casualties increase, showing Eviana that sometimes it is impossible to delineate between friends and enemies. 

Betrayal is the second book of The Syrenka Series trilogy following Eviana and her friends as they navigate through the challenges of existing in a secret world. 

MY REVIEW: 

As with the first book I loved the pace of the story, there was never a dull moment. I was almost on the edge of my seat the whole time wanting to know what was going to happen. Quite a few things that I was not at all expecting. Loved this one just as much as Promises, if not more. 

Betrayal is the second book in The Syrenka Series, you can find my review of the first book Promises here. Eviana is sent away to try and strengthen her powers in preparation for the upcoming war. Attacks are happening everywhere, harming, and even killing, some of Eviana's friends and family, Lucian is behind it all and he is still after Eviana, but why? 

As I think everyone has, based on the title I assumed that someone was going to betray Eviana in this book. Although there turned out to be more than just one betrayal, I had a suspicion of a particular person right from the beginning (which turned out to be right), but throughout the book I just couldn't be sure. I had no idea what to expect, and that was something I really enjoyed. After the first book in the series we knew (or at least I assumed) there was a particular reason Lucian wanted Eviana, and while a reason was revealed to us, I am still not sure if it is the whole reason. So I can't wait to start the next book Arise and find out what is going to happen. 

I can't really think of much to say about the characters. I think we definitely got to see Brendan's love for Eviana more in this book and understand him more as character, but I do not like Brendan any more. I can understand his situation, but I still don't like him. I like Kain's character, and am hoping to see a romance develop between him and Eviana in the next book, I guess we'll just have wait to see. Graham was a new character introduced to the story in Betrayal. While I liked his character, and the flirting with Eviana was fun, I felt a bit like if Eviana was so in love with Brendan then she wouldn't be so attracted to Graham. So that was all a little weird for me. 

I enjoyed this book just as much as the first one, should definitely check it out if you have read Promises, and if you haven't I would highly recommend you give it a go. I am super excited to get started on Arise. 

Thank you so much to  the author, Amber Garr, for sending me a copy. Having tons of fun with this series. 

Jammie the Book Nerd
<3

Promises by Amber Garr

MY RATING: 4/5
SERIES: The Syrenka Series Book 1

BLURB: 

Sometimes following your heart can end up destroying the ones you love. 

When seventeen-year-old Eviana Dumahl is faced with the responsibility of an arranged marriage and clan leadership, she is forced to choose between the life required of a mermaid and one of a teenage girl simply infatuated with the wrong guy. Kain, her devoted fiancé would make a wonderful husband except that she's been in love with Brendan, a shape-shifting selkie, ever since they were kids. Choosing to abandon her family, her clan and her life with Kain will have dire consequences far beyond anything she could have imagined. 

A war is brewing amongst the clans and Eviana unwittingly becomes a pawn in the intricate schemes of a twisted mastermind. With Brendan's life on the line, she has no choice but to involve those who she once considered friends. Amidst encountering senseless tragedies and immense loss, Eviana discovers that she is more valuable as a clan leader than anyone ever suspected. Her survival is not only dependent upon the loyalty of her friends, but also on her acceptance of a life that she had so adamantly tried to escape. 

Promises in the first book in The Syrenka Series trilogy following Eviana and her friends through the perils of growing up in a discrete world that inherently threatens human society. 

MY REVIEW: 
This is actually the first book I have ever read about mermaids, so I was definitely excited to read this book and didn't know what to expect. I was kind of expecting a story that took place entirely underwater, but I really liked that they mermaids/men could transition between tail and legs at will (kind of like the tv show H2O just add water if you have seen it). Promises got straight into the story and caught my interest immediately. It had a really good pace, and got very exciting at the end making me want to read the next book as soon as I can! 

In order to merge their clans Eviana has been betrothed to Kain since she was young, but she is in love with the shape-shifting selkie, Brendan. Eviana chooses the one she loves over her responsibilities and must face consequences that no one would have imagined. On the verge of a war Eviana is unexpectedly pulled back into the world she so desperately tried to leave behind and now must step forward and face her responsibilities. 

