Review: Uncross the Stars by Janell Rhiannon

Uncross the Stars
by Janell Rhiannon
Self-published
Ebook (received from author, thank you!)
YA, contemporary, romance

Fiona Lavender is the new girl at school. She has a chip on her shoulder and a penchant for poetry. Dario Martinez is the star quarterback, and the most unattainable guy on campus. Their stars cross when they are paired to study Romeo and Juliet for a senior English project. Their attraction is fragile and undeniable. But, Dario is afraid of what love will do; and Fiona is waiting for love to claim her.

Will they uncross the stars and find the love they both need to heal their pasts?

Uncross the Stars had potential. It sounded really intriguing and I hoped there to be epic romance, and I was so excited when the author offered me a chance to read and review it. However, the story and the characters felt flat and quite one dimensional. I think it's mostly because the story is so short so everything was kind of superficial and I didn't have time to get attached to characters or enjoy the plot twists. Some blame goes to the structure of the story, because it ruined any mystery it might tried to attempt. And honestly, I felt for Ryan so much because of the beginning and his point of view and it took me a lot of time to actual see him as the villain of story (and he was quite unlovable because how he treated other persons). I mean, I felt for Ryan so much at the beginning and it made me dislike Dario, which wasn't good for the story, especially since in the end Ryan didn't have redeemable qualities.

 

Fiona and Dario, well, they didn't have the epic romance I hoped for. I didn't feel any spark between them, more like just high school sweethearts who had all the misunderstandings, drama and vowing for forever love. I really wanted to like both of them together and apart but I couldn't and then the book ended. Uncross the Stars were all about romance and betrayal but when the romance didn't made my heart skip a beat, the whole story felt kind of flat and I couldn't make myself to care what happened to the characters.

 

It wasn't all bad. I liked the synopsis and Rhiannon's writing style, and the story has potential. It just should have been longer, to take more time to scrutinize the character's feelings and their reactions of what happened, and the structure should have been different. Maybe stick to Fiona and Dario's point of view because then there would have been more mystery around who orchasrated the whole betrayal. I kind of like that we got Ryan's and Meagan's perspective but it did ruin any mystery and mostly made Dario seem totally blind. And yeah, everyone had daddy issues. I'm not kidding, because Fiona, Dario, Meagan and Ryan all had daddy issues. I mean, what? I could get two of them to have daddy issues but it seems unbelievable that all the main characters had same kind of issues with their absent fathers, and it shaped all of them.

 

Uncross the Stars has potential but it doesn't live up to it. While the writing style and idea behind the story was enjoyable, the execution didn't work out, at least not for me. However, if you enjoy high school romance stories with some issues and lots of drama, then Uncross the Stars might be for you. I must say, I do love the cover! It's gorgeous.

 

2 of 5 stars. 

 

Uncross the Stars on Goodreads.

(A copy of this ebook was provided in return for an honest review.)

The TBR Tag

I wasn't tagged by anyone so I was sneaky and did it anyway. You can't stop me doing tags! (Please someone stop me, I'm becoming an addict!)

Recently I made a post about my current TBR on my campus.

1. How do you keep track of your TBR pile?

Eh, not logically. Well, I do have a logic but it's hard to explain since it's not logical (or practical). I have a notebook where I write down my TBR books that I own (includes physical copies, eARCs and ebooks), and that's my main TBR list. Then there's all those freebies on my Kindle app but I'll read them when I feel like it, so I don't usually include them on my TBR notebook list. I also have some physical copies I'm not including there, mainly because they're in Finnish and I've bought them years ago (I may take them second hand shop sometime, but there's not one currently on city where I live so yeah).

 

So yeah, not really practical. The notebook is my main TBR book list and those books I want to read badly (and I need to read them), and everything else I just refuse to feel any pressure.

 

2. Is your TBR mostly print or eBook?

Print. If the book is physical form, I'm more likely to read it (and let's face it, I buy my books as physical copies, because some day I'm going to have a huge library).

 

I'm not huge fan of ebooks. I don't purchase them unless the book is only available as ebook (many short stories and novellas). I do have lots of ebooks, mainly Amazon freebies and eARCs and review copies, and therefore my ebook TBR consist mostly review copies and I'm trying to keep it expanding too much.

