Top 5 Sundays #3: Books you loved and was surprised by it

Hey!

It's Sunday (OK, sorry, it's almost Monday, but it's been a busy day) so it's time for another Top 5 Sundays. This is a feature hosted by Larissa (@ Larissa's Bookish Life): every Sunday she will post a TOP 5 list on her blog - it can be about anything, every week she will have a new theme...(get the details and join the fun).

So... The theme for today is: Books you loved & was surprised by it! And here is my top 5 (in no particular order):

Some Girls Bite (Chicagoland Vampires #1) by Chloe Neill

I even rolled my eyes at this one, thinking "Oh, great. Another vampire series". The title didn't help either, it was too... Simple. But I I liked the cover and I thought it would be a good, light read for my summer holidays, so I bought the first book (thinking that if I like it I'll order the whole series later). Anyway, one day I picked it up and I was shocked by how good it actually was! It wasn't just another light read, but a very complex, well built, can't-put-it-down book. Chloe's writing is so good and entertaining! I love snarky characters and Merit is a very fun and likeable character. And Ethan is...mmmm... *dreamy sigh* One of my favorite male characters so far.:D I can't wait for the 4th book in the series!

Skinwalker (Jane Yellowrock #1) by Faith Hunter

Again, I did the mistake to judge a book by its cover - but this time I didn't like it so despite the good things I heard about this series, I didn't buy it.:)) I also had a low opinion about skinwalkers, because I watch Supernatural.:)) But recently I read some interviews with the author that convinced me. I liked her style and the story got me all intrigued so I picked it up - and I'm glad I did! (Sometimes she reminds me a bit about Kim Harrison's writing style). And we have: "a main character with a different voice because...well, actually, she has two: herself and Beast; sexy complicated men and a lot of sexual tension; bad guys you love to hate, and good guys who are To. Die. For. Maybe literally. "(from Faith's interview @ Book Lovers Inc.) ;)

The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1) by Suzanne Collins

Well, I already mentioned in my reviews how much I enjoyed this series and that I never expected it to be so good. 

 The Host (The Host #1) by Stephenie Meyer

Yup, another pleasant surprise. I'm not a big fan of Twilight (don't get me wrong, I do like the series) and I don't like science fiction, but I decided to give this book a shot - maybe because Stephenie said it's science fiction for people who don't like science fiction (or something like that) and I was really curious.:)) Maybe the story itself wasn't impressive, but the world, the characters, their relationships were definitely amazing! I think this book is mostly about love, friendship, respect, doubt, and other touchy-feely stuff but I loved it!

 The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson

I don't really know what to say about this book - I don't even know how to categorize it: adventure, romance, fantasy, supernatural thriller? You just have to read it, it has it all. At first, I didn't know what to think, I almost gave up reading it: the main character was a mess (literally) and there was so much pain, violence, loss and apparently no action. But I'm glad I didn't, because it got better AND better! The author found a brilliant way to blend history, religion, culture and supernatural in a love story, without ruining it. On the contrary, I think those elements are what make of this book such a good, captivating read! 

What books did you love and was surprised by it?

xoxo

Top 5 Sundays #3: Books you loved and was surprised by it

Hey!

It's Sunday (OK, sorry, it's almost Monday, but it's been a busy day) so it's time for another Top 5 Sundays. This is a feature hosted by Larissa (@ Larissa's Bookish Life): every Sunday she will post a TOP 5 list on her blog - it can be about anything, every week she will have a new theme...(get the details and join the fun).

So... The theme for today is: Books you loved & was surprised by it! And here is my top 5 (in no particular order):

Some Girls Bite (Chicagoland Vampires #1) by Chloe Neill

I even rolled my eyes at this one, thinking "Oh, great. Another vampire series". The title didn't help either, it was too... Simple. But I I liked the cover and I thought it would be a good, light read for my summer holidays, so I bought the first book (thinking that if I like it I'll order the whole series later). Anyway, one day I picked it up and I was shocked by how good it actually was! It wasn't just another light read, but a very complex, well built, can't-put-it-down book. Chloe's writing is so good and entertaining! I love snarky characters and Merit is a very fun and likeable character. And Ethan is...mmmm... *dreamy sigh* One of my favorite male characters so far.:D I can't wait for the 4th book in the series!

