Glass Houses, Rachel Caine, NAL Jam, 239 pages

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. When I picked it up I thought, what can be new about vampires.

And the answer is not much.

Meaning, it was refreshing to have a vampire book where the vampires were actually bad. Were actually pretty much how I always thought of them. When I thought of them.

They drink blood. Human blood, they kill, they are not good, they are evil. Garlic, sunlight, holy water, crosses, etc, etc.

I loved the spin on this story though.

They run this town and you have to have protection from one of them so your family doesn’t get taken.

But it’s also a college town so they are fair game.

I really enjoyed Claire’s character, she seems a little meek but when you push her hard enough she pushes back and I loved it.

The other main characters are pretty cool too. I love Eve’s soft heart, Michael’s protectiveness, and Shane’s, well, Shane being Shane.

I am getting ready to pick up books two, it wasn’t in when I picked up the others. So hopefully in the next week or so I’ll have more from this series.

I love finding a series I haven’t read yet, especially when there are so many books because then I don’t have to wait to find out what happens.

And I have an idea of what’s happening with Michael, but I can’t wait to see how accurate I am.

Great series if you like em dark, funny, with a smidge of romance and danger.

"Damn, Claire. Warn a guy before you do a face-plant on the floor next time. I could have looked all heroic and caught you or something -Shane"

"Claire. Wake up.” She blinked and realized that her head was on Shane’s shoulder, and Michael was nowhere to be seen. Her first thought was, Oh my God, am I drooling? Her second was that she hadn’t realized she was so close to him, snuggled in. Her third was that although Michael’s part of the couch was empty, Shane hadn’t moved away. And he was watching her with warm, friendly eyes. Oh. Oh, wow, that was nice."

"Okay, this was kissing. Serious kissing. Not just a kiss before moving out, not a good-bye, this was Hello, sexy, and wow, she’d never even suspected that it could feel this way.

""You're kidding. I thought all geniuses read Latin. Isn't that the international language for smart people?"-Shane

"That's kind of a leap, but the Russian judge gave you a nine point five for style, so okay."

Catching Fire, Suzanne Collins, Scholastic, 391 pages

Could this series get any better? Of course I know it can.

Catching Fire was just as good as The Hunger Games, if not better. The only thing I had a problem with was the lack of Peeta. Don’t get me wrong, he’s there, but for me it just wasn’t the same. And I really enjoyed him in HG. He was pretty awesome here too, but I am kind of tired of him being the “weak” one. Meaning he gets electrocuted and then with the apes/monkeys.

This book was clever, and intriguing and I couldn’t put it down. The Quarter Quell was such a good idea, and the addition of President Snow (I know he was in HG, just not as vocal) and his blood and roses smell. It was just all so...GOOD...

There were so many emotions in this book, I felt despair and anger and humor and love, etc.

I am so anticipating book 3, I cannot wait for August! And yet I’m a little sad as well because then it will be over.

Of course if you haven’t noticed I am Team Peeta, not that I don’t like Gale cause I do, but Peeta just seems right.

I hope he has a bigger role in the next book, as well as Gale.

Go buy it and devour it if you haven’t already.

and now for the quotes.

“Maybe if the whole country puts its mind to it, we can get you married before you’re thirty.”

“You’ll probably have to pass a new law,” I say with a giggle.

“If that’s what it takes,” says the president with conspiratorial good humor.

Oh, the fun we two have together.

“They’re playing with you because you’re so...you know.”

“No, I don’t know,” I say. And I really have no idea what he’s talking about.

“It’s like when you wouldn’t look at me naked in the arena even though I was half dead. You’re so...pure,” he says finally.

“I am not!” I say. “I’ve been practically ripping your clothes off every time there’s been a camera for the last year!”

“Yeah, but...I mean, for the Capitol, you’re pure,” he says, clearly trying to mollify me. “For me, you’re perfect. They’re just teasing you.”

Really, the combination of the scabs and the ointment looks hideous. I can’t help enjoying his distress.

“Poor Finnick. Is this the first time in your life you haven’t looked pretty?” I say.

“It must be. The sensation’s completely new. How have you managed it all these years?” he asks.

“Just avoid mirrors. You’ll forget about it,” I say.

“Not if I keep looking at you,” he says.

Ex-Mas, Kate Brian, Simon and Schuster, 216 pages

If you know anything about me, from my posts, you should have come across me saying multiple times that a book was too short for me.