 

3. How do you determine which book from your TBR to read next?
By my mood, mostly. You have no idea how much time I spend sitting on my desk, staring my campus shelf and trying to decide what I'm in mood for. Sometimes it's easier and I just know what I want to read (especially if I've got some new books) but sometimes it takes half an hour (and eventually my roommate decides for me, heh). Review copies I usually read either when I'm really mood for that particular book, or when it's almost due (I do everything faster and better when I'm under pressure and in a hurry)
 

4. A book that’s been on your TBR list the longest?
I'm not entirely sure but my guess is The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater with 482 pages.

5. A book you recently added to your TBR?
To my physical TBR (aka the books I actually own) it's While England Sleeps by David Leavitt. To my Goodreads TBR (aka books I want to read but don't necessarily own or are not released yet) it's Gives Light by Rose Christo.




6. A book on your TBR strictly because of its beautiful cover.
Honestly, I don't think there is one. If the synopsis doesn't intrigue me, then I won't add it on my TBR no matter how much I love the cover.

7. A book on your TBR that you never plan on reading.
I plan reading them all (especially if I own them already). It just might take some time.

8. An unpublished book on your TBR that you’re excited for.
The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness because how can you not add it after reading the synopsis? This is just what I've waited for years!

Half Wild by Sally Green is my most anticipated sequel of this year.



9. A book on your TBR that basically everyone has read but you.
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas, probably. Most definitely. (Also Cinder by Marissa Meyer but I actually purchased it recently so I'm going to read it this month or next!)

10. A book on your TBR that everyone recommends to you.
Well, it was The Fault In Our Stars by John Green but I read it recently, so I got to with The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater.




11. A book on your TBR that you’re dying to read.
Of Triton by Anna Banks because I need need more of that world and Gale and all of it. Luckily I have it and I'll probably read it as soon as I turn in my baccalaureate paper.

12. How many books are on your Goodreads TBR shelf?
There's currently 473 books on my to-read shelf on Goodreads. However, my GR shelves aren't well organized since that shelf includes both books I own, don't own but want to read, and books that haven't been published yet. So it reduces the count a lot. I'm not quite sure how many I have, since my books are divided: some are at campus, some are at home, and then there's my Kindle app, Digital Adobe Editions and PDFs. It's somewhere around hundred books, I think (I have maybe fifty physical books on my TBR pile, so yeah, I'm not feeling much pressure).

And I tag everyone who reads this!

If you do this, please leave a link in comments so I can check it out :)

ARC Review: Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda
by Becky Albertalli
Published by Penguin Random House UK Children
Ebook (received from publisher via NetGalley)
YA, LGBT, contemporary, romance

Sixteen-year-old and not-so-openly gay Simon Spier prefers to save his drama for the school musical. But when an email falls into the wrong hands, his secret is at risk of being thrust into the spotlight. Now Simon is actually being blackmailed: if he doesn’t play wingman for class clown Martin, his sexual identity will become everyone’s business. Worse, the privacy of Blue, the pen name of the boy he’s been emailing, will be compromised.

With some messy dynamics emerging in his once tight-knit group of friends, and his email correspondence with Blue growing more flirtatious every day, Simon’s junior year has suddenly gotten all kinds of complicated. Now, change-averse Simon has to find a way to step out of his comfort zone before he’s pushed out—without alienating his friends, compromising himself, or fumbling a shot at happiness with the most confusing, adorable guy he’s never met.

Publication April 7th 2015!

 

Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda is definitely one of the best books in 2015, hands down. It has everything one can hope for a book to be: fun, romance, various intriguing characters, wonderful and witty main character, plot, a little mystery, and all the feels. There was so many times I had to stop reading just because I was crying for all the brilliantness this book has. Becky Albertalli is genious as she said aloud the one thing every one should say: straight or white or anything else should be expected, a default value.

I couldn't expect anything else but utterly brilliantness when the book starts with a sentences: "It's a weirdly subtle conversation. I almost don't notice I'm being blackmailed". It gets even better, even though I certainly didn't think it was possible. Albertalli's writing style is quite simple but so captivating, and she's force to be recognized (there's no doubt: I'll check out all her future books).

