Top 5 of 2011

1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

 2. Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

3. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher 

4. Destined by P.C. and Kristin Cast

5. Someone Else's Fairytale by E.M. Tippetts

I know that some of these weren't published in 2011, but I read them first this year and that's what I'm basing this list off of.

Review: Significance by Shelly Crane

Goodreads description: Maggie is a seventeen year old girl who's had a bad year. She was smart and on track but then her mom left, her dad is depressed, she's graduating, barely, and her boyfriend of almost three years dumped her for a college football scholarship. Lately she thinks life is all about hanging on by a thread and is gripping tight with everything she has. Then she meets Caleb. She saves his life and instantly knows there's something about him that's intriguing but she is supposed to be on her way to a date with his cousin. But things change when they touch, sparks ignite. Literally. They imprint with each other and she sees their future life together flash before her eyes. She learns that not only is she his soul mate, and can feel his heartbeat in her chest, but there is a whole other world of people with gifts and abilities that she never knew existed. She herself is experiencing supernatural changes unlike anything she's ever felt before and she needs the touch of his skin to survive. Now, not only has her dad come out of his depression to be a father again, and a pain as well, but Caleb's enemies know he's imprinted and are after Maggie to stop them both from gaining their abilities and take her from him. Can Caleb save her or will they be forced to live without each other after just finding one another?

Originality: Shelly was original in the way she put things together, but I noticed many aspects that I’ve also seen in other books, which may have been her inspiration for Significance. I’m not saying that this is just a “copy” of other stories. It really isn’t. I love the way Shelly Crane put many great ideas from other books and put them into one amazing story.

Characters: Unlike some other books I’ve read recently, I actually really liked the main character, Maggie. She’s so…real, you know? I felt like she was a relatable character and loved that about her. And Caleb!! *sigh* They are such a cute couple. He is perfect for Maggie and I loved that there was a connection from the beginning. Ooooh, and Caleb’s dad, Peter, reminds me of Carlisle from Twilight, which is ironic ‘cause Carlisle is played by Peter Facinelli.

Content: Like I said before, there were ideas that might have come from other stories, but the way they were put together by Shelly made the content great. The idea of “soulmates” is explored in other stories, but Shelly put a new spin on it that made Significance really great.

Setting: Significance was set in Tennessee. There were beaches and starlit nights that added to the romance part and the woods to signify the danger that Maggie was in. It was awesome. The setting fit the story perfectly.

Overall Enjoyment: I fell in love with the story, the characters, everything, from the very first page and couldn’t stop reading. I think I honestly could have read an entire story of just Maggie and Caleb talking. There were typos, though, in the PDF version I read, and normally I would be all “OCD” about it, but really it didn’t take away from the story. Even though Significance wasn’t published in 2011, I’m gonna name Caleb and Maggie my favorite couple of the year. J

Oh, and by the way, I’m totally craving a honey bun right now. ;)

Review: Someone Else's Fairytale by E.M. Tippetts

Goodreads description: Jason Vanderholt, Hollywood's hottest actor, falls head over heels for everygirl, Chloe Winters, who hasn't gotten around to watching most of his movies. It's the ideal fairytale... for most people. The last thing Chloe needs is public attention as this brings back dangers from the past that she's worked her whole life to escape.

Originality: So, the whole fairytale thing isn’t exactly a new concept, but Someone Else’s Fairytale, wasn’t completely all about a girl meeting the guy of her dreams. There were things going on that had nothing to do with the romance and it made the story really enjoyable, although I still would have loved it if it the entire story was just about Chloe and Jason’s relationship.

Characters: Chloe is a great lead character. She’s been hurt throughout her life, by people she should have been able to trust the most, and that’s only made her stronger. She was unsure about herself, which is completely normal and honest. She wasn’t some “Cinderella” in this fairytale. She was realistic. And Jason…wow. When I first was asked to review this, I was sure I’d hate Jason. Come on. He’s a movie star. I thought he’d just be some jerk. But then I fell in love with him, along with Chloe. I’m sure that’s completely unhealthy, being in love with a fictional character, but I could care less. J

Content: I’m not really into fairytales, but like I said, it wasn’t just a fairytale. This was a realistic, could happen to anyone, type of story. The characters were great, the storyline was perfect, I really loved the entire thing.

