{Review}: Lover Unleashed by J.R Ward

Title: Lover Unleashed
Author: J.R Ward Website |
Genre: Romance
Publisher: NAL Hardcover (March, 2011)
Hardcover: 489 pages
ISBN: 9780451233165
Source: Library
Available on: Amazon | Barnes&Noble

My Rating: 4/5

Description from GoodReads:

Payne, twin sister of Vishous, is cut from the same dark, warrior cloth as her brother: A fighter by nature, and a maverick when it comes to the traditional role of Chosen females, there is no place for her on the Far Side… and no role for her on the front lines of the war, either. 
When she suffers a paralyzing injury, human surgeon Dr. Manuel Manello is called in to treat her as only he can- and he soon gets sucked into her dangerous, secret world. Although he never before believed in things that go bump in the night- like vampires- he finds himself more than willing to be seduced by the powerful female who marks both his body and his soul. 
As the two find so much more than an erotic connection, the human and vampire worlds collide … just as a centuries old score catches up with Payne and puts both her love and her life in deadly jeopardy

My Review:
This is book #9 and I am still reading and looking forward to the next one. Yes, I have read all 9 of them. What can I say I can't get enough of the brothers. If you enjoyed Lover Unbound then this is a must read for you because it continues on Vishous and Jane's relationship. I know it says that it is about Payne and Manuel but it is Vishous who kept my interest. We get more of him and Butch and their relationship.

Now for Payne and Manuel, I enjoyed their relationship but I would have liked this book to be more about them. It is nice to see other characters to get a better understanding about what is going on in their world but I liked when the books centered around the couple getting to know each other.

I can't wait to see what happens next. Does anyone know when the next book comes out?

Follow Friday #8

Follow Friday! Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee. It's a great way to meet new blogger friends!

This week featured blog is Book Bliss.

Q. How many books do you read in a week? And in what format do you read them, or listen to them?

 I read 3-4 books a week. One or two hard copies, when I have time to read at home. One on my Kindle, when I am commuting. One audio book, when I can't hold a book such as when I am exercising, cleaning or attempting to fall asleep. I am never without a book. 



How about you? 

{Review}: Lily of the Nile by Stephanie Dray

Title: Lily of the Nile
Author: Stephanie Dray Website | Twitter 
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Publisher: Berkley Trade (December, 2010)
Paperback: 351 pages
ISBN: 9780425238554
Source: Library
Available on: Amazon | Barnes&Noble

My Rating: 5/5

Description from GoodReads:

To Isis worshippers, Princess Selene and her twin brother Helios embody the divine celestial pair who will bring about a Golden Age. But when Selene's parents are vanquished by Rome, her auspicious birth becomes a curse. Trapped in an empire that reviles her heritage and suspects her faith, the young messianic princess struggles for survival in a Roman court of intrigue. She can't hide the hieroglyphics that carve themselves into her hands, nor can she stop the emperor from using her powers for his own ends. But faced with a new and ruthless Caesar who is obsessed with having a Cleopatra of his very own, Selene is determined to resurrect her mother's dreams. Can she succeed where her mother failed? And what will it cost her in a political game where the only rule is win-or die?

My Review:
I decided to read this book because of many wonderful reviews I saw. THANK YOU! I would not have picked it up if it weren't for them. I really enjoyed it and can't wait for the next one in this series. I loved how I was transported to Rome in this book. I was there with Selene as she first gazed eyes on the ancient city. I am not sure how historically accurate the book may be but it was 100% entertaining.

Princess Selene struggles to survive, protect her brothers, defend her faith and attempt to bring a Golden Age all while adapting to a new place, a new family and a changing body. I couldn't put this book down.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading historical fiction. I can't wait for October 4th for Song of the Nile to come out.

"Waiting On" Wednesday (4): Legend

Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly even hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming books that we are eagerly anticipating.

Title: Legend
Author: Marie Lu
Genre: YA Fiction/Dystopian
Putnam Juvenile: November 29th, 2011
ISBN: 9780399256752
Pre-Order: Amazon | Barnes&Noble

Description from GoodReads:

The United States is gone, along with its flooded coasts. North America's two warring nations, the western Republic and the eastern Colonies, have reached a breaking point. In the midst of this broken continent and dark new world are two teenagers who will go down in history.... 
Born into the slums of Los Angeles, fifteen-year old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. A mysterious boy with no recorded image or fingerprints. A boy who should no longer exist. A boy who watches over his family until one evening, when the plague patrols mark his family's door with an X--the sign of plague infection. A death sentence for any family too poor to afford the antidote. Desperate, Day has no choice; he must steal it. 
Born to an elite family in Los Angeles' wealthy Ruby sector, fifteen-year old June is the Republic's most promising prodigy. A superintelligent girl destined for great things in the country's highest military circles. Obedient, passionate, and committed to her country--until the day her brother Metias is murdered while on patrol during a break-in at the plague hospital. 
Only one person could be responsible. 
Day. 
And now it's June's mission to hunt him down. 
The truth they'll uncover will become legend

What are you Waiting for? 

{Review}: The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross

Title: The Girl in the Steel Corset
Author: Kady Cross Website
Genre: YA Fiction/Steampunk
Publisher: Harlequin Teen May 24th, 2011
e-ARC*: 447 pages
ISBN: 9780373210336
Source: NetGalley
Available on: Amazon | Barnes&Noble

My Rating: 4/5

Description from GoodReads:

In 1897 England, sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne has no one…except the "thing" inside her.
When a young lord tries to take advantage of Finley, she fights back. And wins. But no normal Victorian girl has a darker side that makes her capable of knocking out a full-grown man with one punch….
Only Griffin King sees the magical darkness inside her that says she's special, says she's one of them. The orphaned duke takes her in from the gaslit streets against the wishes of his band of misfits: Emily, who has her own special abilities and an unrequited love for Sam, who is part robot; and Jasper, an American cowboy with a shadowy secret.
Griffin's investigating a criminal called The Machinist, the mastermind behind several recent crimes by automatons. Finley thinks she can help—and finally be a part of something, finally fit in.
But The Machinist wants to tear Griff's little company of strays apart, and it isn't long before trust is tested on all sides. At least Finley knows whose side she's on—even if it seems no one believes her.

My Review:
Why haven't I read more Steampunk novels? I read The Strange Case of Finley Jayne before this one and loved the characters Kady Cross created. Do I recommend reading that one before this one? It's up to you, I enjoyed knowing a little about Finley before reading TGitSC but it is not necessary.

Finley Jayne was unlike any female character I have read in a long time. She was a strong independent girl and yet at the same time just wanted to belong. I loved the duality of her character. The rest of the characters were also amazing. In TGitSC we meet intelligent Emily, angry Sam, and flirtatious cowboy Jasper along with other fascinating characters. Let's not forget we also meet Griffin and Jack who are both handsome and share an interests for Finley but that is as far as their similarities go. We don't get one handsome love interest but two in this story. One for each of her "personalities". So we as readers can have our pick. I am inclined a little more towards Griffin because I know more about him but I am hoping Jack plays a part in the next installments of this series. I love bad boys with a soft loving side in my books.

I recommend this book if you enjoyed Cassandra Clare's Clockwork Angel. This book also reminded me of X-men with all of the young character having special super human abilities. The Girl in the Steel Corset is a great read if you are looking for a book with a strong heroine, action packed story, and a little romance.

*Disclosure: This e-ARC was provided by the publisher (Harlequin Teen via NetGalley) for free in exchange for an honest review.

