Book Blogger Hop

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Do you have a keeper shelf for books you loved? What books are on that shelf and why?


I had one shelf that I put all my books and book related things on, but then stuff started falling off. The shelf was 3-4 feet long, i think. So I got a bigger one, about 8 feet long! I put all my books on this one shelf because I like them all! Sometimes, if I don't have a book to read, I will reread one or two, but mostly they sit up there and look pretty until my sister or someone wants to borrow one. There are about 25 books right now, most of them are from giveaway winnings. But I did buy some from amazon and from the library (less than a dollar, who can pass that up?!). 
So my one shelf is my keeper shelf and all my books are keepers! :) 
Take a look at some of the books I have on the Books I Own page at the top!
Thanks for stopping by!
~Alisia  

Mini Review: Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Publisher: EgomontUSA (May 8, 2012)

Length: 416 pages

Format: Hardcover

Summary from Amazon: 

One hour to rewrite the past . . . 
 
For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn’t there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents’ death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She’s tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.

So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson’s willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past.
Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he’s around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened?

Full of atmosphere, mystery, and romance, Hourglass merges the very best of the paranormal and science-fiction genres in a seductive, remarkable young adult debut.

Review:

I found this book really interesting. It wasn't like any other time travel books I have read. It is a whole new twist to time travel. I thought that Emerson being able to see rips (imprints of the past) was really cool. She could see some of the past in the present. I thought that it was great that after spending so long trying to find a place she belongs, she finds one. I can't stand that Micheal was all sweet and into her one moment then remembers that he can't so he backs off. I mean yeah he had his reasons but it was still annoying. If you are into a girl be with the girl, don't play games!

Overall, I liked it.  3.5/5 stars.

~ALISIA

Mini Review: Switched by Amanda Hocking

Switched by Amanda Hocking

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (Jan 3,2012)

Length: 336

Format: Paperback

Summary from Amazon.com:

When Wendy Everly was six years old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. Eleven years later, Wendy discovers her mother might have been right.  She’s not the person she’s always believed herself to be, and her whole life begins to unravel—all because of Finn Holmes.
Finn is a mysterious guy who always seems to be watching her.  Every encounter leaves her deeply shaken…though it has more to do with her fierce attraction to him than she’d ever admit.  But it isn’t long before he reveals the truth:  Wendy is a changeling who was switched at birth—and he’s come to take her home.   
Now Wendy’s about to journey to a magical world she never knew existed, one that’s both beautiful and frightening.  And where she must leave her old life behind to discover who she’s meant to become…

This book was really great. I haven't read any books about trolls. Sorry I mean Trylle (not trolls, trylle). I really liked the plot of the story and the characters. What I really liked about Wendy was that (SPOILER) she treated everyone how she wanted to treat them even though she was the princess. She was friends with Rhys even though she was told she can't be, because she is the princess.  I loved how Finn would just share at her at the beginning of the book. It made you wonder what he knew and what it had to do with Wendy. There was always something interesting going on, never once was there a boring scene!

  Somewhere between 3.7 and 4 stars!

~Alisia

Mini Review: The Princess and The Peer by Tracy Anne Warren

The Princess and The Peer by Tracy Anne Warren

Publisher: Signet (April 3,2012)

Format: Paperback

Length: 352 pages

I really enjoyed this book. I liked the characters and the thought of getting to spend a week (or more) in London, doing whatever you want before having to go back to your real life and have tons of responsibilities.  

I thought that (SPOILER) Nick was going to be the person she was going to end up being forced to marry.  I like that it shows that princesses don't always have great lives. Also that they have to put duty and honor before all else. I think life as a princess would be hard and boring. You would have to spend all your time dealing with other people's problems.

While I enjoyed this book, I just wished that there could have been more of a fiery romance between the two. Like when they were at the fair (SPOILER) and she saw the guards and kisses Nick so they won't be seen. 

I would say it's between 3.5 and 4 stars.3.7 stars

~Alisia

Mini Review: Taken at Dusk by C. C. Hunter

Taken At Dusk by C. C. Hunter

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (April 10,2012)

Format: Paperback

Length: 380 pages

Kylie Galen doesn't know what she is. She is at Shadow Falls, a camp for supernatural teens which is turning into a school. She keeps getting all these different powers and never getting answers to her questions. Finally getting close to Lucas, she finds out that his pack won't let them be together. She has a ghost who can't remember anything telling her that someone lives and someone dies. 