Skinwalker (Jane Yellowrock #1) by Faith Hunter

Again, I did the mistake to judge a book by its cover - but this time I didn't like it so despite the good things I heard about this series, I didn't buy it.:)) I also had a low opinion about skinwalkers, because I watch Supernatural.:)) But recently I read some interviews with the author that convinced me. I liked her style and the story got me all intrigued so I picked it up - and I'm glad I did! (Sometimes she reminds me a bit about Kim Harrison's writing style). And we have: "a main character with a different voice because...well, actually, she has two: herself and Beast; sexy complicated men and a lot of sexual tension; bad guys you love to hate, and good guys who are To. Die. For. Maybe literally. "(from Faith's interview @ Book Lovers Inc.) ;)

The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1) by Suzanne Collins

Well, I already mentioned in my reviews how much I enjoyed this series and that I never expected it to be so good. 

 The Host (The Host #1) by Stephenie Meyer

Yup, another pleasant surprise. I'm not a big fan of Twilight (don't get me wrong, I do like the series) and I don't like science fiction, but I decided to give this book a shot - maybe because Stephenie said it's science fiction for people who don't like science fiction (or something like that) and I was really curious.:)) Maybe the story itself wasn't impressive, but the world, the characters, their relationships were definitely amazing! I think this book is mostly about love, friendship, respect, doubt, and other touchy-feely stuff but I loved it!

 The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson

I don't really know what to say about this book - I don't even know how to categorize it: adventure, romance, fantasy, supernatural thriller? You just have to read it, it has it all. At first, I didn't know what to think, I almost gave up reading it: the main character was a mess (literally) and there was so much pain, violence, loss and apparently no action. But I'm glad I didn't, because it got better AND better! The author found a brilliant way to blend history, religion, culture and supernatural in a love story, without ruining it. On the contrary, I think those elements are what make of this book such a good, captivating read! 

What books did you love and was surprised by it?

xoxo

Follow Friday

Hey guys!

Maybe you've already noticed, but I'm new at all this book blogging thing. It's a bit overwhelming, but I really enjoy it (so far). I feel like I joined a big happy family - a very cool and welcoming family. :D I'd pull everyone in a big group hug, but my laptop stays in my way.:)) And because I'm always eager to meet new people, read interesting blogs and maybe make new friends, I thought it'd be nice to join the Follow Friday feature.

 

As you probably already know,  Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee, where you have the opportunity to meet new book bloggers. To read the rules and join the fun just stop by her blog.;)

Oh, and this week's question is: What is/was your favorite subject in school?

I don't think I had a favorite subject in school, but I really liked the Geography, Literature and surprisingly, Latin classes. I also studied Literature in college, when I focused on Spanish Contemporary Lit. :) Ah, good old times...

What about you?;)

Happy weekend everyone and I hope I'll see you around!
xoxo 

Follow Friday

Hey guys!

Maybe you've already noticed, but I'm new at all this book blogging thing. It's a bit overwhelming, but I really enjoy it (so far). I feel like I joined a big happy family - a very cool and welcoming family. :D I'd pull everyone in a big group hug, but my laptop stays in my way.:)) And because I'm always eager to meet new people, read interesting blogs and maybe make new friends, I thought it'd be nice to join the Follow Friday feature.

 

As you probably already know,  Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee, where you have the opportunity to meet new book bloggers. To read the rules and join the fun just stop by her blog.;)

Oh, and this week's question is: What is/was your favorite subject in school?

I don't think I had a favorite subject in school, but I really liked the Geography, Literature and surprisingly, Latin classes. I also studied Literature in college, when I focused on Spanish Contemporary Lit. :) Ah, good old times...

What about you?;)

Happy weekend everyone and I hope I'll see you around!
xoxo 

Review: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Hey guys!

