In My Mailbox #23

In My Mailbox was created by Kristi at The Story Siren, inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.

Bought:
Checkmate (Noughts & Crosses, #3) by Malorie Blackman
Mockingjay (Hunger Games, #3) by Suzanne Collins

Who didn't get Mockingjay this week? Of course, I read it as soon as I bought it. Completely different from how I imagined. I went through a lot of emotions while reading. And I just loved that! I'm really sad it's over, and now I'm actually excited for a movie. I know, I shouldn't get my hopes up because they could or will probably ruin it, but I can't help it. I need more! Peeta *sigh* (Edit: Wait, read these tweets here and here. That's good to know!)

Now about the other book. Checkmate is the third book in the Noughts & Crosses series. There are 4 books in total, but I heard on Malorie Blackman's Facebook that there may be a chance she'll write another! This is what she said: "...an idea for another one has planted itself in my head and is beginning to grow..." Hopefully it sticks with her. I just love this series. :)

Review: Nevermore by Kelly Creagh

Title: Nevermore
Author: Kelly Creagh
Pages: 528 (ARC copy)
Publisher: Atheneum
Release Date: August 31, 2010

"Cheerleader Isobel Lanley is horrified when she is paired with Varen Nethers for an English project, which is due—so unfair—on the day of the rival game. Cold and aloof, sardonic and sharp-tongued, Varen makes it clear he’d rather not have anything to do with her either. But when Isobel discovers strange writing in his journal, she can’t help but give this enigmatic boy with the piercing eyes another look.

Soon, Isobel finds herself making excuses to be with Varen. Steadily pulled away from her friends and her possessive boyfriend, Isobel ventures deeper and deeper into the dream world Varen has created through the pages of his notebook, a realm where the terrifying stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life.

As her world begins to unravel around her, Isobel discovers that dreams, like words, hold more power than she ever imagined, and that the most frightening realities are those of the mind. Now she must find a way to reach Varen before he is consumed by the shadows of his own nightmares.

His life depends on it."

My Thoughts: O.M.G.

That was my reaction, anyway, to the majority of the book. Maybe I had such a strong reaction because I started the book not realizing it was a paranormal. Yes, I read the summary, but obviously it went over my head. This is what I assumed it would be about: The goth boy, Varen, would have some mental issues (like schizophrenia), and the popular cheerleader girl, Isobel, will fall in love with him and find help for him. And they would all live happily ever after.

I mean, yeah, they are opposites, and they do fall in love, but it was not that simple. It's dark and creepy and eerie. A horror paranormal. (Of course, I should have realized that with Edgar Allan Poe involved). Which made it very exciting for me because I had no idea what would happen next and how this would end.

There were some other things I just did not notice before I read the book. Like the length. It is 500+ pages! Which is not a bad thing because Isobel & Varen's relationship and everything in the story isn't rushed. And at the same time, it didn't feel slow. I felt like something interesting was always happening. And I really liked Kelly Creagh's writing. It was like watching a movie.

Now for the other detail I missed. Actually, I just didn't know. I'm pretty sure not much people know, so let me tell you.

This is going to be a series. A trilogy, apparently.

I know! That was really surpring to me. You would think that a book this long would have everything resolved by the end, but nope, not the case. I will not spoil the ending, but let me just say that when I read the last line in the book, I was thinking, 'There should be sequel. There has to be a sequel. There NEEDS to be a sequel.'

So I haven't revealed much about the story. Well, I don't want to repeat the summary, so I will say this: I was very impressed with the book. I thought the story was really unique and original. Isobel and Varen were great and likeable characters. I wanted to hug Varen! I was proud of Isobel (she deserves a hug too), because she worked so hard to save Varen. Basically, it all goes down October 31, Halloween. But it's not over. Just wait till January 19, the day of Poe's birth.

Seriously can't wait!

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars

ARC provided by Smitten With Books ARC Tours.

Together in the Games - Hunger Games fanart

My sister drew me another Katniss & Peeta fanart. Yay! It was a birthday present for me. :) Gahh... I love Peeta's expression. Just wanna hug him and kiss his cheek and eat him. And guess what? 11 more days till Mockingjay! *gasps*

Oh, and a little update on the Jellicoe Road fanart situation that I mentioned here. I FINALLY e-mailed Ms. Marchetta about 2 weeks ago (I know, I waited till the last second), and she replied! She told me though that she didn't really give her characters physical descriptions, unless it's important to the story. She also said that she wouldn't want to interfere with how readers saw the characters in their head. Which I can totally understand. So, it seems it might take me longer to convince my sister to draw Taylor/Jonah fanart, but..! I will manage to do it one day. >:) Or get someone else to do it at least. ;p

Waiting on Wednesay (13)

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme created by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Title: The DUFF (Designated Ugly Fat Friend)
Author: Kody Keplinger
Release Date: September 7, 2010
Publisher: Little Brown/Poppy
Summary: Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn't think she's the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She's also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her "Duffy," she throws her Coke in his face.