Typically if it's under 300 pages I feel like I've been left out, only given half the story, or rushed. And I hate that, the feeling of being rushed through a story.

This book was completely unlike that.

I loved the story. I loved the idea, I loved the Christmas theme.

The blurb on the cover says "A love/hate story" and that's exactly what it was for me, because I hated Lila up until the impromptu wedding singer scene. Seriously. I kept asking myself why I bought the book because I disliked her that much. But I kept reading with the hopes that it would get better. I figured 216 pages, surely it'd get better soon.

Once I reached the wedding singer moment, everything fell into place for me.

I really enjoyed being around Beau and Lila, I related to the little sibling part of the story, having put up with my two younger sisters.

From that moment on it was awesome. Such a joy to read. There were so many different scenes through the book that just made me fall in love with it.

Of course at the end when we had to do the conflict before the resolution that I knew deep down would come, I was still annoyed that she went back, (I'm trying to be cryptic here) but ultimately I was very happy (sappy, happy) with the ending and the book.

Beautiful Creatures, Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl, Little Brown, 563 pages

I have heard nothing but amazing things, lots of hype and anticipation in regards to this debut novel. And for 98% of it I agree.
The story was amazingly well written, chock full of information. I read a review (can't remember who's, sorry) where she said every page, every paragraph had information you needed (paraphrasing), and I also agree with that.
Reading this story if felt like I had to keep turning the pages because the previous page had so much in it that I needed to know what was coming next.
The characters were well-written, I felt a connection to most of them. I loved the Sisters, Link was pretty fun, Uncle Macon in his own way, and of course Amma. I thought it was awesome how much family involvement there was. Especially in YA "fantasy" there usually isn't much so that was a nice change.
And although I felt like the two main characters were relatable enough, there just seemed to be something missing. I think maybe it had to do with the amount of information we had thrown at us, with all of that something had to be lacking a little.
The history that was woven into the story was deep, it was all so intricate. I was so sucked in and enjoyed it so much until...dun, dun, dun...pages 510 to 563, so basically the very end. To me it just seemed rushed. It seemed lacking in some way, and it seemed to me, a little confusing. There are questions that I have that I can't mention or it would give too much away and I don't think they have anything to do with a second book, if there is one. Which I am unsure of.
Over all an amazing first novel. Amazing.

Becca Fitzpatrick Interview...

Amazing debut author Becca Fitzpatrick, “Hush, Hush”, was nice enough to agree to be my very first Author Interview.

It was nice getting to talk to her a bit about Crescendo, and also try to get some of my questions from “Hush, Hush” answered. I hope you enjoy.

We know, from reading other interviews, how you came up with the fallen angel bit, but did you do any research on fallen angels or was it just a wonderful moment of creativity for you?

B:Once I knew I was dealing with fallen angels, I starting researching by reading passages in the Bible, and by hooking up with my old friend, Google. The mythology in HUSH, HUSH is Judeo-Christian, but I added a few twists to make the story my own.

I am curious how Patch came to be painted on the ride at the amusement park. Will we find that out? Is there a story behind it?

B:There is a story behind Patch – and I'm really hoping I'm able to tell it in future books. So that's all I'm going to say for now! How's that for being obscure?

Very good. :)

Did you always know Patch's real name? Which came first for you, real one or nickname?

B:His nickname came first. The day he showed up on the scene, it was the name that stuck. Coming up with his real name was much harder. It needed to be so many different things: strong, sexy, uncommon – but not too uncommon.

That sounds like when we were looking for names for our daughter, well except the sexy part, something uncommon but not weird.

Is there anything about Hush, Hush you wish you could change?

B:Haha! Definitely. I think most authors have a hard time releasing their novels – especially their first – out to the public. Truth be told, I haven't read the finished version of HUSH, HUSH yet. I'm not sure I want to. I'm afraid I'd find all kinds of mistakes, none of which I can change at this point. That said, I have to have faith in the fact that I put my best effort into it. At the time, I gave it everything I had.

Not that I am the be all, end all, but I enjoyed the story you told very much and am anticipating Crescendo.

(I know, I know...but...)If they made a movie of Hush, Hush who do you see playing the main roles?

B:Drew Doyon would make a fantastic Patch. As it happens, he's also the model on the book's cover. As for Nora, I don't know. It's hard to say. Maybe a mix between (a younger) Wynona Rider, Leighton Meester and Emmy Rossum.

What songs would you pick?