I missed the Teaser Tuesday and Waiting on Wednesday/W.W.W. this week because I had some problems with my laptop. :( But we're good now, so before I get to what I had planed for this week (week-end already), I need to post my review for the last book of The Hunger Games trilogy. So here it is: 

Mockingjay (The Hunger Games #3) by Suzanne Collins
 
Goodreads: 

Young Katniss Everdeen has survived the dreaded Hunger Games not once, but twice, but even now she can find no relief. In fact, the dangers seem to be escalating: President Snow has declared an all-out war on Katniss, her family, her friends, and all the oppressed people of District 12. The thrill-packed final installment of Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games trilogy will keep young hearts pounding. 

My thoughts:
*Sorry, this contains spoilers:

While I could read the first 2 books in The Hunger Games series really quickly, I couldn't do the same with the final book. Everything about it was so sad, passionate, tragic, painful, shocking… still, so GOOD, that sometimes I just needed to come back to reality, to take a deep breath and make sure it’s all fiction. To wipe my tears and kick everyone out of my room, because I was so obsessed with it. (Yup, I’m a drama queen)
With all the new characters and all the things that happened, I found it very well action packed and easy to follow. But I didn’t like that just when I thought I understood some characters and they grew on me… bang! They died! So I was sad but, in the same time, I knew that everything happened for a reason, no matter how heartbreaking that was.
 
I really admired Katniss because despite everything, she didn’t really stop fighting. She didn’t forget her final purpose. She always tried to find the best solution. She was still caring, smart and brave. Maybe even more so. I wasn’t surprised when, close to the end, she was falling apart. The deaths, the destructions, the uncertainty, the pressure, the feelings… It was too much for her! And unfortunately there weren’t many people she could count on. I’m not a fan of the love triangles, but I liked Gale and I was glad he was there for her. I felt sorry for his broken heart, but I knew that things would get better for him too, eventually. But Peeta… Oh, Peeta! How could they do that do him? To sweet, adorable, loving Peeta? I really didn’t see that coming. I hoped that when he got back from the Capitol, he could help and support Katniss with his love… But he was even more devastated. There was something dark about him, but at least he was trying to fight it. Even with his messed mind and memories, he was still trying to figure Katniss out, to remember if/why he cared about her. He was still trying to help, even if sometimes that meant to stay behind, to risk to be caught.
 
But the most shocking thing for me was Prim’s death. I just couldn’t (refused to) believe it! Why?! Why her?! She was supposed to be Katniss’ anchor, not what pushed her over the edge completely! Because how could her sister ever recover from something like that? So I wasn’t disappointed with how the book ended - on the contrary. It was the most realistic, hopeful, reasonable happy ending. After everything that happened, a sweet, cheerful happily ever after would have been inappropriate. But at least Katniss and Peeta were together, recovering, building a new life in their old home as good as possible, given the circumstances. 
 
Oh, but there was one think that kind of annoyed me in this book: the world was falling apart, people were dying, the end was close and they cared about the stupid camera and about making a TV show?*slaps forehead* Oh well… It’s still one of my all times favorite books. For once, I agree with the majority when saying IT IS a very good series, with good voice, good storyline, good characters, good action, and I’m sorry I haven’t read it sooner. 

5 stars

And here's the cover of my copy: (again, I think they could have done a better work - we're talking about a fabulous best seller here!)

Romanian Cover

Let me know what you think, I'm still new at this book blogging thing. *blush*
See ya!;)
 xoxo

 

Review: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Hey guys!

I missed the Teaser Tuesday and Waiting on Wednesday/W.W.W. this week because I had some problems with my laptop. :( But we're good now, so before I get to what I had planed for this week (week-end already), I need to post my review for the last book of The Hunger Games trilogy. So here it is: 

Mockingjay (The Hunger Games #3) by Suzanne Collins
 
Goodreads: 

Young Katniss Everdeen has survived the dreaded Hunger Games not once, but twice, but even now she can find no relief. In fact, the dangers seem to be escalating: President Snow has declared an all-out war on Katniss, her family, her friends, and all the oppressed people of District 12. The thrill-packed final installment of Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games trilogy will keep young hearts pounding. 

