Teaser Tuesday (17)

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

Requiem (Delirium #3) by Lauren Oliver

They have tried to squeeze us out, to stamp us into the past.

But we are still here.

And there are more of us every day.

Now an active member of the resistance, Lena has been transformed. The nascent rebellion that was under way in Pandemonium has ignited into an all-out revolution in Requiem, and Lena is at the center of the fight.

After rescuing Julian from a death sentence, Lena and her friends fled to the Wilds. But the Wilds are no longer a safe haven—pockets of rebellion have opened throughout the country, and the government cannot deny the existence of Invalids. Regulators now infiltrate the borderlands to stamp out the rebels, and as Lena navigates the increasingly dangerous terrain, her best friend, Hana, lives a safe, loveless life in Portland as the fiancée of the young mayor.

Maybe we are driven crazy by our feelings.

Maybe love is a disease, and we would be better off without it.

But we have chosen a different road.

And in the end, that is the point of escaping the cure: We are free to choose.

We are even free to choose the wrong thing.

Requiem is told from both Lena’s and Hana’s points of view. The two girls live side by side in a world that divides them until, at last, their stories converge. (Goodreads)

*TEASER* "She's wearing an old, ink-stained backpack that I recognize as one of Lena's hand-me-downs. Across one of its pockets two names are colored in black bubble letters: Lena's and mine."

Waiting on Wednesday (40)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Requiem  (Delirium #3) by Lauren Oliver
Expected Release Date: March 5, 2013

Now an active member of the resistance, Lena has been transformed. The nascent rebellion that was under way in Pandemonium has ignited into an all-out revolution in Requiem, and Lena is at the center of the fight.

After rescuing Julian from a death sentence, Lena and her friends fled to the Wilds. But the Wilds are no longer a safe haven—pockets of rebellion have opened throughout the country, and the government cannot deny the existence of Invalids. Regulators now infiltrate the borderlands to stamp out the rebels, and as Lena navigates the increasingly dangerous terrain, her best friend, Hana, lives a safe, loveless life in Portland as the fiancée of the young mayor. Requiem is told from both Lena’s and Hana’s points of view. The two girls live side by side in a world that divides them until, at last, their stories converge. (Goodreads)

This is one of my favorite series and I can't wait to read this book. The wait isn't much longer yay!

What are you waiting for?

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver Review

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

★★★★★

Lena had escaped into the wilds and was saved by a girl named Raven. She took Lena into the homestead and helped her recover and then, taught her the ways of the wilds. Lena had to learn an entirely new way of living as she learned to let go of her old life. The only guy she had ever been around was Alex, and now, she lived with “uncured” men, which was a crime outside of the wilds. Being “uncured” meant that they hadn’t received the procedure from the government to eradicate love. When you turned eighteen, you were required to receive the procedure and a match for who you would marry, either soon, or after college. Lena and everyone from the homestead traveled to New York when it got colder, which changed Lena’s life even more.

I don’t know how the author does it, but she is amazing. This book broke my heart, while I clutched it, needing more. I couldn’t stop reading it, and when I finished, I was screaming at it. The author has a special talent of ending the book in a way that drives you nuts while contemplating murder to get your hands on the next book in the series. Waiting another year for the next book - not an option. The author has a fantastic way with words that has kept me thinking about the book well after I finished it.

I loved Pandemonium just as much as Delirium, if not more, which surprised me. I was scared to read Pandemonium after hearing bits and pieces about the book. I was upset about events that happened, but I still loved it. The book grabbed my heart and held onto it while making me feel all the emotions in the book. To me, that is an amazing book that deserves to be noticed like it is.

I can’t wait to read the final installment in the series. I really don’t know how I’m going to wait a year, but either way, I cannot wait.

Hana by Lauren Oliver Review

Hana by Lauren Oliver

★★★★★ 

Hana was Lena’s best friend, and this was her story of their last summer together before the “cure.” Hana embarked on her last rebellion before she received the cure. She participated in illegal parties, music, and boys, knowing it would all come to an end. Hana knew, in the end, she would get the cure, but everything changed when her best friend Lena fell in love and was ready to fight to stay “uncured.”