The writing style isn't only thing to be showered with praises. All the characters, I couldn't help but love them, or at least understand on some level what they were going through. Simon is witty, smart, hilarious, and the same time he likes his privacy and keeps things to himself. Simon is one of the best narrators I've read in a while because it was so effordless, hilarious, witty and profound. Besides Simon, I really loved Blue. Blue was the mystery; character you get to know, who Simon gets to know, so thoughtful and careful, but still his identity remains as a secret until the very end. Albetalli kept me guessing who Blue really was, and falling even more for Simon and Blue at the same time. Special shoutout and mention to all supporting characters and how big their role was. Simon's friends Abby, Leah and Nick were all well developed, and their friendships unfolded as the story evolved. Simon's family, his two sisters and parents, had also a huge role. I loved Simon's parents! They were funny, kind of hipsters, loving and caring, but they also knew when to put limits. It was so refreshening to read a contemporary romance where family and friendships had maybe even bigger role than the romance itself. Although, I'd descripe Simon vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda as Simon's personal growth story because that's what it was all about: Simon's life, with ups and downs, and all that it included from school to love and family to friends.

Simon vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda is brilliant story about Simon's life. It's unforgetable, and I almost cried because all the feelings it made me feel. It flew by and was over too soon for my liking. I will definitely buy a physical copy when it's available, because this is one of those books you need have on your shelves. There's no doubt: I highly recommend this book to everyone. It's brilliant, genious and utterly lovable.

More than anything, this one is worth of your time.

 

5 of 5 stars and everything else I can possibly give!

 

Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda on Goodreads.

Thank you, Penguin Random House UK Children, for giving me a chance to read and review Simon vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda!

(A copy of this ebook was provided in return for an honest review.)

Book Blitz: Elevated by Daniel Solomon Kaplan

 

Elevated (Elevated Saga, #1) 

by Daniel Solomon Kaplan
Publication date: September 23rd 2014
YA, sci-fi

 

Most kids can’t wait until Elevated Day, when they can finally unlock their hidden superpower. Rose remains a skeptic. While the treatment reveals a power, the outcome is irreversible and abilities can range from amazing to a nuisance. On top of that, she holds a deep rooted grudge against the treatment that turned her father into an Unsound, one with abilities so dangerous as to force them to a life of exile.

Her choice sends her down a path of discovery, as she seeks to learn more of the truth around the treatment and what really happened to her father. Fed up with lies, Rose wants nothing more than to learn the whole truth–even if it means accepting her fate as an Elevated.

Elevated on Goodreads.

 

Purchase your copy!

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

 

Author bio

Daniel Solomon Kaplan is a playwright turned author after much arm twisting from his wife. He currently has several novels in the works, including CATALYST, the next book of the Elevated Series, scheduled to debut before the end of the year.

Website

Facebook

Twitter

 

 

 

 

 

Excerpt

 

A tap on my shoulder causes me to lurch.

“You’re next,” Elliott says.

What did I do to deserve waiting with this guy? “Yeah.”

“Can you really do it?” Elliott asks.

“Do what?”

“Live not knowing, not seeing what could be.”

“I could ask you the same question.”

He’s puzzled.

“Let’s say you go through those doors and become an Unsound. And you get locked away from your family and friends for your entire life. Tell me you won't wonder what a normal life could be.”

Elliott leans in. “You know an Unsound, don’t you?”

I nod. “My dad.”

He turns his head away from me. “I’m sorry.”

I’ve always faced the same reaction. They think it’s sympathy, but it’s fear. As much as everyone talks about genetics not factoring in and your parents not determining your powers, having an Unsound in the family is mark of shame. Most don’t discuss it. The only person in my high school that knows is Aaron. After the torture thrown at me in middle school, the last thing I want to do is let anyone know.

The exit door stands to my left. I want to bolt. Want to get out of this place. Something keeps me glued to my chair.

“Rose. I know you’re scared. But if you leave now, you won’t get another chance.”

He’s right. With millions of kids involved, getting another appointment is near impossible. I would end up with the other Basics. I stare at the screen, willing the phoenix not to fly by again.

“Rose. Think about this.”

