Best of 2010

I think that 2010 has the craziest shit ever! The greatest have ever happened and also the weirdest. And I've also met so many great people this year. And I feel so sad leaving 2010 behind, but I'll always cherish the memories. Crap. I'm being sappy. Haha. So really 2010 was a wonderful year, filled with reading and meeting new people. And since 2010 is about to end I am writing my Best of 2010! :D These books were chosen because they have been crafted with masterful hands and have a vivid and realistic set of characters and settings. There were tons of amazing books that were released this year. So this post was quite hard. (Except for spot #1, I've reserved that spot for one special series.)

1. The Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa -

The Iron Fey series has never failed to take me to a different world. Whenever I'm down Puck has never failed to make me guffaw, yes I used guffaw not giggle and not even laugh. And Ash has never (never ever) failed to bring very, very naughty thoughts I'm my mind. (Sorry, Meghan. Peace!) I have so much memories with The Iron Fey. Quite a lot of emotional moments in my life revolved around the series. I have slept, cried and laughed with this series. I would say it was my best friend but Keila would kill me. (So.. If, I, um... Disappear. You know who to blame. *wink wink*) And Miss Kagawa is super AWESOME! I love that woman! :)

2. The DUFF by Kody Keplinger -

God. The DUFF. I love this book SOOO much! It's like a book I could read all the time. I've read it like 20 times already... Or is it 34, I dunno I lost count. Haha. The DUFF is the type of book you can relate to. It relates to us in so many ways. Our insecurities, our family problems and our relationship with friends. I just genuinely love The DUFF. The romance is adorable. I could just cuddle up with Wesley Rush if I could. And Bianca is so different from most lovestruck teens. I really enjoyed The DUFF. I think Kody's hair is really COOL. Haha.

3. Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare -

Do I even have to say why? It's set in London. Will is hot as hell. I feel sorry for Jem. Tessa is a very, very strong-willed and tough character. I like her, she has pizzaz! And Cassandra Clare is cool~

4. Guardian of the Gate by Michelle Zink -

Um... I thought the first was kinda boring but the second totally made up for it. And I totally LOVED it! Go, Dimitri, go! Screw you James. You know what Team I am? I'm Team I-Hope-James-Gets-Screwed-Over. Yeah, that's right.

5. Heist Society by Ally Carter -

I've always been a HUGE fan of Ally Carter. I loved her Gallagher Girls series. I sort of like Heist Society more than the Gallagher Girls series because I found Heist Society more mature and Hale is wayy hot! (Sorry, Zach.) I really enjoyed Heist Society. And I do hope Hale and Kat become closer in Uncommon Criminals.

6. Nightshade by Andrea Cremer -

Hot werewolf action. Haha. I liked it 'cuz it isn't a cliché kind of paranormal novel. So yeah. Go, Team Shay! I can't wait for Wolfsbane and the books have GORGEOUS covers!

7. Radiant Shadows by Melissa Marr -

Because I love, love, LOVED the Wicked Lovely series! The story is so exciting and it's like a thrill ride! Half the time I read the books I want to stab Keenan with a fork and half the time I want to make love with Irial! The Wicked Lovely is a very beautiful series! I really, really want to gut Keenan.

8. The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting -

I really enjoyed this one because it's haunting and suspenseful and it's really rare for a YA novel to be this mysterious and suspenseful. I also really think Jay is the coolest dude. EVER! I can't wait for Desires of the Dead! :D I want Violet to be my friend so she could find all those animals that died in my childhood. Haha. Just kidding! But I'd be cool to hang out with Violet!

9. Delirium by Lauren Oliver -

I know it isn't a 2010 book but still. I loved it to bits! Such a beautiful heartbreaking novel. It's an emotional thrill ride!

10. Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King -

This is the type of novel that you actually have to read to know how to describe it. Well... Let me try. Please Ignore Vera Dietz is a quirky, hardcore, unique and enjoyable read. This book was totally realistic! I really think Vera is a cool person and I would love to hang out with her. I think Charlie was a total, forgive my French, asshole. I can't believe he left her like that. Please Ignore Vera Dietz is a book that has so much emotional distress going on that it makes you enjoy it! Such a unique read, really!

Well... That's it! Thanks for stopping by! :)

My New Year's Resolutions... Or the lack of them. + Giveaway!

So... It's almost the New Year and as the title says I will be posting my New Years Resolutions. Or the lack of them... I only have ONE. I don't know if Keila has more or Raven. :)) But me, only one. So here it is:

1. Stop being so blunt.
Why: Because according to Mavie (The Bookologist) I am too blunt for my own good. So now she's promised to be my "ward". So if I don't stop being blunt I will get an earful from Mavie. Through Twitter. :)

You guys can read her New Year's Resolutions HERE. (Which is A LOT compared to mine.)

She only lacks the button to complete the look~
So this one's for you, Mavie! (I know it looks like crap but it's the best I could do. :P)



GIVEAWAY TIME!!!

So here's the skinny. I just listed down my New Year's Resolution (no "s". Haha.) since it's only a few more days till 2011 comes! :) I want you to list down the book or books you're waiting for in 2011, shove it ALL in a comment. (Might as well add what you thought about my Resolution. :D) Just that simple. Oh, and add your e-mail addy so I can contact you if you win. :D

IMPORTANT!!!: This is an International giveaway so ANYONE can enter and it ends on Jan. 31' 2011 at the same time my other giveaway is ending so I wouldn't have to fret about the dates. I'll be posting the winners around Feb. 2-5!

EXTRA ENTRY: I'll give you ONE extra entry if you tweet.

NO NEED: You don't need to be a follower. (Because I also love those people who can't follow. :D And I'm giving them a chance to enter~)

WHAT YOU'LL WIN: This giveaway is a SWAG Giveaway~ I won't tell you what kind 'cuz it won't be as exciting if I told you. Imagine it as if it's Christmas where you're opening a gift not knowing what's inside. It's that type of thing. :) But be warned there will be Smart Chicks and some signed stuff too! :)

Waiting on Wednesday (3)

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme held by Breaking the Spine.

This Wednesday I chose: The Darkest Mercy by Melissa Marr

Title: Darkest Mercy (Wicked Lovely #5)

Author: Melissa Marr

Publication date: February 22nd 2011

Pre-order the book: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

The Summer King is missing; the Dark Court is bleeding; and a stranger walks the streets of Huntsdale, his presence signifying the deaths of powerful fey.

Aislinn tends to the Summer Court, searching for her absent king and yearning for Seth. Torn between his new queen and his old love, Keenan works from afar to strengthen his court against the coming war. Donia longs for fiery passion even as she coolly readies the Winter Court for battle. And Seth, sworn brother of the Dark King and heir to the High Queen, is about to make a mistake that could cost his life.

Love, despair, and betrayal ignite the Faery Courts, and in the final conflict, some will win . . . and some will lose everything.

(Summary from Goodreads)

Why I'm excited for this:

Why: Because I freaking LOVE the Wicked Lovely series! And Irial is there too~ *wink wink* AND GORGEOUS COVER!!!

Teaser Tuesday: The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

•Grab your current read

•Open to a random page

•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

•Share the title & the author

Teasers:

'I pull the door open and do the one thing I should have done last night.

Leave.

Because you're supposed to remember your first time.'

P. 7, The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney

• I've only started The Mockingbirds and I'm already in love with it! It's like a whirlwind of mystery and anticipation. Each page would leave you wondering how the problem would be solved and if she's willing to speak up. I feel like I'm already writing my review. Haha. :)) And the cover is adorable! Cute little bird. I'm wondering if they're selling the book in red or if that's an alternate temporary cover. I want a red one! End rant.