B:As the theme song for the movie? Trouble is a Friend by Lenka.

Other than Crescendo do you have any other projects in the works?

B:No. I guess I won't win the Prolific Writer of the Year Award, ha! Seriously, though, I like to concentrate on one project at a time. I have friends who love working on multiple projects, or at least two, but my brain doesn't work that way. I can only divide my concentration so many ways...basically, one :)

Other than what we've heard about Crescendo (Nora's back, Marcie's back, more Patch, what happened to Nora's dad) how is the story coming? Are you happy with what you have so far? Any new juicy tidbits?

B:The story is coming really well. Almost too well. It makes me nervous. If I feel this good about it, clearly something must be wrong. It's also scary to think I had five years to write HUSH, HUSH, and only one to write CRESCENDO. But my editor and agent, who've both read CRESCENDO, are incredibly enthusiastic about it, so for the time being, I'm going to trust their excitement. As for juicy tidbits, I will also say that Detective Basso is back...

Mmmmmmm, interesting.

Do you have any ideas what the cover of Crescendo will look like?

B:I've seen CRESCENDO's cover! It's not final – there are a few more changes to be made – but the basic concept is there. It's chilling and moody and broils with sexual tension. I find myself staring at it embarrassingly often. I'm excited to see how fans and readers react to it.

I like the fact that you stare at it often, are embarrassed by the fact, and yet okay enough with it that you share it with us. I am excited to see it, and if it’s anything like Hush, Hush, I’m sure it will be well received.

What book do you wish you'd written?

B:OUTLANDER by Diana Gabaldon. I'm in love with the book!

Never read it, I’ll have to put it on my “to be read” list.

If you could live in the world of a book or movie which would it be and why?

B:OUTLANDER. Of course, I'd want to replace the character of Claire Randall with...say...Becca Fitzpatrick.

Do you still keep in touch with the people who made up your writer's group? How important do you think it is to have a writing group?

B:Yes! I haven't met several of them in person (we're scattered from Utah to Vermont to North Carolina) but that's why the Internet is so awesome! I wouldn't have been able to publish HUSH, HUSH without these guys. They're a fantastic group of writers and feedback-givers. I can't wait until their own novels are published, and I can promote them like crazy! Whenever people ask me for writing tips, I always recommend joining a writers group. Sometimes it takes some trial and error to find the right group, but they're a writer's lifeline.

The best compliment anyone could ever give you would be...?

B:I can't think of anything better than being described as charitable. I have a long road ahead of me...

Because, in reality, none of this probably would have happened without the nudge from your hubby, what did you do for him once you knew about the book? Presents? Dinner? Etc.

B:My husband isn't big on gifts (something that still baffles me) so I let him take me out to dinner. I know. That makes me sound even more selfish than I already am! My husband is one of those guys who enjoys nothing more than making me happy. I'm a lucky girl!

I understand completely, my husband says it is satisfying for him when he does something to make me happy. That’s when he is happy. So I get it. You are lucky.

Is there a question you are never (or rarely) asked that you'd like to answer?

B:I'm drawing a blank! Actually, I think I've been asked just about every question under the sun...

And lastly, being a fan of ice cream myself, what is your favourite flavour?

B:Oh man, it's hard to pin down a favorite! Here's how it works with me and ice cream. Every week, I pick out a new flavor at the grocery store. I love trying new things, and ice cream is no exception. My favorite flavor is usually whatever happens to be in my freezer on any particular day. But flavors that stick out in my mind are Ben & Jerry's Vanilla Heath Bar, Coldstone Creamery's The Pie Who Loved Me and St. Clair's Banana Nut.

Mmmmm, they sound yummy. Dove has one that’s called Give in to Mint (I’m pretty sure) that’s delicious, and Baskin Robbins has one called World Class Chocolate, and even though it’s just milk chocolate with white chocolate, it’s so creamy and good. I’m a fan of ColdStone Creamery’s Cake Batter, since I lick the bowl if I’m making cake.

City of Bones, Cassandra Clare, Simon Pulse, 485 pages

(Dec. 4) So when I first read this book back in 2007, I thought it was good but because of the twist between the two main characters I put it back. I mean, ugh, and how could I continue with the series? It was just too upsetting. I like a good love story, I like happy endings.

And so for the next two years I ignored the really amazing covers of the next two books. Kept telling myself to stay away.

Then Kristi, The Story Siren, convinced me to pick them up again.

And boy did I ever.