My thoughts:
*Sorry, this contains spoilers:

While I could read the first 2 books in The Hunger Games series really quickly, I couldn't do the same with the final book. Everything about it was so sad, passionate, tragic, painful, shocking… still, so GOOD, that sometimes I just needed to come back to reality, to take a deep breath and make sure it’s all fiction. To wipe my tears and kick everyone out of my room, because I was so obsessed with it. (Yup, I’m a drama queen)
With all the new characters and all the things that happened, I found it very well action packed and easy to follow. But I didn’t like that just when I thought I understood some characters and they grew on me… bang! They died! So I was sad but, in the same time, I knew that everything happened for a reason, no matter how heartbreaking that was.
 
I really admired Katniss because despite everything, she didn’t really stop fighting. She didn’t forget her final purpose. She always tried to find the best solution. She was still caring, smart and brave. Maybe even more so. I wasn’t surprised when, close to the end, she was falling apart. The deaths, the destructions, the uncertainty, the pressure, the feelings… It was too much for her! And unfortunately there weren’t many people she could count on. I’m not a fan of the love triangles, but I liked Gale and I was glad he was there for her. I felt sorry for his broken heart, but I knew that things would get better for him too, eventually. But Peeta… Oh, Peeta! How could they do that do him? To sweet, adorable, loving Peeta? I really didn’t see that coming. I hoped that when he got back from the Capitol, he could help and support Katniss with his love… But he was even more devastated. There was something dark about him, but at least he was trying to fight it. Even with his messed mind and memories, he was still trying to figure Katniss out, to remember if/why he cared about her. He was still trying to help, even if sometimes that meant to stay behind, to risk to be caught.
 
But the most shocking thing for me was Prim’s death. I just couldn’t (refused to) believe it! Why?! Why her?! She was supposed to be Katniss’ anchor, not what pushed her over the edge completely! Because how could her sister ever recover from something like that? So I wasn’t disappointed with how the book ended - on the contrary. It was the most realistic, hopeful, reasonable happy ending. After everything that happened, a sweet, cheerful happily ever after would have been inappropriate. But at least Katniss and Peeta were together, recovering, building a new life in their old home as good as possible, given the circumstances. 
 
Oh, but there was one think that kind of annoyed me in this book: the world was falling apart, people were dying, the end was close and they cared about the stupid camera and about making a TV show?*slaps forehead* Oh well… It’s still one of my all times favorite books. For once, I agree with the majority when saying IT IS a very good series, with good voice, good storyline, good characters, good action, and I’m sorry I haven’t read it sooner. 

5 stars

And here's the cover of my copy: (again, I think they could have done a better work - we're talking about a fabulous best seller here!)

Romanian Cover

Let me know what you think, I'm still new at this book blogging thing. *blush*
See ya!;)
 xoxo

 

Review: Catching Fire - Suzanne Collins

Hello!

I've been a little lazy lately, maybe because of this cold, snowy weather. I really miss spring! At least I could chill and try to catch up with some books and reviews. I even ordered a few more books - as if my TBR pile wasn't big enough already. :)) Anyways, here's the review I promised you a few days ago: 

Catching Fire (The Hunger Games #2) - Suzanne Collins

Goodreads summary:

Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark won the annual competition described in Hunger Games, but the aftermath leaves these victors with no sense of triumph. Instead, they have become the poster boys for a rebellion that they never planned to lead. That new, unwanted status puts them in the bull's-eye for merciless revenge by The Capitol. Catching Fire maintains the adrenaline rush of Suzanne Collins's series launch.

My thoughts:
*spoiler free

I really enjoyed Catching Fire - even more than the first book of the series. I found the world and the characters well developed, better organized, balanced... Or maybe I just got used to Suzanne Collins' style and I started to understand everything better. :) But it's full of profound emotions, jaw-dropping twists and turns, suspenseful action and intriguing relationships. 

Given the always unpredictable storyline, in my opinion the book had a slow start. Of course, there was all the drama Katniss and Peeta had to face after wining the dreadful Hunger Games, but I still felt like there was an eerly calm before the storm and I kept waiting for the punch line, for something big to happen. And when it did happen... I almost fall of my chair! I had to go back and reread that part. I just couldn't believe it!