This was a really quick read, since it was only a novella. I wish it was longer, but I still really enjoyed it. I liked reading Hana’s point of view and finding out more about her. It also confirmed some of my suspicions about things that happened in Delirium.

The author captured me just like she did with Delirium. When it ended, I really wanted more. It was just left hanging on an “oh, my god” moment. I would enjoy it if the author did another story or book in Hana’s point of view.

This was a beautiful addition to Lauren Oliver’s work, and I look forward to reading more of her stories.

Buy now for only $2.99

Delirium by Lauren Oliver Review

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

★★★★★ 

Lena was counting down the days until she could get the cure for the “disease.” Love was considered a disease called Deliria, and the government eradicated it with a procedure they created.  Lena believed that Deliria was bad and couldn’t wait for her birthday so she would be safe, but, before she could get the cure, the unimaginable happened:  she fell in love, which changed everything.

I have the Deliria; I loved this book.  I can’t imagine a world without love. I’m a hopeless romantic, so that seems unthinkable. For a book about the nonexistence of love, it was a beautiful, heartbreaking love story.  The author’s words touched my heart and had me holding onto each word like a treasure wanting more.

I was easily pulled into the story. It was an especially connective read for me when I discovered it was set in Portland, Maine. I live in the Portland area, and I know it very well. I recognized most of the streets that were in the story and could picture the scene, which was pretty fascinating. I’ve never read a book where I’ve known the area that it was set in, especially a specific spot. I’m very curious about why the author chose Portland, Maine. I really enjoyed reading about a dystopian version of Portland.

Buy now from Barnes and Noble or Amazon

Divergent by Veronica Roth Review

Divergent by Veronica Roth

★★★★★

Beatrice never felt like she fit in her faction. She grew up as an Abnegation but was not completely selfless like the others.  She wasn’t sure she could live as an Abnegation for the rest of her life, now that she had turned 16 it was time for her to be tested for what faction she was destined for. Finding out she was Divergent complicated things a lot more.  Not only did she have more choices for which faction she could choose, she was in danger if anyone found out.

Veronica Roth created a new dystopian world in Divergent where people are in Factions. When they turn 16 they are tested to see what faction they belong in but a lot of the time they stay in the faction they grew up in. It is rare that someone is

Divergent, the term used for people that are compatible with multiple factions.

This book was absolutely amazing. I had Divergent on my to be read list since it came out but just read it. It was gifted to me from my friend Michele from A Belle’s Tales. One thought I had as I read it was, “Why did I wait so long!” I was completely sucked into this world.  The pages kept turning until I finished and screamed for more.

The author did a wonderful job with the plot and the characters. She created vivid images and created characters that will stick with me. She made me feel like I was in the world she created. There is no time to be bored while reading, between the action and the heart stopping moments. Tris’s  (Beatrice) courage throughout the story is remarkable and admirable.

This was a great dystopian read and I really look forward to reading Insurgent when it comes out.

Thank you Michele for sending me this book! I’m in love.

Buy now from Barnes and Noble or Amazon!

 

Waiting on Wednesday (12)

Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Insurgent by Veronica Roth
Expected Release Date: May 1, 2012


One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature. (goodreads)


I just finished reading Divergent which was a gift from Michele (Cheles bells) from A Belle's Tales. I absolutely loved it and need more like now! It was such an awesome book. I don't know how I'm going to wait until May! If you haven't read Divergent read it!


Order now from Barnes and Noble and Amazon




 

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins Review

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

★★★☆☆

In the final book of the Hunger Games trilogy Katniss fought back against President Snow. She was the Mockingjay, the symbol of the rebellion. She had to be an example and lead the rebellion while also dealing with her emotions. The Capital had captured Peeta and the number one thing she wanted was for him to be safe. The second thing Katniss wanted was to kill President Snow for all the pain and destruction he had caused.