I couldn’t put them down. Seriously. I’ve finished all three books in like a week. And now I can’t wait for the “prequel” series, The Infernal Devices, to start coming out. Or the fourth “surprise” book in The Mortal Instruments series, City of Fallen Angels.

City of Bones has so much going for it, intrigue, monsters, warriors, normal people, the warriors call Mundanes. And of course that bit of romance I was talking about earlier, plus unsettling twists, adventure, and magic.

The main character of Clary, pulls you in and makes you feel like you are apart of the story. Each and every character is well fleshed out, relateable, and even funny in their own ways. That’s something I actually really enjoyed about the characters, the main ones and even a few of the secondary ones, they each had their moments of humour. Most of the time that’s focused in on one character. You know, he’s the funny one, usually the best friend of the girl (mc) and while Simon did have quite a few funnies, so did Clary, Jace, Alec, Magnus, Luke, and even Isabelle.

In fact, for my quotes section, it was so hard to leave some of them out, but for the sake of time and space I did.

So here they are, and if you haven’t read the series, I suggest you do so.

Right now.

Why are you still here?

Oh yea, the quotes. That’s why...

"How did you know I had Shadowhunter blood? Was there some way you could tell?"

"It seemed the most likely explanation."

"You guessed? You must have been pretty sure, considering you could have killed me."

"I was ninety percent sure."

"I see," Clary said. Her hand cracked across his face, a slap that rocked him back on his heels.

He put his hand to his cheek, more in surprise than pain. "What the hell was that for?"

"The other ten percent," she said. -Clary and Jace pg. 84-85

"You hate the Silent Brothers," protested Isabelle.

"I don't hate them," said Jace candidly. "I'm afraid of them. It's not the same thing."

"I thought you said they were librarians,"said Clary.

"They are librarians."

Simon whistled. "Those must be some killer late fees." -Isabelle, Jace, Clary and Simon pg. 158

Jace's grin was a white flash in the darkness. "It means 'Shadowhunters: Looking Better in Black Than the Widows of our Enemies since 1234.'"

"Jace--"

It means, said Brother Jeremiah, The descent into Hell is easy. Jace, Clary, and Brother Jeremiah pg. 179

"The other ten percent," she said. -Clary and Jace pg. 84-85

Betrayals, Lili St. Crow, RazorBill, 296 pages

(Dec. 2) I do so enjoy this series and where Betrayals was a little slower in moving forward I felt like it was worth it.

Dru is now stuck in a school, out in the middle of nowhere, full of vampire and werewolf boys.

This book is pretty much all about Dru trying to come to grips with how her life has changed since Strange Angels, why she is where she is, and why, despite what Christophe told her when he sent her to the school, no one at the school is trying to help train her.

She distances herself from everyone, not really wanting to be there. Even a little from her best friend Graves, because he seems to be fitting in better.

Dru did bug me a little bit with her moping.

She wasn’t as talkative to Graves as she usually is and he had to drag a lot out of her. Do I understand why? Sure. But it still bugged me to read it chapter after chapter.

The ending of the story, say the last 10-12 chapters were pretty action packed and ended the story well.

I thought the twist in there about Ash and the Broken was intriguing.

And am curious when we will learn Graves’ first name. Does it matter? Not really, just curious. (I tweeted Ms. St. Crow and she said we find out in book 3!)

Also, just so you know, in case you are wanting to purchase this book for someone younger, or if you are a parent, there was more cussing in this book than the last. And not just hell’s and damn’s. I personally didn’t think a lot of it was necessary to further the story or show how “bad*ss” a person was supposed to be.

Mind you, this was set in a school for the “delinquents” so some of it did lend to the overall feel of the story.

I will absolutely be waiting for Jealousy, in June of 2010.

Now for some quotes

“You wanted to be a physics professor.” My throat closed up; I could only whisper.

“Yeah, well, things change. Now I want to be here.” Another long, seconds-ticking pause. Dust danced in one fading gleam of gold coming through a low window, following long lazy swirls down to the ground. “With you.”

“Doesn’t it bother you? That I...well, that I wanted to...suck his blood?”

His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed. The silver earring winked mischievously at me, catching a stray gleam of sun. “Nah. You wouldn’t, you’d have stopped yourself.”- “Besides,” he said, flipping open the first huge leather-bound book with a thump, “it’s kind of hot.” A smile hovered around the corners of his mouth, fighting to stay hidden.