Eviana annoyed me a little at the beginning, but as the story progressed and she had to start really making mature decisions I came to really like her as a character and am excited to see her have to step forward and deal with the responsibilities she is now faced with. We got to see more of Kain's feelings and affections toward Eviana than Brendan's in this book, and I always kind of have a bit of a soft spot for the underdog, so I find myself leaning more toward Kain, but I look forward to hopefully getting to know Brendan more in the next book. I really liked all of the characters in the story, and really felt for all of them when anything bad happened. 

I found myself really invested in the characters and the story, so I definitely want to get my hands on the sequel Betrayal. And overall just had a really great time reading this book. I would definitely recommend checking it out. 

Thanks to Abby at Bookshelf Confessions for giving me the chance to win this book. 

Jammie the Book Nerd 
<3

P.s. The whole naked thing was a little funny to me, it doesn't really have anything to do with the overall story, but basically the mermaids and selkies have to undress before they change. So there are a few scenes where they have just changed back into people and they are all casually standing around naked, and I know the it's not weird to the characters because they are just used to it, but it felt funny to me having to picture them that way :) 

In the Middle of Nowhere by Julie Ann Knudsen

MY RATING: 2/5

BLURB: 

A teenage girl. A broken heart. And a boy who tries to mend it. 

Butterflies. Little, fluttering butterflies. That's what fifteen-year-old Willow Flynn feels in the pit of her stomach every time the mysterious boy is near. But Willow has other things to contend with as she deals with the tragic loss of her father, as well as her emotionally preoccupied mother, while being uprooted to a new house, a new school, a new life, far away, on an island, in the middle of nowhere. 

At the beginning of the school year, the sickly, but cute Michael sends Willow the first of many cryptic notes during homeroom. He stares at Willow and gives her the creeps. Michael never returns to school after that, but Willow ends up connecting with the poetic boy on-line where they strike up an unusual friendship 

As Willow attempts to fit in and find her niche in the ever-cliquey high school world, she is further confused by Michael who strives to win her over and mend her broken heart. But will he be able to, especially when his own existence remains so uncertain? 

MY REVIEW: 

First of all I want to thank Ali the moderator of the Teen Romance group on goodreads (if you have a goodreads account you should check it out, it's an awesome group) and the author, Julie Ann Knudsen, for giving me the chance to read this book and sending me a copy. 

In the Middle off Nowhere is a story about family problems, fitting in at a new school and a new place, and the mistakes everyone makes when we are young. Willow's mother has just lost her job and they are forced to move to her uncles summer home on a small island "in the middle of nowhere". Willow has to deal with leaving her friends behind, and making new ones, her mother moving on after her fathers death five years ago and the affections of a mysterious boy she likes but doesn't know anything about.

The characters in this story were really well developed, they all felt very realistic to me, and I enjoyed that. I didn't particularly like Willow's character very much, I couldn't really connect with her. I think the reason for this is because throughout the course of the book she is being a teenager, and doing things normal teenagers do, and because I was everything opposite to just about every teenager in the world and I never broke any of my mothers rules or went behind her back I couldn't really relate to her. But I think she is a great teenage character that many people will be able to relate to as she deals with fitting in, peer pressure and all the things that come with being a teenager. 

I really liked Michael's character. I loved his happy, positive outlook on life. I would have liked to see more of Willow and Michael's relationship, but I enjoyed it none the less. Brian really bugged me. I didn't like when he tried to act fatherly to Willow. My parents split up when I was around the same age Willow was when her father died, and even if my mother was with another man for 10 years I would still never consider him my father, but it could be different as mine is still around. 

As I said before, I felt that all of the characters, including the minor ones like Tessa's brother Jaques, were all well developed and felt realistic, making it an enjoyable read. I think In the Middle of Nowhere is a story that many people will enjoy and be able to relate to. I only gave it two stars as I couldn't personally relate to the character and the situations, but I would highly recommend checking it out. 

Thanks again to Julie Ann Knudsen for sending me a copy. 

Jammie the Book Nerd

<3

Clockwork Princess Cover Reveal!!!

Hi!! 

A couple of days ago the cover for Clockwork Princess, the third book in the Infernal Devices series by Cassandra Clare, was revealed!! :D I totally meant to post about it when I found out, but I was lazy. So I am posting about it now. 

It was very much so not what I was expecting to see when I came home and turned on my computer, but I am super excited none the less. It is absolutely gorgeous!!!!! The designer (or whatever it is called) has done such an amazing job with every single one of Clare's book covers, and this one does not disappoint. 