This is the third book in the series and YAY we finally find out what Kylie is! This book is similar to the first two. Kylie has ghosts that want her help. She is still trying to find out about herself. She still has boy trouble with Lucas and Derek. I am voting for Derek, sorry Lucas. I like Lucas but I love Derek. He is nice and sweet and charming and really cares for her and he doesn't have a pack of werewolves that have issues with Kylie. So I think that Derek is great for her. But he does have the whole feeling her emotions like crazy thing. I think that it was great that (SPOILER) the ghost Kylie was helping ends up being her grandmother. It ties everything together. 

Overall, it was good. I liked it but am a bit iffy on it (I think because my taste in books are changing but it's still a good book!!). But I can say that I WILL be reading the next one because I want to know what happens. And who she picks, Derek or Lucas? Can't wait!

3.5/5 stars.

~Alisia

Review: Broken City by D. D. Chant

Broken City by D. D. Chant

Publication date: 2/7/2011

Format: e-book

Length: 348 print pages

Summary: 
Deeta Richards has never seen the outside world. Before she was born a banking crisis brought civilization to an end and now no one leaves the safety of the compounds unless they need to, but Deeta still dreams of seeing more than the building she was born in.

Tom is in the guard, this group are the only people that the tribal elders allow to leave the compound and Tom knows only too well that Deeta could never survive the harshness that exists outside. Then tragedy strikes and Deeta and her Sister Jan find themselves captured by a hostile tribe. Why does Tom know so much about these people? And why do they know so much about him? As this mystery draws to a climax, they discover that their friend Tom is not quite what he seems.....

Review: 
At the beginning of the book, it seemed like Deeta was telling us a story because she was talking directly to the reader. I found this very interesting and i really liked it. 

One thing that really stuck with me through the book was (Spoiler) when Tom told Deeta that she couldn't be friends with them. I get that he was just trying to protect her but he could have been nicer about it.

I got to a major twist in the story then looked down to see how far into the book I was and was surprised to see I was only about half way through! Then I was like YES I get to see what happens!!

So much happens! Loved it. It did kind of remind me of The Hunger Games just without the Games. There are different tribes that live in there own place and they do what they need to survive. Most of the tribes don't trust one another at first. The story had more to it than the Hunger Games. 

Deeta is just so honest and caring. Tom is a man of little words. He is calm under pressure and thinks things through. 

Writing a book that takes place in it's own world must be difficult to write because you have to come up with all new rules and people. If it takes place in our world its easy. It impressive that authors can come up with so many details to bring a new world alive. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. At first, it took me a little to really get into it but after things finally got started, I was really into it.

 3.5/5 stars

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/350174312

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/RSR5XYTMZDR3F/ref=cm_cr_dp_title?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B005GHMH8A&nodeID=133140011&store=digital-text

~Alisia

Review: Almost Perfect by Julie Ortolon

Almost Perfect by Julie Ortolon

Published Date: March 19, 2011

Length: 290 print pages

Format: e-book

Three friends are happy for another friend for getting her book published. They didn't know that they were used as examples of how fear can control your life. After finding out, they decide to change that. To do the thing they wanted most. They have one year to complete their tasks. Will they finally take control of their lives? Or will fear control them?

Maddy, Christine and Amy have been best friends since college. Opposites really do attract because these girls couldn't be more opposite. It is easy to relate to at least one of these ladies. It's also understandable to have the fears they had. Everyone wants to reach for the dreams but there is always something in the way, a fear of something. Some people get over it, while others don't. 

You are drawn in to this book from the beginning. You want to know if they will be able to overcome their fears and finally get their dreams.  The story is fun, exciting and makes you want to overcome your fear. 

Maddy has to get her artwork shown at at least one place, working at a summer camp near a bunch of galleries makes it easy. But there is one problem, Joe (her high school sweetheart) runs the camp and it didn't end well between them. As Maddy and Joe grow closer and apart again and then closer, yeah you get the idea, Maddy's dream changes but Joe doesn't quite like that. He wants her to have a great art career. She just wants him.  What happens to them?? Find out for yourself in this fun and sexy book. Spoiler (they both get what they want)!

I love that little extra at the end that is set a bit in the future! I believe that the other two books are about the other two friends and how they complete their tasks! Which is just awesome, cant wait to read them!

I really enjoyed this book, i recommend it for anyone looking for a romance read!

