I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

@Bunnitaz #SeriesSunday #takecontroltbr
Rating 3stars (3.2)

From Kobo:

Nine of us came here. We look like you. We talk like you. We live among you. But we are not you. We can do things you dream of doing. We have powers you dream of having. We are stronger and faster than anything you have ever seen. We are the superheroes you worship in movies and comic books-but we are real.

Our plan was to grow, and train, and become strong, and become one, and fight them. But they found us and started hunting us first. Now all of us are running. Spending our lives in shadows, in places where no one would look, blending in. we have lived among you without you knowing.

But they know.

They caught Number One in Malaysia.
Number Two in England.
And Number Three in Kenya.
They killed them all.

I am Number Four.

I am next.

My Review:
You know the saying "grab the reader with the first line"? That is what Lore does. The first four pages are action packed. You are amped up to keep reading. You want to know what is going to happen next.

As a young child he had to flee his home planet of Lorien because it was attacked by a cold race of aliens from Mogadore. Now as a refugee on Earth, Four is a teenager who has spent his life on the run. He along with his teacher Henri are always conscience that they are being hunted. Not being able to stay in any one place, Four hasn't made many friends. That is until he reaches Paradise, OH.

In a small city in Ohio, Four finds the life he thought he would never have. He is tired of running. Tired of not being able to make any emotional connections. As many teenagers often do, he thinks about the now without really comprehending the consequences of what emotional decisions will have. Unfortunately for Four, hasty emotional based decisions can lead to deadly mistakes.

In the end, Four knows that the time is now. He has to make a stand. He is no longer willing to keeping running delaying his death. If he is to ever have a life there must be a fight. A fight to save himself, his home planet, and even Earth.

This is a good end. It is medium paced. Meaning that I didn't just breeze through it. There were times when I just wanted the story to jump forward to something more interesting. However, when I got that feeling within a few pages something would happen that would push the story forward. The ending also was action packed. So it made an action sandwich of sorts.

I found the character of Four likable. He is mature but was still enough of a teenager to make his character believable. The secondary character were used well throughout the story. They don't really have any depth to them other than what was need to introduce them in to the story and a little be of a personal background.

This is not a stand alone book. It ends and you know that will be a book 2. There are still questions unanswered and room for more character development. All in all it is a good book to put on you tbr list.

Barnes & Noble * Kobo * Alibris * iTunes

Challenges:
I Love Library Books Reading Challenge 2014
2014 Monthly Key Word Reading Challenge
2014 TBR Pile Reading Challenge

Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

Hardcover 328 pages
Published June 7th 2010 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
seriesFairytale Retellings #1
Rating 3 (2.6)

From Barnes & Noble:
Scarlett March lives to hunt the Fenris--the werewolves that took her eye when she was defending her sister Rosie from a brutal attack. Armed with a razor-sharp hatchet and blood-red cloak, Scarlett is an expert at luring and slaying the wolves. She's determined to protect other young girls from a grisly death, and her raging heart will not rest until every single wolf is dead.
Rosie March once felt her bond with her sister was unbreakable. Owing Scarlett her life, Rosie hunts ferociously alongside her. But even as more girls' bodies pile up in the city and the Fenris seem to be gaining power, Rosie dreams of a life beyond the wolves. She finds herself drawn to Silas, a young woodsman who is deadly with an ax and Scarlett's only friend--but does loving him mean betraying her sister and all that they've worked for?

My Review:
It feels good to be back. Things have been hectic lately but I have a review so let's get on with it. I liked the story. It is different enough to keep you reading and familiar enough that you don't lose sight of what story is being retold. The faniliar elements are the red cape, grandma, the woodsman, and the wolf. The wolf even repeats one of the lines of "the better to see you with". The new elements is that Red Riding Hood has a sister, they are wolf hunters, and there's a romance.

The original fairy tale is pretty dark; this one is no exception. The book is very sexual in nature from the reason the wolves chooses their victims to the romance between Rosie and Silas. Speaking of the romance between the two I am surprised by it. The age difference is technically statutory rape. I know other people have issues with the blame the victim aspects of the story (girls who are pretty and dress seductively are asking for it) but for me this was the surprising part of the story for me.

All in all, it's a good fast paced story that will keep you interested to the very end.

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

My Review:
I wasn't sure if I was going to like this. 'Great, another YA school paranormal trilogy' is what I was thinking to myself. I ended up like this though. Sophie does yet another spell that goes wrong. This time it lands her in a paranormal boarding school called Hecate Hall. From the moment she set foot on the island her life as she knows it changes. Never having met anyone else like herself, she is now surrounding by witches, shape-shifters, faeries, and a vampire. Throughout the school year she learns about her family and those who want to destroy people like her.