I love each of the Infernal Devices covers more and more. I think all of the models for the covers look amazing, and that each one really captures the characters. I think one of the things I love most about this cover, is that Tessa is holding a book. From Cassandra Clare's tumblr, the book she is holding is the Codex. 

I also think that all of the covers look amazing together. You can check out a better picture of them all together (because I know mine is a little small) on Clare's tumblr.

Also, in other exciting news, the finished cover for The Indigo Spell was released today! Check it out! 

I personally think it looks even better now with their tattoos added in. And now we have an answer for who our mystery guy is :) 

Jammie the Book Nerd

<3

One Year Blogoversary Giveaway!!

Hey! :D 

Today is officially my one year blogoversary. In celebration I have decided to have my first giveaway. Yay! :)

So basically this giveaway is open to anyone that the book depository ships to for free, I am pretty sure it's just about everywhere, but just to be sure you can check here.

I will be giving away one of the books below to one lucky winner. The links lead to the respective goodreads pages. I just picked a bunch of my favourites and a couple that I am looking forward to reading, so if you aren't interested in any of my suggested books you can pick any book you like under $20 from the book depository. Good luck! 

The Golden Lily (Bloodlines #2) by Richelle Mead

Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth

Anna and the French kiss by Stephanie Perkins 

Team Human by Justine Larbalestier and Sarah Rees Brennan

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson 

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor 

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins 

RULES: 

- You must be a GFC follower to enter
- Open internationally, as long as the book depository ships to you

- To enter just leave a comment on this blog post with your GFC name and e-mail address, and tell me about your best birthday experience. It can be your own birthday or someone else's
- I will draw the winner on the 12th of August 

Jammie the Book Nerd
<3


EDIT: I just thought maybe I should mention the winner will be drawn randomly. The birthday experiences have nothing do to with my picking of the winner. Just in case it seemed that way :) Good luck! 

The Great Debate at Penguin Teen Australia

Hey everyone! 

Penguin Teen Australia are currently holding their first Great Debate. The topic they have chosen for their first debate is: 

'Who is better for Adrian Ivashkov: Rose Hathaway or Sydney Sage?'

Johana, my teammate, and I are representing Team Adrian/Sydney. The opening statements for both teams went up today on PTA's blog so whether you support Rose and Adrian or Sydney and Adrian go and check it out here and show your support for the representatives :D 

Jammie the Book Nerd

<3

Heist Society #3: Perfect Scoundrels

Good Morning!! :D 

I know I just did a cover post, but this morning I found out that there is going to be a new Heist Society book and I was just so excited I couldn't resist. 

Heist Society book #3 is titled: Perfect Scoundrels. And is going to be released on the 5th of February 2013. 

Here is the gorgeous cover, it will match the first two so wonderfully. My review of the first two book (with the pictures of their cover, if you are interested) can be found here.

Katarina Bishop and W. W. Hale the fifth were born to lead completely different lives: Kat comes from a long, proud line of lovable criminal masterminds, while Hale is the scion of one of the most seemingly perfect dynasties in the world. If their families have one thing in common, it's that they both know how to stay under the radar while getting - or stealing - whatever they want. 

No matter the risk, the Bishops can always be counted on, but in Hale's family, all bets are off when money is on the line. When  Hale unexpectedly inherits his grandmother's billion dollar corporation, he quickly learns that there's no place for Kat and their old heists in his new role. But Kat won't let him go that easily, especially after she gets tipped off that his grandmother's will might have been altered in an elaborate con to steal the company's fortune. So instead of being the hair - this time, Hale might be the mark. 

Forced to keep a level head and she and her crew fight for one of heir own, Kat comes up with an ambitious and far-reaching plan that only the Bishop family would dare attempt. To pull it off, Kat is prepared to do the impossible, but first, she has to decide is she's willing to save her boyfriend's company if it means losing the boy. 

Bloodlines #3: The Indigo Spell

The Indigo Spell (Bloodlines #3) by Richelle Mead has a cover!! :D 

What do you think? Who do you think that other guy on the cover is? In the middle is obviously Sydney, and on her right is Adrian (he is the same model from the Bloodlines cover), but who is the other guy. . . 

I have been reading a few different things this morning. Eddie, Trey or Marcus seem to be the most popular theories. I think it could most definitely be Marcus, he looks a little older than I would imagine Eddie or Trey. But I guess we will see. 