“You think I haven’t? It’s all I’ve thought for years. I’m not like you, or the other kids here. You sit there, blindly waiting for your number to be called, trusting everything will be—“

“You don't know me at all.” For the first time, there’s terror in Elliott’s face. He turns back to watch the screen.

“So you’re scared too, then.”

Did he feel as helpless as I did?

Elliott takes a deep breath. “I can't control which system I was born in. I can only control how I cope with it.”

“That's the only power you think you have?” I ask.

“It’s the only power any of us have. Anything else is an illusion.”

My heart jolts as the phoenix flies by and displays my number. The mechanical voice cuts through me. “Now serving A535. That's A535. Thank you.”

I’m still. Trapped between two worlds. Somehow, none of the thinking, the planning or the debating have prepared me for this moment. Elliott stands and tries to nudge me out of my chair. I won’t move. I’ll wait here. If they want me so bad, they can drag me through those doors. A part of me wishes they would. The exit is a few steps away.

“Rose, please!” His blue eyes plead with me.

 







Stacking the Shelves (28)

Stacking The Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews, and is all about sharing the book you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

It's been over a month since I stacked my shelves but I'm trying to read those I already have, and I don't have much time to read since my studies is taking a lot out of me. However, I'm travelling to London next month so be prepared because I'm going to buy as many books as I can carry!

(And I think this haul is pretty large, too.)

ARCs / Review Copies

 

Bomb by Sarah Mussi

Against Reason by Scarlet Blackwell

Mark of Cain by Kate Sherwood

Purchased

 

 

Ferryman by Claire McFall
Unremembered by Jessica Brody
If I Stay by Gayle Forman
The Giver by Lois Lowry
The Perks of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Of Triton by Anna Banks
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
While England Sleeps by David Leavitt

I'm so happy I got approved to review Against Reason and Mark of Cain as they sounds interesting. Bomb was a read now, and oh boy does it sound good (also Saruuh Kelsey raved about Riot by Sarah Mussi, so I just had to get one of Mussi's books).

Ferryman and Unremembered I bought during my holidays in Tenerife. There was this lovely bookshop called The Bookswop in Puerto Colon. The owner was such a gentleman, I loved the air there, and there was lots of second hand and new titles in English. If I Stay I bought another bookstore in Tenerife, and I snapped The Giver at the airport.

The rest four books was from my gift card order and they arrived, yay! I'm so excited about all of them. One is yet to arrive, The Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab and that's maybe the book I'm waiting for most. (I'm so happy I finally found the blue cover of The Perks of Being A Wallflower because it's so beautiful!)


Feature & Follow Friday #23

Feature and Follow Friday is hosted by two different hosts, Parajunkee and Alison Can Read! This meme is here for bloggers to gain new blogger friends and followers.

 

This weeks topic:

Do you have any furry friends? Share a picture!

Personally I don't have furry friends but my family has two and since I live part of the year with them, I count them as mine. So let me share a few pictures of them!

Topi, two years next month. West Highland White Terrier aka Westie.
Topi is stubborn. That's the only way I know how to descripe him. I love him to bits!

 

Topi from summer 2013, the day he came to us. He was so tiny!

 

Kimi, 8 months old. West Highland White Terrier, aka Westie.

Kimi is a duracel. He has energy for everyone! He also likes to take naps besides me when I'm reading, so adorable.

 

 

Just one picture more! Topi and Kimi together (fun fact: Kimi is actually bigger than Topi nowadays. He's almost 10cm higher!)

 

 

 

ARC Review: Falling by Barbara Elsborg

Falling (Fall or Break, #1)
by Barbara Elsborg
Published by Samhain Publishing
Ebook (received from publisher via NetGalley)
Adult, LGBT, contemporary, dark, romance

Falling is easy. Landing without breaking your heart? Impossible.

Harper is no longer behind bars, but it doesn’t feel like it. Ten years serving time for a crime he didn’t commit have left him shut down, numb, and a frozen wreck over the simplest of choices.

He’s acutely aware of the dark-haired young man checking him out in the supermarket, but he’s too deep in panic mode to even meet the guy’s gaze. Afraid the slightest move will trigger a fall that will never stop.