I was very disappointed with this book, after being so excited to read it after finishing Catching Fire and loving it. I felt the story lacked real emotion. It was more like reading a series of events, without really feeling emotionally connected to the characters, like I had with the other books. I read things that should have pulled at my heart but I only felt disconnected from the story.

I don’t mean to be harsh but after the beautiful work the author showed with the first two books this was a huge let down. I’m perfectly happy reading books that aren’t all happy and have fairy-tale endings. I read a ton of books that do not have happy endings. With that said I need to feel the emotion that the characters are supposedly feeling. I did not feel that in this book. This book gave me the feeling like that author was done with the series and just wanted to end it.

I also didn’t like how the future was tacked on. When I was reading it all I could think of is Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. It was different because the story was not the same as Harry Potter. It showed her about twenty years later, who she ended up with and how her life turned out. This also made a statement from the author saying, “ok you know how their lives ended up, I’m done.” It didn’t feel original or give me much of a feeling for the characters’ lives.

The story line was a good idea but I just felt that it was wrongly executed. She could have made this last installment great but instead I feel like she ruined it.

There are people that enjoyed Mockingjay, Claire from YA Bookie Monster loved it, read her review here.

Guest post from A Belle's Tales

I would like to share with all of you a remarkable blogger that I have met here in the blogging world. Cheles Bells welcomed me to the blogging world with open arms. She opened her warm heart to me and befriended me without another thought. It all started with friendly banter on twitter and has grown to word games and frequent emails. I have loved getting to know Cheles Bells and hope you all take a chance to get to know her as well.

I began my blog and played around on twitter. I followed people but didn’t really talk to anyone until Cheles began responding to my comments. We began visiting each other’s blogs and asked each other for help and advice. Being a new blogging I felt comforted with this new friend friendship and help. The blogging world can be overwhelming especially for a new blogger like myself. Kind bloggers like Cheles made it easier to adjust and feel welcomed to this world.

I would like to introduce you to Cheles Bells from A Belle’s Tales. I’m envious of her beautiful writing and how her reviews are crafted. I love that she blends her words with meaningful quotes from the books she reads.

Delirium by Lauren Oliver


“They say that the cure for love will make me happy and safe forever. And I’ve always believed them. Until now. Now everything has changed. Now, I’d rather be infected with love for the tiniest sliver of a second than live a hundred years smothered by a lie.” 

I am afraid I don’t possess the vocabulary to accurately describe this book. Beautiful, yes, but that does not do it justice. I was mesmerized from the beginning. This book tugged at my heart and left me breathless. The ending left me speechless. I could fill this entire page with quotes from Delirium due to Lauren Oliver’s lovely poetic writing. 

“Love: a single word, a wispy thing, a word no bigger or longer than an edge. That's what it is: an edge; a razor. It draws up through the center of your life, cutting everything in two. Before and after. The rest of the world falls away on either side.” 

A dystopian world that believes love, or as it has come to be called ‘amor deliria nervosa’, is a dangerous deadly disease. There is, however, a cure for the disease. Scientists have found a way to render the part of the brain that makes you feel love inactive. Of course, it also takes away the ability to feel compassion, sympathy, sensitivity, and at times, I felt, humanity. Not only does this affect young people who may have fallen in love, but the way one would feel about a friend, family member… even your own child. These are disregarded simply as side affects - a much better alternative than falling prey to the disease. When the youth of Portland turn 18, the procedure can be administered. Some embrace it…. Others don’t. What happens if you are one who doesn’t? 

"I'd rather die my way than live yours." 

The story follows 17 year old Lena, who lives in fear of the disease and cannot wait to have her procedure administered so that she may be cured. She can feel the disease in her blood, and for her it is unbearable. She is counting down the days until she can be cleansed and free from the worry of ever contracting the deliria. 

Then she meets Alex. "As soon as I look up, his eyes click onto my face. The breath whooshes out of my body and everything freezes for a second, as though I am looking at him through my camera lens, zoomed in all the way, the world pausing for that tiny span of time between the opening and closing of the shutter." 