If you can't already tell I am just a little obsessed with Vampire Academy and now Bloodlines. So I apologise if you don't like me posting about it, but I love it! So I can't help it :D

Also I feel that I should inform you, this is a 'sneak peek' cover of sorts, so this may not be the final version. This is the reason that Sydney does not have her Golden Lily tattoo :) I think it looks gorgeous. I love the colour :D And I am now very curious as to how it will look with the red and white of Bloodlines and The Golden Lily in my book case. 

Jammie the Book Nerd 

<3

The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead

MY RATING: 4/5
SERIES: Bloodlines Book 2

BLURB: 

The second thrilling installment in Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy spin-off series. 

Tough, brainy alchemist Sydney Sage and doe-eyed Moroi princess Jill Dragomir are in hiding at a human boarding school in the sunny, glamorous world of Palm Springs, California. The students - children of the wealthy powerful - carry on with their lives in blissful ignorance, while Sydney, Jill, Eddie and Adrian must do everything in their power to keep their secret safe. But with forbidden romances, unexpected spirit bonds, and the threat of Strigoi moving closer, hiding the truth is harder than anyone thought. 

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Richelle Mead's breathtaking Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive. In this second book, the drama is horror, the romances are steamier, and the stakes are even higher. 

MY REVIEW: 

The thing that I have really enjoyed most this series so far is getting to see the vampires and their ways from a human perspective. When you are reading a book such as Vampire Academy, you don't really question anything about them because Rose doesn't, it's normal to her. But in the Bloodlines series we get to see how Sydney, with her strong Alchemist beliefs, feels about their magic and the vampires in general. It is really interesting to me to get to experience this world I love so much in a completely different way. 

I would probably recommend not reading this review if you have not read the Vampire Academy series, if you haven't then I would highly recommend you give them a go :) Great series, Richelle Mead is a fantastic author. And if you have, and haven't read Bloodlines then I would recommend you do :D Because it is just as awesome as Vampire Academy. 

This book revolved a lot more around the development of the relationships between the characters and getting to know Sydney more. Sydney is beginning to come to the realisation that the vampires are not as bad as she has always been lead to believe. In The Golden Lily, she is developing a strong friendship with Jill and Eddie and everyone else, but at the same time is scared of being accused of getting too close with them by the Alchemists and then being sent to a re-education center; so Sydney is dealing with her internal struggle to help her friends and stay loyal to the Alchemists. 

Jill annoys me a little bit, but I felt like she was getting a little more mature in this book, beginning to understand and deal with the situation she is in. I love Eddie, I felt so bad for him this whole book (and Bloodlines), and now I feel bad for Jill! :( Brayden really annoyed me; well not so much him as his relationship with Sydney. I don't really want to say too much because I don't want to spoil anything for anyone, those of you that have read the book will know what I am talking about. 

And as always I absolutely LOVE Adrian. Again, I don't want to ruin anything. But he's just so adorable, I love him so much <3 When I first read the Vampire Academy series I was totally all for Adrian and Rose being together, but now I am super happy that Sydney and Adrian can be together (I always knew Rose and Dimitri belonged together anyway, I just loved Adrian more). I just think they are so perfect for each other. 

I heard/read a lot of things about what happened at the end of this book. I was really worried and scared about it, but I wasn't at all surprised, it was inevitable, I knew that it was going to happen. On that note, some of the things that happened I found to be a little predictable, but not in a bad way at all I assure you, I just saw them coming. Anyway, I should probably wrap it up. I loved this book just as much as I loved Bloodlines, and I cannot wait for the third book in the series The Indigo Spell. What do you think the title means? I have some ideas about what it might relate to. 

Jammie the Book Nerd 
<3

P.s. I know a lot of parts of this review are horribly vague, but if you come back after you have read the book, you will totally understand what I am talking about :) And I am really sorry about how long it is :/ 

YA-Sisterhoods 2nd Annual Crush Tourney

That's right :D The YA-Sisterhood is getting ready for their 2nd Annual Crush Tourney! How exciting. Nominations are going on right now, they finish in a couple of days, so just click on the banner and head over and vote for your favourite YA crushes :D 

Love and Leftovers by Sarah Tregay

MY RATING: 3/5


BLURB: 

my wish

is to fall

cranium over Converse

in dizzy, daydream-worthy

love. 