And things got messy and intense quickly. People in the districts was already growing anxious and some of them started rebellions. And of course, President Snow blamed Katniss (because o her bold action at the end of the Games) for all of it. Still, neither of them deserved what the Capitol had prepared for the Hunger Games winners. 

But once again, Katniss and Peeta resigned, gathered their strength, teamed up and prepared to fight and to do everything they could to protect each other. Now, the most important thing for them was to keep each other alive - Peeta because he loved Katniss too much, and Katniss because she felt responsible for him - at least that's what she told herself. They were brave and determined, even though they knew they would probably die fighting. Still, I wouldn't have minded if Peeta had been built as a stronger character. Katniss had to make hard decisions and faced many threats and dangerous situations, but being a brave character who knew what she wanted, she always tried to find the best solution and stick with her decisions, no matter the cost.

I liked the way the other characters were developed in this book. I got the chance to know them better and I was introduced to new ones. They were surprisingly supportive for the now famous couple. They all offered me a new, interesting perspective of the story. 


All in all, I adored this book, I just couldn't put it down! I love Suzanne Collins' writing: her descriptions are so vivid and wonderfully detailed, that I was feeling like part o the action myself - like I was one of the cameras.:) She has amazing, pulse pounding ideas, that create a mysterious, captivating, beautifully written story. 
Needless to say it's a must have book - who read The Hunger Games will definitely devour Catching Fire!

5 stars

If you're curious, here's the Romanian cover :

xoxo 

Review: Catching Fire - Suzanne Collins

Hello!

I've been a little lazy lately, maybe because of this cold, snowy weather. I really miss spring! At least I could chill and try to catch up with some books and reviews. I even ordered a few more books - as if my TBR pile wasn't big enough already. :)) Anyways, here's the review I promised you a few days ago: 

Catching Fire (The Hunger Games #2) - Suzanne Collins

Goodreads summary:

Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark won the annual competition described in Hunger Games, but the aftermath leaves these victors with no sense of triumph. Instead, they have become the poster boys for a rebellion that they never planned to lead. That new, unwanted status puts them in the bull's-eye for merciless revenge by The Capitol. Catching Fire maintains the adrenaline rush of Suzanne Collins's series launch.

My thoughts:
*spoiler free

I really enjoyed Catching Fire - even more than the first book of the series. I found the world and the characters well developed, better organized, balanced... Or maybe I just got used to Suzanne Collins' style and I started to understand everything better. :) But it's full of profound emotions, jaw-dropping twists and turns, suspenseful action and intriguing relationships. 

Given the always unpredictable storyline, in my opinion the book had a slow start. Of course, there was all the drama Katniss and Peeta had to face after wining the dreadful Hunger Games, but I still felt like there was an eerly calm before the storm and I kept waiting for the punch line, for something big to happen. And when it did happen... I almost fall of my chair! I had to go back and reread that part. I just couldn't believe it!

And things got messy and intense quickly. People in the districts was already growing anxious and some of them started rebellions. And of course, President Snow blamed Katniss (because o her bold action at the end of the Games) for all of it. Still, neither of them deserved what the Capitol had prepared for the Hunger Games winners. 

But once again, Katniss and Peeta resigned, gathered their strength, teamed up and prepared to fight and to do everything they could to protect each other. Now, the most important thing for them was to keep each other alive - Peeta because he loved Katniss too much, and Katniss because she felt responsible for him - at least that's what she told herself. They were brave and determined, even though they knew they would probably die fighting. Still, I wouldn't have minded if Peeta had been built as a stronger character. Katniss had to make hard decisions and faced many threats and dangerous situations, but being a brave character who knew what she wanted, she always tried to find the best solution and stick with her decisions, no matter the cost.

I liked the way the other characters were developed in this book. I got the chance to know them better and I was introduced to new ones. They were surprisingly supportive for the now famous couple. They all offered me a new, interesting perspective of the story. 


All in all, I adored this book, I just couldn't put it down! I love Suzanne Collins' writing: her descriptions are so vivid and wonderfully detailed, that I was feeling like part o the action myself - like I was one of the cameras.:) She has amazing, pulse pounding ideas, that create a mysterious, captivating, beautifully written story. 
Needless to say it's a must have book - who read The Hunger Games will definitely devour Catching Fire!

5 stars

If you're curious, here's the Romanian cover :

xoxo 

WWW Wednesdays

Hey! ♥

 WWW is a meme hosted by Should be reading every Wednesday. To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next? 

So:

I'm currently reading Skinwalker (Jane Yellowrock #1) by Faith Hunter, as part of my Urban Fantasy Challenge. This series has been om my TBR list for a long time and I'm sorry I just got to it, because it's pretty good and I'm enjoying it so far. 

 

I recently finished reading The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins. Again, I'm relieved to be done with it!:D Reviews for books #2 and #3 to come. ;)

   

 Next, I'll read the 2nd book in the Jane Yellowrock series (Blood Cross) and the 3rd (Mercy Blade), which came out just a few weeks ago. And after I finish this series, hopefully I'll read Unearthly - by Cynthia Hand - if the postman still remembers where I live; I've been waiting for this book for almost two weeks now (living in the middle of nowhere Romania sucks). *sigh*

What  about you?
xoxo
 

WWW Wednesdays

Hey! ♥

 WWW is a meme hosted by Should be reading every Wednesday. To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next? 

So:

I'm currently reading Skinwalker (Jane Yellowrock #1) by Faith Hunter, as part of my Urban Fantasy Challenge. This series has been om my TBR list for a long time and I'm sorry I just got to it, because it's pretty good and I'm enjoying it so far. 

 

I recently finished reading The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins. Again, I'm relieved to be done with it!:D Reviews for books #2 and #3 to come. ;)

   

 Next, I'll read the 2nd book in the Jane Yellowrock series (Blood Cross) and the 3rd (Mercy Blade), which came out just a few weeks ago. And after I finish this series, hopefully I'll read Unearthly - by Cynthia Hand - if the postman still remembers where I live; I've been waiting for this book for almost two weeks now (living in the middle of nowhere Romania sucks). *sigh*

What  about you?
xoxo
 

2011 Debut Author Challenge - My list

Hey guys!

I've decided to join the 2011 Debut Author Challenge hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren . It will help me keep my TBR pile organized, read awesome books and of course, have fun!:D You can find details about the challenge and sign up here. ;)


And this is what I'm planning to read. The list might change throughout the year, depending on release dates, if/when I can get the books, reviews I read around the blogosphere etc.




Unearthly - Cynthia Hand Review to come
XVI - Julia Karr 
Timeless - Alexandra Monir 
The False Princess - Eilis O'Neal 
Warped - Maurissa Guibord
Across the Universe - Beth Revis

Angelfire - Courtney Allison Moulton  Review
The Iron Thorn - Caitlin Kittredge 
The Iron Witch - Karen Mahoney 
Haven - Kristi Cook 
The Demon Trapper’s Daughter - Jana Oliver 
Wake Unto Me - Lisa Cach 
Wither - Lauren DeStefano Review
Clarity - Kim Harrington 
Falling Under - Gwen Hayes Review to come
Born at Midnight - C.C. Hunter Review to come
A Touch Mortal - Leah Clifford  


Through Her Eyes - Jennifer Archer
Blood Magic - Tessa Gratton - Review to come
Entwined - Heather Dixon 


Starcrossed - Josephine Angelini - Review to come
Tempest Rising - Tracy Deebs
Hourglass - Myra McEntire 
Divergent - Veronica Roth - Review to come


Hereafter - Tara Hudson 
Possession - Elana Johnson 
Luminous - Dawn Metcalf 
Forgotten - Cat Patrick 
 
Wildefire - Karsten Knight 
Falling for Hamlet - Michelle Ray 
Anna Dressed in Blood - Kendare Blake


Goodreads 2011 Debut Authors Challenge shelf


Pheww! It's going to be a busy year!:)


xoxo