4.3/5 stars

~Alisia

Review: HYM and HUR by Phillip Frey

HYM and HUR by Phillip Frey

Publication date: 1/14/2012

Format: e-book

Length: 38 print pages

This is a short story about an immortal couple who have abilities. They help people and play pranks on them, but it must be approved by Death first. As they think of pranks, they come up with a way to help people, Death approves it. But is it because he wants to see HYM and HUR do good? Or does he have his own plans?

I thought that it was a good short story. I just wish that we could have gotten to know the characters more. Like how did Hym and Hur become immortal or were they always?

SPOILER:  I liked the part where Archie and Sarah were drinking champagne and every time they picked up the bottle there was more in it. I knew it had to be Hur or Hym and I was right! Sneaky little immortals.

I also liked that we got to see what happened with Archie and Sarah in the end.

It was very interesting to see this version of Death. Yes, he wisely and a trickster, just like them all. But he wasn't so doom and gloom as most Deaths. He was happy with his job and he let it show. 

Anyone who has a little bit of time and is looking for a book they can start and finish, I suggest this one!

3.5/5 stars

~Alisia

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/347421823 

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1OZ04BJ4IE14U/ref=cm_cr_dp_title?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B0073IWJBU&nodeID=133140011&store=digital-text 

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hym-and-hur-phillip-frey/1108486686?ean=2940032996293

Review: Kill Me Softly by Sarah Cross

Kill Me Softly by Sarah Cross

Publisher: EgmontUSA (Apr 10, 2012)

Hardcover with 336 pages. 

Summary:

   Mirabelle lives with her two godmothers, who practically keep her under lock and key. There are so many things she is not allowed to do, but that doesn't stop her from doing the one thing they really don't want her to do. Return to Beau Rivage, the place where she was born and the place where her parents are buried. 

   Beau Rivage isn't your normal town, it where fairy tales become reality. And most don't have happy endings. With the help of two brothers, Mira learns about her past and her own fairy tale. Will Mira take control of her own fate? Or will fate control her?
Review:

   Its easy to relate to Mira, everyone has a set of rules to follow. She goes with the tide and everyone talks around her and say things that make no sense. At first she sweet but then as her life gets crazier, she grows up. She may make bad choices in boyfriends, but picks the right one in the end.It would have been great if we could have learned about the other characters more but they each had an interesting story. 

   I enjoyed this book. It was intriguing to see a new side to fairy tales and to how people could deal with them. Sometimes you could tell what was going to happen, I was doing that the whole book but then there would be a twist and it would go into a new direction. 

   The book was pretty good and i would recommend it to  people who want a book that puts a twist to something we already know (fairy tales).

4/5 stars

~Alisia

June 2012

Under the Never Sky / Veronica Rossi
Undead and Unemployed / Mary Janice Davidson
Kill Me Softly / Sarah Cross
* Significance / Shelly Crane
*Awaken / Sarah M. Ross
*Ember / Tess Williams
*Once Bitten / Trina M. Lee
*Picture Perfect / Heather MacAllister
*Clockwise / Elle Strauss
*Broken City / D. D. Chant
Taken at Dusk / C. C. Hunter
The Princess and The Peer / Tracy Anne Warren
Heat Stroke / Rachel Caine
Shade / Jeri Smith Ready
Hourglass / Myra McEntire
If I Stay / Gayle Forman
Switched / Amanda Hocking
Slide / Jill Hathaway
Entwined / Heather Dixon
Graceling / Kristin Cashore
*Almost Perfect / Julie Ortolon
*HYM and HUR / Phillip Frey
*365 Days With You / Erica Stanciu
The List / Melanie Jacobson

* = ebook

Review: Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Publication Date: January 3, 2012
Format: Hardcover
Length: 384 pages


Summary:
     After Aria is thrown out of Reverie, she must team up with Perry, an Outsider. She can't survive the Death Shop alone and she needs his help to find her mother. Perry, after Talon is taken, does everything he can to save him even if it means being stuck with Aria, which ends up being better than he expected. 


Review:

     I can't believe that I put off reading this book. I've had it for a while and could always find a reason to put off reading it but once I started, I could NOT put it down. It was mesmerizing. It was interesting from beginning to end, not one page was dull. There was always an adventure or battle or slow-burning romance.  The fact that what made some people special was that they had better senses than other was very fascinating. It makes them easier to related to as humans. The characters are very easy to relate to and you really feel for them. I loved how Aria slow turned from a sheltered girl into a warrior. She never gave up on those she loved.

Anyone looking for a good read should check this book out!
4.5/5 stars!
~Alisia