Fresh off a long-term relationship with a controlling man, Malachi is stuck living with relatives who think he’s a waste of oxygen. The tall guy in the long, gray coat is the first bright spot he’s glimpsed in a long time…though the man’s unblinking stare at a bottle of shower gel is a touch alarming.

Hard experience tells both of them to turn away before lust turns to hopeless attraction, and inevitably to disaster. But once their sparks connect, the arc of electricity is too strong to deny. Even if the cost is too much to bear.

Warning: Contains an ex-con with disaster written all over him, a boy toy who’s trouble with a capital T, a damp old British house, compulsive meddling, and enough hot sex to cure the severe case of nervous babbling.

Publication date: March 24th 2015

 

Falling is purely made of feels. Premise promises that and the whole story is emotional rollercoaster which I couldn't help but love. I mean, the story starts when Harper is released from prison where he was locked in for ten long years - for a crime he didn't commit. Harper's broken, anxious and even though he's out of prison, he's no means has his freedom. How will people react if they hear he's been in prison? And his crime? The unforgivable crime he didn't even commit, the one that's going to rule his life for the rest of life, because it'll follow him everywhere? It's heartbreaking. Harper has no choice but at least try to live even though it's hard. And Malachi. Poor Malachi who has no job since his ex got him kicked out of his last job, living with his sister and her husband - who hates Malachi's guts. Harper and Malachi are both poor souls who live has dealt a shitty hand but together they have something beautiful - they have a chance to happiness.

Yes, the characters made me emotional. Harper and Malachi were both in a bad situation at the beginning but they both rise above what other's did to them. Character developement during the story was so amazing, especially when the reader got to see how both reached for happiness and trying to make their lives better - together. There was some intriguing supporting characters but they all was left in Harper's and Malachi's shadow. Elsborg did wonderful job with her characters and the twists relating them, because it was hard to guess who was behind framing Harper, and what kind of man Malachi's ex really was - without spoiling anyone, I'll just say there was some big surprises and they were fantastic.

As for the romance, yes, it worked really well. Chemistry is important and I was so glad Harper and Malachi had it from the very start. It was delighful to follow how they grew closer and how their feelings developed, and how they made each other's lives better. They were balanced couple from the start, and at times, the romance was sizzling. I cannot praise the romance (or the characters) enough. Also shoutout for the setting: the story took place in England, in York to be more specific, and there was a little bit London there as well.

Falling had it all: great characters with lots of developement during the story, intriguing plot with a mysteries thrown into it, romance that worked and was sizzling, flowing writing, and the feels. I cannot praise the story enough and I highly recommend it to everyone who enjoys either romance stories or generally good LGBT stories. Falling wasn't just a romance book, no, it was a great story with romance.

Falling is worth of your time.

 

5 of 5 stars.

 

Falling on Goodreads.

Thank you, Samhain Publishing, for giving me a chance to read and review Falling!

(A copy of this ebook was provided in return for an honest review.)

The Bookself Tag

I wasn't actually tagged by anyone but I really wanted to do this tag (because taking pictures of bookshelves is just fun). Reviews from a Bookworm tagged anyone and everyone who read her post and wanted to do this so I'm using that as an excuse to do this.

 

On campus I have pretty much my TBR books (some more at home) and rest of my books are at home. I'm also a little ashamed because my second bookshelf is a little disorganized mainly because I just put random stuff and random books there when I'm in a hurry. I'll probably organize my shelves next summer when I'm back home from campus with all my books. Anyways, here's the Bookshelf Tag!

 

My shelves

 

Campus shelf

 

 

My "mostly English & History books shelf"

 

 

My other shelf (that's disorganized)

 

 

1. Is there a book that you really want to read but haven't because you know it'll make you cry?

Actually I've read lots of books that makes me cry recently. Don't know why but I've been feeling like it and I've gone with the flow. So I've already read Brokeback Mountain, A Walk to Remember, Speak and Suicide Watch that would have fit this category.

 

2. Pick one book that helped introduce you to a new genre.

I have to go with The Hunger Games. It introduced me to dystopian genre, however, this is a little tricky because I didn't like The Hunger Games. I read all the three books (and it took me way too long) and there was some characters I liked so much I had to finish the series (such as Haymitch, Finnick, Gale and some random supporting characters). After finishing The Hunger Games I wanted to read some other dystopian books because I loved the idea behind the story, I just wasn't a fan of it's main characters or the writing style or the plot. So yeah, it's The Hunger Games that got me almost obsessed with dystopian.

