Books In

This week I did not get anything for review, but a few books did wander into my house.

From the library:

Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin
Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Purchased:

Evermore (The Immortals, #1) by Alyson Noel

Swap:

Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella

Mailbox Monday's is hosted by Marcia at The Printed Page.
In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.

Review: Wings

WINGS
by Aprilynne Pike

May 1st 2009
by HarperTeen
Hardcover
294 pages
isbn 0061668036

Book Description
Laurel was mesmerized, staring at the pale things with wide eyes. They were terrifyingly beautiful—too beautiful for words.
Laurel turned to the mirror again, her eyes on the hovering petals that floated beside her head. They looked almost like wings.
In this extraordinary tale of magic and intrigue, romance and danger, everything you thought you knew about faeries will be changed forever.

My Opinion

Overall, I recommended this book to YA fans tired of the dark and gloomy books that are so popular. (And any book with a troll or two needs a second peek.) Wings is the most fantastical and whimsical fairy story I have read this year. I first have to admit the cover of this one drew me in. It is beautiful and melancholy all at once. Pike uses fae folklore to turn a tale that is just that; very beautiful. Although we learn very little about the world and lives of the fae what do do learn is magical and wondrous. The reader learns as Laurel learns so. . .

I found the writing of this book to be acceptable for younger teens who might not be ready for the darker more lust driven YA books around today. Wings had an innocence to it with out being too silly. Don't get me wrong there is romance and a love triangle to delve into but the heavy stuff is left out and isn't necessary to drive the plot. Also, I found the style of writing was simple and easy to get through. Of course, that might be because I flew through the book, I had gotten so intrigued about what would happen. I can't wait to read Spells the second in the series.

About the Author
Aprilynne Pike has been spinning faerie stories since she was a child with a hyper-active imagination. At the age of twenty she received her BA in Creative Writing from Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho. When not writing, Aprilynne can usually be found at the gym; she also enjoys singing, acting, reading, and working with pregnant moms as a childbirth educator and doula. Aprilynne currently lives with her husband and three kids in Utah, and dreams of warmer climates.

Hush, Hush- Why should I continue?

Since today is Saturday, I am offering a book cover for your viewing pleasure. The art work on this cover is stunning. I never noticed the red feathers and writing until I got my hands on the actual book. I always thought it was completely black and white.

Although the cover is amazing, I have an alerter motive here. I have been reading Hush, Hush for the past few days and I was very excited to have 8 free hours on Christmas to sit down and read. I was sure I would have the book done but alas, I kept falling asleep. I wasn't sick, I checked my temperature and everything.

It hasn't been a boring book, far from it. The action is written very well and is keeping me guessing. I am about 150 pages into the book and I am wondering, why should I keep reading? What is it that is so good about this one? Will I keep falling asleep? So tell me please, what do you love about Hush, Hush?

Shiver

Shiver
by Maggie Stiefvater

August 1st 2009 by Scholastic Press
Hardcover,
392 pages
isbn 0545123267

Book Description:
For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human ... until the cold makes him shift back again.

Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human--or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.

My Opinion:
As I read Shiver I felt like I knew what was going to come next and I was always wrong. I expected it to be just another of the many supernatural YA books but it was so much more than that.Stiefvater also made the werewolf piece of the story natural. She didn't make it so over the top it wasn't believable. Stiefvater's style of writing made me read on and on without a break.

The ambiance that was evoked was my favorite part of the book. There was this feeling of connection and belonging when Grace and her wolf were together.The connection between the main characters was so special and true. What I really enjoyed about the relationship between Grace and Sam was that it wasn't all about the physical aspects of love. Instead what was important was finally being together and staying together.

I read the last words of the book with a gasp, longing for more. The story of Grace and the wolves is far from over but the plot of the book was complete, so I can't complain about the ending. All in all I thought it was an amazing book and I can't wait to get my hands on Linger.

Reading for the Holidays?

What Are You Reading Monday? is a weekly meme hosted by J.Kaye of
J.Kaye's Book Blog.

Well, I have some very big plans for this past week and they were shattered. I received my Christmas gift, from my lovely husband, a bit early. Nope, it wasn't something lovely and bookish, even though he knows I love my book world. My theory is that he is jealous of the love and adoration I show towards my books and he wishes I paid that much attention to him. (please believe me, he gets a lot of attention but his view is distorted) He bought me a video game. One I love to no end. A game he knows I will give up sleep, food and potty breaks for. He bought the newest, greatest version of the Sims, the Sims 3. Needless to say I have been neglecting EVERYTHING else, even him. My plan, DO NOT BRING THE LAPTOP TO WORK. If I have access to the game I will play it. Therefore, I will only bring books to work. So now that you know why I am a slacker here is my reads for the week.

Books I finished reading

WINGS by Aprilynne Pike- I finished this Saturday night. It was a lot more light-hearted than the other fae fiction I read this year. Also, I thought the fairy world Pike creates is closer to what I always thought it would be like. Can you believe I wrote my review on this but there was a programing problem and I accidentally deleted it! I am so heated.

This week, I am or plan on reading
I started putting all the books I plan on reading for the week in my Currently Reading pile on Goodreads.

THE THIRTEENTH PRINCESS by Diane Zahler- I started this one Saturday night after I finished WINGS. It is very cute so far but I am only 60 pages into it, although it is a quick read.

HUSH, HUSH by Becca Fitzpatrick - The library finally emailed me to let me know this one is in, I am going to pick it up later today! I am super excited about this one I have heard nothing but good things. Since this one is on loan from the library I am going to have to read it first.

THE TEA HOUSE ON MULBERRY STREET by Sharon Owens- (AUDIO) I am almost through with this one, one disc left, I am really enjoying it. There are a number of characters in this book and it can be a little confusing but I find it fun to find out what each of them is going to do. What would you do if you caught your husband cheating and calling you a fat cow? Owens has some great solutions to this problem.

I also should pick up an audio while I am at the library. Not sure what it will be yet.