Month: November 2011

legend, waiting on wednesday

Waiting On Wednesday: Legend

Kathryn Cooper

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

Legend
by Marie Lu
Release Date is November 29, 2011

From Goodreads.com:
What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.
 
From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths – until the day June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias’s death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.
 
Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.

I’ve already seen lots of great reviews for Legend by Marie Lu from bloggers who received an ARC. I’m looking forward to reading this book. It sounds very exciting, and like a book that will keep me in suspense on the edge of my seat.

Happy Reading!

Book Review, the amaranth enchantment

Book Review: The Amaranth Enchantment

Kathryn Cooper

Title: The Amaranth Enchantment
Author: Julie Berry
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Release Date: 2009
Pages: 306
Series: none
4 STARS: I Really Liked It
From Amazon: 
When a mysterious piece of jewelry and a strange visitor arrive in the jewelry shop where she works for her evil aunt, Lucinda’s course takes a surprising turn. With the help of the Amaranth Witch, a young (and harmless) con-artist, and a prince, Lucinda uncovers secrets about her own royal past. A strong seller in hardcover, this original fairytale marks an exciting debut from a lyrical new voice. Can one magical moment lead to happily ever after?

My Thoughts:
I liked this book. I’m not sure if it was the author’s intent but it reminded me of a Cinderella story at times. The orphan Lucinda is pushed around by a nasty and mean aunt. A helpful friend (I won’t say the name) reminds me of her own unique fairy godmother.

Lucinda’s story is easy to get caught up in. From the very beginning I felt for poor Lucinda and the rough life she lived. I wanted to keep reading so I could find out what happened to her. Will she find her own happily ever after and get away from her abusive aunt?

I wish there was more time spent on the side characters. I think Peter is hilarious and handsome, the Prince as well. I wanted to hear more of their stories. I love the pet goat she finds along her journey. He acts like a dog so Lucinda names him Dog. He is loyal and brave. A very funny and cute sidekick. Overall, a great clean entertaining read.


Content Review: highlight between ( ) to see details
Sexual Content: none
Language: none
Violence: mild ( abusive slaps with bruises, short struggle with a little blood )

Happy Reading!

inheritance, waiting on wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday: Inheritance

Kathryn Cooper

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

Inheritance
by Christopher Paolini
Inheritance #4
Release Date is November 8, 2011

From Goodreads.com:
Not so very long ago, Eragon—Shadeslayer, Dragon Rider—was nothing more than a poor farm boy, and his dragon, Saphira, only a blue stone in the forest. Now the fate of an entire civilization rests on their shoulders.

Long months of training and battle have brought victories and hope, but they have also brought heartbreaking loss. And still, the real battle lies ahead: they must confront Galbatorix. When they do, they will have to be strong enough to defeat him. And if they cannot, no one can. There will be no second chances.

The Rider and his dragon have come further than anyone dared to hope. But can they topple the evil king and restore justice to Alagaësia? And if so, at what cost?

This is the much-anticipated, astonishing conclusion to the worldwide bestselling Inheritance cycle.

We have waited a long time for this final book! I’m looking forward to seeing how everything ends.

What are you waiting on?

Book Review, the loser's guide to life and love

Book Review: The Loser’s Guide to Life and Love

Kathryn Cooper

Title: The Loser’s Guide to Life and Love
Author: A. E. Cannon
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: July 2008
Pages: 272
Series: none

From Goodreads.com:
Ordinary, boring Ed works a loser summer job at Reel Life Movies, where he doesn’t even have his own name tag. He’s stuck with “Sergio.” Ed’s only consolations are his two best friends. Shelving DVDs isn’t so mind-numbingly dull with Scout cracking jokes, and after hours Ed hangs out with the superbrain, Quark. Life starts to look up when the girl of his dreams saunters into Reel Life. Ed knows he doesn’t stand a chance . . . but maybe, just maybe Sergio does. All he has to do is pretend to be a smoldering Brazilian stud for the rest of his life. Simple, right? But . . . Ed’s new dream girl has her own secrets, Scout wants to be more than Ed’s best friend, and his buddy Quark wants Scout for himself. Star-crossed crushes make for hilarious misunderstandings as Ed guides his life toward disaster in this fresh, contemporary twist on Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream.

My Thoughts: 
Don’t you love the title? LOL that’s what really caught my attention. I actually haven’t read Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, but I did see the play and know the basics. I agree with the summary that it’s a fun twist on the play.

The book is told from 4 character’s perspectives. Mostly told from Ed, the main character. The other 3 are Scout (a ‘one of the guys’ type girl, Ed’s best friend, and star soccer player), Quart (genius neighbor, also Ed’s friend), and Ellie (sweet, beautiful, new in town). All fun characters.

Cannon did a great job showing true high school emotions. The characters had lots of insecurities that I think are common for many teenagers and some adults. I liked seeing them work through insecurity to learn their strengths.

This is a really light-hearted read, even too silly for me at times. Not for someone who only reads serious stuff. This is a quick read; if it was any longer I probably would have lost interest. Again I would have liked there to be no cussing. Period. It was a really funny read though. I laughed out loud quite a few times.


Content Ratings: highlight between the ( ) for details
Sexual Content: mild ( kissing, thoughts of sex- like “am I the only teenager not having sex” ) 
Language: mild/moderate ( 5 d***, 3 h***, 1 bloody h***, 2 s*** )
Violence: almost none ( punch in the face )

Happy Reading!