Beautiful Creatures

This is the story of sixteen year old Ethan Wate who lives in Gatlin county.  It's a place known for Southern hospitality and Southern Belles.  Ethan is part of the "in" crowd.  He's on the basketball team, he's dated cheerleaders, and most importantly he was born and raised in Gatlin.  Anyone who was born in Gatlin seems to stay in Gatlin because they're insiders.  The only thing that seems to be wrong with Gatlin is the mysterious Mr. Ravenwood.  No one goes near his house because it's supposedly haunted.  So, what does the community do when Lena Duchannes, Mr. Ravenwood's neice, moves into town?  She's different, not a cheerleader, and wasn't born there.  She's an outsider.  The strangest part?  She's the girl that's been haunting Ethan's nightmares.

I liked this story.  It's one I've looked into for quite some time because it seemed so intriguing.  And, yes, it was quite.  I found it rather refreshing to read a story like this from the boy's point of view.  This story is targeted toward girls who read paranormal romance, and it's written through his eyes?  Yes.  It provided a unique twist from the often emotional analytical girl's view.  There was still plenty of emotion and such, but also a guy's rational, adding a bit of tension to the story as well.

There were a few occasions during dialogue where it was a bit difficult to know who was talking and I had to go back and figure out who said what.  A few more speech verbs would have been nice.  Other than that, the plot seemed to work out nicely, the tension was good, and the description used the senses well.

I know what you're probably asking... Is this another trilogy that I'm gonna have to wait years to be done with the story?  Yes it is a trilogy, but no you won't have to wait long.  The first two books are already out and the third comes out in October.  Just a couple months of waiting.  Happy reading!

Click here to read a sample chapter at Barnes&Noble.com

Clockwork Prince

I have just finished a book that reminded me why I stay up all night reading and still wake up in the morning happy and energized.  I guess I didn't realize how long it had been since I read a book that make me feel like this one did.  This may be mildly pathetic, but I haven't even been able to start a new book yet because I want to just revel in my let-down after this book.  In case you haven't noticed, I LOVED it!

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare is riveting.  Every little scene she writes has a significant meaning and this character driven sequel weaves into the story beautifully and without pause.  Tessa is still learning about the world of Shadowhunters.  They do things so differently than the rest of the world.  Danger lurks around every corner and sometimes even her dreams are not safe.  One thing that haunts her is the fact that she still doesn't know what she is or what Mortmain wants with her.  Will still continues to push her away in his dark and mysterious attitude, but sometimes he show Tessa a tenderness that makes her believe he's not who he appears to be.  She and Jem are building a lasting friendship that could turn out to be more serious than she imagined.

I hope you all take the time to pick up this book, and more importantly, the series.  Not only are the covers of her books stunning, but Cassandra Clare has brought the world some excellent fiction that I just can't get enough of.  I laughed out loud, I cried, and I was incredibly sad when I realized I was on the last chapter.  I wanted more!  The final book in the Infernal Devices series comes out November/December and I'm so excited!

Loves!

Crossed

Many of you read Matched and loved it right?  Crossed is the second installment of that great series by Utah's own Ally Condie.

Cassia is determined to find Ky.  She's allowed herself to be banished to the outer provinces in hope of finding him.  An unexpected visit from Xander turns everything around and now she thinks she might have found a way to get to Ky.  Xander still loves her and she realizes she could be perfectly happy if she chose him, but her heart still tells her to find Ky.  Cassia is sent on an unexpected, difficult journey.  Is she strong enough to go without the pills as her grandfather suggested?  Does she ever make it to Ky?  Jealousies arise, hope dwindles and ignites, and Xander has a secret that even Cassia doesn't know.

While the pace seems a bit slow through some of this book, the story is good.  I have to admit that I'm still in love with Xander.  Many of you may disagree, but I think he's brilliant and courageous especially after reading this book.  I hope you all enjoy it.  I'm sure you will because you loved the first book.  This is a great story that deserves to be read.

Happy Reading!