{Review}: The Strange Case of Finley Jayne

Title: The Strange Case of Finley Jayne (Steampunk Chronicles, #0.5)
Author: Kady Cross
Genre: YA Fiction/Steampunk
Publisher: Harlequin Teen (May,2011)
Source: Amazon Kindle (Free Book)
Available on: Amazon | Barnes&Noble

My Rating: 4/5

Description from GoodReads:

Finley Jayne knows she's not 'normal'. Normal girls don't lose time, or have something inside them that makes them capable of remarkably violent things. Her behavior has already cost her one job, so when she's offered the lofty position of companion to Phoebe, a debutante recently engaged to Lord Vincent, she accepts, despite having no experience. Lord Vincent is a man of science with his automatons and inventions, but Finley is suspicious of his motives where Phoebe is concerned. She will do anything to protect her new friend, but what she discovers is even more monstrous than anything she could have imagined…
An ebook exclusive prequel to The Steampunk Chronicles.

My Review:
Finley Jayne is not normal, some go as far as to say that she is the spawn of Satan. She possesses incredible strength and heighten senses. She is like a female Mr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. One side enjoys inflicting pain on those who pray on the weak. The other just wants to be a normal Victorian girl. After losing her job due to her inability to control her justice seeking side she returns to live with her mother and step-father. She is then hired to become the companion of a young girl who is engaged to a man twice her age.

Will her temperamental side get her in trouble in her new job or will it help protect the innocent?

The Strange Case of Finley Jayne was a wonderful introduction to the world of the Steampunk Chronicles. The small glimpse into their world was fascinating. It was full of automatons such as mechanical house maids, horses and carriages that were run by steam. I can't wait to meet more characters and learn more about Finley Jayne by reading The Girl in the Steel Corset.

{Review}: The Cellar by A.J Whitten

Title: The Cellar
Author: A. J Whitten
Genre: YA Fiction/Horror/Zombies
Publisher: Graphia (May, 2011)
Paperback: 288 pages
ISBN:9780547232539
Source: Netgalley
Available on: Amazon | Barnes&Noble

My Rating: 4/5

Description from GoodReads:

Meredith Willis is suspicious of Adrien, the new guy next door. When she dares to sneak a look into the windows of his house, she sees something in the cellar that makes her believe that Adrien might be more than just a creep—he may be an actual monster.
But her sister, Heather, doesn’t share Meredith’s repulsion. Heather believes Adrien is the only guy who really understands her. In fact, she may be falling in love with him. When Adrien and Heather are cast as the leads in the school production of Romeo and Juliet, to Heather, it feels like fate. To Meredith, it feels like a bad omen. But if she tries to tear the couple apart, she could end up in the last place she’d ever want to be: the cellar. Can Meredith convince her sister that she’s dating the living dead before it’s too late for both of them?

My Review:
Let me begin by saying that I love Romeo and Juliet and I am scared to death of Zombies. So, did this combination work for me? Yes, it did. Sure I was scared or repulsed for most of the story but I really enjoyed it.

The Cellar had a very interesting take on Zombies. They are not your typical walking aimlessly grunting living dead. In this book they are intelligent and powerful undead creatures that retain their insatiable hunger for human flesh. These zombies also have interesting pets such as hyenas, ravens, flies and let's not forget the men eating fish.  For most of the story I was scared for Meridith and what Adrien would do to her but at the same time I couldn't hate the guy. Did Adrien make it to my list of book crushes? NO! He was just plain creepy to me. I just don't understand how Heather can date a guy and want to marry him without ever looking at his eyes.

Would I recommend this book? Definitely! I recommend this book to those who love Zombies and want a YA/Romanticized version of them. You can expect flesh eating and torturing scenes along with the romance of a teenager and a zombie. This might not work for some readers but it worked for me.

100 Followers Giveaway! {Divergent}

100 Followers Giveaway!

I would like to thanks all of my old and new followers. 

What better way than by giving away a copy of Divergent by Veronica Roth. 

All you have to do is be a follower because that is what we are celebrating and fill out the form. 

You can get an extra entry for spreading the word. 

The Rules

• Must enter by June 20, 2011
• One entry per person
• Winner will randomly selected 
• Must be a follower of Let's talk about books
• Open to those who live wherever The Book Depository has free delivery
• If you want an extra entry, you can tweet this: I want to win Divergent by Veronica Roth from @eoliva3 http://bit.ly/lpqnJh
• Fill out the form Click Here

I have not personally read this book but I know it's amazing. I will be ordering my copy along with that of the winner.