Setting: There were several settings in Someone Else’s Fairytale; New Mexico, Los Angeles, Vancouver, and New York. My favorite out of those was L.A. I could actually picture the scene there. Well, the scene of the residential area. And let me tell you, I never want to go to New York. It just seems wayyyy too crowded and wayyy too expensive. The only way I’ll go to New York is if I go on a game show and win a trip there, which is unlikely.

Kay, wow. Kinda got sidetracked there. Moving on..

Overall Enjoyment: I love, love, loved Someone Else’s Fairytale. Really, I just have a word of advice for the author, EM Tippetts: With the extensive dialogue, it would be helpful to add some “he said, she said”. I got lost a few times during the Skype sessions. That didn’t take away from my enjoyment though. Seriously, Someone Else’s Fairytale totally made it into my Top 5 Books read in 2011.

W.W.W. Wednesdays (11)

To play along just answer the following three (3) questions and leave your link at Should Be Reading:

1. What are you currently reading?

2. What did you recently finish reading?

3. What do you think you'll read next?

The Hunger Games Trailer

Liam Hemsworth - Jennifer Lawrence - Elizabeth Banks - Woody Harrelson - Josh Hutcherson - Stanley Tucci - Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

I seriously cannot stop thinking about it...nor stop crying.
This movie is going to be AMAZING.

Review: The Beautiful Code by Sadie Hayes

"As their industry profiles rise, Adam and Amelia Dory fly to Hawaii to keynote TechCrunch’s Maui Waves of Disruption conference. Patty Hawkins also finds herself in Hawaii as the maid of honor in her sister Shandi’s wedding to Chad… but Chad and Patty can’t seem to get past the secret night they spent together. Both Patty and the twins quickly discover that the energy, lust and enemies of Silicon Valley follow you—no matter how far you go.”

Originality: The Beautiful Code is original in my opinion. I love that the author, Sadie Hayes, is well researched on the topics discussed in her books. She really seems to know what she is talking about, and it shows.

Characters: Hehe I love how smart the characters are. They mostly all go to Stanford University, aka school for smart kids. And that’s another thing I love about Sadie Hayes’ stories. The characters are in college. That’s so refreshing since many young adult books are about characters in high school. Hello! College students are young adults too.

Content: I just keep getting sucked into The Start-Up series. It follows Stanford students making it big in the business industry. It’s kind of a Bill Gates story-going from having nothing to having everything. I love that. J

Setting: The first two additions the The Start-Up series were set in California, at the Stanford campus. In The Beautiful Code the characters have a somewhat vacation in Hawaii. You don’t get a strong feeling for how the scenery looks, but I feel like the “where” doesn’t matter as much as the “what” in these stories.

Overall enjoyment: Sadie Hayes has done it again! Like I said above, I keep getting sucked in. I was hooked from the very first page of The Start-Up, and I’m still in love at the end of The Beautiful Code. I hope Sadie keeps writing. She has such a serious talent. For those of you who have yet to read any of her work, please please please give it a try. You won’t be disappointed.

The Beautiful Code is set to be released sometime this week. When I know what date for sure, I'll tweet it. @SMAsbridge

Review: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Goodreads description:When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder - much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing - not even a smear of blood - to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know.

Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.

Originality: City of Bones had a high originality factor, mixed with some old traditions. The mythical creatures that Cassandra Clare has incorporated into her stories still have the same basis as those you’d see in other books. For example, werewolves hate silver, faeries hate iron, etc. At least she didn’t completely change the creatures as Stephenie Meyer did in Twilight. Come on. Vampires don’t sparkle. (Don’t get me wrong…I love Twilight.)

Characters: Well…I really wasn’t a huge fan of Clary. I don’t know why. I think it was the fact that she so easily accepted the world she was suddenly thrown into. She didn’t question much and just went along with it like “demons are normal, no big deal”. At least, that’s the way I saw it. Now Jace on the other hand…I’m in love with him. He just makes my heart ache for him. You can really tell he’s been hurt, but he tries to hide it by acting like a jerk.

Content: I didn’t really like the usage of several mythical characters. Cassandra Clare used everything; from faeries and elves, to vampires and demons. Also, I’m just not into the whole “demon slaying” thing. I think it’s just something that I’ll learn to like.

Setting: I’m so confused. The setting was in New York. There are so many regions in New York and the characters knew their way around. The entire time I was reading I was thinking “Wait. Is Brooklyn a separate city…or a region of New York City?” Just because I was confused didn’t mean it wasn’t a good setting. New York is known as the city that never sleeps, which fit the type of characters perfectly.

Overall enjoyment: Hmmmm…I’m really not sure if I loved City of Bones. I really liked it, and will definitely read the rest of the series. (Watch for reviews in the beginning of 2012.) I’m sure I’ll like The Mortal Instruments series as I read more. Although I don’t like the “demon slaying” stuff, it was a good change from my usual vampire readings. It was refreshing.

Extra: Ummm.. Was anyone else expecting that twist at the end???? I was completely shocked!! Please tell me it’s not for real…  No. Don’t tell me! I have to read the rest of the series and find out. J

Review: Cloudburst by V.C. Andrews

Description:

Out of a clear blue sky...

Since being taken in by wealthy Mrs. Jordan March and living in her exquisite home like a daughter, Sasha Porter's traumatic past--destitute on the streets, and the shattering accident that killed her mother--seems like a fading nightmare. Beautiful and sophisticated, as bold and daring as her "sister," Kiera March, Sasha still keeps her mother's wise words close to her heart: never fully trust anyone. Inside her privileged new world, it's advice that will prove more precious than gold.

... can anything stop the downpour?

Against the wishes of Jordan's husband, Donald, Sasha attracts the attention of Ryder Garfield, a shy, handsome athlete, and maneuvers her way into his heart. But Ryder's hidden torment soon explodes in a horrific tragedy that pulls Sasha into a flood of guilt and despair. And when someone she thought she could trust targets her vulnerability, Sasha recalls her mother's warnings--and a violent storm of dark deceptions and shocking family secrets is unleashed. Will she sink or swim?

Originality: I wouldn’t necessarily say that Cloudburst was originaly. Most of V.C. Andrews’ novels have many of the same characteristics. I mean, there was even a character with the same name as a character from a previous novel. And no, they aren’t the same person. It’s merely a “coincidence”.

Characters: I didn’t really enjoy the characters of Cloudburst as much as I’ve enjoyed those of other V.C. Andrews novels. The main character, Sasha, just seemed ungrateful. Sure, she had every right to be unhappy in her situation, but she also had a lot to be happy about.

Content: The content was good. The story as a whole is actually quite interesting. The way two characters with different backgrounds seeming to feel the same way about their lives was entertaining.

Setting: Oh, the setting was probably the best aspect of Cloudburst. It was set in a rich community in California. I just love when books portray the lives of rich people, showing they have problems just like everyone else.

Enjoyment: Just like any other V.C. Andrews novel, I enjoyed reading Cloudburst. Of course, ever since the actual V.C. Andrews passed away and a ghost writer took over, the books just haven’t been the same. However, compared to a previous novel, Daughter of Darkness, Cloudburst is a major improvement.

Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Goodreads description:

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

Originality: Extremely original. Who else has thought of a post-apocalyptic North America with adolescents forced to kill each other? I haven’t heard of a story like this until I picked up Suzanne Collins’ amazing novel.

Characters: I love Katniss! She’s so…normal. She isn’t like other main characters with super powers; she’s just a girl from District 12. How do you pronounce ‘Katniss’, by the way? Hm.. Another character I absolutely adore? Peeta! J I just love his name. sounds like saying Peter with a British accent. Lol.

Content: The Hunger Games’ content was incredible. Usually I don’t like parts of books where the characters are just thinking,-I like dialogue-but Suzanne Collins made this idle time enjoyable.