The story never stops in Hex Hall. I enjoyed getting to know the characters. Lately I haven't been connecting with the lead characters of these types of books. Sophie is a character that I could relate to. She isn't the type to sit around pining for friends who don't want to be friends with her. Though she has a crush, she is not obsessed over him. She is witty in the way she see the world around her.

Fast paced and interesting to read the only thing you can really say negative about this book is that it's not all that original. But hey, there are only so many story-lines to go around. What is important is that the characters are relate-able, the story is interesting, and there is no lagging in the read. Looking forward to reading book 2 Demon Glass


Trivia Question: What is on this cover that shouldn't be?
Hint: Sophie says the answer by name

Challenges:
Paranormal Reading Challenge
2013 Where Are You Reading Challenge
Let Me Count The Way

Payment in Kind by J.A. Janice

From Kobobook:

Synopsis

It looks like a classic crime of passion to Detective J.P Beaumont: two corpses found lovingly entwined in a broom closet of the Seattle School District building. The prime suspect, Pete Kelsey, admits his slain spouse was no novice at adultery, yet he swears he had nothing to do with the brutal deaths of the errant school official and her clergyman-turned-security guard companion. Beau believes him, but there's something the much sinned-upon widower's not telling—and that spells serious trouble still to come.
Because the secret Pete's protecting is even hotter than extra-marital sex. . . and it could prove more lethal than murder.

My Review:
In this quick pace novel, J.P. investigate the death of two people whose bodies were found in a closet. On first glace it seems that the two were engaged in misdeeds but something about it just doesn't seem right. As the story unfolds we learn who the victims were as well as their family life. Even J.P. and his nemeses Max interact differently. It is not until the end of the book that we find the killer and the real reason for these puzzling murders.

This is an enjoyable read. The characters were all relate able. You are on the case with J.P. Just when you think you know who the killer is something happens to lead you in a new direction. The detective personality of digging deeper than what is the obvious is what make this novels so good. Then again if he only went with what was on the surface there wouldn't be much to the book. If you are new to the J.P. Beaumont world I think this is a good book to start with. For the most part these can be read out of order but there are times when reference of things that happen in past books come up.

Challenges:
2013 Audio Book Challenge
50 States Reading Challenge
2013 Book Bingo Reading Challenge

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

#seriessunday


Hardcover, 374 pages
Published October 31st 2008 by Scholastic Press (first published 2008)
ISBN 0439023483 (ISBN13: 9780439023481)


From Kobobooks:
In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen who lives alone with her mother and younger sister regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before-and survival for her is second nature. Without really meaning to she becomes a contender. But if she is to win she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love. Acclaimed writer Suzanne Collins author of the New York Times bestselling The Underland Chronicles delivers equal parts suspense and philosophy adventure and romance in this searing novel set in a future with unsettling parallels to our present.

My Review:
Okay, so I saw the movie before I read the book. I must say that it did make a difference in the experience of this book. I applaud Katniss for having enough love to take her sisters place. The world in which Katniss lived in isn't as relate able as other books I have read but the way it is describe and the characters made it believable. The Hunger Games is cruel and sadden. It's a fight to the death while everyone in the districts are required to watch. The people behind the games can manipulate situations to make things more interesting which usually means more dangerous.
So the part that got to me the most (because of the movie) was anything that had to do with little Rue. The girl in the movie resemblance my nieces so much that I cried when she died (both when I saw the movie and again when I read the book). I was not surprised that she died for two reasons. One, she was the youngest. I mean what chance does a twelve year old have against eighteen year old, especially eighteen year old males. Sorry to the feminist out there but you have to admit a twelve year old female against and sixteen to eighteen year old male will lose every time (in a physical fight). Second reason I knew she was going to die, she's black. We usually don't make it to the end of the movie. (Not a racist comment, not a race card [though I could give some examples of a couple things in the book that rubbed me the wrong way]...just many years of observation. Check out any thriller or horror movie if you want proof.)
The love story in the book didn't interest me at all. I honestly didn't care who she ended up with. I will read the second book as I am interested in what the Capitol has planned since I am sure that they will try to make her pay for the stunt she pulled at the end of the games.

Challenges:
2012 Support Your Local Library
2012 Young Adult Reading Challenge
Dystopia

Forever Maggie Stiefvater

Forever by Maggie Stiefvater

Series: The Wolves of Mercy Falls #3

Paperback, 496 pages

Published 2011 by Scholastic

ISBN 1407121111 (ISBN13: 9781407121116)

Rating: 3 stars (3.2)

From Goodreads:

Sam has always loved Grace. As a wolf, he watched her from afar. As a boy, he held her in his arms.