But things aren't so great at home right now. Desperate for a distraction, Bianca ends up kissing Wesley. And likes it. Eager for escape, she throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with Wesley.

Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out that Wesley isn't such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she's falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone.

In My Mailbox #21

In My Mailbox was created by Kristi at The Story Siren, inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.

Trade:
Infinite Days (Vampire Queen, #1) by Rebecca Maizel

Borrowed:
Scott Pilgrim's Finest Hour (Scott Pilgrim, #6) by Bryan Lee O'Malley

I love the cover for Infinite Days! I received that book through a trade with a friend on GoodReads. Since she had an extra copy of Infinite Days, I decided to pick that one. Can't wait to read it! :)

And I borrowed the final volume of the Scott Pilgrim graphic novel series from my sister. If you haven't heard, the series has been made into a movie, which will be released August 13, called Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. Michael Cera stars as Scott Pilgrim. He's actually the one I imagined as Scott, while I was reading! So it's cool that he got the role. :D Hope the final volume and the movie are good!

Top Ten of The Moment

Top Ten of the Moment is a meme hosted by Swimmer @ Breaking the Bookshelf! This week's theme is Top 10 Favorite Books of 2010. Note: This includes all books you've read in 2010 so far, even if they were published a different year.

It was actually difficult for me to make this list. I knew what #1 would be, but #2 through #10 were very hard because some of those books I just loved equally. There was no way I was going to figure it out, so I kind of had to randomly pick which book went where by putting them into categories. Also, keep in mind that since this year isn't over, this list just might change by the end of the year. (*cough* Mockingjay)

Favorite Novel:

1. Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta


Favorite Tragedy Novels:

2. Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman
3. Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma


Favorite Fantasy Novels:

4. Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta
5. The King of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner


Favorite Paranormal Novels:

6. Nevermore by Kelly Creagh
7. The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting


Favorite Contemporary Novels:

8. Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta
9. Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles
10. Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

Honorable Mentions:
Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder
Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols

Maybe this should have been a top 12 because I loved the books I put in Honorable Mentions! Did I mention how hard it was to come up with this list? Good thing these were only for books I've read so far in 2010. @_@ Anyway, I think I just might post an updated list at the end of this year. I might even add details as to why I love each book.

Review: Harmonic Feedback by Tara Kelly

Title: Harmonic Feedback
Author: Tara Kelly
Pages: 278
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Release Date: May 25, 2010

"Sixteen-year-old, music- and sound design-obsessed Drea doesn’t have friends. She has, as she’s often reminded, issues. Drea’s mom and a rotating band of psychiatrists have settled on a touch of Asperger’s.

Having just moved to the latest in a string of new towns, Drea meets two other outsiders. And Naomi and Justin seem to actually like Drea. The three of them form a band after an impromptu, Portishead-comparison-worthy jam after school. Justin swiftly challenges not only Drea’s preference for Poe over Black Lab but also her perceived inability to connect with another person. Justin, against all odds, may even like like Drea.

It’s obvious that Drea can’t hide behind her sound equipment anymore. But just when she’s found not one but two true friends, can she stand to lose one of them?"

My Thoughts: Sometimes there are books that end up being very different than what I first imagined from reading the book's summary. This book is definitely one of them. I love when that happens because usually it ends up being even better than I imagined.

I loved Drea, Justin, and Naomi. They were awesome and good people. I may not have exactly their problems, but I do have my own, and I could easily relate to their characters. When I read the book's summary and looked at the cover (which fit perfectly, by the way), I thought the entire book would be dark and serious. But it wasn't. On almost every page there was something that cracked me up! Not that I'm saying there aren't any dark and serious moments because there definitely is. And I definitely cried. I still feel like I crying.

Music is a part of this book, but if you're worried you won't recognize the musicians, it's okay. It doesn't take over, which I liked. Although, honestly, I wouldn't have minded knowing more about the music Drea and Justin listened to because I seem to have a similar taste in music. I want Justin's Björk shirt (heck, just give me Justin! heh), and I have the urge to listen to Snow Patrol's "Somewhere a Clock is Ticking."

So I'll just end by saying that if you're looking for a book with great characters and a book that will most likely make you laugh and cry, then I recommend this book to you.

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars