Sunday, December 24, 2017

Ringer

Title: Ringer
Author: Lauren Oliver
Rating: Top Shelf


This was an awesome and innovative book by Lauren Oliver. This is the second book, and the end, of the 2 book plot the started with Replica. I originally read Replica and thought it was a middle shelf read. I found myself getting board through the second side of the story. This time when I read Ringer I tried to read it differently. I read a chapter at a time from both sides and it completely changed my perspective! I loved it! I would recommend reading it that way for anyone who has yet to read either Replica or Ringer. I would like to change my rating on Replica (recently blogged about) to a Top shelf read.

Now that I have that cleared up I can further discuss Ringer.
Ringer was totally awesome. I could never truly tell what was going to happen next. This was a page turner and I found myself wishing there was another book to look forward to. However, this is the last book and it came to a nice and clean ending that I enjoyed and felt at peace with. I would recommend these books to older girls as there is some romance in it and some of the storyline I believe appeals to a more mature audience. However the way that this novel was written from two perspectives makes it appealing for readers like myself who like to get to know more than one character.

This is a continuation of the novel Replica, so it is important to read them in order.
Go and check out these books! I have a feeling that we will start so see similar books in the future.

Happy Reading!!

Vanguard

Title: Vanguard
Author: Ann Aguirre
Rating: Top Shelf


This is the last book in the Razorland series. It is a sci-fy story with some love story elements. It has well developed characters and plot and they are some of my favorite books of all time! Ann Aguirre did not disappoint with this new addition to the Razorland Trilogy. This book was a large surprise and my most anticipated read of the year. I loved the original books and recommend them to absolutely everyone I see. My whole family has read them! This series is a MUST read for any book lover!!!

This book is one of my favorites in the series because it holds a special place in my heart. My first piece of fan mail was sent to Ann Aguirre. Here is a picture of the email I sent:



As you can see I was just thrilled with the series and here I am three years later blogging about it. I was obviously concerned about what would happen to Tegan and Morrow. 

I was elated when she responded a few days later telling me she was considering writing a novella about their story...


I held out hope for a few years hoping she would write this novella and the next thing I knew three years later she published a whole book of their story.

I am not the most patient person in the world, so I had very high expectations for this story line. Ann Aguirre delivered an amazing story that was gripping, exciting, and thrilling to read.

Everyone should go and grab a copy of Ann Aguirre's Razorland Trilogy, starting with Enclave. It is important to read these books in order and NOT to just go read Vanguard first. These books are the perfect way to spend your Christmas gift card to your favorite bookstore!

I hope you enjoy reading these book as much as I have!! Please let me know what you think of them in the comments!!!



















Thursday, August 10, 2017

The Body Electric

Title: The Body Electric
Author: Beth Revis
Rating: Top Shelf!!!!!!

Beth Revis has broken the boundaries of Sci Fi once again!!!! This is a wonderful stand alone book that takes place in a very peaceful future. Ella Shepard has a special gift, the ability to enter others positive dreamscapes through her mother's developed technology. Ella's world, like the rest of society, was at peace until hallucinations of her father, buzzing noises, and a mysterious boy came along questioning everything she knew about her self, her memories (or lack thereof), and who she could trust. This is for sure to be a book you will remember!!! Check out The Body Electric Book Trailer and Beth Revis' website for more information!!

I am a large fan of Beth's! Her writing has the ability to transport you into other places that are sure to provoke thought and emotion. Both The Body Electric and the Across the Universe series are some of my favorites YA novels for these reasons. You really do not want to miss out on joining her fandom, especially now that she has just come out with the new Star Wars book: Rebel Rising!! How cool is that?! It as well as "A World Without You" are both on my reading list!!! Make sure you check out her and her books!

If you would like to read The Body Electric you are going to have to place the order online because it is a print by demand book, so unfortunately you will probably not be able to find it in your local book store. They are very fast though!! I got my copy in less than a week!

I hope you enjoyed this post and you are inspired to track down a copy!
Happy Reading!!

IF YOU HAVE READ THE BOOK PLEASE KEEP READING.
IF NOT THEN PLEASE DO NOT SPOIL IT FOR YOURSELF!!!!!!!!!!
































I could not believe how twisty this book was!! I never would have guessed that we were going to go down the cyborg rabbit hole, but after we did everything from Ella's special abilities to the title of the book made sense. Jack was my favorite character. His drive and support made him memorable as well as made him the kind of guy you want to know in real life! Haha! The other instance I thought was the most shocking was the Ms White situation. She seemed to be the rock in all of the commotion the whole book, but then she was the one that was was shaking everything by playing puppet master! What did you think of this book? Please leave your thoughts, opinions, and feelings in the comments!! Happy Reading!!





Friday, July 7, 2017

The New Guy (and other senior year distractions)

Title: The New Guy (and other senior year distractions)
Author: Amy Spalding
Rating: Top shelf


This was another awesome summer read written by Amy Spalding. I would now consider myself to be a fan of hers. This book was comical and light hearted while pulling at  your heart strings.

Jules thought she had her whole senior year figured out. She wanted to get the job of editor of the school paper, build up her resume by walking dogs at the local shelter, and get accepted into the Brown University. However, nothing about senior year is ever predictable. When the new guy, Alex Powell, shows up on the first day of Jules' senior year it sends her world into utter chaos. Alex was a member of the young boy band Chaos 4 All. They were one hit wonders before walking away from fame and walking right back into the real world full of high school petty drama.
Alex was not the only thing that got Jules caught up in a storm... Jules was chosen to be the new editor of the school paper thus getting the responsibility of keeping the schools print media alive. Meanwhile, the new school news source TALON takes over causing Jules to up her game.

How will Jules react to these new challenges and betrayals in life? Find out in The New Guy (and other senior year distractions)!!!!!


I really liked this book. It was relatable and embraced an actual high school setting and experience. There are parts of this book every teen girl can relate with. It really made you laugh and cry as it takes you through the highs and lows of Jules' year. I would suggest this book for upperclassmen girls. It does include some drinking and talking about sex. If you look past that then you can really enjoy this book. It is worth the read, I promise! I personally read it right after graduation and it was like a fun capstone to my senior year.

Make sure you check out The New Guy (and other senior year distractions) as well as Amy Spalding's other books.

Happy summer reading!!!



Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Kissing Ted Callahan (and other guys)

Title: Kissing Ted Callahan (and other guys)
Author: Amy Spalding
Rating: High Shelf


This is a classic tale of a high school girl with a crush with a twist. The book follows Riley, a young girl who is in distress after finding out that two of her band mates are dating. She wants to know what she is missing out on. So, she recruits friend and fellow band mate, Reid to work together "to find love, or whatever," while also trying to keep their band going. They document every step of their process in the "Passenger Manifest", a notebook with every detail of how it's is going for them as well as tips and tricks about how to successfully approach the opposite gender. That is where Ted Callahan comes into play... Ted is Rileys forever crush, and her main target. However, somewhere between here and there other guys come into play and Riley must decide how to navigate the struggles of budding teen romances.
What will happen? Will Riley and Reid find what they are looking for? You will have to read to find out!!


I really enjoyed this book! It was light, breezy, and very very funny. It was an awesome summer read for on a plane, by the pool, or for your hammock. I would recommend this book to teenage girls. However, there is talk about sex, drinking, and sneaking out in the novel. If you can look past that you will find a story that is truly lovable. You will fall in love with Riley, Ted, and he rest of the group as you get to know the characters.

I hope you check it out!! I personally loved Amy's writing style so I am going to read her book The New Guy (and other senior year distractions) next.
 Happy reading!!!
Let me know what you are reading below in the comments.

Saturday, June 24, 2017

The Siren

Title: The Siren
Author: Kiera Cass
Rating: Top Shelf!!!!!


What would do if you had to spend 100 years in servitude to the Ocean? That is what the sisterhood of sirens must do. The Ocean saved them from death in exchange for 100 years... after that they are free souls allowed to continue aging and live their lives. This has been the way the Ocean has operated for centuries, until now. Siren, Kahlen, has dedicated her first 83 years to the Ocean when all of the sudden she meets young human, Akinli, and everything changes. They are both connected to the Ocean in their own ways. With an Ocean between them, is it worth the risk the future of freedom for a fleeting moment with a boy?
Find out in The Siren!!!!


I love Kiera Cass's books!!! She has such a wonderful writing style that truly engages the reader. This book is targeted at a female audience. It is a wonderful read and totally worth the time! It is a great summer read for the side of the pool or for the beach! You will not be able to put it down! There is not much vulgar content at all,  just some mild language and talk of the seductive ways of sirens. 

I recommend all of Kiera's books to girls!! Between The Siren and The Selection series there is a story appealing to all of the young dreamers out there. With strong female characters who work for what they want it is a great way to get your teen reading!

Seriously you will want to check out all of her books!! I guarantee you will become a fast fan!! Please let me know what you think!!
Happy Summer Reading!!

Thursday, June 15, 2017

Hello, Goodbye, And Everything In Between

Title: Hello, Goodbye, And Everything In Between
Author: Jennifer E. Smith
Rating: Middle Shelf

Young couple Clare and Aiden have one thing to figure out in their last night together before leaving for college on opposite coasts... Do they stay together or do they split up? They have 12 hours and many pit stops to figure out what to do and say their final goodbyes to their high school friends. What does their future hold?

This is a great teen summer read!! It was engaging, funny, heart warming, and a perfect book for beside the pool, on the beach, or in a hammock. I really enjoyed the speed of this book and how it was light and breezy. It was different than other teen romance books that I have read and this one was truly a breath of fresh air and a different approach to typical teen fiction!

I would recommend this book for high school girls. It has a few cuss words and conversations about teen drinking but nothing else vulgar or problematic.

This is a very good read and I hope that you check it out and enjoy it just as much as I have!! I think I am going to look into some of her other books! Happy Summer Reading!!

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Starfall

Title: Starfall
Author: Melissa Landers
Rating: TOP SHELF

Melissa Landers is a total genius!!!!!!! I fell in love with Starflight a year ago today and I have waiting for what seems like forever for the second book and it was everything I had hoped for and more!!! 

This book is funny, witty, engaging, and so much more. I could not put it down. I read the book in 1 sitting. You will not want to miss it!!!!!

Starfall comes after the book Starflight comes to an end and follows the characters Cassia and Kane on their space adventures upon the Banshee. It includes Starflight's characters Solara, Doran, Acorn and the rest of the crew. 

In this adventure, Princess Cassia Rose's past catches up to her. After bailing on a prearranged marriage and escaping her planet with her best "friend" Kane, the galaxy goes to war and they are no longer safe anywhere in the galaxy. When she gets caught she has one thing keeping her sanity... her crew is safe. When they plan a rescue mission to save her they find she has inherited back her planet now torn with war. Meanwhile Cassia and Kane are trying to navigate their feeling towards each other. Will they be able to save her planet and restore peace? READ AND FIND OUT!!!! IT IS SOOOO WORTH IT!!!!! I do not want to spoil the book for anyone so my summation stops here. 

In order to fully enjoy and understand Starfall you will need to read Starflight. If you want more information on it I have reviewed it in a previous post. Check it out!




BOOK TALK IS BELOW. IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE BOOK DO NOT KEEP READING.





























HAVE YOU READ THE BOOK??? IF NOT TURN BACK!!!






















THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE TO TURN BACK.



















Who else totally loved Starfall?!?!?! I was afraid that Kane and Cassia were not going to end up together. I thought it was almost too good to be true. I loved the unconventional love story that it became. It reminded me of the Office and how Jim and Pam struggled back and forth to get their timing right in their relationship. Well as they say, "good things come to those who wait." It was true for them. 
I also really enjoyed the idea that Captain Remmy found his long lost love and that it worked out for him Well, after finding out about the implant in her brain and how the mob was using her to get information about their whereabouts and plans. 

My least favorite part was on the island at the end.  I understand why it was necessary, but I still wish it hadn't been such a large chunk.

My favorite character is probably Acorn.  That sugar glider has weaseled its way into my heart. I'm glad he lived through both books and was able to re-bond after the tragedy in the first book.








What did you think of Starfall?? Please let me know in the comments!!! Happy Reading!!!!

Thursday, May 25, 2017

100 Cupboards

Title: 100 Cupboards
Author: N.D. Wilson 
Rating: Top Shelf

This is a thrilling novel that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat!! The book takes you on a journey into many very different worlds with protagonist young Henry York. 
   In his bedroom up in the attic he hears scratching from the other side of his wall resulting in the interest to discover what is there. After removing the plaster he finds 99 cupboards, each a portal to a new world with new adventures and new dangers. 

This was a very good book that I would recommend to any audience. It is suspenseful and contains very interesting plot twists while getting to imagine exactly what the characters are exploring. It is only 289 pages, and the author uses each page to further the story along. Not a single page is wasted!!!! Make sure you check it out at the library or grab a copy at the book store!! It is worth the read!!!
Happy reading!!!

Now that school is letting out it is time to get started on summer reading!! Which means... more posts will be up! I'm sorry for the scarcity recently, senior year kicked in. Haha! Happy summer reading!

Monday, May 8, 2017

Persepolis

Title:  Persepolis
Author: Marjane Satrapi
Rating: Bottom Shelf
  

Persepolis is a memoir told through a graphic novel. The story focuses on her life as the Iranian Revolution is going on around her and effecting her childhood. Her family is a modernistic family in the middle of a strictly religious society leading to many obstacles in their lives while searching for peace and freedom. This is a story full of family, censorship, and childhood dreams. The panels are drawn to support the story, but also to further hi light the historic events that are occurring around her as she learns more about her country, her family, and herself. There is a second book of you desire to read it after completing the first one. It is a very short read, and can be completed in a day. It was unlike anything else I have ever read. 

I personally did not care for this book. However, I am not the biggest fan of memoirs or graphic novels, so this book was much different than something I would pick to read for myself. (Thank you English class for helping me branch out.) this book was not necessarily a bad book though. I would recommend picking up a copy from the library due to the high price and it's acquired taste. Then after reading you could make your decision if it is worth the investment for you. 

If you decide this book is for you please let me know!! 
Happy reading!!

I would also like to personally apologize for my lack of posts. With International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Exams I have been totally swamped and studying nonstop. I'll be better after testing is over!!

Monday, April 17, 2017

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Title: A Midsummer Night's Dream
Author: William Shakespeare
Rating: Middle shelf

William Shakespeare's comedy, A Midsummer Night's Dream is a magical tale for everyone. Shakespeare created a whole new world full of mischief and magic that everyone will find funny! This is not the easiest read though, it is still in traditional Shakespearean English that can be hard to interpret and will probably require you to look some terms up. I suggest acting it out if possible! It is much more fun that way and it is easier to follow the story and understand what is happening with so many characters and so many plot lines at the same time.  

I rated this book a "Middle Shelf" because I am a large Romeo and Juliette fan and I found myself to be disappointed in this book because I was expecting something more like R&J. However, I thought in general it was a good book and I would still recommend it to others!!

Go grab a copy to act out now!!! Happy acting!!

Only read below if you have read the book!!!!!






























If you haven't read the book turn back now!!!


















I just wanted to talk a little bit about characters in my post. My favorite couple was Hermia and Lysander. That had a similar vibe to Romeo and Juliette which is why I think I enjoyed them the most. 
My favorite part of the story was most definitely the cat fight between Hermia and Helena!! It was hysterical to hear what insults they were calling each other and listening to them try to sort out what exactly had happened with the men and their infatuation with Helena after the love potion was accidentally used on them. And of course I love a happily ever after, so that made me a happy camper!!!

Who was your favorite character and what was  your favorite part of the story?? Let me know in the comments!!!
Happy reading!!

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Replica

Title: Replica
Author: Lauren Oliver
Rating: Top Shelf

This was an amazing book!! I love my signed first addition copy!! There is truly nothing else like it in the market now!!! This book is special because it is told from two perspectives. The first perspective, YOU NEED TO READ IT FIRST, is Lyra's. Lyra is a replica from Haven, a top secret location working on cloning humans. After reading Lyra, flip your book over and read Gemma. Gemma is a teenage girl looking for some answers about her fathers past business. 

It is truly a page turner! It is unpredictable and never fails to surprise you!! Make sure you check it out!!! It is totally worth it and I cannot wait for the next books in the series!!

Go and check out Replica and let me know what you think!!! 
Happy reading!!