(If only it were that easy.)

When her parents split, Marcie is dragged from Idaho to a family summerhouse in New Hampshire. She leaves behind her friends, a group of freaks and geeks called the leftovers, including her emo-rocker boyfriend, and her father. By the time Labor Day rolls around, Marci suspects this "vacation" has become permanent. She starts at a new school where a cute boy brings her breakfast and a new romance heats up. 

But understanding love, especially when you've watched your parents' affections end, is elusive. What does it feel like, really? Can you even know it until you've lost it? 

MY REVIEW: 

This was my first verse novel. Just as I was starting it I was a little hesitant about it being a verse novel, but after you get used to it, it flows really nicely. I don't feel as though you got to know most of the other characters very much, and I didn't expect it to end as it did. All in all it was a fun quick read for me. 

I didn't feel as though you got to know the other characters very well. We got to know Marcie pretty well, as we were reading the story through her poems, etc. but I felt that this kind of almost took away from the other characters. It may have been this way intentionally, so that the whole book is focused more on Marcie's story, but I am personally a big fan of well developed side characters. 

I can't really say much about the other characters, I would have liked more about Marcie and J.D.'s relationship, even Marcie and Linus's to understand them more. Love and Leftovers is a great story about things we all go through in life. 
Jammie 
<3

P.s. I just remembered that I wanted to add this quote. Some of the writing really surprised/weirded me out at times. It was strange. She is in the bath by the way.

"I relax
floating up with each breath
and sinking when I exhale, 
my nipples bobbing
like bouys
on Great Bay." - Love and Leftovers

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

MY RATING: 5/5!
SERIES: Divergent book 2


BLURB: 

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 question 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. 

REVIEW: 

First things first, if you have not read Divergent by Veronica Roth go and get yourself a copy right now! You will not regret it. This book was just absolutely amazing! Through the first part of the book I wasn't sure how I felt about it, I wasn't loving it was much as the first, not much as going on and I just wanted things to get exciting. But for me the ending of a book can really make it, and Insurgent most definitely lived up to be everything I wanted it to be. 

Again this isn't going to be the greatest review, as I don't know what I can say to convince you of how amazing this book is, but I will try my hardest. Roth has just created a world and characters that I just absolutely love to read about. I feel the heart break that they feel, I feel betrayed when they are. Books with these kind of well written and developed characters are the kind that I love to read, probably the whole reason that I continue to read. To find that rare amazing gem like these. 

Insurgent literally picks up where Divergent left off. If you have not read Divergent recently, or have a terrible memory like me, I would highly recommend reading it again before you read this one as it practically reads like one book. Or if you don't have time you can check out the recap post that Veronica Roth so kindly posted for us here. I quite enjoyed that this way in these books, it works really well for Tris's voice and flows nicely. That is another thing that I absolutely love. Tris's voice. I wouldn't really know how to explain why, I just love the way she speaks and thinks. 

It was not as apparent in the first book, but I seriously love the questioning of humanity in this series. I love these kind of books that really make you question how society is and where we are going to end up, The Hunger Games was an amazing series for that. This was one of the many things that really made this book for me. Closer to the end of the book, I began to worry that it would become a series that would give you no answers until the very end, and that always bugs me. If you experience this as well, do not worry! You will get some answers, albeit these answers raise more questions, but I was still very satisfied that we did get some answers to the questions in this series. 

The ending of this book was amazing, I am still mind blown, and confused, and excited all at the same time. I am very excited for the third and final book in this series. I am often disappointed with endings to series, I think I love just as many as I hate, I hate quite a few endings of series that I love. I am thoroughly convinced that Roth will give us an amazing ending, and I can't wait for it. I loved this book, so if you are hesitant because you're unsure if you are going to like it or not, don't be! Go and get it now! If you have read it already what did you think? Did you love it as much as the first one, or hate it? What do you think will be on the cover of the last book? 

Jammie the Book Nerd
<3

City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

MY RATING: 4/5
SERIES: The Mortal Instruments Book 5

BLURB: 

Jace is now a servant of evil, bound for all eternity to Sebastian. Only a small band of Shadowhunters believe he can be saved. To do this they much defy the Clave. And they must act without Clary. For Clary s playing a dangerous game utterly alone. The price of losing is not just her own life, but Jace's soul. 

Clary is willing to do anything for Jace, but can she trust him? Or is he truly lost? What price is too high to pay, even for love? 