Here is the description from GoodReads for those that are not familiar with the book.

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself. 

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her. 

Debut author Veronica Roth bursts onto the literary scene with the first book in the Divergent series—dystopian thrillers filled with electrifying decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, stunning consequences, and unexpected romance.

Good Luck!

In My Mailbox (6)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme, hosted by The Story Siren, held usually on Sundays that encourages bloggers to share what they bought, borrowed, or begged for this wee

Title: The Maze Runner
Author: James Dashner
Genre: YA Fiction/Dystopian
Publisher: Delacorte Press (October, 2009)
ISBN: 9780385737944
Source: Library
Available on: Amazon | Barnes&Noble

Description on GoodReads:

Imagine waking up one day in total darkness, unsure of where you are and unable to remember anything about yourself except your first name. You're in a bizarre place devoid of adults called the Glade. The Glade is an enclosed structure with a jail, a graveyard, a slaughterhouse, living quarters, and gardens. And no way out. Outside the Glade is the Maze, and every day some of the kids -- the Runners -- venture into the labyrinth, trying to map the ever-changing pattern of walls in an attempt to find an exit from this hellish place. So far, no one has figured it out. And not all of the Runners return from their daily exertions, victims of the maniacal Grievers, part animal, part mechanical killing machines. 
Thomas is the newest arrival to the Glade in this Truman-meets-Lord of the Flies tale. A motley crew of half a dozen kids is all he has to guide him in this strange world. As soon as he arrives, unusual things begin to happen, and the others grow suspicious of him. Though the Maze seems somehow familiar to Thomas, he's unable to make sense of the place, despite his extraordinary abilities as a Runner. What is this place, and does Thomas hold the key to finding a way out? 

Title: The Girl in the Steel Corset

Author: Kady Cross

Genre: YA Fiction/ Steampunk

Publisher: Harlequin Teen (March 24th, 2011)

ISBN:9780373210336

Source:NetGalley

Available on: Amazon | Barnes&Noble

Description on GoodReads:

In 1897 England, sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne has no one…except the "thing" inside her.
When a young lord tries to take advantage of Finley, she fights back. And wins. But no normal Victorian girl has a darker side that makes her capable of knocking out a full-grown man with one punch….
Only Griffin King sees the magical darkness inside her that says she's special, says she's one of them. The orphaned duke takes her in from the gaslit streets against the wishes of his band of misfits: Emily, who has her own special abilities and an unrequited love for Sam, who is part robot; and Jasper, an American cowboy with a shadowy secret.
Griffin's investigating a criminal called The Machinist, the mastermind behind several recent crimes by automatons. Finley thinks she can help—and finally be a part of something, finally fit in.
But The Machinist wants to tear Griff's little company of strays apart, and it isn't long before trust is tested on all sides. At least Finley knows whose side she's on—even if it seems no one believes her.

Title: Spellbound
Author: Cara Lynn Shultz
Genre: YA Fiction
Publisher: Harlequin Teen (June 28th,2011)
ISBN: 9780373210305
Source: NetGalley
Available on: Amazon | Barnes&Noble

Description on GoodReads:

What's a girl to do when meeting The One means she's cursed to die a horrible death?Life hasn't been easy on sixteen-year-old Emma Conner, so a new start in New York may be just the change she needs. But the posh Upper East Side prep school she has to attend? Not so much. Friendly faces are few and far between, except for one that she's irresistibly drawn to—Brendan Salinger, the guy with the rock-star good looks and the richest kid in school, who might just be her very own white knight.
But even when Brendan inexplicably turns cold, Emma can't stop staring. Ever since she laid eyes on him, strange things have been happening. Streetlamps go out wherever she walks, and Emma's been having the oddest dreams: visions of herself in past lives—visions that warn her to stay away from Brendan. Or else.

Title: The Goddess Test

Author: Aimee Carter

Genre: YA Fiction/Mythology

Publisher: Harlequin Teen (April, 2011)

ISBN: 9780373210268

Source: NetGalley

Available on: Amazon | Barnes&Noble

Description on GoodReads:

It's always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.
Kate is sure he's crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess.