Event Recap + Giveaway: Lauren Kate Event Book Signing

(From left to right) Reggie, Mavie, Geraldine and Louisse

So, last November 27, Lauren Kate had this super duper awesome signing! :) I went with Keila (of course), Mavie from The Bookologist and Reggie from The Undercover Booklover! We arrived around 11 AM and the event ended up starting at around 6:30 PM. So it was a very, very looong wait. We chatted with each other and talked about books and ourselves. We were one of the very first people to arrive at the event. So we were able to get our books signed first. We gave Lauren a big card Reggie had bought for Lauren, we put our blog address and our messages to her! :) When I saw Lauren I was starstruck because she was so pretty and thin! (And I loved her outfit! Especially her boots!) So when the event started we found out that Lauren was Team Cam (YAY!) and so were we, except Reggie. LOL! Anyhooz, Lauren read a portion (a big portion) of Torment's prologue. So when it was time for the signing to start we were one of the very first to have our books signed! (Our numbers were 3,4,5, and 6. We got our books signed after the VIP peeps.) Lauren was nice enough to sign all of our books even though the clerks said that we could only have, like, around two or whatever signed. I got four signed, two was personalized, one was for a gift and the other is for a giveaway! :D

Lauren Kate with Cam and Daniel.

Lauren Kate signing our books.

With Lauren Kate, holding our card.

GIVEAWAY:

Sooo... We're giving away a signed hardcover copy of Torment by Lauren Kate!

-INTERNATIONAL

-Ends on January. 31' 2011

-Must be a GFC Follower

Fill out this FORM to be entered! :)

Read our Fallen Review HERE!

Waiting On Wednesday (2)

Waiting on Wednesday/s are hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine in which you choose a book or books that you're excited and waiting for.

This week's Waiting on Wednesday book is:

Title: Wither (The Chemical Garden #1)

Author: Lauren DeStefano

Publication date: March 22nd 2011

Pre-order the book: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

What if you knew exactly when you would die?

Thanks to modern science, every human being has become a ticking genetic time bomb—males only live to age twenty-five, and females only live to age twenty. In this bleak landscape, young girls are kidnapped and forced into polygamous marriages to keep the population from dying out.

When sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery is taken by the Gatherers to become a bride, she enters a world of wealth and privilege. Despite her husband Linden's genuine love for her, and a tenuous trust among her sister wives, Rhine has one purpose: to escape—to find her twin brother and go home.

But Rhine has more to contend with than losing her freedom. Linden's eccentric father is bent on finding an antidote to the genetic virus that is getting closer to taking his son, even if it means collecting corpses in order to test his experiments. With the help of Gabriel, a servant Rhine is growing dangerously attracted to, Rhine attempts to break free, in the limted time she has left.

(Summary from Goodreads)

Why I'm excited to read this:

Because the story seems genuinely nice and it's been creating a huge buzz in the blogosphere. And the cover is freaking beautiful! What more is there to say? :) And the whole, I-don't-love-him-because-I-love-someone-else-but-he-loves-me is a very nice touch to the story. So, I can't wait to read this one! :)

Leave your links in the comments so I can check out what your WoW! :)

Teaser Tuesday: Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

•Grab your current read

•Open to a random page

•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

•Share the title & the author

Teasers:

'Let me tell you--if you think your best friend dying is a bitch, try your best friend dying after he screws you over. It's a bitch like no other.'

p. 7, Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King

Review: The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Iron Queen (The Iron Fey #3)

Author: Julie Kagawa

Pages: 358 pages

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Published on: January 25th 2011

Source: Purchased in Fully Booked

Buy the book: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

My name is Meghan Chase.

I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.

This time, there will be no turning back.

(Summary from Goodreads)

Review:

Julie Kagawa's books keep getting more and more complex and intense as they progress and go on. That's something about her writing that I love so much, the fact that it changes and gets better every book. The Iron Queen shows us an even more dramatic and emotional side to The Iron Fey series. It will nurture your heart and then crush with a sledgehammer. The number of times I cried in this book bellies the number of times I cried in Hachiko. Yeah...

What I really loved about The Iron Queen is that Meghan really grew as a person. She wasn't the naive halfling that practically everyone despised or the lovesick human who was in love with the Ice Prince. No, she evolved into a strong and competent woman full of passion and loyalty. It's great to see the progress that happened as the books went by.

I also really loved Ash and Meghan's relationship here. Their love for each other was genuine and it really helped them survive the war. I loved how they depended on each other and their love really was proved in this book. Julie Kagawa was able to solidify them into a real couple who might never see each other again. Their pain and desperation evident in every page.