REVIEW:

I am going to do my best to write a proper review without spoilers and without just gushing about how much I love Cassandra Clare's books. She is just amazingly brilliant! Although I would not recommend reading this review if you have not read City of Fallen Angels, or you want to stay away from all things City of Lost Souls, as I will be mentioning a few thing about the characters.

City of Lost Souls picks up two weeks after the events at the end of City of Fallen Angels, Jace is missing and they have not been able to track them. I don't know how much else I can say without spoiling anything. Everybody does some dangerous stuff, and everything is super exciting.

I think one of the main reasons that I love Clare's book so much has to be her characters. They are just so amazing, every single character has so much depth and their own stories. Which I like because it's realistic, everyone has their own life stories. I love getting to know the characters stories, even small characters like Maia and Jordan and the Lightwoods parents, we get to know all of their stories and learn about them. Secondary characters are part of what really makes a story for me.

I really enjoyed the development of Simon and Izzy's relationship. It's kind of like just admit how you feel to each other! Why can you not see how the other feels about you! But they are just both so clueless, Simon because I mean he doesn't think anyone like Izzy would ever be interested in someone like him, she's beautiful, and he's just a nerdy guy. And Izzy doesn't know how to do anything about what she's feeling. She's just so used to dating guys and it doesn't mean anything. She is so cute and funny!

I really loved Clary in this book. I just absolutely love the person that she has become. She is such a strong female protagonist, what she had to do!! Those of you that have read  the book will know what I'm talking about. I also really liked Simon a lot more. I didn't really feel for him much in the first three books, he kind of grew on my in City of Fallen Angels, but I really started to like him in this one.

Sebastian kind of really interested me while reading this. It could just be me, but because I am so used to just thinking of him as this evil, demon I guess. I have forgotten that he is still a shadowhunter and he has all the same knowledge that Jace and the others do. He wasn't brought up in a cave. I know he is supposed to be totally evil and all but I just can't help but be fascinated with him. His lack of real feelings, and the confusion when he does feel anything. I am so looking forward to City of Heavenly Fire.

So, I know this wasn't the best review. I have trouble reviewing books that I really love, because I just want to gush and talk all spoilery about everything that happened. But I think I can definitely say that the ending to this series is not going to disappoint and I am actually really kind of looking forward to it, not in terms of the series ending, I don't want that to happen, but I just want to know what happens. After read City of Fallen Angels, and City of Lost Souls I don't know how I would ever have been satisfied with the series ending with City of Glass. It just seemed so unfinished. I think Clare will deliver a satisfying yet possibly horribly heart breakingly amazing ending to the series. I seriously look forward to anything written by Cassandra Clare in the future.

If you haven't read The Mortal Instruments series I would highly recommend going and getting the first book in the series City of Bones right now! I can't wait to see the cover of City of Heavenly Fire, who do you think will be on the cover? I was thinking Clary to go with the theme, because first was her and Simon, then her and Jace, I have been thinking maybe her and Sebastian. What do you think?

Jammie the Book Nerd
<3  

P.s. I really hope I didn't spoil anything in this review, but if you feel as though I did please let me know in the comments and I will edit or warn spoilers. Thanks! 

Shannon Kook as Magnus Bane

Hey everyone, 

So I saw a while ago that Shannon Kook, had never heard of him at the time, posted some pictures on his Facebook page of him dressed to audition for Magnus bane in The Mortal Instruments, City of Bones movie. At first I sort of though, you know, oh he looks really cool! It's so fantastic to see an actor really get into their character and go to that sort of extent, posting picture for fans and stuff. 


But over the last week or so, there had been quite a bit of talk about other actors that have confirmed auditioning for the part, so everyone's discussing who they like best and all that. And I have just fallen in love with Shannon Kook as Magnus Bane, I don't know anything about him n terms of his acting abilities, but based solely on looks I would love for this guy to be cast as Magnus. 


And he's totally cute too! Okay, I know I am probably being all fan-girly here, but I am going to post a bunch of pictures for your viewing pleasure :)

 

So what do you think of Shannon as Magnus in The Mortal Instruments movie? If you don't like him who would you love to be cast? 

Jammie the Book Nerd <3

P.s. I just finished City of Lost Souls today :D So I will hopefully be able to write a review for it and put that up soon :D