Setting: I really liked the setting of The Hunger Games. Even though the characters were technically in an arena, I sometimes felt they were completely away from civilization. It made the story even more interesting.

Overall enjoyment: I fell in love with this book. Before, I really wasn’t sure I would like it, but after some persuading from my friends on Goodreads and Twitter I decided to give it a chance. The only part I wasn’t completely amazed with was the very beginning. However, after The Games began, I couldn’t put the book down.

W.W.W. Wednesdays (10)

To play along just answer the following three (3) questions and leave your link at Should Be Reading:

1. What are you currently reading?

2. What did you recently finish reading?

I also read an ARC copy of The Beautiful Code by Sadie Hayes, however I can't find a picture of it anywhere.

 

3. What do you think you'll read next?

W.W.W. Wednesdays (9)

To play along just answer the following three (3) questions and leave your link at Should Be Reading:

1. What are you currently reading?

Description:

Out of a clear blue sky...

Since being taken in by wealthy Mrs. Jordan March and living in her exquisite home like a daughter, Sasha Porter's traumatic past--destitute on the streets, and the shattering accident that killed her mother--seems like a fading nightmare. Beautiful and sophisticated, as bold and daring as her "sister," Kiera March, Sasha still keeps her mother's wise words close to her heart: never fully trust anyone. Inside her privileged new world, it's advice that will prove more precious than gold.

... can anything stop the downpour?

Against the wishes of Jordan's husband, Donald, Sasha attracts the attention of Ryder Garfield, a shy, handsome athlete, and maneuvers her way into his heart. But Ryder's hidden torment soon explodes in a horrific tragedy that pulls Sasha into a flood of guilt and despair. And when someone she thought she could trust targets her vulnerability, Sasha recalls her mother's warnings--and a violent storm of dark deceptions and shocking family secrets is unleashed. Will she sink or swim?

2. What did you recently finish reading?

3. What do you think you'll read next?

Review: Feyland by Anthea Sharp

Goodreads description:
WHEN A GAME…

Feyland is the most immersive computer game ever designed, and fifteen-year-old Jennet Carter is the first to play the prototype. But she doesn’t suspect the virtual world is close enough to touch — or that she’ll be battling for her life against the Dark Queen of the faeries.

TURNS REAL…

Tam Linn is the perfect hero — in-game. Too bad the rest of his life is seriously flawed. The last thing he needs is rich-girl Jennet prying into his secrets, insisting he’s the only one who can help her.

WINNING IS EVERYTHING…

Together, Jennet and Tam enter the Dark Realm of Feyland, only to discover that the entire human world is in danger. Pushed to the limit of their abilities, they must defeat the Dark Queen… before it’s too late.

My review: Feyland is one of the most incredible novels I’ve ever read. So fluent and written so well for a book that hasn’t even been released yet.

Jennet; rich girl transferred to such a new neighborhood, completely transformed by one game.

Tam; the guy living in the Exe-the most run-down part of town, gamer just to escape the troubles in his life.

These two characters were amazing. Seriously. They were well-developed, easy to like. I fell in love with them the moment they were introduced.

What I really enjoyed was how the conflict was given at the very beginning. With so many stories I’ve read, the conflict doesn’t even show up until the end. I think that helped the plot a lot so that there wasn’t much time where nothing was going on. And the technology…wow. This is a world where tablets, like an ipad, are old. Yeah. The tech is so advanced that players can actually feel the video game.

I think Feyland should be a movie. The length was perfect to be a movie- not too long to have to cut everything out, yet not so short that there would be several scenes with the characters staring at each other with background music.

Bottom line? Read. This. Story. I’m not even kidding. Anthea Sharp has such a great writing ability that you should at least give her a chance.

And thank you Anthea, for asking me to review Feyland for you. I loved it so much and literally squealed at the end when I saw there was going to be a sequel. 

AND for a limited time, until December 19th, you can purchase Feyland for your Kindle for only $0.99. Hurry before the price goes up! Ooooh, and Feyland would make such a great Christmas present too! :D Here is the link to buy Feyland either in paperback copy, or for your Kindle: FOR A REALLY AMAZING STORY CLICK HERE