Now facing the possibility of a life without her, he will do anything to keep her safe. Even if it means facing his demons. Even if it risks everything he has.

Anything, as long as their love can survive...

My Review:

Many people did not like this book as much as the other two. I must admit that I didn’t like the series at all. I found all three books to be too slow of a pace for me. This book puts up where Linger left off. Grace is now a wolf and Sam is the one waiting for her to shift back. Unfortunately, Isabelle father is still of the rampage about the wolves and has successfully lobbied to kill the wolves left at Mercy Falls. Cole the reluctant smart guy that he is has been experimenting with ways to change forms at will. With Grace in danger Sam is forced to enlist Cole’s help (along with the Sheriff) to get Grace and the other wolves to safety. The ending was lacking.

The way it left some things unexplained made it seems as if a fourth book may come along at some point. This point has not changed my mind about the series. I hope there isn’t a fourth book because I really don’t want to read it. TBR list 4

Plot: 3  Writing: 4  Character: 3  Other 3  Overall Feel 3*

*pace was slow for me but I like Cole’s character. He saved this series for me.

Challenges:

2012 Paranormal Romance Reading Challenges 

2012 Support Your Local Library

2012 Young Adult Reading Challenge

Heat Wave by Richard Castle

Heat Wave by Richard Castle

Narrated by

Audiobook – mp3

Rating: 3 stars

Summary from Goodreads:

A New York real estate tycoon plunges to his death on a Manhattan sidewalk. A trophy wife with a past survives a narrow escape from a brazen attack. Mobsters and moguls with no shortage of reasons to kill trot out their alibis. And then, in the suffocating grip of a record heat wave, comes another shocking murder and a sharp turn in a tense journey into the dirty little secrets of the wealthy. Secrets that prove to be fatal. Secrets that lay hidden in the dark until one NYPD detective shines a light.

My Review:

Nikki Heat is a NYC police detective. Jameson (Jaime) Rook is a magazine reporter. Jaime is riding along with Nikki as part of a story he is doing about the department. Together they investigate the murder of real estate Matthew Starr. Starr reveals secrets, lies, deceit, and greed in the victim and those around him. This fast paced novel never lags. It keeps you engaged right to the very end. And why wouldn’t it. It reads like a Christmas song: 5 suspects, 4 police chases, 3 detectives, 2, murders, a multi-million dollar art collection theft, 1 reporter, 1 steamy love scene, and a partridge in a pear tree! TBR #3

Challenges:

Soundtrack Challenge: Dirty Dancing

2012 Support Your Local Library

2012 50 State Reading Challenge

Fun and Games:

Bunnita Reading Travel Buggie

Virals by Kathy Reichs

narrator: Cristin Milioti

Hardcover: 464 pages

Publisher: Razorbill; First Edition edition (November 2, 2010)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1595143424

ISBN-13: 978-1595143426

 Rating: 3stars (3.6)

From Goodreads:
Tory Brennan, niece of acclaimed forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan (of the Bones novels and hit TV show), is the leader of a ragtag band of teenage "sci-philes" who live on a secluded island off the coast of South Carolina. When the group rescues a dog caged for medical testing on a nearby island, they are exposed to an experimental strain of canine parvovirus that changes their lives forever.

As the friends discover their heightened senses and animal-quick reflexes, they must combine their scientific curiosity with their newfound physical gifts to solve a cold-case murder that has suddenly become very hot if they can stay alive long enough to catch the killer's scent.

Fortunately, they are now more than friends they're a pack. They are Virals.

My Review:
Tory Brennan is the niece of Temperence Brennan of the Bones books and the TV show of the same name. Tory is a smart and headstrong 14 year old teenage girl. A different tone than many of the YA books out right now, Virals is not about a teenage romance (though she does have a crush). This book is about 4 smart kids who live on an secluded island near Charleston, SC. Together they try to solve the mystery of a dog tag. Finding the dog tag leads to a 40 plus year old cold case that someone will kill to keep the truth buried. Finding the dog tag also leads to find a sick puppy (Copper) who has been illegally experimented on. While resucing and caring for the ill puppy the group contracts a new hybrid parvovirus. Between trying to solve the cold case and their new DNA mutalition their lives will never be the same.

Can you tell I really liked this book. It is written in the first person, very conversational. I liked that this was not a teen romance. Romance is great but it's nice to take a break from it. My favorite character is Tory's friend, Hiram. His character actually had me laughing out loud several times. Read this if you love a good mystery. If you like YA minus the romance. If you love Scooby-doo. LOL I mean "jinkies... they would have gotten away with it too, if it weren't for those meddling kids."