(Noted that I don't own copies of The Hunger Games since I borrowed them from a friend.)

 

3. Find a book that you want to reread.

There's way too many, honestly. But I'll go with Under the Never Sky and Wuthering Heights (even though I've read it like four times already). I wanted to reread the first two books on UTNS trilogy before diving Into the Still Blue but I didn't have time back then because of school work. Now I'd love to reread the first book. Though it has to wait because I borrowed it to my friend.

 

4. Is there a book series you read but wish you hadn't?

This is hard, especially since I'm assuming I'd have to read the whole series. There's some series that would fit this category but I haven't read the last book yet (like Divergent trilogy) so I have to go with The Hunger Games. I wish I'd just read the first book and then stopped. My friends pressured me to read the whole series (it was supposed to get better) but I didn't enjoy it. And it took me three months to read Catching Fire. I'm happy that I read to first book and therefore know what the idea was there but I should have just stopped there (and left my heart in one piece, killing Finnick was way too cruel).

 

5. If your house were burning down and all your family and pets were safe, which book would you go back in and save?

I would probably snatch the nearest bag and quickly fill it with all the books I'd have time to put there. It would include all my favourites and books that would be hard to replace (like out of print books like Hushed and The Forgotten) and signed books (most are my favourites so).

 

6. Is there one book on your shelf that brings back fond memories?

Many of them, naturally. Especially those that I read during my early teens such as Inheritance Cycle, Harry Potters and Narnia. So you could pick any one of them and it would bring back fond memories.

 

7. Find a book that has inspired you the most.

There's so many of them but I'll say Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. It's my favourite of the series and it inspirated me so much. In a its own way, also Escape from Hell! by Hal Duncan inspirated me the most but in a different way than HPs.

 

8. Do you have any autographed books?

Yes, I do. I have eleven signed books. Not much, mainly because I live in Finland and there's not that much signing or meet the author happenings as in the US (or the UK). I've actually only been in one, Hal Duncan's, and that was awesome. Others I've either won, got from author or like with the Finale, I got lucky when I was in London and found it on Waterstone's.

I meant to take a picture of my signed books but I forgot and most of them are on my home and not campus so I'll just list them:

Escape from Hell! by Hal Duncan (personalized)
Powerless by Tony Cooper
Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick
Sweet Oblivion by Bailey Ardisone (personalized)
Sweet Escape by Bailey Ardisone (personalized)
The Beast of Callaire by Saruuh Kelsey (personalized)
The Forgotten by Saruuh Kelsey (personalized)
The Wandering by Saruuh Kelsey (personalized)
A Compilation of Side Stories by Saruuh Kelsey (personalized)
Half Bad by Sally Green
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
 

9. Find the book that you've owned the longest?

I'm not sure but probably some of my childhood books like Eragon, HPs, Narnia or some Finnish novels.

 

10. Is there a book by an author you never imagined you'd read and enjoy?

Actually, J.K. Rowling. I know it sounds so absurd but when I was young my friend was crazy about HP and she practically forced me to read Philosopher's Stone. I read it to humour her but ended up loving both J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter.

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Would Classify As ALL TIME FAVOURITE BOOKS

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Each week participating bloggers can create lists of topic given by the host, and share them with others!

From last 3 years (so Harry Potter and Percy Jackson books aren't on this list).

In no particular order, let me present top ten books I'd classify as all time favourites:

(I may cheat with the first two but I love the whole trilogy so I don't care.)

 

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
My favourite dystopia of all time. I love the characters, especially Aria, Perry, Roar and Cinder, and the world building is astonishing. And the writing style is just so perfect. I fell in love right away and it lasted through whole trilogy. I was so sad it to end. I will definitely re-read the whole series sometime!

 

Fact: I loved the original UK cover. I own it and while it doesn't match with my US covers (because I just don't like the new UK covers) it's gorgeous. And now I have Perry on every cover (and can I just say how much I love Perry in the first cover? He actually looks like an outsider).