IF YOU HAVE READ THE BOOK SCROLL DOWN TO CHEVK OUT SOME OF MY VERY FAVORITE PARTS!!!










































Hello people who HAVE read Replica!! 
Which side did you like better Lyra or Gemma? I liked Gemma a little better because of the crazy plot twists in her side that was set up in Lyra's portion of the book. 
Did you all anticipate that Gemma would be the replica and Lyra would be the human?!?! I could not believe it!!!!!! I can't wait to see how this all plays out in the next book!!!

Let me know what you thought in the comments!!! 
Happy reading!!

Saturday, February 25, 2017

Dracula

Title: Dracula
Author: Brahm Stoker
Rating: Middle shelf

Dracula is an epistolary novel. It is made up of different journals, newspaper clippings, and letters to tell the story. This helps you get to know the characters really well and the way their mind works. Dracula has many many characters which help move the story along to solve the mystery of Dracula. From Doctor Van Helsing to Doctor Steward each character brings a special set of skills to the table. Will they be able to take discover Dracula and save the world?

I enjoyed Dracula. I read it in my English class and we deeply analyzed the book for dramatic irony, motifs, and other patterns in the text. I think I would have liked the book better reading it by myself because then I could read at my own pace and I could analyze it according to how my mind works rather than trying to fit it to others perspectives. However, I am still glad I read it. 

Check it out and let me know what you think!! Happy Reading!!!

Saturday, January 14, 2017

The Jewel, The White Rose, The Black Key

Titles: The Jewel, The White Rose, The Black Key
Author: Amy Ewing
Rating: Top Shelf!!!!!!!

Amy Ewing's series the Jewel has an amazing new approach to dystopian YA!! The series follows Violet Lasting, a girl from the Marsh who's spent her whole life in training to be a surrogate for a royal family in the Jewel. After her auction day has passed she quickly learns about the lies and scandals within the Upper elites of society and learns she is in more danger than she ever imagined.

I have loved reading the series over the last three years. Now that all three books are out in stores in the series is complete everyone should go and pick up a copy now. Ewing's unexpected plot twists keep you engaged. You will never want to put the book down. The detailed character development makes you feel emotionally connected to the characters. You will laugh with them, you will cry with them. 

Go and buy your copy of The Jewel, The White Rose, and The Black Key in stores now!!! You will not regret it one bit!!

If you have NOT read the whole series yet please do not read this next portion of my post. I would hate to spoil anything for you!!!!



















ONLY CONTINUE IF YOU HAVE FINISHED THE SERIES!!!!!!!




















I loved the Black Key!!!! I think it was my favorite out of the series!!!! There were so many twists and turns in the plot line!!! I loved to follow who knew about the other members of The Black Key!!!

There where a few BIG surprises that I really liked!!!! 
- I was shocked that Violet and Ash both returned to the Jewel and made it out alive!!!! Amy Ewing: I am forever grateful you did not kill either one of them!!!!
- The deaths in this book where shocking as well!! When Lucien died I cried and cried!! It was also very sad to see Coral die because of how you felt sympathetic towards her. Other royals deaths were needed for closer for the book and so that Garnet could step up and lead how he believed he needed to for the hope of a better society! 
- I couldn't believe that Cora wanted the Duchess to be killed and Carnelian ended up being the one to kill her. I understood her anger towards the Duchess but I didn't know she had it in her! I thought that was an amazing twist to the story!! I had assumed that Violet would be the one to kill her because no one else would and she was angry for her capturing Hazel. 

What did you think about The Jewel Series??? Please let me know in the comments and follow me on Instagram @thebooksundermybed !!!

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

The Blackcoat Rebellion

Titles: Pawn, Captive, Queen 
Author: Aimée Carter
Rating: Top Shelf

I love the Blackcoat rebellion series!! I totally recommend it!! The series is set in futuristic America and is a new approach to futuristic YA! The whole series is full of twists and turns and you will not want to put it down!! The series is finished so you will not be waiting a year for another book to come out! 

The series follows Kitty Doe, an orphan who just took the most important test of her life. This test decides her rank in society, her job, and where she will live. Her results rip her away from her true love Benji and the rest of the family she has from the orphanage. All the sudden while on the run she ends up being approached by the prime minister to leave her former life and enter a new one. Will she accept? What will happen? Read and find out!!

Check out the series and let me know what you think in the comments!! Happy Reading!!