Title: The Betrayal of Maggie Blair
Author: Elizabeth Laird
Genre: YA Fiction
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children (April, 2011)
ISBN: 9780547341262
Source: NetGalley
Available on: Amazon | Barnes&Noble

Description on GoodReads:

In seventeenth-century Scotland, saying the wrong thing can lead to banishment—or worse. Accused of being a witch, sixteen-year-old Maggie Blair is sentenced to be hanged. She escapes, but instead of finding shelter with her principled, patriotic uncle, she brings disaster to his door.
Betrayed by one of her own accusers, Maggie must try to save her uncle and his family from the king’s men, even if she has to risk her own life in the process.

What's in your Mailbox?

{Review}: Mermaid: A twist on the classic tale

Title: Mermaid: A twist on the classic tale
Author: Carolyn Turgeon
Genre: Fairy Tale
Publisher: Crown Publishing (March, 2011)
Paperback: 256 pages
ISBN: 9780307589972
Source: Borrowed from Library
Available on: Amazon | Barnes&Noble

My Rating: 3/5

Description from GoodReads: 

The story of two very different women, one mortal, one mermaid, and the clash between worlds best kept apart... It is a cold day at the end of the world when a young woman, a princess in hiding, looks out across a Northern sea and sees something she could not have seen. It looks...it can't be. It looks like a mermaid's tail. And, as she looks more closely, she sees that the mermaid is dragging a drowning sailor in her arms. Because, only hours before, another princess, the daughter of the sea queen, has decided to risk everything and take a look at the world above the sea: the world of mortals. And there she finds a storm, a shipwreck, a sailor, and sets in train events which will change both women's worlds forever.

My Review:


I grew up loving the Disney version of the Little Mermaid. I remember when I was young I came across a different version where the little mermaid suffered and disliked it because the prince ended up marrying the princess not the mermaid. Well this story is more like the one I came across in my childhood than the Disney version.

Carolyn Turgeon's version of The Little Mermaid is full of pain, suffering and sacrifice. What I enjoyed the most is that we get to see the princess's point of view in this version. The princess believes that the mermaid brought her the prince so she can marry him and ensure peace in their kingdoms. As we all know, that is not the case. The mermaid goes to the sea witch and trades her voice for legs so she can be with the prince. Then the trouble begins as both girls try to win the prince and live their happily ever after.

I like the story but I didn't like the main characters. The mermaid just lets the prince do as he pleased with her and sacrificed everything for him. I never understood why the princess liked him, I think for her it was more duty than love. The Prince, (uhg!) he was my least favorite character. He was more like a typical medieval womanizer than Prince Charming.

Overall, I enjoyed this story because I love Fairy Tales but I would be a little hesitant to recommend it. Read this book if you love Fairy Tales or if you want a different take on Hans Christian Anderson's version of The Little Mermaid. 

Follow Friday #7

Follow Friday! Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee. It's a great way to meet new blogger friends!

This week featured blog is Ninja Girl Reads.

Q. It's circle time. Time for us to open up and share. Can you tell us FIVE quirky habits or things about you? We all have them...

1. I listen to audio-books when I do housework and when I am going to sleep and often end up dreaming interesting twists to the books I am listening to.  
2. I can't write book reviews or blog without a cup of hot chocolate or tea.
3. I have replaced all the music on my iPod with books. No, wait... I have one song left.
4. I carry a book with me even when I know I won't be able to read it.
5. One moment I'll be stressing because I have too many books in my TBR pile the next I am walking out of the store/library with a new book.


What can I say I have a problem. What are your 5 quirky habits or things about you?

{Review}: Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Title: Delirium ( Delirium, #1)
Author: Lauren Oliver
Genre: YA Fiction, Dystopian
Publisher: HarperCollins (February , 2011)
Hardcover: 441 pages
ISBN:9780061726828
Source: Borrowed from Library
Available on: Amazon | Barnes&Noble
My Rating: 5/5

Description from GoodReads:

Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -- the deliria -- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the governments demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy. 
But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.

My Review:
This book was Amazing! Imagine living in a world where everyone believes that love is a deadly disease (Amor Deliria Nervosa). I know heartbreak hurts but living without love just sounds a little too extreme. I guess when people are desperate they believe anything that promises a good life. 


Lena's world was fascinating! It showed how a society can be so scared that they allow the government to dictate their life because of fear. To me this book was more about learning to live with fear and accepting and dealing with pain and loss that comes with loving. 
I also enjoyed the small glimpse of the life outside their society. I was a little disappointed that they did not introduce any character that lived outside but I am hoping the next one in the series will.


I loved Lauren Oliver's writing! She allowed me to see the change in her main character. I was able to see from the dialog the change in Lena from being scared and nervous to strong and determined. I liked the way she began the chapters with quotes from different text and referenced altered books like the bible and classics, such as Romeo and Juliet: A cautionary tale. 


I loved Hana Tate. She made my list of best Minor Characters because she was simply an amazing friend. The romance was also a major contributor to me loving this book. Lena and Alex *Sigh* I don't want to give to much away but let me just warn you that the ending is insane! I was on the edge of my seat, scared to death for Lena and Alex. You know a book is good when you are worried and care about the characters. 


I highly recommend this book. Especially to those who enjoyed Matched by Ally Condie and The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. 

Top Ten Tuesday (3): Minor Characters

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by the The Broke and the Bookish.   

This week's topic: Minor Characters ( Not in any particular order)

1. and 2. Luna and Hagrid from the Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

I enjoyed reading about Luna's quirkiness and Hagrid's interesting pets.

3. Hana from Delirium by Lauren Oliver

I loved that she was a great friend until the end.

4. Wendy from Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Who doesn't want a friend that gives you a date with an awesome guy for your birthday!

5. Arriane from Fallen by Lauren Kate

I loved the scene where she makes Luce cut her hair. I would be terrified of her.

6. Pam from The Sookie Stalkhouse Series by Charlaine Harris

I always like to read about characters that speak their mind and Pam certainly does.

7. Inigo Montoya from The Princess Bride by William Goldman

"My name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father, prepare to die", enough said.

8. Ophelia from Hamlet by William Shakespeare

I have no idea why I like her but she has always stayed with me. 

9. Magnus from The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare

I love that he is not afraid to be himself. I especially like reading about what he is wearing.

10. Haymitch from The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins 

I still need to read Mockingjay but so far I really like his character. I hope he doesn't end up doing something to make me hate him.

What's your Top Ten Minor Characters?

{Review}: The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

Title: The Forest of Hands & Teeth

Tagline: The Unconsecrated are never alone. You are...

Author: Carrie Ryan  Webpage | Twitter

Genre: YA Fiction/Zombies

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (February, 2010)

Paperback: 336 pages

ISBN: 9780575090859

Source: Bought 

Available on: Amazon | Barnes&Noble 

Description from GoodReads:

In Mary's world there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But, slowly, Mary’s truths are failing her. She’s learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future—between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?

My Review:

Let's see... what to say about The Forest of Hands and Teeth? It is definitely not a bad book. I found it original and unlike typical zombie stories. Mary's world has been overtaken by the Unconsecrated, before she was even born. The Sisterhood has led her village to believe that, because of God's grace, they are the last surviving humans in the world. Mary doesn't buy this. Her curiosity has led her to question the Sisterhood and their laws; By doing so, she may have stumbled into something much bigger than herself, while at the same time realizing her childhood love interest.

The story is well-written and easy to follow, however, at times felt as if I was forcing myself to continue. I would have loved if the story had less repetition and more character development. Mary swore that she would die for this Travis character, yet as a reader I could not figure out why. Their dog had more of a personality. Not to mention Mary's selfish/annoying/whiny self made me want to yell at the book like a madman while on the train to work. I'm not saying it's a bad book, just not perfect.

I would recommend one reads this book, but don't expect something like The Mortal Instruments series. Overall, I give this book a B-/C+. It is creative and different to most YA stories out at the moment. That's my review, take or leave it.

Let's talk about: Getting to know Sergio!

Let's Welcome Sergio to Let's talk about books!

I try to read as fast as I can but I am still unable to read more than 2-3 books a week. Thankfully, Sergio will be helping with book reviews. I also believe that having two reviewers will make this blog better because as you will see, we have different tastes and he will read books that I might not have read.

 

About Sergio:

What can I say? I'm a bad boy with a heart of gold. :)

Basics:
Name: Sergio
Age: 24
Profession: Data Specialist
Languages: English, Spanish
Hobbies: Reading, coding, playing video games and running

Favorites:
Books: Patient Zero, The Hunger Games, Frankenstein
Drinks: Coca Cola #thatisall
Shows: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Saved by the Bell
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In My Mailbox (5)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme, hosted by The Story Siren, held usually on Sundays that encourages bloggers to share what they bought, borrowed, or begged for this week

Title: The Cellar 

Author: A.J Whitten

Genre: YA Fiction/Zombies!!!

Publisher: Graphia (May 2,2011)

ISBN: 9780547232539

Source: Netgalley

Available on: Amazon | Barnes&Noble


Description from GoodReads:

Meredith Willis is suspicious of Adrien, the new guy next door. When she dares to sneak a look into the windows of his house, she sees something in the cellar that makes her believe that Adrien might be more than just a creep—he may be an actual monster.But her sister, Heather, doesn’t share Meredith’s repulsion. Heather believes Adrien is the only guy who really understands her. In fact, she may be falling in love with him. When Adrien and Heather are cast as the leads in the school production of Romeo and Juliet, to Heather, it feels like fate. To Meredith, it feels like a bad omen. But if she tries to tear the couple apart, she could end up in the last place she’d ever want to be: the cellar. Can Meredith convince her sister that she’s dating the living dead before it’s too late for both of them? 

                                                                           Title: Lily of the Nile

                   Author: Stephanie Dray

Genre:  Historical Fiction

Publisher:  Berkley Trade (Dec, 2010)

Paperback: 351 pages

ISBN: 9780425238554

Source: Borrowed from Library

Available: Amazon | Barnes&Noble

Description on GoodReads:

 

Heiress of one empire and prisoner of another, it is up to the daughter of Cleopatra to save her brothers and reclaim what is rightfully hers...

To Isis worshippers, Princess Selene and her twin brother Helios embody the divine celestial pair who will bring about a Golden Age. But when Selene's parents are vanquished by Rome, her auspicious birth becomes a curse. Trapped in an empire that reviles her heritage and suspects her faith, the young messianic princess struggles for survival in a Roman court of intrigue. She can't hide the hieroglyphics that carve themselves into her hands, nor can she stop the emperor from using her powers for his own ends. But faced with a new and ruthless Caesar who is obsessed with having a Cleopatra of his very own, Selene is determined to resurrect her mother's dreams. Can she succeed where her mother failed? And what will it cost her in a political game where the only rule is win-or die?

Title: Lover Unleashed (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #9)

Author: J.R Ward

Genre: Romance

Publisher: NAL Hardcover (March, 2011)

Hardcover: 512 pages

ISBN: 9780451233165

Source: Library

Available on: Amazon | Barnes&Noble 

Description from GoodReads:

Payne, twin sister of Vishous, is cut from the same dark, warrior cloth as her brother: A fighter by nature, and a maverick when it comes to the traditional role of Chosen females, there is no place for her on the Far Side… and no role for her on the front lines of the war, either.
When she suffers a paralyzing injury, human surgeon Dr. Manuel Manello is called in to treat her as only he can- and he soon gets sucked into her dangerous, secret world. Although he never before believed in things that go bump in the night- like vampires- he finds himself more than willing to be seduced by the powerful female who marks both his body and his soul.
As the two find so much more than an erotic connection, the human and vampire worlds collide … just as a centuries old score catches up with Payne and puts both her love and her life in deadly jeopardy.