Plot: 4  Characters: 4  Writing: 3 Other: 3*  Overall Feel: 4**

*setting was average. narrator was average as far as differences in characters voices (definitely a good choice though).
** fast paced and interesting. I wanted to know what happened next. I will take a break but looking forward to getting to book 2.

Fun and Games 2012:
Bunnita Reading Travel Buggie

Reading Challenges 2012:
2012 Support Your Local Library
2012 Young Adult Reading Challenge
2012 50 State Reading Challenge

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Book 1 in series

Paperback: 391pgs

Rating: 4 stars

From back of book:

When Nora and Patch are forced together as lab partners, Nora would rather fall to her death than put up with his elusive answers to her questions, his teasing, and his infuriatingly handsome face and hypnotizing eyes. It seems Patch was put on earth just to drive her crazy.

But before long, Nora's defenses start to break down as her curiosity about Patch heats up. Why does he always seem to be wherever she is and know exactly what she's thinking? How does he know what to say to both attract and repulse here? And what is up with thos V-shaped scars on his chiseled back?

As their connection grows stronger. Nora's own life becomes increasingly fragile. Nora needs to decide: Is Patch the one who wants to do her harm or the one who will keep her safe? Has she fallen for one-of-the-fallen?

My Review:

A love story that includes teenagers, angels, and nephilim. Nora has always been a good student. The type of daughter any parent would dream to have. She is reliable and does pretty much as she is told. That is until Patch. Patch a bad boy. Just how bad Nora has no idea but she does know that it would be a good idea to avoid him. There’s only one problem. Patch seems to be everywhere she is. And to make matters worse, someone is following her intent on doing her harm.

Hush, Hush is an interesting love story. The suspense kept the story moving forward though I never for a minute thought that Patch would hurt Nora. What I didn’t like about the story was the way Nora rationalize her fear of Patch. You should never be with someone you don’t feel safe with. Bad boys are bad to others not to you…those would be jerks and who wants to be with a jerk. Also I wasn’t so crazed about the character Vee. There were many times I just wanted to slap her. Ignoring a news article is one thing but trying to convince a friend to go out with a guy who slammed her up against her house well, that’s selfish. I am looking forward to reading book 2 Silence. TBR#2

Challenges:

2012 Young Adult Reading Challenge

2012 Paranormal Romance Reading Challenges

2012 50 State Reading Challenge

Fun and Games 2012

Bunnita Reading Travel Buggie

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Shiver The Wolves of Mercy Falls

by Maggie Stiefvater

9 CDs, Unabridged
Narrators: Jenna Lamia & David Ledoux

Scholastic Paperbacks

Rating 2.5 stars

book 2: Linger   book3: Forever

From cover:

For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf--her wolf--is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human . . . until the cold makes him shift back again.

Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human--or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.

My review:

Poetic and lyrical this book left me feeling that the author tried too hard. As an adult I am starting to forget some of what it was like back when I was a teenager. The one thing I do remember is that none of us spoke like the teens in this book. We, of course, thought we knew everything. I can’t speak for others. But my life has not been easy. I have been through things as a child and teenager that most adults are lucky to read about or watch on the news so Grace isn’t that foreign to me though my mom was nothing like Grace’s. I just know what it’s like to have to take care of yourself at an early age.

I can not tell you why I didn’t too much care for this book. It just did not pull me in. I didn’t get lost in the story. Getting lost in a story is how I know that it is good. The dialoug could be horrid. The plot could be thin. The character could be unlikable. But if it can pull me in to the point where I feel like I’m watching a movie not reading the book then more often than not I’m going to like the point. Shiver did not have that effect on me. On to the story…

Grace was bitten by wolves as a child and ever since has been fascinated with them. The golden eyed wolf holds a special place for her. Her wolf. What she doesn’t know is that the wolves that bite her and the golden eyed wolf are werewolves. Sam is the golden eyed wolf. He works in a book some during the summer months when he can remain human. In Shiver, the relationship between Grace and Sam is formed. She learns about what the wolves really are. In the end the impending cold threatens to take Sam away until next summer…unless they can think of a cure.

I thought the cure in the book was clever. I also like this take on werewolves. They are not the horror movie werewolves. Instead they are humans who become wolves. Losing their human thought capabilities and becoming mostly wolf for the exception of their human eyes. The end of the book couple when the fact that I generally like to finish a series I’ve started convinced me to move on to Linger the second book. If you like YA books, werewolves, and a teenage love story than you will probably enjoy this book. TBR list 4

#Series Sunday
Challenges:
2012 Paranormal Romance Reading Challenge
2012 50 State Reading Challenge
2012 Young Adult Reading Challenge