The Iron Queen is a rollercoaster ride of emotions that will remind you, if you've forgotten, how amazing Julie Kagawa's world is. My heart did not slow down at any point of this book, any faster and I may actually have died. I loved every single moment of reading The Iron Queen and I'm sure you will too.

Rating:

In My Mailbox (4)

IMM is a meme started by Kristi from The Story Siren with some inspiration from Alea of Pop Culture Junkie.

The idea behind IMM was not only to put new books on your radar but to also encourage blogger interaction. IMM explores the weekly contents of my mailbox & books bought. And sometimes other fun goodies.

Anyone can participate in IMM and you are not limited to only sharing books that arrive via your mailbox. You can also share books that you've bought or books that you've gotten at the library.



BOOKS:

Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers

*ARC* Afterlife by Claudia Gray

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Anna and French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Matched by Ally Condie

The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

Taken by Storm by Angela Morrison

*signed* Fallen by Lauren Kate

*signed* Torment by Lauren Kate (the other for a giveaway)

*signed* Radiant Shadows by Melissa Marr

The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting




SWAG:

*signed* Fallen T-shirt
Morganville rubber bracelet
Winter Court rubber bracelet
Dark Court rubber bracelet
High Court rubber bracelet
Summer Court rubber bracelet
x4 TMI Rune tattoos
x3 Firelight stickers
Firelight postcard
x3 Firelight bookmarks
x3 The Dead-Tossed Waves stickers
The Dead-Tossed Waves bookmark
*signed* Dark Flame bookmark
*signed* Radiance bookmark
x2 Wicked Lovely tattoos
*signed* Darkest Mercy bookmark
x2 Radiant Shadows bookmark
*signed* Melissa Marr bookplate
Smart Chicks Kick It! bookmark
Fallen bookmark

I look retarded. LOL

Review: Taken by Storm by Angela Morrison

(All about Taken by Storm HERE)

Review:

I just want to say how powerful this book is. It's so very heartbreaking and sad. I was reading this in class and I practically bawled my eyes out. It's incredibly beautiful. Miss Morrison's writing is beautiful. Michael's pain was so...real. You could feel his heartbreak upon losing his parents. So sad. Her writing is so breathtaking. And beautiful. I really think that Leesie changed his life. When I finished the book I was like, "WHAT?! THAT'S IT?! HOW THE HELL COULD THAT BE IT?!" I really loved Taken by Storm and I'm sure you would too~ Gosh, I'm so cheesy. This book is SO amazing! If you are searching for a tearjerking read, here it is! I can't wait to read more of Miss Morrison's work! My blogger friends have told me how sad Sing Me To Sleep is! Can't wait to delve into it! :)

Oh yeah! Check out CAYMAN SUMMER's blog for Miss Morrison's update for her third book! :) Click HERE. (Show some support, guys.)

Rating:

Review: Fallen by Lauren Kate

Review:

Fallen is a very gothic book that explores the world of seventeen-year-old Luce. A lot of people have read and enjoyed this wonderful book by Lauren Kate. As you delve into Fallen you will feel a connection with it's very tormented heroine. I loved Fallen, it is both sexy and haunting but quite long. I had to force Keila to read Fallen before she would actually budge. Haha. My favorite character would have to be Arianne, she's weird and eccentric with draws he character to me~ And since Luce is the heroine, I wouldn't mind being in her "situation". She has to choose between the dark, brooding Cam and the angelic, kind Daniel. But if you ask me, I'm Team Cam all the way! He's so mysterious and dreamy~ Most of the time, I want to slap Luce because she can't make her mind. The amazing thing about Fallen is that as you turn is each page you get sucked more into the world of warring angels and demons. Once you read Fallen you will not be able to stop yourself from grabbing a copy of it's next book, Torment!