 

Earth Girl by Janet Edwards
I read Earth Girl back in 2012 and the two sequels last month. I seldomly love all the books in series but I worship this whole trilogy. The characters stayed true to themselves while having some great character development, the plots were amazing and the whole world building continued to shock me in a good way. I have no words for this, I love it so much.

Look at the covers, so gorgeous. I loved how they match and how they all reflect the actual story and Jarra's development.
 

Hushed by Kelley York
My favourite standalone. Hushed blew my mind, broke my heart and stiched it all together, and gave me hope that Archer and Evan will be allright in the future. I just love it so much, especially the darkness and difficult subjects. And Evan is the light of the story while Archer is the shadow.

 

Rush by Nyrae Dawn
When I started reading Rush, I didn't except how much it would effect me. I mean, it's about sports. But then again, the story is about everything but sports. It have so important message and I just love it so much, as I do love Brandon and Alec.

 

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
This is one of those books you just need to read to understand all the brilliantness it witholds. Sáenz is genious and master of story telling. I love Ari and Dante. I need to re-read this (even though I read it at the end of December).

 

Half Bad by Sally Green
Half Bad became one of my favourite books last summer. It was so good, so different, and I just fell in love with Sally Green's writing as well as Nathan. And Gabriel. How could I not? I know Half Bad will stay with me, and no matter whether I love the sequel, I will always love Half Bad.

I love both colour schemes for the cover!
 

Kaiken Se Kestää by Uma Karma
Bit of Finnish Lit thrown here. This one is just so powerful story of two different boys and how their relationship grows and changes during years, especially since neither of them are out of closed because world isn't accepting. I love Tuukka and Luukas so much and I will ship them, always. (I need to re-read this so badly!)

Brokeback Mountain by Annie Proulx
Do I need to say anything about this one? It's classic. I loved the movie, and I read last year the original novel. I don't know how Proulx did it but within 55 pages she made me fall in love, fall to pieces, mend me together and shatter me. I love how the movie truly stayed true to the original story. Probably the best movie adaptation of all time.

 

Simon vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
I just loved this one. It's everything I can hope for LGBT contemporary. And Becky Albertalli is such a sweet person. This will be published April 7th so go get your copy because I can't even descripe how much I love it (my review will be up this month so you can read more detailed post about why this is so brilliant)

The Maze Runner by James Dashner
It blew my mind. I adore Thomas, Newt and Minho, and The Maze Runner was just so good. All the mysteries, the maze and the survival, it was so good. Such great dystopia. I need more Thomas.

 

Wrapping the Month: February Edition

What's greater way to start new month than taking a look at previous one?

 

School is taking most of my time, as sad as it is. And applying for university - especially since I applied to some universities in Scotland (I'm so excited and nervous! I have no patience to wait for the results!) So I don't have much time to blogging and reading when exams, baccalaureate paper and nervously updating UCAS website eats a chunk of my time. But no worries, I have some ARC reviews coming on March and April, and I do have time for some reading.

February was a pretty good month. I did some fun tags (and became addicted to tags). There's The Coffee Shop Book Tag and Questionaire Book Tag.

Also, the lovely and fantastic author and my friend, Saruuh Kelsey, talked about how her characters get their names when she stopped by for a quest post. You can find her lovely post here.

 

No picture of my February book haul since I didn't purchase books during the month. I did order some and bought some during my holiday in Tenerife, so I promise: there will be lots of book in March book haul.

 

February's reviews:

Of Poseidon by Anna Banks (5 stars)

Earth Star by Janet Edwards (5 stars)

Earth Flight by Janet Edwards (5 stars)

Possess by Sarah Dalton (2 stars)

 

Pretty good month, aye? Okay, I read way less than I'd liked but school took a lot of my time and the last week of February I was on holiday in Tenerife so I haven't had time to read. Still, I'm proud of myself because I reviewed every book I read during February! I have a bad habit of postponing reviews (there's still some to come that I read back in October, so eh)

 

March is the last month when school is taking my time - but it will take a lot of it. My baccalaureate paper is due in a couple of weeks and I have some large exams left so I won't have much time to read. However, there's already three scheduled reviews coming on March, some blitzes and stuff!

 

Hugs,

Henna