Alex is a beautiful soul with an intriguing and heartbreaking story. Not only is he strong, confident, and brave, but he is gentle and tender. He quotes poetry. Mind you not just any poetry… Elizabeth Barrett Browning, my personal favorite. 

While this is a wonderful, tumultuous, and exciting love story, for me this book was about sacrifice - Ultimate sacrifice. Lena’s relationship with her mother and her mother’s story was poignant, at times heart wrenching, and enormously gripping. 

"I love you. Remember. They cannot take it". 

While I love YA books, especially dystopian futures, some can leave me with a bit of a let down. Sure, there is romance, or more like of a hint of romance, and that leaves me feeling frustrated. Delirium is an exception. This was one of the most romantic YA books I have read to date. 

"I hate skin; I hate bones and bodies. I want to curl up inside of him and be carried there forever." 

And the ending? A cliffhanger of epic proportions. It will definitely be a book to treasure and savor for quite some time. Delirium is easily one of my top five favorites. I am more than ready for the next book in this trilogy. 

“Love. It kills you both when you have it, and when you don’t.”


A little about Cheles Bells:


Reading is my favorite pastime, but I also enjoy writing, playing the piano, singing and my newest loves: reviewing and blogging about the books I read. I am a wife to an understanding husband who has grown accustomed to repeating things whilst I'm lost in the pages of a good book.  I am a mom to an incredibly sweet little girl who is an avid reader herself.  I have worked in the medical field for the past 20 years.


Read more about her on her blog along with her beautiful reviews.


Stalk Cheles Bells here!


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Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins Review

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

★★★★★

Katniss made herself on the top of the Capital’s hate list. She found out how much trouble she was in when President Snow showed up at her new house threatening all the people she loved. The Capital feared an uprising, caused by her defiance at the games. If she didn’t fix the problem soon she would pay by the Capital harming her family and Gale. They couldn’t kill her because the people would know why and be angry so the Capital sought revenge a different way. The revenge they chose, Katniss never saw coming.

Suzanne Collins did an amazing job with the second installment to this series. A lot of the time with series’ the books after the first are good but not as good, with this book it was just as good if not better.

I was surprised time and time again as the story went along. I wasn’t expecting a lot of the events to happen and at times I was completely shocked. This book pulled a lot of emotions out of me. I found myself getting angry along with the characters or even feeling the terror they felt.

Suzanne Collins took me into this amazing world and I didn’t want to leave. I was with the characters until the end. The author has the ability to capture my attention. She holds it until well after I have finished. I can’t wait to read the final book, Mockingjay.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins Review

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

★★★★★

Every year the Hunger Games are held and it was time for them to begin again. There are twelve districts and each district has to have a boy and a girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen entered into the games. The children are put into an arena and have a fight to the death. There can only be one survivor. The odds were high for Katniss and her friend Gale to get picked because it is done by a lottery system. Once you turn twelve your name went into it once each year and if you needed help with food for survival you could get some by entering your name more times. Katniss and Gale did this a lot. Even though the odds were high for them, Katniss’s younger sister Prim who only had her name entered once, got picked. Katniss Volunteered to save her sister and with that decision began the fight for her life.

I finally sat down and read this book now that the movie is coming out in March. I had heard great things about it and had it highly recommended to me many times. I was not disappointed. I absolutely loved the story. The adventure was always exciting and I was continually wondering what would happen next, which kept me turning the pages.

The characters seemed very real and I found myself cheering for them.  This book had heart also. It wasn’t just a cut-throat adventure, there was more to it. There was love, friendship and heart breaking moments. I was not only cheering for the main character Katniss. I wanted her to kick butt and win but I also couldn’t help loving some of the other characters (i.e. Rue).  I’ve been completely drawn into this world and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

It is definitely a bit of a dark book considering twenty four children are having a fight to the death. This is the first time I have read about this kind of thing. I think part of the reason I waited so long to read this book is because of the subject matter. It was a hard thing to wrap my head around.