Rating:

Review: Suzzane's Diary for Nicholas by James Patterson

Review:

Okay, I know this is not Y.A. but hear me out :)

I know, I know. James Patterson is associated with Alex Cross (please.) But this one is a REAL tearjerker. I've seen this book a lot f times already but had no intention on reading it since it was, you know, James Patterson (notorious for murder stories). I thought it would be gory/bloody/mass killing-ish but to my surprise, NO! It's an awesome romantic story. I can't even type my feelings for this book for it is far too much. The tissue comes out at the near-ending. It comes as a surprise because one minute, everyone's happy then the next, it sets a dark feeling on you. For me, this book is a-mazing! Give it a shot. You'll never know it might make it to your top-books-list) I love how everything blended in. There was absolutely no confusion and very straight-to-the point type. Word of Advice, drop your thoughts of James Patterson, the violent book author. Think James Patterson, romantic novel writer

Rating:

Review: Delirium by Lauren Oliver

(Click here for the synopsis)

Review:
Delirium is one of the most beautiful novels I've EVER read. It's so magnificently heart-wrenching that I just wanted to cry out with sadness and love. Lauren Oliver will take you to a world where love does not exist and the world is set by boundaries. Delirium is easily my most favorite novel. As I was reading it I could help but get goosebumps. Delirium will rock you to your very core and leave you breathless but as you try to stop for a breath you end up feeling breathless once again. Lena, at the start, wasn't exactly one of my most favorable characters. She was weak, scarred and afraid. But Hana, her best friend, was someone I grew fond of. She was the exact opposite of Lena. One of the things I did like about Lena is that she had a past, the kind of past that haunts you. And then there was Alex, am amazing guy who can't seem to stay away from Lena and vice versa. What I love about this story is that when you think the good part ends you end up being shocked that you are in fact wrong. That there's always a twist and turn no matter where you go. Delirium is an amazing novel filled with tragedies, fear and love. Delirium is in fact a swoon-worthy novel. I cried so much while I was reading this. Like waterfalls...

5 OUT OF 5 STARS (If I could give it more I would.)

Hugs and cookies,
Louisse

Review: Winter's Passage by Julie Kagawa

Review:

I think I may have an obsession with Julie Kagawa. I love her. Forever and ever. She never fails to amaze me in each of her books, there's always something new to read about. What I love about her most is whenever you read her books there's never a dull scene. Winter's Passage is a novella that takes before Ash and Meghan arrive into the Winter Court. The eBook was very short yet very suspenseful. What I liked about this one is that it actually took me by surprise. Most of the time, I've already figured out what is going to happen by the first fifty or hundred or so pages but this one almost gave me a heart attack (seriously). My parents were like, "Louisse, are you okay? You're paler than your normal pasty self." Yes, I have wonderful parents. Let's just say when you read this it will put you on a complete edge. Of course, I also enjoyed the lovey-dovey scenes between Ash and Meghan~ *dreamy sigh* And there was that baby... Gross, just gross... To wrap this review up (since I'm being disturbed by the boxing match going on), Julie Kagawa will take you to another breathless journey filled with suspense, romance and GORE. That's what I thought of it.

Rating:

Review: The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

I originally wanted to do a review Iron King. But Louisse beat me to it. So, nevertheless, I am still very happy to make a review on Iron Daughter! :)

Iron Daughter picked up where Iron King left it. Which I find really nice in books because like some, they go completely off-story and go back after like, half of the book. Iron Daughter is as exciting and fun as Iron King but with new plots, scenes and more alone time with Ash! hihihi. I liked how the story has a romance thing going on without ruining the "essence" of the book, which is about the fey. you won't get confused with it being a romance story because once the chapters get too romantic, it morphs from mushy-love-romance to exciting-action-fairy scenes. I love how Ash is willing to leave the fairy world just because he couldn't renounce his love for Meghan. I also like Robin but in a buddy kind of way. I don't see him as a possible love interest more of the best-friend-protection thing going on with him. The story is exhilarating and will take you away to dreamland! BTW, did I mention how hot Ash is? I hope he doesn't turn out to be a disappointment like some fictional creature that drinks animal blood and sparkles in the sun *ahem ahem* I can't wait for Iron Queen so, I shall look for it! haha

5 out of 5 stars!

xoxo,

Geraldine